Last Call Worship

I'm not exactly a Carson Daly fan, since I have only seen two of his new shows that I can recall. However, the other night he had a couple of interesting things. First off I am glad he introduced me to another book discussing militarism which I would like to read. Secondly he showed this band's song Lean into the Fall-Mona. They recorded a live show Mona played at SXSW in Austin. At the show people were raising their hands, pumping fists, staring glossy-eyed, and generally really "into" the music.

If you have ever been to a show where you really loved the band, "that" particular song, were just awe-struck (not in the you-are-just-wanting-t0-get-with-the-lead-singer way) at the performance, you know what I'm talking about. I liked the song, but since I wasn't there, I wasn't "moved" to express myself in this way. In other words there wasn't an emotional height that I had reached to which my response was to move my arms or legs out of my normal set of motions (like walking or fiddling with my hair).

Anyway, I was watching these people dancing, jamming out, clapping and screaming in response to the music and whatever emotions and excitement it invoked. I sat wondering what the difference was with worship.

When people speak of worshiping God, the modern Christian will immediately jump to a list of ways that they like to worship. Common things are singing, praying and reading the Bible. Some would consider their tithe a way of worshiping God by means of obedience and commitment. Focusing on the music part, though traditional and contemporary music in the church buildings these days is obviously different than going to a concert, it's still music. In the same way, I would like to extend the parallel to the response to music (tapping feet, clapping hands, cheering, etc.) whether it is in a church or club is also worship.

You get what I'm trying to right? I'm saying that people, humans, whatever your beliefs are worship. I propose that worship is merely the natural, somewhat unconscious response to some sort of invocation. It is simply letting go and allowing SOMETHING to move through you. Whether you are a Christian and want to devote this worship to God, or you're another religion and devote it to God With A Different Name, or you're Hindu and call it Prana (life-force), or perhaps you are Obi-Wan and call it The Force, whatever.

Some people might agree that "worship" defined this way is mostly universal (let's account for exceptions), but will throw in that it does indeed matter "who" you're worshipping. I'm not so sure that this makes any sense at all. Coming from a Christian perspective, I "worship" God. I "put no Gods before God" as in I try my best not to worship idols.

A thought: if worshipping is "letting go" of one's self-consciousness and joining in a community of worship (whether others are physically present or not.. I believe you can worship "alone") then how COULD you be putting any other God before God. How can you even be directing your worship anywhere? To me, worshipping is the letting go... the giving up of restraining power... and submitting to the way in which the Spirit (or at the concert, the music) moves you. It is a conscious unconsciousness. Like returning to innocence. Just "being".

This experience if you are willing to attain it (whether at church, at a concert, a yoga session, etc.) is invigorating and life-giving, and I am thankful for it.

So see, yet another way that we as humans are the same, despite the words we use to describe our spirituality. I would be willing to bet that many of the "nonspiritual" people of the world have tapped a toe or caught themselves humming a tune at some point in time. I would be even more willing to bet that we were capable of physically expressing rhythm before we could verbal express much of anything.

Christ is Risen, but what does that mean?!

Easter. A singular event that changed the world in so many drastic ways. This is the day that represents to Christians that Jesus the Christ rose from the dead, proving that He was indeed the Son of God, though many did not believe it. Many still do not.

And why? Why is it that so many do not "believe" in Jesus? It's an easy answer, but difficult to admit.

Between the years that Christ rose from the dead and now, what has happened? Have people "who believed in Christ" slaughtered others who did not "in His Holy name"? Have others continued to live a life like Peter and reject Christ at the last minute? Do we continue to profess our love of Jesus Christ, but not do as he commands us and "love one another"? The answer is simple, sad, and "yes."

During the Good Friday services we repeat the words "Crucify Him! Crucify Him!" because we do not do as Christ told us to do and love our neighbors as ourselves. Though some of us "accept Him into our hearts" (as if He, all-powerful, needs permission?) we keep him locked in the jail of our hearts instead of spreading his unconditional love to others. The question I have is "why?"

Why after all these years have we not "gotten it"? Why after all these years do we continue to crucify Jesus instead of following him? According to Rob Bell's interpretation of Hebrew literature and culture, Jesus invited his disciples because he KNEW that they COULD FOLLOW HIM. A rabbi did not invite just any disciples to follow, he usually chose the best of the best. But this prophet chose normal everyday dudes, fishermen, laborers to follow him. He continues to invite ALL PEOPLE TO HIS TABLE regardless of your faith, socioeconomic status, gender identity, age, race, marital status, cognitive capabilities, physical limitations (you get it right? EVERYONE).

So if Jesus had so much faith in us- no, not faith, KNOWLEDGE- then why do we not have faith in ourselves to do as he commands? Do we not have faith in ourselves to love our neighbor as we love ourselves? Do we not have faith that we can restore the world to wholeness and peace with the love we have for others?

Is it that we do not have faith? Or is it that we wish to continue in sin. Is it like Peter, we follow Jesus "in our hearts" but when asked in the face of danger, ostracization, or even personal material loss, do we say "I do not know Him" and instead of suffering ourselves, continue to live, while Jesus takes the fall. We put Jesus back up on the cross with nails and he continues to bleed, because of our denial.

Here's where I become radical. Here's where I do not know how NOT to be confrontational. I do not want eat un-fair trade chocolate or drink un-fair trade coffee, because it denies love to our neighbors in the world. People suffer and die so that we can eat 20 pieces of 50 cent candy on "Easter" morning from a plastic egg. (Don't get me on the subject of how "Easter" and the egg is actually a pagan tradition that Christians continue, yet also continue to violently condemn modern-pagan followers. Most Americans have Scottish or Irish Blood in them, why don't you try researching your own heritage.)

I cannot buy un-fair trade clothing. Every time I browse the aisles in Target or the mall and look at the cute fashionable clothes, I look at the tag. Guatemala, China, Ecuador, Vietnam, India. We have all heard about how we outsource everything now, and that we should support our country's economy by using our buying power to by local, Texas or U.S. made items. The other reason would be NOT to support sweatshops where children are forced to work in horrifying conditions. The average American adult wouldn't have the balls to step into the disgusting and violent situations that young children are forced to work in, so that you can by tank tops at 3 for $20 (only to throw them away at the end of the summer). You don't even have to go very far to find the violence. On the U.S./Mexican borders factories exist where bus-loads of women disappear on the way to or from home/work, later to be found dumped, evidently molested then murdered or left for dead. If you don't believe me, research maquiladoras, or better yet go there yourself. You could drive to Mexico and back on a 3-day weekend. But gas is just so expensive, I need a break from my 9-5 to relax, and oh yeah, I might not make it out alive.

Let's check out technology. You know the iPhone is "only" 50 bucks now! Since when in this economy is $50 not a big deal?! You know why it's 50 bucks right? Because the parts are made overseas. It's the same story, over and over.

I mentioned in a blog before, the book Everyday Justice by Julie Clawson It's has lots of information and will force you to make decisions about your real life. It helps open my eyes and my heart, bridging my "spiritual life" with my "real life". Instead of matters of faith staying in the church, or only about Jesus, my faith now guides my spending habits. That's good because people would rather talk money than love. So the way I've pledged to love my neighbors is to use my buying power lovingly and faithfully. The way I refuse to put Jesus on the cross time and time again is to truly follow him as a disciple and LOVE MY NEIGHBOR as he commands. By doing so, I can keep Him walking, talking, and ministering to people through love, instead of ridiculing him and his message, beating and spitting on him, mocking him with a crown of thorns, and driving nails into his hands and feet. Instead I propose washing his feet in return, and washing the feet of others. Passing bread and wine to others. Refusing to participate in the violence and suffering by supporting legitimate and ethical businesses, even if it means I must "sacrifice" by doing without the latest and greatest all the time.

There are so many other things I want to do, that will show more love to my neighbors around the world. I pray that God continues to challenge and convict me, and fill me with love to carry to everyone in the world. I hope that anyone who reads this knows the love I have for them, for every creation is sacred and beautiful. Thank God for the story of Jesus and his unconditional love. Hope exists in the world today, if we truly love one another. Our world may be pretty screwed up and broken, but with hope we can change it. Be the change. Be the way. Love.

Holy Week...

As Holy Week approaches, or we approach it, I am getting a little sad. Not just because of Jesus dieing, but because Lent will be over. I know it will be a celebration. But it seems like I'll be going back to the same ol' same ol'. In someways I have. I hadn't been sleeping very well and was really tired at work, so I bought a bag of fair trade coffee, telling myself that I did pretty well for most of the season, so I could give myself a break. As long as I don't get into the habit (like everyday) of drinking it, then I think I've accomplished something. I'm still pretty bummed that I didn't make it the whole 40 days.

Same with facebook. I am excited to get back on facebook and share things, see what others are up to. At the same time I'm disappointed that I didn't refrain the entire time. I've realized some strengths and weaknesses. One thing that makes me want to be on facebook is my loneliness. Living alone sucks, I don't care what anybody says. I used to say that I was "good to go" as single gal, and I am for the most part. But I really do believe we are not meant to live alone. It'll be good to be back in a few loops.

I was successful at the graham crackers. There was the least amount of temptation with these though I was offered one just today! Covered with dark chocolate nonetheless.

I am well-aware that I could continue my fast past the 40 days, but I think I've reached some valuable conclusions. One, I'm broken. Just like the rest of the world, I think giving into the temptations thrown at you will show that. That's why I need the restorative hope of Jesus. Two, even though I didn't "succeed" I learned a lot about myself. I experienced God in many ways. God inspired me to change my life and viewpoints and challenged me. So, whatever the point of fasting was, it was good. It was good, indeed.

As we enter Holy Week may we remember how broken we are. How broken were the people who crucified Jesus. How broken they tried to make him, but failed. Even today, we regard him as our Savior, the perfect Son of God. Though they tried to break the belief in Him, they did not succeed because Hope and Love is inextinguishable. Hope and Love, gifts from God, everlasting.

40 days IS a long time!

Ok, I'm debating SERIOUSLY what to do. I keep running into this dilemma with facebook. Graham crackers have not tempted me at all, especially since I don't have them available at my new job. A kid today was eating them, and I did not steal the graham out of his cute little fingers out of a crazed-deprived episode. I'm good-to-go there.

Coffee. I actually did have a cup of coffee since I began. One cup. There was a reason for it, which I don't really care to spell out, but it was physiological. If you have ever been a coffee drinker (or cigarette smoker) you might get the hint.

Anyway, facebook! I keep running into news articles or videos I want to repost! I want to add organizations to my "Likes" to network. I have seen the difference that facebook has had in my networking. Though I can officially resist the mindless status updating/checking- I still feel like I need this as a networking tool. I'm debating on whether to complete the 40 days or not. I am pretty sure I can, but I wonder if I'm doing more harm than not? Being separated from my online community not only sucks, but I can't spread positive or provocative articles anymore (accept for my blog) and get feedback (apparently people try to post comments and can't; I don't know why). What to do, what to do.

Is the point of resisting for 40 days just reflection on why you wanted those things? If Jesus fasted for 40 actual days, I can't imagine fasting the way he did, eating like a scavenger. It's hard enough trying to only eat local and fair trade! If he fasted for "a long time" which is sometimes how the "40 days" is interpreted, then how long is long enough? Do you just have to reach some conclusions after careful introspection? If so... I've done that. I've seen when and where I fail- for what reasons. I've seen what affect my three items have/had in my life. I've seen how I just replace some of them with other things, and then how I've healed myself from certain attachments. I'm not OCD or anything, but I definitely get stuck on things. Instead of spending a bunch of time on facebook I've been reading more books and getting more involved with my community, which is great. However, I've alienated my online community which is important to me as well.

Here's something I'd like to share. It's a link to the Disciples website (the church I'm a member of). I really like the conviction of repairing the fragmented world that we live in. I'm convicted to do that, "called" if you will.

Also, if you'd like to help out Japan, check out Week of Compassion. That's who we give some of our offerings to. They have a cool booklist too!

Also x 2, here's another cool thing. It's like Tom's Shoes, but you can buy t-shirts and posters to help people who need help: Love Your Neighbor I bought a men's small.

I just finished reading Rob Bell's Love Wins. I will have to write a review! Let's just say for now though that I loved it. :)

Many blessings! Shalom <3