When a Barbie Becomes a Gun

Meandering through the streets of Casablanca (Morocco), Richard (a Dutch friend) and I came upon a bulldozer removing boulders from a construction site. As we watched this powerful piece of machinery clearing the terrain, our conversation branched into how such things (machinery, engines, etc) are naturally enthralling (especially for guys). As our discussion progressed, Richard noted, despite disallowing toy guns in their household, his five-year old began using his sister’s Barbies as makeshift guns. His ensuing comment caught my attention. “When a Barbie becomes a gun…"

Interestingly enough, my parents had the same policy in our house. Raised in West Africa, war was reality and guns were no joking matter. The reality of death was evident from a young age and it wasn’t beautified by a plush morgue and men in black suits. To this day, my friends poke fun at me since I would choose to watch The Wedding Planner or How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days, rather than Saving Private Ryan or Braveheart.

As the calendar turned over this morning, so did my age. Entering my 27th year of life, (indicating this is my 26th birthday celebration) there is a truth which is vividly becoming a trait I desire to portray. Martin Luther King Jr. said it well, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” We live in a world rampant with gossip, hatred, backstabbing, broken relationships, revenge, and fear. Though this is the normal course of human existence, we must throw love into the spokes of the status quo.

This only happens with a paradigm shift. Innately, it is our inclination and reaction to respond in kind. A beautiful articulation of this is in Matthew 5:38-42. Jesus declared, “You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles." This is completely contrary to our human nature.

But that is Jesus’ point. He wanted us to see our need for God. We live in a world where it is not politically correct to say we are “sinners.” People shudder when congregations sing, “Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me” or quote Romans, 3:23, “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” Yet, I find it more amusing that Isaiah states that our righteousness in God’s eyes is as “filthy rags.” (64:6) More literally, it could be translated as soiled “menstrual clothes.” (Which made one defiled according to Jewish law—Leviticus 15:19-33) No articulation needed. And that’s our RIGHTEOUSNESS. Imagine our sin.

If God offers forgiveness and a restored relationship with us through Christ, how much more must any follower of Jesus demonstrate that same love to EVERY life with whom they come in contact? Paul reiterated, “Repay NO ONE evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of ALL men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with ALL men… If your ENEMY is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink…do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:17-18, 20a, 21)

Note that we are not only to respond to the needs of our enemy, but furthermore, actively look to meet them. A peacemaker is not a pacifist. When Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers” he wasn’t defining those unwilling to pick up the sword. (Matthew 5: 9) In fact, the other time that word for “peace” is used in the Bible, it speaks of Christ “making peace through the blood of His cross.” (Colossians 1:19) That is not my definition of passivity. Rather, a true peacemaker takes action with love; not ignoring or avoiding the crisis.

In the words of Sydney Harris, “Once we assuage our conscience by calling something a ‘necessary evil,’ it begins to look more and more necessary and less and less evil.” We can easily convince ourselves that the course of action we are taking is justified and necessary, but is it our pride, self-preservation, and agenda obstructing our simple obedience to Christ?

When a Barbie becomes a gun, it is a reminder of our problem. Are we ready to “wear humility” and demonstrate love to those who have rejected, ignored, or wronged us/or others. As the apostle John stated, "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God." (I John 4:7) Thus, my prayer is this, as I launch into another year of my earthly existence. From the old Christmas Carol, “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.”

The Great Divide: Perspective

If you frequent the international travel scene, without doubt, you have witnessed the plethora of mesmerizing and thought-provoking ad campaigns HSBC has pushed over the past couple years. Plastering the jet ways of terminals globally, their images and words are engraved into our mind provoking contemplation. Subtle, yet stimulating. Gently passive, yet provocative. In the end, they encapsulate one concept.

Perspective.

HSBC’s slogan, “The World’s Local Bank” seeks to identify their recognition of various cultures, traditions, religions, identities, and ultimately, values. On these billboards read, “The more you look at the world, the more you recognize that people value the same things but in different ways.” Brilliantly illustrated, these ads contain one word accompanied by a few pictures depicting that word OR vice-versa with one picture identifying a few words describing the same image. My personal favorite depicts the word, “courage.” Three powerful images. A solitary microphone, a young man bungee jumping, and a woman in her garb of mourning. Distinctly different. Strikingly similar. Unquestionably linked.

Courage.

Our lives tell a story. The attributes we display are no random occurrence, but a product of time and decisions. How easy to label others a villain or hero, a terrorist or saint, a failure or success...yet is our urgency of branding others a fear of change in our own lives? Are so entrenched in our perspective that we fail to see truth or opportunity? 

A few years ago, I had the privilege spending an evening with a wonderful group of Palestinian refugees from a camp outside Beirut (Lebanon). Over a cup of coffee we discussed our life’s dreams, hopes, and visions. That evening, the voice of one young man caught my attention. He shared his passion. To one day be a suicide bomber. Be assured of this. He did not wake up one morning and identify himself as an extremist, fundamentalist, or terrorist. Rather, the pain, hopelessness, turmoil and hatred of life changed his value system.

How easy for us to allow our pride or politics to fill us with animosity and judgment blinding our eyes from seeing a soul in need of love and hope. Perspective. Courage. A step in their shoes. A taste of their pain. A tearfor their loss. A prayer on their behalf. In the words of Martin Luther King Jr, "Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend."

I believe it is our perspective that prevents and limits our lives from the pursuit of excellence. One writer put it, "God has called you to see the invisible and do the impossible.” We live in a fabricated box of limitations and settle into a life of mediocrity. We accept the boundaries, social norms, and expectations of others. We live to avoid failure, disappointment, or loss. William MacDonald said, “With faith, if impossible is the only objection, then it can be done.” 

In the Torah, a beautiful illustration of perspective in revealed. Moses sends twelve spies into Canaan to scout out the land God had promised to give His people. He tells them to “Be courageous!” (Numbers 13:20) [See here for the full spy report] As the spies returned to Moses, the reports were conflicting. Two spies, Caleb and Joshua, proclaimed, “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it!” (13:30) while the remaining ten declared, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we…we saw the giants…and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight.” (13:31-33)

Twelve men. Two perspectives.

What was the difference? Caleb and Joshua looked to the promises of God as reality (remember God had ALREADY promised the land to Moses and His people) while the remaining spies saw only the impediments and threats of man. The ten hid behind excuses and belittled themselves in the process while Caleb and Joshua amplified God and prepared to go forward. Does the lens of fear magnify every obstacle or do we trust a loving Heavenly Father who says, “For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)  

A fresh perspective is born, not through meager self-will, but rather through a fresh gaze on Jesus Christ. Like Caleb and Joshua, we are not called to understand the answer to the question “Why?” but rather, to trust the One leading. If we know Him, love Him, and trust Him, then we will obey His commands. (John 14:21-24) We will choose to love when staring hate in the face, we will choose to forgive when retaliation seems more fulfilling, we will choose to give when to take is more satisfying, we will choose to sacrifice when selfishness is more appealing, and we will choose to listen when pride is more alluring. 

True perspective is when we can lift our eyes from fog of this world’s chaos and declare, “the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18) The journey of truly trusting God starts in knowing the One who said, “Do not let your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know and the way you know. I am the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:1-4,6)

My eternal hope is not bound in this world. We can focus on the superficial symptoms of suicide bombers, nuclear weapons, economic crises, or broken relationships, or we can look at His provision and promises.

Do we see ourselves as helpless “grasshoppers” (Numbers 13:33) or have we lifted our gaze to God’s eternal promises? Are we living for more than the eye can see, or are we trapped in the reality of the present?

It takes courage. One word: Perspective.

René Frédéric Faye

It was one of those moments. A day forever etched in my memory. Seems as though it was yesterday…despite the fact today marks fifteen years since we received the call.

 It had been a long day. Easter Sunday, in fact. Many guests had been in our home that day and as dusk was falling, the final guests were departing. Then the phone rang. I remember my dad summoning the family together. That became the day I heard René Frédéric Faye had been ushered into eternity.

Far more than a friend, he was my big brother. Before my first moments of life were engrained into memory, René and his twin brother Germain were in my life. From hours of watching African Cup drama, to football matches in Saint Louis’ sandy streets, to educating my brother and I in the finer points of “l’élevage” (animal husbandry), these two were family. More importantly, Germain and René gave my young life living examples of the verse, "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." (Matthew 6:33)

But death first divided our family in 1994 when God called Germain home at the age of twenty-four. Stricken with a brain tumor, having lost his eyesight, hearing, taste, and smell, Germain lay in his death bed praising God for His love and the hope to come. Finally, on April 7, 1994, my brother Ger was freed from his pain-wracked body. René, having entered the Senegalese military the year prior (the two were to have entered together, but Ger’s brain tumor prevented him from enlisting) was summoned off to Rwanda as a UN peacekeeper following the Rwandan Genocide between the Tutsis and Hutus. As I bid my dear friend "au revoir", never did I expect the next time I would see his face would be in a wooden coffin in our living room.

But God had other plans. On April 15, 1995, a transport truck carrying fifty people through a mountain pass lost grip, causing one wheel to slip from the mountain, nearly sending the entire truck over the precipice to the probable death of all passengers. René, however, jumped out the back and attempted to stabilize the truck. In the process, he fell under its weight acting as a wheel stop, which consequently crushed René’s body but stopped the truck and spared the lives of all therein. As Jesus said, "Greater love has no man than this. That he lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13)

A fitting death for a life lived sacrificing on behalf of others. 
Yet the words of Jesus echo loudly, "Listen carefully: Unless a grain of wheat is buried in the ground, dead to the world, it is never any more than a grain of wheat. But if it is buried, it sprouts and reproduces itself many times over. In the same way, anyone who holds on to life just as it is, destroys that life. But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you'll have it forever, real and eternal.” (John 12:24-26) Fifteen years later, these words have only picked up momentum.

René lived his life for eternity, not merely for time. Through his death, others saw his real “treasure.” Not life, but rather, His relationship with Jesus Christ. René’s life demonstrated the reality of “For to me, to live is Christ, to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21) His life was a tool to show this world God’s love, forgiveness, and grace. René’s death demonstrated his hope.

The days which followed remain a blur. Our home was turned into a house of mourning, our living room---the morgue, our courtyard---the chapel, and a constant bustle of bodies, military personnel, and UN officials moved about. Amidst the chaos, two of my brother’s possessions were slipped to me. Two articles signifying the reality of death, yet the hope of eternal life. The first token was the Air Afrique luggage tag attached to René’s body bag as they shipped his corpse back to Senegal one last time. The second was René’s New Testament which he was carrying as he passed into the presence of His God. Two symbols. Symbols to remind me that "It is appointed to man once to die and then the judgment." (Hebrews 9:27) Life is uncertain. Death is sure. 

Still today, I pick up that French New Testament, and flipping through its worn pages, my eyes fall on one of Ger and René’s favorite verses, and appropriately, the verse etched on their gravestone. "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1)

Fifteen years later, his testimony of love lives on. As said of Abel, I can say of René, "though he is dead, he still speaks." (Hebrews 11:4)

I love you brother!

(Dedicated to my bro, Luke McIntosh)

My Declaration of Independence

Freedom. The very word conveys hope, joy, and excitement to the hearts of humankind. Our hearts long for liberty. Liberty from oppression, compulsion, fear, and abuse. Freedom to live life to the fullest.
 

As time strikes April 4, 2010, the nation of Senegal (land of my birth) celebrates their fiftieth anniversary of their independence received from France (via transfer of power). The green, red and yellow colors of Senegal are proudly displayed throughout the land and as this historic day is fêted, a thought remains. As Senegalese, we enjoy our sovereignty as a republic and relative peace, yet the lives of many individuals remain trapped in an endless cycle of hopelessness, desperation, and futility. We celebrate an event, but do we live in the reality of freedom?
 

Even as my Senegalese compatriots commemorate this significant Sunday, my heart is drawn to a different event where my freedom was won--being remembered on this same day. The crux of my faith lies in an event which took place nearly two thousand years ago when Jesus broke the chains of hell, death, and the grave by rising again after His crucifixion, offering eternal life to those who trust in Him.

As the letter to the Corinthians noted, “If Christ weren't raised, then all you're doing is wandering about in the dark, as lost as ever. If all we get out of Christ is a little inspiration for a few short years, we're a pretty sorry lot. But the truth is that Christ has been raised up, the first in a long legacy of those who are going to leave the cemeteries.” (I Corinthians 15:17,19-20)

How many of us are looking for hope in the wrong place? Like Mary Magdalene. On that first Easter morning, she went to the tomb to prepare the body of Jesus for proper burial. But an angel said to her, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen!” (Luke 24:5-6) How often we search for truth, hope, and purpose in the wrong places. From people, success, comfort, philanthropy, money, to popularity, we stand outside the tombs of failed promises, ventures, and pursuits. What liberty to discover life has more to offer than the eighty or so years we tread on planet earth!

How easy it is to become a captive of earthly vices. We fear the opinions and words of others, our self-perception, the loss of our material accumulations or acquaintances, the lack of necessities, change itself, and ultimately death. We may define freedom as “the condition of being free from restraints,” but is this our true pursuit? Perhaps, rather, we long for a place of peace, acceptance, love, and protection.

My faith is not about a set of rules to obey. It's about a relationship God desires with His creation--available through Jesus. We were separated from God because of sin, but God sent Jesus to earth to show us what He is like, (which is why one of Jesus’ names is “Immanuel”, meaning, “God with us.”) to die in our place for our sins, AND to rise from the dead to offer us power over the grave, which is the ultimate consequence of sin. Thus, my faith is not about me trying to earn God’s favor through a series of good works, prayers, or passion. Rather, it is an acceptance of His love and an embracing of Jesus' work of salvation for my sins. Jesus didn't come to make bad people good. He came to make the dead, (spiritually) alive.That said, if my love for others, joy for life, and compassion for the hurting is absent, you have every right to question the validity of my faith.

As James put it, “faith without works is dead” (2:20) or in the words of songwriter Rich Mullins, “faith without works… it’s about as useless as a screen-door on a submarine.”Pilate nailed it when he asked Jesus on trial, “What is truth?” (John 18:38) This is the million-dollar question. We can believe something all day long, but is it merely a hobby-horse, personal opinion, cultural perception, timeless legend, good-way of living—or is it, in fact, truth?

We live in a world that seeks to make everything subjective. We attempt to modify absolutes and dilute impositions. To believe in Jesus is a personal thing, yet on this Easter Sunday, I want to spare each reader (regardless of their ethnicity, culture, religion, or nationality) one futile pursuit. That futile pursuit is, to label and patronize Jesus as merely a moral teacher, prophet, or philosopher. One who claims to be God’s Son, conqueror over death, and the way to God cannot be branded as but a “great leader.” He must either a lunatic, liar, or Lord.

Jesus said, “I am THE way, THE truth, and THE life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6) The choice we have is to accept Him as the truth or a liar, for anything else would be a contradiction. Benedict the XVI shared with a group of young people, “Truth is not an imposition…It is a discovery of the One who never fails us; the One whom we can always trust. In seeking truth we come to live by belief because ultimately truth is a person: Jesus Christ. That is why authentic freedom is not an opting out. It is an opting in.”

My friends, I share these thoughts as my declaration of independence. That, on this Easter Sunday, you may know my joy, my heart, my hope. This same Jesus promises eternal life to those who trust Him. “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.” (John 11:25) Not a mere possibility, but a guarantee.

I’m thankful to be Senegalese and for our fifty years of autonomy. Yet how much more thankful I am for freedom from the power of the grave and the promise of eternal life. Therein lies true freedom!

Each of us must answer Pilate’s question for ourselves. “What is truth?”

Happy Easter!

More Than a Gold Medal

A KODAK moment. When time stops. A memory is made. A heart is touched. Recently, I was moved far beyond words by one such act. An act of sacrifice, friendship, and love.

Coaching swimming has always been a pure privilege. Perhaps it is solely the fact I've been blessed with some of the greatest kids on earth, but regardless, each swimmer contributes a portion of that privilege. From the constantly radiant Myada, Hodder's out-of-the-box humor, Kent's amazing bone-crushing hugs, Kayla's enlightening conversations during practice, or Gebaly's ability to make me smile, each one is a special gift to my life. 

Amazing personalities aside, they also lack no talent. In my two years of co-coaching the traveling squad, they produced two dominating ISST titles (a European championship---we are the only African-based team). This story unfolded after their recent victory in London. Following the championship, the team went out for a celebratory dinner in Esher, slightly outside the city.

After dinner, Dorien, a JV swimmer and my dear friend, approached me carrying a medal. Placing her gold medal in my hand, she shared, "This is the first ISST gold I've ever won and I want you to have it because I could have never done it without you!" My reaction? Speechless. Without a doubt, this medal means FAR more to me than any I have ever won. It represents more than merely a first-place finish. It is a symbol of dedication, appreciation, sacrifice, love, and friendship.


Gets me thinking, in our lives, how often do we bypass the opportunity to express our gratitude? Do we stop long enough to contemplate the many lives who have poured into our own? Do we live life with the "I deserve it" mentality, or with the appreciation that all we have is a gift? Are we as the one leper who, after being healed by Jesus, (see Luke 17:11-19 for the full story) came back to give thanks or the other nine who went on their way? Are we that exception in society recognizing the love we have been shown? Most importantly, do we recognize and acknowledge the love God has shown each of us in providing the opportunity to know Him?
Gratitude requires humility. This is where our efforts of appreciation often stall. We must recognize our need for another. Prior to going to His cross of execution (where He died in the place of His friends---you and me included), Jesus picked up the towel and assumed the humbling role of a servant washing His disciples feet...including the feet of the very man who would soon betray Him. Afterward, He shared, "I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you." (John 13:15) No small order when considering the One speaking, but Isaac Watts summed it up well, "Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all."

For followers of this Jesus, the greatest gold medal we can place in His hands is a life which embraces and reflects His love. A life of sacrifice on behalf of others. One which brings peace to the striving, hope to the desperate, love to the lonely, grace to the marginalized, and mercy to the oppressed.
True gratitude is far more than a word said. Rather, it is an action taken. Perhaps that is why Jesus went on to say in the same setting, "Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other." (John 13:34-35)
Dorien has forever stamped her memory on my life by this simple, yet profound act.

How different our life  would be if we adhered to the words of artist John Southar, "The only people with whom you should try to get even are those who have helped you." How different our world would be if we embraced the life-transforming reality of Jesus' aforementioned words, "In the same way I loved you, you love one another."
This lesson won't be forgotten anytime soon.
In case I'm prone to forget, there is a gold medal hanging in my room to remind me.

(blog entry inspired by and dedicated to my friend Dorien)

The Journey Home

As the honking horns, bustling streets, masses of pedestrians, and chaos of Cairo slipped beneath the smog and clouds, my eyes began to fog up. As my reality became a memory, my mind was flooded with countless recollections of birthday parties in the slums, swim practices during dust storms, treks in the desert, meetings with government officials, and coffee with friends. This place I once only knew as Egypt, had become "home." These kids who quickly became friends were now my "family." Reclining in my slightly broken aisle seat of Egypt Air flight #777, it hit me. Life would never be quite the same.

Due to allegations, accusations, and threats, the decision was made to step out of a place I had grown to love. Yet my heart begs the question, "Where is home?" The cliché, "Home is where the heart is!" somehow leaves me hanging. When I recall the painful goodbyes standing on a sidewalk in Covent Gardens (London) attempting to say something of substance to a team of swimmers I love, or my feeble efforts at bidding farewell to precious individuals in Cairo who are far more than mere friends, I recognize the inadequacy of linguistics and the emptiness of au revoirs. Corrie Bramsen Mutilva summed it up brilliantly in these words:

With a few of my dear friends/swimmers in Cobham

Some people say that home is  where the heart is,
But that saying leaves a question in my mind,
'Cause my heart has taken root in several countries, Does that mean I leave a part of me behind?

There's a portion of my heart that's in the desert,
And another part that's in the USA,
I have sisters and brothers in each nation,
And it hurts each time I have to go away.

But I've come to learn home is more than just a country,
I can have three homes, or four, or even more.
For home is anywhere I'm serving Jesus.
It's anywhere He's opened up the door.

So home is in the dunes of the Sahara.
And here in Carolina's mountain domes.
And wherever He may lead me in the future,
I know that He will make it home, sweet home! 

As tempting as it is to wallow in the discomfort of change, God has called us to live as pilgrims in a world which is, ultimately, NOT our final home. Rather than focus on the absence of dear friends left behind, how thankful I am that God gave me the opportunity to know and be blessed by each of these lives. From the Karim Hassan's to the Myada El-Barkouki's, my life will never be the same. 

As a follower of Jesus who believes in His work and words, there is the promise that He has conquered death and offers eternal life. (for the complete story, see here) Thus, it is vital to recognize AND live out our true identity. Philippians articulates, we are "citizens of Heaven." (3:20) NOT in the future tense, but rather, the present. Our lives are to be a reflection of our identity and our life's pursuit ought to show our faith—or may I suggest, it DOES show our faith. The only question is, "Do we really believe it?" Does your life show your hope beyond the grave? Or does death still carry potency? 

In the book of Hebrews, the author notes [after reviewing a number of incredible lives], "Each one of these people of faith died not yet having in hand what was promised, but still believing. How did they do it? They saw it way off in the distance, waved their greeting, and accepted the fact that they were transients in this world. People who live this way make it plain that they are looking for their true home. If they were homesick for the old country, they could have gone back any time they wanted. But they were after a far better country than that—heaven country. You can see why God is so proud of them, and has a City waiting for them." (11:13-16) The word for "transients" (strangers) most literally means, "without a share" (think stock market). These are the ones whose investment is not in temporal commodities but in eternal assets.

Are we living for eternity, or merely for time? The separation, changes, and divisions on earth only remind us of our temporary residence status. This life is not forever, but the impact and decisions we make will echo in eternity. Are we prepared to lay aside the temporary for the sake of the eternal? Does not our heart compel us to live for more than this world can offer? The plethora of goodbyes create a longing in my heart for something more permanent.

In the musical, Fiddler on the Roof, Hodel, the second daughter of Tevya (lead character), is leaving home/family to join her lover in the wastelands of Siberia. As she parts from the train depot, she sings these words to her Papa: [edited]

How can I hope to make you understand, why I do what I do?

Why I must travel to a distant land, far from the home I love.

There where my heart has settled long ago, I must go, I must go.

Who could imagine I'd be wandering so far from the home I love. Yet... there with my love, I'm home. 

My friends I will forever hold dear.  My heart breaks each time I part ways with loved ones because they provide a glimpse of our deep longing for permanency and relationship. Wherever I unpack my suitcase or brew my next pot of coffee may have different surroundings, language, and people, but to those I leave in the wake, allow me to say as Wickham eloquently expressed in Pride and Prejudice, "Let us say not farewell, but as the French have it: 'Au revoir!'"

Life is the journey. Heaven is my true home. That place where "my heart has settled long ago." On that day when I see Jesus face to face, then the tape will be broken, the race will be won, the pilgrimage will be done, and I will be home. Until then, "I must go."

Dropping Stones

Settling in at Café Greco to enjoy my grande Irish cream latte, I picked up the Egyptian Gazette and began perusing its contents. Amidst the headlines noting national conflicts, family strife, ethnic wars and other miscellaneous items, one article caught my eye. "Somali woman stoned to death for adultery." (to view the article, see here [not light reading])

Tit for tat. Our world is full of it. Read history. Watch the news. Hang out with friends. We have deemed Gandhi's warning, "An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind," as idealistic. The words of Jesus Christ to "love our enemies"are labeled figurative or metaphorical. Certainly not literal. We limit the scope of influencing lives to operating within the pre-existing structures of society; rather than embracing the lifestyle of "being the change we want to see in the world."(Gandhi, once again)

The source of the problem, however, is not with this world's political systems, cultural perceptions, economic structures, or religious ideologies. Rather, I would suggest the problem lies in our pursuit of hope. Where we are pursuing hope. From the antipathy and revulsion of my Democratic friends towards the presidency of George W. Bush, to the post-November 2008 fears of the conservative contingency on Obama's move into 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue (aka: The White House), the core issue remains the same. (Do not for a second entertain thoughts that I am apathetic towards these issues. I do not run from the political scene nor avoid taking part.) My hope, however, is not remotely related nor dependent upon the actions of a Bush or an Obama, and thus, my perspective of their actions is mirrored by a different ideology.

Allow me to share one of my all-time favorite stories. Contains wisdom, authority, rebuke, and love. Intertwined. The message? Never more relevant than for today's world. For my world. For your world.

Confronted by extreme opposition by the religious leaders of His day, Jesus took on a touchy situation involving a woman caught in the act of adultery. By the law of Moses, this woman WAS condemned to death by stoning.The question wasn't "Guilty or not guilty?" nor was it, "Is adultery a sin?" Their question was instead, "Jesus, what do you say?" (John 8:5). They wanted to catch Jesus in a trap between mercy and justice.

Rather than responding immediately, Jesus knelt down and wrote in the sand—with the same “finger of God” (Exodus 31:18) that wrote the laws of God’s justice on the tablets of stone on Mount Sinai. "For while the law came through Moses, grace and truth comes through Jesus Christ." (John 1:17) Rising, Jesus declared, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." Again, He went back to writing in the sand. One by one, they dropped their stones and left the scene until He alone was left with her. Rising, He asked the woman,"Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" She replied, "No one, Lord." With that, Jesus said,"Then neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin." (For the full story, read John 8:3-12)

Let it be noted that Jesus is the only One who has existed in time as sinless, and thus, could have reached down and "cast the first stone." But why did he choose to show mercy to this woman with the words, "Then neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin"?

So easily, we find ourselves trapped in a world of classifications and labels. We begin to see affiliations instead of souls. We debate the issue, rather than meet the need.

One by one, we pick up stones.

Note, this is not about sweeping sin under any proverbial rug. Rather,the deepest identification of sin comes through the revelation of what WE deserve in perspective of God's holiness. This must originate in our own lives. Hence, Jesus said, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." We must stop and look inside...first.

Jesus openly declared that love is to be the identifying feature of His follower. In fact, he went as far as to say, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you...by this all will know that you are My disciples." (John 13:34-35) Hang on to your seats. It gets hard. God's definition of love? To love someone is to treat them like Jesus treated you--dying for you while you were yet a sinner. While you were still God's enemy. (I John 3:16) Is that my identity before the world? Can they see my extreme love? More bluntly, John shares,"He who does not love does not know God, for God is love."(I John 4:8) Period. God does not simply love. He IS love. If we are His children, we likewise will see the world through the lens of God's grace and love.

Time and time again, Jesus reminded His followers that His kingdom is NOT of this world. (John 18:36) If it were, His followers would fight. But it's not. He did not leave the issue ambiguous. It's not a political reign nor is it by popular vote. Rather, it's a treasure to be discovered by the explorer seeking life's meaning and purpose.

Are the outcasts of society drawn to Jesus because we dropped our stones of pride and class to listen to their life story and meet their needs? Do the marginalized acknowledge the love and presence of a Heavenly Father because we dropped our stones of judgment to come alongside and walk through life with them? Are we willing to sacrifice our own life, reputation, and time for the good of that hurting girl and the life of the child she carries and drop the stone of condescension? (Even if she pursues a decision we believe to be out of place? Will we continue to love her?) Do the nations of the world see in us Jesus and His love in the midst of violence and hatred because we are willing to drop the stone of nationalism and acknowledge our common humanity and need for God's grace? That is the life Jesus lived and the message He shared.

Jesus dropped the labels and saw the souls.

No, He didn't sweep sin under the rug. Our sin shows our need of a Savior and the futility without Him. A true follower of Jesus WILL love because he/she has experienced the unconditional love of God. In the words of my Friend Jesus, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means, 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice.' For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, torepentance." (Matthew 9:12-13)

Innately, on my best of days, I am no better than Timothy McVeigh, Osama Bin Laden, or Idi Amin. Rather, it is the love and grace of God that showed me my need for something this world and my goodness couldn't offer. Eternal hope and forgiveness.

We are born into a wicked world. Out of that wickedness, however, a God of love is offering forgiveness and rebirth. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17)

A new life. Hope.

Are you ready to drop your stones?

"Live in love, as Christ loved you and gave his life for you"
(Ephesians 5:1-2)