Tuesday, November 19, 2013

What determines history? Lincoln, JFK, and Us

   The passage of even a few decades makes such a difference in history. I remember hearing, some years back, that the letters first included in the New Testament were not originally written with a thought that they would become sacred Scripture. At the time they were written, they served a more narrow focus: to instruct and encourage specific, local house churches. However, the passage of time changes how things are remembered.
   The Gospel writers, just three or four decades after Paul was writing those first letters, seemed to have a grasp that they were collecting and compiling the good news of Jesus in a way that would be kept. Luke opens with, "I too decided, after investigating everything carefully from the very first, to write an orderly account for you...so that you may know the truth concerning the things about which you have been instructed." See Luke 1. John's Gospel closes with a note reminding readers that not all of the stories of Jesus were included, because there were too many to include. 
   Seven score and ten years ago this week, Abraham Lincoln scribbled notes onto a page in order that he might deliver a minor speech at the dedication of the cemetery where soldiers had been laid to rest in Gettysburg. On November 19, 1863, President Lincoln spoke for only a few minutes and, with a "few appropriate remarks", he was able to summarize the war in just ten sentences. From what I've read, he did not intend to make history. He even says, "The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here." Yet, those very words are still committed to memory and cherished as one of the great intersections of l literature and history in our nation's annals. 
   Tragically, one century would pass and another moment of history would be marked within days. This time, the actions were certainly intended to be noticed and to be remembered. The assassination of John F. Kennedy in Dallas on November 22, 1963 was a national tragedy, though not everyone immediately perceived it as such. My mother shared with me that she remembers students in the segregated school cafeteria in Tifton, Georgia cheering when the announcement was made on that Friday afternoon. Apparently his Catholic faith was not embraced, nor was the fact that he became the first president to call on all Americans to denounce racism as morally wrong in an address earlier that year. I have to believe the kids in that lunchroom only heralded the blind stupidity of their parents and culture. 
   The passing of these historic anniversaries in the same week gives me reason to pause and consider the words I speak and the actions I take. We rarely, if ever, act with history in mind. Both of the events marked this week started on otherwise ordinary days. Yet, the trajectory of our country has been altered. We have this same power. It is most often exercised on ordinary days. We can change the trajectories of lives with words and actions. In our own, small way, we help determine history with our lives. May we choose wisely and with grace. 

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

We Have to Speak Louder: God Loves You

  I found myself having to talk a little louder. At first, I did not think much of it. But, as each new person came forward and I leaned in to share the words that God has been speaking into my heart, I began to realize how loud I needed to speak in order to be heard. 
   Music in worship was great - the choir was great and the congregational singing was great. It was not Andy’s fault that he was singing while I was trying to impart a good word. It was awesome, actually. During the 11:00 AM worship service Andy sang a song written by Phil Wickham that he chose especially for All Saints Sunday, a new song literally just released seven weeks ago. As Andy sang the words of a song about hope, to all of us who had just heard the names of men and women we knew and loved to mark their passing this year, it was all coming together. The chorus says:
There is hope beyond the suffering,
joy beyond the tears, peace in every tragedy
and love that conquers fear. For I have found redemption
in the blood of Jesus Christ.
My body might be tired but I’ll always be alive.
(Phil Wickham, When My Heart s Torn Asunder, 2013)
   On Sunday, as we stood sharing the everyday elements that Jesus himself consecrated with divine meaning, I told people, “God loves you.” As the music played, the reality sank in that in order to be heard I would need to say it louder. “God loves you.” Even before we finished passing out the grace-filled pieces of bread, then dipped into the cup that represents a new covenant with the Creator of the Universe, my eyes had been opened to what was happening.
   We live in a noisy world. We have a message to deliver. Our mandate is to offer it to every person. We are called to speak into the lives of others, “God loves you.” It was out of love that Jesus took the form of a servant and emptied himself, even to the point of death at the hands of his executioners. 
   I read the names of our honored dead on Sunday only by steeling myself from the emotions I felt welling up when I started. I knew these people. These are more than names. These were friends, mentors, and loved ones. It was altogether right to name them as saints, because they are. Not because of their own efforts, but because of the efforts of the One who makes things holy. 
   I pray that I would boldly speak the good news to every person I meet with whatever volume is required for it to be heard, and not just on Sunday mornings. “God loves you.” I pray you would do the same.
   Grace and Peace, Scott

A New Home of the Brave? Or Something Else?

My friend Luke Martin said, "If the Braves want to move to a new stadium, that's their business." Live and let live. 

I agree, but I'd go further. We're all citizens of the same planet. The rest of the story around the decision announced yesterday by the Atlanta Braves to abandon their 'home' at Turner Field and build another one 15 miles away in the suburbs makes me wonder about the other reasons that did not make it into the surprise announcement. My thoughts keep bumping into more than just the empty stadium left behind, or the memories that have been made on the two blocks the Braves have occupied since moving South from Milwaukee in '66. 

First, the Braves are free to do whatever they want as a private company. But, this move is not really that of a private company. While their initial press conference did not reveal the numbers, the AJC has since published that $450 million of the $650 million for the new project will come from public (tax-payer) money. Over two-thirds of the cost will come from the public. Yet, the public seems to have been left out of the conversation, save the representatives in government who will boldly try and sell this to their constituents at a later date. That might be a hard sell considering the chatter from Cobb County citizenry yesterday who talked of current local government-worker layoffs and teacher furloughs to make the County budget work out. Again, it seems the parties involved really did have an obligation to seek public input. 

Second, and more troublesome than the rest, seems to be something that I want to resist naming. This seems to be more about who buys the tickets and where they do and don't want to park their cars. The evidence of that comes in the few images that the Braves offered for reasons. One included a map of where ticket buyers are from. Of course, you'll make the drive closer for the north Atlanta crowd, but is there something else going on, too? At the new website to communicate information about the move, homeofthebraves.com, the Braves referenced lack of control over the development of the area surrounding their current home, Turner Field. This is about business, I know, but could it be as much about the sadder side of human nature? The new trend for modern ballparks is to surround them with other entertainment, restaurants, and something people call 'feeling safe'. The thing is, Turner Field and the main parking lots are safe. As safe as the neighborhoods we live in. Yet, there remains a resistance to attending downtown events because of perceived threats. These threats continue to pop up in the conversations around the respective homes of Braves and Falcons. This seems like white flight from downtown Atlanta. 

Finally, there is nothing wrong with the current experience of a fan at Turner Field. The sight-lines are great, and you can even get waffles while watching the game! Yet, we throw away good things that are not used up in order to get something better, don't we? It leads to eyesore junk moved to landfills and higher debt for American households, while never addressing the real cause of the discontent. People would rather spend money on buying something new than on fixing up something that is already there. People like new. It's the human condition. I just don't think it's right. The Braves say that Turner Field currently needs $150 million in infrastructure work (including seat replacement, upgrades to the lighting, etc.), none of which would significantly enhance the fan experience. If the Braves were to pay for additional projects focused on improving the fan experience, the additional costs would exceed $200 million. Instead they will spend the same amount of their own money, and borrow a half a billion from Cobb taxpayers, to build something new. 

An article appears in today's New York Times by Frank Bruni about how every segment of America is becoming tiered around the ability to pay for perks and space. He calls this the "Extra Legroom Society." Read it here at: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/12/opinion/bruni-the-extra-legroom-society.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=edit_th_20131112. The Braves are choosing keep up with the trend.

Has anyone else considered how well the Braves kept this from the public and media until the day of the Press Conference? Why? Fear that public discourse would keep them from achieving their agenda? In the end, I will go to the new stadium to see the Braves play. I've been to Braves' games downtown every year since 1980, as best I can recall. Right now, I just don't love the idea, or the underlying causes for the move.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

What you talk about says a lot about what you believe

   What do you talk about? To what topics do your conversations most return? What do you brag about? The Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 5 that, “For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light.” He goes on to say that being children of light should even affect what we talk about. To be light-bearers, literally those who carry the good news of what God has done and is doing in the world, means that every facet of our lives is impacted. To live as children of light affects where we go, on what we spend our money and what we talk about. 
   Can someone be sure of what you believe in based on the content of your talk? The answer is a resounding, yes. The real question is, are you content that what they hear is who you really are?
   I am talking up one of the great stories of change, goodness and success that is happening in Columbus. I said, “Yes,” last month to be a public, online champion for Open Door Community House for the upcoming Georgia Gives Day on November 13. Along with the donations that can be generated, Open Door can win additional matching funds to continue the great work they are doing. What great work you ask? Let me talk about it:

  • On average, our neighbors participating in the ‘Circles in Columbus’ program have seen an 85% increase in income after just one year. In addition, their debt is down and their dependence on public assistance is down. That is success!
  • The average income earned by Open Door Institute graduates, learning culinary skills, increased by $6/hr from when they entered the program.
  • In 2012-2013, 100% of the children in our Mathews Promise Academy were promoted to the next grade and 100% passed the state CRCT exam.

These facts speak volumes, don’t they? Open Door is the single most important ministry in Columbus, addressing the root causes of poverty and suffering among our neighbors. They are teaching people with great content and delivering it through deep and sustained relationships; this is the best way to change lives and it is the secret to long-term success. I am honored to talk about that kind of ministry, and especially proud to know it was began through the efforts of those we know from the Hamp Stevens Memorial UMC.
   I hope you will join me in going online next Wednesday, November 13, and make a donation of any amount to support a great ministry. Then go a step further and tell someone about Open Door. Let’s show that our talk and our hearts are the same.  
Grace and Peace, Scott