Vulnerability and Flaws

A few months ago, and then again this week, I found myself watching Brene Brown's TEDTalk on the Power of Vulnerability. In this talk, she discusses shame, vulnerability, and joy. 

Shame, she says, originates from the feeling of not being "enough"--not feeling worthy. Brown says that the people who did not feel shame, were the people who had " the courage to be imperfect." They were vulnerable with their flaws. They were authentic. "As a result of authenticity, they were willing to let go of who they thought they should be in order to be who they were, which you have to absolutely do for connection."

Our vulnerability increases connection with people. 

I think it's absolutely amazing how our flaws make us who we are in a sense...they make us authentic. (Yes, we live in a fallen world--and ultimately our flaws are the result of the Fall--but our flaws also make us unique and real). We so badly want to hide them away from everybody, but a majority of people would rather just see us be us than be a fake. So, laying them all out there is painful...and yes, it might mean that in some cases we are hurt, but having the courage to say "this is me, I'm imperfect, but I'm loved" is not only powerful in bringing more joy into our lives, but in connecting us to others as well.

Our flaws are just begging for these connections and for human relationship to come and fulfill whatever it is that we lack.

Recently, I fell in love with the absolutely beautiful song "Flaws" by Bastille. They sing of our flaws being necessary to be who we are as people. And the need for connection...for someone to come fill the hole that a flaw has left. Check it out, because I think that the song portrays a certain openness and authenticity that "digging up" and being vulnerable with our flaws can bring.

Strong & Courageous?

Yesterday, one of my favorites--Bianca Olthoff--tweeted "God didn't tell Joshua to be 'safe and comfortable' or 'mediocre and average.' He said to be STRONG and COURAGEOUS. Just like we should be." To which a follower responded "Joshua's job was to wage war to capture a foreign land. How does 'strong and courageous' apply to a dull life of TPS reports?"

But, really, how? I think his question is valid. Let's be honest, the majority of us are not leading soldiers into battle. A majority of us aren't facing danger everyday. So how are we to be strong and courageous in the mundane?

This question, when it's boiled down, plagues us in every day life. How are we to do anything great or radical for God when our life is so average? (*brief connected segue*) We see this same question when we ask how we are to live on mission. In the same way we ask "I'm just an ordinary person living an ordinary life, how do I live as a missionary for God" we think and question how we can be courageous and strong when we're ordinary. But the thing is, God calls the ordinary. He uses the ordinary. He uses the monotony of life. (*Ends all talk of missional living in this post*)

God has called us--everyday, ordinary people--to be STRONG and COURAGEOUS. Every day when we make the decision to stand up for what's right, to push back against the temptation to sin, to take a stand in the spiritual battle that's being waged all around us, to show love to those that are difficult to love, we are being strong and courageous.  

Strength and courage don't only belong to people on the battlefield. Or in high danger jobs. We can be strong and courageous in the monotony of life. Ultimately, strength and courage don't really depend on where we are or what we do occupationally, but rather Who we follow.  So then, be strong and courageous in whatever and wherever.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9b)."

Brennan Manning Quote

Missional Christianity: The "New Legalism?"

I recently ran across an article posing the question: "Has radical Christianity become the newest form of legalism?" I didn't read the article right away, but instead let the question roll around in my mind for a few days and thought on it. Here's what I've decided:

Legalism can be explained in an easy equation, which states that "Jesus + Something=Nothing." When we add anything to Jesus/the Gospel and believe that it--no matter how good "it" is--will make us more meritorious in God's sight, we've entered into a legalistic mindset. So, yes, when focusing on "being uncomfortable for the sake of the gospel" becomes the "endgame" and attempts to take the place of the gospel, then it has become legalistic.

BUT simply focusing on missional living and questioning if I'm too comfortable where I am does not signify legalism.

After skimming the article, I understand the point the writer is attempting to make. He believes that when churches focus on missional, radical living "ordinary people" are shamed by not living extraordinary lives.

The writer makes generalizations, though, assuming that by encouraging believers--specifically millenial believers--to live on mission end up shaming thems. Being shamed, young Christians no longer want to work in ordinary jobs and do ordinary things with their life, and feel bad if they go about life this way. While, unfortunately, there are probably a handful of churches that participate in this type of shaming, I don't believe that this is the majority of missional churches.

These missional churches are not force-feeding the idea to their people that they all need to give up all of their belongings, move to a third-world country, and sleep on a hard floor. The idea of missional living is simple...no matter where we are or what we’re doing, where we’re at is a mission field. We have the opportunity to build intentional relationships with co-workers, classmates, acquaintances, etc. And, to me, the idea of Radical Christianity (as I’ve read about it)*** means that we are offering our full lives to God and saying “Do as You please.”

For some, the radical living and living in step with the Spirit will mean moving to a third-world country. While for others, it might mean loosening the grip on material possession and self-focus to, instead, spend time building relationships with the single mother down the street.

The missional, radical way of living is a way that I hope and pray I live out my daily life...not because I believe it raises me any higher in God’s sight, but because I want to make His name known to all that I encounter.

***I will be the first to admit that I have not completely read all of David Platt's Radical, which this idea is based off of. I am basing this off of other reading I've done on the idea of Radical Christianity through blog posts, articles, and other books.

To My Mother

Growing up, I don't think I could have been any different than my mom. We didn't really "get" each other for a long time. I was quiet and shy about my opinion. Mom was assertive and strong. People never really told me that I looked like my mom or acted like her.

Later on in high school my mom became one of my best friends. And I started to understand her more. And I think she started to understand me more too. Once I started working at the church, I started seeing my mom in action and picked-up different things about her. For the first time, after I started really coming into my work role there, people started to tell me that I was like my mom--in the way I looked and talked and in the way I did certain things. She didn't understand why I thought this was the coolest thing ever. 

But it was. 

My mom is a great leader, she's funny, she's creative, she's smart, she's a good wife, a great mother, an awesome friend. And most importantly, a strong woman of God. That's why I get a big smile on my face when people tell me that I remind them of my mother. One day, I hope to be a good mother, just like her. 

Happy mother's day mommy, I love you.

Sports & Life: Why I Couldn't Be Prouder of Michigan Basketball

I'm a sports person. I've been raised this way, and I truly believe it's in my veins. Heck, I'm from Indiana, from the get-go it was basically predetermined that I would especially love basketball. Add on top of that the fact that my dad is a basketball coach, yeah, it's in my blood.

There is something so great about sports--especially college sports. Sports, in general, are such great opportunities for character growth and maturation. Dad said it best after one of his games: "We play sports because they are a microcosm of life." And it's true. Sports grow us. Teamwork. Work ethic. Integrity. Loyalty. Perseverance. Character. Anybody who plays a sport has the opportunity to grow in these areas and more.

Watching Michigan basketball this season was one of my favorite sports moments ever. Ok, ok...pretty big "moment," but seeing those guys--some younger than me, some older--start out so strong, grow, and then finish strong was amazing. I truly believe sports are one of God's greatest gifts. 

So in college sports, you'll see kids act like kids. They'll be selfish. They'll taunt, smack-talk, jerk-off. They'll make foolish choices and big mistakes. But in brief moments--ranging from a few seconds, a few minutes, maybe even a majority of the game--we catch glimmers of who the athlete is growing to be and what's to come.

That's why when Michigan lost in the National championship game on Monday, April the 8th, I cried, was upset, but was also prouder than ever of "my" boys, and probably couldn't be any prouder had they won. Sure, we lost by six, but building up to that final game, the national audience saw the guys work like a team. Play unselfishly. When Trey had an off game, Spike or Nik stepped-up. When we needed the charge, Jordan got it. When we needed someone to get us a couple points on the board, Karis stepped up. And when we needed that clutch three, Trey got it. Seeing the excitement and hard-work of the guys and coaching staff excited me. Seeing how the guys surpassed everyone's expectations thrilled and made proud. That's why, although sad and disappointed, I couldn't be prouder. And why I"m proud to be a Michigan Wolverine--win or lose.

Hail yeah!

(A great blog post by senior Wolverine Josh Bartlestein)

Christianese Part 2

God has a plan for this (trial, situation, etc.). This sentiment is Biblical and can be found in Romans 8. I don't think that this is "inappropriate" to say, but I  personally believe that this quote and similar variations are thrown around way too often and have become cliched. 

A lot of times, I think we don't know what to say to comfort somebody during a difficult time and this is what comes out of our mouths first. But sometimes, it seems as if we're saying "Well, you're going through this problem, but just remember, it's not a huge deal because God will work it out to His glory in the end." Yes, it's true that God will work the situation out for his glory in the end, but when we just leave it at that, we come off as insensitive (even if it's unintentional). 

Several months ago, I was watching one of my favorite shows, Parenthood. Kristina was battling a severe case of breast cancer. Adam--her husband--came into the house angrily exclaiming that the neighbors had the audacity to say this to him. When an unbeliever hears this, they (generally) shut down. Unbelievers don't understand that God has come to redeem this world and that he will come to restore it. They don't understand that the trials we go through are light and momentary compared to the eternal weight of glory (2 Corinthians 4). If they don't believe in God, why would they believe that he would work out a sad situation for his glory? In this type of situation, maybe it's best to just show that, as a friend, you're there. You're willing to help out with physical needs, and if the opportunity presents itself, you can then share the gospel.

Maybe no matter who the person is--Christian or unbeliever--it's best to remind them of this, but also remind them that it's okay to grieve and lament. Point them to Psalms of lament. Remind them of God's goodness. But for goodness sake  don't just end your sympathies at "God has a plan for this." 

(Please do not think that I believe this passage has become cliched, I just believe that the way we throw it around has become cliched)