'SOFT' DEFENSE

Our basketball terminology for this week is no defense, or 'soft' defense.  We do make fun of the teams and harp on those teams that seem to have no defense in their playbook.  Teams in the NBA that have no defense, or have a soft defense, get pummeled by other teams day in and day out.  They have no answer to stop the barrage of scoring that is happening upon them.

I know it's been a few weeks since the tragedy happened in Oklahoma City, but this is a tragic situation.  Many lives, including small children, had no way to defend against this horrific tornado.  Many lives were lost, and the question we always ask is, why?

This week, in the midst of preparing for VBS that brings little children to us, I am mindful of the many families that are still grieving of children that have passed, because of this phenomenon that happened in nature.  Tornadoes.  

A situation where sometimes no defense is the only defense.  This beast comes out of nowhere destroying lives, leaving shelters demolished in their wake.  This is nothing to harp about---sometimes it is impossible to be ready for something like this.

Unfortunately, there are awkward responses to tragedies like these.

There was an awkward interview.

I understand it. When tragedy strikes, we want to better understand why. So we look for someone to blame for the horror or someone to thank when that horror is escaped. And while God seems like the perfect scapegoat or hero, I can’t help but wonder if that’s not the most helpful way to deal with these situations.

If God sent the storm as punishment, then that seems both arbitrary and non-helpful. What is the lesson? That God hates school? That God is not a fan of family homes? Most parents will agree that if you need to discipline a child as we have disciplined Julia, that lesson needs to apply to what the child has done wrong. The most effective lessons tend to be those that are directly linked with the undesired behavior. Throwing something out and seeing if it sticks is a poor way to parent. If I am to believe that God is a good parent, then how does this random display point to that?

But God as hero does not do much for me either, if I’m completely honest. Though I am not an atheist like the woman interviewed by Wolf Blitzer, I don’t know if I could thank God for sparing me and my child from the storm that may have injured or killed my neighbors. If, as a father, I randomly rewarded one child while simultaneously bringing pain to another, I believe my child would recognize that as abusive.

I don’t believe that God is not involved in these situations. However, I believe that involvement may be seen in ways that are less flashy.

In Matthew 5:43-48 Jesus says, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers and sisters,[a] what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (NRSV)

The sun, the rain. Nourishing, life-giving things, provided for all. 

We often shake our heads at the childish notion of God living in Heaven, up in the clouds. We smile and sigh and explain that no, God isn’t “up there,” God is here in the midst of us. And yet, this past week, we have behaved as though the idea of a God in the clouds is truth.

But we should not look for God in the clouds, because that is not where God is found. Not in a haphazard punishment given without warning and without explanation, but in a kind act offered to someone who drives the car with the bumper sticker that ticks you off the other days of the year. Not in a random sparing of life or property, but in the intentional giving up of a treasured toy to offer comfort to someone who has lost everything.

In compassion and sacrifice and service.

Courage is doing the right thing even if it's the hardest thing.....I leave you with this video with my hope that it inspires you to go out and change the world....help those in need whenever you can!  Be the hands and feet of Christ this week!

Grace and Peace,

Peter

RELOCATING FRANCHISES PART 2

No, I'm not a franchise per se (far from it), but our family has relocated once again to First United Methodist Church of Orange.  We feel so blessed at how this opportunity and this door opened up for us.

Let me back up, and explain what has transpired in the past 6 months.  First Presbyterian Church of San Diego had to cut $200K from personnel, and my position was eliminated.  So in November 2012, our family had to look for where God was calling us next.  I felt in my prayer time that God was calling me back to the United Methodist denomination, so I saw a job opening at First United Methodist Church of Escondido.  I went ahead and interviewed with them.  I got the job,. but unfortunately, it was a part time job with no hope of becoming a full time job.  I knew though that God wanted me there for a season.  Our family continued to pray that God would open doors, and that we would be sensitive to God's Spirit leading. 

In March 2013, I interviewed with 2 churches, and both churches were well on the way of offering the position to me.  These were both great opportunities for me, and we began discerning which position was going to be better for me.  The month before, I had seen a job offering at First United Methodist Church of Orange (FUMCO) for the Director of Children and Youth Ministries.  I inquired about it, but hadn't heard back, so I had thought they had found someone.  In late March/early April, I heard from Rev. Steph from FUMCO that they would like to interview me for the position.  So I set up the interview, but at the same time, these other 2 churches wanted a response from me, and I felt that they would be a good fit.  So the morning of my interview with FUMCO, I thought maybe I should pass on it, since these other 2 places seemed like a sure thing.  As I prayed that morning, I felt God nudging me to go, so I went and interviewed for the position.  I really liked the search committee, and felt after the interview that this was actually a perfect fit for our family, and my passions.

We got the call that same day, and was offered the position at FUMCO.  Our family was so excited that God opened this door for us, a door that we didn't know was in our pathway until God brought it to our attention.  Sometimes we just need to listen intently to God's voice, and BE PATIENT, so that we don't pass over the doors God wants us to open.

So we are glad to call this place home. . .

 

Until next time, Grace and Peace,

Peter