Monday, May 25, 2009

Social Conscience - Patriotism & Worship

Today I found myself in a bit of a debate via Facebook on the issue of Patriotism and Worship. It was not mean-spirited and if you know me at all you know that I love dialogue. And now, the discussion has prompted a blog post on Memorial Day. I am an adamant pro-separation of patriotism and worship. This is not to say that I don't recognize much (if not all) our freedom to worship: When, Where, How & Whom is based upon some one's willingness to put themselves in harm's way and many to actually die for that freedom. I will often take the moments of days like yesterday's "Armed Forces Sunday" - to recognize men & women dieing for this freedom with that of Jesus and His death for our freedom in Christ.

What today brings me is how my age, experience and spirituality continue to bring me a new awareness of social issues within our society. Growing up in a town like Brownwood we often found ourselves sheltered from the "issues" of the day. This, coupled with Adam Lambert - his rendition of "Mad World", an iTunes download Bruce Hornesby's "The Way It Is" and Peter, Paul & Mary's "Don't Laugh At Me" gets me to thinking. How often do we just let the social conscience of the day dictate our perspective (whether "for" or "against")? I remember all of these songs yet I don't remember the "social conscience" of them. They are all from different periods of my short 46 years of life and granted the Peter, Paul & Mary was very early in my physical development but still - how did I miss all of this.

Well, I am glad that I am growing and though my ignorance will still bubble to the top and fall from my lips I am so glad that my awareness of social issues continues to grow. Here are some YouTube clips of the music. Enjoy or maybe go "what is he thinking?"


Monday, May 11, 2009

A Quickie!

It has been awhile and one of my favorite cousin-in-laws had one of my favorite verses at the bottom of an email to me today. It is well worthy sharing!!!
"Are you tired? Wornout? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." Matthew 11:28-30 MSG