Some people just can’t stay home

Look up Clara Barton. During the Civil War she couldn’t stay home. She had to get out and help those who were suffering and dying on the battlefield. I’m sure plenty of people told her she was crazy, that what could one woman do (especially a woman in those times when women stayed home). She ignored them, and of course after the war founded the Red Cross. All because she insisted on loving the least of these. Today, somebody might tell you you’re crazy, that you can’t change the world, that you can’t do what you’ve set your mind to. Don’t “stay home”. Get out there anyway.

Brian McLaren

First off, what a great time we’re having here at the Arts Conference. Brian McLaren reminded us today how powerful we artists can be in changing the world. We can tell stories that remind people that all those numbers of people starving in places like Africa are not just numbers but are people. It reminded me of those pictures World Vision and Compassion give you to remember that your 30-some dollars a month is going to help a real person, not just give you an extra tax write-off. Anyway, we’re looking for good ideas for how to tell those stories better, good ideas for how to get our communities and our churches to really work to change this world God gave us for the better, by helping people, conserving resources, and just basically being good stewards of what we have. Any ideas? Not ideas about what to do, but ideas about how to encourage us all to do it!

We’re not going to church in a BIG way…

WOW!

For all those who are curious about our “Church Without Walls” thing we’re doing… Our sign-ups are going great! We have already got a few serving opportunities that are totally full.

I think our congregation is amazing. They are really the church in the world, and they really want to make a difference and show God’s love to the world. It was very moving to see the people LINING up to go do a service project instead of going to church one week.

It’s kinda funny. I’ve already heard rumors in the community that we are “shutting down.” We’re not shutting down. We’re GOING OUT!

Six years ago today

Wow. Six years since the towers fell. It’s hard to believe it’s been that long.

I hope we’ll all take a moment to remember that terrible event and pray for the families who still, I’m sure, grieve over the loss of loved ones in such a sudden and horrible manner. It’s still eerie to see a photo of the New York City skyline without those awesome buildings. And I still remember the feelings and the moments that day as if it were yesterday. Never forget how fragile and beautiful life is, and what a wonderful gift of God it is.

And while we’re at it, let’s think about the places in this world where people are losing loved ones in even greater numbers to sickness, disease, poverty, and war. We can’t prevent a lot of that tragedy, but there are some things we can do. So today I’m going to push my own and my wife’s pet charities.

Add your voice to the ONE campaign. It’s free and quick. Just go here.

If you’re able, support some of the initiatives of Heifer International here.

Of course, I always recommend sponsoring a child through either World Vision or Compassion.

And for those of us who are moved by the plight of the very poor HIV-AIDS children around the world, especially in Africa, I recommend Keep a Child Alive.

And last but not least, if you see a firefighter or policeman today, thank them for what they do!