Unfortunately, I hear the conditions in Russia are less than welcoming.
But you know what else is unfortunate? When people responsible for nature get in nature's way.
Behold, I am doing a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert.
A way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. People tend to get lost in the wilderness and you don't usually find water, let alone a source to quench your thirst in the desert, unless of course it's a mirage.
The President, nor Vice President or First Lady of the United States will be in attendance at the Winter Olympics in Sochi. The first time this has ever happened in the history of the United States. Problem? I think so. Even with Russia's anti-gay laws and stereotypical "hedonistic" propaganda about homosexuality (See: Leave the Children Alone), it would not have hurt to embrace those which whom we disagree with. I'd argue it's a stronger message, should the President attend with the delegation. You see, typically, delegations are for when a certain person is unable to make it, and not because they want to "stick it to the man", or Vladimir Putin (President of Russia) and his anti-gay supporters in this case. Yet, as I said in my post on America, there are a lot of things I don't know. At this moment politics isn't high on my list. Maybe, just maybe it needs to be done this way.
Moving on...
So, gay people. We haven't talked about that enough. Let's see there was, GOMER and it's followup. Then we moved to YOLU and Now that we're separated along with it's followup. There were many others and one of my personal favorites: No Mo Limpin. Oooh! Can't forget the current mess in the United Methodist Church and all of the scandal which abounds. I can understand how Russia (or at least its leadership) might still have conservative-preservative views on homosexuality which tend to stem from stereotypes that were passed around among many including church folk a long long time ago (and even in today's "progressive" society).
I also know that both Russia and the United States play a role in making this Olympics about something bigger than what is supposed to be the key feature: Unity. Or, one could argue that this is exactly why the anti-LGBT laws in effect are such a huge problem. But, uh, what about for those of us in the church. Hasn't this issue been resolved? Is it really something that still needs to be discussed?
I came across an article at Hacking Christianity which spoke on this phenomenon called the Mississippi River. Now, most of us are probably familiar with it. The Mississippi is quite a piece of evidence to the imagination, creativity, and power of God. Here are some facts about it. Going back to the article, it discusses how naturally there are processes that the river goes through, or modes of change if you will. In effect, the river isn't always the same, does not flow the same way, or remain in the same exact geographical area over time (in a static way). This is a testament to how it's function (especially that of restoration) is a part of its natural development and life cycle. Unfortunately, according to the article, humans try to help the river and do all of these things to assist something which naturally needs no help. And if it does need any help we can best learn by observing it and taking notes before acting, even if our knowledge suggests we know exactly what to do. Problem is, because of our help, if the river wanted to "change course", it couldn't naturally because we have intervened with its proper function. Makes you wonder why people live in areas that tend to flood. Maybe it wasn't meant for habitation in the first place or at best for certain periods of time.
The river becomes a parallel and metaphor concerning our current "tests and trials" in the church (pun intended). There was once a time where many faithful church goers felt that the segregation at 11am was necessary, despite the fact that people worshiped the same God; blacks had their own churches, unwelcome in most other congregations for reasons which came to be recognized as unsettling and counter to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The question here being asked is this, "Is it time for us as river keepers (intentionally or not) to allow the river of grace to change course?" There is a very real possibility that we've been/are wrong about homosexuality (most notably in how we evangelize/witness to those who identify as such). Beyond that what I do know to be true, is that Jesus welcomes everyone. Yet, we're so good at putting stumbling blocks in their way. If there is a stumbling block that should be in their way, it would be that of Jesus Christ himself. And if you don't know what I'm speaking of, you still have a lot to learn not only of how Jesus works in and through our lives, but also how he is mentioned to be a 'stumbling block'. I can say this, because I know what it is to stumble over Christ to some extent.
I'll close with a personal reflection. Often times I add these anecdotes so you might see that I'm not just going off of something I read or was taught, but more so what I've experienced in totality, as a whole. In other words, I try to supplement what I write to you with what I've lived through that it might cause you to think a little more, even if you yourself have not had these experiences or understandings/conversations with God.
Back in May 2012 after all of the "gay news" had broken out and I realized I wasn't going to graduate, I found a way to continue on with life, even in the newfound "spiritual connection" I was experiencing (I've had similar experiences before). While serving at First, Food, and Friends, as the time for preparation begin to slow down and as I was still much "in the Spirit" I was led to break out my phone and read the Bible as I waited. I ended up reading through 1 Corinthians (possibly 2 Corinthians as well). For me I began to get this insight or revealed understanding that gays have become like the Gentiles of old. "Salvation is for them too..." This is one reason why I've become sympathetic to people who are seen as "sinners" because the Gospel is for all of us. I began to see them as "my Gentiles" in a sense, or that I was to reach out to them as Paul did. In addition to this, I had a graduation bbq, although I didn't finish school, but my brother had graduated. Myself and a group of friends got into a conversation about Lecrae's latest project Church Clothes Vol. 1 At the time I had recently listened to a little bit of it. Now 3 out of 4 of us at the table for sure are Christian Brothers in Christ. One thinks it's a lot different than usual and not sure what to think. Another is really feeling it, because it's new and poppin. One thing I did know is that it would reach a wider audience for Lecrae (as well as many Christian artists, Pastors, ___, etc.) have a knack for preachin' (sometimes just hollarin' really) to the choir and forgetting those outside the four walls of the church. This project would provide people an opportunity to learn about who Jesus really is. Forget the rituals, traditions, sacraments, etc. Let's talk about what really matters; get to the heart of the issue. It was in this conversation that I felt a strengthened conviction that, "I'm trying to reach them..." those outside who may not have a chance to know because we're so inwardly focused, which is the opposite of what we should be.
One could argue the relativity of this reflection; however, I believe it's no different than the conversations Jesus had with his Father. Did it really matter whether we could verify that his Father had spoke to him without us hearing his Father's voice from heaven (all the time)? I also disclose that I believe in what's called the Wesleyan Quadrilateral. It's a combination of scripture, reason, experience, and tradition which allows us to come to terms with who God is, what Jesus did and is doing, and where we fit in all of this, not to mention the legitimacy and value of the Word of God. Scripture holds the top spot to which the other three must be tied to. A friend once told me, "Experience isn't everything." This is true, but without my experience I'd not have confirmation and a stronger conviction about who I am, who God created me to be and why. Remember that the Apostle Paul had to also prove his revelation regarding the Gentiles to those who believed; I'm not saying that I have received a new revelation.
Let's face it. We hate what we don't know. We're resistant to change even if it truly is what God wants. As another friend adequately stated, "I think it's the stereotypes (that gets people)." Correct my friend. Stereotypes and a lack of understanding because we "know it all". There's so much more that is important in this walk of faith. Should God allow gay people as they are to come into his kingdom under His terms, what's that to you?
Even if you believe homosexuality is a sin,
as many can show and interpret in the scriptures,
as many can show and interpret in the scriptures,
homosexuals shouldn't have to die for it.
Somebody did that. A long time ago.
Somebody did that. A long time ago.
So, River Keepers. Hardly mentioned a lot of that. It's simple really. River keepers are responsible for preservation, conservation, and assisting the river when it's needed and to be honest, leaving it the Hell alone when it's not. Why do I put it in such strong terms? Apparently, we have some river keepers who think they're keeping folks from Hell with their words and actions, when in reality they are more of a stumbling block. I wonder how my ancestors would feel about that.
By the way, Happy Black History Month. Let's celebrate all history everyday.
Sumthn2Ponder (s2p):
- Is politicizing the Olympics the right thing to do?
- Should the President be in attendance?
- Are you a river keeper, and if so are you doing your job?
- What are some other functions of a river keeper?
Links for Consideration(L4C):
In case you need it:
Listening to both is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED; don't confirm your bias
Caravan of Love (Isley-Jasper-Isley)
Same Love - "A Response" (Bizzle)
