Blog Series - Fighting the Good Fight - Gym Session 1: Love is Patient

Living the Christian lifestyle sometimes resembles shadow boxing. In the theoretical arena of the air with no adversary but their own imaginations, boxers display moves and style that appear skillful, impressive and even intimidating, only to have their lack of skill painfully exposed in the presence of a formidable real life opponent! As a Christian, I find myself relating to that scenario when it comes to living out the faith I profess to believe. In the safe environs of church, elder meetings, a personal Bible study or other obvious “Christian settings” it can be relatively easy to display Christ-like conduct – after all, the others in those settings hold the same values and the risks to display righteousness are minimal. But what happens when one ventures out of the “gymnasium” of Christian practice and jumps into the “ring” of “Real Life”? A recent encounter the arena of real life exposed some “ring rust” in my own life and motivated me to begin a Blog series on skillfully fighting the “Good Fight” in faith. I’ll be exploring various Bible passages dealing with good character and Christian conduct and presenting some thoughts on moving the responses to Biblical truth from the head to the heart. My first few offerings will come from 1 Corinthians 13, the great passage on love. I’ll start with the first attribute that the Apostle Paul lists as a critical piece of one’s love arsenal. “Love is patient!”

I needed to rent a car and immediately upon arriving at the rental counter, it seemed I might be in for a unique experience. Though I had called well in advanced, the agents were ready to call it a day, and were not handling the increased traffic in their office particularly well. People were jumping ahead of their turn, and the situation was becoming semi-chaotic. When my turn finally arrived, the encounter began normally enough. “Mr. Jackson, thank you for your patience! We have a car ready for you, but it needs to be prepped. While we’re waiting, I’d like to get a little more info from you. For mileage purposes, where are you headed?” [Miles are unlimited for trips to neighboring states, while states that are not adjacent to one another accrue an extra charge by the mile. I was headed to Iowa, adjacent to Wisconsin to the west, so there wouldn’t be a problem. I didn’t take into account the poor showing of US college graduates on US geography knowledge.] “I’m headed to Iowa.” I responded. “Oh that’s too bad. Looks like we’ll have to charge to by the mile for that one.” My jaw dropped. It had been a long day, and this display of geographic ignorance was the wrong response at the wrong time in my life on that day. “IOWA.” I repeated slowly but emphatically. She responded without missing a beat. “Yes, I know. It’s not really a neighboring state, so we’ll have to charge mileage.” She smiled condescendingly as she answered. At that moment, in my mind, there was verbal ammo being loaded, mental safeties being released and scathing modes being set to full automatic. I wasn’t going to put up with this kind of nonsense. Just as I was about to unleash a verbal tirade reminiscent of a 1970’s Bill Murray comedy, I heard a still small voice speak to my heart. “She thanked you for being patient. Love is patient. You just preached about loving your neighbor. She is your neighbor. You must love her by being patient. You can challenge her conclusions, but you must do it lovingly.” Aw Maaan. “Stand down!” I thought to myself. “Ma’am” I responded gently. “Perhaps you thought I said Idaho. I said Iowa. I'm headed directly west, to the Wisconsin border to IOWA.” At that moment I noticed her coworker looking on, eyes wide, HOPING that her colleague would realize the mistake and also hoping that I wouldn’t enter into the tirade I was considering just a few moments before. As if a light switch was flipped, the agent suddenly snapped into realization and responded “OF COURSE! YES! IOWA! Of course there’ll be no mileage charged!” With that, we continued on with the transaction without incident and I jumped into the vehicle and began my journey to Iowa.

The point? If I had acted on my impulse, according to my own impatience and selfishness, what turned out to be a relatively mundane event could have escalated into something unpleasant if not downright ugly. I needed to be reminded that it isn’t enough to preach that love is patient. I have to live it out if I’m serious about being like Jesus. I need more time in the “Gym” with God’s word, and more devotion to applying my Gym work in the ring of real life. How about you? Are you just shadow boxing and posing as a “good fighter” or are you training hard and preparing to put your skills to work when the challenges are hardest? Love is patient. Prepare yourself for those little everyday challenges so that you can walk like a champ who brings glory to God and not slump like a chump who’s an embarrassment to the faith. Until next time….

The Truth In Love

Honest and loving discourse is an art form that is rare and virtually non-existent in political discussions. It is all too common to reduce political discussions to rants, tirades and gross misrepresentations that seek to relegate the promoter of an opposing view as not merely irrelevant, but almost as not truly human. This kind of poisonous posturing can be much more destructive than beneficial and can ultimately damage the mindset of our posterity who are the most precious carriers of the values we seek to promote and hold most sacred.

Early this morning, a close friend posted an interview that comedian and emerging political commentator D.L. Hughley held with Franky Schaeffer - a born-again Christian activist and the son of the Legendary Christian Thinker Francis Schaeffer. In the interview with Hughley, Franky Schaeffer skewers the "religious right" and levels undiluted criticism at the leadership of the movement as unthinking, self-absorbed and fundamentally unworthy of followership. He then explains that as a result his dissatisfaction with the "religious right movement" he has"changed sides" and though he continues to walk the walk of faith in Jesus Christ, he has given his political allegiance to what he considers a more worthy and righteous movement. It is at this point that I depart somewhat with my Christian Brother's perspective and ask him to reconsider if he has merely traded one non-critical and naive political/philosophical allegiance and perspective for another.

My behind the scenes observations have been that with woefully few exceptions, politicians may have different platforms, but regardless of political affiliation too many politicians are fueled by raw, unmitigated ambition. I have come to believe that neither "side' is more sincere or purer than the other at its core. There are exceptions, but I believe the one very powerful and painfully descriptive run that Schaeffer made about the faults of leadership on the right could equally apply to the faulty nature of leadership on the left.

Am I advocating a cessation of Christan participation in the American political process? Absolutely not! Nonetheless, it is my conviction that Christians should rather speak Biblical truth to all political perspectives with humble and prophetic intensity rather than putting their faith in human labels which may or may not be sanctified in their or gin or purpose. I believe that regardless of person's political label, and I am especially and particularly addressing Christians in this instance, speaking the "truth in love" to every identifiable political and philosophical perspective remains at the core of our Gospel message. Scripture directs us to "Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law" (Romans 13:8). What is more loving at its core than truthfully engaging our world in the issues of our day with passion and compassion as we seek the greater glory of God? This kind of engagement calls us to more than "side switching" and mandates that we do the painstaking work of encountering people on a heart to heart level rather than lobbing assaults from afar based on lazy labels.

I believe I have seen an excellent example of this type of engagement in an unsuccessful Presidential Candidate named Mike Huckabee. Former Governor Huckabee has a TV talk show which is rather unique. He invites individuals he believes have made a difference in some element of culture or life, regardless of background or label to take part in a conversation and to discuss what they believe, why they believe it and how we can work together to accomplish great things. He then does something I have not ever seen on a talk show. He puts his guest in control and asks them to ask him any question they want - ANYTHING! The questions tend to gravitate towards the toughest issue possible, often a point of disagreement between Mr. Huckabee ad his guest. In a recent installment of the show, he endorses the book When You Lie About Your Age, the Terrorists Win by Carol Leifer. Ms. Leifer is an award winning writer whose writing credits and accolades could fill a book. Mr. Huckabee was touched by the tone and wisdom of her book and took great care in promoting its message and giving it a high thumbs up. The interview progressed flawlessly with easy laughter and good natured sharing abounding. Then, Mr. Huckabee did something that seemed strange. He put himself on the hot seat and Ms. Leifer in control of the thermostat. He told her she could ask him any 3 questions she desired. when she asked the questions, you could have heard the proverbial pin drop. She asked in a straightforward and even-toned manner why Mr. Huckabee didn't feel she and her partner had the right to marry as lesbians and why he didn't feel it was right for them to adopt as parents? On any other show, this might have opened the gates for a tsunami of fire of Biblical proportions. What ensued what exactly the opposite. Mr. Huckabee showed the utmost respect for Ms. Leifer's opinions, while very gently, respectfully and carefully outlining why he held to a Biblical definition of marriage and family, never once personally attacking her or her position - just stating the merits of his case. . Her last question showed her own graciousness as she asked him to name his favorite Beatles song! Many eyes moistened at the tender sharing of Biblical truth and the honest exchange of viewpoints, including Ms. Leifer's. Mr. Huckabee ended the set with another ringing endorsement of Ms. Leifer's book and a serious jam session on his bass guitar!

The truth in love. A radical concept and a Biblical call that is extended to all Christians. This week, we celebrate the triumphant victory of the One Who not only told the truth, but Who claimed to BE the Truth and Who backed His claims up by dying for us though we are unworthy and raising Himself up to life that we might know Him as the Truth and be set free from our bondage to sin and death. I challenge you to make a commitment today to devote yourself not to a political party or philosophy, but to give your life to The Truth. Jesus does not disappoint or discriminate, but rather loves without reservation or discrimination. As you remember His death and celebrate His resurrection this week, dedicate yourself once again to sharing His Truth in His love and witness the tearing down of walls and the changing of lives. It's a much more fulfilling and effective enterprise than any political affiliation I know of. Until next time...

Sam.

Candle Lighters

"Better to light one candle, than to curse the darkness." This old adage came to my mind as my family and I attended the St. John Hospital's semi-annual Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Graduate celebration. During this festival, children who began their life journeys with medical problems of every kind, gather together with the medical staff who treated them to celebrate life and all the victories of defying the odds as survivors of premature births.

There would be nothing to celebrate were it not for the hard work and dedication of the St. John NICU staff. Each member of the NICU Team contributes a critical part of the total care package that ensures that NICU babies get the absolute best medical care possible and that parents get the emotional and spiritual support they need during an extremely difficult period. In the deepest valley of a particularly discouraging stage of Victoria's NICU experience, the entire St. John NICU Team (doctors, administrators, nurses, tech personnel and support personnel) guided our family through an almost unbearable situation with compassion, wisdom, and excellence. We knew that the St. John NICU Team was not only treating Victoria, they were also rooting for her and they were encouraging us in a most uncertain and fearful time.

I often asked myself during that period, what kind of people devote themselves to take on the monumental challenge of treating babies born so early with a greatly reduced possibility of survival and a greatly increased possibility of loss and heart break? The answer is really pretty simple - people who care! This care is exemplified to the highest degree in the person of Dr. Ali Rabbani. Dr. Rabbani established the St. John NICU in 1970 when the survival possibilities for premature babies were extremely remote. It was evident from observing him as he interacted with the children who graduated from St. John's NICU and their families that he delights in seeing each and every child and the remarkable progress that has been made in their lives after their NICU experiences. I was deeply touched personally as I considered that every family at the celebration was able to experience the joy of victory over death because of the determined efforts of this man. Dr. Rabbani and his associates, were not content to be satisfied with the status quo of assuming that babies born prematurely were a lost cause, but chose rather to study, investigate, prepare and apply their efforts so that they could beat back the odds and give children a chance who otherwise might have become just another preterm statistic.

The love the NICU team has for what they do and for the ones they treat is the greatest testament to the difference a few dedicated people can make when they choose to light candles rather than curse darkness. Their examples serve a challenge to all of us. Are we willing to apply the very best we have to offer intellectually, emotionally, physically and spiritually in extremely difficult situations? Are we dedicated to strive to be overcomers or good rather than passive bystanders who allow evil to take root when the battle is long and arduous? Are we willing to struggle with the possibility that we may lose in a particular effort to do good on a specific day, but that if we persist at doing what is good and right, all will not be lost in the long run? The St. John NICU staff has lit a fire within my soul to renew my commitment to apply myself without wavering to be committed to do good. It may cost me something in the process, but it will cost others much more if I squander my talents, sit and do nothing. I challenge each of you to commit yourselves to do the same.

Until Next Time...

Sam.
(Photo 1 : Victoria and NICU Administrative Supervisor Sandy)
(Photo 2 : Victoria and her very first NICU nurse, LaRae)
(Photo 3 : Dr. Casabar - Victoria's first NICU doctor, Dr. Rabbani, and Sam)
(Photo 4 : Dr, Casabar, Luz, Sam and Victoria in the front)

Fortunate Son

I am sure that some of you 60's music buffs recognize the title of this posting as the title of a rocking Credence Clearwater Revival Tune that laments the societal perks often afforded those born into privileged situations. All too frequently, these privileges are not accompanied by an appropriate sense of responsibility. The Biblical expectation of such privilege is clear - "To whom much is given, much is required."

The Mayor of Detroit's seemingly never-ending spectacle of misbehavior bring the Biblical admonition and the convicting message of the Credence Song to mind in an especially relevant way. It is relevant for me, because I feel as if I and many of those with whom I was raised are fortunate sons as well. This recognition causes me not to spend so much time looking at the mayor, though his misdeeds and the city's resultant suffering merit the most intense scrutiny and whatever consequences, moral and legal, are applicable, but it rather causes me to reflect on how my generation and I have used our gifts. Furthermore, it causes me to ponder how our action or inaction affects those a wee bit younger, such as the Mayor and those quickly ascending the ranks of responsibility and leadership for the years ahead. I don not have the luxury to view the Mayor's issues in isolation as if they said nothing about me.

Like the Mayor, I am African American. Unlike the Mayor, I am not a native Detroiter. I was born during the dying days of the segregated south to a career Army Paratrooper father and a devoted educator mother. I was fortunate to have my mother's heavy duty personal investments of time and effort in my education process, teaching me to read and write well before my preschool age and exposing me to the foundational message of the Scriptures at a time when such teaching was beginning to be viewed as "unsophisticated" or "old-fashioned." I was an only child. This designation is usually seen as a license of sorts, giving the child in question unlimited freedom to be self-centered, spoiled, and oblivious to the needs of others. My parents would have none of that! Among the nuggets of wisdom my mother passed on, and she was a virtual reservoir of wisdom, was this little axiom that she repeated as a determined mantra and drilled into reality in my brain for life: "You may be the only child, but that doesn't doom you to be only a fool!" I won't go into detail regarding how my parents guided me away form folly, but I will sum it up by saying I didn't get everything I wanted and they often told me "No".

As Americans, we haven't been told "No" often enough. Our lives of luxury and convenience have increased our feelings of entitlement and privilege. Many of our failings as a society are the result selfish pleasure seeking in the face of urgent community responsibilities. We are too eager for the ease which our standard of living affords us and not eager enough to exemplify the work and ethics that made that standard available to us in the first place. Those of us who are leaders are especially culpable. We are often too absorbed with the perks of power rather than focused on the opportunities that positions of leadership afford. We are too eager to "make our mark" for our fame's sake, rather than making a difference with hard work and less credit. Detroit's current Mayor is merely a reflection of societal trends on the whole. Too many of us look forward to a perpetual party and an early retirement, while not enough of us are anxious for dedication to a meaningful cause and a lifetime of work on the behalf of something greater than ourselves even at the possible cost of personal obscurity. Great people and great societies can only be produced by people who are committed to lifting up others, even at the cost of their own enjoyment or opportunity for self-promotion. Martin Luther King's ascent to the pinnacle of the Civil Rights Movement would have never happened had it not been for the consortium of Elder Statesmen Pastors in his city who were not looking for a platform to lift themselves up to greatness, but who were selflessly committed to laying the foundation for a true transforming movement in the fog of anonymity.

The refrain of the Credence song mentioned at the onset has this refrain:

It ain't me,
it ain't me.
I ain't no senator's son.
It ain't me,
it ain't me.
I ain't no fortunate one.

I may not be a senator's son, but I am undeniably a fortunate one! No doubt more than a few of you have been fortunate too! The present mayoral crisis in Detroit and other signs of deficient leadership across the nation provide us with a crucial imperative for reflection and adjustment - in ourselves and in the ones to whom we will hand the batons of leadership. In Psalm 139, King David ends his beautiful tribute to God's Omniscience with a blistering critique of those who are hostile to the ways of God. Just as David reaches the apex of his observations, his focus takes a dramatic turn. He ends his thoughts with an humble appeal to the Lord to see if there are any defective ways in his own life! We would do well to emulate King David's self-inspection.

The warning bells are sounding even now as each new scandal is discovered. What do these sorry tales of failure in personal integrity and societal values say to us and the way you and I live our lives? If you are a favored and fortunate one, as I am, are you part of a possible solution or part of a growing problem that seems almost unsolvable? As the long departed writer John Donne's meditation demands, "Never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee..." Let's hope our diversions, entertainment and misguided priorities aren't drowning out the sound. Until next time.


Sam