Masks of Our Lives

Venturing through the narrow alleys of Venice, (Italy) punting down a canal in a gondola, perusing the quaint sidewalk boutiques, or sipping an espresso at a corner cafe evoke romantic, idealistic and renaissance sentiments in one’s soul. A walk through these historic cobblestone corridors cause one to reflect on the footsteps of the past. What was, what might have been, and what could have been. Yet as my journey took me through this ancient and picturesque city, one vivid historic element caught my attention. An element, I suggest, we need to remember, for I fear we are returning to the past.

In the glory days of Venice, it was a city noted for its carnivals and parties but one tradition garnered my interest. The Venetian masks. Designed in Baroque style, they were often decorated with ornate and vibrant designs. Ultimately, however, these masks were tools to mask identity, social status, and permit scandalous romantic ventures, illicit and/or illegal activities, all without identification of the person.

Yet the mere history of these Venetian masks and their uses starkly expose the crisis of today’s world. We may not veil our face with a Bauta (full-faced mask) or Columbina (the eye-only mask), yet daily, we seek to conceal our true identity. That person we are when no one is looking. This is no new phenomenon. In fact, from the beginning of time, our ancestors, Adam and Eve did likewise. Rather than a Venetian mask, it was a fig leaf. When they rebelled against God by disobeying His one command, they used fig leaves to “hide” their nakedness in an attempt to conceal their sin before a holy God.

We have this built-in mechanism that seeks to gain the approval of others. Perhaps the approval of our boss, teachers, peers, friends, coach, or a significant-other. We hide behind a “fig leaf” for fear of being exposed. Of being found out. Of the inside scoop being revealed. What fig leaves are we using to cover our “nakedness.” Perhaps our occupation, humor, intelligence, personality, or accomplishments? Today’s online virtual reality world has outlined our desire to live “other” lives. From the expansive virtual world of “Second Life” to the Facebook profiles we offer “friends”, we pursue virtual identities revealing only the side of life chosen to be made public.

Yet when elements of our life crumble, from relationships, to employment, to dreams, to expectations, to ultimately death, where will we hide? Hebrews 4:13 tells us that “no creature is hidden from God’s sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” As the song from (The) Razz goes, “You can run, but you can’t hide!” This is the truth before God. We can live our lives behind a veil and fool every individual around us, but in the end, we will give account to an all-knowing God. But there is good news.

Unfortunately, many of us have a confused and skewed view of God. We assume that He is like the all-seeing eye of Sauron in Tolkien’s trilogy, The Lord of the Rings, constantly seeking out his enemies and ready to destroy them at moment’s notice. On the contrary, we have a God of love who is seeking a relationship with us. Our sin has separated us from that intimacy, yet God in His mercy has made all the provisions for us to be reunited. It is now a choice on our behalf to repent, to remove the fig leaves we are hiding behind (such as self-righteousness & religion) and allow the cleansing blood of Jesus to purify our soul and restore the intimacy we were created to enjoy.

Interesting thought. A week before Jesus died for the sins of humanity, on His way into Jerusalem, He cursed a barren fig tree. (Matthew 21:18-19) Why, we might ask? Jesus was declaring that mankind’s original attempt at covering their “nakedness” (sin) was inadequate. Our good works, righteousness, and pursuits of social welfare are a barren fig tree (of no good), when it comes to being righteous before God.

It goes on to say in verses 14-16 of Hebrews 4, “We know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to Him and get what He is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.” We need to be clothed in Jesus’ righteousness; not our futile fig leaves. We didn't need a manual for how to be good. We needed a Savior! As in the story of the two wayward sons of Luke 15, God is waiting for us to come home to Him. As the prophet Solomon said, we are created with “eternity in our hearts.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11) A homesickness for heaven satisfied only in a relationship with God through Jesus.

As a child, when I was scolded or simply embarrassed, I would cover my face with my hands and declare, “You can’t see me!!” Clearly, it was a childish action, yet it epitomizes our attempts to hide from God. Psalm 139 starts out with the amazing words, “O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thoughts afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O Lord, You know it altogether.” God loves us for who we are. Not what we do. The Holy Scriptures also say, “WHILE we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) His love is NOT conditional, neither is His offer of eternal life and a relationship with Him forced on anyone. It is a gift that requires acceptance, and acceptance of this gift will breed a changed life.

A great old hymn by Charles Tindley states, “Nothing between my soul and my Savior, so that His blessed face may be seen.” If we desire intimacy with God, we must remove the masks in our life. If that relationship has been established, our hearts will long for a closer walk with Christ. A deeper knowledge of Him. If this desire is absent, then “examine yourself” to see if you even know this Jesus. (2 Corinthians 13:5) With the apostle Paul, we will declare, “I count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.” (Philippians 3:8) That is the heart of one whose life has absorbed the love of God. A life which gladly throws aside the masks of this world for intimacy with God. How easy it is to develop and adopt masks in order to preserve our pride. How many “would-be followers” of Jesus choose self-preservation over intimacy and this world over eternity?

What mask is it time to remove?

To Be Greatly Missed: Tom Zacharia

Three missed calls. Picking up my phone at 15:52 on Thursday afternoon (June 24, 2010), I cheerfully answered my dear friend, Karim Hassan’s fourth attempt to contact me. The message on the other end, however, was not expected. Details were vague, my memory clouded. Something about a treadmill, and…Tom Zacharia---passed away. Blindsided by life’s brevity. Struck by death’s reality.

As Tom’s youth group leader and more importantly, friend, I treasured his presence and wisdom. No, not the intelligence which earned him a 4.0+ GPA in the classroom, but rather, his wisdom which sought to live life in a way that counted…in a manner which impacted lives. His wit, humor, passion, and love earned him a place in hearts. His early departure at seventeen years old has left a void in our lives. In one word, Tom was extraordinary.

And now, as we pick up the pieces, the fragments of our torn hearts, where is our hope? Many find the words of The Roots to echo their questioning spirit. "Dear God, I'm trying hard to reach you, dear God, I see your face in all I do. Sometimes, it's so hard to believe you. But God, I know you have your reasons. I know I'm thinking out loud, but if your love's still around, why do we suffer? Why do we suffer?"

At times like these, it is right to question, to search for answers, and to ache for the presence of a lost friend. Yet it is these very times that remind us of our reality. We are mortal beings. As Solomon the prophet aptly noted, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2)

Yet Tom, being a believer in Jesus Christ, knew there was more to the story. In that same chapter, Solomon also reminds us, “God has also set eternity in the hearts of men.” (3:11) We were not created merely for time, but for eternity. We were created to last forever. Whether our life entails seventeen years, or seventy, each day is gift from God. A day by which we may (by faith) better understand His love through experiencing God’s ultimate gift, Jesus. Sometimes God speaks through the joy of life, and sometimes through the megaphone of pain. To answer the question of the song, perhaps it is God’s very love which allows us to experience loss and heartache so we can be reminded that life is for more than eating and drinking---rather, it is humanity’s opportunity to know their God. The Jesus Tom embraced said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.” Tom was loved with an “everlasting love.” (Jeremiah 31:3) He now can experience that love in full measure.

 As much as I’m tempted to question God for taking my dear brother Tom’s life so early on (according to our perception), I’m forever blessed that I got to call Tom Zacharia, “friend.”

Living in Egypt, the phrase “inshallah” (God willing) has become deeply embedded into our minds, yet what truth it portrays as we reflect life. James tells us, “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’  Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.’” (James 4:13-14) Tom had plans…for university, his major (sorry, his triple-major), and occupation. But Thursday concluded Tom’s race towards eternity. How easily we make our plans and plan our lives, yet forget our mortality? How often we forget life’s most important question?

Are you prepared for your step into eternity? As the author of Hebrews reminds us, “Everyone has to die once, then face the consequences. Jesus Christ's death was also a one-time event, but it was a sacrifice that took care of sins forever. And Jesus will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to bring salvation to those who eagerly wait for him.” (Hebrews 9:27-28) This life is about more than solely existing. We were created to love. To love God and to know Him. Not by compulsion, but by choice. Tom’s life had a purpose. Your life has a purpose.

Though the tears continue to fall and with my heart still aching, my eyes fall on I Corinthians 15: 55-57. “‘O grave, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 

Tom, love you brother! 

(Dedicated to my dear friend, Tom Zacharia)

Going Green (Robert Green, that is)

The world’s biggest stage. Over a billion eyes glued to the action. A mere grass pitch. Twenty-two men. A place where heroes are birthed, legends established, and goats created. 

On Saturday night, my eyes were two of the billion-plus focused on the highly heated, hotly contested, star-studded match between England and the United States of America. The names emblazoned on jerseys reminded viewers of the magnitude of the match. Rooney, Donovan, Gerrard, Lampard, Terry, Crouch, Altidore, Howard, Dempsey. Yet one name stole the show. Robert Green. 

Understand this about me. As a Senegalese/American, my football allegiances lie with Senegal, other West African teams, and France. That said, when watching any match/game/meet, I have a tendency to root for the underdog or the largely unrepresented fan presence. Thus, when I entered a sports club in Larnaca (Cyprus) on Saturday night full of British fans clad in their colors, my lot as the biggest USA fan in the joint was confirmed. Ok, so I was the only one. 

Though sporting the colors of Senegal, my accent and skin tone identified me as an American and thus, the enemy of the night. The next ninety minutes contained threats to my well-being (no exaggeration)  iif the USA was to win, along with the constant flow of incessant vulgar and explicit language directed at every player, fan, and play. There were also the creative remarks of “You stole our language, you misspell our words, and now &)^@%9-7$!#^@. ..” Ah, sports.  Please note, I love the British and if I had been watching this game in the USA, I would have been rooting for the English, for the sake of creating rivalry. But this all revealed a fact of life and a lesson to be learned.

In the 40th minute of the match, everything changed. A script which destined one unwillingly for the pages of sports history. With the English leading one-nil, Clint Dempsey of the USA unleashed a 25 yard strike directly at keeper Robert Green. What ensued was a moment of dread for every Anglo-Saxon. With history being written, the ball was mishandled escaping the grip of Green’s gloves and rolled gently into the open net providing the “Yanks” all they needed for the draw. The blunder etched Green’s name beside legends such as David Seaman, Scott Carson, and Paul Robinson who are remembered agonizing moments on the pitch.

Since that infamous (can you call something “infamous” which happened but a week ago?) day, Green has asked Brits and fans worldwide for forgiveness. Facebook groups are emerging out of the woodwork with hundreds of thousands of members, such as, “That awkward moment when Robert Green asks you to play catch with him”, "I can catch... LOL jk I'm Robert Green”, or "My computer's got the Robert Green virus. It can't save anything." One group, entitled, "I forgive Robert Green" has but a few thousand members. Yet what deeper lesson is embedded in this account?

Forgiveness is a lost art in society and in our world. We seek an object of blame. The last thing we want to relinquish is our pride. In the very beginning of time, when Adam was questioned by God, he immediately passed the blame on to the Eve, even implicating God in the blame with his notation, “the woman YOU gave to be with me.” (Genesis 3:12) When Eve was questioned, she immediately pointed at the serpent. At least Robert Green didn’t blame his gloves, the wind, or even the highly controversial Jubalani World Cup ball. 

Unfortunately, in life, we have all made a similar blunder. We have directly gone against God’s perfect law of love.  We have chosen hatred, lust, envy, chauvinism, racism, bigotry, and rejected the truth on the grounds so that our superiority and pride be not touched. God’s word aptly notes, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) Since God is completely holy and perfect, our sin separates us from God and from the intimacy He desires with His creation. Yet, in God’s grace, complete, unconditional forgiveness is offered through the work of Jesus Christ who paid the penalty for our sins on the cross. (Colossians 1:14) Fortunately for us, God did all the work necessary for us to be forgiven. (II Corinthians 5:18) Now, it requires a complete humbling of self by admitting we actually went wrong and need God’s solution. Warning: Faith required.  [For the full story, see HERE] 

True forgiveness is an interesting thing requiring two components. First, the one seeking forgiveness, (repentance) and secondly, the one offering forgiveness (mercy). Note, forgiveness is not telling someone they “didn’t do anything wrong” , a denial of having been hurt, or a simple, “forget about it!” Rather, forgiveness acknowledges the wrong committed and chooses to fully relinquish all rights of resentment and revenge. When God forgives, the Bible says he removes our sins (forgives us) “as far as the east is from the west.” (Psalm 103:12) Never to be brought up again. 

Repentance, however, if more than self-pity, vexation, or a simple, “I’m sorry!” Jesus called hearers to “Repent and believe the good news!" In Greek, the word for repentance is metanoia. This literally means, a "change of mind and heart." To repent is to turn from our wayward ways. To change our habits and our way of life. Many so called “Christians” are sorry for their sins, but have yet to repent of their ways forgetting that "IF anyone is in Christ, he IS a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17) Are our lives actually producing "fruit worthy of repentance?" (Matthew 3:8) Fakes do exist which is why the Apostle Paul told the Corinthians to "Examine yourself!" (2 Corinthians 13:5) 

Resentment, bitterness, and anger is embodied by those who choose not to forgive. (AND I’m not referring to the Robert Green dilemma) Rather, we have all been wronged (and wronged others) by words, actions, and thoughts. How futile to hold grudges when we consider God’s willingness to forgive us. Around the world on a weekly basis, Christians pray the Lord’s Prayer and utter, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” REALLY? You really want God to forgive you as you forgive others? Personally, I need mercy. Mercy from a God who forgives me in spite of my woeful ability to love as HE loved and my failure to forgive as He forgives. 

Just as Robert Green released that Jubalani ball into the back of the net, the time is now to unleash forgiveness on those who have wronged us. As one said, “To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover the prisoner was YOU.” In forgiving, we find freedom. In repentance, we find hope. 

Before we judge the hands of Robert Green, perhaps we ought to examine our own life. 

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!