You know what America is, as if you didn't already know -- it is one, big, fat, non-denominational nation.
It was as if all points came together at the same time, bringing a sea of old men in wigs to go about the hard part and set us up, leaving points of contention along the way of course -- as the change could not have happened, been processed, all at once; history would prove, it would take an evolution of baby steps upon the flights of freedom and liberty for all, in order for America to fully come about.
No question, it was going to take faith -- and a lot of it -- in order for the whole thing to work, and more importantly, keep going from generation to generation.
Yesterday, listening to Joel Osteen, he talked about his father who had a vision for the church; an idea that was looked upon with uneasiness, uncomfortableness, almost a sense of how in the world do you think that would work, are you crazy? kind of thing.
He wanted to create a church foundation based upon the unity factor of all people -- principles familiar to all, and a congregation brought together basically by the very idea of One Love. Call it evangelical; call it new wave and almost airy fairy, for in those days, nobody went outside the Baptist doors to worship with the Presbyterian; nobody came out of the synagogue doors to sit next to Lutheran; everyone stuck to their own house of worship, there own way of faith, there own God.
The melting pot of religion was just beginning to come to fruition, starting in mind, growing to a few hundred, and then finally coming into it's own -- as we see today -- a gargantuan stadium filled church with a congregation of thousands and a viewership on television exponentially building from the first day forward, reaching millions!
Osteen points out that nobody believed in what his father was selling back then; nobody could really see it taking off; nobody figured it was an idea that was going anywhere, let alone creating an entire industry on the mission of bringing God into every home, with all faiths coming together under the same roof, with all faiths melting into one love.
Nobody else could see it, but him -- and I guess to be only fair, and you, God.
And then it hit me; this is America.
We are the quintessential non-denominational church of believers, of revolutionaries, of realists, of dreamers, of thinkers, of doers, of makers -- under One Love, one nation -- under a God of many faiths under one roof.
This is America at it's best and most brilliant, and the way our founders intended.
I am reminded in this moment of one of the prevailing, leading messages under The Science of Mind, the Religious Science movement founded by Ernest Holmes decades ago -- the belief was that we are all humanity, walking around connected to each other through the magnificence of the Creator of all things, seen and unseen, according to faith, firm by our beliefs, and knowing we are each, individually and collectively, made in the image of God; the kicker, we may be all God in our make up, but we are not ALL that God Is.
I believe this very idea has the potential to bring a certain lightness of being for us all -- a settling down, if you will, for we are all connected to the Source; while in the meantime, as we move forward in our own personal creation process -- to bring forth blessings, to embody more and more of the nature of God and all that is Good into our daily life -- that this aspect of who we are as a nation, as a collection of spiritual beings having this human experience together -- might possible center us as a whole.
America is found within each one of us, yes; but far more important, was the intention back behind our foundation -- to bring our individual beliefs and faiths -- along with our inherent rights, privileges and duties too, with open and loving heart, together -- as a philosophy to live by for the country, for all the world to witness. By ourselves, we are limited, but together, bound by our common love, our belief to unite as a whole in all things, we grow -- miraculously -- into something better than we could have ever dreamed.
America was birthed from the missionary position in love and faith for all -- all people, all colors, all faiths -- but from One Birth, one idea -- an idea that was so wacky in it's day, we ended up starting an entire revolution over it; while we haven't really been quite the same since.
My hope is we fall back into this feeling of one faith, one birth, one country -- one big, fat non-denominational nation right quick; and be not ashamed; for only the evangelical nation that loves together, lives together in perfect peace and harmony from here to kingdom come, even when we are not so perfect, truly lives and outlasts in every way.
Amen to that, g
Monday, October 25, 2010
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Dear God,
What's happening to us?
Have we lost touch with so much, we're down to simply losing our minds?
Okay, here in my neck of the woods, you may have heard, we had a tragedy hit home -- make that, the neighborhood schoolhouse just down the street. Like a freak of nature, some guy swooped in on the unsuspecting innocence of a playground and just started shooting. Thank you, for the heads up, and protecting a couple of Carlsbad's finest from turning out to be nothing more than a couple of arm injuries...it could have been so much worse, as they say.
This morning's Sunday paper featured a front page commendation to the couple of construction workers, who happened to be on a job pouring concrete for remodeling at the school, when they heard screaming and shouting and came running to the rescue; it was entirely -- and I mean that in every sense of the word, through their heroic efforts, that an ungodly situation was brought abruptly to it's knees -- simply by their immediate, without thinking twice, in spite of the madman carrying a 357 magnum, as any good samaritan would do, action, that we can still breathe here. So thank you, Mario Contreras, Steven Kane, and Carlos Partida from RANDALL CONSTRUCTION, thank you, from the bottom of every heart in San Diego and beyond.
Now as for the freakazoid, Brendan Liam O'Rourke (41 years nutty), where do we begin? Now the U-T paper, knew exactly what to say about him, besides quoting the construction guys as having duly noted he sounded like a bonafide nut job; but, the U-T added color, by laying the foundation of controversy through extremism, tagging O'Rourke with the label "Christian", as that was just one of the words found scribbled on the walls of his homestead, an apartment in Oceanside.
Actually, the U-T said it this way, "He also had spray-painted the walls of his apartment 'with nonsensical writings' on it [per Lt. Kelly Cain, Carlsbad Police] ...some of the material indicated he was 'mad at State Farm and AIG'...one wall had the word 'Christian' emblazoned on it, while another had the word 'destroy'."
Okay, so we get it; he is a freaky Christian; where in the olden days this would be considered an oxymoron of character pinnings, topped off with a little heresy perhaps, is now just normal everyday secular fodder and child's play by way of name calling and character assassination.
huh. How did we get here? What is happening to us?
These are trying times; and in trying times our souls are tested; this is a test. Yes, people are desperate, lost and insecure about the future -- and that's before we get hip to the horrific economic forecasts that await us -- I dare say, that innate fear is from just being human (but that could just be me making much ado about nothing...maybe the deterioration of mankind, the loss of a spiritual connection in our daily world, and the overall depravity of living with honor and integrity doesn't bother you as it does me....).
BUT I CAN"T HELP but get unglued when I continue to feel like it's the CHRISTIANS of this world who are the only weird, extremist, heartless, fundamentalist, wacky, freaks walking around with guns and gas cans, wanting to wreak havoc on everyone because "Christians" are "angry"(referring to anti-Tea Party antics of late). Really?
What I would give to label the "Allah Akbar" Radical Islamic Fundamentalist Extremists as being equal and interchangeable to the everyday wayward and onward Christian soldier It must be the fear factor that tones down that kind of rhetoric -- I mean, look what happened to the guy who simply made a cartoon. Any derogatory or disparaging remarks must be subdued to no comment for fear of retaliation -- for real harm being done, just because you questioned the ideology and religion back behind the radical extremism acted upon without care. We would land in some kind of hot water if we connected the terrorizing around the world with an actual religion, no? And yet, mainstream media keeps their mouth shut, political correctness makes them mum.
But noooooooooooo, if you're a Christian, it's open season for taking pot shots, making massive generalizations, almost compounding every offence against the action, as an utter disgrace against Christianity in the micro, in the macro, in the general and in the moment...giving improper emphasis on the wrong thing, and basically sending the message that, there ya go again, you crazy people...you freaky Christians are at it again. (How about you all just put us Christians in a box and blow us up all at once and be done with it next time)
YOU freaks, if you're gonna take the time to connect the dots, you better do it across the board --
Who started this utter gut-wrenching garnishment of our respected heritage, and more importantly, just how do they -- all of them -- continue to get away with it? Where is the common sense, allowing for extremism to be found in every segment of the populace -- and without making excuses for it, outright dismiss it for what it really is, a freak occurrence?
But nooooooooooo, we don't get the immediate caveat, the exception to the rule, a show of resistance of the urge to label the freakazoid as just one in the same with the rest of 'em; we don't get that. If you are Islamic and act out, it doesn't count against the whole; if you are Hispanic and murder a farmer, it has nothing to do with every other Hispanic who shares your culture; if you are black and rob a liquor store, it does not mean all the rest of you like to hit up liquor stores, too. But somehow, when that Christian label gets thrown out there...yup, you and that freaky preacher down in Florida, the abortion doctor killer, the marchers on a fallen soldier's funeral (all really god awful things to do), all get locked, stocked and barreled into one sweet slug, aiming at the whole bunch of Christian looney-tune freaks.
Oh God, can you tell I needed to vent?
No, I know, I know. I'm listening.
I'm not going to do anything rash, heaven's to Betsy, God no; it's not like I'm going to retaliate and search out J. Harry Jones, at the U-T, and bust up his cubicle; I know, in my heart of hearts that that wouldn't be very nice or appropriate, and with one wrong move or rash to judgment, I might even be at risk to break a law or two, depending on if I attempt to do harm on someone in the process.
Unlike O'Rourke in every way, I know how to work through disgruntled feelings without acting upon them in horrific ways -- and especially upon women and children; perhaps my Christian upbringing helps me out here -- but even more, I sense it is my conscious effort to connect with my Christian God inside me, on a daily basis, in a humble manner, that keeps me sheltered, sane, and satiated, in order to save me from any attempt to even try to take on the world with my own two hands -- as humane that they may be.
The thing is, the more people try to play God, the more trouble we get into -- no matter which ideology we choose to worship and magnify or stand willing and able to blow people up for, yourself included.
I just can't help but notice, that's all; the sensitivity to a heritage we all grew up with is crumbling all around us.
I'm not saying we must all be Christians. Hardly.
What I am saying, is that we must be diligent in connecting all the dots -- and counter some of that growing natural inclination to connect, through no fault of their own of course, a public hellbent on ruining the Christian label, by making us all sound like freaks doing freaky things, all in the name of our God, and most likely scribbled on our wall in spray-paint in every home.
We must speak softly and carry a big stick (kinda looks like a cross to bear), holding tight to our truths and beliefs and character as we do; we are not the actions of this one man, O'Rourke, or of any other who acts out the demons wreaking havoc inside. Yes, he is a freak -- all on his own, his Christianity has nothing to do with his humanity making Christians look crazy... This is not who we are; and we must stand up to the onslaught of ridicule of reputation that now precedes us and get through this stronger than we were before.
Coming to a close here, I can't help but notice, how tolerance seems to work -- in mysterious ways -- for all of us.
Amen to that, G
Have we lost touch with so much, we're down to simply losing our minds?
Okay, here in my neck of the woods, you may have heard, we had a tragedy hit home -- make that, the neighborhood schoolhouse just down the street. Like a freak of nature, some guy swooped in on the unsuspecting innocence of a playground and just started shooting. Thank you, for the heads up, and protecting a couple of Carlsbad's finest from turning out to be nothing more than a couple of arm injuries...it could have been so much worse, as they say.
This morning's Sunday paper featured a front page commendation to the couple of construction workers, who happened to be on a job pouring concrete for remodeling at the school, when they heard screaming and shouting and came running to the rescue; it was entirely -- and I mean that in every sense of the word, through their heroic efforts, that an ungodly situation was brought abruptly to it's knees -- simply by their immediate, without thinking twice, in spite of the madman carrying a 357 magnum, as any good samaritan would do, action, that we can still breathe here. So thank you, Mario Contreras, Steven Kane, and Carlos Partida from RANDALL CONSTRUCTION, thank you, from the bottom of every heart in San Diego and beyond.
Now as for the freakazoid, Brendan Liam O'Rourke (41 years nutty), where do we begin? Now the U-T paper, knew exactly what to say about him, besides quoting the construction guys as having duly noted he sounded like a bonafide nut job; but, the U-T added color, by laying the foundation of controversy through extremism, tagging O'Rourke with the label "Christian", as that was just one of the words found scribbled on the walls of his homestead, an apartment in Oceanside.
Actually, the U-T said it this way, "He also had spray-painted the walls of his apartment 'with nonsensical writings' on it [per Lt. Kelly Cain, Carlsbad Police] ...some of the material indicated he was 'mad at State Farm and AIG'...one wall had the word 'Christian' emblazoned on it, while another had the word 'destroy'."
Okay, so we get it; he is a freaky Christian; where in the olden days this would be considered an oxymoron of character pinnings, topped off with a little heresy perhaps, is now just normal everyday secular fodder and child's play by way of name calling and character assassination.
huh. How did we get here? What is happening to us?
These are trying times; and in trying times our souls are tested; this is a test. Yes, people are desperate, lost and insecure about the future -- and that's before we get hip to the horrific economic forecasts that await us -- I dare say, that innate fear is from just being human (but that could just be me making much ado about nothing...maybe the deterioration of mankind, the loss of a spiritual connection in our daily world, and the overall depravity of living with honor and integrity doesn't bother you as it does me....).
BUT I CAN"T HELP but get unglued when I continue to feel like it's the CHRISTIANS of this world who are the only weird, extremist, heartless, fundamentalist, wacky, freaks walking around with guns and gas cans, wanting to wreak havoc on everyone because "Christians" are "angry"(referring to anti-Tea Party antics of late). Really?
What I would give to label the "Allah Akbar" Radical Islamic Fundamentalist Extremists as being equal and interchangeable to the everyday wayward and onward Christian soldier It must be the fear factor that tones down that kind of rhetoric -- I mean, look what happened to the guy who simply made a cartoon. Any derogatory or disparaging remarks must be subdued to no comment for fear of retaliation -- for real harm being done, just because you questioned the ideology and religion back behind the radical extremism acted upon without care. We would land in some kind of hot water if we connected the terrorizing around the world with an actual religion, no? And yet, mainstream media keeps their mouth shut, political correctness makes them mum.
But noooooooooooo, if you're a Christian, it's open season for taking pot shots, making massive generalizations, almost compounding every offence against the action, as an utter disgrace against Christianity in the micro, in the macro, in the general and in the moment...giving improper emphasis on the wrong thing, and basically sending the message that, there ya go again, you crazy people...you freaky Christians are at it again. (How about you all just put us Christians in a box and blow us up all at once and be done with it next time)
YOU freaks, if you're gonna take the time to connect the dots, you better do it across the board --
- does the reckless action of one Islamic suicide bomber, times square terrorist, airplane underwear bomber, crazy Army doctor, globetrotting hotel destroyer, make a mark against ALL Muslims, all followers of Islam?
- does the horrific action of one Mexican gang banger or drug cartel speak for all Hispanics, legal or not, making every barrio or casa de suburbia guilty without habeas corpus, blanketing every positive with a negative and given no opportunity for proper court appointed free defense?
- does the desperate action of one stupid African-American, whether in the projects, or the south side of Chicago, LA, Atlanta or Detroit, exemplify the greater good of the rest of the African-Americans who live honorably and responsibly with the rest of us everyday?
Who started this utter gut-wrenching garnishment of our respected heritage, and more importantly, just how do they -- all of them -- continue to get away with it? Where is the common sense, allowing for extremism to be found in every segment of the populace -- and without making excuses for it, outright dismiss it for what it really is, a freak occurrence?
But nooooooooooo, we don't get the immediate caveat, the exception to the rule, a show of resistance of the urge to label the freakazoid as just one in the same with the rest of 'em; we don't get that. If you are Islamic and act out, it doesn't count against the whole; if you are Hispanic and murder a farmer, it has nothing to do with every other Hispanic who shares your culture; if you are black and rob a liquor store, it does not mean all the rest of you like to hit up liquor stores, too. But somehow, when that Christian label gets thrown out there...yup, you and that freaky preacher down in Florida, the abortion doctor killer, the marchers on a fallen soldier's funeral (all really god awful things to do), all get locked, stocked and barreled into one sweet slug, aiming at the whole bunch of Christian looney-tune freaks.
Oh God, can you tell I needed to vent?
No, I know, I know. I'm listening.
I'm not going to do anything rash, heaven's to Betsy, God no; it's not like I'm going to retaliate and search out J. Harry Jones, at the U-T, and bust up his cubicle; I know, in my heart of hearts that that wouldn't be very nice or appropriate, and with one wrong move or rash to judgment, I might even be at risk to break a law or two, depending on if I attempt to do harm on someone in the process.
Unlike O'Rourke in every way, I know how to work through disgruntled feelings without acting upon them in horrific ways -- and especially upon women and children; perhaps my Christian upbringing helps me out here -- but even more, I sense it is my conscious effort to connect with my Christian God inside me, on a daily basis, in a humble manner, that keeps me sheltered, sane, and satiated, in order to save me from any attempt to even try to take on the world with my own two hands -- as humane that they may be.
The thing is, the more people try to play God, the more trouble we get into -- no matter which ideology we choose to worship and magnify or stand willing and able to blow people up for, yourself included.
I just can't help but notice, that's all; the sensitivity to a heritage we all grew up with is crumbling all around us.
I'm not saying we must all be Christians. Hardly.
What I am saying, is that we must be diligent in connecting all the dots -- and counter some of that growing natural inclination to connect, through no fault of their own of course, a public hellbent on ruining the Christian label, by making us all sound like freaks doing freaky things, all in the name of our God, and most likely scribbled on our wall in spray-paint in every home.
We must speak softly and carry a big stick (kinda looks like a cross to bear), holding tight to our truths and beliefs and character as we do; we are not the actions of this one man, O'Rourke, or of any other who acts out the demons wreaking havoc inside. Yes, he is a freak -- all on his own, his Christianity has nothing to do with his humanity making Christians look crazy... This is not who we are; and we must stand up to the onslaught of ridicule of reputation that now precedes us and get through this stronger than we were before.
Coming to a close here, I can't help but notice, how tolerance seems to work -- in mysterious ways -- for all of us.
Amen to that, G
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Dear God,
What Would Audrey Do?
...wasn't sure if it would turn out to be fifteen bucks well spent; I mean, for a fluff piece, of all things, what was I thinkin'?
Wrong again.
Of course, there was the whimsy with the play of words with a modern Christian acronym march right from the start -- but truth be told, I'm easy, it had me at wah (with the ballet pink typesetting coming in a close second); yet, to turn out to be better than I could ever imagine; only the iconic heights of an adoring actress -- combining the illusions of a princess at work, while masterfully veiling the real woman in mystery -- could match it.
What would the essence of All Good do -- whether on the big screen or comfortably at home, when nobody is watching.
Pamela Keogh weaves reality with fantasy, and spins a tale surrounding Audrey's life, as if we were lucky enough to be walking the streets of Paris, or New York, or Switzerland, or Hollywood right there along side her...oh my goodness, what?
what?
How can you dare ask such a thing?
Audrey who?
Seriously?
HEPBURN, my dear fools, HEPBURN.
The thing is, she is everything we imagined her to be, for real (oh goodness, I guess I should settle down a bit, as I'm only half way through).
Too excited for my own good, I have skipped ahead to a list elaborating the things she loves, which includes: her two sons (having children was her most important work), dark chocolate (ahead of her time, as usual, that with the basic little black dress), to laugh, dogs, winter, the color white...the occasional scotch ("J&B neat, no more than a finger, after 6:00 p.m.").
and to be fair, the things she hated: garlic (so sad, but won't hold that against her), red flowers, prejudice, unkindness, violent movies, thinking of the past, formal exercise (that ta girl!), talking about herself, small-minded people, watching her old movies...goodbyes.
Audrey was one of the very first who used her stardom to do good, and became widely known of her ambassadorship for UNICEF, and travelled the world, many times coach fare, bringing aid and humanitarian supplies to places we dare not go and coming home with a greater awareness and mission to teach the rest of us; more important, it was not that she did these things, but how.
She did so quietly, without notice for years for the most part -- unlike the star power and celebrity of today, making a near spectacle of themselves, jetting around the world to save the day. Audrey did it before it was vogue and had no personal interest to gain; her intentions were pure, it was always about being of service; it was always about addressing what can I give, how can I love my fellow human being more.
The thing is, she remarkably lived a life -- albeit far from perfect (you'll just have to spend fifteen bucks for more on that) -- but without question, a life well deserving of the title of the book in, What Would Audrey Do? For her ability to align with what Jesus would do seems to precede her, as if He paved the way for this beautiful creature to roam, to affect change, to let her light shine, to touch the hearts and minds of EVERYONE who was lucky enough to meet her, to illuminate the big screen with my fair lady along with a huge, humble, unwavering grace -- which to this day, is yet to be matched. And to use her stardom for good while smoking two packs of ciggie's a day! even...unheard of...she truly must have been half Audrey half Angel.
We can find Spirit working around us, through us, in many ways; sometimes, it comes in the form of cultural icons who have blessed us with their presence, who have distinctively left the world a better place from when they came (bearing in mind her childhood -- again, WWAD is calling your name, as I can't give it all away); Audrey is that Spirit incarnate.
My wish upon a star this peaceful Sunday morning, is that each of us will find our purpose under Heaven and do it, quietly, without expectation for attention or commendation, but just out of the goodness of our heart (like the good old days).
amen to that, G
...wasn't sure if it would turn out to be fifteen bucks well spent; I mean, for a fluff piece, of all things, what was I thinkin'?
Wrong again.
Of course, there was the whimsy with the play of words with a modern Christian acronym march right from the start -- but truth be told, I'm easy, it had me at wah (with the ballet pink typesetting coming in a close second); yet, to turn out to be better than I could ever imagine; only the iconic heights of an adoring actress -- combining the illusions of a princess at work, while masterfully veiling the real woman in mystery -- could match it.
What would the essence of All Good do -- whether on the big screen or comfortably at home, when nobody is watching.
Pamela Keogh weaves reality with fantasy, and spins a tale surrounding Audrey's life, as if we were lucky enough to be walking the streets of Paris, or New York, or Switzerland, or Hollywood right there along side her...oh my goodness, what?
what?
How can you dare ask such a thing?
Audrey who?
Seriously?
HEPBURN, my dear fools, HEPBURN.
The thing is, she is everything we imagined her to be, for real (oh goodness, I guess I should settle down a bit, as I'm only half way through).
Too excited for my own good, I have skipped ahead to a list elaborating the things she loves, which includes: her two sons (having children was her most important work), dark chocolate (ahead of her time, as usual, that with the basic little black dress), to laugh, dogs, winter, the color white...the occasional scotch ("J&B neat, no more than a finger, after 6:00 p.m.").
and to be fair, the things she hated: garlic (so sad, but won't hold that against her), red flowers, prejudice, unkindness, violent movies, thinking of the past, formal exercise (that ta girl!), talking about herself, small-minded people, watching her old movies...goodbyes.
Audrey was one of the very first who used her stardom to do good, and became widely known of her ambassadorship for UNICEF, and travelled the world, many times coach fare, bringing aid and humanitarian supplies to places we dare not go and coming home with a greater awareness and mission to teach the rest of us; more important, it was not that she did these things, but how.
She did so quietly, without notice for years for the most part -- unlike the star power and celebrity of today, making a near spectacle of themselves, jetting around the world to save the day. Audrey did it before it was vogue and had no personal interest to gain; her intentions were pure, it was always about being of service; it was always about addressing what can I give, how can I love my fellow human being more.
The thing is, she remarkably lived a life -- albeit far from perfect (you'll just have to spend fifteen bucks for more on that) -- but without question, a life well deserving of the title of the book in, What Would Audrey Do? For her ability to align with what Jesus would do seems to precede her, as if He paved the way for this beautiful creature to roam, to affect change, to let her light shine, to touch the hearts and minds of EVERYONE who was lucky enough to meet her, to illuminate the big screen with my fair lady along with a huge, humble, unwavering grace -- which to this day, is yet to be matched. And to use her stardom for good while smoking two packs of ciggie's a day! even...unheard of...she truly must have been half Audrey half Angel.
We can find Spirit working around us, through us, in many ways; sometimes, it comes in the form of cultural icons who have blessed us with their presence, who have distinctively left the world a better place from when they came (bearing in mind her childhood -- again, WWAD is calling your name, as I can't give it all away); Audrey is that Spirit incarnate.
My wish upon a star this peaceful Sunday morning, is that each of us will find our purpose under Heaven and do it, quietly, without expectation for attention or commendation, but just out of the goodness of our heart (like the good old days).
amen to that, G
Friday, October 1, 2010
Dear God,
I guess it's a start...
We have a lot to talk about, I know; and we will. Soon.
Until then, bless us one and all.
Amen.
We have a lot to talk about, I know; and we will. Soon.
Until then, bless us one and all.
Amen.
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