dis-'man-t&l

God created us for community. Jesus always sent the disciples out in at least pairs. And before the disciples were sent out to complete the Great Commission, they spent three entire years at the side of Christ. Eating with Him. Resting with Him. Asking questions. Learning from Him.

Thank God for college. Thank God for Northwest and the friends He's put in my life, especially my spiritual brothers. It's no wonder this world is so screwed up. We're immersed in community from a very young age in school, up through the early years of our adult life in college, some spend more time here than others :P

Then you graduate. Move out of this community you've invested so much in. Probably move in somewhere alone, unless God has graced you with your significant other. A whole new world that seems devoid of community. Now you spend the rest of your life looking for a job that suits you; statistically, you will change, not only positions, but entire career fields an average of seven times in your life.

I feel we're missing the point. This life is about PEOPLE. What makes sense about investing in relationships, building them up and then scrapping them for a piece of the "American Dream"? Absolutely nothing.

This Easter marks the first holiday I've refrained from going back to Jeff City. By far it's not the first time I've thought about not going back. I haven't heard from my dad for about two months whereas before I heard from him weekly due to a legal situation he was in.

It's weird when I think the thing I miss most about going home is the actual drive. The open road with my iPod hooked up creates the perfect soundtrack every time. Although, I think I miss having a family to go home to, to enjoy time together, not that I ever had that because I didn't. But in some way I still miss it, maybe it's a yearning instead? That's why I think I loved my dog so much, because he seemed to be the only one who was glad to see me come home.

If we're wired by God to perform our best in community, then why is it so easy for people to completely screw that up? Passivity. Selfishness. The two greatest tools Satan wields. This isn't intended to be a pity party, but an introspective look at a very real example of broken community. Cherish your family if you've been blessed with one you can be close to, because some people don't know what that feels like.

Name drop of the day: The New Frontiers

Where's the passion in our generation? I don't think it would be too much of a stretch to say that much of our generation runs around passionless. Many of us seem to be continually searching for the next "fix". The next girl, the next drink, the next trip, the next test, etc.

We live our lives in a constant countdown because it seems that living just for today is not enough. We've been trained to overlook the simplest and at times most intricate and beautiful parts of life. The way a sunset lights up the evening sky. A warm day in March. Being surrounded by people who truly care about you. The list goes on. The blessings go on. But are we oblivious?

What would you die for?
A family member? A friend? A cause?
I once heard a quote stating that finding something to die for is easy... but finding something to live for is where our passion is truly tested.

What are you living for? When all is said and done at the end of the day, as you lay awake in your bed, is it enough? Do you rest easy? Or are you searching for the next best thing to come your way? I hope you can lay down, close your eyes, and know that you are loved beyond belief. I hope there are people in your life to help give you a glimpse of what that feels like. Because you won't know how to love until you've been loved.

"It is easier to find men who will volunteer to die, than to find those who are willing to endure pain with patience." ~Julius Caesar

Name drop of the day: The Glorious Unseen

Everyone has secrets. Frank Warren of Post Secret would go so far to say that some may not even be aware of the secrets in their lives, because not only do they hide it from others, but from themselves as well.

I attended a lecture by Frank Warren last night here at Northwest and it was ... amazing. He mentioned what an amazing campus we have here, that so many people can get up and share their secrets, which they did, and go back to their seat to be comforted by their friends. Secrets they had never told another soul. That's unbelievable to me. That a person can walk up to a mic in a room full of strangers with something so fragile to their soul, and then bear it before the world.

How do we get to a place within the community in our own lives, where we don't need someone like Frank to hold a lecture in order for us to bear the most intricate and fragile parts of our lives to each other? Frank mentioned he wasn't religious which shocked me because, as a friend explained to me, God is most definitely using Frank's work to change lives. I just wish Frank and so many other secret posters had more than a 1.800.hotline or a blog to go to, but instead had a savior.

I challenge you to tell a close friend about your secret. Not a stranger. Why? Because your close friend needs to be challenged to love you, and you need to know that a true friend will continue to love you no matter what your secret may be.

Name drop of the day: Frank Warren of Post Secret

I'm back.
And this time it's personal.
Stay tuned.

Name drop of the day: Ivoryline