At our Friday morning Free Store conversation we talked about Jesus' parable in Luke 10, "From Jerusalem to Jericho." The story is about a man that is robbed, stripped, beaten, and left for dead on a lonely seventeen mile stretch of road between ancient Jerusalem and Jericho. As the guy lay dying two good guys (a priest and levite) pass that way but quickly scurry past without lifting a finger to help. Fortunately for the victim a bad guy (Samaritan) comes along and has pity on him and helps him out.
We started the conversation by talking about how we all have these religious maps in our heads that mark out the boundaries between good and bad people, moral and immoral, insiders and outsiders. These maps lead us to look down on and exclude those people that live outside of our holy tribal territory. In Jesus' society the priest and levite were the heroes and the Samaritan was the bad guy. Ironically it was the villain that turned out to be the one that had compassion for the victim. We talked about how this parable challenges us to throw out the maps and to chart a new path into unfamiliar territory.
As the conversation progressed our friend David said, "When I came back to Charlotte and my church found out I was homeless this lady said 'me and my husband want to put you up in a hotel for a week so you don't have to sleep on the street." He said, "Tears shot out my eyes." At this George said, "Since I been at the free store I've seen a lot of people judgin the homeless." He also said, "I got cussed out yesterday" (just to clarify it was not by someone judging the homeless) which made us laugh.
At this point we talked a bit about how we tend to label people and then exclude them. Someone made us laugh when he said, "You either need good neighbors or good fences." David said, "My whole life I was called an n-lover cause I have always had black friends." Marney said, "It's no fun to be excluded. I was excluded in high school." David said, "My dad was an alcoholic. I got excluded from playing football in high school. The coach wouldn't even let me get on the scouting team. So I quit since I knew that even if I gave one hundred and ten percent I'd never get on the field." These stories made us feel sad for our friends. Marney then said, "I have friends that don't understand why I'm always runnin to the free store. They think I should be working harder instead of hanging out with homeless people. But I like my friends here and I don't like to be judged like that."
As the conversation came to a conclusion we talked about why people draw boundaries, label people, and cling to their stereotypes. Marney made us laugh when she said, "Some people think their crap don't stink." Someone said that the real problem is when we start to internalize the negative judgments of others and then beat ourselves up. David said, "Sometimes I'm afraid I'll never find Mrs. Right. I think that with my criminal record no one would want me." We encouraged David to keep his head up and that good things would come his way. Someone said, "We are all richer when we open our lives up to others." It's like that scene in Lord of the Rings where Frodo and Sam are leaving the shire. Frodo stops and says, "If I take one more step I'll be father away from home than I've ever been before." But by taking that step he discovered a bigger home in a bigger world and embarked on a greater adventure. God's kingdom calls us to throw out the religious map and forge a new spiritual path into the world.
If You're Not Living on the Edge You're Taking Up Too Much Space
10.28.2011
I Carry All That Stuff To This Day
At our Free Store conversation on Thursday morning our friend George Dunn led us in a discussion of Matthew 7:7-12. The passage is about the instinctive desire of parents to give good things to their children. George started by saying, "I was a spoiled little boy for a while." He then said, "I learned to be a materialistic pig at Christmas" but one year "I asked for a train set and got a lump of coal instead." On a happier note he told us about a time that he received a "Botany 500 3G mohair suit" as a graduation present even though his family was poor. Another friend told the story of when his little sister was born. He asked his mom, "Where did she come from?" Mom said, "Jesus gave her to us." His response was, "Give her back to Jesus coz we don't want her" which made us laugh.
At this point we talked a bit about how Jesus said that if parents know how to give good things to their kids then surely God knows how to give people what they need. George said, "If I had the means I'd pretty much do anything for my son Jeremy." He said, "I wouldn't wrap up a Copperhead and give it to him." We laughed when someone said, "That would be like if Donald asked for a donut and we gave him a raisin instead." Donald didn't seem very pleased at this suggestion and said loudly, "I be havin blessings. I help in the church kitchen. I want to do it because God told me to do it."
As the conversation proceeded George said, "Sometimes we pray to be extricated from things and yet we don't get delivered." He made us laugh when he said that we should just get used to it because "the NT according to George" says "shit happens." George then quoted the philosopher Epictetus who said, "It is not the things that happen to men but how they view them that matters." He said, "There was a time when I had no desire to live anymore. Everything had gone wrong in my life. But God helped me through it and I learned from the experience." Someone said that God doesn't always intervene for us because ultimately we need to learn that we are responsible for our own lives. Marney said, "I needed to hear that. I gotta trust God and let my son Marco deal with his own problems."
As we moved on in the conversation Rick said, "I had expectations put on me that were very high. If I didn't take my school clothes off when I got home that was a mistake. I became cynical and very unforgiving. I carry all that stuff to this day." Marney said, "It's very difficult when you have parents with high expectations." At this George told us about the Robert Redford character in the movie "The Horse Whisperer." Although he was bull whipped as a boy he grew up to be a very patient and loving man that had the ability to tame the wildest horses. It was encouraging to realize that we can overcome traumatic experiences in our lives and move forward in positive ways even with the scars.
As the conversation moved to its conclusion George said, "We ask God for stuff but we need to ask for the Spirit." At this another friend said, "You can't buy the most important things in life--love, happiness, and life itself. Look at Steve Jobs who died at 57 years old and with all his money couldn't buy another minute." In the end we are all equally poor without the gift of life and equally rich with it.
At this point we talked a bit about how Jesus said that if parents know how to give good things to their kids then surely God knows how to give people what they need. George said, "If I had the means I'd pretty much do anything for my son Jeremy." He said, "I wouldn't wrap up a Copperhead and give it to him." We laughed when someone said, "That would be like if Donald asked for a donut and we gave him a raisin instead." Donald didn't seem very pleased at this suggestion and said loudly, "I be havin blessings. I help in the church kitchen. I want to do it because God told me to do it."
As the conversation proceeded George said, "Sometimes we pray to be extricated from things and yet we don't get delivered." He made us laugh when he said that we should just get used to it because "the NT according to George" says "shit happens." George then quoted the philosopher Epictetus who said, "It is not the things that happen to men but how they view them that matters." He said, "There was a time when I had no desire to live anymore. Everything had gone wrong in my life. But God helped me through it and I learned from the experience." Someone said that God doesn't always intervene for us because ultimately we need to learn that we are responsible for our own lives. Marney said, "I needed to hear that. I gotta trust God and let my son Marco deal with his own problems."
As we moved on in the conversation Rick said, "I had expectations put on me that were very high. If I didn't take my school clothes off when I got home that was a mistake. I became cynical and very unforgiving. I carry all that stuff to this day." Marney said, "It's very difficult when you have parents with high expectations." At this George told us about the Robert Redford character in the movie "The Horse Whisperer." Although he was bull whipped as a boy he grew up to be a very patient and loving man that had the ability to tame the wildest horses. It was encouraging to realize that we can overcome traumatic experiences in our lives and move forward in positive ways even with the scars.
As the conversation moved to its conclusion George said, "We ask God for stuff but we need to ask for the Spirit." At this another friend said, "You can't buy the most important things in life--love, happiness, and life itself. Look at Steve Jobs who died at 57 years old and with all his money couldn't buy another minute." In the end we are all equally poor without the gift of life and equally rich with it.
10.27.2011
I Didn't Come Here To Hurt You Today
At our Free Store conversation on Wednesday morning Carlos led us in a discussion of Romans 7:21-8:2. As we got started Marney said, "This is really about inner conflict." The passage talks about the struggle between harmful instinct and positive action, between good intentions and destructive practices. Our new friend Meroe said, "Sometimes I have desires to be obedient to God but then my flesh kicks in. Maybe God is calling me to pray but I'm comfortable watching TV" which for some reason made us laugh.
As the conversation continued we talked about how this inner struggle compromises everything we do in some ways. Carlos talked about bringing his wife flowers and said, "It's never really that magic moment that you think it's gonna be. It's always less than you imagine." He went on to say, "I love my wife but do I look at other women?" It was sobering to realize that life is deeply flawed even in its best moments.
At this point Carlos asked if we had ever felt like a slave either to another person or to some internal compulsion. Marney said, "I felt like a slave to my mom. My parents had twins but I had to take care of them all the time." Someone brought up how addictions can be a form of slavery. Carlos said that sometimes people just do what they want because they don't want to feel like slaves to anything. He said that we may just decide to do whatever the hell we want just to experience freedom. At this Sheila said, "Be free, go. Just do it" which made us laugh. At this we talked a bit about how it feels to be enslaved by something. Carlos asked, "What does it mean to be miserable?" Sheila said, "to feel like shit" which made us laugh.
As the discussion progressed another friend told us about his struggle between negative instincts and positive actions. He said, "Instincts often make me want to just tell people to fuck off during the course of the day. But my mind tells me that it's not right to treat people that way." This led us to talk about how we can experience freedom from our destructive instincts and impulses. Carlos said that the power of the Spirit of God can give us freedom. He said, "If you ever do connect with and love someone else then you can be free from the power of rebellion." He went on to say that we can be free from the intention to do harm to others but that the instinct will always be there to struggle with. Carlos said, "I didn't come here to hurt you today. But that doesn't mean I won't mess up and do something wrong." At this someone said, "You just want to hug us" which made us laugh.
As the conversation moved to its conclusion our new friend Salina said, "Life is not perfect. The more you know God the more you become aware of lust and pride in yourself. It's never gonna go away." Admittedly that may not be what we want to hear but it sounded like the sober truth to us.
As the conversation continued we talked about how this inner struggle compromises everything we do in some ways. Carlos talked about bringing his wife flowers and said, "It's never really that magic moment that you think it's gonna be. It's always less than you imagine." He went on to say, "I love my wife but do I look at other women?" It was sobering to realize that life is deeply flawed even in its best moments.
At this point Carlos asked if we had ever felt like a slave either to another person or to some internal compulsion. Marney said, "I felt like a slave to my mom. My parents had twins but I had to take care of them all the time." Someone brought up how addictions can be a form of slavery. Carlos said that sometimes people just do what they want because they don't want to feel like slaves to anything. He said that we may just decide to do whatever the hell we want just to experience freedom. At this Sheila said, "Be free, go. Just do it" which made us laugh. At this we talked a bit about how it feels to be enslaved by something. Carlos asked, "What does it mean to be miserable?" Sheila said, "to feel like shit" which made us laugh.
As the discussion progressed another friend told us about his struggle between negative instincts and positive actions. He said, "Instincts often make me want to just tell people to fuck off during the course of the day. But my mind tells me that it's not right to treat people that way." This led us to talk about how we can experience freedom from our destructive instincts and impulses. Carlos said that the power of the Spirit of God can give us freedom. He said, "If you ever do connect with and love someone else then you can be free from the power of rebellion." He went on to say that we can be free from the intention to do harm to others but that the instinct will always be there to struggle with. Carlos said, "I didn't come here to hurt you today. But that doesn't mean I won't mess up and do something wrong." At this someone said, "You just want to hug us" which made us laugh.
As the conversation moved to its conclusion our new friend Salina said, "Life is not perfect. The more you know God the more you become aware of lust and pride in yourself. It's never gonna go away." Admittedly that may not be what we want to hear but it sounded like the sober truth to us.
10.26.2011
If You Try Sometimes You Just Might Find You Get What You Need
At our Free Store conversation on Saturday morning we discussed Jesus' parable in Luke 18.2-5, "In a City There was a Judge." The story says that there was a judge that had no respect for either God or man. In that same town was a widow that brought a case against an adversary. The judge initially denied the woman's petitition but she was so damn (yes it's in the original Greek!) persistent that the guy finally ruled in her favor just so that she would stop pestering him.
Sheila started out by saying "she wore him out like some of our friends can wear you out" which made us laugh. We talked a bit about how kids learn very quickly that they can often get what they want just by pestering the parents for it. Marney said, "We just give em what they want to shut em up" which made us laugh.
As the conversation continued we focused on the character of the judge in the story. We talked a bit about what a judge is supposed to do. Somone said that above all a judge should be fair in determining guilt and in passing sentence. George said that the judge "keeps em in line" which made us laugh. However, the story says that this judge didn't give a rip about God or people. George said "he's a devil" which made us laugh. Rick said, "he's totally anal." Marney said, "he thought he was a god." George told us that this reminded him of "the hangin judge in Lumberton" that everyone feared. When asked if he ever had to appear before a judge like that he said, "I been in front of some of them" which made us laugh. George also told us, "Freedom is better than anything, even money."
At this point we talked about how the woman in the story could have easily given up her quest for justice but that she was persistent and refused to quit. Rick made us laugh when he said, "Sometimes persistence will get you hurt." When asked if there was a story behind this he said, "No, it's just a general observation." At this someone said, "It can be risky to be too pushy or persistent. Like if a kid presses the parents too hard and ends up getting in trouble rather than getting what they wanted" which made us laugh. Another friend said that the woman could have ended up behind bars or worse given the character of the judge. Marney told us about her experience moving recently and dealing with her landlord. She said, "I wore him out" which made us laugh.
As the conversation moved to its conclusion Sheila said, "When Dave died I felt sorry for myself. I sort of gave up. I needed my friends and bible study." At this we talked about the power of persistence and the importance of not giving up in the face of adversity. Somone said that this parable was similar to those "underdog movies" like Rocky and Million Dollar Baby that can be so inspiring. As Mick Jagger sings, "You can't always get what you want (no). But if you try sometimes you just might find. You get what you need."
Sheila started out by saying "she wore him out like some of our friends can wear you out" which made us laugh. We talked a bit about how kids learn very quickly that they can often get what they want just by pestering the parents for it. Marney said, "We just give em what they want to shut em up" which made us laugh.
As the conversation continued we focused on the character of the judge in the story. We talked a bit about what a judge is supposed to do. Somone said that above all a judge should be fair in determining guilt and in passing sentence. George said that the judge "keeps em in line" which made us laugh. However, the story says that this judge didn't give a rip about God or people. George said "he's a devil" which made us laugh. Rick said, "he's totally anal." Marney said, "he thought he was a god." George told us that this reminded him of "the hangin judge in Lumberton" that everyone feared. When asked if he ever had to appear before a judge like that he said, "I been in front of some of them" which made us laugh. George also told us, "Freedom is better than anything, even money."
At this point we talked about how the woman in the story could have easily given up her quest for justice but that she was persistent and refused to quit. Rick made us laugh when he said, "Sometimes persistence will get you hurt." When asked if there was a story behind this he said, "No, it's just a general observation." At this someone said, "It can be risky to be too pushy or persistent. Like if a kid presses the parents too hard and ends up getting in trouble rather than getting what they wanted" which made us laugh. Another friend said that the woman could have ended up behind bars or worse given the character of the judge. Marney told us about her experience moving recently and dealing with her landlord. She said, "I wore him out" which made us laugh.
As the conversation moved to its conclusion Sheila said, "When Dave died I felt sorry for myself. I sort of gave up. I needed my friends and bible study." At this we talked about the power of persistence and the importance of not giving up in the face of adversity. Somone said that this parable was similar to those "underdog movies" like Rocky and Million Dollar Baby that can be so inspiring. As Mick Jagger sings, "You can't always get what you want (no). But if you try sometimes you just might find. You get what you need."
10.25.2011
The Dreaded Bus
The day finally came: we finished up the book of Ecclesiastes. Every session I've (Liz) lead for the past, um, decade- ok, fine, maybe not that long- has been portions of this book. We had gotten to about Chapter 5, and had found the theme of "meaninglessness" to feel, well, meaningless. Some of our friends come through the store looking for hope and peace and a light at the end of the tunnel. The book of Ecclesiastes does offer this, which is why I felt it so relatable- good, bad, hopelessness and hope- but it takes so long to find it. So we skipped over half of it and hopped right to the ending. Might just be my impatience shining through, but it seemed appropriate.
We looked at the passage starting in Chapter 11, ending with the final thoughts in 12, and looked at both the NIV and the Message. We began discussing what some things were that seemed meaningless from day to day. We talked about money, aggravations, jobs, and the city bus. It's funny how God teaches us things through overtly mundane daily interactions.
We told a story of Adrian, the son of James who owns the Not Just Coffee Shop next door (soon to move, by the way). Adrian had a wonderful sitter who decided a great "urban adventure" would be to take the city bus to the light rail! Oh the joy! Well, to a 4 year old, at least. Adrian hopped the bus, beaming from ear-to-ear, never having experienced anything so glorious in his life! His sitter Kaki noted, however, that everyone else had on this "shoot me now" face.
We wondered when this happens. We have all these excellent blessings in our live- a bus system, legs to walk, cars to drive, food to eat, the list goes on- but we often feel alone, hopeless, meaningless. One of our friends shared a story of waking up every morning, calling a temp service, finding there is not a job for the day and choosing to live each day for "my good and His glory" and determined that "while I'm not working, I can tell others about Jesus". What an attitude! Others shared more stories about jobs, bus rides, bosses, lost love ones and other things that plague our "meaningless" existence.
But it so meaningless? The Message Bible translates meaningless to "smoke". A fire is started, keeping us warm and lighting the area around it, begins to burn, turns into smoke which floats into the air and ultimately disappear. Our lesson from this book is that everything in life does, in fact, have purpose. It starts as a spark, leads to fire, and soon dies down into smoke. We walked away today, determined to not make life more complicated than it already is and to live in the moment, as Jesus teaches us in the book of Matthew. Our days are few and we have to choose TODAY to accept life as it truly is- a gift from God- and to enjoy it, even if that means smiling on a city bus.
We looked at the passage starting in Chapter 11, ending with the final thoughts in 12, and looked at both the NIV and the Message. We began discussing what some things were that seemed meaningless from day to day. We talked about money, aggravations, jobs, and the city bus. It's funny how God teaches us things through overtly mundane daily interactions.
We told a story of Adrian, the son of James who owns the Not Just Coffee Shop next door (soon to move, by the way). Adrian had a wonderful sitter who decided a great "urban adventure" would be to take the city bus to the light rail! Oh the joy! Well, to a 4 year old, at least. Adrian hopped the bus, beaming from ear-to-ear, never having experienced anything so glorious in his life! His sitter Kaki noted, however, that everyone else had on this "shoot me now" face.
We wondered when this happens. We have all these excellent blessings in our live- a bus system, legs to walk, cars to drive, food to eat, the list goes on- but we often feel alone, hopeless, meaningless. One of our friends shared a story of waking up every morning, calling a temp service, finding there is not a job for the day and choosing to live each day for "my good and His glory" and determined that "while I'm not working, I can tell others about Jesus". What an attitude! Others shared more stories about jobs, bus rides, bosses, lost love ones and other things that plague our "meaningless" existence.
But it so meaningless? The Message Bible translates meaningless to "smoke". A fire is started, keeping us warm and lighting the area around it, begins to burn, turns into smoke which floats into the air and ultimately disappear. Our lesson from this book is that everything in life does, in fact, have purpose. It starts as a spark, leads to fire, and soon dies down into smoke. We walked away today, determined to not make life more complicated than it already is and to live in the moment, as Jesus teaches us in the book of Matthew. Our days are few and we have to choose TODAY to accept life as it truly is- a gift from God- and to enjoy it, even if that means smiling on a city bus.
10.22.2011
I've Got a Dead Feeling in the Back of My Head
At our Free Store conversation on Friday morning we talked about Jesus' parable in Luke 14.16-24 "A Man Gave a Banquet." The gist of the story is that a man throws a big party and invites all his well to do neighbors. They all accept the invitation initially but when the day of the feast arrives they all give excuses about why they can't attend. The guy is so offended and angry that he sends his servant out to find anybody on the streets and ends up feasting with the outcasts of society.
We started the conversation by talking about the expense and effort involved in throwing a big party for a lot of people. Our new friend Terry said it was worth it because it was great to "get together" and "fellowship" with other people. She said she had never thrown a really big party but that she had attended a few. Someone said that parties are social events that give us the opportunity to connect with people as friends and just for fun.
As the conversation continued we talked a bit about the excuses given by the guests that didn't attend the feast. We laughed when someone said, "One of the excuses was that the guy wanted to go look at his field rather than attend the party. Really?" George said, "Sounds a bit like the excuses people give for not goin to church." He also said that the college kids he attends CPCC with often use the excuse of "traffic" when they are late for class. Rick said that the best excuse he ever heard was an employee who called in sick and told him, "I've got a dead feeling in the back of my head" which made us laugh.
Our friend David told us, "Me and my mom spent $400 in 2006 on a party for my fiance, who was carryin my baby, and her friends. Her friends were more respectful than she was. When the party was over she left with her friends and told me 'I have to go with my friends.' It was really disrespectful. What made it worse is my mom said, 'I told you so'" which made us laugh. We talked about how people disrespect each other all the time. Someone said that when you invite someone to a party and they don't come "that means they don't like you." Rick said he thought the man in the story must have felt "alienated." George said, "It hurts when you help people and then they don't like you." We also talked a bit about how when we are hurt and humiliated and disrespected that we can get angry. Anger is a powerful feeling that actually keeps us from dealing with the underlying hurt that we feel when rejected by others.
At this point we talked a bit about the things that get in the way of the important things in life like relationships with family and friends and the cultivation of a deeper spiritual and soulful life. David said that his mom passed away two years ago and that he wished he had that time over because he would have even spent more time with her. He also said that he wanted to attend church events last week but he was called in to work. David said the "spiritual man" in him wanted to say "Keep your money" but "What could I do?" Someone said that "it can be hard to find balance in our lives but it is possible."
As the conversation moved to its conclusion we talked about how although the man in the story was slighted and rejected by his neighbors that he opened himself up to others in a surprising way. We laughed when someone said, "If you open yourself up to others and don't exclude people you might find new friends in unlikely places even under the Caldwell Street Bridge" which made us laugh. Donald said, "This story reminded me of that cookout we had at the free store when everybody came. And George grilled the hot dogs."
We started the conversation by talking about the expense and effort involved in throwing a big party for a lot of people. Our new friend Terry said it was worth it because it was great to "get together" and "fellowship" with other people. She said she had never thrown a really big party but that she had attended a few. Someone said that parties are social events that give us the opportunity to connect with people as friends and just for fun.
As the conversation continued we talked a bit about the excuses given by the guests that didn't attend the feast. We laughed when someone said, "One of the excuses was that the guy wanted to go look at his field rather than attend the party. Really?" George said, "Sounds a bit like the excuses people give for not goin to church." He also said that the college kids he attends CPCC with often use the excuse of "traffic" when they are late for class. Rick said that the best excuse he ever heard was an employee who called in sick and told him, "I've got a dead feeling in the back of my head" which made us laugh.
Our friend David told us, "Me and my mom spent $400 in 2006 on a party for my fiance, who was carryin my baby, and her friends. Her friends were more respectful than she was. When the party was over she left with her friends and told me 'I have to go with my friends.' It was really disrespectful. What made it worse is my mom said, 'I told you so'" which made us laugh. We talked about how people disrespect each other all the time. Someone said that when you invite someone to a party and they don't come "that means they don't like you." Rick said he thought the man in the story must have felt "alienated." George said, "It hurts when you help people and then they don't like you." We also talked a bit about how when we are hurt and humiliated and disrespected that we can get angry. Anger is a powerful feeling that actually keeps us from dealing with the underlying hurt that we feel when rejected by others.
At this point we talked a bit about the things that get in the way of the important things in life like relationships with family and friends and the cultivation of a deeper spiritual and soulful life. David said that his mom passed away two years ago and that he wished he had that time over because he would have even spent more time with her. He also said that he wanted to attend church events last week but he was called in to work. David said the "spiritual man" in him wanted to say "Keep your money" but "What could I do?" Someone said that "it can be hard to find balance in our lives but it is possible."
As the conversation moved to its conclusion we talked about how although the man in the story was slighted and rejected by his neighbors that he opened himself up to others in a surprising way. We laughed when someone said, "If you open yourself up to others and don't exclude people you might find new friends in unlikely places even under the Caldwell Street Bridge" which made us laugh. Donald said, "This story reminded me of that cookout we had at the free store when everybody came. And George grilled the hot dogs."
10.21.2011
Do Unto Others Then Run Like Hell
At our Free Store conversation on Thursday morning George Dunn led us in a discussion of Matthew 20.17-28. He started by telling us this passage reminded him of a sign on a former boss's office door, "The scourgings will continue until morale improves" which made us laugh. George said that this was a very common form of leadership in the world. He also said that Jesus totally repudiated this type of strong-arm, top-down leadership and that in fact Jesus rejected leadership altogether and instead promoted the value of service.
George went on to tell us that the kingdom of God is a counterculture. He said this is different than a subculture which is separate but subservient to the larger culture. Counterculture is that which runs against and is deeply opposed to culture at some level. George said that one of the ways that Jesus was countercultural was the way he elevated the status of women. Jesus placed a high value on women which ran counter to the male dominant perspective of his time. George said that because of such countercultural views and actions that Jesus was a threat to the dominant order. He said that because Jesus "went to the wrong school of theology they got rid of him as a heretic" which for some strange reason made us laugh.
As the conversation continued George said that one of the reasons people want top-down leadership is because "we want to escape personal responsiblity for our lives." At this another friend said, "It's good to have someone to blame" which made us laugh. George then asked the question, "Have you heard of Nuremburg?" which sobered us.
The conversation took a bit of a turn when one of our friends said, "We define ourselves by what we have. If we have a lot we think we are worth a lot and if we have little we think we are worth little. It's a trap for both rich and poor." Our new friend Joan said, "We think money will make us significant people so we accumulate as much as we can. However worth is not based on what we have but on who we are." She also said that Jesus was "trying to teach people to be humble." At this George told us about a cars salesman he knew that would tell lies to sell cars and refused to pay his employees fairly and yet the guy made a big deal about being a Christian. He said that he wasn't any better because for much of his life he would "Do unto others then run like hell" which made us laugh.
As the conversation moved to a conclusion George said that he had a picture he wanted to show us. He said, "One picture is worth more than one thousand George words" which made us laugh. He told us that the first time he saw it he knew he wanted to have a copy framed and given to the free store. In the picture a handful of world leaders are sitting in chairs in front of Jesus. Osama bin Laden is sitting between George W. Bush and Kofi Annan. Jesus is in a kneeling posture with wash basin and towel in hand in the process of washing the feet of the world's power brokers. George said that ultimately "there are no leaders. There are only great servants." At this Donald said, "My pastor washed my feet one day in church. I didn't believe in all that stuff. Now I trust in God."
George went on to tell us that the kingdom of God is a counterculture. He said this is different than a subculture which is separate but subservient to the larger culture. Counterculture is that which runs against and is deeply opposed to culture at some level. George said that one of the ways that Jesus was countercultural was the way he elevated the status of women. Jesus placed a high value on women which ran counter to the male dominant perspective of his time. George said that because of such countercultural views and actions that Jesus was a threat to the dominant order. He said that because Jesus "went to the wrong school of theology they got rid of him as a heretic" which for some strange reason made us laugh.
As the conversation continued George said that one of the reasons people want top-down leadership is because "we want to escape personal responsiblity for our lives." At this another friend said, "It's good to have someone to blame" which made us laugh. George then asked the question, "Have you heard of Nuremburg?" which sobered us.
The conversation took a bit of a turn when one of our friends said, "We define ourselves by what we have. If we have a lot we think we are worth a lot and if we have little we think we are worth little. It's a trap for both rich and poor." Our new friend Joan said, "We think money will make us significant people so we accumulate as much as we can. However worth is not based on what we have but on who we are." She also said that Jesus was "trying to teach people to be humble." At this George told us about a cars salesman he knew that would tell lies to sell cars and refused to pay his employees fairly and yet the guy made a big deal about being a Christian. He said that he wasn't any better because for much of his life he would "Do unto others then run like hell" which made us laugh.
As the conversation moved to a conclusion George said that he had a picture he wanted to show us. He said, "One picture is worth more than one thousand George words" which made us laugh. He told us that the first time he saw it he knew he wanted to have a copy framed and given to the free store. In the picture a handful of world leaders are sitting in chairs in front of Jesus. Osama bin Laden is sitting between George W. Bush and Kofi Annan. Jesus is in a kneeling posture with wash basin and towel in hand in the process of washing the feet of the world's power brokers. George said that ultimately "there are no leaders. There are only great servants." At this Donald said, "My pastor washed my feet one day in church. I didn't believe in all that stuff. Now I trust in God."
10.20.2011
How Often Does the "Don't System" Push People to "Do"?
Carlos joined us (late as usual and was teased as usual) for our Wednesday morning free store conversation. We started the discussion with a question raised by our online friend Greg that read last Wednesday's blog and asked the following question, "In your group what was the consensus on how often the "don't" system actually pushes people to "do"?" While studying Romans 7:1-18 in the New Testament we have been looking at the idea that to prohibit something often increases the desire to do that which is prohibited. Marney said that personality had a lot to do with it. She talked about her three kids (Rico, Marco, and Salina) and how they were all different in the way they responded to her parental authority from Rico's direct rebellion to Salina's more subtle expression of independence.
Carlos suggested that everybody is just trying to "find your own voice." He said, "If everybody around you is saying 'Yes' then you will probably say 'No.' But if everybody is saying 'No' then you will probably say 'Yes'." Another of our friends said, "The law activates a universal innate rebellion against external authority." We talked a bit about how pushing the rules too hard can often lead to even more resistance. Someone told the group that his teenage daughter will often say "No" when asked to do something but that given time she will normally do it. He felt it is counterproductive to push too hard because that just stimulates her desire to resist and then it becomes a major struggle. We laughed when he told us that his son was just the opposite and would say "Yes" but generally not follow through and had to be prodded. So it's complicated.
As the conversation continued we talked about how the law/don't system is generally good because it prohibits things that are harmful to ourselves or others. Someone pointed out that although law is frequently negative that it can be positive as well in that it contains commands such as "Honor your parents" and "Love your neighbor." At this Rick said, "The law is only a guideline. It's good advice but you don't have to follow it" which made us laugh. This led us to talk a bit about how law exists, at least ideally, to protect and enhance life. Carlos brought up that there are many ways "we can make life flourish without waiting for money." We talked about how by resisting the law people begin to live by life-destroying rules such as "Dishonor others" and "Harm your neighbor." Someone mentioned a tragic example of this in a case in Philadelphia where four mentally handicapped persons were caged and chained in an apartment basement. Apparently their captors were trying to use their identities to get their social security disability benefits.
As the conversation moved to its conclusion Marney said "Look at how we are treating the earth. The earth is rebelling and the ozone layer is breaking down. There are consequences for our actions." Carlos said that research has shown that pollution from automobiles has been proven to cause cancer and yet we keep driving our cars. Someone said, "If 100 people are peeing in the pool then what difference does it make if I don't?" which made us laugh. This led us to some good natured talk about what it means to act with integrity as an individual even when we think our actions might not make much of an impact on society. Someone else said that although individual action is important that we are all part of bigger systems which is why we need social change as much as individual transformation.
Carlos suggested that everybody is just trying to "find your own voice." He said, "If everybody around you is saying 'Yes' then you will probably say 'No.' But if everybody is saying 'No' then you will probably say 'Yes'." Another of our friends said, "The law activates a universal innate rebellion against external authority." We talked a bit about how pushing the rules too hard can often lead to even more resistance. Someone told the group that his teenage daughter will often say "No" when asked to do something but that given time she will normally do it. He felt it is counterproductive to push too hard because that just stimulates her desire to resist and then it becomes a major struggle. We laughed when he told us that his son was just the opposite and would say "Yes" but generally not follow through and had to be prodded. So it's complicated.
As the conversation continued we talked about how the law/don't system is generally good because it prohibits things that are harmful to ourselves or others. Someone pointed out that although law is frequently negative that it can be positive as well in that it contains commands such as "Honor your parents" and "Love your neighbor." At this Rick said, "The law is only a guideline. It's good advice but you don't have to follow it" which made us laugh. This led us to talk a bit about how law exists, at least ideally, to protect and enhance life. Carlos brought up that there are many ways "we can make life flourish without waiting for money." We talked about how by resisting the law people begin to live by life-destroying rules such as "Dishonor others" and "Harm your neighbor." Someone mentioned a tragic example of this in a case in Philadelphia where four mentally handicapped persons were caged and chained in an apartment basement. Apparently their captors were trying to use their identities to get their social security disability benefits.
As the conversation moved to its conclusion Marney said "Look at how we are treating the earth. The earth is rebelling and the ozone layer is breaking down. There are consequences for our actions." Carlos said that research has shown that pollution from automobiles has been proven to cause cancer and yet we keep driving our cars. Someone said, "If 100 people are peeing in the pool then what difference does it make if I don't?" which made us laugh. This led us to some good natured talk about what it means to act with integrity as an individual even when we think our actions might not make much of an impact on society. Someone else said that although individual action is important that we are all part of bigger systems which is why we need social change as much as individual transformation.
10.19.2011
I Shed a Tear as I Pondered Poor Bruton Smith's Misfortune
At our Tuesday morning Free Store conversation our friend Gary joined us and told us he was going to give us three mini-seminars. He promised they would be short and we promised to listen if they were. Gary told us that seminars are designed to give us information that we can put into practical use in our lives.
The first seminar was titled, "How To Lose a Fortune." Gary said there were three ways to do this. 1.) Neglect it in some way. He said that if you leave it laying around it just might disappear. Someone said that sounded like the free store which made us laugh. 2.) Throw it away or waste it in some way. 3.) Use it unwisely in some way. Maybe by investing it in the wrong place. Gary also said this might include buying stuff that you don't need. Someone told us that he read an article in the Charlotte Observer a few years ago about how Bruton Smith, the owner of Charlotte Motor Speedway, had lost a huge amount of money in a single day when the stock market dropped. While running his finger from his eye down his cheek he said, "I shed a tear as I pondered poor Bruton Smith's misfortune" which made us laugh.
The second seminar was titled, "How To Lose Your Best Friend." Again Gary said that there were three ways to do this. 1.) Ignore them. Rick gave us a good laugh when he suggested that another way to lose a friend was to "loan em money." 2.) Disagree with them all the time. Gary said that the prophet Amos had asked the question, "Can two walk together unless they agree?" Somoene wondered if Amos had been married which made us laugh. Gary said that Amos was a farmer so maybe he spent a good bit of time by himself; 3.) Two-time or cheat on them. He said this was a sure way to kill a friendship because this erodes trust and draws people apart over time.
The third seminar was titled, "How to Lose Jesus as a Friend." Gary said that Jesus wants to be our friend but that friendship is a two-way street. He suggested there are three ways to do this. 1.) Ignore him by neglecting to pray and read the bible. Gary said that when we don't focus on God that other stuff effectively pushes our spiritual desire out. 2.) Disagree all the time. He said that if we always do what self wants and never what God wants that we will eventually lose our connection with God. Gary also suggested that love should be the key to all our actions. 3.) Two-time him. Gary said that we do this by acting one way around our christian friends and differently when around others. He said this is like trying to be a part time christian. Our friend Donna said that this was like wanting to "walk with God and run with the devil." Marney said that she had learned the hard way that it was difficult for her to stay focused on God when hanging out with her "drinkin, partyin friends." Someone asked if we had ever done aerobics and pointed out that there are "high impact" and "low impact" types of aerobics. He said the low impact aerobics was the easy version. We laughed as he told us that many people want a "low impact spirituality" because they think the other type is too hard.
As the conversation moved to a conclusion Gary said that he had learned as a young man that "I could't run my life very well." He told us that one of his favorite texts was Jeremiah 10:23, "I know O Lord that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps." Gary said, "This is my text. You can have it but it's still mine" which we thought was very generous even at it made us laugh.
The first seminar was titled, "How To Lose a Fortune." Gary said there were three ways to do this. 1.) Neglect it in some way. He said that if you leave it laying around it just might disappear. Someone said that sounded like the free store which made us laugh. 2.) Throw it away or waste it in some way. 3.) Use it unwisely in some way. Maybe by investing it in the wrong place. Gary also said this might include buying stuff that you don't need. Someone told us that he read an article in the Charlotte Observer a few years ago about how Bruton Smith, the owner of Charlotte Motor Speedway, had lost a huge amount of money in a single day when the stock market dropped. While running his finger from his eye down his cheek he said, "I shed a tear as I pondered poor Bruton Smith's misfortune" which made us laugh.
The second seminar was titled, "How To Lose Your Best Friend." Again Gary said that there were three ways to do this. 1.) Ignore them. Rick gave us a good laugh when he suggested that another way to lose a friend was to "loan em money." 2.) Disagree with them all the time. Gary said that the prophet Amos had asked the question, "Can two walk together unless they agree?" Somoene wondered if Amos had been married which made us laugh. Gary said that Amos was a farmer so maybe he spent a good bit of time by himself; 3.) Two-time or cheat on them. He said this was a sure way to kill a friendship because this erodes trust and draws people apart over time.
The third seminar was titled, "How to Lose Jesus as a Friend." Gary said that Jesus wants to be our friend but that friendship is a two-way street. He suggested there are three ways to do this. 1.) Ignore him by neglecting to pray and read the bible. Gary said that when we don't focus on God that other stuff effectively pushes our spiritual desire out. 2.) Disagree all the time. He said that if we always do what self wants and never what God wants that we will eventually lose our connection with God. Gary also suggested that love should be the key to all our actions. 3.) Two-time him. Gary said that we do this by acting one way around our christian friends and differently when around others. He said this is like trying to be a part time christian. Our friend Donna said that this was like wanting to "walk with God and run with the devil." Marney said that she had learned the hard way that it was difficult for her to stay focused on God when hanging out with her "drinkin, partyin friends." Someone asked if we had ever done aerobics and pointed out that there are "high impact" and "low impact" types of aerobics. He said the low impact aerobics was the easy version. We laughed as he told us that many people want a "low impact spirituality" because they think the other type is too hard.
As the conversation moved to a conclusion Gary said that he had learned as a young man that "I could't run my life very well." He told us that one of his favorite texts was Jeremiah 10:23, "I know O Lord that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps." Gary said, "This is my text. You can have it but it's still mine" which we thought was very generous even at it made us laugh.
Lady Gaga Does
At our Thursday morning Free Store conversation our friend George Dunn led us in a discussion on 1 Corinthians 13. But before we jumped into the conversation we asked him about his recent vacation to Topsail Island and were informed that it was great but he didn't go in the water "because my wife was afraid of the Bull Shark" which made us laugh. He also told us that if "you meet a girl looking for a husband she's obviously never had one" which seemed to especially amuse the ladies.
George started our discussion with a quote from Mother Teresa, "It has nothing to do with the size of the deed but everything to do with the size of the love." He said that without love even the highest human achievements were insignificant. George referred to "low impact Christianity" that is "like General Motors but not run as well" which made us laugh. He said that the church needs more love and less corporate efficiency. George told us that Jesus is ultimately a threat to every religious system because he advocated love which is not a "pay for performance" formula. He said that God's love involves both grace and mercy. Mercy is when you don't get the punishment that you deserve and grace is when you get what you haven't earned.
As the conversation continued George said that there are different kinds of love. He mentioned Eros and asked if "anybody knew what that is?" After a short, awkward pause he said, "Lady Gaga does" which made us laugh. George said that agape was a type of love that never gives up on people no matter how they behave. Such love would never say, "I bought you flowers on Friday why are you acting like such a bitch today?" He said, "My brother used to visit me and would steal my checks to support his drug habit. I still love him but now lock up my checks when he visits" which made us laugh.
At this point one of our friends asked, "Why does God put you in difficult circumstances?" And our new friend Jeff said, "I've heard that God won't give us more than we can handle but I'd like to know who decides what is enough?" Someone said that the "why" questions are always the hardest and that we don't always have good answers but that sometimes as we look back on the hard times things make more sense. He also thanked our friends for asking the tough questions.
As the conversation moved to its conclusion our new friend Chris said that even though things don't work out the real question is, "Am I gonna serve God to the end?" George said, "I've seen God work good out of bad stuff." He went on to tell us about a time that he "got the .410 gauge shotgun out and put it in my mouth." With tears in his eyes he said, "although I haven't had one before or since I had a vision of myself laying in the casket and my son Jeremy crying and I just couldn't do it." Our friend David said that he had been struggling and living in a men's shelter the past couple of years but he believed that regardless of circumstances he was "gonna be a winner either way." Finally, our new friend Ron said, "I understand people are searching for answers. But it's important to understand that God has nothing to do with sin. Sometimes we get in a bad situation by our own bad decisions but not always. No matter how hard things can be God will see you through."
George started our discussion with a quote from Mother Teresa, "It has nothing to do with the size of the deed but everything to do with the size of the love." He said that without love even the highest human achievements were insignificant. George referred to "low impact Christianity" that is "like General Motors but not run as well" which made us laugh. He said that the church needs more love and less corporate efficiency. George told us that Jesus is ultimately a threat to every religious system because he advocated love which is not a "pay for performance" formula. He said that God's love involves both grace and mercy. Mercy is when you don't get the punishment that you deserve and grace is when you get what you haven't earned.
As the conversation continued George said that there are different kinds of love. He mentioned Eros and asked if "anybody knew what that is?" After a short, awkward pause he said, "Lady Gaga does" which made us laugh. George said that agape was a type of love that never gives up on people no matter how they behave. Such love would never say, "I bought you flowers on Friday why are you acting like such a bitch today?" He said, "My brother used to visit me and would steal my checks to support his drug habit. I still love him but now lock up my checks when he visits" which made us laugh.
At this point one of our friends asked, "Why does God put you in difficult circumstances?" And our new friend Jeff said, "I've heard that God won't give us more than we can handle but I'd like to know who decides what is enough?" Someone said that the "why" questions are always the hardest and that we don't always have good answers but that sometimes as we look back on the hard times things make more sense. He also thanked our friends for asking the tough questions.
As the conversation moved to its conclusion our new friend Chris said that even though things don't work out the real question is, "Am I gonna serve God to the end?" George said, "I've seen God work good out of bad stuff." He went on to tell us about a time that he "got the .410 gauge shotgun out and put it in my mouth." With tears in his eyes he said, "although I haven't had one before or since I had a vision of myself laying in the casket and my son Jeremy crying and I just couldn't do it." Our friend David said that he had been struggling and living in a men's shelter the past couple of years but he believed that regardless of circumstances he was "gonna be a winner either way." Finally, our new friend Ron said, "I understand people are searching for answers. But it's important to understand that God has nothing to do with sin. Sometimes we get in a bad situation by our own bad decisions but not always. No matter how hard things can be God will see you through."
10.18.2011
I'm the Only Hell My Mama Ever Raised
In our Free Store conversation on Wednesday morning Carlos continued to lead us through a study of the book of Romans in the New Testament. We focused on Romans 7:1-13 which Carlos told us was written for legalists or those that were dominated by the "don't system." The passage basically says that people can have geniune freedom from all forms of oppressive rules. Carlos said that freedom from the law didn't mean that we could just live as we please and do whatever the hell we wanted which we thought was a bit disappointing. He said there are basically three ways to live; 1.) by the law or the don't system, 2.) by doing whatever the fuck we want to do, 3.) or by being guided by the Spirit of God.
We talked a bit about how the law is designed largely to show us what not to do in order to prevent us from doing harm to ourselves or others. Carlos asked us what we would say to the child that asks why they can't run in the street. Sheila said, "I'll beat your ass" which made us laugh. But we all realized that when a parent says, "Don't run in the street" it is really for the child's own safety. Carlos went on to say that the law helps us to recognize things that are wrong in the world. He asked, "When greed takes over how much is really enough? This is why the banks have all the money and we're broke." Sheila said, "So that's where my money went" which made us laugh.
At this point Carlos brought up how being told what not to do can actually motivate us to do the very thing that is prohibited. He said that people often make the mistake of harping on others for doing something wrong which is usually counterproductive. He told us about a Johnny Paycheck song, "I'm the Only Hell (My Mama Ever Raised)" which made us laugh. The lyrics demonstrate the ineffectiveness of the don't sysetm.
Well, I can't sell my momma short on loving me
I guess that's why she let me go so far
Momma always stopped me short of stealing
I guess thats why I had to steal that car.
She told me not to smoke it
But I did and it took me far away
And I turned out to be
The only hell mama ever raised.
(Courtesy of cowboylyrics.com)
As the conversation moved to its conclusion the question was asked, "Why do we resist control?" Sheila said, "I just don't like people controlling me." Someone else pointed out that "No" is often one of the first words a child will learn and that it is important in developing a sense of individuality and personal control. Another friend suggested we resist control because we don't like a hierarchy in which someone else is above us telling us what to do. We don't like to be subordinate to other people. At this Carlos said, "Everyone has a voice and everyone's opinion matters." He also asked, "Why should I listen to you if you don't love me?" which we thought was a great question to ponder.
We talked a bit about how the law is designed largely to show us what not to do in order to prevent us from doing harm to ourselves or others. Carlos asked us what we would say to the child that asks why they can't run in the street. Sheila said, "I'll beat your ass" which made us laugh. But we all realized that when a parent says, "Don't run in the street" it is really for the child's own safety. Carlos went on to say that the law helps us to recognize things that are wrong in the world. He asked, "When greed takes over how much is really enough? This is why the banks have all the money and we're broke." Sheila said, "So that's where my money went" which made us laugh.
At this point Carlos brought up how being told what not to do can actually motivate us to do the very thing that is prohibited. He said that people often make the mistake of harping on others for doing something wrong which is usually counterproductive. He told us about a Johnny Paycheck song, "I'm the Only Hell (My Mama Ever Raised)" which made us laugh. The lyrics demonstrate the ineffectiveness of the don't sysetm.
Well, I can't sell my momma short on loving me
I guess that's why she let me go so far
Momma always stopped me short of stealing
I guess thats why I had to steal that car.
She told me not to smoke it
But I did and it took me far away
And I turned out to be
The only hell mama ever raised.
(Courtesy of cowboylyrics.com)
As the conversation moved to its conclusion the question was asked, "Why do we resist control?" Sheila said, "I just don't like people controlling me." Someone else pointed out that "No" is often one of the first words a child will learn and that it is important in developing a sense of individuality and personal control. Another friend suggested we resist control because we don't like a hierarchy in which someone else is above us telling us what to do. We don't like to be subordinate to other people. At this Carlos said, "Everyone has a voice and everyone's opinion matters." He also asked, "Why should I listen to you if you don't love me?" which we thought was a great question to ponder.
10.13.2011
Maybe the Dogs Ate Him
At a recent Free Store conversation we talked about Jesus' parable in Luke 16, "A Rich Man Dressed in Purple." The story is basically about a filthy rich dude that lives in the lap of luxury every day of his life. However, right outside his very ornate gate is an extremely poor man that longs to just eat the crumbs that fall from the rich man's lavish table. Eventually the poor man dies as does the rich guy. In the afterlife the rich man ends up roasting in the fire of Hades while the no longer poor dude is resting blissfully in the lap of Abraham. The rich guy asks Abraham to send the poor man to dip his finger in water and alleviate his agony but Abraham says in effect, "You had your heaven on earth and this guy his hell. And just like there was in life a gate there is now a great chasm that prevents those who are comfortable from alleviating the misery of those in hell."
We started the conversation by talking about the two main characters in the story; the rich man and Lazarus. Jack thought the rich guy must have been very wealthy and might have been royalty because he was described as wearing the color purple which Jack said is a "mark of royalty." Someone said that clothing is as much about showing our status and class position in society as it is about looking good. Someone made us laugh when they mentioned "Free Store Fashion" and said that "you can look good in free stuff." Although the rich man had a pretty cushy life Sheila wondered if he had any "good good friends." As we turned our attention to the poor man George said that he was "definitely down and out" which for some reason made us laugh. The story says that the poor guy was sick and that the dogs would come and lick the open sores which we found pretty disgusting. Although George mentioned that some people think that "a dog lickin a wound can heal it."
At this point we talked a little about the significance that in the story the poor man is laying at the gate of the rich man's house. George said that a gate "mark's where your property is." Someone else said that a gate is as much about access as it is about keeping people out. Jack said it is about access but "only if you have the proper key." We thought it was tragic that the rich guy never went through that gate to make a connection with his down and out neighbor. Instead he turned a blind eye to the misery that existed at his very own door step.
As we started to talk about the shift in the story when the two men died Jack wondered why it says the rich man was buried but it doesn't mention a burial for Lazarus. Sheila made us laugh when she said, "Maybe the dogs ate him" which we found funny in a twisted sort of way. Someone said that it was interesting that the man whose life on earth had been hell was in heaven while the man whose life on earth had been heaven was in hell. At this our new friend David said "Preach it" which made us laugh. The story really just reverses the situation of the two men and extends it into the afterlife in an imaginative way. Someone thought it was ironic that the rich guy would expect someone to have mercy on him in his misery even though in life he never lifted a finger to help his down and out neighbor. Someone thought that maybe there would be no hell (on either side of death) if people would just look out for each other.
As the conversation moved to a close George told us about a black man that used to come by his house when he was a kid and would ask for food and water. George said that his mom would always give the man something. When he asked her why she said, "Son, it could be Jesus Christ." At this the question came up about why rich people weren't more generous. We laughed when Jack told us about some very wealthy friends that he knows and how he likes the way they live and the way he lives when he is with them. He went on to say that people that have a lot "tend to be very self satisfied" and think that they have earned everything they have. Our friend Andrew said, "We have to look at what we have now. We have to accept the cards that we've been dealt and we need to be thankful for the little that we do have." At this I told the group about a man I knew when I was a pastor in Tunkhannock, PA. The guy sold his small business and bought a motorcycle and van and used to just travel around the country making friends wherever he went. He used to tell me, "Man, you own too much stuff to be free." As we laughed about this Jack told us about his friends that own an expensive home in Monroe that they can't sell even though they have dropped the price several times over the last few years. Apparently money creates as many problems that vex as it provides comforts that soothe.
We started the conversation by talking about the two main characters in the story; the rich man and Lazarus. Jack thought the rich guy must have been very wealthy and might have been royalty because he was described as wearing the color purple which Jack said is a "mark of royalty." Someone said that clothing is as much about showing our status and class position in society as it is about looking good. Someone made us laugh when they mentioned "Free Store Fashion" and said that "you can look good in free stuff." Although the rich man had a pretty cushy life Sheila wondered if he had any "good good friends." As we turned our attention to the poor man George said that he was "definitely down and out" which for some reason made us laugh. The story says that the poor guy was sick and that the dogs would come and lick the open sores which we found pretty disgusting. Although George mentioned that some people think that "a dog lickin a wound can heal it."
At this point we talked a little about the significance that in the story the poor man is laying at the gate of the rich man's house. George said that a gate "mark's where your property is." Someone else said that a gate is as much about access as it is about keeping people out. Jack said it is about access but "only if you have the proper key." We thought it was tragic that the rich guy never went through that gate to make a connection with his down and out neighbor. Instead he turned a blind eye to the misery that existed at his very own door step.
As we started to talk about the shift in the story when the two men died Jack wondered why it says the rich man was buried but it doesn't mention a burial for Lazarus. Sheila made us laugh when she said, "Maybe the dogs ate him" which we found funny in a twisted sort of way. Someone said that it was interesting that the man whose life on earth had been hell was in heaven while the man whose life on earth had been heaven was in hell. At this our new friend David said "Preach it" which made us laugh. The story really just reverses the situation of the two men and extends it into the afterlife in an imaginative way. Someone thought it was ironic that the rich guy would expect someone to have mercy on him in his misery even though in life he never lifted a finger to help his down and out neighbor. Someone thought that maybe there would be no hell (on either side of death) if people would just look out for each other.
As the conversation moved to a close George told us about a black man that used to come by his house when he was a kid and would ask for food and water. George said that his mom would always give the man something. When he asked her why she said, "Son, it could be Jesus Christ." At this the question came up about why rich people weren't more generous. We laughed when Jack told us about some very wealthy friends that he knows and how he likes the way they live and the way he lives when he is with them. He went on to say that people that have a lot "tend to be very self satisfied" and think that they have earned everything they have. Our friend Andrew said, "We have to look at what we have now. We have to accept the cards that we've been dealt and we need to be thankful for the little that we do have." At this I told the group about a man I knew when I was a pastor in Tunkhannock, PA. The guy sold his small business and bought a motorcycle and van and used to just travel around the country making friends wherever he went. He used to tell me, "Man, you own too much stuff to be free." As we laughed about this Jack told us about his friends that own an expensive home in Monroe that they can't sell even though they have dropped the price several times over the last few years. Apparently money creates as many problems that vex as it provides comforts that soothe.
10.12.2011
Just a Letter and a $10 Money Order
At our Tuesday morning Free Store conversation we talked about Jesus' parable in Luke 12, "The Land of a Rich Man." The story is about a man whose land produces a mega harvest. The harvest is so huge that it presents a real problem so the owner has to figure out what to do with the excess. Basically the guy decides to tear down his barns and build bigger ones to store the excess produce. He proceeds to imagine that he will live comfortably on the surplus for the remainder of his happy life. At this point God intervenes and calls the guy a "fool" since he will die that very night.
We started the conversation by talking a bit about why the man in the story didn't just add on to his existing barns rather than tearing down the old and building new ones. George said that he must have had to "pay a lot of people to help him work it." Someone said that maybe the old barns were ugly and he wanted some new barns to look at which made us laugh. We agreed that building new structures was quite extravagant which meant that the harvest must have been way beyond normal. This led us to talk about what we do when we have extra money or when we have more than we need. Rick said that at one time in his life he had bought a Benelli Shotgun which had cost him thousands of dollars. Sheila told us that she and her ex-husband had purchased Harley Davidson Indian motorcycles at which George said he would "love to see her setting on that thing" which made us laugh.
At this point we talked about how easy it is to get caught up in spending all of what we have only on ourselves. Someone asked the question, "Why does God bless us?" And our new friend Andrew said, "To see what you will do with it." Our friend Donald seemed to like this and said loudly, "You can't take it with you" which made us laugh.
We thought it was ironic that on the last day of his life the man in story was spending his dwindling time planning his non-existent future. This led us to talk a bit about how life is fragile and there is no guarantee that we will live to see tomorrow. Someone mentioned that Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple Computers, had died this week at age 57. At this another friend told us about a Nickelback song called "If Today Was Your Last Day" about living each day of your life as if it was your last day.
As the conversation moved to a conclusion someone brought up that the rich guy in the story didn't share the good news with a single other person and didn't even offer a little prayer of thanks to God for it. It was clear that the man was more than a little self-obsessed with his own comfort and security. We wondered if in spite of the abundance of stuff that he owned if he might not have been a lonely man. George said, "TV is all right but you need a warm body" which made us laugh. Rick mentioned the Tom Hanks movie Castaway where the guy paints a face on the volleyball and talks to it. At this George told us about doing time in prison and said that "just a letter" (and after a short pause with a twinkle in his eye) "and a $10 money order" could make his day and put a smile on his face (and on ours as well).
We started the conversation by talking a bit about why the man in the story didn't just add on to his existing barns rather than tearing down the old and building new ones. George said that he must have had to "pay a lot of people to help him work it." Someone said that maybe the old barns were ugly and he wanted some new barns to look at which made us laugh. We agreed that building new structures was quite extravagant which meant that the harvest must have been way beyond normal. This led us to talk about what we do when we have extra money or when we have more than we need. Rick said that at one time in his life he had bought a Benelli Shotgun which had cost him thousands of dollars. Sheila told us that she and her ex-husband had purchased Harley Davidson Indian motorcycles at which George said he would "love to see her setting on that thing" which made us laugh.
At this point we talked about how easy it is to get caught up in spending all of what we have only on ourselves. Someone asked the question, "Why does God bless us?" And our new friend Andrew said, "To see what you will do with it." Our friend Donald seemed to like this and said loudly, "You can't take it with you" which made us laugh.
We thought it was ironic that on the last day of his life the man in story was spending his dwindling time planning his non-existent future. This led us to talk a bit about how life is fragile and there is no guarantee that we will live to see tomorrow. Someone mentioned that Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple Computers, had died this week at age 57. At this another friend told us about a Nickelback song called "If Today Was Your Last Day" about living each day of your life as if it was your last day.
As the conversation moved to a conclusion someone brought up that the rich guy in the story didn't share the good news with a single other person and didn't even offer a little prayer of thanks to God for it. It was clear that the man was more than a little self-obsessed with his own comfort and security. We wondered if in spite of the abundance of stuff that he owned if he might not have been a lonely man. George said, "TV is all right but you need a warm body" which made us laugh. Rick mentioned the Tom Hanks movie Castaway where the guy paints a face on the volleyball and talks to it. At this George told us about doing time in prison and said that "just a letter" (and after a short pause with a twinkle in his eye) "and a $10 money order" could make his day and put a smile on his face (and on ours as well).
10.11.2011
When the Money's Gone They Treat You Like a Dog
Our friend Justin led the free store conversation on Thursday morning and started by asking the question, " Is life unfair?" Our new friend Andrew said that life was definitely not unfair. He said that since Satan is the ruler of the world and since God turned the world over to Satan that to say the world was unfair was to blame God for being unfair. A few others thought the world was unfair but didn't give any specifics. At this our new friend Vic said, "I gave up tryin to make other people happy. I can make it better or worse by the choices I make."
Justin then asked, "Who would like to win the lottery?" A lot of hands went up at this. Justin said that even though we might think money is the solution to our problems that it might not be. He told us that he had been thinking about Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 which was written by King Solomon, one of the richest and wisest men that ever lived. "Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him--for this is his lot. Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work--this is a gift of God. He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart."
At this point our friend Andrew said that he had been thinking about something he read recently that said "In three words, what inspires you?" He said that for him the three words were "God is alive." He went on to say that "time is running out" because of the way that people were mistreating one another. Our new friend Wendy said that she didn't understand why people didn't treat each other better. She told us about a friend of hers that just doesn't get along with her mother. Wendy said, "I take my mother everywhere with me." She asked, "How can you love God and hate your mother?"
As the conversation progressed Vic said that he thought people were "so deep in the things of the world that they don't see that life is the most precious thing in the world." He told us about a friend of his whose brother had died recently. Vic said that his friend had punched his brother in the mouth before he died and hand't apologized or told his brother that he loved him and now he was living with guilt about it. Andrew said that since people are created by God, "you are the most important thing in the world. Be grateful to God."
As the conversation moved to a conclusion Justin encouraged us to "make the most of what you have" rather than "always wanting more." He said "don't hoard stuff" because it "won't make you happy" which made us laugh. Someone said that spending our lives getting more stuff is like a dog chasing its tail which is an amusing but ultimately pointless activity. At this someone said, "When you got money they treat you nice, but when the money's gone they treat you like a dog." Another friend said, "Tomorrow never comes. It's always today, today, today. And what you do today will count."
Justin then asked, "Who would like to win the lottery?" A lot of hands went up at this. Justin said that even though we might think money is the solution to our problems that it might not be. He told us that he had been thinking about Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 which was written by King Solomon, one of the richest and wisest men that ever lived. "Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him--for this is his lot. Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work--this is a gift of God. He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart."
At this point our friend Andrew said that he had been thinking about something he read recently that said "In three words, what inspires you?" He said that for him the three words were "God is alive." He went on to say that "time is running out" because of the way that people were mistreating one another. Our new friend Wendy said that she didn't understand why people didn't treat each other better. She told us about a friend of hers that just doesn't get along with her mother. Wendy said, "I take my mother everywhere with me." She asked, "How can you love God and hate your mother?"
As the conversation progressed Vic said that he thought people were "so deep in the things of the world that they don't see that life is the most precious thing in the world." He told us about a friend of his whose brother had died recently. Vic said that his friend had punched his brother in the mouth before he died and hand't apologized or told his brother that he loved him and now he was living with guilt about it. Andrew said that since people are created by God, "you are the most important thing in the world. Be grateful to God."
As the conversation moved to a conclusion Justin encouraged us to "make the most of what you have" rather than "always wanting more." He said "don't hoard stuff" because it "won't make you happy" which made us laugh. Someone said that spending our lives getting more stuff is like a dog chasing its tail which is an amusing but ultimately pointless activity. At this someone said, "When you got money they treat you nice, but when the money's gone they treat you like a dog." Another friend said, "Tomorrow never comes. It's always today, today, today. And what you do today will count."
10.04.2011
The Preacher Said "They Do Drugs" But Didn't Visit Them
At our Saturday morning free store conversation we talked about Jesus' parable in Luke 15, "A Man Had Two Sons." The question was asked, "What is a parable?" Cliff said that it was "like a quotation." Someone else said that it was a short story about something known (ordinary life) told in order to teach us about something unknown (the kingdom of God). Regardless of the definition we agreed that the parables were interesting and at times entertaining.
We started the conversation with a recap of the first part of the story (see our prior blog titled, "It Put Him On His Butt and He Woke Up") in which the man's younger son asks for his share of the inheritance up front. Surprisingly the father gives it to him and the boy promptly leaves home and spends it all in wild living. When he is reduced to poverty and on the verge of starvation the boy comes to his senses and returns home. The father is delighted to have his son back and throws a party for the younger boy.
Enter son two. The older son returns from the field in the evening and hears the music and wants to know what the hell is going on. He is told what has happened and immediately gets angry and refuses to go in to the feast. At this the father comes outside and pleads with his older son to join the party. The story ends without resolution and we are left to wonder if the older brother joins in the festivity or not.
At this point we talked a bit about why the older brother might have been angry about the party. While the younger boy had been out living it up the older brother had stayed on the farm and worked to keep things going. We talked about how the older brother was responsible and hard working. George said that he had "picked corn" and done other work on a farm and that it was very hard work. Cliff said that the older brother had "disowned" his younger brother because he was "jealous." Our friend George talked about being a missing person for 17 years before going back to his hometown recently and making contact with his family.
As the conversation progressed we talked about how the two sons were very different. The young son was impetuous and irresponsible and had to learn things the hard way. George said that he learned a lot when he was "on the chain gang" for a few years. The older son was responsible and hardworking but was very judgmental of his younger brother. At this George told us about a preacher in his hometown of Raeford that used to badmouth people for doing drugs rather than visit them and get to know them and try to help them.
As the conversation moved to a conclusion our friend Terrence said, "you as a person may go off and destroy things, but through it all God still loves you." He also said that even though you might be raised in a church your body and mind may want to do other stuff. We liked the idea that God is like a father that wants his kids to join in the party and enjoy the family feast.
We started the conversation with a recap of the first part of the story (see our prior blog titled, "It Put Him On His Butt and He Woke Up") in which the man's younger son asks for his share of the inheritance up front. Surprisingly the father gives it to him and the boy promptly leaves home and spends it all in wild living. When he is reduced to poverty and on the verge of starvation the boy comes to his senses and returns home. The father is delighted to have his son back and throws a party for the younger boy.
Enter son two. The older son returns from the field in the evening and hears the music and wants to know what the hell is going on. He is told what has happened and immediately gets angry and refuses to go in to the feast. At this the father comes outside and pleads with his older son to join the party. The story ends without resolution and we are left to wonder if the older brother joins in the festivity or not.
At this point we talked a bit about why the older brother might have been angry about the party. While the younger boy had been out living it up the older brother had stayed on the farm and worked to keep things going. We talked about how the older brother was responsible and hard working. George said that he had "picked corn" and done other work on a farm and that it was very hard work. Cliff said that the older brother had "disowned" his younger brother because he was "jealous." Our friend George talked about being a missing person for 17 years before going back to his hometown recently and making contact with his family.
As the conversation progressed we talked about how the two sons were very different. The young son was impetuous and irresponsible and had to learn things the hard way. George said that he learned a lot when he was "on the chain gang" for a few years. The older son was responsible and hardworking but was very judgmental of his younger brother. At this George told us about a preacher in his hometown of Raeford that used to badmouth people for doing drugs rather than visit them and get to know them and try to help them.
As the conversation moved to a conclusion our friend Terrence said, "you as a person may go off and destroy things, but through it all God still loves you." He also said that even though you might be raised in a church your body and mind may want to do other stuff. We liked the idea that God is like a father that wants his kids to join in the party and enjoy the family feast.
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