All Lives Matter

Recently I had a friend ask me if I blogged and I said – no. Blogging doesn’t really feel like my thing as I am not sure anyone wants to read what I have to say and if they do, I am worried they might think differently about me once they know more about me. But I find myself in that space of once again not really having anything to do but lots to say. I have a list of things I want to write about – taking ordination exams, political correctness, and being pro-life just to name a few. Today I decided to talk about the last in the list – being pro-life. This re-entry into the blog spear was prompted by the headline to an article I saw on Salon. (I don't know how to insert a link so bear with me) The headline says: “All lives matter” has always been a lie: The brutality of Hiroshima and Nagasaki echoes in Ferguson and Iraq today.’ I haven’t read the actual article and it is not the specifics of the article I want to reflect on….I want to reflect on something that I have noticed in the pro-life movement. It seems the pro-life movement finds abortion to be appalling because they value the sanctity of life – all lives matter. The theory goes that once egg and sperm meet, life is created and we need to honor and treasure that life because that life is precious. Abortion destroys life and all lives matter. But what I have noticed is that life is so precious because it is innocent. The fetus hasn’t done anything wrong – yet.....but once it does - Katy bar the door…..because we have guns and prisons just waiting for that precious life. It seems the most radical pro-lifers are also the most radical gun lovers AND the most vocal about cutting government spending that helps the poor. That fetus is so loved because it is innocent…but once it becomes a full-fledged person and messes up – it is no longer deserving of love and support. I wonder – does this line of thinking exist because this is a reflection of how people think God interacts with us? When one’s theology is based on a God that only offers salvation to those who have acted and behaved a certain way – then love becomes conditional on the actions of the person. But the theology of Grace tells us something different about God. A God of grace loves us no matter what….. No matter what we say or do…. No matter what we think or believe… No matter what. If God doesn’t love us this way – then it wouldn’t be grace because after all, the definition of Grace is undeserving love. Undeserving love…. Love no matter what…. The way to overcome belief in a God that only offers love to the deserving is by practicing Grace. So let’s do that. Let’s begin with noticing. Where do you see these two realities playing out in your life? Where do you notice that your response is focused around “deserving”? Where do you notice Grace? "For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." – Romans 8:38-39 p.s. None of my formatting showed up which is a big disappointment. Is this because I am using blogger.com? Any suggestions for a good free blogging website?

The Priesthood of all Believers

Since the main goal of this blog was to get me writing, I decided to just write and not worry about the topic or try to convey specific information. I need to get to that point, but for now I just need to write. So here is what has been on my mind and reading list this week:


I just finished a great book by Nora Gallagher called Practicing Resurrection. The book documents Gallagher's discerment of a call to the priesthood. I was struck by how much I identified with Gallagher's struggle. There were things about being a priest she liked and then there were things she didn't. In the end she decided she is called to inhabit the space inbetween being a layperson and a priest. She wanted to live in this space a bit longer “Becuase the priesthood of the laity was so neglected in the church, I knew now it was crucial to live it further out, so as to allow it to reveal itself, step by step. It wasn't a call, it's a response.”

As a Presbyterian, I'm a faithful follower of reformed theology. One of the things that distinguishes reformed theology is the belief in the priesthood of all believers. Clergy and laity serve side by side sharing in the leadership of the church. Our vocation is the way in which we respond to the many gifts God has given us; how we live our lives. The community calls forward certain individuals to serve various roles according to the needs of the church at particular times. In the Presbyterian church, individuals are ordained to three positions: minister of the word and sacrament, elder, and deacon.

I find myself in a place like Gallagher – wondering if my response to the gifts God has given me is to be a minister of Word and Sacrament or is it to something else – living fully into the office I have already been ordained to, elder, as well as something that is not well known in my part of the country, spiritual director.

One thing I know for sure, my path is not like others who have gone before me. I don't find myself with a clear sense of direction – actually that is not true. I do have a clear sence of direction, problem is my sense of things doesn't match with the folks I am in community with. Most folks assume becaue I talk the way I do – I should be a pastor or if you are struggling with a spiritual matter – you should talk to your pastor. I had one friend tell me I should be a pastor becaue the pastor is the role folks are used to. I also contend Christian Educator is the role folks are used to. I know many folks who are in one of these roles and I think they are valuable roles, but I do believe something new is developing – the role of the spiritual director in the church.

As I wonder about my vocation, I turn to the Book of Order and the specific responsibilites of an Elder (G-6.0303): “It is the duty of elders, individually and jointly, to strengthen and nurutre the faith and life of the congregation committed to their charge. Together with the pastor, they should encourage the people in the worship and service of God, equip and renew them for their tasks within the church and for their mission in the world, visit and comfort and care for the people, with special attention to the poor, the sick, the lonely, and those who are oppressed. They should inform the pastor and session of those persons and structures which may need special attention (I live this out fully :) ) They should cultivate their ability to teach the Bible and may be authorized to supply places which are without the regular ministry of the Word and Sacrament. In specific circumstance and with proper instruction, specific elders may be authorized by the presbytery to administer the Lord's Supper...” That sounds about like who I am. I want to live fully into this calling as that is who I am....even if being something or someone else is what is more well known.

It's ok to be a little broken

So here goes...my first attempt at a blog. It has taken me a while to get this going as I was discouraged when my attempts at adding cool pictures like I see on other blogs failed. But hey - everybody's broken! That's the theme of this blog and I'm starting it off by being broken - no pictures!
I decided to start blogging for a couple of reasons. One is I need the practice writing. As a seminary student I am required to write many papers. I have a lot of fear of writing. It has to do not only with having poor grammar, sentence structure and spelling skills but also with my overwhelming fear of rejection. Putting my thoughts/ideas in writing is very scary as I am opening myself to criticism and rejection...so please be kind :)
Another reason I have entered the world of blogging is..well, honestly I have a lot to say. I do a lot of reading of some really cool stuff and I am dying to share what I am reading and doing with other folks. I am hoping this will serve as a way for me to do that and reach the people who are interested. Right now I am reading about grieving and will be writing about what I am learning soon.
Warning....I am a huge Jon Bon Jovi fan as I think his music is very spiritual - hence the title of the blog. Once I figure out how to attach links to youtube I will post some of his music but until then you must google and listen to the song "Everybody's broken" It is pure wisdom!
-till next time
Peace be with you!