The staff have left.
Well actually they left about two weeks ago...
Thus begins a long update so please bear with me. :) Agape week was the last week I left off on and the focus was just that, God's agape (or unconditional) love for us.
In 1 John 3:19 it says;
"We love because He first loved us."
God first loved us! How incredible is that? Agape week was full of realization for me, and the message of unconditional love was definitely needed at that point in the trip. As in any long trip people tend to get frustrated or short with each other, quarrels tend to break out over little things, feelings are hurt, the focus upon God is lost because we are caught up in petty human differences (yes I'm very guilty of this).
But the importance of understanding unconditional love is that it allows us to overlook the flaws of others and to continue to live in peace with our brothers and sisters in Christ. It also helps us appreciate our brothers and sisters more. I'm sure that everyone has known, at some point in their lives, someone who was very conditionally loving; for some it has been fathers who love based upon performance, for others a friend who always hopes to gain something off time spent with you, perhaps it is a dating relationship where love is given only if you please the other.
This world is full of conditional love.
And you see that in today's media and society standards, right? On this reality show everyone is in only if it will profit them (the Bachelor/Double Shot at Love come to mind offhand), or even Paris Hilton's "My New BFF" where friendship is based upon who does the most for Paris. There are plenty of examples, but here is the difference we see in Christ...
In Mark 10:45 Jesus says;
"For even the Son of Man came not to be serve but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
That just blew my mind.
Jesus himself, though God in the flesh did not come to have people wait upon him like the Lords and royalty of the time. He had all the power of heaven with Him and yet He humbled himself, and not just humbled himself but laid down His life for the people who had wronged Him. He laid down his life!
I have a hard time many days forgiving those that I do love, much less those who I perceive to have done wrong to me (even though more often than not I am a part of the problem) and yet Jesus loved each and every one of us enough to die for us, so that we might experience eternal glory.
That is unconditional.
It is the example that all should strive to follow as well.
See the more I find out about the character of Jesus Christ the more I see what a radical guy he was, not just then, but even in today's American society.
For example Matthew 5:43-47;
“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that." (NLT)
Love your enemies? Who does that?
Christ did.
So throughout Agape week we focused on encouraging each and loving each other despite flaws we might see.
After Agape week was a week called Answering the Call.
In Mark 8:34 Jesus says;
"And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."
Throughout the week we were challenged to accept every invitation issued by fellow project members to go out and share our faith.
Throughout the week I had the privilege to see 8 new brothers accept Christ into their lives, it is really amazing how when you answer the challenge, despite how you personally feel that day, God blesses the willingness to further His Kingdom. :)
That is what Jesus meant when he said 'deny himself'.
So many Christians in this country today buy into 'vanilla ice cream Christianity', yes we believe in God, yes we may know the facts and the figures, but do we really truly follow?
Christ makes it explicitly clear in Mark that if anyone would follow him, he must deny his own selfish/complacent desires, and actually pick up his own cross.
Well what does that mean to me?
Is it stepping outside my comfort zone to share my faith with someone? Is it giving up a summer to work and chill with my friends to pursue deepening my relationship with Him? Is it giving up a dream for a future that I know will not be glorifying to Him but will only be comfortable to me?
What does picking up the cross look like to you?
This was extremely convicting to me throughout the Answer the Call week. I realized that, yes, I have given my life to Christ, but would I be willing to follow Him anywhere He might lead? Or am I just going to paste the label of 'Christian' upon myself and live a comfortable life in the United States of America, where I do not have to do anything but put my life in 'cruise control' get a typical career, settle down with a family, and not have to pursue the lost in any way shape or form.
That of course lead to another convicting realization; what are my priorities?
Is God in fact my number one priority, and through Him blessings will come? Or am I focusing on doing things in my life first, before I fully give up control?
The disciples of Christ gave up their careers and their families of the time, simply because Jesus said; 'Come and I will make you fishers of men.'
These disciples did not stop there however, each and every one of them (except for John) died a martyrs death for Him!
Hebrews 11:32-40;
"And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground.
These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect."
And yet in America today Christians are too afraid to not fit in, or to be laughed at...
Really?
We are in the midst of Feeding the Faith week right now so more updates will come promptly.
I will leave you with one verse of encouragement that I have kept close to my heart this last week and a half or so.
1 Peter 4:12-16,19:
"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.
Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good."
Hope this message finds you well and blessed!
Your Brother in Christ,
Josh
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
World Vision, Agape Week, End of Beach Week and Updates
Hey all,
Much has happened since the last post and I apologize for the gap and the lack of consistency with the update. Let me start with our World Vision week.
World Vision week came hard on the heels of Unity (All for One) week. The focus was obviously upon missions and the desperate need of many countries to hear the gospel of Christ.
In Luke chapter 10 it says;
"After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves."
To illustrate this we had what is called an "International Dinner".
The project was divided up into different groups and everyone met at the church's gym for the dinner.
I happened to be a part of China's group and so beforehand our group met and went over the ground rules.
We were to speak in whispers
If people from other countries came to China
we could only talk if they initiated conversations
(and we could only answer in 5 words or less).
We could not leave the "country" or area we were sitting
until we had been given solid food (in this case the food was chicken).
After the rules had been made plain to us we went to the location for dinner. There was an area for the Chinese group comprised of a couple blankets on the floor surrounded by folding chairs that formed a perimeter. We all started filtering in to our area and it soon became clear that this space was going to be very cramped. And it was.
There were about 20 of us jammed into a small space. We couldn't really see over the chairs so we really had no idea of what was going on in the outside world.
We were fed rice and water...and that was it.
Oh, and anything that had crosses on it was taken from us. That's right, our cross necklaces, bibles and such were taken. and if we happened to be wearing a shirt that sported one we were told to turn it inside out.
The other "countries" trickled in and went to their respective areas, but the icing on the cake was when America arrived. They were announced with flourish and grandeur and were seated at a table atop the stage that was set up in the gym. They were served incredible dishes, and by served I mean waited on hand and foot. Their drinks were barely 3/4 of the way gone before there was a fresh refill, their plates of hot chicken never emptied.
Other nations looked like they were having an alright time, but I know me and my fellow Chinese were a bit ticked off about the situation we were in as opposed to the lucky Americans.
After awhile other project members started to move about the gym to see what the other countries were up to. Well, all except for our Chinese group. A couple were let out at a time and only for reasons that the "government" approved.
The experience continued for about an hour and a half and I must confess I was getting a bit ticked off by the whole situation. I was cramped, and hungry for real food, and tired of sitting on the ground.
However at the end of the dinner we were all called together for a debrief and given pizza.
As our stomachs were being filled up the illustration was explained by the staff to us.
The chicken in the dinner represented the gospel, and people were only freed from their countries after hearing the gospel (after which they were sent to share with other people). Hence the rule stating we couldn't leave until we were given chicken.
Romans 10:12-15 states;
For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
America is blessed in all sorts of ways. We live in a free nation of plenty, never knowing want or desperation (or at least not nearly on the scale of many of the world's countries). We have the freedom to share our faith without restriction.
And yet we are comfortable. We hesitate to go forth and share the gospel with other nations. It took the Americans maybe a half hour- 45 minutes to leave the country and to go and share what they had with others.
Put that on a life scale and you will find that American Christians who are comfortable are very afraid of leaving our country. How long will it take us to reach out to the world?
The Chinese on the other hand were persecuted. The government continually tried to suppress our identification with Christ, they would take away any piece of the gospel being passed around and punish those who were found with it.
Similar to the situation in modern China today.
The government is the face of this country, but the people have no voice. The Chinese church is persecuted, yet it grows. By about 2010 however China will be the leading, though unofficial, Christian nation in the world.
We also found out after the dinner that there was a group of about 30 project members who were not even in the gym for the event but rather in the hot stifling attic of the SHAK (our meeting place).
This group represented the lost of the world. They couldn't eat, they couldn't talk, and they couldn't be freed until they had been found. You would think that thirty project members missing from the dinner would have caused concern, but this group was not found until about an hour and a half into the exercise.
The reality is that this world is full of people who have yet to hear the good news of the Kingdom of God and it is our duty as disciples of Christ to find them.
For this I'll echo Romans again:
"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15And how can they preach unless they are sent?
The seriousness of this reality really moved in many project members' hearts that night including mine. I could not picture living this life and never hearing this good news; that there is a God and that He loves us and will never let us down, even though this world will do so all the time.
Now we have started Agape week and for those that do not know, what Agape refers to is unconditional love. In this case God's unconditional love for us as humans. It is who He is, it is His essence.
But more on Agape week later.
As you read this next bit I would ask that you take this to heart and pray for our Project and the safety of its members in the next 5 weeks.
The first 5 weeks of this Project have seen the initiation, duration and the end of what is referred to as "beach week" in North Myrtle. Essentially what beach week is is week after week of freshly graduated seniors driving down to North Myrtle to spend a week on the beach partying and living for whatever pleases them.
As I mentioned in an earlier blog this often ends up in vandalism, drug use, rampant sex and in some cases rape of young women among other things...
Our complex is located right in the middle of the party area, and that is not an accident. Christ Himself said that:
"It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." -Mark 2:17
And so often once again Christians in this country find themselves locked in the comfort zone of their church bubble.
In the last two weeks we have seen a fight pretty much every night. In one instance a car of four guys pulled up and started beating on an intoxicated student. They all had brass knuckles and even though he couldn't defend himself and passed out they continued to beat him until the sirens sounded close then hopped in their car and drove off leaving this student with a broken jaw lying unconscious on the ground.
This happened a house down from us.
One of our project members was on the phone with some family the other night by himself and was assailed and mugged by drunken partiers right on the back lot of our property.
A knife/tazer/ club brawl between several guys almost broke out about two weeks ago fortunately the police were right on top of it resulting in a massive scatter of 50 students that had gathered to watch.
And most recently tonight our next door neighbors left abruptly because the girls in the house had woken up to guys punching through their windows and threatening them with a gun. And even as I sit here on our porch the police continue to send patrols up and down our block.
These are some of the examples of the ugliness of life that these high schoolers experience when they come down here looking for the "best week of their lives". This is where the gospel is needed most.
Many of these students have not heard. They really feel that there is no reason to live other than just pure experience. They have no conscience about doing these things because they have not been given a reason to. We live in a society that promotes living your life the way you want. "Live for the here and now. No regrets. No consequences." Well the reality is that there are consequences.
You can choose to get wasted every night and deal with the consequence of a run in with the police, or impregnating a girl you've never met (or getting pregnant for the ladies) or even something as simple as waking up with a hangover and letting that steal half a day or more from you.
You can choose to have sex with anyone you want...but you'd better believe that it only takes one time to receive an STD.
You can choose to conform to society's expectations and "live it up" and end up dealing with the consequence of realizing that you are empty and broken because of it in the end.
Everything has a consequence.
Down here many students have been faced with the choice of choosing a life lived for Christ or a life lived for the world.
And the choice to turn away has a consequence too.
This is not saying that this is the only chance they will ever have to receive Christ into their lives. Fortunately for me, my God doesn't give up. He continually pursues us, but ultimately in the end the choice is ours.
Kind of a random tangent to go on but I felt the need to reflect.
On a more uplifting note:
God's faithfulness has spoken volumes to me lately.
He has answered the prayer for my support to be raised, providing all $1,450 two full days before the deadline.
He has shown his faithfulness in empowering this project to witness to the hundreds of students that have been down there for we have seen more than 50 students trust their lives to Christ and over 2,500 more have been able to hear the gospel.
Praise Him!
I would like to leave you with two verses of encouragement for this update.
First is 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
"Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."
and 2 Corinthians 4:5-6
"For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ."
Most humbly in Him,
Josh
Much has happened since the last post and I apologize for the gap and the lack of consistency with the update. Let me start with our World Vision week.
World Vision week came hard on the heels of Unity (All for One) week. The focus was obviously upon missions and the desperate need of many countries to hear the gospel of Christ.
In Luke chapter 10 it says;
"After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves."
To illustrate this we had what is called an "International Dinner".
The project was divided up into different groups and everyone met at the church's gym for the dinner.
I happened to be a part of China's group and so beforehand our group met and went over the ground rules.
We were to speak in whispers
If people from other countries came to China
we could only talk if they initiated conversations
(and we could only answer in 5 words or less).
We could not leave the "country" or area we were sitting
until we had been given solid food (in this case the food was chicken).
After the rules had been made plain to us we went to the location for dinner. There was an area for the Chinese group comprised of a couple blankets on the floor surrounded by folding chairs that formed a perimeter. We all started filtering in to our area and it soon became clear that this space was going to be very cramped. And it was.
There were about 20 of us jammed into a small space. We couldn't really see over the chairs so we really had no idea of what was going on in the outside world.
We were fed rice and water...and that was it.
Oh, and anything that had crosses on it was taken from us. That's right, our cross necklaces, bibles and such were taken. and if we happened to be wearing a shirt that sported one we were told to turn it inside out.
The other "countries" trickled in and went to their respective areas, but the icing on the cake was when America arrived. They were announced with flourish and grandeur and were seated at a table atop the stage that was set up in the gym. They were served incredible dishes, and by served I mean waited on hand and foot. Their drinks were barely 3/4 of the way gone before there was a fresh refill, their plates of hot chicken never emptied.
Other nations looked like they were having an alright time, but I know me and my fellow Chinese were a bit ticked off about the situation we were in as opposed to the lucky Americans.
After awhile other project members started to move about the gym to see what the other countries were up to. Well, all except for our Chinese group. A couple were let out at a time and only for reasons that the "government" approved.
The experience continued for about an hour and a half and I must confess I was getting a bit ticked off by the whole situation. I was cramped, and hungry for real food, and tired of sitting on the ground.
However at the end of the dinner we were all called together for a debrief and given pizza.
As our stomachs were being filled up the illustration was explained by the staff to us.
The chicken in the dinner represented the gospel, and people were only freed from their countries after hearing the gospel (after which they were sent to share with other people). Hence the rule stating we couldn't leave until we were given chicken.
Romans 10:12-15 states;
For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
America is blessed in all sorts of ways. We live in a free nation of plenty, never knowing want or desperation (or at least not nearly on the scale of many of the world's countries). We have the freedom to share our faith without restriction.
And yet we are comfortable. We hesitate to go forth and share the gospel with other nations. It took the Americans maybe a half hour- 45 minutes to leave the country and to go and share what they had with others.
Put that on a life scale and you will find that American Christians who are comfortable are very afraid of leaving our country. How long will it take us to reach out to the world?
The Chinese on the other hand were persecuted. The government continually tried to suppress our identification with Christ, they would take away any piece of the gospel being passed around and punish those who were found with it.
Similar to the situation in modern China today.
The government is the face of this country, but the people have no voice. The Chinese church is persecuted, yet it grows. By about 2010 however China will be the leading, though unofficial, Christian nation in the world.
We also found out after the dinner that there was a group of about 30 project members who were not even in the gym for the event but rather in the hot stifling attic of the SHAK (our meeting place).
This group represented the lost of the world. They couldn't eat, they couldn't talk, and they couldn't be freed until they had been found. You would think that thirty project members missing from the dinner would have caused concern, but this group was not found until about an hour and a half into the exercise.
The reality is that this world is full of people who have yet to hear the good news of the Kingdom of God and it is our duty as disciples of Christ to find them.
For this I'll echo Romans again:
"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15And how can they preach unless they are sent?
The seriousness of this reality really moved in many project members' hearts that night including mine. I could not picture living this life and never hearing this good news; that there is a God and that He loves us and will never let us down, even though this world will do so all the time.
Now we have started Agape week and for those that do not know, what Agape refers to is unconditional love. In this case God's unconditional love for us as humans. It is who He is, it is His essence.
But more on Agape week later.
As you read this next bit I would ask that you take this to heart and pray for our Project and the safety of its members in the next 5 weeks.
The first 5 weeks of this Project have seen the initiation, duration and the end of what is referred to as "beach week" in North Myrtle. Essentially what beach week is is week after week of freshly graduated seniors driving down to North Myrtle to spend a week on the beach partying and living for whatever pleases them.
As I mentioned in an earlier blog this often ends up in vandalism, drug use, rampant sex and in some cases rape of young women among other things...
Our complex is located right in the middle of the party area, and that is not an accident. Christ Himself said that:
"It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." -Mark 2:17
And so often once again Christians in this country find themselves locked in the comfort zone of their church bubble.
In the last two weeks we have seen a fight pretty much every night. In one instance a car of four guys pulled up and started beating on an intoxicated student. They all had brass knuckles and even though he couldn't defend himself and passed out they continued to beat him until the sirens sounded close then hopped in their car and drove off leaving this student with a broken jaw lying unconscious on the ground.
This happened a house down from us.
One of our project members was on the phone with some family the other night by himself and was assailed and mugged by drunken partiers right on the back lot of our property.
A knife/tazer/ club brawl between several guys almost broke out about two weeks ago fortunately the police were right on top of it resulting in a massive scatter of 50 students that had gathered to watch.
And most recently tonight our next door neighbors left abruptly because the girls in the house had woken up to guys punching through their windows and threatening them with a gun. And even as I sit here on our porch the police continue to send patrols up and down our block.
These are some of the examples of the ugliness of life that these high schoolers experience when they come down here looking for the "best week of their lives". This is where the gospel is needed most.
Many of these students have not heard. They really feel that there is no reason to live other than just pure experience. They have no conscience about doing these things because they have not been given a reason to. We live in a society that promotes living your life the way you want. "Live for the here and now. No regrets. No consequences." Well the reality is that there are consequences.
You can choose to get wasted every night and deal with the consequence of a run in with the police, or impregnating a girl you've never met (or getting pregnant for the ladies) or even something as simple as waking up with a hangover and letting that steal half a day or more from you.
You can choose to have sex with anyone you want...but you'd better believe that it only takes one time to receive an STD.
You can choose to conform to society's expectations and "live it up" and end up dealing with the consequence of realizing that you are empty and broken because of it in the end.
Everything has a consequence.
Down here many students have been faced with the choice of choosing a life lived for Christ or a life lived for the world.
And the choice to turn away has a consequence too.
This is not saying that this is the only chance they will ever have to receive Christ into their lives. Fortunately for me, my God doesn't give up. He continually pursues us, but ultimately in the end the choice is ours.
Kind of a random tangent to go on but I felt the need to reflect.
On a more uplifting note:
God's faithfulness has spoken volumes to me lately.
He has answered the prayer for my support to be raised, providing all $1,450 two full days before the deadline.
He has shown his faithfulness in empowering this project to witness to the hundreds of students that have been down there for we have seen more than 50 students trust their lives to Christ and over 2,500 more have been able to hear the gospel.
Praise Him!
I would like to leave you with two verses of encouragement for this update.
First is 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
"Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."
and 2 Corinthians 4:5-6
"For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ."
Most humbly in Him,
Josh
Sunday, June 21, 2009
NMB Entry 6: All For One, Work Updates, and Lots of Learning
It's been a little while since the last post, sorry! Things have been very busy down here.
The weather has been in the 90's most of the week and very very scattered showers.
This past week was labeled "All for One" week and at first many of us did not understand the concept.
We had just finished "Killing the Giants" week in which all of us were challenged to face our current giant. For some it was talking to their parents about their faith, for others it was to show grace to a difficult co-worker, for yet others (including myself) it was to be more bold in sharing the gospel with members of the same sex. Whatever the giant we learned that faith in Christ can always bring us through. That our "giants" in this life are insignificant when we have the Holy Spirit with us.
Philippians 4:13 states:
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
And Romans 8:31 echoes this sentiment:
"What then shall we say to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?"
In this life all of us will encounter struggles. In this life they will seem overwhelming to us every time unless we have learned to submit ourselves to Christ's power for in Him we have complete and total victory over the darkness!
So coming off the Killing the Giants week it was an interesting transition to All for One.
Staff members were exceedingly elusive when asked about what was going to happen on Saturday (our main group activity night) saying merely; "What one person knows, everyone knows."
But as the week unraveled select members of project received clues about what was going to take place, and in response our project needed to rely on communication amongst ourselves to figure out as a group what our activity was.
The event was a project softball game. Staff versus Students.
We were pretty much left on our own to figure out what it was that the staff was hinting at in the clues as far as rules, and requirements went.
Let me just say this; communication is a LOT tougher than it seems especially when it comes to a project that numbers about 94 students who are all working slightly different schedules full time!
And that was the whole purpose of the week.
The staff will be leaving soon and we as project members will be stepping in and filling the roles for community, outreach, prayer, operations, worship, and weekly meeting teams.
If we do not learn how to effectively communicate with one another and have a unified "heart beat" as a project we will become ineffective in the communities in which we are placed.
1 Corinthians 12:12-31 speaks of the body of Christ:
"...The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor... If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it."
Gary, our project director, made reference to this after our game on Saturday. The reason that we as project members need to communicate among each other is not just so that we can co-ordinate student performance at a softball game against the staff but rather so that we can have a good understanding of where each and every brother and sister is at physically, spiritually and emotionally because when one person's walk is not secure it affects all of us (and just the opposite is true; if one person is walking securely in Christ that has an effect on the body as well).
We as believers need to learn to be transparent, vulnerable and honest with one another or we will never be unified.
As far as the game went lets start with the basics:
We needed a team name so...
Our team name was the Hineini Cru (Hineini is Hebrew for "Here am I"), many servants of the Lord say that in the Bible. It is a sign of being completely submitted to God in every way shape and form. Many times people (and I am guilty of this as well) will spend a quiet time with God but they will not really be fully emotionally or spiritually present. As a result they may not experience the closeness that one who is "completely there" will experience in their relationship with God.
God doesn't just want us to be physically present when we spend time with Him, but rather He wants our hearts to be listening for His leading and our spirits ready and eager to carry out His will.
Our team colors had to be different from the staff's black and red so...
We picked blue and white.
We needed to make up team cheers, a banner and come to the game as a team.
Another interesting aspect of this game was that since some project rules on some nights had been broken (ex. being back on project grounds by curfew) by a few people, throughout the game we were given penalties at the discretion of the staff.
This was to illustrate how when one part of the body suffers we all suffer.
BUT, there were also parts of the game in which we were shown grace by the staff and given gifts that we didn't deserve. This illustrated the grace that Christ showed every single person on this earth.
Through the penalties and the blessings our team was to deal with it with a good attitude for this is what disciples of Christ are called to do in all things.
At the end of the game I'm proud to say that Hineini Cru won with a score of 21-16. :)
Now for work updates.
I am also happy to say that despite the economy our project students (expanded from the original 60 to a project of about 94), have all found jobs that offer full time hours!
Praise Him!
I continue to work at Chick Fil A which has been a great experience! The employees there are just like a family; for example in the kitchen we work with Miss Hattie who pretty much looks after us like a mother hen, and Fred the GM looks out after us like a father, the other co-workers we have are like brothers, sisters, cousins, you name it! They get together outside of work and many of our day crew has come to our Thursday night meetings.
This is not to say that work is easy all the time.
Chick Fil A does more business in 6 days than other businesses in our area do in 7. Thousand plus dollar hours are the norm and the kitchen gets very hot and the environment can become stressful...if we choose to let it.
Something that God has really been teaching me is to appreciate these experiences and to look for the lessons in each one. Sometimes I have struggles relating to co-workers (whether it is the way they choose to speak to me, or things that they do that I personally don't like), sometimes I have struggles with a complaining heart.
But Christ wants us not only to endure these times but to praise Him and glorify Him in the trials.
This is something I've been working on a lot lately.
We as a fellowship need to encourage those around us in all things and to bring each other up.
About the tongue it says in James chapter 3:
"Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water."
If I profess to be a Christian, then in all things that I do I must strive to tame my tongue.
This is a huge work in progress in my life right now so bear with me.
And when workplace stress was mentioned I also found in James chapter 4:
"God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble.
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it."
Prayer Requests:
Please keep my best friend in your prayers as he faces the loss of his mother. Pray that the Holy Spirit will give him peace and comfort in this trying time.
Please pray that the rest of my support will come in (About $800 is still needed).
Please pray that God would continue to work in the project members' lives and continue to grow our unity and our ministry among the high school students and residents of North Myrtle.
Most Humbly in Christ,
Josh
The weather has been in the 90's most of the week and very very scattered showers.
This past week was labeled "All for One" week and at first many of us did not understand the concept.
We had just finished "Killing the Giants" week in which all of us were challenged to face our current giant. For some it was talking to their parents about their faith, for others it was to show grace to a difficult co-worker, for yet others (including myself) it was to be more bold in sharing the gospel with members of the same sex. Whatever the giant we learned that faith in Christ can always bring us through. That our "giants" in this life are insignificant when we have the Holy Spirit with us.
Philippians 4:13 states:
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
And Romans 8:31 echoes this sentiment:
"What then shall we say to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?"
In this life all of us will encounter struggles. In this life they will seem overwhelming to us every time unless we have learned to submit ourselves to Christ's power for in Him we have complete and total victory over the darkness!
So coming off the Killing the Giants week it was an interesting transition to All for One.
Staff members were exceedingly elusive when asked about what was going to happen on Saturday (our main group activity night) saying merely; "What one person knows, everyone knows."
But as the week unraveled select members of project received clues about what was going to take place, and in response our project needed to rely on communication amongst ourselves to figure out as a group what our activity was.
The event was a project softball game. Staff versus Students.
We were pretty much left on our own to figure out what it was that the staff was hinting at in the clues as far as rules, and requirements went.
Let me just say this; communication is a LOT tougher than it seems especially when it comes to a project that numbers about 94 students who are all working slightly different schedules full time!
And that was the whole purpose of the week.
The staff will be leaving soon and we as project members will be stepping in and filling the roles for community, outreach, prayer, operations, worship, and weekly meeting teams.
If we do not learn how to effectively communicate with one another and have a unified "heart beat" as a project we will become ineffective in the communities in which we are placed.
1 Corinthians 12:12-31 speaks of the body of Christ:
"...The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor... If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it."
Gary, our project director, made reference to this after our game on Saturday. The reason that we as project members need to communicate among each other is not just so that we can co-ordinate student performance at a softball game against the staff but rather so that we can have a good understanding of where each and every brother and sister is at physically, spiritually and emotionally because when one person's walk is not secure it affects all of us (and just the opposite is true; if one person is walking securely in Christ that has an effect on the body as well).
We as believers need to learn to be transparent, vulnerable and honest with one another or we will never be unified.
As far as the game went lets start with the basics:
We needed a team name so...
Our team name was the Hineini Cru (Hineini is Hebrew for "Here am I"), many servants of the Lord say that in the Bible. It is a sign of being completely submitted to God in every way shape and form. Many times people (and I am guilty of this as well) will spend a quiet time with God but they will not really be fully emotionally or spiritually present. As a result they may not experience the closeness that one who is "completely there" will experience in their relationship with God.
God doesn't just want us to be physically present when we spend time with Him, but rather He wants our hearts to be listening for His leading and our spirits ready and eager to carry out His will.
Our team colors had to be different from the staff's black and red so...
We picked blue and white.
We needed to make up team cheers, a banner and come to the game as a team.
Another interesting aspect of this game was that since some project rules on some nights had been broken (ex. being back on project grounds by curfew) by a few people, throughout the game we were given penalties at the discretion of the staff.
This was to illustrate how when one part of the body suffers we all suffer.
BUT, there were also parts of the game in which we were shown grace by the staff and given gifts that we didn't deserve. This illustrated the grace that Christ showed every single person on this earth.
Through the penalties and the blessings our team was to deal with it with a good attitude for this is what disciples of Christ are called to do in all things.
At the end of the game I'm proud to say that Hineini Cru won with a score of 21-16. :)
Now for work updates.
I am also happy to say that despite the economy our project students (expanded from the original 60 to a project of about 94), have all found jobs that offer full time hours!
Praise Him!
I continue to work at Chick Fil A which has been a great experience! The employees there are just like a family; for example in the kitchen we work with Miss Hattie who pretty much looks after us like a mother hen, and Fred the GM looks out after us like a father, the other co-workers we have are like brothers, sisters, cousins, you name it! They get together outside of work and many of our day crew has come to our Thursday night meetings.
This is not to say that work is easy all the time.
Chick Fil A does more business in 6 days than other businesses in our area do in 7. Thousand plus dollar hours are the norm and the kitchen gets very hot and the environment can become stressful...if we choose to let it.
Something that God has really been teaching me is to appreciate these experiences and to look for the lessons in each one. Sometimes I have struggles relating to co-workers (whether it is the way they choose to speak to me, or things that they do that I personally don't like), sometimes I have struggles with a complaining heart.
But Christ wants us not only to endure these times but to praise Him and glorify Him in the trials.
This is something I've been working on a lot lately.
We as a fellowship need to encourage those around us in all things and to bring each other up.
About the tongue it says in James chapter 3:
"Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water."
If I profess to be a Christian, then in all things that I do I must strive to tame my tongue.
This is a huge work in progress in my life right now so bear with me.
And when workplace stress was mentioned I also found in James chapter 4:
"God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble.
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it."
Prayer Requests:
Please keep my best friend in your prayers as he faces the loss of his mother. Pray that the Holy Spirit will give him peace and comfort in this trying time.
Please pray that the rest of my support will come in (About $800 is still needed).
Please pray that God would continue to work in the project members' lives and continue to grow our unity and our ministry among the high school students and residents of North Myrtle.
Most Humbly in Christ,
Josh
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
NMB Entry 5: A Little Bit of Background on North Myrtle
It occurred to me the other day that I never really wrote about the environment we have been placed in to share the gospel, or the reason that we are here so I plan to do so in this update.
North Myrtle Beach is a HUGE tourist area and at the beginning of each and every summer it is literally overrun with freshly graduated High School seniors who come down for the "best week of their lives" which involves a LOT of underage drinking, getting high, among other things. Essentially what society views as "living it up".
Just the other day as a caravan of teenagers moved in to their beach house location and broke out the beanbags and booze they were busted by some police and had to pour out about 21 cases of alcohol and a fridges worth of liquor. I'm pretty sure that they received hefty underage tickets as well.
But this does not stop the thrill seekers who are looking for a good time because come nightfall that same night large groups of students were out walking to other houses in search of parties.
These nights often end in hangovers, waking up with someone you don't know, in some cases (though pretty rarely reported) rape of young women and so on and so forth.
This is the reality of North Myrtle Beach's party season. This is why we are here, to share the gospel with as many people as possible.
However, despite this dynamic of living in the moment we have also seen over 30 students trust their lives to Christ, and literally hundreds have been presented with Christ's message of grace and forgiveness, praise Him!
I had the privilege of presenting the gospel with two such individuals and to see them choose Christ over the temporary world!
At Chick Fil A (where I am currently working) God has blessed our relationships, we have an incredible staff to work with and what's more encouraging is that a little over half our daytime staff are going to be coming to our weekly Campus Crusade meeting along with many who have trusted Christ from our outreach, yet another place where they can hear the truth and power of Christ.
I will be sharing my story for the project at this week's meeting and am very excited for that.
Please keep me in your prayers for my support raising as I face the reality of being sent home early due to only partial support being raised.
My Support Currently: $1,450
Needed Support: $2,490
I am praying that God's will will be done regardless of if I will be staying the entire time or not. It is in His hands.
Also please keep our project in your prayers as we reach out to the students of this community.
Most Humbly In Him,
Josh
North Myrtle Beach is a HUGE tourist area and at the beginning of each and every summer it is literally overrun with freshly graduated High School seniors who come down for the "best week of their lives" which involves a LOT of underage drinking, getting high, among other things. Essentially what society views as "living it up".
Just the other day as a caravan of teenagers moved in to their beach house location and broke out the beanbags and booze they were busted by some police and had to pour out about 21 cases of alcohol and a fridges worth of liquor. I'm pretty sure that they received hefty underage tickets as well.
But this does not stop the thrill seekers who are looking for a good time because come nightfall that same night large groups of students were out walking to other houses in search of parties.
These nights often end in hangovers, waking up with someone you don't know, in some cases (though pretty rarely reported) rape of young women and so on and so forth.
This is the reality of North Myrtle Beach's party season. This is why we are here, to share the gospel with as many people as possible.
However, despite this dynamic of living in the moment we have also seen over 30 students trust their lives to Christ, and literally hundreds have been presented with Christ's message of grace and forgiveness, praise Him!
I had the privilege of presenting the gospel with two such individuals and to see them choose Christ over the temporary world!
At Chick Fil A (where I am currently working) God has blessed our relationships, we have an incredible staff to work with and what's more encouraging is that a little over half our daytime staff are going to be coming to our weekly Campus Crusade meeting along with many who have trusted Christ from our outreach, yet another place where they can hear the truth and power of Christ.
I will be sharing my story for the project at this week's meeting and am very excited for that.
Please keep me in your prayers for my support raising as I face the reality of being sent home early due to only partial support being raised.
My Support Currently: $1,450
Needed Support: $2,490
I am praying that God's will will be done regardless of if I will be staying the entire time or not. It is in His hands.
Also please keep our project in your prayers as we reach out to the students of this community.
Most Humbly In Him,
Josh
Saturday, June 6, 2009
NMB Entry 4: Back to the Grind
This whole week we (the project students) have been working our way into our jobs, and learning completely new skill sets. For me its been filleting chicken! :) A little clarification before I say anything else, Chick Fil A's mascots are cows, NOT chickens because it would be kind of weird to have a chicken advertising chicken sandwiches. I mean come on, these are his brothers, sisters, cousins, etc. The cows are trying to get more people to eat chicken so THEY don't get eaten. Saavy? No, but seriously, our crew is a great crew to work with, everyone is very polite down here and they talk with the craziest accents!
Part of our integration into this working class also involves forming relationships with many of the employees (this is not at all hard to do because they are great people! :) and to find ways of communicating the Gospel of Jesus Christ with them, or at least to start spiritual conversations.
Something that I've realized after taking a year off after high school, is that the workplace is probably one of the most challenging places to share your faith in. Oftentimes its so fast-paced and people don't really talk except for the "workplace" language, and you certainly don't have time to deeply discuss the idea of what eternity holds for each and every person. However, I'm learning that each and every Christian CAN be a witness no matter where they are in two ways; firstly being to set a Christ-like example. No matter how well you can present your message, if you're a slacker at work, or do a sloppy job with your tasks it reflects upon what sort of a person you are. WE are Christ's ambassadors to the world. WE need to act in a Christ-like way towards those at our workplaces, and that includes; not complaining, doing your best in every task, and being cheerful.
Sure this description sounds like a company orientation pamphlet for new-hires, but it's so very true. I find myself many times forgetting this. If I go in for work and I'm having a bad day, I really tend to lose sight of the fact that the shift is temporary, and that in all things I need to give thanks to God above; for a job, for a great crew, for steady business that pays my checks...for EVERYTHING. Even the rough days at work teach us something.
Enough on that.
Secondly the way each Christian can witness at their workplace is inviting co-workers to environments that CAN foster and sustain deep conversations about life, and no, church isn't the only place where you can do this. A group of co-workers meeting up and grabbing breakfast or coffee, or a softball game at the park, or (if you have one handy) a trip to the beach to relax after work.
There are all kinds of places in which God can (and will) use His witnesses to share His truth.
I was looking at our Quest surveys the other day (Quest surveys are quick 5 question surveys that we use to initiate conversations on the beach) and I realized that at this point in the trip I have been able to approach 30 people about Christ, and for about half of those I have been able to explain the gospel with them.
I don't say this to place numbers on people, but to encourage anyone who might read this who experiences hesitation about sharing their faith with others. More people than you might think are very open to the idea of Christ, and so long as they see that you are genuinely interested in them, and that they aren't just a number to you.
We have about 100 students on this project.
If I have had the guts to tell 30 people about Christ (which by the way is all God because I would have never been able to do that on my own), just imagine how many people have been approached with the good news in these last couple weeks. :)
We have had many people choose to dedicate their lives to Christ already, and we continue to encourage those who are believers in the area to stand boldly and to not be ashamed of their beliefs.
That is something that has been pressed upon my heart a lot lately. This whole concept of Christ's sacrifice, and the way we hide Him in our lives still blows my mind today.
This man who had done no wrong to anyone, was ridiculed, humiliated, tortured and murdered all to save the people who had done and are still doing wrong to Him today.
And we in America are too afraid to say anything about Him.
I am very guilty of this myself. I do not take every opportunity to tell others about Him, though I should. But when you think about it, shouldn't we as believers WANT to?
I mean think about this; one day this world will pass on. All the parties you went to will be gone, the friendships that you've worked for will break and distance, the crazy things you did when you were young are going to be distant memories.
People say Carpe Diem. Seize the day. Why do they say that? Because those that say it often do not have any hope for new life. They do not realize that the best is yet to come. They just think that they have to "live it up" while on earth because when we die it's all over.
I used to believe that.
The reason I smile now, is because I know that there is more to this life than temporary experience.
That is why we are here (on summer project), so that more people may experience this joy.
Paul writes in Ephesians 3:7-9:
"I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power.Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things."
But it SHOULDN'T just happen on summer project. If you read this, I would urge you to ask yourself this...
Are you living a life for Him or a life for the temporary world?
On another note, I will be meeting with the youth pastor down here (Walt) and we will be discussing an idea of mine to get the youth of the North Myrtle community involved in 24/7 witnessing.
I will essentially be beginning a study of the Bible that is open to anyone (whether Christian, Atheist, Agnostic, Buddhist, Muslim, or any other faith). The concept is to present what the Bible actually says, rather than these common misconceptions drawn in the mainstream media and in movies and such.
I pray that God will bring non-believers to the study in hopes that they will be able to discuss what they believe in a non-threatening environment.
(Romans 14:1)
The second aim of the study is to encourage the middle and high schoolers to begin their own Bible studies even after the project leaves, so that Christ may be shared year round among the youth.
Please pray that if it is God's will, that He would bless that outreach.
Please continue to pray for our beach and workplace outreach down here in North Myrtle and that God would continue to bless our project members.
Please pray for all the members' safety, and that those who we are able to share with will be able to experience God's working in their lives.
Please pray for God to provide the rest of my support
(I'm at $1,450 right now, so I will need another $1,200 roughly)
In Him,
Josh
Part of our integration into this working class also involves forming relationships with many of the employees (this is not at all hard to do because they are great people! :) and to find ways of communicating the Gospel of Jesus Christ with them, or at least to start spiritual conversations.
Something that I've realized after taking a year off after high school, is that the workplace is probably one of the most challenging places to share your faith in. Oftentimes its so fast-paced and people don't really talk except for the "workplace" language, and you certainly don't have time to deeply discuss the idea of what eternity holds for each and every person. However, I'm learning that each and every Christian CAN be a witness no matter where they are in two ways; firstly being to set a Christ-like example. No matter how well you can present your message, if you're a slacker at work, or do a sloppy job with your tasks it reflects upon what sort of a person you are. WE are Christ's ambassadors to the world. WE need to act in a Christ-like way towards those at our workplaces, and that includes; not complaining, doing your best in every task, and being cheerful.
Sure this description sounds like a company orientation pamphlet for new-hires, but it's so very true. I find myself many times forgetting this. If I go in for work and I'm having a bad day, I really tend to lose sight of the fact that the shift is temporary, and that in all things I need to give thanks to God above; for a job, for a great crew, for steady business that pays my checks...for EVERYTHING. Even the rough days at work teach us something.
Enough on that.
Secondly the way each Christian can witness at their workplace is inviting co-workers to environments that CAN foster and sustain deep conversations about life, and no, church isn't the only place where you can do this. A group of co-workers meeting up and grabbing breakfast or coffee, or a softball game at the park, or (if you have one handy) a trip to the beach to relax after work.
There are all kinds of places in which God can (and will) use His witnesses to share His truth.
I was looking at our Quest surveys the other day (Quest surveys are quick 5 question surveys that we use to initiate conversations on the beach) and I realized that at this point in the trip I have been able to approach 30 people about Christ, and for about half of those I have been able to explain the gospel with them.
I don't say this to place numbers on people, but to encourage anyone who might read this who experiences hesitation about sharing their faith with others. More people than you might think are very open to the idea of Christ, and so long as they see that you are genuinely interested in them, and that they aren't just a number to you.
We have about 100 students on this project.
If I have had the guts to tell 30 people about Christ (which by the way is all God because I would have never been able to do that on my own), just imagine how many people have been approached with the good news in these last couple weeks. :)
We have had many people choose to dedicate their lives to Christ already, and we continue to encourage those who are believers in the area to stand boldly and to not be ashamed of their beliefs.
That is something that has been pressed upon my heart a lot lately. This whole concept of Christ's sacrifice, and the way we hide Him in our lives still blows my mind today.
This man who had done no wrong to anyone, was ridiculed, humiliated, tortured and murdered all to save the people who had done and are still doing wrong to Him today.
And we in America are too afraid to say anything about Him.
I am very guilty of this myself. I do not take every opportunity to tell others about Him, though I should. But when you think about it, shouldn't we as believers WANT to?
I mean think about this; one day this world will pass on. All the parties you went to will be gone, the friendships that you've worked for will break and distance, the crazy things you did when you were young are going to be distant memories.
People say Carpe Diem. Seize the day. Why do they say that? Because those that say it often do not have any hope for new life. They do not realize that the best is yet to come. They just think that they have to "live it up" while on earth because when we die it's all over.
I used to believe that.
The reason I smile now, is because I know that there is more to this life than temporary experience.
That is why we are here (on summer project), so that more people may experience this joy.
Paul writes in Ephesians 3:7-9:
"I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power.Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things."
But it SHOULDN'T just happen on summer project. If you read this, I would urge you to ask yourself this...
Are you living a life for Him or a life for the temporary world?
On another note, I will be meeting with the youth pastor down here (Walt) and we will be discussing an idea of mine to get the youth of the North Myrtle community involved in 24/7 witnessing.
I will essentially be beginning a study of the Bible that is open to anyone (whether Christian, Atheist, Agnostic, Buddhist, Muslim, or any other faith). The concept is to present what the Bible actually says, rather than these common misconceptions drawn in the mainstream media and in movies and such.
I pray that God will bring non-believers to the study in hopes that they will be able to discuss what they believe in a non-threatening environment.
(Romans 14:1)
The second aim of the study is to encourage the middle and high schoolers to begin their own Bible studies even after the project leaves, so that Christ may be shared year round among the youth.
Please pray that if it is God's will, that He would bless that outreach.
Please continue to pray for our beach and workplace outreach down here in North Myrtle and that God would continue to bless our project members.
Please pray for all the members' safety, and that those who we are able to share with will be able to experience God's working in their lives.
Please pray for God to provide the rest of my support
(I'm at $1,450 right now, so I will need another $1,200 roughly)
In Him,
Josh
Monday, June 1, 2009
NMB Entry 3: Teachings, Bonding, Iron Chefs and such
The last few days have been pretty packed...
On Saturday our first day session was about finding our identity in Christ, and this hit very close to home for me because the up till that point on the trip I found myself worrying about fitting in constantly. I felt like everyone else had their own cliques and almost felt abandoned by some of the friends that had come down with me.
But upon hearing that message God spoke gently to my heart once again reminding me to relax. Reminding me that I am down here for one purpose and that is to draw closer to Him, and that if I remain faithful in that regard, then all else will take care of itself.
Popularity & acceptance, these are temporary things that the world tells us are important and necessary. But they really aren't. I am who Christ made me to be, and in Him I can find all the contentment I need.
The second session in the morning was all about learning to Share our Story. Essentially God has given every single person on earth a story to tell, throughout this life we are constantly making corrections to this story, adding things, taking them away but no matter where we go our story is being constantly shaped.
Each and every person's story is important and significant whether they believe it or not, your story can impact those you least expect. So in all things be prepared to share that.
That night we did this Iron Chef-esque sort of competition between our Impact Groups (an Impact Group is comprised of a guys and girls bible study put together, ours is about 11 students and two leaders). We had to go out shopping and put together a creative meal with a budget of $30 and the judges picked the best plate out of all the Impact Groups.
Our group put together delicious breakfast burritos, with tater tots green onions, cheese, salsa and sour cream as sides and for dessert we made cinnamon rolls with caramel drizzle on top.
We didn't win first place, but the food was delicious! :)
The rest of that dinner period along with eating our prepared meal we were allowed to go sample the other group's entrees and desserts. :)
Now for Sunday...
Sunday was a pretty significant day for the project and myself. It was our first time as a group attending an actual church service at Ocean Drive Presbyterian, and let me just say that what I expected and what I experienced were two completely opposite things.
We were asked to bring dress clothes for church and to "think conservative" and from that description I was a little apprehensive that it would be a very traditional church where hymns were the norm and the average age is 65+. However, I was pleasantly surprised because it was not at all like that. The average age WAS older, but these were some of the coolest old people in the world! ;)
They had a band, and everyone was very friendly.
Now don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with traditional worship, in fact its very satisfying and fulfilling for some. Its just not my cup of tea so to speak.
The pastor spoke on the book of Acts and the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Oh and another note, I was able to meet the youth pastor, his name is Walt and today (Monday) we are going to be getting together and talking about a small group study that I want to start among the youth of the North Myrtle Beach community.
That afternoon was spent primarily on the beaches, soaking up sun, tanning (or burning in my case), playing Frisbee and making sand castles.
This part of my day was very significant however not just because of the fact that I was on a beautiful beach, but because I had the opportunity to share my faith with several people.
Now I know what some readers may think is that sharing of faith = preaching to people and force feeding them Jesus.
Not the case at all.
This trip is not about converting people to Christianity. Its about sharing something we feel is very important, that has changed each and every one of our lives. Some will choose to accept this message, some will turn away, but the point is not to gain converts because so often people think that if you "pray this prayer" or if you "take this communion" they will be saved and it is their "fire insurance".
But that is not this case.
Without the commitment of the heart there is no point. If (and only if) there is a willingness to give up the things that you hold onto in your heart such as anger, resentment, malice, lust, or what have you then Christ will be able to come into your life and change you into the person He truly wants you to be. But it has to be a choice you make.
It is made clear in the Bible that there is nothing we as humans can do to achieve eternity by ourselves. No amount of good works (though they are good to do), no amount of ritualistic actions, no amount of wealth that you accumulate in this world can get you into heaven.
But I digress, as far as the sharing went...
In one instance, in the group of women I happened to be talking to there was a girl who believed in reincarnation, but she really didn't know anything about what the Gospel said or what Christ had to offer. We had a really nice conversation in which I was able to lay out the good news for her. Now, I'm pretty good at telling when people are listening and when they are just being polite, but these ladies were very engaged and showed genuine interest.
I'll share another instance with you, that same night a group of us were standing outside our housing complex, just chatting by the road because we didn't want to go in right away. We were approached by about 5 guys who were down here in North Myrtle on a party bus with their senior class. They were very inebriated to say the least, but we struck up conversation with them and were able to find out that they came from Ohio and that they were down here for a week.
Two of the guys went over to talk to some of our ladies, and the rest stayed and talked to the guys. In the guys' area they began a spiritual discussion that got into some theology. One of the Ohioans was a pastors son but wanted nothing to do with his father's beliefs, one was an atheist, and one of them didn't identify with any belief system. I only heard bits of the conversation because I was over with the two other guys.
Their names were Will and Remington (or Remi as his friends called him). These guys both said that they were Christian but that they didn't feel like they acted like it most of the time. They felt like they needed to go out and have their fun, but Will said something like "I'm sure God's gunna punish me good when I get back...".
My heart just went out to these guys, because you could tell just by talking to them that they both had great hearts, and that they felt very strongly about helping fellow humans.
Me and my group members who were talking to them tried to explain a bit more clearly that God isn't about judgment, punishment, and wrath, but forgiveness and grace.
I mean hey, if God punished ME for every time I screwed up I don't think He would have time to do anything else!
We are ALL just human, and while we strive to follow Christ's example, we are ALL going to mess up, but that is why the grace of Christ is so important! He came to us so that we did not have to be punished for every wrong we ever did.
Christ himself had done absolutely NO wrong and He was falsely accused, and crucified and He still did it WILLINGLY because He knew that without that sacrifice we would not have a chance to be with our Father in Heaven.
It is still very difficult for me to grasp that much love. I know how difficult it is to forgive someone who has done me wrong in even the simplest way, much less to show them love and compassion?
Our conversation with Will and Remi ended with us praying over them to be safe this week and that they may experience Christ in a very real and powerful way this week.
We will be trying to get these guys to come to Project events that we are holding this week, but for now it is purely in God's hands to work in these guys' hearts.
So please pray for these guys and the Project as we continue to share our faith.
On Saturday our first day session was about finding our identity in Christ, and this hit very close to home for me because the up till that point on the trip I found myself worrying about fitting in constantly. I felt like everyone else had their own cliques and almost felt abandoned by some of the friends that had come down with me.
But upon hearing that message God spoke gently to my heart once again reminding me to relax. Reminding me that I am down here for one purpose and that is to draw closer to Him, and that if I remain faithful in that regard, then all else will take care of itself.
Popularity & acceptance, these are temporary things that the world tells us are important and necessary. But they really aren't. I am who Christ made me to be, and in Him I can find all the contentment I need.
The second session in the morning was all about learning to Share our Story. Essentially God has given every single person on earth a story to tell, throughout this life we are constantly making corrections to this story, adding things, taking them away but no matter where we go our story is being constantly shaped.
Each and every person's story is important and significant whether they believe it or not, your story can impact those you least expect. So in all things be prepared to share that.
That night we did this Iron Chef-esque sort of competition between our Impact Groups (an Impact Group is comprised of a guys and girls bible study put together, ours is about 11 students and two leaders). We had to go out shopping and put together a creative meal with a budget of $30 and the judges picked the best plate out of all the Impact Groups.
Our group put together delicious breakfast burritos, with tater tots green onions, cheese, salsa and sour cream as sides and for dessert we made cinnamon rolls with caramel drizzle on top.
We didn't win first place, but the food was delicious! :)
The rest of that dinner period along with eating our prepared meal we were allowed to go sample the other group's entrees and desserts. :)
Now for Sunday...
Sunday was a pretty significant day for the project and myself. It was our first time as a group attending an actual church service at Ocean Drive Presbyterian, and let me just say that what I expected and what I experienced were two completely opposite things.
We were asked to bring dress clothes for church and to "think conservative" and from that description I was a little apprehensive that it would be a very traditional church where hymns were the norm and the average age is 65+. However, I was pleasantly surprised because it was not at all like that. The average age WAS older, but these were some of the coolest old people in the world! ;)
They had a band, and everyone was very friendly.
Now don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with traditional worship, in fact its very satisfying and fulfilling for some. Its just not my cup of tea so to speak.
The pastor spoke on the book of Acts and the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Oh and another note, I was able to meet the youth pastor, his name is Walt and today (Monday) we are going to be getting together and talking about a small group study that I want to start among the youth of the North Myrtle Beach community.
That afternoon was spent primarily on the beaches, soaking up sun, tanning (or burning in my case), playing Frisbee and making sand castles.
This part of my day was very significant however not just because of the fact that I was on a beautiful beach, but because I had the opportunity to share my faith with several people.
Now I know what some readers may think is that sharing of faith = preaching to people and force feeding them Jesus.
Not the case at all.
This trip is not about converting people to Christianity. Its about sharing something we feel is very important, that has changed each and every one of our lives. Some will choose to accept this message, some will turn away, but the point is not to gain converts because so often people think that if you "pray this prayer" or if you "take this communion" they will be saved and it is their "fire insurance".
But that is not this case.
Without the commitment of the heart there is no point. If (and only if) there is a willingness to give up the things that you hold onto in your heart such as anger, resentment, malice, lust, or what have you then Christ will be able to come into your life and change you into the person He truly wants you to be. But it has to be a choice you make.
It is made clear in the Bible that there is nothing we as humans can do to achieve eternity by ourselves. No amount of good works (though they are good to do), no amount of ritualistic actions, no amount of wealth that you accumulate in this world can get you into heaven.
But I digress, as far as the sharing went...
In one instance, in the group of women I happened to be talking to there was a girl who believed in reincarnation, but she really didn't know anything about what the Gospel said or what Christ had to offer. We had a really nice conversation in which I was able to lay out the good news for her. Now, I'm pretty good at telling when people are listening and when they are just being polite, but these ladies were very engaged and showed genuine interest.
I'll share another instance with you, that same night a group of us were standing outside our housing complex, just chatting by the road because we didn't want to go in right away. We were approached by about 5 guys who were down here in North Myrtle on a party bus with their senior class. They were very inebriated to say the least, but we struck up conversation with them and were able to find out that they came from Ohio and that they were down here for a week.
Two of the guys went over to talk to some of our ladies, and the rest stayed and talked to the guys. In the guys' area they began a spiritual discussion that got into some theology. One of the Ohioans was a pastors son but wanted nothing to do with his father's beliefs, one was an atheist, and one of them didn't identify with any belief system. I only heard bits of the conversation because I was over with the two other guys.
Their names were Will and Remington (or Remi as his friends called him). These guys both said that they were Christian but that they didn't feel like they acted like it most of the time. They felt like they needed to go out and have their fun, but Will said something like "I'm sure God's gunna punish me good when I get back...".
My heart just went out to these guys, because you could tell just by talking to them that they both had great hearts, and that they felt very strongly about helping fellow humans.
Me and my group members who were talking to them tried to explain a bit more clearly that God isn't about judgment, punishment, and wrath, but forgiveness and grace.
I mean hey, if God punished ME for every time I screwed up I don't think He would have time to do anything else!
We are ALL just human, and while we strive to follow Christ's example, we are ALL going to mess up, but that is why the grace of Christ is so important! He came to us so that we did not have to be punished for every wrong we ever did.
Christ himself had done absolutely NO wrong and He was falsely accused, and crucified and He still did it WILLINGLY because He knew that without that sacrifice we would not have a chance to be with our Father in Heaven.
It is still very difficult for me to grasp that much love. I know how difficult it is to forgive someone who has done me wrong in even the simplest way, much less to show them love and compassion?
Our conversation with Will and Remi ended with us praying over them to be safe this week and that they may experience Christ in a very real and powerful way this week.
We will be trying to get these guys to come to Project events that we are holding this week, but for now it is purely in God's hands to work in these guys' hearts.
So please pray for these guys and the Project as we continue to share our faith.
Friday, May 29, 2009
NMB Entry 2
Today was filled with blessings though it began a bit rough. I have been feeling very tired lately, partly because of the change of climate and schedules.
This morning worship was incredible! The youth pastor from the Ocean View Presbyterian Church (the one we will be using during the week, and attending on Sundays) has been leading worship until our band is put together (which should be tomorrow).
Really this morning I came in with a bad, irritable attitude and God really put me back in my place about that, as it says in 1 Corinthians 10:31;
“Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
I realized that its so easy to forget that everything doesn't just mean going through the motions of what is "expected behavior" for a Christian. If I go to church and worship with a poor attitude in my heart, what good does that do? It certainly does not honor God, and it definitely does not bring those around me up.
I continue to pray for God to give me a cheerful spirit in ALL things.
So that was a blessing to my day (and by that I mean God showing me that about my heart's condition).
We had employers from local businesses come in and welcome us to North Myrtle, they told us about how many they were hiring and offered us to fill out applications on the spot.
I have secured a job at Chik-Fil-A for this summer.
But what was really great to see was the fact that all the employers understand that our first priority as witnesses this summer, is just that. They aren't going to take Campus Crusade Students and work us to death during the week but rather give us some flexibility to do what we are truly here to do; and that is to spread the Gospel of Christ's love.
Tomorrow I have orientation for my new job. :)
Then tonight the guys and girls broke up and the guys had a local gentleman named Randy come and speak to us. He was a fighter pilot in China during World War 2, a member of the Flying Tigers and he was used by God while in the military to witness to several people and to play a part in changing their lives for the better (one guy who had received a break up letter while in the service was talked out of committing suicide by Randy).
It's so neat to see how God can choose to use each and every person, no matter what the circumstances, or if we feel like we can or not.
At age 87 Randy still plays a big part in the church that we will be attending and has a lot to do with the relationship between Campus Crusade and the local church.
After that us guys broke up into our small groups and hit the beach for a man relay that involved various tasks and tons of push ups! :)
I find it necessary to point out we were blindfolded as we ran down to submerge ourselves in the ocean, then ran back to our groups to do our push ups.
The whole point was for our brothers to guide us back to the group, and for us to trust and listen to our brothers' encouragement as we did our share of push ups and tasks.
Its so important for guys to have this fellowship experience. So many guys today don't have a solid network of brothers who can be there for them in the highs and lows. Who can have brothers there to rebuke or encourage them, to struggle, strive and conquer things together.
That is what we need more than ever in this country where father is an obscure and distant term and where men do not know how to handle the struggles that come their way. We need men who are solid and grounded in their faith, and who have a brotherhood to come to anytime.
Please keep our project in your prayers as we continue to connect, bond and become a strong fellowship and force in the North Myrtle community in these coming months.
In Him,
Josh
This morning worship was incredible! The youth pastor from the Ocean View Presbyterian Church (the one we will be using during the week, and attending on Sundays) has been leading worship until our band is put together (which should be tomorrow).
Really this morning I came in with a bad, irritable attitude and God really put me back in my place about that, as it says in 1 Corinthians 10:31;
“Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
I realized that its so easy to forget that everything doesn't just mean going through the motions of what is "expected behavior" for a Christian. If I go to church and worship with a poor attitude in my heart, what good does that do? It certainly does not honor God, and it definitely does not bring those around me up.
I continue to pray for God to give me a cheerful spirit in ALL things.
So that was a blessing to my day (and by that I mean God showing me that about my heart's condition).
We had employers from local businesses come in and welcome us to North Myrtle, they told us about how many they were hiring and offered us to fill out applications on the spot.
I have secured a job at Chik-Fil-A for this summer.
But what was really great to see was the fact that all the employers understand that our first priority as witnesses this summer, is just that. They aren't going to take Campus Crusade Students and work us to death during the week but rather give us some flexibility to do what we are truly here to do; and that is to spread the Gospel of Christ's love.
Tomorrow I have orientation for my new job. :)
Then tonight the guys and girls broke up and the guys had a local gentleman named Randy come and speak to us. He was a fighter pilot in China during World War 2, a member of the Flying Tigers and he was used by God while in the military to witness to several people and to play a part in changing their lives for the better (one guy who had received a break up letter while in the service was talked out of committing suicide by Randy).
It's so neat to see how God can choose to use each and every person, no matter what the circumstances, or if we feel like we can or not.
At age 87 Randy still plays a big part in the church that we will be attending and has a lot to do with the relationship between Campus Crusade and the local church.
After that us guys broke up into our small groups and hit the beach for a man relay that involved various tasks and tons of push ups! :)
I find it necessary to point out we were blindfolded as we ran down to submerge ourselves in the ocean, then ran back to our groups to do our push ups.
The whole point was for our brothers to guide us back to the group, and for us to trust and listen to our brothers' encouragement as we did our share of push ups and tasks.
Its so important for guys to have this fellowship experience. So many guys today don't have a solid network of brothers who can be there for them in the highs and lows. Who can have brothers there to rebuke or encourage them, to struggle, strive and conquer things together.
That is what we need more than ever in this country where father is an obscure and distant term and where men do not know how to handle the struggles that come their way. We need men who are solid and grounded in their faith, and who have a brotherhood to come to anytime.
Please keep our project in your prayers as we continue to connect, bond and become a strong fellowship and force in the North Myrtle community in these coming months.
In Him,
Josh
Thursday, May 28, 2009
North Myrtle Beach: Entry 1
Hey everyone,
This next series of blogs will be focused on the events surrounding my time in North Myrtle Beach, SC.
I am participating in a Summer Project through Campus Crusade for Christ and the goal is not only to strengthen my personal spiritual walk but to also learn how to become one of Christ's ambassadors of the Gospel.
This will be a very stretching summer, but it also reinforces to me how important it is for believers in America to constantly be challenged in their faith.
Not just once a month or year but 365 days a year.
We have fallen into a trap of lukewarm belief in the USA today because we have been given everything we could ever possibly want. There is no more reason to depend on God, but through study of the scriptures we need to remember that each and every blessing that is given to us is from God and that he can take all the temporary things of this world away from us at any time.
This is why it is so important to be rooted in your personal relationship with Him.
So please enjoy these next blogs but also remember that one does not need to undertake a summer trip in order to boldly spread the gospel of Christ.
A good friend once said to me;
YOU are a missionary and the space between your feet is your mission field.
Do not fall into complacency!
For mailing purposes my address is:
Josh Carter
Campus Crusade for Christ
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
In Him,
Josh
This next series of blogs will be focused on the events surrounding my time in North Myrtle Beach, SC.
I am participating in a Summer Project through Campus Crusade for Christ and the goal is not only to strengthen my personal spiritual walk but to also learn how to become one of Christ's ambassadors of the Gospel.
This will be a very stretching summer, but it also reinforces to me how important it is for believers in America to constantly be challenged in their faith.
Not just once a month or year but 365 days a year.
We have fallen into a trap of lukewarm belief in the USA today because we have been given everything we could ever possibly want. There is no more reason to depend on God, but through study of the scriptures we need to remember that each and every blessing that is given to us is from God and that he can take all the temporary things of this world away from us at any time.
This is why it is so important to be rooted in your personal relationship with Him.
So please enjoy these next blogs but also remember that one does not need to undertake a summer trip in order to boldly spread the gospel of Christ.
A good friend once said to me;
YOU are a missionary and the space between your feet is your mission field.
Do not fall into complacency!
For mailing purposes my address is:
Josh Carter
Campus Crusade for Christ
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
In Him,
Josh
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
An Essay on the Ethics of "Just War" and Iraq
Nothing is a more divisive issue in America currently than the War on Terror. From one side of the aisle you have those who defend it passionately condemning a regime that used torture, fear, and killed thousands of citizens to retain its power. From the other side you have those who maintain that our government’s motivations for this war were not just, but were in fact crooked; ranging from the eagerness to spread American imperialism to the motivation of “blood for oil”.
America is divided there is no question; but through reading James Childress’ “Just War Theories: The Bases, Interrelations, Priorities, and Functions of their Criteria”, and doing a bit of independent research of my own I hope to show that this war met the just war criteria with some provisions.
Let us first examine what Childress describes as “just war criteria”. In Just War Theories Childress explains that each of us as human beings have a Prima Facie (translated: at first sight, on the surface of) duty not to injure or kill any other human being. However this duty can be overridden if certain criteria are met hence the “just war criteria”. This does not mean that we discard completely the initial Prima Facie duty but rather do our best to honor it despite our new obligation. For example:
If I were to promise my best friend that I would throw him a bachelor party in honor of his recent engagement; but the week of this party in the middle of planning, my father in a different state dies suddenly of a heart attack and I am needed to attend the funeral. My promise to my friend would have to be broken, but that does not mean I would forget it entirely. I would most certainly apologize for not being able to keep the promise and perhaps I would also offer to throw him the party on another weekend when I return. (1)
Childress explains that this same concept applies to our initial Prima Facie obligation not to kill or injure another. If we must go to war then we must do everything in our power to honor the initial obligation rather than discard it. Childress also explains that our conduct is governed by three types of obligations; absolute, relative and (as described above) Prima Facie.(2) Absolute obligations are obligations that have priority over all other obligations and cannot be overridden in any circumstances (these are essentially our universal truths). Relative obligations are moreover maxims or “rules of thumb”; these obligations guide our decisions but do not prescribe any particular action. And of course Prima Facie, as described above is at face value a strong moral truth though it is not fully binding in determining a course of action. I will use an example from Childress on the difference between absolute obligations and Prima Facie obligations.
Ex. 1) The commandment: “Thou shalt not kill.”
This commandment is at face value Prima Facie because it does not take into account the idea of just wars, capital punishment and so forth.
However, if this commandment was stated:
“Thou shalt not murder.”
This would be an absolute obligation because the definition of murder (as defined in the Princeton online dictionary) is: unlawful premeditated killing of a human being by a human being (3)
The just war criteria laid out in this article are, in no particular order, legitimate/competent authority, just cause, right intention, announcement of intention, last resort, reasonable hope of success, and proportionality.
Competent authority is described as “…a precondition for answering the others…” (4). It basically poses the question; is our leadership morally sound in judging our reasons for going to war? Once this is determined we can begin to ask ourselves if the other criteria are met to justify action. Just cause is simply to determine if the reason for going to war is significant enough to outweigh the initial obligation of not harming or killing others. Some just causes may include severe human rights abuses, to protect those who cannot defend themselves or to restore basic rights that have been denied. However, even if your cause is just it does not mean you are free to go to war so long as there is a way to achieve your goal short of it.(5)
Right intention comes into play when you consider the outcomes of the conflict you are determining. It involves the goals of peace, reconciliation, and avoidance of unnecessary destruction throughout the conflict. An announcement of intention is another method, though old somewhat old fashioned, of trying to avoid a conflict. When a nation declares a declaration of war it explains and attempts to justify a move towards forceful conflict.
Any nation that considers engaging in a just war must consider the reasonable hope of success as well. To engage in a never ending conflict without a reasonable goal to achieve is irresponsible and is not ethical. An excellent example of a war without reasonable hope of success was the Vietnam conflict in which America did not commit wholeheartedly to defending democracy in South Vietnam. As a result the conflict was long and drawn out and the American casualties died without a specific objective being fulfilled.
The principle of reasonable hope ties in with the principle of proportionality in which the cost is weighed against the outcome of the conflict. Here is an illustration of this principle:
Ex. 2) Key leaders of a terrorist group are cornered in an old apartment complex. They have taken over 50 civilians hostage and are executing them every half hour, their demands are simple, they want a safe passage out of the building and a rendezvous with their comrades back to the safety of their villages where they will be hidden by other citizens. If these leaders escape then they will continue to commit terrorist acts against other innocents and will inspire others to join their cause. You are the commanding officer.
Do you comply with their demands and hope to rescue the hostages, or do you blow up the building to prevent the terrorists from escaping?
Is the price worth the potential future outcome? That is the proportionality principle in action. And the final criterion that needs to be met in order to justify a conflict is the last resort principle defined simply as; the course of action when all other reasonable alternatives have been exhausted.
To apply these criterion Childress, in his article, gives us five different methods. (6)
A war is considered just if:
1) It meets all the criterion listed above
2) If it meets several criterion (though no particular criteria are specified)
3) Certain fundamental criterion must be met before others are considered
4) Considers criterion as Prima Facie
5) Considers criterion as maxims ( to illuminate but not to prescribe course of action)
Any of these methods are acceptable according to Childress in deciding if a war is just but the most commonly used application is the second point.
Now that I have discussed the definition of just war, the criterion that needs to be met and the situations in which you can apply the criterion, it is essential to, point out as Childress does in this essay, that just because we have determined when it is acceptable to go to war, even if justly, we should exercise this very carefully.
“Just because we have the right to do something doesn’t mean we ought to do it.” (7)
In regards to the War on Terror we have to examine two different facets of this conflict the first being was it a “just war” to begin with and does our cause remain just almost a decade into it. On September 11, 2001 three commercial airliners full of civilians were driven into the World Trade Center and Pentagon another crash landed in a field due to the efforts of the American patriots on board who would not let their plane be the fourth to hit an important landmark in America. This day defined terror in a whole new way for the average American. We saw the ugly face of fundamentalist religion rear its head and consume close to 3,000 innocent civilians. This attack was years in planning and the men felt no remorse killing the innocents but rather felt it an honor to die in the service of their God.
Across the world in the countries of the Middle East Palestinians and Iraqis and many others danced for joy in the streets upon hearing the news of this tragedy. Our retaliation was against Al-Qaeda and the Taliban government in Afghanistan for supporting and harboring those responsible.
America’s focus shifted to Iraq soon after Afghanistan for similar reasons such as the suspicion of aiding terrorist networks and the development of weapons of mass destruction. The three main reasons for the 2003 invasion of Iraq were presented by the Bush administration preceding the invasion.
Firstly the argument of preemption was presented. The main argument here was that the use of force was necessary and justified in order to keep Saddam Hussein from using the chemical and biological weapons his country had and to also keep him from developing nuclear capabilities which he continued to pursue vigorously despite the sanctions placed on Iraq after their invasion of Kuwait in the first gulf war. This does fall into the categories of just cause and right intention though preemption is hotly debated. The cause is however just in the regard that the United States wanted to keep weapons of mass destruction and nuclear capabilities out of the hands of a ruthless and unpredictable dictator and the intention is right because the goal is a peaceful and safer world as the outcome. President Bush addressed the security council on this point saying:
“Sixty years of western nations excusing and accommodating the lack of freedom in the Middle East did nothing to make us safe- because in the long run, stability cannot be purchased at the expense of liberty. As long as the Middle East remains a place where freedom does not flourish, it will remain a place of stagnation, resentment, and violence ready for export. And with the spread of weapons that can bring catastrophic harm to our country and friends, it would be wreckless to accept the status quo.”
The second argument for action against Iraq was the enforcement of International Law. The United Nations took a passive approach to Iraq despite the continual violations of the 1991 truce after the first Gulf War. The sanctions required that Iraq pull out of Kuwait, pay reparations and disband its chemical weapons program. Saddam Hussein continued to pursue chemical and nuclear capabilities hence breaking the sanctions enacted by the U.N. In regards to international law when a sanction is violated hostilities are opened again, a violation of a truce is seen as a deliberate act of deception and conflicts with the intentions of the sanctions which are to establish a safer more peaceful world (hence the cause of a just war).
The third and most compelling reason for the conflict in Iraq was to remove a dictator who has committed grossly sadistic human rights violations. From the ordered killings of members of congress (without any trial) when he took power, to the Kurdish genocide in which over 5,000 innocent people were killed by chemical weapons, to the torture of prisoners of war during the Iran-Iraq conflict in which acid baths and electric drills were used mercilessly on defenseless prisoners. This argument alone is the basis for a just war, it fulfills just cause (to protect the innocent civilians from human rights abuses), right intention (to keep the weapons out of the hands of a brutal dictator with terrorist sympathies, making the world a safer place to live), announcement of intention and last resort (Saddam had repeated chances over a decade to comply with U.N. inspectors and he did not).
The United Nations and the world turned its head for over a decade while these atrocities were being committed. Removing Saddam as a dictator was an ethical course of action for the sake of a safer world.
From the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom our goals have been to remove Saddam from power (which we have done), to establish and rebuild the economy of Iraq (which is in progress), to create a free society where the leaders are elected (which is also in the beginning stages), and to disrupt terrorist networks that were sheltered in Iraq (which we have done). The same goals we began with are as just as they were in 2003. So long as we stay the course we have a reasonable hope of success and the prospect of a democratic and free society where there used to be an opressive regime built on fear and torture is certainly, in the proportionality principle, worth the price. I believe that Abraham Lincoln not only spoke to leaders such as Saddam Hussein when he said;
“Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves.”
But he was also speaking directly to the free citizens of America to remind us that while there are people who are oppressed in other societies that it is our moral and ethical duty as Americans to work toward spreading the freedom we have been blessed with in our great country to other nations around the world.
Sources:
“Just War Theories: The Bases, Interrelations, Priorities, and Functions of their Criteria”
By: James F. Childress
(1) pg.431-432 (2) 430-431 (3) 431 (4) 435 (5) 436 (6) 441-442 (7) 444
“How Saddam Happened”
By: Christopher Dickey and Evan Thomas
(from: Inside Iraq- A series of essays)
“Behind the War on Terror”
By: Nafeez Mosaddeq Ahmed
“Operation Iraqi Freedom”
By: Thomas Donnelly
“The War to Oust Saddam”
By: James Turner Johnson
Internet Sources:
The Iraq War- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iraq_War
Saddam Hussein- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saddam_Hussein
Reasons for War- http://www.reasons-for-war-with-iraq.info/
America is divided there is no question; but through reading James Childress’ “Just War Theories: The Bases, Interrelations, Priorities, and Functions of their Criteria”, and doing a bit of independent research of my own I hope to show that this war met the just war criteria with some provisions.
Let us first examine what Childress describes as “just war criteria”. In Just War Theories Childress explains that each of us as human beings have a Prima Facie (translated: at first sight, on the surface of) duty not to injure or kill any other human being. However this duty can be overridden if certain criteria are met hence the “just war criteria”. This does not mean that we discard completely the initial Prima Facie duty but rather do our best to honor it despite our new obligation. For example:
If I were to promise my best friend that I would throw him a bachelor party in honor of his recent engagement; but the week of this party in the middle of planning, my father in a different state dies suddenly of a heart attack and I am needed to attend the funeral. My promise to my friend would have to be broken, but that does not mean I would forget it entirely. I would most certainly apologize for not being able to keep the promise and perhaps I would also offer to throw him the party on another weekend when I return. (1)
Childress explains that this same concept applies to our initial Prima Facie obligation not to kill or injure another. If we must go to war then we must do everything in our power to honor the initial obligation rather than discard it. Childress also explains that our conduct is governed by three types of obligations; absolute, relative and (as described above) Prima Facie.(2) Absolute obligations are obligations that have priority over all other obligations and cannot be overridden in any circumstances (these are essentially our universal truths). Relative obligations are moreover maxims or “rules of thumb”; these obligations guide our decisions but do not prescribe any particular action. And of course Prima Facie, as described above is at face value a strong moral truth though it is not fully binding in determining a course of action. I will use an example from Childress on the difference between absolute obligations and Prima Facie obligations.
Ex. 1) The commandment: “Thou shalt not kill.”
This commandment is at face value Prima Facie because it does not take into account the idea of just wars, capital punishment and so forth.
However, if this commandment was stated:
“Thou shalt not murder.”
This would be an absolute obligation because the definition of murder (as defined in the Princeton online dictionary) is: unlawful premeditated killing of a human being by a human being (3)
The just war criteria laid out in this article are, in no particular order, legitimate/competent authority, just cause, right intention, announcement of intention, last resort, reasonable hope of success, and proportionality.
Competent authority is described as “…a precondition for answering the others…” (4). It basically poses the question; is our leadership morally sound in judging our reasons for going to war? Once this is determined we can begin to ask ourselves if the other criteria are met to justify action. Just cause is simply to determine if the reason for going to war is significant enough to outweigh the initial obligation of not harming or killing others. Some just causes may include severe human rights abuses, to protect those who cannot defend themselves or to restore basic rights that have been denied. However, even if your cause is just it does not mean you are free to go to war so long as there is a way to achieve your goal short of it.(5)
Right intention comes into play when you consider the outcomes of the conflict you are determining. It involves the goals of peace, reconciliation, and avoidance of unnecessary destruction throughout the conflict. An announcement of intention is another method, though old somewhat old fashioned, of trying to avoid a conflict. When a nation declares a declaration of war it explains and attempts to justify a move towards forceful conflict.
Any nation that considers engaging in a just war must consider the reasonable hope of success as well. To engage in a never ending conflict without a reasonable goal to achieve is irresponsible and is not ethical. An excellent example of a war without reasonable hope of success was the Vietnam conflict in which America did not commit wholeheartedly to defending democracy in South Vietnam. As a result the conflict was long and drawn out and the American casualties died without a specific objective being fulfilled.
The principle of reasonable hope ties in with the principle of proportionality in which the cost is weighed against the outcome of the conflict. Here is an illustration of this principle:
Ex. 2) Key leaders of a terrorist group are cornered in an old apartment complex. They have taken over 50 civilians hostage and are executing them every half hour, their demands are simple, they want a safe passage out of the building and a rendezvous with their comrades back to the safety of their villages where they will be hidden by other citizens. If these leaders escape then they will continue to commit terrorist acts against other innocents and will inspire others to join their cause. You are the commanding officer.
Do you comply with their demands and hope to rescue the hostages, or do you blow up the building to prevent the terrorists from escaping?
Is the price worth the potential future outcome? That is the proportionality principle in action. And the final criterion that needs to be met in order to justify a conflict is the last resort principle defined simply as; the course of action when all other reasonable alternatives have been exhausted.
To apply these criterion Childress, in his article, gives us five different methods. (6)
A war is considered just if:
1) It meets all the criterion listed above
2) If it meets several criterion (though no particular criteria are specified)
3) Certain fundamental criterion must be met before others are considered
4) Considers criterion as Prima Facie
5) Considers criterion as maxims ( to illuminate but not to prescribe course of action)
Any of these methods are acceptable according to Childress in deciding if a war is just but the most commonly used application is the second point.
Now that I have discussed the definition of just war, the criterion that needs to be met and the situations in which you can apply the criterion, it is essential to, point out as Childress does in this essay, that just because we have determined when it is acceptable to go to war, even if justly, we should exercise this very carefully.
“Just because we have the right to do something doesn’t mean we ought to do it.” (7)
In regards to the War on Terror we have to examine two different facets of this conflict the first being was it a “just war” to begin with and does our cause remain just almost a decade into it. On September 11, 2001 three commercial airliners full of civilians were driven into the World Trade Center and Pentagon another crash landed in a field due to the efforts of the American patriots on board who would not let their plane be the fourth to hit an important landmark in America. This day defined terror in a whole new way for the average American. We saw the ugly face of fundamentalist religion rear its head and consume close to 3,000 innocent civilians. This attack was years in planning and the men felt no remorse killing the innocents but rather felt it an honor to die in the service of their God.
Across the world in the countries of the Middle East Palestinians and Iraqis and many others danced for joy in the streets upon hearing the news of this tragedy. Our retaliation was against Al-Qaeda and the Taliban government in Afghanistan for supporting and harboring those responsible.
America’s focus shifted to Iraq soon after Afghanistan for similar reasons such as the suspicion of aiding terrorist networks and the development of weapons of mass destruction. The three main reasons for the 2003 invasion of Iraq were presented by the Bush administration preceding the invasion.
Firstly the argument of preemption was presented. The main argument here was that the use of force was necessary and justified in order to keep Saddam Hussein from using the chemical and biological weapons his country had and to also keep him from developing nuclear capabilities which he continued to pursue vigorously despite the sanctions placed on Iraq after their invasion of Kuwait in the first gulf war. This does fall into the categories of just cause and right intention though preemption is hotly debated. The cause is however just in the regard that the United States wanted to keep weapons of mass destruction and nuclear capabilities out of the hands of a ruthless and unpredictable dictator and the intention is right because the goal is a peaceful and safer world as the outcome. President Bush addressed the security council on this point saying:
“Sixty years of western nations excusing and accommodating the lack of freedom in the Middle East did nothing to make us safe- because in the long run, stability cannot be purchased at the expense of liberty. As long as the Middle East remains a place where freedom does not flourish, it will remain a place of stagnation, resentment, and violence ready for export. And with the spread of weapons that can bring catastrophic harm to our country and friends, it would be wreckless to accept the status quo.”
The second argument for action against Iraq was the enforcement of International Law. The United Nations took a passive approach to Iraq despite the continual violations of the 1991 truce after the first Gulf War. The sanctions required that Iraq pull out of Kuwait, pay reparations and disband its chemical weapons program. Saddam Hussein continued to pursue chemical and nuclear capabilities hence breaking the sanctions enacted by the U.N. In regards to international law when a sanction is violated hostilities are opened again, a violation of a truce is seen as a deliberate act of deception and conflicts with the intentions of the sanctions which are to establish a safer more peaceful world (hence the cause of a just war).
The third and most compelling reason for the conflict in Iraq was to remove a dictator who has committed grossly sadistic human rights violations. From the ordered killings of members of congress (without any trial) when he took power, to the Kurdish genocide in which over 5,000 innocent people were killed by chemical weapons, to the torture of prisoners of war during the Iran-Iraq conflict in which acid baths and electric drills were used mercilessly on defenseless prisoners. This argument alone is the basis for a just war, it fulfills just cause (to protect the innocent civilians from human rights abuses), right intention (to keep the weapons out of the hands of a brutal dictator with terrorist sympathies, making the world a safer place to live), announcement of intention and last resort (Saddam had repeated chances over a decade to comply with U.N. inspectors and he did not).
The United Nations and the world turned its head for over a decade while these atrocities were being committed. Removing Saddam as a dictator was an ethical course of action for the sake of a safer world.
From the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom our goals have been to remove Saddam from power (which we have done), to establish and rebuild the economy of Iraq (which is in progress), to create a free society where the leaders are elected (which is also in the beginning stages), and to disrupt terrorist networks that were sheltered in Iraq (which we have done). The same goals we began with are as just as they were in 2003. So long as we stay the course we have a reasonable hope of success and the prospect of a democratic and free society where there used to be an opressive regime built on fear and torture is certainly, in the proportionality principle, worth the price. I believe that Abraham Lincoln not only spoke to leaders such as Saddam Hussein when he said;
“Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves.”
But he was also speaking directly to the free citizens of America to remind us that while there are people who are oppressed in other societies that it is our moral and ethical duty as Americans to work toward spreading the freedom we have been blessed with in our great country to other nations around the world.
Sources:
“Just War Theories: The Bases, Interrelations, Priorities, and Functions of their Criteria”
By: James F. Childress
(1) pg.431-432 (2) 430-431 (3) 431 (4) 435 (5) 436 (6) 441-442 (7) 444
“How Saddam Happened”
By: Christopher Dickey and Evan Thomas
(from: Inside Iraq- A series of essays)
“Behind the War on Terror”
By: Nafeez Mosaddeq Ahmed
“Operation Iraqi Freedom”
By: Thomas Donnelly
“The War to Oust Saddam”
By: James Turner Johnson
Internet Sources:
The Iraq War- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iraq_War
Saddam Hussein- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saddam_Hussein
Reasons for War- http://www.reasons-for-war-with-iraq.info/
Monday, February 16, 2009
A Note on Oversensitivity
In America right now we encounter many different belief systems,
values, moral codes lifestyles, orientations and what have you.
It is imperative to then be sensitive to others
because your code may not coincide with another person's way of life.
Who are we to stereotype or to tell others how to believe?
This is a pluralistic nation and we only have the right to speak
if it aligns with the tolerant views our society has set forth.
So the lie goes.
I believe that we are in a dangerous state
when a citizen cannot voice their opinions
without being scrutinized or labeled by others.
We have lost the ability to critically read and examine the form of art that we know as language.
And it is in tolerance that we lose our freedom.
Our right to dissent.
The things the writer may say may be unpopular to many,
however we must refrain from making judgments too quickly,
and look deeper into the meaning of the article being presented.
As an example of this I will break down a recent article line for line to determine if it is, in fact, a stereotypical or sexist commentary.
To all the sensitive guys out there,
This statement is addressed to the target audience, in this case the guys who tend to be more artistic, soft-spoken, or are just all around nicer.
I want to say that I extend my sincerest sympathies to you for having been born the way you are. For feeling things deeply, for caring about people beyond their surface value, for being trusting and naive. You truly are an incredible and unbelievable creation.
A sarcastic statement aimed at the root of the problem with sensitive guys, and that is their feelings. Because they are made this way they are more prone to heartbreak and believing lies.
Let me also apologize to you in this letter.
You will never be understood or appreciated for the times you bring your girlfriend flowers or tell her she is beautiful. Or how bout the times when you are there for her to listen to her problems? Don't expect a thank you or respect for the man you are, because sadly you are not edgy enough for the new American woman.
This statement makes reference to the new mentality that is common on campuses and in high schools today. Society has told girls that it is their turn to turn around and to get what they can out of the guys who have used them and treated them badly. Girls owe it to themselves to avoid the heartbreak of being used by becoming the "users" if you will. Sadly enough oftentimes in this situation it is the sensitive caring guys who end up being taken advantage of rather than the jerks. Why? Because they are more prone to do what they can to make their lady feel like a princess. The jerks could care less about a girl's feelings.
You see because you appreciate things like art or musicals or shopping somehow this makes you less of a man than the stereotypical weightlifting, car-fixing, brainless jock.
A statement of disdain towards the American mentality thrust upon guys in society today. The artsy guys are told that unless they let their muscles (and other body members) do their thinking rather than their brains then they are somehow deemed less manly than other guys.
Just because you don't treat a woman poorly and expect them to worship you this becomes a basis to rule you out. Just because you aren't obsessed with the idea of casual sex and the idea of hooking up with women while drunk; and just because you do not enjoy strip clubs as a recreational activity does not make you any less of a man, no in fact it makes you more of a man!
Again another commentary on the "jock" mentality of guys in America today. It is calling out the guys who do these things to women. It is wrong for a guy to treat a woman poorly. It is wrong for a guy to hook up just because the crowd says its OK. This is the author's opinion. The bottom line on this statement is that the sexualization and objectification of women in today's society is completely uncalled for and that guys who go against the flow have more character than guys who conform.
But let me tell you this right now sensitive guys, if that is what women are truly looking for in this life then I say let them have it and settle for nothing substantial. Your road will be a lonely and dark one in search of love but it is better to be alone than to be manipulated, used and take for granted by a woman who does not appreciate your gifts and talents and your caring nature.
For a guy who tries to act with character and integrity our sexualized society is an extremely lonely place. Many women conform to the status quo because they do not believe there is any alternative. Many of them step on sensitive guys because in this society we have promoted a survival of the fittest mentality. As a result those who are sensitive are trod upon whether intentionally or unintentionally. Sadly.
A sensitive guy is, in fact, much better without love if the relationship is that of manipulation and the sensitive guys should realize this fact.
Be a true man.
Pursue things that interest you and that you find happiness in doing because when you give up everything to try to change into something that the person you are dating wants you to be you will end up living a lie, and you will be used until you are not of use anymore. You will be kicked aside when your significant other pursues new and more exciting endeavors and you are left alone, a hollow shell of a person who has tried to put on a new mask.
Many sensitive guys try to change for the person they love out of the principle of love itself. Unfortunately they deny their true selves by doing this and in that process become less appealing to the woman they are in fact changing for. When the woman finally leaves them they will be left realizing how fake they truly have become by trying to be something they are not. Admittedly it was out of good intention, however;
"The highway to hell is paved with good intentions."
The sensitive man will be ok in the end if he pursues his interests, unashamedly and the right woman who will appreciate this guy for who he is will come. But it is up to the guy to take the first step of being confident and proud of who he is.
You are worth more than that.
The saying is that it is better to have loved and lost than never loved at all....
I say that whoever wrote that had no concept of what they were saying.
I cannot think of one productive thing that has come from lost love other than you learn to handle and cope with more pain than you can ever imagine feeling before.
This statement has bias in it. The author perhaps has personal experience in the matter that has warped and molded his views, bias is not bad in an article. It gives us strong feelings and opinions towards a certain issue. However the critical reader must look for the important information, discern bias, and make their assesment based on their conclusion.
Take my advice guys:
In this life always be hesitant to love and always look for hidden motives.
Live your life by these principles and you will spare yourself heartbreak and root out the fake and the insincere.
A cautionary note to guys who haven't yet had their hearts broken. This statement warns against putting their heart first and wearing it on their sleeve. Once you give another your heart they can do with it what they want and you will be on the recieving end of whatever they give. Being skeptical of love helps discern what is true love and what is temporary.
Love is thrown around casually in our society today, oftentimes it is used to achieve an end. Some guys/girls use it to get sex or things or status, a sensitive guy by his very nature is going to believe what he is told without question. To avoid this he must be skeptical and questioning.
I wish you well in this life. Lord knows that society has made it hard enough for you.
Signed,
Another Sensitive Guy
Now ask yourself:
When you read this did you read it critically?
Did you break it down and contemplate the actual meanings behind the writing?
Or did you only read and percieve what you wanted to percieve?
Did you place bias there in your mind purely because you did not agree with the ideas presented here?
Is this article really truly a basis to take offense?
Is the author writing the article to be deliberately malicious, or is it just an opinion?
Ask yourself questions like these more often and you may be surprised that your initial impressions are not at all what is communicated.
There will be many things placed online that have deeper meanings than the first read, and if you are not in the habit of carefully analyzing what the author's intent is behind certain articles then you might just be taken for a ride.
values, moral codes lifestyles, orientations and what have you.
It is imperative to then be sensitive to others
because your code may not coincide with another person's way of life.
Who are we to stereotype or to tell others how to believe?
This is a pluralistic nation and we only have the right to speak
if it aligns with the tolerant views our society has set forth.
So the lie goes.
I believe that we are in a dangerous state
when a citizen cannot voice their opinions
without being scrutinized or labeled by others.
We have lost the ability to critically read and examine the form of art that we know as language.
And it is in tolerance that we lose our freedom.
Our right to dissent.
The things the writer may say may be unpopular to many,
however we must refrain from making judgments too quickly,
and look deeper into the meaning of the article being presented.
As an example of this I will break down a recent article line for line to determine if it is, in fact, a stereotypical or sexist commentary.
To all the sensitive guys out there,
This statement is addressed to the target audience, in this case the guys who tend to be more artistic, soft-spoken, or are just all around nicer.
I want to say that I extend my sincerest sympathies to you for having been born the way you are. For feeling things deeply, for caring about people beyond their surface value, for being trusting and naive. You truly are an incredible and unbelievable creation.
A sarcastic statement aimed at the root of the problem with sensitive guys, and that is their feelings. Because they are made this way they are more prone to heartbreak and believing lies.
Let me also apologize to you in this letter.
You will never be understood or appreciated for the times you bring your girlfriend flowers or tell her she is beautiful. Or how bout the times when you are there for her to listen to her problems? Don't expect a thank you or respect for the man you are, because sadly you are not edgy enough for the new American woman.
This statement makes reference to the new mentality that is common on campuses and in high schools today. Society has told girls that it is their turn to turn around and to get what they can out of the guys who have used them and treated them badly. Girls owe it to themselves to avoid the heartbreak of being used by becoming the "users" if you will. Sadly enough oftentimes in this situation it is the sensitive caring guys who end up being taken advantage of rather than the jerks. Why? Because they are more prone to do what they can to make their lady feel like a princess. The jerks could care less about a girl's feelings.
You see because you appreciate things like art or musicals or shopping somehow this makes you less of a man than the stereotypical weightlifting, car-fixing, brainless jock.
A statement of disdain towards the American mentality thrust upon guys in society today. The artsy guys are told that unless they let their muscles (and other body members) do their thinking rather than their brains then they are somehow deemed less manly than other guys.
Just because you don't treat a woman poorly and expect them to worship you this becomes a basis to rule you out. Just because you aren't obsessed with the idea of casual sex and the idea of hooking up with women while drunk; and just because you do not enjoy strip clubs as a recreational activity does not make you any less of a man, no in fact it makes you more of a man!
Again another commentary on the "jock" mentality of guys in America today. It is calling out the guys who do these things to women. It is wrong for a guy to treat a woman poorly. It is wrong for a guy to hook up just because the crowd says its OK. This is the author's opinion. The bottom line on this statement is that the sexualization and objectification of women in today's society is completely uncalled for and that guys who go against the flow have more character than guys who conform.
But let me tell you this right now sensitive guys, if that is what women are truly looking for in this life then I say let them have it and settle for nothing substantial. Your road will be a lonely and dark one in search of love but it is better to be alone than to be manipulated, used and take for granted by a woman who does not appreciate your gifts and talents and your caring nature.
For a guy who tries to act with character and integrity our sexualized society is an extremely lonely place. Many women conform to the status quo because they do not believe there is any alternative. Many of them step on sensitive guys because in this society we have promoted a survival of the fittest mentality. As a result those who are sensitive are trod upon whether intentionally or unintentionally. Sadly.
A sensitive guy is, in fact, much better without love if the relationship is that of manipulation and the sensitive guys should realize this fact.
Be a true man.
Pursue things that interest you and that you find happiness in doing because when you give up everything to try to change into something that the person you are dating wants you to be you will end up living a lie, and you will be used until you are not of use anymore. You will be kicked aside when your significant other pursues new and more exciting endeavors and you are left alone, a hollow shell of a person who has tried to put on a new mask.
Many sensitive guys try to change for the person they love out of the principle of love itself. Unfortunately they deny their true selves by doing this and in that process become less appealing to the woman they are in fact changing for. When the woman finally leaves them they will be left realizing how fake they truly have become by trying to be something they are not. Admittedly it was out of good intention, however;
"The highway to hell is paved with good intentions."
The sensitive man will be ok in the end if he pursues his interests, unashamedly and the right woman who will appreciate this guy for who he is will come. But it is up to the guy to take the first step of being confident and proud of who he is.
You are worth more than that.
The saying is that it is better to have loved and lost than never loved at all....
I say that whoever wrote that had no concept of what they were saying.
I cannot think of one productive thing that has come from lost love other than you learn to handle and cope with more pain than you can ever imagine feeling before.
This statement has bias in it. The author perhaps has personal experience in the matter that has warped and molded his views, bias is not bad in an article. It gives us strong feelings and opinions towards a certain issue. However the critical reader must look for the important information, discern bias, and make their assesment based on their conclusion.
Take my advice guys:
In this life always be hesitant to love and always look for hidden motives.
Live your life by these principles and you will spare yourself heartbreak and root out the fake and the insincere.
A cautionary note to guys who haven't yet had their hearts broken. This statement warns against putting their heart first and wearing it on their sleeve. Once you give another your heart they can do with it what they want and you will be on the recieving end of whatever they give. Being skeptical of love helps discern what is true love and what is temporary.
Love is thrown around casually in our society today, oftentimes it is used to achieve an end. Some guys/girls use it to get sex or things or status, a sensitive guy by his very nature is going to believe what he is told without question. To avoid this he must be skeptical and questioning.
I wish you well in this life. Lord knows that society has made it hard enough for you.
Signed,
Another Sensitive Guy
Now ask yourself:
When you read this did you read it critically?
Did you break it down and contemplate the actual meanings behind the writing?
Or did you only read and percieve what you wanted to percieve?
Did you place bias there in your mind purely because you did not agree with the ideas presented here?
Is this article really truly a basis to take offense?
Is the author writing the article to be deliberately malicious, or is it just an opinion?
Ask yourself questions like these more often and you may be surprised that your initial impressions are not at all what is communicated.
There will be many things placed online that have deeper meanings than the first read, and if you are not in the habit of carefully analyzing what the author's intent is behind certain articles then you might just be taken for a ride.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
A Letter to a Sensitive Guy
To all the sensitive guys out there,
I want to say that I extend my sincerest sympathies to you for having been born the way you are. For feeling things deeply, for caring about people beyond their surface value, for being trusting and naive. You truly are an incredible and unbelievable creation.
Let me also apologize to you in this letter.
You will never be understood or appreciated for the times you bring your girlfriend flowers or tell her she is beautiful. Or how bout the times when you are there for her to listen to her problems? Don't expect a thank you or respect for the man you are, because sadly you are not edgy enough for the new American woman.
You see because you appreciate things like art or musicals or shopping somehow this makes you less of a man than the stereotypical weightlifting, car-fixing, brainless jock.
Just because you don't treat a woman poorly and expect them to worship you this becomes a basis to rule you out. Just because you aren't obsessed with the idea of casual sex and the idea of hooking up with women while drunk; and just because you do not enjoy strip clubs as a recreational activity does not make you any less of a man, no in fact it makes you more of a man!
But let me tell you this right now sensitive guys, if that is what women are truly looking for in this life then I say let them have it and settle for nothing substantial. Your road will be a lonely and dark one in search of love but it is better to be alone than to be manipulated, used and take for granted by a woman who does not appreciate your gifts and talents and your caring nature.
Be a true man.
Pursue things that interest you and that you find happiness in doing because when you give up everything to try to change into something that the person you are dating wants you to be you will end up living a lie, and you will be used until you are not of use anymore. You will be kicked aside when your significant other pursues new and more exciting endeavors and you are left alone, a hollow shell of a person who has tried to put on a new mask.
You are worth more than that.
The saying is that it is better to have loved and lost than never loved at all....
I say that whoever wrote that had no concept of what they were saying.
I cannot think of one productive thing that has come from lost love other than you learn to handle and cope with more pain than you can ever imagine feeling before.
Take my advice guys:
In this life always be hesitant to love and always look for hidden motives.
Live your life by these principles and you will spare yourself heartbreak and root out the fake and the insincere.
I wish you well in this life. Lord knows that society has made it hard enough for you.
Signed,
Another Sensitive Guy
I want to say that I extend my sincerest sympathies to you for having been born the way you are. For feeling things deeply, for caring about people beyond their surface value, for being trusting and naive. You truly are an incredible and unbelievable creation.
Let me also apologize to you in this letter.
You will never be understood or appreciated for the times you bring your girlfriend flowers or tell her she is beautiful. Or how bout the times when you are there for her to listen to her problems? Don't expect a thank you or respect for the man you are, because sadly you are not edgy enough for the new American woman.
You see because you appreciate things like art or musicals or shopping somehow this makes you less of a man than the stereotypical weightlifting, car-fixing, brainless jock.
Just because you don't treat a woman poorly and expect them to worship you this becomes a basis to rule you out. Just because you aren't obsessed with the idea of casual sex and the idea of hooking up with women while drunk; and just because you do not enjoy strip clubs as a recreational activity does not make you any less of a man, no in fact it makes you more of a man!
But let me tell you this right now sensitive guys, if that is what women are truly looking for in this life then I say let them have it and settle for nothing substantial. Your road will be a lonely and dark one in search of love but it is better to be alone than to be manipulated, used and take for granted by a woman who does not appreciate your gifts and talents and your caring nature.
Be a true man.
Pursue things that interest you and that you find happiness in doing because when you give up everything to try to change into something that the person you are dating wants you to be you will end up living a lie, and you will be used until you are not of use anymore. You will be kicked aside when your significant other pursues new and more exciting endeavors and you are left alone, a hollow shell of a person who has tried to put on a new mask.
You are worth more than that.
The saying is that it is better to have loved and lost than never loved at all....
I say that whoever wrote that had no concept of what they were saying.
I cannot think of one productive thing that has come from lost love other than you learn to handle and cope with more pain than you can ever imagine feeling before.
Take my advice guys:
In this life always be hesitant to love and always look for hidden motives.
Live your life by these principles and you will spare yourself heartbreak and root out the fake and the insincere.
I wish you well in this life. Lord knows that society has made it hard enough for you.
Signed,
Another Sensitive Guy
Monday, February 2, 2009
The Death of God
"God is dead. God remains dead. And we have killed him." -Freidrich Nietzsche
The words of Nietzsche echo eerily in my mind as I reflect on this bold claim. Clearly it was just the work of a philosopher who was only a critic of Christianity and morality, something that those of faith can easily discard as false.
But is it?
In the 21st century American culture, I cannot think of a place in which the concept of God and religion and morality has been more stagnant and dead. Three things have killed God in our society and they are; prosperity, science, and tolerance. Think of this:
1) In our current society we are safe.
Therefore we have no need of a protector or a shelter. We have no need of the good shepherd, the one who the sheep (or people as the analogy goes) follow and depend on for protection from the wolves. But it is in our safety that the "wolves" have been able to come into our midst and slaughter the sheep spiritually.
Let me clarify.
We are a safe and prosperous nation. Why is there any need for God or a belief system based on morality when we can have anything and everything we want in our nation? Why do we need God when we have no worries about how men will provide food for their families or how we will travel safely to another town, city, or state without being attacked by aggressors? Why do we need God when we have big fancy cars, quality education, big spacious houses, high paying jobs, ect., etc., etc. The list continues to grow each day.
Our safety and prosperity has eliminated a need for dependence.
2) Modern science has killed God in our society.
We have in essence begun to make ourselves gods because of advances in medical technology. If you are not happy with your face or your gender it can be altered to your liking. If you are overweight a simple operation can change that. People are living longer and longer with each century that passes and medical scientists continue to look for ways to make us immortals.
Philosophers for so long have done everything in their power to disprove the existence of a higher power that the people of America have begun to believe it! Though their logic is terribly flawed we accept the lies because this enables us to live our lives in the fast lane with no consequences, and no higher power to be held accountable to in the end of all things.
How frightening is it that in our society we have begun to look for guidance, not in the possibility of a higher power that gives purpose to our lives, but rather propagandists such as Richard Dawkins who crows about his atheistic "faith" without even thinking of the absurdity of the claim.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mmskXXetcg
How can Richard Dawkins say that there is no God without himself possessing the knowledge of the universe. I do not deny that he may be a smart man with a degree or two, but does this mean that he can tell America as a fact that there is no God and that we on this earth happened as a mere chance and coincidence?
Apparently he can.
Plato said that;
"Ignorance is the root and stem of every evil."
And I am inclined to believe him; maybe Mr. Dawkins should as well.
3) We are a tolerant nation.
I should change this statement to; "We are a tolerant nation, except when it comes to those of the Judeo-Christian faith."
Over and over the church has had special interest groups go over its head and shout it down. Legislation that should have been opposed by churches and moral leaders in this country has been passed. Why is this?
If your moral belief is that abortion is wrong why don't you stand up and fight?
If you believe that homosexuality is wrong why do you not stand up and fight for your moral convictions?
If you truly believe that this country was founded on the principles of God and morality then why do you allow him to be taken out of our courtrooms and our public buildings, and our schools?
The special interest groups that campaign for these issues do not hesitate to fight for what they believe in! I believe in an America where all groups, even the Christians have a right to be heard and not shouted down in the name of tolerance; because just by the very act of shouting down another in the name of tolerance is intolerance in its most belligerant, bigoted form!
But the church remains silent and useless for anything other than Sunday's support group. And America's moralist philosophical voices are drowned out. If there is anything more dangerous in America right now it is this simple fact.
I believe that William Young's character in the movie Boondock Saints states drives the point home when he states;
"Now, we must all fear evil men. But there is another kind of evil which we must fear most, and that is the indifference of good men."
America!
It seems as though Friedrich Nietzche was correct when he asserted that God was dead. Our churches are full of people who believe that they know God but really truly do not grasp the concept of sacrifice, grace, or standing up for moral convictions.
We have fallen into apathy and have traded conviction for safety, science and tolerance!
Ask yourself; are you going to church or claiming to be a moralist because you truly believe the concept or because you have been told you need to?
As Paul said in his letter to James;
"What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
-James 2:14-17
Will you stand up for your beliefs before its too late? Or will you wait till your right to speak up is taken from you?
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Dear President Obama
In the wake of the inauguration and all the excitement I felt compelled to write a note to our new president.
Dear President Obama,
First of all I would like to congratulate you on your magnificent accomplishment. From the meager beginnings of a campaign that looked like a lost cause...becoming the front runner for a demoralized quarreling democratic party, and eventually democratic nominee for president. Inspiring the youth and minority voters of this nation to turn out in numbers this nation had not seen in over a decade. Instilling in our citizens a hope for a bright and shining future in which America will rise above the problems we as a nation are facing currently and become once again a beacon of light in this world. Not to mention becoming the first ever black president of the United States of America! I applaud you sir.
Now as the dust settles from the long road of campaigning and as you brush off the mud of attacks from your adversaries I am asking you to consider these things as you undertake the next four years of your presidency.
1) Please remember that bipartisanship is important.
You will have your hands full with this issue more than any other seeing as how your Democrat controlled congress has failed to do anything since the house and senate were overturned and Ms. Pelosi became speaker.
Sadly the party of change and reform has been too afraid of taking action for the good of the country because it was simpler to just veto and argue proposals put forward by the conservative counterparts. I hope more than ever your fancy and eloquent speaking abilities can win over both parties and work toward legitimate change in our political system rather than falling back into the usual stalemate politics...
Of course also keep in mind that when you work toward change with the house and senate, please make efforts to make real solid changes to America rather than cute temporary legislation...
2) Remember that our nation's security ALWAYS comes before any other issue.
It is approaching the 8 year mark since September 11, 2001. Eight consecutive years that we have not worried about terrorist attacks on our soil, that we have been safe in our homes because we took the fight to terrorist soil. I ask you to continue the job we as a nation set out to do after 9/11. Do not forget the men in masks, the cowards, who drove commercial airliners full of innocent American civilians into our own buildings with the intent to cripple our nation; to bring America to it's knees. We over came that tragedy and forged forward removing a dangerous and deadly tyrant from power. We have disrupted terrorist networks and froze funds and intimidated those who would aid the terrorist cause. Was it always diplomatic? Not so much. But the results show clearly that America remained safe from outside attacks under President George Bush, and I ask that as our new president you continue to defend our nation's freedom by pursuing those who would harm or hurt not just our soldiers, but our women and children as well. Those that have no regard for the freedom to express ourselves or to worship as we please but would rather see our great nation burn.
"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and success of liberty." - J.F.K.
3) Follow through with your plans on foreign policy.
Re-establish our relations with our allies. Talk when and where necessary. But I implore you to also have the courage and the patriotism to fight back when necessary. Make America not only a friend to the world, but feared and respected for its leadership.
Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it. ~Thomas Paine
4) Provide an example to our youth.
Show young men growing up in poverty the value of education, and the importance of speaking articulately. Show the youth that the lifestyle they want to emulate is not one of a thug or a gangster but that of a man (or woman) who acts with integrity and carries themself with self-respect. Show them that there is more to living in this great country than the fast cars, obsession with materials, and rebellion against home and family values. You are a role model to our youth.
"Children are the world's most valuable resource and its best hope for the future” -J.F.K.
5) Unify the nation; don't divide it.
We are a nation of many cultures, but we are great because we are out of many one. No single culture is better than another and while it is important to give tribute to our individual beliefs and heritages remember that we are here as Americans. Not African-Americans or atheist-Americans or Jewish-Americans but Americans.
If you are ashamed to stand by your colors, you had better seek another flag. ~Author Unknown
6) Be grateful everyday.
You are president not because you have the right but because you have been given the right by the people of America. You don't deserve this because of your race or your religion but because the American people trust you to bring change and hope to the future generations. Do not take this for granted.
“Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.” -J.F.K.
You have a daunting task ahead of you right now and only time will tell what sort of a president you will be, but remember that you have my vote to succeed until you break my confidence and trust.
I wish you well sir.
Sincerely,
An American Patriot
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