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Monday, October 31, 2005
Difficult people
I have a certain person at my work who grates on my nerves, and who recently has been assigned to supervise me. So I've been thinking very hard about what a Christian response is to what feels like condescension and disrespect from my perspective. Here's something from the Alban Institute that struck me as relatively practical. Will I be able to follow their suggestions? That's another question.
I have a certain person at my work who grates on my nerves, and who recently has been assigned to supervise me. So I've been thinking very hard about what a Christian response is to what feels like condescension and disrespect from my perspective. Here's something from the Alban Institute that struck me as relatively practical. Will I be able to follow their suggestions? That's another question.
Six Essential Questions and Choices
We find six choices crucial for every relational interaction. These choices provide the groundwork for the relationship to be a loving relationship. These six choices make it possible for us to relate in loving ways and move toward fulfilling and life-giving relationships:
1. What do I want my relationship with this person to be like?
2. What attitudes and values do I want to honor as I’m with this person?
3. What must I let go of in order to turn towards this person?
4. What is the goodness in this person that I will see and trust?
5. How will I acknowledge to the person the holy goodness that I see in her or him?
6. What will I dare to ask of this person?
Discipline yourself to answer these questions as you prepare to be with people. These choices can enhance already good relationships and improve difficult ones. Practice making these choices with a variety of people. Over time, this process will become habit, done with unconscious competency. These six practices will strengthen all of your relationships and increasingly connect you in deep ways with others.
Friday, October 28, 2005
Irony
One thing you can usually say about conservative Muslims -- their women are modestly dressed. Here's a fun article in Slate, though, about one Nordstrom's attempts to market fashionable, yet religiously appropriate attire (hijab) to observant women in the suburbs of Washington, DC. A telling quote:
I think it's hilarious on some levels, and deeply sad on others. It seems like something along the lines of trying to have a fashion show for the Amish. Anyway, thought you might enjoy the article.
One thing you can usually say about conservative Muslims -- their women are modestly dressed. Here's a fun article in Slate, though, about one Nordstrom's attempts to market fashionable, yet religiously appropriate attire (hijab) to observant women in the suburbs of Washington, DC. A telling quote:
Of course, the most puritanical Muslims would say that hijab is not meant to be flashy. According to these men and women, it's supposed to be the sartorial equivalent of a burlap sack, not a trimly tailored Anne Klein jacket. It's supposed to be black, not trendy colors like fuchsia and teal.
I think it's hilarious on some levels, and deeply sad on others. It seems like something along the lines of trying to have a fashion show for the Amish. Anyway, thought you might enjoy the article.
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
That Time of Year
I don't know about you guys, but this time of year is kind of depressing for me--it seems like it was just summer, and yet here it is getting dark earlier and earlier. Soon I won't be able to walk home from work anymore.
It feels like crawling into a cave.
Maybe that's what Halloween is about--the darkness taking over and being mischievous. Of course later, when it gets to be winter, all the creepy-crawlies will have to die or hibernate, I guess. So now, while everything is dying but not dead yet it's time to say goodbye to the year--ghosts, goblins, former presidents, cat ladies, and Jedi knights included.
I think there's something about this time of year that's reminiscent of death, though, too. Here's a poem by Dylan Thomas that I learned in high school. The final lines:
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
After a year of catastrophic loss, including a tsunami, Hurricane Katrina, earthquakes in Pakistan, and many other difficulties, now is a good time to think about whether we want to rage against the dying of the light, or name those things we're grateful for, say goodbye to what we've lost, and get ready for the hibernation -- a kind of forced sabbatical -- of winter.
I don't know about you guys, but this time of year is kind of depressing for me--it seems like it was just summer, and yet here it is getting dark earlier and earlier. Soon I won't be able to walk home from work anymore.
It feels like crawling into a cave.
Maybe that's what Halloween is about--the darkness taking over and being mischievous. Of course later, when it gets to be winter, all the creepy-crawlies will have to die or hibernate, I guess. So now, while everything is dying but not dead yet it's time to say goodbye to the year--ghosts, goblins, former presidents, cat ladies, and Jedi knights included.
I think there's something about this time of year that's reminiscent of death, though, too. Here's a poem by Dylan Thomas that I learned in high school. The final lines:
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
After a year of catastrophic loss, including a tsunami, Hurricane Katrina, earthquakes in Pakistan, and many other difficulties, now is a good time to think about whether we want to rage against the dying of the light, or name those things we're grateful for, say goodbye to what we've lost, and get ready for the hibernation -- a kind of forced sabbatical -- of winter.
Friday, October 21, 2005
Neat Fun
Thanks to a NY Times article, I've learned about sites where I can find out:
Census information by address
Why we can't dig to China from the US
A site that looks for relationships among the numbers on road signs.
And many others. Here's the article.
Here's how to make your own transit map. (Most useful in Chicago, it seems)
Thanks to a NY Times article, I've learned about sites where I can find out:
Census information by address
Why we can't dig to China from the US
A site that looks for relationships among the numbers on road signs.
And many others. Here's the article.
Here's how to make your own transit map. (Most useful in Chicago, it seems)
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Meditation and Science
Looks like the ID'ers aren't the only ones getting grief for mixing science and the transcendent. In this article from the New York Times, some neuroscientists are upset that the Dalai Lama is coming to speak to The Society for Neuroscience about the effects of meditation on the brain.
Looks like the ID'ers aren't the only ones getting grief for mixing science and the transcendent. In this article from the New York Times, some neuroscientists are upset that the Dalai Lama is coming to speak to The Society for Neuroscience about the effects of meditation on the brain.
Budget Cuts Pending - Act Now!
Well, you don't necessarily have to act now, but here's the situation, as I understand it:
The House is planning to make $50 billion in cuts to the budget, mostly taking the money from government services to the poor and middle class. Food Stamps were recently removed from the chopping block, but Medicaid is still on the table.
House Republicans handily reason that because of the costs of recovering from Hurricane Katrina, it's more fiscally responsible to cut other programs. At the same time, however, they're planning to keep $70 billion worth of tax cuts. Here's a little write-up of how much Bush's tax cuts for the wealthy could cost us, compared with the one-time cost of recovering after Katrina.
So the plan, in other words, is to take the money that was going to poor and middle-class people across the country, and use it to help the hurricane survivors, all the while maintaining the sacred tax cuts that have exploded our national debt.
Irked? Here's the site to write to your Representative.
Well, you don't necessarily have to act now, but here's the situation, as I understand it:
The House is planning to make $50 billion in cuts to the budget, mostly taking the money from government services to the poor and middle class. Food Stamps were recently removed from the chopping block, but Medicaid is still on the table.
House Republicans handily reason that because of the costs of recovering from Hurricane Katrina, it's more fiscally responsible to cut other programs. At the same time, however, they're planning to keep $70 billion worth of tax cuts. Here's a little write-up of how much Bush's tax cuts for the wealthy could cost us, compared with the one-time cost of recovering after Katrina.
So the plan, in other words, is to take the money that was going to poor and middle-class people across the country, and use it to help the hurricane survivors, all the while maintaining the sacred tax cuts that have exploded our national debt.
Irked? Here's the site to write to your Representative.
Friday, October 14, 2005
Just War Wrap-up
I think what I liked best about the article on Just War was this: if we really fought wars based on principles of preserving others' lives, of establishing a just peace, in proportion to our abilities, and with a real commitment to fighting fairly even if it means more loss on our side, then I think there would be a lot fewer wars. Which is the real goal.
I think what I liked best about the article on Just War was this: if we really fought wars based on principles of preserving others' lives, of establishing a just peace, in proportion to our abilities, and with a real commitment to fighting fairly even if it means more loss on our side, then I think there would be a lot fewer wars. Which is the real goal.
Train Wreck
Why am I simultaneously disturbed and fascinated by Katie Holmes' pregnancy? Maybe it's the drama inherent in watching Tom Cruise try to remain a good Scientologist and simultaneously cover for possibly being gay. Or maybe something else that's really insidious.
Maybe it's the creepiness of trying to get women to give birth without making any noise.
I guess that's the fascination: Strange celebrity behavior, a baby, weird cult practices, a possible cover-up/conspiracy, fibs about when the baby is due, and Katie Holmes.
Who is pretty cute.
Why am I simultaneously disturbed and fascinated by Katie Holmes' pregnancy? Maybe it's the drama inherent in watching Tom Cruise try to remain a good Scientologist and simultaneously cover for possibly being gay. Or maybe something else that's really insidious.
Maybe it's the creepiness of trying to get women to give birth without making any noise.
I guess that's the fascination: Strange celebrity behavior, a baby, weird cult practices, a possible cover-up/conspiracy, fibs about when the baby is due, and Katie Holmes.
Who is pretty cute.
Thursday, October 13, 2005
Things I am Grateful For
Some personal reflections for today, before I go back to heavy-hitting politico-religious commentary. :-)
In previous posts (see "Being Happy with What You've Got") I've talked about the importance of gratitude. It's important not just because it's a nice personal or moral quality, but also because if you don't practice remembering and being grateful for what you've got, you're missing out on the enjoyment of the bulk of your relationships, and, for that matter, your stuff.
So, while there are many things to pray for, which I will list AFTER the rest of this post, I'm going to start with some of the things I'm grateful for (in no particular order):
1. I am grateful for my job, which is challenging--on certain levels--but allows me to leave every night at a reasonable hour. I have a good boss and I can walk to work. The broadband connection is fast, and I've been here long enough to know what I'm doing. Plus, there is occasional downtime. And a health care plan. And occasional French conversation in the lunchroom. :-)
2. I am grateful for my wonderful wife, who is funny, smart, sweet and caring. I'm grateful that we've been together for 6+ years, and that we'll be together for many more. I'm grateful that she is good at caring for our house plants and animals because otherwise they would probably die. And I'm grateful for the million ways she brings joy and fun into my life.
3. I am grateful to live in the United States, where I can rattle on about the idiocy of the President without fear of state reprisal. Also, I am grateful for the material comforts of living here, even if we get a little carried away with things sometimes. I'm grateful to all the people in government and private society who work to keep me safe, comfortable, entertained, and well-fed.
4. I am grateful for the churches and the christians who have nurtured my faith and guided me on my journey. I am grateful for God's work in my life--the sense of purpose and direction I derive from it, and the inclusive welcome I receive in the UCC (and, more recently the local MCC church, too). Even though I've had struggles, I'm glad to be a part of the larger faith-project and to count as brothers and sisters all Christians, even the crazy ones. Because, for the most part they mean well.
5. I'm grateful for all of you who are reading this. (Especially the ones who make comments!) I enjoy the chance to write out my thoughts and think things through, and it's very, very good to have a site like this. It brings out my inner nerd. :-)
6. Which also leads me to be thankful for all my friends and relations, whether you're nearby or distant. Or whether you are reading this or not. It's hard to be specifically grateful for every positive relationship I have, but our relationships shape us, and I feel grateful for who I've become thanks to you.
Other recent events for which I am grateful:
Putting together 25 health kits last night with the help of friends and new acquaintances from Meetin.
That extra hour of sleep I got by bribing the cat with an early breakfast
My cool UCC "God is Still Speaking" mug, which is this beautiful red color. Also, "The Green World," CD by Dar Williams, recently recommended by a friend.
A good meeting Tuesday night with some folks at the church where I'm helping with the 1st Saturday service. We talked about possibly expanding the ministry and it was an exciting conversation.
My fabulous cat, Tuesday, who loves to be around people and can tell when I want her to get out of the walk-in closet.
------
Well, with all that it mind, it shouldn't be too hard to pray for:
--Hurricane recoveries!
--Pakistan earthquake and its survivors
--Heather doing stories in NH while it's still flooding
--Voting in Iraq Saturday
These things are big, but maybe not insurmountable after all
Blessings to all,
Amy
Some personal reflections for today, before I go back to heavy-hitting politico-religious commentary. :-)
In previous posts (see "Being Happy with What You've Got") I've talked about the importance of gratitude. It's important not just because it's a nice personal or moral quality, but also because if you don't practice remembering and being grateful for what you've got, you're missing out on the enjoyment of the bulk of your relationships, and, for that matter, your stuff.
So, while there are many things to pray for, which I will list AFTER the rest of this post, I'm going to start with some of the things I'm grateful for (in no particular order):
1. I am grateful for my job, which is challenging--on certain levels--but allows me to leave every night at a reasonable hour. I have a good boss and I can walk to work. The broadband connection is fast, and I've been here long enough to know what I'm doing. Plus, there is occasional downtime. And a health care plan. And occasional French conversation in the lunchroom. :-)
2. I am grateful for my wonderful wife, who is funny, smart, sweet and caring. I'm grateful that we've been together for 6+ years, and that we'll be together for many more. I'm grateful that she is good at caring for our house plants and animals because otherwise they would probably die. And I'm grateful for the million ways she brings joy and fun into my life.
3. I am grateful to live in the United States, where I can rattle on about the idiocy of the President without fear of state reprisal. Also, I am grateful for the material comforts of living here, even if we get a little carried away with things sometimes. I'm grateful to all the people in government and private society who work to keep me safe, comfortable, entertained, and well-fed.
4. I am grateful for the churches and the christians who have nurtured my faith and guided me on my journey. I am grateful for God's work in my life--the sense of purpose and direction I derive from it, and the inclusive welcome I receive in the UCC (and, more recently the local MCC church, too). Even though I've had struggles, I'm glad to be a part of the larger faith-project and to count as brothers and sisters all Christians, even the crazy ones. Because, for the most part they mean well.
5. I'm grateful for all of you who are reading this. (Especially the ones who make comments!) I enjoy the chance to write out my thoughts and think things through, and it's very, very good to have a site like this. It brings out my inner nerd. :-)
6. Which also leads me to be thankful for all my friends and relations, whether you're nearby or distant. Or whether you are reading this or not. It's hard to be specifically grateful for every positive relationship I have, but our relationships shape us, and I feel grateful for who I've become thanks to you.
Other recent events for which I am grateful:
------
Well, with all that it mind, it shouldn't be too hard to pray for:
--Hurricane recoveries!
--Pakistan earthquake and its survivors
--Heather doing stories in NH while it's still flooding
--Voting in Iraq Saturday
These things are big, but maybe not insurmountable after all
Blessings to all,
Amy
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
The War on Poverty The Poor
It's nice to know that not only are the Republicans using the opportunities presented by Hurricane Katrina to fatten the wallets of rich (campaign contributors?)contractors, but that they are also using the recovery as an excuse to pay people less than the local average and to ignore affirmative action rules. Sure, these things may be "cumbersome," but they also "benefit the working poor" who were "most harshly affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita."
Apparently, this is also the perfect opportunity to undercut other safety nets such as Medicaid and Section 8 Housing, by creating new government programs for the hurricane evacuees.
But it's certainly not the time to reverse tax cuts for the wealthy.
Under Clinton, poverty went down and so did the federal deficit. Under Bush, we've had four straight years of rising poverty levels and a skyrocketing federal budget. Both Presidents had Republican Congresses to work with.
So who's the party of fiscal responsibility now? Which party should be trusted to make a real difference in combating poverty?
It's nice to know that not only are the Republicans using the opportunities presented by Hurricane Katrina to fatten the wallets of rich (campaign contributors?)contractors, but that they are also using the recovery as an excuse to pay people less than the local average and to ignore affirmative action rules. Sure, these things may be "cumbersome," but they also "benefit the working poor" who were "most harshly affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita."
Apparently, this is also the perfect opportunity to undercut other safety nets such as Medicaid and Section 8 Housing, by creating new government programs for the hurricane evacuees.
But it's certainly not the time to reverse tax cuts for the wealthy.
Under Clinton, poverty went down and so did the federal deficit. Under Bush, we've had four straight years of rising poverty levels and a skyrocketing federal budget. Both Presidents had Republican Congresses to work with.
So who's the party of fiscal responsibility now? Which party should be trusted to make a real difference in combating poverty?
Monday, October 10, 2005
Friday, October 07, 2005
Just War and the Ability to Win It
Jesus tells a parable about a king who is considering going to war:
Luke 14:31-32
The context for this story is one of Jesus calling his disciples. He is saying, in effect, if you aren't ready for the cost of being my disciple, decide now. Decide ahead of time if you'll be able to follow or not.
But I think we can also draw some wisdom about how one goes about fighting a just war. A third principle for fighting a just war, according to the Christian Century article I read, is modesty. That is to say, it is the wisdom of deciding ahead of time whether or not the war can be won. If it is not practical or reasonable to expect that we can defend ourselves against the enemy, then it may be best to seek peace and use other avenues for effecting change.
This attitude toward war--the recognition that not all wars can be won, and therefore not all wars should be fought--is a corrolary to Christian humility. It requires that we recognize our limitations and the situations where we depend on God. Without such a sense of limitations, our policy may overextend us militarily without bringing about the desired peace.
In congregational life, the practice of saying yes to some ministries and no to others is a related discipline. It is not possible for a single person or a single church to solve all the world's problems, and so those ministries where we have little vision, talent, or energy should be let go in favor of those that do speak to our hearts. There are many activities that are good things to do, but through recognizing our place as limited creatures we know God doesn't expect us to do them all.
And it is also related to the Christian practice of discernment. Recognizing our limits forces us to choose wisely where we put our resources. Discerning a positive call, whether to waging a just war, or in other areas of our lives, requires much prayer, discussion, and reflection. Congregations should help people do this deep reflection on all types of vital questions.
Jesus tells a parable about a king who is considering going to war:
Luke 14:31-32
Or what king, going out to wage war against another king, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? If he cannot, then, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for the terms of peace.
The context for this story is one of Jesus calling his disciples. He is saying, in effect, if you aren't ready for the cost of being my disciple, decide now. Decide ahead of time if you'll be able to follow or not.
But I think we can also draw some wisdom about how one goes about fighting a just war. A third principle for fighting a just war, according to the Christian Century article I read, is modesty. That is to say, it is the wisdom of deciding ahead of time whether or not the war can be won. If it is not practical or reasonable to expect that we can defend ourselves against the enemy, then it may be best to seek peace and use other avenues for effecting change.
This attitude toward war--the recognition that not all wars can be won, and therefore not all wars should be fought--is a corrolary to Christian humility. It requires that we recognize our limitations and the situations where we depend on God. Without such a sense of limitations, our policy may overextend us militarily without bringing about the desired peace.
In congregational life, the practice of saying yes to some ministries and no to others is a related discipline. It is not possible for a single person or a single church to solve all the world's problems, and so those ministries where we have little vision, talent, or energy should be let go in favor of those that do speak to our hearts. There are many activities that are good things to do, but through recognizing our place as limited creatures we know God doesn't expect us to do them all.
And it is also related to the Christian practice of discernment. Recognizing our limits forces us to choose wisely where we put our resources. Discerning a positive call, whether to waging a just war, or in other areas of our lives, requires much prayer, discussion, and reflection. Congregations should help people do this deep reflection on all types of vital questions.
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Just War and Fighting Fair
In the movie "Saving Private Ryan," Tom Hanks' character gets shot by an enemy soldier he had released instead of shooting. Clearly, the drama of the movie heightens the tragedy of this character's death, but at its foundation, Hank's character demonstrated true virtue in deciding to free the prisoner instead of killing him. My second principle of fighting a just war is fighting fairly. This means, for example, not shooting, torturing, or otherwise mistreating prisoners who have surrendered to you. It also means avoiding civilian deaths as much as possible, even when it means that more of your soldiers will die.
There are a few different sources for this principle in the Christian tradition. First of all, as God's children all human beings are created equal. The death of one pains God as much as the death of another. Each human has inalienable rights, and part of the spiritual practice of waging a just war means recognizing those inalienable rights. Second, privileging one's own soldiers over enemy civilians does not fulfill Jesus' command to love your neighbor as yourself. Finally, because we know that God is with us, and because we believe that death is not the end of life, as Christians we believe that right action is ultimately more important than avoiding death in the short term.
To cultivate these habits of fighting fairly, faith communities should do several things: first, they should learn to fight fairly themselves. While it is very rare for a church argument to end in someone's death (these days, anyway), it is very common for members to sever church ties in anger. Sometimes this is the right decision, but more often than not it comes when people are unable to work out their disagreements, or have been hurt by the conflict. Learning to express feelings openly, honestly, and humbly, and learning to accept and respond appropriately are skills for peacemaking that churches can help members develop. Through practice. Because there will always be something to disagree about. The question is, how is the conflict handled?
A second important spiritual practice is preparing for death and learning to die well. For most of us, death is something we avoid. Learning to accept our own deaths helps us live more fully in the present. We don't postpone our love, or leave undone important work. Death gives us an opportunity to trust God with a tremendous risk, and to recognize our limitations. There are some things worse than death, and living lives of integrity will prepare us, ultimately, to accept our deaths peacefully.
Fighting fairly, then, even in the face of injustice, sacrifice and loss of life, is a key quality of a just war.
In the movie "Saving Private Ryan," Tom Hanks' character gets shot by an enemy soldier he had released instead of shooting. Clearly, the drama of the movie heightens the tragedy of this character's death, but at its foundation, Hank's character demonstrated true virtue in deciding to free the prisoner instead of killing him. My second principle of fighting a just war is fighting fairly. This means, for example, not shooting, torturing, or otherwise mistreating prisoners who have surrendered to you. It also means avoiding civilian deaths as much as possible, even when it means that more of your soldiers will die.
There are a few different sources for this principle in the Christian tradition. First of all, as God's children all human beings are created equal. The death of one pains God as much as the death of another. Each human has inalienable rights, and part of the spiritual practice of waging a just war means recognizing those inalienable rights. Second, privileging one's own soldiers over enemy civilians does not fulfill Jesus' command to love your neighbor as yourself. Finally, because we know that God is with us, and because we believe that death is not the end of life, as Christians we believe that right action is ultimately more important than avoiding death in the short term.
To cultivate these habits of fighting fairly, faith communities should do several things: first, they should learn to fight fairly themselves. While it is very rare for a church argument to end in someone's death (these days, anyway), it is very common for members to sever church ties in anger. Sometimes this is the right decision, but more often than not it comes when people are unable to work out their disagreements, or have been hurt by the conflict. Learning to express feelings openly, honestly, and humbly, and learning to accept and respond appropriately are skills for peacemaking that churches can help members develop. Through practice. Because there will always be something to disagree about. The question is, how is the conflict handled?
A second important spiritual practice is preparing for death and learning to die well. For most of us, death is something we avoid. Learning to accept our own deaths helps us live more fully in the present. We don't postpone our love, or leave undone important work. Death gives us an opportunity to trust God with a tremendous risk, and to recognize our limitations. There are some things worse than death, and living lives of integrity will prepare us, ultimately, to accept our deaths peacefully.
Fighting fairly, then, even in the face of injustice, sacrifice and loss of life, is a key quality of a just war.
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Just War as Spiritual Practice
I read an article in The Christian Century a few weeks ago that I found really challenging. It was about how Just War theory is not simply something to be consulted right before a war is about to start, but in fact was developed as a practical way for the Christian church to oversee the conduct of war. But it's something that needs to be done on an ongoing basis, not just when we're making a decision about going to war.
Some basic principles and how they should be carried out on an ongoing basis:
1. The purpose of war is to bring about a just peace, i.e. a peace that benefits everyone. All wars are intended to bring about peace--but when it's a peace that only benefits the attacker, it's not a just peace. The choice to go to war justly means choosing to maintain the dignity and humanity of the enemy at all times.
Congregational practices for this principle include: disciplined prayer for our enemies, following Jesus' commandment, empathy, commitment to fairness in spite of mistreatment, and learning to put others' needs first.
More principles to follow.
I read an article in The Christian Century a few weeks ago that I found really challenging. It was about how Just War theory is not simply something to be consulted right before a war is about to start, but in fact was developed as a practical way for the Christian church to oversee the conduct of war. But it's something that needs to be done on an ongoing basis, not just when we're making a decision about going to war.
Some basic principles and how they should be carried out on an ongoing basis:
1. The purpose of war is to bring about a just peace, i.e. a peace that benefits everyone. All wars are intended to bring about peace--but when it's a peace that only benefits the attacker, it's not a just peace. The choice to go to war justly means choosing to maintain the dignity and humanity of the enemy at all times.
Congregational practices for this principle include: disciplined prayer for our enemies, following Jesus' commandment, empathy, commitment to fairness in spite of mistreatment, and learning to put others' needs first.
More principles to follow.
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Bush is a genius after all
On SNL this week, Horatio Sanz pointed out that Bush is a real genius--he distracts people from his awful policies by getting into an even bigger mess: Iraq war--> Hurricane Katrina, etc.
So here's the latest: He appoints a woman with no judicial experience as a replacement for Sandra Day O'Connor. Her main qualifications--loyalty to him, some acheivements in corporate law, and the promise that she won't demonstrate any leadership by "legislating from the bench."
I'm tempted to like her just because conservatives like Rush Limbaugh are annoyed about her (they were hoping for another bench-islator like Thomas or Scalia). But ultimately, I am confounded that Bush didn't learn anything from Katrina. Like, you know, how it was a BAD idea to put friend-of-a-friend Michael Brown in the driver's seat at FEMA. The Supreme Court is not a gold watch and pension plan for your favorite lawyer, Mr. President.
You're doing a heck of a job, Georgie.
On SNL this week, Horatio Sanz pointed out that Bush is a real genius--he distracts people from his awful policies by getting into an even bigger mess: Iraq war--> Hurricane Katrina, etc.
So here's the latest: He appoints a woman with no judicial experience as a replacement for Sandra Day O'Connor. Her main qualifications--loyalty to him, some acheivements in corporate law, and the promise that she won't demonstrate any leadership by "legislating from the bench."
I'm tempted to like her just because conservatives like Rush Limbaugh are annoyed about her (they were hoping for another bench-islator like Thomas or Scalia). But ultimately, I am confounded that Bush didn't learn anything from Katrina. Like, you know, how it was a BAD idea to put friend-of-a-friend Michael Brown in the driver's seat at FEMA. The Supreme Court is not a gold watch and pension plan for your favorite lawyer, Mr. President.
You're doing a heck of a job, Georgie.
Monday, October 03, 2005
Saturday Update
By the way, Saturday's worship service went well, I thought. Heather and Tara were there, so they might be willing to comment more in-depth, but it felt good to be a little off-script and a little more story-formatted. I've posted an approximate transcript on my sermon blog. If you missed the service and are afraid you missed your chance, you're in luck! The next one is on Nov. 3.
By the way, Saturday's worship service went well, I thought. Heather and Tara were there, so they might be willing to comment more in-depth, but it felt good to be a little off-script and a little more story-formatted. I've posted an approximate transcript on my sermon blog. If you missed the service and are afraid you missed your chance, you're in luck! The next one is on Nov. 3.
Fear, and Climbing
As I type this, my forearms are smarting from a 2-hour wall-climbing session with my lovely Heather and our lovely friend Kate. Although the first attempt to go straight up a wall was pretty scary, and I decided to come down after only getting about 10 feet up, later climbs got to be much more fun and interesting. It was a challenge to figure out where my feet and hands had to go next, and then to get there, all the while worried that my muscles would give out. Why does standing on one foot seem so much harder when you're 15 feet up?
Another particularly exciting feature of climbing were those moments when I had to step up and reach for the next hold without having anything to hold onto in the meantime. It mean moments of risk and trust. And several times I stopped to rest, or decided I just wasn't up to it at that point. But coming up against that moment of being scared--not knowing if I would make it or if I would fall, reminded me that faith is an exercise in risk, too.
Which doesn't seem to be very deep, but I'd forgotten about it. I forgot about what it's like to have your stomach floating and churning before you go into a sick person's room. I forgot about the nerves that can shut you down in the middle of a sermon, or keep you from saying what needs to be said to someone trying to get some truth, not just another glib answer.
Sometimes we talk about hate as being the opposite of love, but I think the real opposite of love is fear--fear of being rejected, insulted, taken advantage of, or otherwise hurt. That is the separating line for me, and I suspect, for many of us.
But climbing yesterday reminded me of something else, too--the real joy of hitting that last rock, reaching my goal, and having done it in spite of my fears.
As I type this, my forearms are smarting from a 2-hour wall-climbing session with my lovely Heather and our lovely friend Kate. Although the first attempt to go straight up a wall was pretty scary, and I decided to come down after only getting about 10 feet up, later climbs got to be much more fun and interesting. It was a challenge to figure out where my feet and hands had to go next, and then to get there, all the while worried that my muscles would give out. Why does standing on one foot seem so much harder when you're 15 feet up?
Another particularly exciting feature of climbing were those moments when I had to step up and reach for the next hold without having anything to hold onto in the meantime. It mean moments of risk and trust. And several times I stopped to rest, or decided I just wasn't up to it at that point. But coming up against that moment of being scared--not knowing if I would make it or if I would fall, reminded me that faith is an exercise in risk, too.
Which doesn't seem to be very deep, but I'd forgotten about it. I forgot about what it's like to have your stomach floating and churning before you go into a sick person's room. I forgot about the nerves that can shut you down in the middle of a sermon, or keep you from saying what needs to be said to someone trying to get some truth, not just another glib answer.
Sometimes we talk about hate as being the opposite of love, but I think the real opposite of love is fear--fear of being rejected, insulted, taken advantage of, or otherwise hurt. That is the separating line for me, and I suspect, for many of us.
But climbing yesterday reminded me of something else, too--the real joy of hitting that last rock, reaching my goal, and having done it in spite of my fears.
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