Perhaps its Time to Push Pause

Since the cataclysmic shift in our culture I have spent more time on Facebook than I did previously. I've invested time in other activities as well, but social media has become a source of entertainment and information. It also gives me a sense of connection with friends, which is sorely missing during social isolation. Or at least I tell myself it is a way of connecting.

Here are a few things I've noticed have increased in my News Feed over the last month:

1. Funny Stuff - people have really stepped up their humor game during this pandemic. Nothing like forced isolation and 24/7 news about a virus to bring out the laughs. I have literally "Laughed Out Loud" at least once a day for the past month and it has been a enjoyable.

"A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22 

2. Pictures of Food - it seems more people must be cooking at home. So as a way to celebrate I think they are sharing the evidence of their culinary creations with the world. Perhaps if a recipe was included that would make the sharing of these food pics more useful. Just a suggestion.

3. Negative and vitriolic statements aimed at "those people" - Can we just push pause?! The name calling, the blaming and shaming, it's just too much. With my diverse "friend" group I see both sides, one right after another. If it weren't so sad and divisive, it would almost be laughable. Two seemingly intelligent human beings, looking at the same scenario, and finding an exact opposite perspective. No common ground, just a line in the sand. No gray, just black or white. Very little compassion or humility or sensitivity, just arrogance and defensiveness.

The truth is, we will see things differently and that's okay. It doesn't have to turn into a shouting match that must be won at all costs. In the midst of severe change in our lives we can get testy and "cabin fever" is probably a factor. But that's really no excuse. Western society feeds the dualistic thinking that creates division and the desire to be on the right side of an argument seems to be woven into the fabric of America. However, it doesn't have to be that way. What if we were open to hearing insights from those with whom we disagree? What if its not This or That, but we were willing to consider a third way? What if we valued the souls of others more than being right?

"A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Proverbs 15:1

I doubt my words will affect much change. But I would like to think my voice could be heard above the hateful noise. Perhaps I will raise awareness and someone will pause before they post an unhelpful accusation, attack or inflammatory statement. It wouldn't be the worst thing if all of us just put the devices down for 24-48 hours. Who knows, maybe there are better ways to spend our time? I understand there is a wonderful TV show about tigers that seems to be quite a hit.

Finding Freedom in Saying Yes

I have received blessings and benefits from God's promises because of Jesus, as a result of God's grace. Not because I've accomplished something, not through my timely actions or clever insights.

God says "Yes" to me because he said "Yes" to Jesus.

Will I say Yes to God today? That is the question. Will I say Yes to his love, yes to his presence, yes to his power - surrendering, trusting, receiving?

Then, will I say Yes to others? Its risky. Will I take the risk and be open? Will I live loving and embracing, not striving or defending? Not trying to prove myself or my worth.

Yes. Yes. Yes.

Yes will lead us to experience Grace + Love + Presence, with God and others. Saying Yes will lead us to freedom. Freedom from performing, judging, comparing, hiding.

In this moment, which is all that I have, I will say Yes to God and those he brings my way.

Stop Complaing. Do Something.

I see and hear so much complaining. There are a myriad of problems and no community is immune. It is depressing and disturbing. Some people believe things can't change or that only government agencies are able to bring about change. Others are proactive, looking for ways to do something about the issues facing their communities. What about you - how can you make an impact, become part of the solution?

One person can make a difference in their community! Things won't change, there will not be a shift in the status quo, if everyone stays inside watching TV or surfing social media. It will take action, effort, creativity and intentionality.

Here are 16 simple ideas. Find a couple of them that excite you and go make a difference:

* Volunteer weekly at a local ministry or non-profit - every community has a senior center, library, soup kitchen, boys/girls club or another place where you can serve others. One or two hours of free labor a week can make a big difference for an organization on a small budget.

* Join a local organization that is already actively working to improve the community - Rotary Club, Lions Club, youth sports league, women's club. The structure is already in place, all they need are more people to execute their plans.

* Identify neighbors who need assistance and offer to help - cut grass, do car repairs, offer rides to the grocery or appointments, provide a meal. Yes, I'm suggesting you actually engage with others on your street. Find out how they are getting along and offer to assist where there are needs.

* Organize a group to pick up litter, plant flowers, cut grass or trim weeds in neglected areas - trash and overgrown areas make a neighborhood look...bad. With a bit of effort you could be part of adding beauty and community pride to a neglected corner.

* Plan a neighborhood cookout or block party - get to know your neighbors. Its about building relationships, risking and inviting human connection. It's not complicated.

* Support local artists and musicians - attend concerts, gallery openings, craft fairs. Art and music bring joy. Be part of promoting those who have talents to share and take time to enjoy these wonderful blessings.

* Shop local and encourage entrepreneurs - nearly everyone has a sense of nostalgia about the corner grocery, local hardware or small town diner. A few still exist and there are people who want to bring them back. Find them and give them your business. These places often serve as neighborhood gathering spots that cultivate a greater sense of community.

* Give financially to local non-profits and ministries -  support those who are helping the hurting and struggling. Soup kitchens, crisis pregnancy centers, health clinics, addiction recovery centers, homeless shelters, all usually run on very tight budgets. Be generous. Bless and enable others who are doing the hard work that you are not necessarily equipped or able to do.

* Get moving - Go outside more. Picnic in the park, sit on your front porch, take a walk, attend a local sporting event (even if you have no kids playing). This is an opportunity to meet others, enjoy the various aspects of your community and get some exercise. Our society has become very sedentary.

* Deliver a meal or dessert to the fire house or police station – a simple expression of love and gratitude for those who respond to emergencies, protect and serve in your community.

* Attend city council meetings - get involved in ad hoc committees that relate to your areas of expertise and passion. This is a great way to stay informed on local issues and become an active participant in finding solutions for concerns in the community.

* Visit a local nursing home or retirement community – take flowers, visit, play music, participate in games or activities. These residents are often overlooked, isolated and sometimes without any family. Your presence will be a blessing to them and your perspective will likely be changed.

* Participate in a Neighborhood Watch program - one concern in many communities is crime. Vigilant and watchful neighbors who communicate with one another and law enforcement can be a helpful deterrent to criminals. It also promotes connection, unity and support within the community.

* Mentor a younger person - share your talents and expertise. Invest in the next generation. You can pass on valuable knowledge and experience. Connect with a local guidance counselor, youth pastor or scout master to identify young people who might benefit from learning a skill in which you excel - music, auto mechanics, carpentry, sewing, knitting etc.

*  Rock your town – painting rocks, hiding and finding them is a real thing. It is a way to express creativity and spread kindness and positivity. It is a unique activity for kids and adults. Social media provides an outlet to share photos and connect with others who are already involved. Many communities have "Rocking" social media pages set up to share photos and ideas.

* Look for the lonely - we all need friends. Pay attention to those around you, or make a special effort to seek out others, especially those who live alone. Friendship, the presence of others who care, is a powerful tool to increase joy and meaning in our lives.

As Matthew West said, "Its time for us to Do Something."

Need for Community

I'm currently reading The Relational Soul: Moving from False Self to Deep Connection. It is excellent and everyone should read it!

The chapter that focuses on "Community" explains the importance of living in community, connected with others, especially a faith/church community. Here's a few quotes from that chapter:

"The church of Christ is the actual expression of his presence in the world." ... "To live in a true-self way we must live in specific, particular, concrete relationships." ... "It is impossible to foster soulful relationships without a real commitment to a particular community of faith. We learn to love by loving real people. No one matures in the capacity to connect well if what we love is our idealized images of others or ourselves."

When I think of community I see a vision of people sitting around a big table, connecting deeply over a wonderful meal. Jesus invites us to the table. Not to sit alone, but to enjoy communion and community with him and others. Zach Williams has a song entitled "To The Table" that sort of paints this picture. Take a listen and ponder how you are doing relating to God and others within real community.