back to the earth: part 4 -

may it was the war cry of the misty edwards song going through my head. maybe it was the crashing waves chasing me to shore. maybe it was the sound of nature speaking to my soul - or just maybe it was all of the above. 

but there was a moment, a moment of confidence and settlement in my heart. it was one i needed and if it only lasted for that moment, i was grateful for it.

it was a steady beat that set my steady gaze upward, right where it needed to be. the rocks cried out behind me - the sun shone warmth on my face and the chill of the water soothed the singe of my mind. 

something greater. 

more spectacular. 

another chapter. 

comes to Life. 

this is what it is about: the greatest of these? is love...in every aspect, of every definition. "this is who i am//this is who i'll be//and that settles it"

sometimes? that's all that need be said. 

back to the earth: part 3

that one moment...

sitting by the ocean in la jolla the other night, i shared a moment with the waves and with a friend.

i was in awe at how many times the clash of the water against the rocks created a "boom" underneath where i was sitting. it was fascinating, nature's way of communicating beauty through obstruction ~ so we agreed. it was if the water showed clemency to the land, halting its gentle flow, creating splash - keeping our awe, wonder and fear abreast.

why would anyone want to know how the waves work? he asked me. i had no answer, because truly the mystery was beyond us both. nevertheless, the speech we received commanded our attention and again, i was drawn to something truly magnificent. 

broken things moved on, his grand finale left a quiet in his soul...at least for the moment.

on this night, there was no need  for commentary. it just existed

back to the earth: part 1

as it began-

"back to the earth," he said.

 

it's a phrase that is resonating with me every time i repeat it and ever since my friend said that's what he was looking for. of course, at the time, he was initially referring to the pictures he wanted to me take for his photo shoot. and i can imagine that the connection of something greater than himself was a stake....something, yes, outside my own pretenses.

 

the earth...is the sum of it's parts.

 

and then it came-

 

at 1am, on the way to work, i diverted my route and decided to grab a chai from a local coffee shop, the only one open 24 hours...and i met frank. while he made my tea, i noticed an exquisite tattoo of the virgin madonna on his left arm and below, a celtic cross. in the course of conversation i learned that he was raised catholic. while he rarely, if ever attends mass anymore: he still goes to confession. it's not quite the obligation, he told me, there was just...something about it.

how fascinating...

and so i find -

the two are coinciding. it is in the state of confession, prostate in the presence of the earth: each hold the spirit of their Creator. 

breathed into life.

spoken into existence. 

it is a communion. for what is confession but nothing more than the soul surrendering to the spirit? and if that Spirit is in all that is, could it not be possible to surrender back to the earth? the origin of form, where it is we come from. in doing so: the Creator then rightly reclaims what belongs to Him. 

my soul. 

my gaze. 

my fascination.

going back to the earth renders my confession, my admittance of weakness, that i may be strong again. 

to be continued....

proper religion, part 2

in time past: when did it become the norm for religious thinkers to impose their interpretation of their religion on the politics they practice? this is not to say that a man's personal persuasions will never influence his political vote or view, and that's fine~ but to turn away from the heart of love in order to force others into that persuasion is as dark as the sin they claim punishable by law or persecution. 

but let me be more clear: when addressing the cause of christ's life: one must be fully aware that he never involved himself in the political upheaval of his day. rather; he reached the heart of the people, on a deeply personal level- that they would know love. what's more, is everyone that encountered him- had a choice to receive him or not. no one was forced. and everyone was forgiven. he walked a mile in the shoes of all, and still he loved without prejudice. 

i believe we are living in a time, like the catholic charasmatic renewal, 30-some years ago, where the face of religion is expanding once again. i believe we are in a generation that is seeing and approaching God above with new eyes and new discoveries. this does not mean that those who would follow their evangelical traditions more closely are wretched people, nor does it mean that their traditions are wrong- they are not! but - there is a generation that is finding that God is more than the big band and the cliq of the mega church- it is a generation that is expounding on the purposes of heaven in the coffee shop, in the streets, over a bbq, or even over smoking a pipe and sharing photographs. 

the hands and feet of jesus are desperate to be in the earth, not in the church the building. they are desperate to care for the earth, be among nature and find God in all that he creates, not just what is mandated by the church, which is run by men's interpretations. not only so, but the expansion and value for social justice in the earth has exploded- and this, i believe is right and good. this is the compassion that is necessary and desired by the One who established the universe.

it is the renewal of a faith and a discovery of a generation. by no means is it intended to harp on the previous generations findings, but it must be allowed- and to those who oppose- let it be. this generation only wants to "go into all the world..."

proper religion - part 1

last week, i sat with my grandfather (pa-pa) as he recounted stories to me about the catholic charismatic renewal in the 1970s. he and my grandmother were at the center of it in lima, ohio and there were plenty of traditionalists that did not approve. but one story struck me more than the others- and that was his account of my other grandfather, bob gallagher (who has been gone for several years). pa-pa told me that while many traditionalists were unhappy at their group's charismatic exploration: mr. gallagher was the only one of them that was not. in fact, his comment was something along the lines of, "they only want to pray, leave them alone."

call me sentimental, but to hear one grandfather praise the other with such honor about a time that seemed to invite tension among church members, meant a great deal. 

it seems to me, over the centuries- that division, in the church, is often caused by self-agenda. every denomination and sect of christiantity (and it happens in most religions)- has it's own interpretation of the the scriptures and practices necessary to lead a holy life. diverging from means ridicule and condemnation. what most forget is that Jesus' invitation was to all and he never made it political. truly religion in the hands of man is corrupt. and i am a firm believer that each generation must decide for itself how to be the hands and feet of Jesus among it's own. that doesn't mean that one way is more perfect than the other, and one won't make mistakes. but i do believe that God wants every to explore him the fullest extent- which also means we must be receptive to where another person is, that we may not be- that is extend a heart of graciousness.

knowing that two groups of people in the same body were at such interrogating odds- is saddening. but it happened. as it did with martin luther and many other radicals over time in church history (against charismatic and evangelical sectors too) that have stood up against tradition. no, this is not to say that tradition is bad, it is not! and it can be comforting, uplifting, sentimental and welcoming.  but that does not mean change cannot happen for those in need of it. and it does not mean that a generation of people cannot explore the essence of their Creator in such a way that will move them, and sweep their peers toward higher and better in a life of Christ. 

i have one grandfather who did just that. and another who patiently stayed with what he knew all his life. and both are (were) men who gave everything they had to One who gave them a name. each came out on top as a  man who impacted his world, and accomplished great things in the earth- on the account of others to the Glory of Above. and to each, i say: thank you...

a mantra

A Haggard Grace

I noticed on my FaceBook the other day that some folks I know were tagged in an album entitled "St. James Planning Party." The man behind the photos calls himself Tony Webster and St. James is the church being headed by none other than Ted Haggard. There has been a lot of commentary and controversy surrounding Haggard's desire to start another church, and mostly among Christian people: whether or not he has the authority, whether or not it's biblically legal, whether or not his invitation to all is appropriate, etc.

And I am here to say this: What is going on with Ted Haggard is between he and his God. Only time will tell if this is truly his destiny, and honestly, I would never wish disaster or failure on a man who is trying to live out his forgiveness. If he so believes that God is leading him to teach others, to receive others- then by all means that is what he must do. To those of you who say that Haggard's invitation to all people of all walks of life, including those of the gay community- is an abomination to the standard of the Church: who are you to decide that? Do you know what the Church is all about? Do you realize that your stance is dangerously prejudice and against all the Christ taught?

Jesus received everyone. No one is asking you to agree. Nevertheless, why continue to publicly punish Ted for his sins?

Interestingly enough, what I noticed the pictures, was a group of people who were coming together and choosing to be a family. The pictures portrayed touching smiles, and a receptiveness, an openness. These were people that were coming together to not only do life together but figuring out how they could bring life to others. They appeared down to earth, and there were pictures of families with children. More importantly, every one of Haggard's family was attending, available and part of the process. Thank you, Tony, for the peek.

I pray that Ted will find a way to minister to others. For we have all fallen, why not use his experience to reach out? Sometimes your most treacherous of experiences can be the grace another needs. I grew up under Ted's leadership, and if this be a new and reformed man, then I commend him, and his wife and his children for trying something. Only time will tell. God speed.

Religious Complaint

In all the commotion about about Muhammad's Bear costume appearance on South Park - a stirring of rational and irrational emotions have emerged. Granted, SP is an equal opportunity "exploiter." Still, the Revolution Muslim site has made their threats apparent - that if the creators of SP did not stop (as this is the second time a Mohamed character has been portrayed), their fate may end like that of a Dutch producer who's film depicted Islamic Crimes against Women in particular cultures. Sadly, they even showed the graphic picture of his death.

I have read through blogs and comments of various members of the public: political, religious, or personal. The one that stuck out to me most came from a woman called, Shelia.

"Honestly, how can someone "harm" Allah? If he even exists, I doubt this "harms" him in any way. To imply that it does implies that he is weak. YOU are implying he is weak." 

I find her statement to smart and thought out, and what's more: right.

The fact remains that if there is an ultimate Creator and/or Ruler of the World- that is Highest above all: would not their Created beings be weaker and more feeble? And if such beings rely on their God, use the name of their God to move forward in life: are they not admitting to needing His protection? And if this God is Ruler of all: just how offended could he be by the image of his "prophet" slandered? Are not prophets of God often ridiculed and ostracized to begin with?

Those who would say their big God is offended, so easily, by another's portrayal, to me it seems, does not KNOW their God. For people who do not believe will deduct a point of view of this God by way of his followers. And in the age of entertainment, the highest extremities present themselves. As such, how can a non-believing person be responsible for blaspheming a God they do not know? If a person does not believe that such a God exists, then is their slander really of God? Or is it of the people who follow Him? People who make their God weak? Incapable?

Revolution Muslim- I would say to you: Allah, is not offended. Muhammad has been dead for centuries. Did he really dictate to you that his picture is never to be shown or drawn? Would he really want you to avenge him? Doesn't vengeance belong to Allah? I venture to say- that Mohamed does not know. And if you are concerned w/ offending Allah, then you must be concerned w/ his Heart, correct? So what is the heart of your God? If you are offended, can you not turn the television off? 

Revolution Muslim- you are Americans. I believe in First Amendment Rights, which include- the freedom of speech and religion. However, to threaten (directly or indirectly) a fellow American, who is using the same right you are using to exist, is unacceptable. My friends: Run and seek your God- find his heart and what you are missing. You will be surprised. The Creator of all things desires your dedication, not your retaliation.

And Also With You...

It's been some time since I last went to a Mass. And every time, I enjoy the sheer reverence and simplicity of the hour long ceremony. This year, on Christmas eve, several family members and I joined my Grandmother for Mass and I have to say, it was beautiful.

As I walked into the stained-glass room, the lights were dim and there was a sense of Holy that hung in the air. Six Gallaghers filled half of the pew and a gentleman up front sat on a stool with his guitar. He opened the evening with quiet Christmas carols. O Holy Night, The First Noel gently assured the crowd that this was what Christmas was all about.

Following the angelic and sheppard dressed children came the Priest's procession. After a reading, Father Dave Ross told a story of a family who bought a nativity set that had two baby Jesus' in the set. The family held onto it thinking someone would buy the set w/ the missing baby Jesus. as it turned out, they stumbled on a family that had no nativity at all, nor any blankets or new warm clothes. the family gave away their milk, blankets and extra baby Jesus, so that the family may have a taste of Christmas joy in their home. What a perfect story to remind us about the giving the season brings, ever so much more than the getting.

In all of the standing and kneeling; a man in the crowd had collapsed. Father Dave stopped for a moment to ask for doctors and nurses to help. We all hoped he'd be alright and I said a special prayer.

Of the carols sung that night, the most beautiful came near the end when the Priest deeply bellowed Ave Maria in Latin. It was lovely and his voice carried in that sacred moment.

The recognition of the reverent child that began Christmas made the holiday sweet and bright. The humility of the story made me stand in upright awe of that beautiful deliverance.

Perfect Silence

"Prayer is sitting in the silence until it silences us, choosing gratitude until we are grateful, praising God until we ourselves are a constant act of praise"
~Richard Rohr

What silences you this Christmas? What stills your mind? What forces you attention so much so, that you are rendered speechless?

The season is at hand and in the last 24 hours, any sign of restless has ceased to exist. Oh, sure, it's the season to be busy...but what is busy but the insane commercial promotion of a beautiful holiday?

It doesn't need to be filled with gifts, but rather people- those that you love the most and perhaps even those you don't. It doesn't need to be overwhelming, instead, let it be a time to slip away from the daily stresses that grab our attention so much more easily than silence.

Yes, the noise of our work places, our phones, our challenges can seem so loud. But maybe just perhaps....instead, think on things, or go out and do the things that bring joy to life: hug your child, give the poor, smile once more in the day, keep in mind that the beauty of this holiday, is more about how we give ourselves than what we receive from others. The very meaning of this holiday is of course, that we were given- the greatest gift of all from One that loves us most, LIFE.

Let silence be a way of life. End this year, start the next in a life of gratifying rest-- that your life may display all that it was created to be.

carving soap (~part 2)

"suffering often indicates that god is setting us free from something" (jacobson/coleman)

"how many of the most significant moments in your life came not because it all went right, but because it all fell apart?...It's strange how there can be art in the agony." (bell)

has that which you've suffered forced your honesty? perhaps you have finally had to take a look at your life and say: the plan did not work, the future must look ever so differently. and could it be that, simultaneously, you have no idea what exactly how it will turn out from here. my friends, you're not alone and it is not for nothing. not this time. not any time.

some weeks ago, i mentioned that i'd heard rob bell speak on this very topic of suffering. he noted that,

"suffering...compels us to eliminate the unnecessary, the trivial, the superficial." (bell)

the sculpture, he said, knows what to take away when creating a masterful art.

so i ask, in all your agony, what must you eliminate, so that the beauty of all that's in you will shine through? perhaps, your most glamorous moment is in the midst of your deepest struggle. and perhaps when you emerge, you will have shed your skin of a dissatisfied life.

failure provides us with an opportunity: to learn, to evolve into who we are meant to be...to grow. may i suggest, ever so boldly, that

"the failed pieces are essential." (bell)

and in the mean-time, know that you, that we are not alone: and isn't that what we desire, to know, to feel that we are not alone in our mess and that it may become something more than for nothing? a community built around suffering ironically, brings greater love and peace among enemies than any other possible commonality.

what's more, friends, is this: the Divine, in all His glory, experienced blood, pain, and agony as if to tell each human being, "i know how you feel."

trust, that, above all.

The Turtle Moves & Meets You Where You Are

"Belief...belief shifts. People start out believing in the God and end up believing in the structure." (Pratchett)

"It's a matter of what's real. There are lots of ways the church can celebrate its life together. At the moment, you only seem to grasp one of them. Seeing the church as a reality instead of an activity will allow you to celebrate the church however she expresses herself around you." (Jacobson/Coleman)

Two different books, belief systems, writing styles and two vastly different stories, but somehow; they seem to intertwine many of the same messages. In Terry Pratchett's fantasy (Small Gods) Disc World, the Great God, Om, now a small turtle, has found only but one true believer among the Omnian church. In Wayne Jacobson's Californian city of Kingston (So You Don't Want To Go To Church Anymore?), the mysterious John has landed upon a pastor who is frustrated and disillusioned by the very church he helped create. The same conclusion has been drawn, the structure, the system- by hands of mankind has become a valley of unsatisfying hope- a full life feeling unattainable.

My friends: I am here to say this~ the Church does not have the answers. What's more: Christians do not have the answers.

The sing-song club of "knowing something you don't know" is a farse and there is life available to all outside what the Christian crowd calls "right." The structure built by man has often trapped God in box. The fact is, there is no box, there is no limit to the Super-power "out there." Questions and concerns, by the way, are allowed.

No, this is not to say that people who involve themselves in the structure are bad or wrong. But it IS to say, that it is not what provides full satisfaction. It only takes 2 or 3, it only takes people doing life together- and if that takes place outside a routine setting, then that is and will be-- most beautiful of all.

It's true that what I have been told all my life I should or should not be doing, I am not, and what I've been defined by (or told that I ought to be identified with)- from those in an American church and out is not how I define myself. But nor is it the way He defines me. I am going beyond telling you the, "I'm fine" answer. I am beyond acknowledging any guilt for missing a Sunday or a Wednesday. I am free to live life- as I have been designed to live. I am completely drawn and compelled, by choice, to seek out why the Creator of the Universe chooses me. I am free to befriend all or any who cross my path and I hold no stones.

I do not find what I believe to be attached to politics. I do not find it necessary to exalt "being religious," for I am not flawless. If the truth be told: I am a totally unhinged human being, abandoned to a life of great passion and above all love.

And so, only this, for now, is true: that which is real- wants you so that you may know you're not alone. Your suffering will birth beauty. Your joy will be like an infectious disease. The structure is not a true representation of what is.

The answer is "out there."

"Death by Wallpaper & Flooring"

Leaping to the stage in a retro button-down black shirt and his signature specs; Rob Bell already had the crowd's attention. We had all come to find out just what "Drops Like Stars" really meant.

After cordial hellos, witty jokes about making lunches for his children and what it was like traveling to Iowa and Georgia; Bell finally opened up his talk with a contrast of suffering and joy. His opening story was of a man with two sons whose families each were pregnant in the same year, while one experienced miscarriage, and the other a beautiful birth. He noted that, like this family in the maternity ward, we all "live in the hallways," experiencing a life back and forth of both pain and profound celebration.

But instead of furthering the discussion as to why we suffer~ he continued with the idea that often, incredible creativity and beauty can be birthed in excruciating pain. He observed that the most inventive minds are often out of place in the most serious, monotone, or digressing circumstances.

Since hearing, there have been many ideas and points that stuck out to me. My mind stews over each of them carefully. And for now, I will touch on just one. After acknowledging an ironic scene in Old School, he said:

"He has the life that is often portrayed as the ideal, a wife, a house, a job, security, comfort, privilege, freedom- and yet it's left him bored, numb and in a low grade state of despair. His success has actually served to distract him from how deeply unsatisfied he is with his life. I assume none of us want to starve, or be shot at or lose someone we love, but it's possible to die a sort of death at the other end of the spectrum as well, isn't it?"

Bell touched on the fact that there is often part of us that craves a sense of controversy in our lives, a sense of need to adventure and to overcome, b/c as it happens, we too find that extraordinary things can come from difficulty. It's as if when the "art of disruption" occurs, we are building the pieces back in new ways, and having to look the future with new meaning and possibility~ because the "plan" did not turn out nor was it truly satisfying. Boredom is a frustration that leads to a longing for meaning and depth that often only suffering can bring.

There is a subconscious need to come alive in something, for something because we have found ourselves in a despairing rut of "death by wallpaper."

Bell noted a Japanese writer who said: "it's precisely because of the pain, precisely because we want to overcome that pain, that we can get a feeling, through this process, of really being alive."

So what is it, exactly, that our world has us trapped in, and how or where do we get detached from it?

Moses, Obama & Greatness

"We are in the presence of a lot of Moseses," Barack Obama said on March 4, 2007, three weeks after announcing his candidacy for President. He was speaking in Selma, Ala., surrounded by civil rights pioneers. Obama cast his run for the White House as a fulfillment of the Moses tradition of leading people out of bondage into freedom. "I thank the Moses generation, but we've got to remember that Joshua still had a job to do. As great as Moses was ... he didn't cross over the river to see the promised land." (Feiler, TIME)

This past week; TIME Magazine had an incredibly astounding article discussing how Moses from the Bible is a character often used to compare to U.S. Presidents. Author, Bruce Feiler called attention to several scripts siting George Washington and Abe Lincoln. He also noted that Superman, written by Jewish men, drew small similarities to Moses life as well as showed how Charlton Heston's The Ten Commandments reflected American government vs. European regimes.

What caught my attention most was the suggestion that perhaps President Obama should look to Moses, rather than Joshua, for a few leadership lessons. Feiler suggests, first, that the story of Moses is one of hope...that Obama must recognize that he needs "to sell the milk & honey." His suggestion is that it was the promise of what was to come that gave people courage to cross the Red Sea. I would go further to say, that this is a fine point but only matched w/ the fact that perhaps Obama should stop trying to BE the milk and honey- as such was promoted in his campaign. And people are finding, it's just not the case. He's one man who has to work w/in a system that isn't always going to give him what he wants.

Secondly the author states that Obama has "struggled" with responding to the immigration issue. He notes that in the "Moses story" there are a number of verses, in the Torah books, that refer the treatment and reception of foreigners. Feiler never suggests exactly what Obama should do, but I gather that the point is he should not ignore the problem.

Finally, Feiler talks about Moses (and Obama's) "naysayers." Moses faced opposition, even his "birthright" being questioned, as Obama's. However, what Feiler noted was how well Moses stood his ground w/ the people~ and ultimately, Obama needs to do that same. In short? "Spine-up," which ironically has been a comment from both Liberals and Conservatives alike.

But continuing on, further than the article, for just moment: I find something else ever so interesting, something that really is just more of an observation than anything. Joshua, a name meaning "salvation" or "God saves," was a man that took the Israelites into the Promised Land. They conquered it and populated it~ it was paradise, so to speak. Many years later, a Man with a derived name from Joshua, did the same thing, for the heart of mankind...gave them a way into "paradise"- a life filled w/ the beauty of "milk & honey."

I find it awkward that many people have hailed Obama as a "Savior." Oh, no, they won't say it that way, but did you notice how many Americans flocked to him as if he would be the answer to ALL the country's problems? Not only so, but the quote above indicates that Obama "accepted" this call. A bit presumptuous to put it lightly.

Ironically, folks, he thus far has not panned out the way it was all expected. While the U.S. has pulled from Iraq, Afghanistan is a mess, Gitmo has not closed down (yet), Health-care reforms are battling, unemployment has reached 9.8%, higher than it's been since the 1980s and several other factors. Granted, I'm not suggesting the Obama can't succeed or won't. There's still a few years ahead. BUT what I am suggesting is that, just perhaps, a Utopian society is not purposed for life on Earth- and that the U.S. still may have some wrestling in the desert to do. Obama must be ok with that and realize that you can't force water out of the rock just because you don't think it's going to come through due process (Numbers 20:1-13).

The truth is: we still live in the freest country in the world, our elections are watched like hawks from foreign neighbors and while tough times are frustrating~ our leaders don't always have the flawless answers, but we will get through them. So the question becomes: are you ok with that?

OneThing 09

November 6th/7th Raleigh, NC

A Time for Everything

As fall approaches I am aware of the season's change. About a week and a half ago, walking along the water's edge; I spent a few moments reflecting what's been on my mind as well as the things coming. My toes sunk underneath the sand and the ocean waves seemed reassuring. I couldn't help but smile. What I thought about, what I prayed about was peaceful, exciting, thrilling and perfect.

I have spent some time reviewing the places on my heart to visit by way of humanitarian aid this year. While there are places all over the world I want to visit, to see, to study or to photograph, there are some that I just want to go with the intention of bring a sense of life and social justice.

There is definitely a change in the air coming, and I welcome it. The rest of the week was peaceful and I was grateful for the rest and comfort of the waves day and night for a week.

Waiting on Africa with Beans & Cookies

What is her name?
You ask, what? why?
it's a poor unfortunate soul!
No, what is her name?
for she is one - one that will change the world
and today
I will save her life.

There is a people we must recognize. It is those that have less than we do in this great country. It is those that have even less in other countries around the world. And who are we not give? Who are we not to fight for those that cannot fight for themselves?

I believe this is a day to change the world. And are you ready?

The last two weeks have been eventful to say the very least. First off, I learned of a group called "Take it to the Streets." Their goal is to reach their local community in Charleston, South Carolina. They have out-reach events for inner-city children, neighborhood missions and prayer.

Another group I learned of was the Dream Center in downtown Los Angeles. It is head up by Matthew Barnett and they are truly doing amazing things on the streets of LA. They took over an old hospital and have a wing or floor dedicated to so many groups of people- some consist of former drug addicts, others former prostitutes, others....children of crack addicts who have no healthy environment to thrive in. Ironically, there are now other Dream Centers popping up- in New York, Charleston and others.

Finally the Kenya team, I mentioned in a previous blog, returned. They took goats to a village, provided health care, and ministered to hurting people. From what little I know so far, it was amazing. Over the next several weeks, the team photographer will be editing and sharing the life changing pictures from the trip. I, personally, look forward to hearing their stories.

All this to say that I believe it to be so important to remember how each one of us are blessed and that it is the intention of God above for us to turn around and share it w/ others...

A Moment of Muse

recently i participated in what was an incredibly interesting night, particularly as i listened to others who believe in the spirit of revolution. it is deep within the hearts of humanity that change takes place and that passion for a new beginning is born. our generation is one that is seeking to change the world, not for our own sake, but for something greater, something we can and even cannot always identify, something for a better humanity.

the creator of the universe has certainly instilled such revivalist capability within us. iran has proven that people carry bravery in their hearts to stand up against what is not meant to be- on a political front. and i wonder, what if? what if each and every person were to ambush- not a political system- but rather his own life- take up war on what keeps him from accomplishing all that he is meant to be and do. this is a battle of biblical proportions. through course of action, the compassion for another, and through the beauty of love- it is a violent overtaking and it is necessary.

we're a generation of change -a generation after the heart of the people and after the heart of the one that cannot be touched with ease.

Wake Up to Monday Morning

Perhaps you have a "case of the Mondays"- for the simple fact that this past weekend was fabulous! Either way- here's a few things to get you jump started.

-The Thorn is an incredible passion play that just finished two weeks of performances, with 70 thousand viewers in 3 cities. I took time to visit South Carolina on Thursday night and it was amazing. Some of the pictures from the performances can be seen HERE.

-There are some that think that the raw passion play "misses the point" - an op ed piece for the Slate.com talks about how such staged plays take on the epic movie or add too much flair. I personally disagree- why? I think my generation is looking for something whole heatedly real, I think performances, such as The Thorn offer that- what really happened during Christ's crucifixion is no light matter and really was a dramatic experience for him- people want to know. But hey, it may not be for everyone.

-Have you met Susan Boyle yet? She looks like an unlikely star. But once again, on Britain's Got Talent, Ms. Boyle has inspired, shocked and touched so many- and it's only her first performance for the show! She's amazing...and terribly cute! I LOVE this! I hope she wins the whole thing!

-Finally, travels to SCarolina proved to be fruitful. It was a 24 hour trip but it was great to get-a-way and re-organize my thoughts. Here are a couple of shots from the weekend and the beautiful beach:

On our way to The Thorn

Richie After The Thorn (Looks like he's praying- wink)

Our two hours on the beach made my nose a bit red, but it was worth it!

The Thorn

One month from today begins the telling of an "epic" tale. I think that this is the greatest stage performance I have ever encountered. I recommend you check it out. Tickets are on sale at one of three locations- you can get more information at http://thethorn.net/.