The Great Awakening....Jim Wallis

Reconnection

A few weeks ago God began dealing with me about renaming this new work "reconnection".

I identified with the name immediately but as God directs me in my times of prayer and meditation I am coming to understand the fullness of what God had in mind.

Life's troubles come mainly from being disconnected. When we are in a state of disconnect with God, ourselves, and others it affects the quality of our life.

To be disconnected from God is the true definition of Sin and/or Hell.
Sin is being separated from God. Whether you believe in a literal Hell or not if you do not know the true peace and joy of the presence of God and being connected to Him, you are living a very empty and hellish life.

We were created to dwell in this kind of place, to be aware on a deep level of the presence and essence of God. This is the Secret place and the eternal that scripture speaks. This is Heaven. It is available now....it a limited sense but available never the less. Not limited in it's availability but limited by our inability to appreciate and avail ourselves of it.

I am often quoted as saying that Life is relationships. Because the quality of our lives is dependent on the quality of our relationships. We were created to be relational. The primary relationship is with God. I have already discussed that in the former paragraphs of this post. However this is why spirituality and faith is important. You cannot deny this part of your humanness without consequences. Not consequences from God, but a self-inflicted Hell(there is that world again). I keep using the term Hell because I think it is important to understand that hell is not flames and pitchforks, but rather a state of separation and disconnect.

Secondary relationship is with self. We don't think of this as a relationship, but it is. You can only love others as much as you love yourself. If you relationship with yourself is not strong neither will your relationships be with others. I spent many years denying who I was. I didn't not want to admit that I was a gay man so I lived a life of being what others wanted me to be. I did not do this as a conscious choice but never the less the results were the same. When I came to the place of connecting with myself, I had no idea who I was. I spent a couple of years getting to know myself. This was both exciting and scary. Many times we take on roles and labels and we lose connection of who we are. In order to live a healthy connected life we must live an authentic life....this means living from our heart and our truth. God accepts you, it is time that you do too.

Thirdly, relationships with others. Jesus speaks about how we can measure our connection with others. It is this, how we treat the least. How we treat our enemies. Of course you will love those who love you. But what about how you react to those who have mistreated you or to those who offer you nothing in exchange. This is challenging. But to be connected and healthy in life, we must live out a Love Walk and walk out forgiveness.

Forgiveness can be hard. recently I had to forgive somebody who had done a terrible thing to me. Something I thought I could not forgive. If I shared with you their crime you would probably tell me I was justified in what I felt toward them. However I knew in my heart, my feelings towards them was doing spiritual damage to my heart and soul. I came to understand that God commanding forgiveness had more to do with me than the one I was forgiving. By forgiving I was trusting God with them, and allowing myself to move forward and no longer remaining stuck or allowing unforgiveness to continue to eat at my spirit like some kind of cancer.

I first forgave during prayer, i simply told God I was forgiving this person but I needed His help. It wasn't easy and sometimes I would have those negative feelings rise up and I would have to say to myself....no I have released that and I have moved on. To forgive doesn't mean you are justifying or excusing someone's behavior. You are simply releasing it and allowing God to deal with them in His mercy and Grace. Only God can change a person.

I eventually ran into this person. Normally I made sure I wasn't where they were. I said to God, what do I do? God said you simply walk out what you have already done in spirit. So I acted on my forgiveness. It wasn't easy but God's grace was there,and today I can honestly say I have moved on.

I will not let somebody else's sin become a hindrance to my life and peace. It is too high a price to pay.

The quality of your life is measured by the quality of your relationships.....with God, yourself and others.....are any of these relationships disconnected.....well it is time to reconnect....it is too costly to live disconnected.

Immigration Reform

Today in my office I learned of a family where a dad is being threatened with being deported and separated from his wife and children who are citizens. Our immigration policy is in major need of reform. You would never know we are a nation of Immigrants.

I found this group and post on Sojourners website and thought I would share it : http://www.sojo.net/index.cfm?action=action.ccir&item=CCIR_statement

Christians for Comprehensive Immigration Reform

Joint Statement of Principles with Signatories

(as of August 24, 2007)

Christians for Comprehensive Immigration Reform represents a coalition of Christian organizations, churches, and leaders, from across the theological and political spectrum, united in support of comprehensive immigration reform. Despite our differences on other issues, we are working together to see comprehensive immigration reform enacted this year because we share a set of common moral and theological principles that compel us to love and care for the stranger among us. These principles include the following:

* We believe that all people, regardless of national origin, are made in the “image of God” and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect (Genesis 1:26-27, 9:6).
* We believe there is an undeniable biblical responsibility to love and show compassion for the stranger among us (Deuteronomy 10:18-19, Leviticus 19:33-34, Matthew 25:31-46).
* We believe that immigrants are our neighbors, both literally and figuratively, and we are to love our neighbors as ourselves and show mercy to neighbors in need (Leviticus 19:18, Mark 12:31, Luke 10:25-37).
* We believe in the rule of law, but we also believe that we are to oppose unjust laws and systems that harm and oppress people made in God’s image, especially the vulnerable (Isaiah 10:1-4, Jeremiah 7:1-7, Acts 5:29, Romans 13:1-7).

The current U.S. immigration system is broken and now is the time for a fair and compassionate solution. We think it is entirely possible to protect our borders while establishing a viable, humane, and realistic immigration system, one that is consistent with our American values and increases national security while protecting the livelihood of Americans. The biblical principles above call us to support comprehensive immigration reform legislation that includes the following elements:

* Border enforcement and protection initiatives that are consistent with humanitarian values while allowing the authorities to enforce the law and implement American immigration policy;
* Reforms in our family-based immigration system that reduce the waiting time for separated families to be safely reunited and maintain the constitutionally guaranteed rights of birthright citizenship and the ability of immigrants to earn naturalization;
* An opportunity for all immigrant workers and their families already in the U.S. to come out of the shadows and pursue the option of an earned path towards permanent legal status and citizenship upon satisfaction of specific criteria;
* A viable guest worker program that creates legal avenues for workers and their families to enter our country and work in a safe, legal, and orderly manner with their rights and due process fully protected, and provides an option for workers to maintain legal status independent of an employer sponsor; and
* A framework to examine and ascertain solutions to the root causes of migration, such as economic disparities between sending and receiving nations.

Immigration reform that incorporates these elements, rejects anti-immigrant measures, and strengthens our American values will enrich the vitality of America and advance the common good. We stand together in calling upon President Bush and Congress to seek humane and holistic immigration reform within this legislative year.

Hope over Fear

In these times we see the power of Hope Trump Fear. Religion and Politics of the past has been fueled by fear. However, times are changing. The human heart and spirit is hungry for a message of Hope. An optimistic message that the future still holds promise. It holds more than Hell and Terror. Fear paralyzes is used to manipulate and and control. Hope empowers,motivates and invites participation.

Faith gives substance, and a place to what is hoped for. (Hebrews 11:1)

The Church as the expression of Faith in Christ cannot be the source of fear. The Gospel is a message of Hope and expectation. For too long some Christian leaders have monopolized the airwaves with a message of fear, negativity and narrow focus on just a few agenda items. Where has the hope been. There is a movement, which I believe is propelled by the Spirit of God and the Human heart. A calling forth for Hope and a better future. This is the Christian message.

I am supporting the more progressive and hopeful candidate for President, however more importantly I am looking to the future with faith and hope in Christ and His message. I will continue to pray for our nation and world but more importantly I will also put feet to my prayers and get out, roll up my sleeves and be part of the answer in obedient action......hope in action becomes the change we hunger for and we live in a world that is hungry......

Rom 15:13|Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Let the Lord's Prayer be ours.......

Let America be the dream the dreamers dreamed –
Let it be that great strong land of love

Where never kings connive nor tyrants scheme -
That any man be crushed by one above.

– “Let America Be America Again” by Langston Hughes (1902 – 1967)

Our Loving Father
Who dwells in Heavenly places
Your Just Rule Come,Your Good Purposes be done
here in this world in which we live
Let your Generous Supply flow to us today
Forgive us our wrongs as we forgive all others theirs
Strengthen us in our weakness, rescue us out of trouble
For it is your Kingdom, Power and Glory which IS......
Amen

During this time of crisis, and importance in our country, I humbly ask God to speak to the hearts of this people and lead us by His purpose and Will which is Good and Just and is the only solutions to the troubles of this land and world......

Calling of Hope

There is a lot of talk about hope and change in this political season. I personally do not believe it is only in politics. Humankind is crying out for change. All over the world there is a knowing in the hearts of people that there needs to be change.

I believe God has heard that cry.In fact I believe that God has placed that cry and hunger for something better in our hearts.

What is faith...it is giving substance (or making room) for hope...Hebrews 11:1.Our Faith is acting on hope to give substance to the will and goodness of God.It compels us to pray, it motivates us to act, it creates an environment for God's goodness to manifest.

Today I was reading in Eph. 1:18 where the Apostle Paul says, "I pray also that you may know the hope to which he has called you...."Hope is from God and the Gospel of God's goodness and generosity is something we have been called to share in and with..to offer to a world that is calling out for change........

The world's problems will not be solved politically, but there is cause for hope (earnest expectation) and it is found in Christ.

So in these challenging times, when things look bleak and dark....the hope that we have in God will shine forth in our message, actions and lives. After all it is our calling to offer hope to a world that is looking.......

What is Radical Inclusivity?

12 Steps to Radical Inclusivity


A Model for Recovery from Oppressive and Exclusive Theologies and Religions

ONE
Radical Inclusivity is and must be radical.
Inclusivity, with love for all of God’s creation, challenges major fundamental, deep-seated Christian beliefs, doctrines and theologies at the center of society which characterize people who do not fit the definition of the acceptable social norm as enemies of God and routinely mistreats, oppresses and excludes people from the community of faith and its institutions.

TWO
Radical Inclusivity, recognizes, values, loves and celebrates people on the margin.
Jesus was himself from the edge of society with a ministry to those who were considered least. Jesus’ public ministry and associations were primarily with the poor, weak, outcast, foreigners and prostitutes.

THREE
Radical Inclusivity recognizes harm done in the name of God.
Many people rejected by the Church got their burns from Bible believing Christian flame-throwers. Contempt for the Church and all things religious often stems from exposure to oppressive theology, self-serving biblical literalism and unyielding tradition. It is neither Christ-like nor spiritual to be oppressive. No human being is born with a destiny to be oppressed or to oppress others.

FOUR
Radical Inclusivity is intentional and creates ministry on the margin.
“On Purpose” because of the radically inclusive love of Jesus Christ. The inclusive community deliberately makes a conscious and unapologetic decision to love and celebrate the Creator’s diversity welcoming all persons regardless to race, color, ancestry, age, gender and sexual or affectional orientation. Radical Inclusivity practices and celebrates the Christian community outside of the dominant culture believing that the Kingdom (Kindom) of God includes the margin of society and is a perfect place for ministry. Marginalized people, now as in the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry, respond to a community of openness and extravagant grace, where other people from the edge gather. Such an atmosphere welcomes people to feel it is safer to be who they are.

FIVE
The primary goal of Radical Inclusivity is not to imitate or change the mainline church, but rather to be Church.
The Church belongs to God and is the Body of Jesus Christ. It is not the sole property of any denomination, person or group. There are systemic wrongs in organized church due to oppressive theology, bibliolatry and traditional beliefs, which prevent freedom for all people that we can never fully right. Radical inclusivity however, is ministry rooted in restoration believing that God has given the church the work and ministry of reconciliation. It is for freedom that Christ has made us free (Gal. 5:1). Although, radical inclusivity believes and celebrates the kinship and fellowship of all believers of Jesus Christ it is does not seek to change the mainline church but it uses its power of love to model and demonstrate the radically inclusive love of Jesus Christ.

SIX
Radical Inclusivity requires a new way of seeing and a new way of being.
“…from this day forward, we regard no one from a strictly human point of view, not even Jesus.” (II Cor. 5:16) This scripture passage implies that we can celebrate one another in some new and powerful way in Christian community - some way that both accepts who each of us is in a human sense and transcends our humanity allowing us to see each other as God sees us. Christian community can truly be celebrated when we realize the Church is a spiritual, mystical, faith community and we relate best when we make the two-foot drop from head to heart.

SEVEN
Radical Inclusivity requires awareness, information and understanding.
The creation of Christian community among people marginalized by the Church requires that the community be prepared and maintain a presence of cultural familiarity through education and training which equips the community to understand, actively fight and overcome oppressive and exclusive theology and practices. Sustaining and eventually celebrating community on the margin requires the Church to re-examine sexual and relational ethics, develop a theology of welcome and de-stigmatize its view of any group of people.

EIGHT
Radical Inclusivity does not hide and works to undo shame and fear.
The radically inclusive ministry of Jesus does not encourage people to hide their ‘unacceptable’ realities (based upon the dominant culture’ point of view or faith) in order to be embraced. True community comes when marginalized people take back the right to fully “be.” People must celebrate not in spite of who they are, but because of who their Creator has made them. In order for marginalized people to have community they must develop community “naked” with their “marginality” in full view while often celebrating the very thing that separates them from the dominant culture.

NINE
Radical Inclusivity recognizes diversity on the margin.
People live and are located on the various margins of society for many different reasons. Most people live on the margin because the dominant culture and/or faith communities have forced them outside their boundaries to a margin. Not all marginalized people are poor, uneducated or visible. Because many marginalized people are together on the margin does not mean that each affirms the other or that their common marginality will hold the community together. People on the margins are challenged to find the inter-connectedness of their marginalities.

TEN
Radical Inclusivity must be linked to preaching and teaching.
The creation of Christian community among people marginalized by the Church requires preaching and teaching that defines and strengthens the essence of the community through a theology of radical inclusivity. Preaching and teaching clarifies, reinforces and supports the collective theology of the community and gives voice to its emergence and evolution.

ELEVEN
Radical Inclusivity demands hospitality.
Marginalized people experience hospitality where they have neither to defend nor to deny their place or their humanness. Henri Nouwen, author of Reaching Out, says, “Hospitality…means primarily the creation of a free space where the stranger can enter and become a friend instead of an enemy. Hospitality is not to change people, but to offer them space where change can take place. It is not bring men and women over to our side, but to offer freedom not disturbed by a dividing line. It is not to lead our neighbor into a corner where there are no alternatives left, but to open a wide spectrum of options for choice and commitment. It is not a method of making our God and our way into the criteria of happiness, but the opening of an opportunity to others to find their God and their way. Hospitality is not a subtle invitation to adopt the life style of the host, but the gift of chance for the guest to find his/her own.”

TWELVE
Radical Inclusivity is best sustained and celebrated when everyone in the community is responsible and accountable.
Sustaining Christian community requires an intentional effort to design a framework that includes everyone in the life of the Church. The dissemination of duties and chores insure that all members share in and contribute to the welfare of the community. It is often difficult for people who have not had continuity in life to understand that freedom without responsibility and accountability is as detrimental as slavery. Freedom cannot be an end unto itself. Freedom from something must flow into freedom to be something else or it is not truly freedom. The object of getting free is being fee: the object of being free is living free.

Posted from http://www.radicallyinclusive.com/

blind leading the blind......

Today I was listening to a "Christian" radio station because I had done an interview with them with my work yesterday and wanted to listen to how it came out. When I tuned in there was a "Christian" (quotes are due to the fact that what I heard misrepresents Christ.)broadcast that was speaking about the proposed amendment on the Florida Ballot that would constitutionally use the constitution to take rights away from any citizen that does not conform to the "Christian" view of marriage. I was astounded by what was said by comparing equality laws to Hitler, and other gross misrepresentations. How is it that the status Quo of Christianity has become so fear based and will resort to outright lies in order to push their agenda. It amazes me that they claim there is a "Gay Agenda" when I haven't seen or even heard of even one GLBT proposal to limit or take away any body's rights.

The present condition for what passes as the church today is very disappointing and misrepresents the person and Spirit of Christ. The present day church needs to repent and return to the Gospel of Love and leave behind the lies and fear it now preaches.

It is sad to see that this False gospel that was begun by a few "Christian Right" leaders has now become the message of the church. If only they were as dedicated against poverty. If only churches would put up signs saying vote yes against poverty.However when you lose sight of the true message of Christ, and you begin being an instrument of persecution you become like those religious leaders in Christ's day who he said would uprooted, because when the blind lead the blind they both fall into the ditch.

I do pray for my blind brothers and sisters and the church at large, that God would grant them repentance ( to see the right away anew, and go after it). So we can truly see the Will of God done on this earth and his Kingdom come. It will not happen through the republican party or any political party. It will only happen as men and women of faith submit and live the teachings of Christ and reach out with the Good News to all, without precondition and with inclusiveness.

We are on the edge of a new Great Awakening.Never has this country been so polarized. It is time for us to stand for Justice for all.....no exception, no exclusions, equality for all.....isn't that what America should stand for?

Part of my post was borrowed from VoteAgainst2.com

( I also included a youtube vid for you from the NAACP on this issue:

Concerning Amendment 2 I have been reading a lot of justification for discrimination, and use of the constitution to limit and/or deny rights to a particular people. Which I find not only to be unchristian but also very bad citizenship.The Constitution should only be used for equality and to protect rights.

I wish the people would put as much emphasis on defeating poverty, or helping Dar fur, or with other actual mis justices in the world. If two gay people in love threatens the church or your marriage, your faith and marriage must be very fragile.

There are already laws on the books that deny gays marriage in Florida. This kind of amendment only makes Floridians look prejudice and bigoted. My faith and God is bigger than this. I do not live the religion of fear that seems to drive the Christian right these days. When did we allow fear to hijack our Christian Faith.

Here are some reasons why I voted NO on Amendment 2:

* It contributes to the ostracism and stigmatization of the gay community.
* It throws the legal rights and protections of all unmarried couples in jeopardy.
* It shamelessly exploits religious faith as a political tool and a divisive weapon.
* It ignores the lessons learned from the civil rights movement.
* It allows government intrusion into our personal lives.

It throws the legal rights and protections of all unmarried couples in jeopardy.

Many counties in Florida offer domestic partnership rights and benefits to unmarried couples, both straight and gay. Many government employees, including some who work for public universties, receive the same. These benefits include sharing health care plans and hospital visitation rights.
This amendment puts these rights and benefits in danger because of the ambiguous language of the amendment. Here's the truth: nobody knows for sure what will happen to domestic partnerships if this amendment passes. Yes2Marriage, the group backing the amendment, is trying to say that domestic partnership benefits aren't at risk. They're lying

It contributes to the ostracism and stigmatization of the gay community.

One of the defining characteristics of humanity is the love we have to offer. The passage of this amendment is tantamount to a statement saying that the love between two gay people isn't valid or worthy of recognition, and that's not just wrong -- it's dehumanizing. The love all of us have to offer to each other is precious and beautiful, and while it's okay to have a debate about gay rights, it is cruel and utterly repugnant to try to delegitimize that love.
In short: you question someone's love, you question someone's humanity. And when you question someone's humanity, it becomes a lot easier to justify ostracizing, stigmatizing, harassing, and threatening them. The people of Florida should not be in the business of enabling, even unintentionally, bullies and tormenters.

It shamelessly exploits religious faith as a political tool and a divisive weapon.

Yes2Marriage has been targeting Christians to rally support for the amendment. They quote scripturein political ads, they offer sample sermons on their website, and until recently, The exploitation of something as sacred and personal as faith for political gain at the expense of the entire gay community is reprehensible.
This does nothing to advance the message of compassion and love in the Bible. Instead, this needlessly divides people, advances the unfair and inaccurate stereotype that all Christians are intolerant and bigoted, and pushes people further away from Christianity and God.

It ignores the lessons learned from the civil rights movement.

We've been here before. Dire warnings about marriage being under attack and the foundation of society being assaulted. A group of people being accused of undermining traditional values. The denial of equal treatment for that group of people. And the systematic mockery, harassment, and dehumanization of them that takes generations to even begin to reverse.
The legacy of the black civil rights movement in this country did not end with Brown v. Board of Education, the erasure of Jim Crow laws, or our society's gradual shift away from racism. The lesson of the movement was "never again to anyone," not just "never again to a particular race." We do a disservice to the memory of those who fought bravely for equality and dignity if we aren't able to do the same today.

It allows government intrusion into our personal lives.

Why would we allow the government to dictate who two consenting adults can love and how they choose to express that love? Is that really a precedent we want to set?

Up and Out (Part Two) "Practical Ways to live out this faith"

In my last posting it sounded as if you might could save the world single handedly. However Jesus taught that we would do greater works than these. In other words alone we are limited in our impact but together we can accomplish great things for God.

But what does this radical faith look like? Well first let me say that God always meets you were you are. God is a God who takes the least and the small things to do great things.

One of my favorite quotes :

" Do what you can and know that this is enough. You don't have to save the planet. You just have to think mindfully,love deeply and live authentically."

If you live this kind of simplicity what to do, becomes clear. The Love of Christ inside you will guide you into action.

It may be a simple word of encouragement. It may be affirming someone who ordinarily would be invisible. It may be taking the time to connect in a real way with someone who needs their life touched. It may be being the supply to a physical need of food, clothing or shelter. Miracles are sometimes come in ordinary moments and are performed by simple actions. The miracle is defined by the life it touches, you may not even know you just performed one. But the life you touched saw the hands of God, the words you spoke were heard as the voice of God.

Up and Out

God is calling us Up and Out! This is a phrase that I have heard in my heart for a few months now. When the Lord gives me a sermon this is how it usually happens. Just a word or phrase keeps coming up in my heart and then it begins to develop.

What do I mean "God is calling us Up and Out?"

Well first off God is calling us up....up from where?

Up from where we have been. It may be up from despair, depression or hopelessness. It may be up from a religion that has left us thirsty for more. It may be up from an empty life with a sense of being lost with no direction. You fill in the blank of where you are or have been.

God desires to give us a new vision or cause a paradigm change.

To grant us a desire to rise from where we have been and up to a higher way of thinking. The way that God thinks.

That we may look at those around us through God's eyes and heart.

When we have been granted this vision it then becomes practically impossible to stay down where we were.

We then rise in authentic faith and then we begin to reach out.

Authentic Faith compels one to reach out. Empowered with God's heart and Spirit, one is propelled into action to set things right ( to bring Justice) and lift up your voice and share the good news which translates into action and demonstration.

What action? Well that depends on what is the need?

Jesus invaded this world with a message of love and hope.

There was none invisible to Him.

He knew no outcast.

He saw none untouchable.

He lived each moment to its fullest potential.

He impacted even the least with his most.

This is the radical call of faith that God is calling us to.

This is the call of Up and Out.

Up from past limitations, fears and definitions, Up from doubt and untruths we have believed!

Out from indifference, prejudice and divisiveness.

Out from exclusivity, conformity to a radical, loving, authentic faith and spirituality.

A Faith that impacts this world with the Good News of Hope and Love that brings real change and makes a difference.

The message that everybody matters and that for each one there is a better way and Life. It is found in the person of Jesus Christ. Not in simply believing a creed, or joining a church or religion. But in living outside of self. By living in Christ. Allowing His Life, Spirit to live in you, empower you to maximize each moment of your life for others. To be empowered you with His purpose which allows you to discover and use your talents and gifts for a higher purpose. To make a difference in the lives of those you touch.

Coming Tommorow..(PART Two) Up and Out "Practical ways of living this faith"

New Ministry Direction- Reconnection

The Lord has been dealing with me about the ministry he has called me to. The name God has put on my heart is called "Reconnection". The calling isnt new but the mission has been redefined or better defined.

Reconnection Ministry is about reconnecting those with God who have been told they are on the "outside".

It is about reconnecting the people of faith with the true Gospel "Good News" of Christ.

This gospel is more than a creed to believe or a teaching to learn, but it is a way to live life. This way of living is about "justice" setting things right through the demonstration of God's love.

It is about reconnecting with an authentic faith that is real and makes a difference here and now.

It is about a all-inclusive love that reaches out to all.

Join me in prayer as God begins to direct and open doors for this ministry.....God is calling a people up and out! Up from where they have been and out to a powerful authentic faith and life.

This is a first step for me to answer this call....I need your prayers!

Thanks and God Bless,
Rev. Mike Davis

Never have it all figured out

We are talking about God. What wonder is it that you do not understand? If you do understand, then it is not God.

- St. Augustine

God is much bigger than what we think, know or believe .....but that is the good news is that God is bigger than our limited idea of who God is or how big our problems are.....

God is Love not Fear

We're afraid to leave things in God's hands because we don't know what He'll do with them. We're afraid He'll lose our file. If we're going to set any goal, let us set the goal of being healed of the belief that God is fear instead of love.

—Excerpted from A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles

Peace Begins with One Person (repost from beliefnet)

Peace Begins with One Person

To one person, it's a cup of coffee; to another, it's a gesture of goodwill.

I serve coffee at a counter-style diner in Texas. I often see a look of isolation in my customers' eyes. They come in the front door, wander to the counter, pick up the menu and look around the diner for something they can't short-order: a connection.

In an age of online chat, online shopping and even online school, it's no wonder people come into the diner starving for human connection. Most of my customers can remember a time when the milkman came to their front door. As I serve up their eggs and bacon, they offer updates on their grandchildren. They ask me about the happenings in my life.

One day, I walked back to the smoking section to pass around a fresh pot of coffee. There was a woman who had been sitting in a corner booth for at least three hours. She asked me, "How much is just one breakfast taco?" I told her I didn't know, that I'd never served just one by itself. Going back to the kitchen I thought about her rotted teeth and tired eyes, and how she'd consumed enough caffeine for three people already. I offered her a free pancake breakfast. I fibbed that it was a leftover from an order I had messed up. She asked to borrow bus fare and promised to return and pay me back. I handed over tip money from my apron pocket. She smiled a ragged grin on her way out the front door.

Three weeks later she returned my two dollars. She had gotten a job and a friend's couch to sleep on. She offered to buy me breakfast on my break!

This kind of thing gets me wondering if something as simple as a short stack of pancakes can bring about a small shift in society. I'll go even further: Can one act of friendliness start to generate peace? I believe it can. Peace begins with one person but spreads like warmed syrup. When I connect with my neighbors, they return it in kind.

So I believe in friendliness and an open ear. For me, it starts with making eye contact when I pour coffee and ask my customers, "How you doing?" and then listen to their answer. My job is to take care of customers at the counter in a small Texas diner, but I also believe we're in this world to take care of each other.

Peace Begins with One Person" by Ivory Harlow. Copyright © 2006 by Ivory Harlow.

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Opening Doors

I was like most Evangelical Christians most of my life. I had my beliefs and statement of faith all memorized. I lived this way for 36 years. There was only one problem. To live this faith I had to deny to myself who I really was. I had to wear a mask and pretend I was someone else. For most of those 36 years it worked, I almost completely believed it myself. However one particular day the cards that built my life came tumbling down. I could no longer deny how unhealthy this kind of living was.

This realization however brought about another huge problem. Everything I had been taught, everything I had believed would leave me shut out from the God I loved. This caused anger, frustration and depression. At one point someone very close to me ask me, " I thought after you came out as a gay man you would be happy, why aren't you happy?"

Well for me opening the door and accepting myself as a gay man, then meant I would have to deny myself as a pastor or even Christian. I mean didn't God shut that door on me and give me no choice? I am very happy to say nothing was further from the truth. God's presence was there throughout this roller coaster of a journey. The same as I could not deny who I was sexually, I also could not deny who I am spiritually. God did not allow me to remain shut in the prison of false beliefs.


The point of me sharing this is that sometimes what we think is right can shut us or others out from the very things God has promised or provided for our lives. In the past year I have still had my understanding challenged. God has continued to expand my understanding of who I am and what he has called me to do. God puts no limits on our potential, but many times we close those doors ourselves. I pray that you would look into your own life and see if there are any mindsets that have closed doors to you or others. God sent his Son to set the prisoner free....and many times we are that prisoner.

Be open to The Spirit of Truth....He will lead us into Truth.

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Thats so gay..........

I recently read an article which dealt with this phrase. Working with young people like I do I hear this phrase a lot. "Gay" has become a slang negative world which is used without mush thought. I thought I would share this article:

Do you ever find yourself using the phrase "that's so gay" when you want to put something down?

I have to admit that I do. But I am a hypocrite because I bristle when people I deem jerks say it.

The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) would rather none of us tossed the term around in a negative way, and they've launched a campaign against anti-gay language to get us to stop. Well, actually, the campaign is aimed at teens, but perhaps we adults should pay attention, too.

GLSEN makes its point in a new PSA that finds Hilary Duff urging two girls not to use the word gay to put things down.

The girls are shopping when one asks the other if she likes the top she is trying on, and the other girl responds, "It's so gay" with disdain.

Hilary observes the exchange and steps in to tell the girls it isn't cool.

It isn't. But it sure is common for people to use the word gay in a pejorative way, and gay can mean all sorts of negative things like lame and stupid. One of my friends noticed that her nephews were using the word a lot this summer, mostly when referring to things they thought were gross.

So how did the word gay, which at one time simply meant happy and carefree, grow to encompass the many meanings it has today? According to Wikipedia, the meaning of the word took on sexual connotations in the late 17th century, and by the mid-20th century gay was used in reference to homosexuality. Gay—as in "that's so gay"—first came into use as a pejorative in the 1970s. It seems like everyone uses it that way today.

Of course, lots of words have different meanings, and some might argue that at this point the word is so commonly used that it isn't a direct insult to gay people. But as a gay person—even a gay person who uses the term when he knows he shouldn't—you can't help but feel a negative association when someone you know isn't cool with gay people uses it. It's like a sneaky little insult, a way of putting gay people down indirectly by labeling things you don't like as gay.

Do you think we need to be more careful about how we use the word gay?

Before you answer, ponder this: The launch of GLSEN's campaign against anti-gay language coincides with the release of the organization's 2007 National School Climate Survey, which found that nearly nine in ten LGBT teens have been verbally harassed in the past school year and almost half of the kids have been physically harassed because of their sexual orientation.

Now check out the PSA and share your thoughts.

Posted by Carter Todd on October 9, 2008

State of our faith

With the recent financial crisis and the intense political climate that seems to be going in a bad direction one can not help to think long and hard about where am I in all of this.

I try to keep politics out of my blog as far as publicly endorsing anyone, however it has been difficult. I have been amazed at what lengths someone will go to gain the power of a particular office.

But looking at both of these topics (financial crisis, Election)I have come to terms with an ugly truth about myself. I have focused too much faith in both our dollar and politics. It doesn't take much observation to realize that no party or political figure is going to be the answer to either of these problems. So what is the answer? Should one remove themselves from the political process? Should one move into the wilderness and live off the land?

No, not at all! We must simply put our faith in something much more worthy of our faith." We are in this world but not of it" is a common phrase but what does this mean. My faith and source of hope, peace and supply is in God. My faith is in the generosity of God.

So what am I doing:

1.) I am supporting the candidate who is putting people first...the poor, elderly, young soldiers, and many more....."the least of these"

2.) I am committed to praying for all of our leaders...that God would grant them a new vision and mindset..to put their priorities in order, and seek to really make a difference and not simply hold to the status Quo.

3.) I am committed to looking to God as my supply and source as he brings me opportunities to both minister to my family and others around.

4.) I am committed to bringing "Good News" of God to those around me which is not only about the afterlife but is also Hope for this life.....Now!

5.) I am committed to sharing all that God has blessed me with.

God is my leader, and my economy, and my hope for now and the future!

Powerful Prayer

I am so frustrated with all of the anger and hate that the national election is about these days. So I decided to simply post a powerful prayer today:

Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.

- Francis of Assisi

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Resting In God

There is a rest that remains for the people of God. There is a strength and peace that can be found in the presence of God.

In the early years of ministry I traveled around with a fellow young minister Nathan. We were "evangelist" and where young enough to think we would make a major difference in the world. We were a team where ever we ministered. If Nathan was speaking I would simply help him anyway I could and he would do likewise. We always arrived at the church we were speaking at early so we could find a place to pray and prepare for ministry. One particular night we were driving home from a powerful night of ministry and Nathan said, "Mike I want to ask you something". I said, "sure, what is it?" He said, "I noticed when you pray you seem to go immediately into the spirit. (simply meaning in pentecostal terms, that I was not distracted and seemed unhindered in speaking to God.) He went on to ask, "How do you do that?" I paused, and thought for a moment because I have never really given it much thought. I replied, " The truth is when I close my eyes in prayer, I know that I am immediately in the presence of God." I have always had a real sense of God's presence with us now.

Understanding and living in the reality of God's present presence is a powerful spiritual practice. One that has been called "practicing the presence of God." This is what I mean by centering, getting focused. For me this is the purpose of meditation. It is uniting with and in God. This is a work of the Holy Spirit. You are never alone and you are never separate or alone. Christ came to reveal God's desire to live among and within us and He went on to teach that he would send the Holy Spirit to be that ever-present companion, helper and bringer of comfort.

So there is a source a well from which we can draw the peace, joy, and strength we need in this life. It is found in God. When you pause and meditate on the reality of God's presence in our lives we are then able to draw from his presence the grace (gifts) necessary for our lives and ministry. It is God's pleasure to meet us there and supply us what we need. Trust and rest in God's goodness and generosity.

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Getting refocused

Personally I have been going through a season of redirection or refocusing. It is easy sometimes to get distracted or fall into old patterns. When I look around at the mess this world has gotten into it makes one look at their own life and mission. In this political season it is also easy to look for an person who is the embodiment of solution. This is not possible. The answer does not lay in a man or a political party.


It is easy to begin to live from reaction, however I have had to recenter myself and live from the peace that passes all understanding.
I have had to surrender to the goodness of God and put my faith in this goodness and know that although there are challenges both individually and globally there is also a strength and source that is unchanging and secure. My faith is in God's goodness and generosity as I move forward rising above my own limitations and negative thinking.

Giving Voice

In this political season it is easy to get caught up in personalities, after all America is a celebrity crazed nation. However during the campaigns, the debates and all the rhetoric what is really being said. There are many slogans and catchy phrases. Lipstick and pigs...etc......but what about the issues.......or more importantly what about the people?

Its the economy stupid!....no its the poor, callused! Leaders are supposed to give voice to those who have no voice...the poor, oppressed......but who is talking for the hungry? Who is speaking for the millions of orphaned kids with aids? Who is lifting their voices for the woman who have no rights or the GLBT people who are killed because eit is illegal to be themselves in their country.

Who is asking these questions? Who is setting the agenda for the least of these? Are stocks of more value than human life? Is gas prices of higher priority than thousands of kids dying daily? If you listen to the cries of most Americans it would seem so........

What do you say? For who are you speaking?

Major Disconnect

How is it that most Americans do not know their neighbors?

How is it that we live in in isolation from many needs of the invisible in our society?

How is it that city governments can punish and fine ministries that feed and house the homeless?

How is it that a prosperous nation can ignore genocide of over 800,000 people ?

How is it that a homeless man can die in an ER after being ignored for over 36 hours?

The answer is disconnection.

The opposite of love is not hate but indifference.

-Elie Wiesel

Jesus came a lived a life of connecting. Why is it that people who normally were considered outcast by society, felt they could approach him. The lady with the flow of blood, the lepers, prostitutes. These people risked their very lives to reach out to him. Each time Jesus not only connected in powerful ways but he also commended their faith.

Jesus goes on to say that this is how people will know us, because of our love in action. Does this mean that we as followers of Christ should be about connections with others. Yes!!!! We should be building bridges and relationship with everybody our life touches. My neighbor is a part of me and I am part of them.

How are we doing? Jesus said the measure to use is how do you treat the Least? Is there any cause, group or person who you purposely put out of your mind, ignore, or choose to not involve yourself with. This is indifference...and it is the opposite of Love.....ouch

New Look...Inclusive message

The blog has a new look. The message has not changed and although my ministry has been primarily to GLBT Christians, I feel God is calling me to be more inclusive in my message to use language that includes everybody. My sexuality does not exclude me from God's love, grace or ministry and neither does yours whether you call yourself gay or straight.

This blog will still have many post and links to issues and topics that are very important to GLBT Christians, however much of what is here applies to everybody. So if you Love Christ and are living out a relationship in Him and love everybody and are tired of religion that seeks to exclude others and misrepresent God and his message, you have a spiritual home here....welcome!

The Shack

I had a friend recommend this book to me and she loaned me a copy today....All I can say is WOW!!!! I want to buy everybody a copy.

I was very touched by it and find it to be no surprise that there is a lot of talk about it. I found a lot of people challenging it, and was also surprised with who agreed with me about it being a very inspiring story. It is not often I and CBN agree......should I be scared?

I thought it was very thought provoking to challenge how we view God and will definitely open some doors for good conversations about God and faith. I highly recommend it!

William P. Young does a superb job in revealing God as non-gender by first introducing God as a African-American female (my favorite form God takes in the book) and later God reveals himself as an older male. However God makes it clear to Mack "he" is neither male nor female.

The book also goes to great lengths to explain the trinity but actually the major message of the book is about God's goodness and love for all of his creation.

It is hard to remember this book is a fiction because it goes into such theological detail and/or causes us to go deeper or challenge our understanding of God. Personally I believe this book causes a very healthy engagement of the mind and heart.

I encourage you to get a copy and enjoy!







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