Monday, April 25, 2011

The Cheerleader - Discipleship 135

One of the greatest roles we can play in the life of another person is the role of the cheerleader. A cheerleader is someone that encourages, inspires and spurs another person along in their life journey. If you look back at your life you may find people who have had both a positive and negative affect on your journey. In discipleship, we at times play the role of the cheerleader. We must inspire, encourage and believe in those whom we are nurturing towards spiritual growth and development. We must also be willing to extend unconditional love and support to them along their journey. Check out this video. I hope it inspires you to embrace the role of the cheerleader in someone else's life. I hope it also inspires you towards gratitude to those who have played this role in your own faith journey in Jesus Christ.

Viktor Frankl: Why to believe in others | Video on TED.com

Monday, April 18, 2011

The Power of Story - Discipleship 134

I stumbled upon this story as I was browsing one of my favorite leadership websites. Before His death and resurrection Jesus gave His disciples a new command: Love one another. Jesus went on to say that the world will know that you love God if you love one another. Compassion, inspiration, friendship...these terms are all things each of us long to experience. My hope is that you would be captivated by the power of a story and recognize that your story can initiate and inspire change in our world.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Celebrating Sacrifice - Discipleship 133

I've been drawn to the story of the widow's offering over the last number of days. There are two versions of this story in scripture: Mark 12:41-44 & Luke 21:1-4. Jesus and his disciples were at the temple observing the crowds. As they are watching other people, one woman catches their eye. Jesus notices a widow who comes to the temple to give her tithe. She places two small coins in the offering box worth a fraction of what others were putting into the offering plate. Jesus singles this woman out and praises her gift because it was a sacrificial gift...she gave all that she had.

I watched this new TV show called Secret Millionaire. The show follows a millionaire who secretly volunteers at a number of non-profit organizations. At the end of the show the millionaire reveals their identity and they then give monetary donations to each organization they have volunteered with. It's great that these places are receiving financial aid, but I couldn't help but think of the story of the widow once again. It's easy for us to celebrate the large donation of the significant decision that radically reshapes the landscape and context of our world. What I think is more difficult to do is to take time to celebrate what may seem to be the small and insignificant acts of kindness.

Is it more important to be charismatic or to be consistent in how we interact with others? Do we cheapen our relationships when we only see fit to celebrate the grand moments and seem less interested on the small victories along the journey?

I think part of being a disciple and someone who makes other disciples is learning to celebrate the small sacrifices which are more grand and elaborate than we realize. Small = consistent and leads to a greater capacity for generosity moving forward.

How are you going to celebrate sacrifice?

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Poetry in Motion

I'm knee deep in graduate studies over the next few weeks and finding it difficult to post creative items to my blog in addition to keeping up with the homework load. Having said that, I thought it might be fun to share some of the poetry stuff that I've written over the years. Most of these sonnets are lyrics to songs that have been inspired by friends, family and experiences in different seasons of my life. I hope they inspire you to find hope, rest and life in the middle of your journey!!

To Love You

You never know if you can see something that isn’t there
But so many choose to be unaware
Nothing compares to what you’ve done
Not even all I have
Something inside me cries out to you

Here lies my pride
I would give anything to know you
Here lies my life
I would do anything to love you

Gone are the ways that used to be holding me back again
You came and pardoned me from what I am
Gone are the days I used to feel stuck here inside my head
I choose to follow you with all I am

Here lies my pride
I would give anything to know you
Here lies my life
I would give anything to love you

A Little Something from Psalm 8

 Had a lot of fun with this one.