Culture in Crisis... What's in a hug?

I just recently stumbled across this video on YouTube. Apparently it got comphrensive national coverage a few years ago...maybe you have already seen it. As I watched it my first impression was..this confrontational approach is off-putting. However, it provoked a deeper meditiation..Why would such a benign offer create a feeling of mistrust? As I watched the lack interaction of the passerby what came to mind is how individualistic our culture has become and how seductive culture is in the life of the Christian. Our nation, founded as "one nation under God", with common beliefs and purpose has moved away from the concept of community and in the words of John Locke has become a nation of "solo sapiens".

The modern Church has followed the trend of culture and has become a collection of individuals ;rather than the "true community" founded in the love of Christ it was intended to be. The overstated elephant in the room is that people deeply desire a sense of belonging, while some fully embrace it; many are hesitant to trust in it. This reality has provoked many Christians leaders awake at night. So many have experienced a lack of acceptance and unconditional love, in the one place that advertises such a reality...the church. Have you ever experienced the insincerity of the weekly handshake across the aisle?

A hug breaks the barrier of individualism and by its very nature communicates a sense of community and belonging. It is a gesture that fully communicates its intent..."I accept you and care for you." A hug is a spontaneous signal of acceptance. Interestingly, an embrace is the very action of Jesus toward the believer. A hug breaks the barrier of personal space bridging the gap and creating a neutral space where there is no room for disagreement or grudges. It creates a space for acceptance, understanding, and empathy. A hug is a gift, an act of servitude, because it can never be seized; only offered and then received. When was the last time you offered someone community and a sense of belonging by giving them the gift of an embrace? "Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, in His arm He will gather the lambs and carry them in His bosom" Isaiah 40:11

I'm Alive...I'm Alive!

Greetings blogging friends. Boy these last several months have moved quickly and in some respects painfully. Just a recap…this past semester I began learning New Testament Greek in my pursuit to complete the Master of Divinity program at Luther Rice University. What a blessing! If you have a true desire to engage the New Testament I recommend it. The benefit will outweigh the hard work. In early December I had a little accident with a tree. Yes, I did say a tree. Standing on the porch in my backyard minding my own business a tree landed on my house, on my car and on ME! Ouch! Recovery was painful and slower than I would have hoped….but the Lord is faithful and I am ALIVE and mobile. The Lord has been speaking to me about being resolved these past days and I will post an entry a little later. So for now…drink in this meditation posted by a Twitter friend, “No one can go back and make a brand new start. Start from now and make a brand new ending. Even if you must do it over and over again"

Unity 2008

What do 49,000 people in Muskegon Michigan have in common? They love Jesus! This weekend some friends and I took a road trip from N. Michigan down to Muskegon, Michigan for the 2008 Unity Festival at Heritage Landing. We attended the festival on Saturday alongside 16,996 others to see Big Daddy Weave and Third Day. Here are a few pics of the concerts…

Big Daddy Weave
(LtoR) Jay Weaver, Jeff Jones, Mike Weaver, Joe Shirk, Jeremy Redman


Mike Weaver (Lead singer)



Third Day
(LtoR) Mark Lee, Scotty Wilbanks, David Carr, Mac Powell -not pictured Tai Anderson