The Power of Hope

(I was recently asked to write a "Sanctuary Moment" note for our health system's intranet, as my chaplaincy colleague in a larger facility was on vacation. They usually write a weekly post, published in several of our facilities, with links to other resources as well. I did get some feedback from colleagues in several places that they appreciated these thoughts, so I decided to post this entry here as well.)

Sanctuary Moment for 05-15-14

“The Power of Hope”

“Hope is a state of mind, not of the world. Hope, in this deep and powerful sense, is not the same as joy that things are going well, or willingness to invest in enterprises that are obviously heading for success, but rather an ability to work for something because it is good.”

Vaclav Havel

What do you hope for? When I approach the weekend, I hope for good weather and the opportunity to spend time with family and friends. Early in the morning, I hope for a good day at work and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of patients, families and colleagues. I personally hope for a rewarding career, good health, and intimacy with God and others.

We meet patients and families each day, in hospitals and outpatient settings, who hope for good test results and speedy recoveries. Some of these situations will have positive outcomes. Over my career in healthcare chaplaincy, I have had the good fortune to celebrate with more patients and families than I can count. Whether it is a parent taking a newborn home after a NICU stay, a grandmother returning home following successful cardiac surgery, or a teenage boy returning to school after an appendectomy, these shared experiences can give us renewed hope and raise our spirits. Many of us have also walked alongside people facing harder circumstances. Perhaps you have cared for a mother with young children and a terminal diagnosis, or have witnessed the shock of families trying to make sense of sudden loss following a car crash. Although it can be rewarding to offer care and support in these moments, we might feel hopeless at times.

The current state of healthcare also induces stress and uncertainty. Will my position be here next week or next year? What about the patient volumes in the unit you manage? What impact will the budget process have on the resources I am accustomed to utilizing to perform my work? In my experience, in order to thrive we also have to adapt to change. Few of us now report to the manager or director we met during the hiring process.

Whether we are sharing the joys and pains of patients and families, or facing other job-related stressors, I am convinced that each of us is responsible to develop and nurture a hopeful spirit. Life is a gift to be celebrated and shared. Careful reflection on Havel’s words above tells me that hope is not dependent solely on achieving the outcome I would like in a specific situation, but rather appreciating the value of meaningful work and significant relationships. I invite you to identify what is “good” in your life and work, and invest your time and energy in these things. I believe this is one source of a consistently hopeful spirit for each of us.

A prayer for hope:  Alone, we do not have the resources to meet the challenges of this day, nor the strength to accomplish the necessary tasks of caring for all those we meet. It is easy to become overwhelmed, fearful, and anxious. Help us find beauty in each moment, and give us peace which is not based on instantaneous results. May we find hope that endures.  Amen.

Here are two songs about hope (the first is techno, the second a Gaither hymn, possibly following advertisements):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6XwmEP4E8Y&feature=youtu.be

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LkqyC9dMF8&feature=em-share_video_user       

Remembering Dad

On this Father's Day weekend, it is difficult for me to believe that it has been 18 years since Dad's death. He died much too young (67) in 1995. I was almost 24 and in my first year of seminary at the time, and it is no exaggeration to say that helping care for him at home (along with Hospice staff and my Mom & siblings) changed the direction of my life and ministry.

Dad was born in 1928 in a small community in the mountains of East Tennessee. His mother died when he was 8, and his father moved the family across the state line into Western North Carolina. His father never remarried. Dad left school after the 6th grade, and grew up farming and logging alongside his father. He always said that he was a "little too young" to be drafted during WWII, and a "little too old" to be among the first called into military service during the Korean conflict. He was drafted into the U.S. Army toward the end of this war, and experienced the farthest-ranging travel of his life during his time in military service. As we were growing up, he would recount his experiences traveling through Texas, California, and to Japan. Dad had a wry sense of humor, and would tell about arriving in Korea 24-48 hours after the Armistice was signed  with a comment that the timing was "just fine with me." He did complete a little more education during his time in the Army, finishing the equivalence of 8th grade. He also joked about avoiding more "risky" assignments in the military, relating an account of an officer seeking recruits by appealing to ego/machismo. Apparently this guy was seeking volunteers to try for a more elite unit (maybe Rangers or something like that?) by telling the group he "wasn't looking for boys, we need men!" Dad would kind of shrug and say "I decided I was still a boy" and stayed with his unit as a tank driver. Following his military service, Dad returned home and rarely left the mountains of NC/TN for the rest of his life.

Dad worked as a pulpwood logger, and as a farmer on rented property, until back injuries required that he stop logging. He continued to farm, supplementing his income with factory work at times as well. Dad began dating Mom after he returned from the Army, and they were married in 1955. After a honeymoon in Gatlinburg, they moved in with my paternal grandfather for a few years. Dad was always a joker, and while Mom had met her future father-in-law, she had never visited his house before this time.  The snow in the mountains in January/February required them to leave Dad's car at my uncle's house nearby and finish the trip to my grandfather's house on foot. As they passed the small church & cemetery (where they are now buried) they only had to walk over one more hilltop to see the house. Mom was getting tired, and asked how much farther they had to go. Dad responded "oh, we're about halfway there" while pointing at a more distant ridge. (I think this story was funnier to Mom when retelling it later than it was in the moment...) As they topped the ridge, Mom saw my grandfather waiting at the door to welcome them in. They soon started a family, and their first son died as an infant. My parents had 6 daughters and 2 more sons (I am the 7th of 8 surviving siblings).

My father did not have the advantages of education or significant financial resources, but he was one of the smartest and hardest-working men I have ever known. He had a firm conviction about what he believed was right and wrong, and a strong faith (though he was not consistently active in a local church). One of my earliest memories of church includes Dad holding me when I was a young boy, and carrying me to the altar area when much of the congregation was coming forward for a time of prayer. Dad had his weaknesses and flaws, as all of us do as humans, and in my opinion the two areas he struggled with most were insecurity and anger. I believe he was a very good man, but a man who was raised in a harsh environment and circumstances, and some of this was reflected in his attitudes and mannerisms.

Dad was also a quiet and introverted man. He enjoyed spending time with family and close friends, but would avoid or quietly escape many social settings. Our house was positioned on a hill, with the side yards sloping down toward the back with a walkout basement. On multiple occasions, I can remember folks stopping by the house and Mom happily engaging in extended conversations with them. If Dad was home at the beginning of the visit, he would quietly find his way downstairs and out the back door within a few minutes. He would usually drive down to the farm, and then spend a few hours checking the progress of his crops or working on his equipment and preparing tools for the next chore.

Dad worked hard to provide for us, moving from an early life in his father's home to renting houses for his growing family. He also transitioned vocationally from working alongside my grandfather to purchasing his own equipment and renting farmland. He eventually built our home (around 1970) and then purchased a small farm (about 50 acres) in 1980. He completed our house about a year before I was born, and I lived there with my parents and siblings until moving away for college. My parents lived in this house, situated on about an acre of property, for the rest of their lives. Each of them was cared for by family and Hospice staff at the end of their lives, and passed away peacefully in their home.

In my opinion, my Dad did more with less advantages than anyone I have ever known. He provided for the needs of a growing family, raising 8 children to adulthood and living faithfully with Mom for 40 years. He was able to move from living in his own father's house to building our home and purchasing a farm and equipment, leaving property and a small inheritance to us after their deaths (I have siblings who live on the farm property today.) He loved his children and grandchildren, and my Mom "Jenny" was the love of his life.

I had the privilege of assisting him as his health declined, and will remember some of the conversations and shared experiences in those final months and weeks for the rest of my life. Mom & I were taking turns caring for him at the end, and on the night of his death I was scheduled to sit with him during the night. Mom came to tell me that he had asked her to stay with him, and Dad passed away peacefully a few hours later with Mom at his side.

Dad, I look forward to seeing you again.

Remembering Mom

My mother has been deceased for many years, but I am reflecting upon her life as we prepare for Mother's Day this weekend.  Her example, love, and influence continue to shape my life and attitudes today.

Mom was born in a small East Tennessee community in 1934, and faced numerous hardships in her life.  As a child growing up in the Appalachian mountains during and after the Great Depression, she experienced financial hardship as well as significant losses in her family of origin.  Mom was the oldest child in her family, and her mother died when she was 11. Her father remained single for several years following her mother's death, and Mom essentially became a "housewife" helping raise her younger siblings before she was a teenager. (I believe her youngest sister was very young, and went to live with an aunt or another family member.)

Education was important to Mom, and she insisted on continuing school until her high school graduation in addition to her work caring for her siblings. After high school, she completed nursing studies as well. Despite this education, however, she never worked professionally in the nursing field. She met my father, married, and cared for our large family for the rest of her life.

My mother and father lived most of their lives in small Appalachian communities along the Tennessee/North Carolina border. Dad was a few years older than Mom, and they began dating and were married not long after he returned from serving in the U.S. Army near the end of the Korean conflict. We frequently heard the story of their first date while growing up. Apparently,there was a double date planned, with each of them seeing other people. However, Dad was driving and picked Mom up first. As he continued driving along, Mom asked if he was picking up her date and his. Dad responded "Oh, we don't need them" and continued driving. Mom apparently had no objection to this change of plans, and they continued dating and were married less than a year later.

Mom moved with Dad to North Carolina, started a family of their own, and their first son died in infancy. They raised 8 surviving children (I have six sisters and one brother), with Mom working alongside Dad (and us, when we were old enough to help) on the farm. The characteristics that I remember most about Mom were her deep faith, unconditional love for children, and patience. Early memories include hearing her sing along with her gospel records while working around the house, her devotion to each of her children (and later, grandchildren), and love of flowers. She planted flowers each year around the house, and the window sills would be filled with plants she brought indoors during winter months. She also taught us by example the importance of reading Scripture, regularly sitting down with her Bible and reading chapters each day.

Mom & Dad were married 40 years, until his death in February 1995. Mom had experienced health challenges for many years, and one of her prayers was that she would live to see her children grow to adulthood.  She died in October 1996, with adult children (my youngest sister was 22, and I was 25 and in seminary at the time.) She was also able to spend time with many of her grandchildren, although one of my enduring regrets is that her death occurred before any of my children were born. With her love for children, it is a significant loss for them that they never had a chance to meet her.

I do share my mother's faith that God will care for us throughout the joys and struggles of life, and into eternity.

Love you, Mom!

"Wake up, Jesus!" homily

I have not posted anything to my blog recently, and recently had the opportunity for "pulpit supply," filling in at a local church while the pastor was on vacation. This was a nice change of pace, providing an opportunity for preaching, which is a small part of my current vocation in healthcare chaplaincy.  Today, I have decided to post the text of the homily as a blog post as well.

“Wake up, Jesus!”

Mark 4:35-41

Years ago a farmer owned land along the Atlantic seacoast. He constantly advertised for hired hands. Many people were reluctant to work for him- they dreaded the awful storms that raged across the Atlantic, wreaking havoc on the buildings and crops.

As the farmer searched for help, he received a steady stream of refusals. Finally, a short, thin man, well past middle age, approached the farmer.

"Are you a good farmhand?" the farmer asked him.

"Well, I can sleep when the wind blows," answered the little man.

Although puzzled by this answer, the farmer was desperate for help, and hired him.

The little man worked well around the farm, busy from dawn to dusk, and the farmer felt satisfied with the man's work.

Then one night the wind howled loudly in from offshore. Jumping out of bed, the farmer grabbed a lantern and rushed next door to the hired hand's sleeping quarters.

He shook the little man and yelled, "Get up! A storm is coming! Tie things down before they blow away!"

The little man rolled over in bed and said firmly, "No sir. I told you, I can sleep when the wind blows."

Enraged by this response, the farmer was tempted to fire him on the spot.

Instead, he hurried outside to prepare for the storm. To his amazement, he discovered that all of the haystacks had been covered with tarps. The cows were in the barn, the chickens were in the coops, and the doors were closed and barred. The shutters were tightly secured. Everything was tied down safely.

Nothing would blow away. The farmer then understood what his hired hand meant, so he returned to his bed to also sleep while the wind blew.

The lesson is clear: when you're prepared spiritually, mentally, and physically, you have nothing to fear. Can you sleep when the wind blows through your life?

Mark 4:37-38: "And there arose a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up. Jesus Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushio; and they woke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?"

In each of our lives, we can take certain steps to make sure that we have taken care of ourselves and those around us. Financial security and provision for our families, steps to improve and maintain our physical health, and support networks in our families, workplaces and faith communities can help us prepare for the inevitable storms that come into every life.  Nevertheless, the storms are real, and each of us will face various storms in our lifetimes.

Some storms we invite into our lives. Perhaps we have treated family or friends with harshness, or made choices that hurt them.  What some folks call “karma,” I think is often just me getting back what I’ve given to those around me, and this can be good or bad. We have to use wisdom each day as we build a life and character. Other choices also impact our physical, emotional and spiritual lives. Diet, exercise, prayer, working hard but also taking time to recharge, and many other choices and habits will usually have a predictable return over the course of a lifetime.  However, some storms blow up with no warning. How do we respond when a lifelong nonsmoker gets lung cancer, a hardworking employee loses their job and suddenly faces economic hardship, a faithful spouse is left behind unexpectedly, or a traffic accident claims the life of a child? Many other examples could be given. These kind of situations can challenge our faith.  God, where are you? Why did you let this happen to me?  Jesus, wake up- my boat is sinking! Where are you?

In this congregation, I’m sure most of you could tell me a thing or two about storms.  You’ve probably weathered a few.  Some of you may be looking for shelter today, as the wind blows around you, and the water rises from your ankles past your knees.

The storms are real, but thankfully, the story doesn’t end there. Jesus is present.

Mark 4:39: "And He got up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Hush, be still." And the wind died down and it became perfectly calm."

 I am convinced that we can call upon God, and he will respond.  I am convinced of this truth because I read about it in numerous Scriptures, I have seen it in the lives of those around me, and because I have seen it in my own life. Prayers are answered. When we find ourselves in the storm, the best response is to lift our voice and heart to God.  He knows the questions, the uncertainty, the fear, and one of the most frequent answers that I believe I have heard is “don’t be afraid” but trust in God.  This answer is repeated over and over throughout Scripture as well.  Sometimes we see the winds die down and the waves become calmer. At other times, the storm continues to blow, but Jesus carries us through.  This was certainly the case for the disciples who were in the boat at this time. We read accounts of God meeting their needs, and using them in amazing ways to help others. We also know that they suffered persecution, watched their teacher suffer and die cruelly, (and also witnessed the resurrected Christ!) and most of them suffered martyrdom for the faith. Jesus carried them through every storm, and offered peace to them in every circumstance.  When facing storms I frequently reflect on the words of another apostle, Paul, who suffered persecution as well.  In Philippians 4:7, he promises that “the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” I’m not a Greek scholar by any means, but I sometimes often offer my simple translation of this verse as God’s promise of “peace that doesn’t make sense.” When I look at circumstances, or feel the wind blow and see the waves washing over the side of the boat- God give peace and assurance despite what my physical senses tell me about the storm.  Jesus is present. When I truly understand this reality- Jesus is here, I’m trying to stay in His will and follow the direction of the Spirit of Christ, and He loves and watches over me- that’s enough. If Jesus is present, what else do we need?

Jesus is with the disciples in the boat, and in this story we read of Him calming the storm.  However, he also challenged them with a pointed question: Disciples, where is your faith? Mark 4:40: "And He said to them, 'Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?' "

 When we experience storms, whether God calms the storm or brings us through them, we can trust that faith will carry us through.

The Gospel of Mark is a very action-oriented account of the life and ministry of Jesus. Throughout this writing, we find crowds following Jesus, and him responding to needs in dramatic ways- Healing a man’s hand in chapter 3 as the Pharisees look on to accuse him for doing such a thing on the Sabbath, forgiving and healing a man whose friends carried him onto a rooftop and lowered him before Jesus in chapter 2, and the provocative ministry of John the Baptist which gives the introduction to this Gospel. This storm follows these events in Mark’s writing, and the disciples have seen much of this happen. Earlier in Mark chapter 4, Jesus teaches by means of the parable of the sower and describes how people respond to the Gospel by referring to different types of soil.  He describes faith as a “mustard seed,” very small, but with the potential to grow into large plant. He taught the crowds by means of parables, and took the time to explain His truth personally to the disciples.  Just before our passage today, Mark 4:34 informs us that "He did not speak to them without a parable; but He was explaining everything privately to His own disciples." 

Think about the picture Mark is giving us leading up to this incident- Jesus performs miraculous deeds. He teaches eternal truths, and puts extra effort into making sure those guys in the boat get the point by teaching them personally. Then, during the boat ride, it’s naptime for Jesus. Some of the disciples are experienced fishermen- they can handle the ship. Down in the stern, as the ship leaves shore, Jesus gets comfortable as the ship rocks back and forth.  He should be able to get some sleep before they arrive at the other shore.

But then, the storm blows up. It’s a big one, but Jesus can sleep through it. The disciples are scared, though, and wake Him up- Don’t you know the wind is blowing? Don’t you love us, and want to make sure we’re safe? Where are you, Lord?

Jesus gets up, calms the wind and the waves- “Peace, be still.” But he’s not done.

Disciples, “Do you still have no faith?”

I have to confess, I’ve been there.  Maybe you have as well. I grew up in church, had a family that was generally pretty active in our congregation, and they took care of me as well. I’ve been blessed in many ways. I’ve seen a few storms in my life as well, as I’m sure you’ve also experienced. We will have storms until the time we enter God’s presence, to experience peace and joy forever. Some of the storms I handle well, and there are times I have faith and trust that God is near. Sometimes, though, I’m sure the Spirit of Christ is asking me “Do you still have no faith?”

I want to leave you with a final illustration about getting through the storms of life.

An old sea captain was quizzing a young naval student. "What steps would you take if a sudden storm came up on the starboard?"

He replied, "I would throw out an anchor, Sir."

"What would you do if another storm sprang up aft?" asked the captain. "I'd throw out another anchor, Sir."

"But what if a third storm sprang up forward?"

"I'd throw out another anchor, Captain."

"Wait a minute, son," said the Captain. "Where in the world are you getting all those anchors?"

The young man replied, "From the same place you're getting all those storms."

Do you have faith as the anchor for your soul today?

(Benediction- II Thessalonians 3:16) "Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all!"

The Process of Forgiveness

One common expectation in Christian communities is the need to offer and receive forgiveness.  In probably the most frequently recited prayer, we repeat "forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us." Less frequently, however, do we pause to consider how to forgive, especially when hurt goes deep within our hearts.

A book I read several months ago, and which has remained on my mind until I reread it this week, is by Trappist monk William Meninger.  In this contemplative work, he gently but firmly challenges the reader to honestly face the reality of pain and the grace of God, which is to be reflected in our own lives. He outlines a process (modeled on 5 "stages") of moving toward healing. In this post, I will list these stages and reflect on their application to our experiences as we seek to model a Christ-like lifestyle of authentic forgiveness.

Meninger refers to his first stage as "Claiming the Hurt," and it can also be referred to as "moving beyond denial." Living a "lifestyle of Christian forgiveness" can too often lead us to gloss over real pain, moving to "I forgive you, of course!" before we have even allowed the reality of hurt to be fully realized within our mind and spirit.  This shallow expression of "grace" is, in my opinion, as ineffective as treating a laceration to deep tissue with sutures only on the surface of the skin.  Any foreign material, infection etc. remains deep within. "Healing" hasn't happened, but the damage continues and grows beyond what it would have if the wound was honestly appraised and effectively addressed.  In the same way, denial of pain and insincerely expressed "forgiveness" can actually be more detrimental to long-term emotional and spiritual health than would the conflict we often shy away from.  Hurt which is denied is frequently unable to heal.

Denial of hurts we may have received can be dangerous.  Dwelling on hurt for a prolonged period is also harmful to our own emotional and spiritual health, and toxic to relationships. Moving through a process of forgiveness naturally leads to a realization that we are also part of most hurtful circumstances. Self-blame is also a common coping mechanism: My parent, pastor, spouse or other "caring" figure should love me and want to care for me: if they inflict pain, it must be "something I did." A healthy perspective on guilt acknowledges our own culpability without accepting blame for other's actions. We must acknowledge what has been done, and by whom, to move toward healing.

After claiming the hurt, and honestly appraising guilt and culpability, acknowledgment of "victim" status can occur.  As Meninger states, "It was done, it hurt, you did not do it, someone else did. It was beyond your control (59)." This stage can plunge self-esteem, and functions as a cry for help. Support groups, close friends and family can serve as helpful resources to work through this step.

Unfortunately, too many of us remain "victims" and allow hurt to mark our attitudes and behavior for months and years.  We may always be the manager passed over for the promotion, the spouse who was betrayed, or the abused child and fail ourselves by permitting this to become our primary identity.  Do you know "victims" in your circle? Do you want to remain in relationship with them indefinitely, if they continue to sap energy from every interaction without apparent movement toward wholeness? We have all given and received hurt. Personal growth involves accepting, and then moving beyond victimized status.

The fourth stage Meninger details is "anger." Many folks are reluctanct to express anger.  Perhaps we have had loved ones lash out in anger, and inflict wounds on our psyche which remain raw today.  This experience can lead to hypersensitivity to giving or receiving angry reactions.  Or, sincere religious convictions may lead us to desire offering "patience," "charity," and other desirable traits.  Isn't a harsh word or angry outburst "sinful" and wrong?

Anger is an emotion I have personally struggled with for as long as I can remember.  I did see anger expressed (sometimes in unhealthy patterns) in my family of origin, and know the shame of overreacting and unleashing a torrent of hurtful words and actions on several occasions. Nevertheless, anger is an emotion which is common to humanity.  One passage of scripture I often reflect on, and which speaks directly to this reflection, is Ephesians 4:25-26:

Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor,

for we are members of one another.

Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.

"Be angry, and sin not" clearly delineates the emotion of anger from volitional acts of sin. Feeling angry is not wrong. Expressing anger is also acceptable- if the expression is aligned with honesty, self-discipline and love for those around us.  In fact, anger is an emotion which can propel us and those around us to change behaviors and attitudes. Anger functions as an emotional signal; just as nerve cells transmit pain signals to the brain, indicating injury or illness, emotions can also signal "pay attention! something is wrong, and must be addressed." Meninger insightfully notes that "anger has its place. But if we do not rule it, it will rule us."

The final stage of the process of forgiveness is "Wholeness." After claiming the hurt, understanding guilt, recognizing victimhood, and expressing anger, the wound is healing and we are prepared to live forgiveness from the heart. As we forgive others, we recognize that we also receive forgiveness and grace: from God, and frequently from others in our world as well.

The most dramatic example of forgiveness I have seen in recent decades is the encounter between Pope John Paul II and his would-be assassin, Mehmet Agca. ( http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,952295,00.html )

While any forgiveness each of us may receive or offer is founded in the grace of God, my prayer is that we will reflect similar grace to all those around us.  Living a life of forgiveness cannot fail to change our world.

Religion, Secularism and America's Founding and Culture: a brief reflection

As a history and politics buff, as well as healthcare chaplain, one frequent topic of discussion and reflection I enjoy is the role of faith in American culture, from colonial times to the current time.  The most recent book I have read on this topic is by a Jewish author and journalist, Bruce Feiler.  "America's Prophet: Moses and the American Story" traces his exploration of the integration of this Jewish deliverer into the American culture. Examples are provided from the Mayflower to the campaign speeches of our current President, Barack Obama, with multiple references between.

This particular book provided the motivation to reflect once more on a topic I have considered frequently, and I will highlight examples from this book as well as other sources.  Much of my thought is captured, however, in one illuminating quote from Feiler's book:

"American culture really has two souls.

And it's not a question of whether the culture becomes secularized.

The culture never becomes one thing or the other. The culture is always two.

The culture is always William Bradford and Jonathan Edwards.

The culture is always Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Edison.

America was born just in time to have two mentalities.

We are like Jacob and Esau struggling in the womb.

Secular people want to believe that we are a nation of the Enlightenment,

and because of the Founding Fathers and the Constitution

that secularism with supersede religion.

Religious people want to believe that through the revival

religion will supersede secularism.  And both are wrong....

There will continue to be a constant dynamic and tension between the two,

running side by side. And they're going to keep on being about that

for as long as there's an American identity worth talking about."

(P. 167, quotation of Professor Allen Guelzo, Gettysburg College).

As Pilgrims traveled to the New World aboard the Mayflower, William Bradford compared their mission to "Moses and the Isrealites when they went out of Egypt (p.8)." Throughout the early years of the American colonies, and as the settlers an ocean away from their political leadership developed into a nation with a distinct identity, faith continued to be a central element of political and cultural ferment. Freedom and independence was highly prized; the entanglement of ecclesiastical and political leadership was (often rightly) criticized; and yet, religion continued to serve as an organizing principle for the cultural ethos of the infant nation.

Within the colony of Pennsylvania, the Assembly voted in 1751 to procure a bell for their State House. Part of the inscription their speaker, William Norris, requested was a passage from Leviticus 25:10- "Proclaim Liberty thro' all the Land to all the Inhabitants Thereof." Of course, this bell would later become known as the "Liberty Bell."

One early draft of a seal for the new nation was proposed by a committee consisting of Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams.  It also contained Mosaic imagery:



http://www.greatseal.com/committees/firstcomm/

This seal was not officially adopted, but can serve as a useful reference point for some of the contemporary thought in the founding years of the American republic.

Comparisons of influential American leaders to Moses continued through American culture.  After Lincoln's death, popular preacher Henry Ward Beecher compared him to Moses in his eulogy by referring to Dueteronomy.  He noted parallels including seeing the "promised land" but being unable to personally enter, and freeing slaves from bondage.  Parallels continue to be drawn even in contemporary times, with Martin Luther King Jr. proclaiming the night before his death that he had "been to the mountaintop," and had seen "the promised land." During the 2008 presidential election, candidates Clinton and Obama (and probably others as well) made references to Egypt and Moses.

Many people make the (in my opinion) mistaken conclusion that the early American leaders preferred a public square devoid of religious imagery and influence.  But if this is true, why is the visage of Moses featured prominently in the architecture of the Supreme Court of the United States? And if the name of God is not to be uttered in public facilities such as schools, administrative buildings and offices, why were church services held within the House of Representatives, with both Thomas Jefferson and James Madison attending such services during their time in office?  http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/religion/rel06-2.html  It is my belief that the actual goal of early leaders in proclaiming freedom of religion in the new nation was aimed primarily at preventing the abuses of power they had observed in Europe near their own time, with incestous power relationships between churches and kings.  In America, you could worship God according to the dictates of conscience and personal conviction, with the attendant freedom not to worship simultaneously protected.

I think it is difficult to read colonial history thoroughly and argue convincingly that the prevailing thought of the founders was "anti-religious," with the goal of preventing any mention of faith in public settings.  On the other hand, several individuals were very critical of religious leadership, and our republic is in several ways a unique experiment in secular political leadership, carefully insulated from ecclesiastical hierarchy.  Religious leaders who attempt to draw parallels between influential founders and contemporary conservative/evangelical views also err, in my view.

One of the blessings that I value most highly as an American citizen is the freedom to worship God as I choose, based on my own heritage, study of sacred literature, and experience as part of a worshiping community. I hope that those around me can see the influence of faith in my words and actions.

I also hope that people who believe/live differently than I do can experience mutual respect, and the freedom to seek God and values which inform their lives in accordance with their own convictions.

Christian Masculinity: Wisdom

This post will be the final entry in this series on Christian masculinity, with today's reflection focused on the concept of "Wisdom."  Wisdom is a very broad category, with multiple angles to discuss as we seek to understand what it means and how to apply it in one's life.  I hope to share a few thoughts regarding how living a life with wisdom can enable a Christian man to find meaning, purpose, and fulfillment,  and to live with greater joy and fewer regrets than by carelessly taking each day as it comes.

My current devotional reading is also focused on wisdom from Scripture.  I have read through the Bible several times, and recently chose a reading plan which consists of reading through the Psalms and Proverbs multiple times over the course of a year.  Today's reading included Proverbs 8, and v. 11 speaks directly to this topic:

"For wisdom is better than jewels;

and all desirable things cannot compare with her. (NASB)"

What is wisdom?  In my opinion, wisdom can best be defined as the ability to apply knowledge to life in a manner which utilizes life experience, spiritual insight and critical forethought about likely outcomes of actions taken. Wisdom is much more than knowledge.  In my work in healthcare chaplaincy, a common experience is facing circumstances when we can offer a powerful medication or surgical treatment to extend life (and sometimes simply to prolong death)- but, based on prognosis and likely outcome, and the values of the patient and family, should we intubate, offer CPR, etc.?  Knowledge alone is often inadequate.  Life experience can also be inadequate.  Another example from my vocational history is encountering patients who are very anxious about a relatively common and safe procedure such as cardiac catheterization.  Discussion sometimes reveals that they had a family member undergo a similar procedure, and then develop complications and die.  Life experience alone can lead to decisions which are weighted heavily by isolated occurrences rather than balanced logic. Multiple other scenarios can be offered to enlighten the discussion, but I would simply like to offer the concept of "wisdom" as an overarching term to describe using knowledge, spiritual insight, etc. to guide an approach to living well.

Throughout my reflections on Christian masculinity, I have used examples from the life of Joseph to illustrate concepts of compassion, faith and courage.  I believe Matthew 2:19-23 also illustrates obedience and wisdom in the life of Jesus' earthly father figure.  Herod had died, and Joseph receives a dream telling him to return to Israel.  As he journeyed home, he integrated information about political leadership to guide his change in direction to live in Nazareth:

"But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in the place of his father Herod,

he was afraid to go there.  Then after being warned by God in a dream,

he left for the regions of Galilee, and came and lived in a city called Nazareth.

This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophets:

'He shall be called a Nazarene.'"

(Mt. 2:22-23, NASB)

Despite my preferences, life does not consistently move along in a predictable and orderly fashion.  I would like to be able to face vocational choices, relational conflict, and financial difficulty with unquestioned clarity about "This is precisely what you should do next." Unfortunately, that doesn't happen very often in my experience.  However, I think that reality helps me to develop and grow into the man God has called me to be.  My children are not yet adults, but I take much more pleasure in seeing my teens make good decisions on their own volition than I would by directing each of their steps as a "helicopter parent," hovering and making simple decisions for them. (They would also push me aside if I tried!) I hope they will learn and develop into young adults who can choose their own path through life with faith, wisdom and decreasing support from parental influence. My belief is that God guides our lives in a similar way, rarely breaking in with dramatically specific guidance at crucial turning points.  In many of the day-to-day decisions, I am convinced, God leaves men and women to read Scriptural truth, live in relationship with other believers, and learn to apply truth to life circumstance.  I would like to believe God often cheers from the sidelines of the "arena" of human experience, celebrating when we decide to sacrifice for the good of others and waiting to pick us up when we fail. Life is a challenge and adventure: The "abundant life" includes risk and reward, rather than safety and boring predictability.  Wisdom involves applying learned principles to life situations, with the hope of reflecting joyfully in the sunset of a life well lived- and even into eternity.