Have you heard the news? Jesus ain’t no wimp! Jesus was a tough Son of a God. That Dude overturned tables, cracked whips, took some fierce beatings, and had no problem telling people that they were damned to an eternity in hell. Jesus had some really strong and harsh words for the lukewarm religious types…pretty sure he told them they were destined for an eternity in hell too. Jesus had no problem telling people that they were horrible, awful, wretched, and sin-filled. “Meek? Mild? As if!” Yep, Jesus was pretty much the original Macho Man. I know this because I just saw a special on the Christian TV network that told me so.

Did I get your attention? (oh, at this point you can drop the “Blue Collar” accent…unless you are truly enjoying it!)

Well, lately (in addition to what I just viewed on one of the religious TV stations), I’ve noticed this interesting trend within some more conservative/fundamental Christian movements to no longer focus on Jesus’ love, compassion, patience, kindness, grace, mercy, and love in order to focus on the few passages in which Jesus really “kicks ass” (pardon my french, but if these sorts of words offend you, you probably wouldn’t read my blog…unless you are my mother…so, sorry mom).

You see, we don’t have to embrace the fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control) because Jesus was a man’s man.

The accusation is that the Church has, for too long, focused on Jesus’ love and compassion. And, therefore, the Church has produced a bunch of namby-pamby, wimpy, girlie men who wouldn’t know the difference between a Hemi and a regular V8 engine…or the difference between Bobby and Terry LaBonte…or the difference between a Purdey, a Remington, or a Winchester.

Therefore, movements have been launched within certain churches to make Church men = real men. (start the “Blue Collar” accent again) And, the definition of a real man isn’t necessarily one who loves, honors, cares for, provides for, and protects his wife and family. Nope, a real man seems to be one who participates in MMA, hunts stuff, loves war, loves America (God Bless America!), loves NASCAR (but not IRL), chews tobacco but doesn’t smoke, dresses swear words up in Sunday clothes, doesn’t dance, doesn’t drink adult beverages (but guzzles down Mt. Dew and Red Bull), hates “the gays”, oh, and of course…hates musicals, and definitely doesn’t cry when watching movies like “Courageous“!  (stop accent)

So, because Jesus wasn’t a wimp…it is somehow un-Christian to be a less-than-manly-man. A man is weak if he makes himself vulnerable. A man is weak if he shows any emotion other than rage and anger (but only directed at the TV when sports calls are blown…and by sports…of course I mean football). A man is weak if his wife isn’t silent and submissive. A man is weak if he isn’t the sole provider for his family. A man is weak if he doesn’t make all of the important decisions for his family.  A man is weak if _______.

And, to be honest, it all kind of makes me sick. I mean, I’m all for “doing whatever it takes” to get “men” into the church. I’m all about getting men to take their faith seriously. I’m all for “Wild at Heart” men’s retreats where guys go play paintball, whitewater rafting, skiing, hiking, fishing, etc and enjoy the fellowship of other men who are trying to figure out this whole faith thing.  Don’t get me wrong, I like to picture my Jesus in a tuxedo t-shirt as much as the next guy. And, I’m not one to say that Jesus was a wimp…the whole journey to the Cross…yeah, that’s not wimpy stuff.

But, to basically dismiss the love, compassion, mercy, and tenderness of Jesus in order to focus on a few passages in which Jesus “kicks some serious backside” (I cleaned it up, just for you, mom) really overlooks what seems to be so central to the message of Jesus. I’m pretty sure Jesus said the greatest commandment was to “love God”. And, he followed that by saying something along the lines that the next most important thing was to “love one another.”

I guess I just find myself sitting here thinking, “Self, I don’t get it.”

Why do some want to focus on the “hardcore” attributes of Jesus and overlook His great love, mercy, peace, and compassion? I mean, think about the woman at the well or the woman caught in adultery…Jesus wasn’t harsh…Jesus wasn’t tough…Jesus was kind, compassionate, caring, and loving.

I guess the bottom line is this…I’m a wimpy man…and I’m okay with that.

Maybe what men…and people in general…need is a more balanced approach to Jesus. Did Jesus say some tough and harsh things? Sure. Was Jesus filled with love, grace, mercy, patience, kindness, etc? Of course. Can we find a way to paint a more holistic picture of Jesus? I sure hope so.

While watching the film (as well as while reading the book), I was struck by the original intent of Facebook to be an exclusive endeavor. At first, it would be a “Harvard” thing. Then, as it became apparent that it was a popular success, it began to spread among the Ivy League schools. I remember when facebook first spread to school’s like Indiana University, Purdue University, Notre Dame, even Ball State University. Former youth ministry students would talk about the site…say things like, “Oh man, you should really get on facebook. But, you can’t because you’re old.” The exclusivity almost made it desirable…because I couldn’t have it…I wanted it.

Eventually, facebook’s exclusivity became an all-inclusive endeavor…to the point where old guys like me could log on and create an account…without an invite, without a particularly exclusive e-mail account. And, this social media website has been successful in helping people connect with friends…old, new, and everything in-between.

While thinking about the original exclusive nature of facebook and it’s now inclusive nature, I found myself thinking about the Church. Is the modern Church an exclusive or inclusive institution?

Now, the majority of folks within the Church would probably defend the Church as being inclusive…but is it?

As a United Methodist, I’m reminded of how we are called to have “open hearts, open minds, and open doors”. But, do we have limits to our openness?

Are we open to people who have different thoughts on heaven and hell…sin and salvation…human sexuality…creation…evolution…abortion…drinking…dancing…and all of the other hot button issues that are out there?

Many would say “yes”. But, are we open to those who are different only with the intention of “saving” them and making them “exactly like us”. Or do we simply accept them and love them “as is”?

I’m pretty sure when Jesus called us to “love others”, this was a statement promoting inclusiveness in the Body. If you investigate the life and ministry of Jesus, he seemed to continually reach out to those who would have been excluded from the fellowship and invited them in.

Sometimes, I’m convinced that our tendency to be exclusive is born out of either arrogance (that we have it all figured out) or ignorance (that we simply are too dull and dense to realize God just might work beyond our understanding). Sometimes, I wonder if we are trying to “save” people who aren’t really in need of saving (you know, like how my Baptist friend are always trying to save me because I’m a heathen Methodist)???

Are we attempting to include the excluded? Or are we trying to put up walls between “us” and “them”?

Are we exclusive or inclusive? If we are exclusive, why? If we are exclusive, how can we become inclusive? Are there limits to inclusiveness?

 ”³⁷ He replied, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, and with all your mind. ³⁸ This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹ And the second is like it: You must love your neighbor as you love yourself’.” (Matthew 22:37-39)

Last night on my way home, I began to recall some of the great experiences I owe to my father. Here is a list of some of the things I can recall:

- He introduced me to the music of Frank Zappa!

- He took me to my first Indy 500

- He took me to my first drum clinic (Louie Bellson, the old man could play)

- He took me to my first Rush concert (which was also my first official “real” rock n’ roll show…the Christian rock shows my mom took me to didn’t really count)

- He let me “borrow” most of his good records

- He took me to Franks Drum Shop…when they were still located in their “old” location…where surviving the elevator ride was just part of the adventure.

- He introduced me to good jazz

- He inadvertently shaped my love for NPR by forcing me to listen to it when he was driving (which includes my great appreciation for Garrison Keillor).

- We saw Barack Obama while he was on the campaign trail…it was a pretty powerful moment.

That’s not an extensive list. And, let’s not forget that my mother provided a lot of great experiences too! But, since last night was father/son time, I thought I’d take a moment to recall some of these experiences I’ve shared with my father.

So, thanks dad!

This morning, as I reflect on my awareness of HIV/AIDS in the world, I am reminded of how far we have come…and how far we still have to go in our understanding and treatment of HIV/AIDS.

Do you remember when AIDS was only something that impacted “those people”? And, who were “those people”? At first, it was only “those people” in Africa. Then, as time passed and HIV/AIDS became more widespread, “those people” grew to include homosexuals. Over time, “those people” began to include drug users as well. And, do you remember how fearful we were made in regards to AIDS…and how it might be spread. Oh, how ignorant we were (and sometimes still are).

As our awareness of HIV/AIDS grew, we began to see that HIV/AIDS does not discriminate as we do. HIV/AIDS did not limit itself to “those people” in Africa, to “those homosexual people”, or to “those drug-using people”. I can recall how Ryan White changed the face of who can become a casualty of HIV/AIDS.

This morning, I found myself recalling the memory of an ignorant conversation I had with friends in a public place on the topic of HIV/AIDS. We were all fairly conservative in our “Christian” faith. And, I guess we took that as a license to be ignorant and hateful in our language and attitude towards those with HIV/AIDS. We basically came to the conclusion that HIV/AIDS was really something that only affected “those people” and that we were extra-blessed because we were not “those people”.

Then, something happened that began to change my entire theological perspective on life. An older gentleman happened to hear our conversation and decided that he needed to drop some knowledge on us. He was quiet, gentle, and patient as he began to explain that HIV/AIDS was not limited to those people…that anyone…even conservative Christians could be infected. He was extremely knowledgeable on how HIV/AIDS could be contracted and spread. And, then, he shared these words, “I know this because I have AIDS.” He was not from Africa. He was not gay. He was not a drug user. He would not have been labeled as one of “those people”. Nope, he was just a “normal” guy…who happened to have AIDS. And, he shattered my entire understanding of HIV/AIDS…and really, life in general.

At that moment, I made a conscious decision to do all that I could to stop being an insensitive, judgmental, arrogant jerk. Yes, I can still be an insensitive, judgmental, and arrogant jerk. However, I no longer use my Christian faith as a license to cast out hatred and ignorance on anyone who is not like me. Instead, I’m making an effort to let love be the rule of my life.

Since that interaction, I have encountered numerous people who have HIV/AIDS…some friends…some acquiantensces…some just folks with whom I happened to cross paths with. But, all have had a major impact on helping me overcome my ignorance and my fear when it comes to HIV/AIDS…and how I treat others in general.

I believe that Jesus was pretty clear on how he desires his followers to respond to all people…healthy or sick; gay or straight; drug-user or straight-edge; black or white. He calls us to lead lives of love and humble service.

One of them, a legal expert, tested him. “Teacher, what is the greatest commandment in the Law?” He replied, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: You must love your neighbor as you love yourself. All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands. (Matthew 22:35-40, CEB)

 Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who will receive good things from my Father. Inherit the kingdom that was prepared for you before the world began. I was hungry and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me. I was naked and you gave me clothes to wear. I was sick and you took care of me. I was in prison and you visited me.’ Then those who are righteous will reply to him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you a drink? When did we see you as a stranger and welcome you, or naked and give you clothes to wear? When did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ “Then the king will reply to them, ‘I assure you that when you have done it for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you have done it for me.’ (Matthew 25:31-40)

So, what will we do today, tomorrow, and in the years to come to love, serve, and encourage those in our circle of friends, our families, our churches, our workplaces, our schools, our cities, and our world who have been affected by HIV/AIDS. Will we be insensitive, judgmental, arrogant jerks? Or will be known for our humble service and our love?

If you are in the Greater Indianapolis area, I would encourage you to head to Scott United Methodist Church from 6:30-8pm for what will be a powerful evening featuring the “Faces of Hope” photography exhibit and music from Blended Hearts and Josef Kissinger. Check out a flyer for the event by clicking HERE.

If you are an Indiana UMC person…or if you are interested in learning how the Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church is responding to HIV/AIDS…check out the page on the conference website HERE.

For more information on World AIDS Day, click HERE.

It’s the time of year that people have started asking the question, “What do you want for Christmas?” And, like most people, of course there are things that I “want”. My list is generally ridiculous…

1. Porsche Carrera GT

2. Taylor 614ce Guitar

3. Noble & Cooley Solid Oak Jazz Kit

4. 1967 Rickenbacker 365

5. Dinner at Le Bernardin (the chef’s tasting menu, with wine pairings, of course!)

Now, as I said before, my lists are generally ridiculous!

The truth is that I really don’t “need” anything for Christmas. So, when people ask, I give them a list of items that are well beyond what anyone would even consider as a gift.

The honest truth is that I really don’t “want” anything for Christmas either. I’m being serious…honestly…I mean it.

In our materialistic, consumer-driven society, we have gotten so far away from the true meaning of Christmas. Over the last several years, due to movements like the Advent Conspiracy, films like “What Would Jesus Buy“, and books like “Christmas is Not Your Birthday”, my views on Christmas have been quickly changing.

Don’t get me wrong, I love seeing my girls eyes light up when they open gifts on Christmas day. However, I’m convinced that I need to teach them a better way to celebrate the birth of Christ. So, even as I stand on my soapbox, I’m conflicted.

Often, we compete to see who can give the biggest, the best, the fanciest gifts to our friends and family members. We stretch ourselves financially, many going further into debt in order to have a child go “wow” for about 3-seconds and then quickly forget that you just gave them the latest piece of crap that the toy manufacturers convinced you your child needs. I mean, let’s be honest, how many of the toys (or video games or clothes) that you purchased for last years Christmas celebration are your kids still using?

According to information you can “google”, the average American will spend somewhere in the neighborhood of $700-1,000 on Christmas this year. Many will spend more. Some will spend less. Most do not have an extra $700-1000 sitting around and will put that amount on credit cards or will take out a “holiday loan” from their favorite lending institution…meaning they will pay more than the sticker price.

And, we just don’t compete to “out do” each other. Many will keep track of things…to make sure that they received as many presents as their brothers and sisters. Many will make sure that mom and dad spent just as much on them as they did their siblings. We want to make sure we received what we deserve.

So, maybe we should start viewing Christmas differently.

Rather than purchasing lavish gifts (or a bunch of not-so-lavish gifts that still add up), we could give one another the gift of our time…of our presence.

Rather than tearing into our gifts and viewing Jesus as a nice after-thought to our celebrations, we could come up with creative ways to make Jesus the focus of the day (I know this is kind of dorky and borderline conservative fundamental cheesy religion, but we’ve been known to have a birthday cake and sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus).

Rather than buying gifts as usual, we could make a conscious effort to buy products that help others (like products from Toms or Equal Exchange).

Maybe for Christmas, we could take the money we would have spent on gifts for one another and do what Jesus calls us to do…to demonstrate our love for Him and our love for one another by clothing the naked, feeding the hungry, visiting the sick and imprisoned, caring for the needs of the least of these.

Mike Slaughter challenges people to give as much money to worthy organizations as they do on their Christmas celebrations. So, if you spend $700, give $700. Many of us would say, “I couldn’t afford to do that.” If that’s the case, then we don’t have the $700 to spend on Christmas in the first place.

For me, the bottom line is this…I need to re-examine how I celebrate Christmas and why I’ve chosen to celebrate it in that manner. Then, I need to address how my family can adjust the way we celebrate to better honor Jesus.

And, in all honesty, I need to do my best to withhold my judgment towards others who make the decision to celebrate in a different manner.

So, if you are someone who feels like you really need to get me something, here are some realistic ideas…

1. Make a one-time donation to Mission Guatemala for the amount that you would have spent on a gift. This mission organization if very near to my heart. Tom and Dave do incredible work and I can guarantee that your funds would be used to better the lives of those in the greater San Andres area.

2. Make a donation to Kids Against Hunger. A small donation goes a long way in feeding children in our local communities and around the world.

3. Make a donation to charity:water. It’s amazing how easy it is to take for granted access to clean drinking water.

4. Pull a George Costanza and fool me by making a donation to “The Human Fund”.

 5. Or, I guess, if none of these things appeal to you…you could buy me a 4-pack of Guinness Pub Draught Cans.

What are your ideas for celebrating Christmas differently?

My personal journal is full of thoughts and reflections concerning events that have taken place since my last post. I just never felt that this public blog was the place to “air my grievances” on various issues that have occurred in my personal life, ministry life, and the world in general during this time frame (and, let’s be honest, it’s not Festivus…yet!).

Instead of taking the time to reflect on this blog site, I’ve used that time to enjoy a bit of quiet. There is something powerful in silence. It is such a rare things these days. Too often, my days are filled with “noise”. Even in those moments that I set aside for quiet reflection, there is usually noise…whether it’s from the music playing in the background…or simply the “white noise” that is so prevalent in our world today. Even when I step outside, my ears are filled with the noises of a busy world…planes, trains, and automobiles.

Recently, I have discovered a place where I can get away from it all. It is a place where I can slip away into “nature” for a bit…the only noises being the birds, the falling leaves, the slight breeze, and random animals that dwell in this particular “forest”. It is a place that is conveniently located to my home and my workplace. Therefore it does not take a great deal of time to arrive at my new quiet place. January will mark two years in the greater Lafayette area…and I’ve just now found my quiet place.

When I emerge from my quiet place, I find myself feeling refreshed, restored, and renewed.

We are rapidly approaching the holiday season. The holiday’s are often busy, noisy, and stress-filled. These are moments when our calendars are filled family, church, school events, shopping, parties, and the like. It becomes increasingly difficult to take the time to slow down and enjoy a bit of silence.

However, I have found that it is exactly in these busy times when we need moments of quiet the most. I want to encourage you to make quiet time a priority throughout the holiday season. Even Jesus, in the midst of his earthly ministry, took time to be alone. Seriously, do whatever you have to in order to enjoy some quiet time…put it on your calendar…schedule and protect that time. If someone asks you to do something during that time, simply say, “I have a conflict on my calendar.” Whether you block out 5 minutes a day, an hour per week, or an entire day, find a way to enjoy some silence…to sit quietly…to listen…to reflect…to be alone with all distractions removed…and let your spirit be refreshed, restored, and renewed.

“Be still, and know that I am God!” ~ Psalm 46:10

“Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead to the other side of the lake while he dismissed the crowds. When he sent them away, he went up onto a mountain by himself to pray. Evening came and he was alone.” ~Matthew 14:22-23

When I am discouraged, there are certain people who just seem to “show up” and offer their support, their presence, and their words that become a source of encouragement. Whether it’s a timely e-mail, a phone call or a visit from a friend or family member, I have continually found sources of encouragement right when I need it. Sometimes, there are days when someone unknowingly offers a word or caring gesture that makes the biggest difference in the world (you know, one of those, “You don’t know how much that means to me” kind of things).

I also find encouragement through music. There are certain artists who have created incredible music that encourages me…whether it’s through meaningful lyrics or beautiful melodies and harmonies…music has the power to encourage me. When I am down, there are certain records I can play that will lift my spirit…that will change the course of my thinking…my attitude. There is great power in music.

Literature has often been a source of encouragement. Works of fiction and non-fiction…classic pieces…new works…religious…non-religious…blogs…newspapers…journals…It’s amazing how the written words of others can encourage the discouraged. There are certain books I can pick up and just read a few passages and find myself laughing in the midst of the most difficult of circumstances.

My wife is probably the greatest encourager in my life. She knows what to say, what not to say, and how to continually be “for” me. She has stepped in and offered encouragement when I’ve been discouraged by those I look to for encouragement. She goes “all out” in her love for me…and that is deeply encouraging.

After taking some time to think about my sources of encouragement, I began to consider if I am doing my part to encourage others…Am I offering encouraging words to others? Do I reach out through e-mail and phone calls to offer just a bit of encouragement? Do I take the time to encourage someone through the simple act of listening…of being available? Am I someone’s encourager?

In some ways, I think I probably offer some encouragement. But, I know that I have a lot of work to do. Today, I have come to realize that I need to be intentional about encouraging others…when it’s obvious they need encouragement…but, maybe more importantly…at times when it’s not so obvious.

I have two questions:

1. Where do you find encouragement?

2. How do you offer encouragement?

“So continue encouraging each other and building each other up, just like you are doing already.” ~ I Thessalonians 5:11

This morning, Emily officially threw in the towel. She said, “It’s not that you look bad…I just can’t handle the back!”

I guess the mini-mullet that I’ve been rockin’ for the last few weeks has finally forced her into submission.

So, by throwing in the towel, that means Emily will have to take me to the Burger Bar in St. Louis where I will enjoy the Rossini burger (kobe beef, sauted foie gras, shaved truffles, madeira sauce on an onion bun). I may let her shift the plans and take me to the Publican in Chicago instead…but we’ll see about that!

What does all of this mean? Well, I won’t look like Chef Keller. And, in about three minutes I’m going to the garage to shave off the mullet!

As a 16-year-old with a license and a car, I enjoyed some new-found freedoms. The greatest of these freedoms centered around music. I was able to drive myself to my percussion lessons. But, even better…,I had the privilege to drive to record stores!

One of my favorite spots to hit in Muncie was the Discount Den (R.I.P.). New and used CD’s filled the east wall…add a cheap fountain soda into the mix…and I was set for lengthy periods of browsing and annoying the workers with questions about release dates and their ability to get a larger selection of Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention discs.

On one of my trips to the Den in that fall of ’91, I picked up a new-ish release…Ten by the Seattle band Pearl Jam. In all honesty, this would be a life-changing purchase. I had read a lot about Pearl Jam in various publications. But, being that I was living outside of Muncie, IN, I had not had much exposure to the music of the band…yet! In the days before everyone and their grandmothers had hi-speed internet…one had to depend on outlets like the radio, record stores, MTV (remember 120 Minutes and Alternative Nation), Spin and Rolling Stone to get exposed to new music.

I remember rushing home (well, I’m sure I observed the speed limit) and quickly heading up the stairs to my music room (now my fathers music room), eagerly anticipating throwing the disc into my CD player (yes, this was before every vehicle in the world had a built-in CD player so I had to wait until I got home…Listen, I was lucky to have a tape deck in that 1988 Cavalier).

What I experienced was sheer joy. The music was incredible! Intense, passionate, skillful, and beautiful. I was quick to throw my headphones on and begin learning the drum parts. I played along with Ten more than any other album for a good six month period.

And so, my affection for the music of Pearl Jam began. But, there was a moment in the Spring of 1992 that solidified the bands place in my heart. When the band appeared on MTV’s Unplugged, my appreciation for the band sky-rocketed. I believe it was the intensity of the performance of Porch that lit a little fire in my heart. I remember being overcome by thoughts and feelings that, “Yes, this is good! Yes, this is what I enjoy!”

Later, in the summer of 1992, I would travel to the World Music Amphitheater outside of Chicago and see Pearl Jam perform as part of the Lollapalooza tour. It was amazing. And, I’ve been fortunate to see PJ numerous times throughout the years!

I’ve been a fan ever since that day in the fall of ’91 when I purchased Ten. And…now, on Labor Day weekend of the year 2011, I will once again enjoy the live music of Pearl Jam! Twenty years of following a band. Wow!

It’s truly ridiculous and yet fun at the same time. I guess it’s a fairly cheap form of entertainment. But, today as I looked in the mirror I thought, “Dang, you look like a dirty hippie.”

The next thought was, “Oh, you just need to shave. That will clean it up a bit!”

Then, I found myself thinking, “Well, do I need to shave?”

As I pondered the whole idea of shaving, I found myself wondering if I should grow out a killer beard while my hair continues to grow. Then, I found some motivation. Call it a sign from the Divine.

While doing a bit of research, I stumbled upon the music of John Michael Talbot. I saw his picture and I realized there is no need to shave!

In my attempt to look like the great chef Hubert Keller, I could also go for the John Michael Talbot look!

I’m pretty sure this would push Emily over the edge and I would easily claim the victory!!!

I mean, she’s pretty much on the ropes as we speak. You should see the looks she gives me when I get home and pick out the Mo-Fro!

It’s either I go for the John Michael Talbot look…or I start wearing the Mo-Fro in public. Either of these will definitely secure the victory for Team Jason!