Coinherence: An Attempt

Day 1

noreply@blogger.com (Adam Godbold) — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 14:34:00 +0000

Some Scripture:

“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

-Ephesians 2:8-10 (NLT)

Some Reflection:

In the context of expressing the miraculous grace that infuses new life – God's life - into the believer, Paul makes an intriguing statement: “...We are God's masterpiece.” Other translations might phrase it, “...We are God's workmanship.” However you put it, what cannot be denied is that each particular believer is special in the eyes of God, and as a result, each particular believer is being crafted into something more special than we can even imagine: a person conformed into the image of Christ.

The strange thing about persons, though, is that they are... strange. Think of it: You have never met another you. In fact, you have never met two persons who were exactly alike. Even identical twins are unique persons – complete with unique personalities, experiences, fears, tastes, likes, and dislikes. No two are quite alike. Persons are irreplaceable, and according to the intentional design of their Maker and Redeemer, it is precisely their unique expression of His image that both gives them dignity and makes them invaluable.

As you begin this week of intentionally searching for God's fullness to be actualized in your life, remember – first – that you are you, and there is no other. And – second – remember that He doesn't want too much: He just wants you... all of you. You are a masterpiece; you are His masterpiece.

Camp Devotions...

noreply@blogger.com (Adam Godbold) — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 14:18:00 +0000

Lindsey and I were charged with planning and putting together this year's camp for the southeast region of our denomination.

So, in addition to all of the laborious work involved in preparing for a youth camp, the wife and I took it upon ourselves to write daily devotions for the adults attending camp this past week. We thought it would be helpful to give them a daily framework from which they might share some devotional thoughts with the youth in their cabins each day. The idea was to give the counselors a passage of scripture, help them to quickly flesh it out in their minds, have them read the passage with those in their cabins, have them possibly make a couple of comments, and finally have them close in prayer. This was to take place each morning so as to accomplish a couple of things:

-first, to begin the day well;

-second, to instill into their youth the reality that beginning the day well is actually possible when it, of course, is intentional.

Now, you are prepared for what will follow... [those devotions]

"Welcome to This World, Little One."

noreply@blogger.com (Adam Godbold) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 18:18:00 +0000

Weighing in at 6 lbs 13 oz and measuring 19.25 inches in length, Emery Silas Godbold entered this world at 4:46 this morning. As you might imagine, Lindsey and I were pleased to greet him with proud smiles, many kisses, and an abundance of thanksgiving. Filled with unnumbered prayers and too, too many long and tiring walks around the labor and delivery department of Emory University Hospital - Midtown, the last 24 hours have seemed terribly long, but it has been well worth it. He is a beautiful young man, and our first prayer for him once he was in our arms was that the Holy Spirit would be upon him even now at such a youthful age and that God would do great things through him as he loves and follows Jesus.

Please pray with us that his breathing proves itself to be normal, as he gets some rest in the nursery from a rapid-paced delivery (6 minutes). We appreciate all of your prayers in our behalf and the many, countless wishes of good things that we have already received.

Welcome, little man! We're awfully glad you've made it.

A Boy Becomes a Man...

noreply@blogger.com (Adam Godbold) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 05:12:00 +0000

So, the other day, something odd happened...

Around lunchtime, Lindsey was at home alone with the kids, and she heard a noise out back. Looking out the back French doors, she saw a young lady running down the stairs of our deck. Then, looking out a side window, she watched the girl running off with a half-empty bag of charcoal, taken from our deck. A few minutes later, Lucas began barking, and Lindsey saw a young man on our back deck looking around my grill and smoker. She went out on the deck, certainly startling the young man, and asked him what he was doing. He made up what he thought to be a clever story about his dog running through our back yard, only to be shocked when Lindsey asked if he needed some charcoal to help find the pooch. Lindsey gave him the ol' heave-ho, only to be interrupted a few minutes later by the doorbell. The two busted thieves stood on the front deck, bag of nabbed charcoal in hand, and tried to make sense of their senseless actions of thievery. "We thought no one was home..." And that justifies your actions, how? Lindsey kindly told the two busted "criminals" that she would have gladly given them the charcoal if they had but asked like good neighbors. But, there they stood as thieves, surely regretful, though most probably only because they had gotten caught.

If you know me at all, you probably know that I hate confrontation. Probably the only thing I hate worse than confrontation is for people to dislike me. [Why am I in ministry, you ask? I have no rational idea. What can I say, but that I'm a masochist?]

The predicament in which I found myself: I was confident that these kids hadn't told their parents. In fact, I wasn't even sure of who these kids were. I did, however, know that they either lived next door or were visiting the family next door. I also knew that I am both a husband and a father, that the parent's next door needed to know what happened, and that I suddenly found myself with the responsibility of telling them that either their kids or dear friends of their kids had stolen from their new next-door neighbors.

Therefore, a confrontation must occur, and I would certainly feel weird about what the new neighbors might be thinking about me. Oh, well... A man I must be. After all, I have a couple of factors in my home that could prove deadly for a couple of idiot teenagers snooping around my home: babies and handguns. These kids next door needed to know, first, that I will not tolerate thievery, and second, that their actions were more stupid then they even know at the time. [This young couple living next door - That's right, the couple with the adorable little kids. - we have guns for crying out loud! We are the last people you should be "robbing"!]

In the nicest way possible, I brought the situation to the attention of the father of the family. He was terribly embarrassed and completely remorseful. I ended our conversation explaining that I am willing to do anything I can, even give anything I can, to be a good neighbor to him and his family - just so long as it's not taken...

The next morning, on my front porch was a brand new bag of charcoal. Well, there you go.

The New Ride

noreply@blogger.com (Adam Godbold) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 04:49:00 +0000

Seeing how our family is expanding from four members to five and our only vehicle has been a 2003 Honda Element, which seats only four, we had to acquire a larger vehicle. And so... on Monday, I purchased a a mini-van. I got a great deal on a 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT, and to be quite honest, I absolutely love it.

It's actually pretty fun to drive. It has pretty good pickup for a mini-van. It certainly doesn't drive like a mini-van [For the record, neither does the Element.]. It handles wonderfully and gets great gas mileage.

All in all: A pretty good purchase.

A Refreshingly-Unadulterated Swing of the Axe at the Very Root of the Problem:

noreply@blogger.com (Adam Godbold) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 03:03:00 +0000

Thursday, July 02, 2009

SEX: GOOD, BABIES: BAD
By Kortney Blythe

This mindset seems to be the theme in this week’s news from the frontlines of the pro-death camp.

Take for instance, this quote by Elisabeth Garber-Paul in an article on the rise in sexual activity during this economic recession: "So join the rest of America in this exciting new trend. Save money, stay in, have sex—just don’t make a baby."

That’s right, Elisabeth, throw respect for yourself out the window and spit in the face of God by removing one of his intentions for intercourse. More babies will just make the economy worse, right? Wrong. In fact, one of the reasons we are even in this recession is because of the plummeting birthrate. There simply aren’t enough people to replace the retiring population in the workplace and pay for social security or to stimulate the economy.

Not that you’ll hear about that from the anti-human, overpopulation zealots. But, do your research. Watch Demographic Winter and Demographic Bomb, two documentaries which debunk the overpopulation myth and ask the very important question: IS IT POSSIBLE WE HAVE BEEN FAILED BY THE VERY IDEAS WE THOUGHT COULD SAVE US?

It goes without saying that abortion advocates think saving sex for marriage is ludicrous and archaic. ....Just check out the title of a book just released by radical feminist Jessica Valenti, The Purity Myth: How America’s Obsession with Virginity is Hurting Young Women.

In an interview on RH Reality Check, the author, Valenti, purports that teaching and honoring purity is just as dangerous as the media’s “pressure on sexuality and the hypersexualization of women.” Oh really? So, protecting young people from the heartbreak and emptiness of pre-marital sex, not to mention a load of sexually transmitted diseases, is akin to the objectification of women, the result of which has been a generation of depressed, confused girls with eating disorders?

She goes on to say, “The purity myth is so embedded in our culture and our psyches…You don't have to be forcing your daughter to take a virginity pledge in order for the fiction of virginity to affect your life.” Really? Then, why does every Hollywood film end (or begin) with a couple jumping in bed together? If it’s so “embedded” in our culture then why are abortion, STD and teen pregnancy rates so high? (I’m not going to even legitimize her term “fiction of virginity” with a response).

As if that isn’t enough, in Greensboro, NC a new program is paying high school girls to not get pregnant. That’s right. For every day they stay baby-free, $1 is deposited into an account to be used for college. According to WXII12 news, the group was founded by Hazel Brown, a maternity nurse who thought too many teens were having babies. Ms. Brown, how about seeing the root of the problem - too many teens are having pre-marital sex. The problem is NOT the presence of a baby, but the actions of his mother, which resulted in his existence.

The three goals of this program, called College-Bound Sisters, are for the girls to “avoid pregnancy, graduate from high school and enroll in college,” Brown said. Oh, what lofty goals we have for our young people!....
Teenagers rise to the expectations that are set for them. If all we ask is that they avoid pregnancy (and bonus! we’ll pay you for it), what are we teaching girls about sex, relationships, the value of children or personal responsibility, for that matter?

Instead of urging purity and self-control and demonstrating the joys of a quiver full of children (Psalm 127:4-5) within marriage, this program bribes young girls. If those same girls were taught basic biblical morality they wouldn’t be having sex, and thus, there would be no chance of pregnancy.

The message of this program in a nutshell: Go ahead and sin against God by having damaging pre-marital sex, but just make sure you avoid one of the outcomes – babies.

If only young people knew the joy and blessings they are missing out on when they use sex for purely physical and selfish reasons! Then, and only then, they would cherish chastity as it should be.

To my unmarried friends reading this, please flee from this deadly mentality of me-first, pleasure seeking, sex without consequences. Seek righteousness, pursue holiness and practice chastity.

“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.”
-2 Timothy 3:1-5

Aidan's 2nd Haircut

noreply@blogger.com (Adam Godbold) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 02:53:00 +0000

His new do...

asleep at the game

noreply@blogger.com (Adam Godbold) — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 03:33:00 +0000

a rising star, perchance?

noreply@blogger.com (Adam Godbold) — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 04:32:00 +0000

She's got her father's taste in music - interesting, creative, and explosive...

Okay, you can hardly see what's going on, so here goes... Basically, Imogene is playing her piano [Thank you, Mimaw and Papaw!] while singing. She's apparently making up her own lyrics as the song progresses. She also has one of her books [I don't know which one. Sorry.] on top of the piano. When you hear the singing pause and the music slow down, she's turning a page, which leads me to conclude that the lyrics are being inspired by whatever book she's using as a guide.

If you're interested, check out her and Aidan's blog!

omni-

noreply@blogger.com (Adam Godbold) — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 04:05:00 +0000

An interesting thing to note...

How we typically define a few terms related to God:
omniscience - God knows all things.
omnipresence - God is present to all places at all times.
omnibenevolence - God is all loving and good.
omnipotence - God can do anything.

* QUESTION #1 - Did you notice anything of interest?

* QUESTION #2 - Is there possibly a better way to think of these terms, are they wholly unnecessary / unbiblical, or are they just fine as they here stand?

on Pain and Death

noreply@blogger.com (Adam Godbold) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 03:29:00 +0000

Let's face it - LIFE IS A BIT RISKY...

Everyone who has ever lived has inevitably faced risk. Risk is not merely for extreme sports enthusiasts; it's a part of life. Every moment that your blood pumps through your body, you run the risk of it failing to do so. Every time you try out for the team, you run the risk of not making the cut. Everyday of your life -and everyday of mine- you risk pain and suffering.

Though the situation seems in retrospect to be quite trivial, I vividly remember the first time I went to a chiropractor. I had been experiencing a good bit of back / neck pain, but on that day, it became unbearable. I could hardly stand up straight, so during my planning period, I ran to see the father of another teacher's student, a chiropractor. He did a bit of work and assured me that it would take several days for the discomfort to let up considerably. Though I was truly thankful that I would feel better not very long from then, I remember getting in my car and being hit squarely by the thought "All I want is for the pain to be gone - right now... at this very moment."

The more I live, the more I am convinced that life comes with its share of pain. Part of the risk of living relates to pain - physical, emotional, mental, etc.

Likewise, death is a risk we all face in life. Just as the risk of pain is inevitable, so also is the risk of death necessitated merely by our living. It's a bit discouraging to recognize the fact that we must all eventually lose our lives to death. No one wins that battle... In the end, we all lose.

* NOTE: merely some thoughts

3894 Due West Road, Suite 105, Marietta, GA 30064

noreply@blogger.com (Adam Godbold) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 03:43:00 +0000

Tomorrow morning, our church - Faith Methodist - will meet for worship for the first time at the address above.

Am I excited? I certainly am.

Will I say more later? I might.

"I don't know how to put this but [it's] kind of a big deal."

on the agenda:
-some time of fellowship with refreshments
-a worship service
-Holy Communion

"School's... Out... for... Summer!"

noreply@blogger.com (Adam Godbold) — Fri, 29 May 2009 12:32:00 +0000

That's right - today is the last day of school for Praise Academy. Today, we celebrate.

Just a Quick Note on the "Pandemic"

noreply@blogger.com (Adam Godbold) — Thu, 07 May 2009 12:05:00 +0000

Though you will most probably not believe me, this is a brief description of what Lindsey and I saw Tuesday morning:

We were getting onto I 75 South when we looked to the car with which we were merging and noticed a poor, seemingly terrified, young man [probably on his way to work] taking what he apparently understood to be the necessary precautions for one living through such a horrible time in medicinal history. What precautions? While driving in his sleek, mid-sized SUV, he was completely prepared for the dangers before him, behind him, and supposedly all about him. He was a determined man [determined for success, which could possibly be hindered by sickness or, even worse, death] - fully clad in nice business clothes, a sharp hair style, and a classy, green surgical mask. That's right... a surgical mask. Please keep in mind, now, that he was driving onto the interstate completely alone in his own car.

Humorous? Absolutely. Disappointing? Somewhat. Sad? Completely. Surprising? Not so much.

[You should also know that I would have photographic evidence of the incident if Lindsey would have complied with my repeated request to take a quick pic with her camera phone. I really don't understand her refusal. After all, why else would they make a cell phone with a built-in camera, if not to capture beautiful, yet fleeting moments in time such as this?]

"Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?"

noreply@blogger.com (Adam Godbold) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 11:56:00 +0000

As Lindsey and I were leaving Tybee Island this past Saturday, we made it a point to drive through historic Savannah, Georgia. We wanted to see downtown, particularly Reynolds Square, the beautiful home of a monument to John Wesley – complete with an amazing statue, some biographical information, and a brief sketch of historical significance regarding the father of Methodism.

I must confess that I was a bit choked up the whole time we were out of the car at Reynolds Square. As I first approached Wesley's statue, which boldly occupies the very center of the Square, I found myself surprisingly anxious, being both eager and hesitant. The only way I know to express the exciting yet intimidating feeling I had is to simply say that, while I wanted so desperately to see this depiction of a man upon whose shoulders I humbly stand, I felt grossly unworthy to be in the presence of even a representation of him. I felt myself to be a mere mortal before a glorious god of sorts.

[At this point, you might very well have written me off as an idolater or – God forbid! - one who esteems other men too highly. If so... well, there you go.]

To be honest, I am terribly troubled when I look at the condition of the Church today and try to find someone – anyone – who is a figure like Wesley. Whatever happened to people like him? or Thomas a' Kempis? or Athanasius? Whatever happened to people who held the attention of what seemed the whole world yet wouldn't budge an inch when Truth was at stake, not giving one rip about if others thought they were foolish, uninformed, or plain wrong? Where's the Dietrich Bonhoeffer of today?

Paula Cole, I'm with you, dear... Where have all the cowboys gone?

I tell you, though, I long so much for my precious children to know the significance of people like Wesley. While I looked on in awe, Lindsey beautifully shared with Imogene and Aidan about Wesley and his import, and I'm sure Emery was doing all he could to listen intently. For the sake of the future, we need more men like Wesley. For the sake of the Gospel, we need more cowboys.

As we returned to the car, I couldn't help but think of those who have even recently held significant public attention only to cave under the intense pressure that comes with it. I couldn't help but wonder, “Is there anyone, Lord? Is there anybody out there who can handle it? Is there not one who won't budge?”

And now, as I write this post, I recall the closing words to the immensely weighty hymn I sang to Aidan as he drifted off to sleep just a couple of hours ago... “That soul – though all hell should endeavor to shake – I'll never, no never, no never forsake!” Sure, all the forces of hell might rise up before him, but through the power of the Spirit of God, a cowboy CAN stand strong.

If you are reading this, please know that I am hungry to read your thoughts on the matter. Where have all the cowboys gone?

Sad, I Know

noreply@blogger.com (Adam Godbold) — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 00:49:00 +0000

My confession:

I am a terrible member of the blog-o-sphere. In fact, I am so terrible that my membership status probably should have rightfully been revoked long ago. It's so bad that, since this time last year (i.e., when the family and I went to New Orleans, Lousiana), I have updated so few times that they probably even all show up on a single page. [To be totally honest, I don't really know that, I'm just assuming. I'll check once I post this post. {"post this post"? Sorry, I'm limited.}]

My excuse:

I'm busy. [lame, I know - but true]

Update:

I was wrong - but only by a month.

Here's me at the sea...

noreply@blogger.com (Adam Godbold) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 16:07:00 +0000

This week is spring break for the school where I teach, so the family and I are taking full advantage of my time off and are, therefore, vacationing.

After our Resurrection Sunday (i.e., Easter) morning service of worship, we hit the road to Mississippi. We stayed with Mimaw and Papaw (i.e., my mom and dad) for a couple of days - actually, until Wednesday morning. During our stay in Mississippi, we went spent an afternoon at the Museum of Natural Science and another afternoon at the Jackson Zoological Park. We also ate at several places we have been craving now for several months. Lindsey got to enjoy her Bella Basil Chicken Salad Sandwich from Broadstreet Bakery as well as her Newk's Favorite Salad from Newk's Express Cafe. I finally got to eat pizza at Sal and Mookie's in the Fondren district of Jackson - something for which I have been waiting since even before we moved to Georgia. I must confess that the pizza was incredible, while the desserts were a bit of a disappointment - at least, my Italian creme cake was [Lindsey said that the fudge cake was great.]. During this trip, we also got to visit with my Pappy and my Mammaw, as well as with Chris, Jamie, Chylen, and Grayson. Overall, our time was well spent.

On Wednesday, we hit the road around 8:00 a.m. CST and finally arrived on Tybee Island, Georgia, around 8:00 p.m. EST. I was fully certain that I would soon crash, never to awaken until well into the morning or early afternoon on Thursday. However and much to my surprise, I didn't get to bed until about 2:00 a.m. and was out of bed by 9:00 a.m. - interesting... I don't know how that happened.

Aidan and I took a mid-morning walk through the sand, and I must say that the beach here is gorgeous. Our condo is great, the food has been good, and the R and R has been wonderful. The best part of it all has been that there has been nothing that we have HAD to do. Sure, we have done stuff, but it has all been done in leisure. To be sure, I do hate the the prevailing mentality of our culture, particularly of my generation; namely, the mentality of compete freedom from responsibility, discipline, or commitment. Nevertheless, for a couple of days here and there, it sure is lovely to relax. I have had a blast this week just spending time with my family. I haven't had to work a single hour, which has been an enormous change of pace for us. Though we return to the reality of labor tomorrow evening, for now at least, we are taking it easy. Ahhh, how sweet it is.

Sorry...

noreply@blogger.com (Adam Godbold) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 15:53:00 +0000

"It sure has been a while..."

Ugh! Awkward.

something you should check out...

forever and a day...

noreply@blogger.com (Adam Godbold) — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 03:01:00 +0000

That's how long it has been since I have last posted. I know. I know.

I have been a busy man, though. Please do understand. [Please note: I'm not kidding myself here; I know my viewers are few and not very faithful... much like my posts.]

So, what have I been doing? Moving. Being a husband. Being a father. Pastoring / restarting a church. Teaching thirteen 5th grade students. Reestablishing relationships. Building new ones. And so much more. In fact, I am currently in a hotel room after a twelve-hour day of "Basic Training" for church planting. Tomorrow, we will only meet for eight hours. Surprisingly, my head isn't hurting.

Lindsey and I have been wrestling for some time now about many things related to ministry...

... forgetting cliches and assumptions, what is the purpose of the Church?
... is corporate worship nonnegotiable in the life of a local church for it to truly be considered "church"?

These are just a couple of the questions that are at the forefront of my mind tonight.

To offer a quick, simple, and completely undeveloped response to the later of these, here goes: I think the Church is by its very nature a worshipping community. When this community is expressed locally, the expressions are by their very nature expressions of worship. More later...

"Pork Invaders"

noreply@blogger.com (Adam Godbold) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 20:11:00 +0000

I found the following game on John McCain's website. As you might know, he has long been very outspokenly against "pork projects" and "pork spending". The game is a bit throw-back and pretty fun.

"Too cool for school":

noreply@blogger.com (Adam Godbold) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 17:21:00 +0000

[Hilarious.]

* Discovered at Laura Ingraham's website.

Looking forward to November...

noreply@blogger.com (Adam Godbold) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 17:07:00 +0000

[To be honest, I can hardly wait until this November. Okay, so I can certainly wait, and waiting most assuredly won't prove to be painful. But, I truly am excited about seeing how the election plays itself out this year.]

Just a quick thought:
The other day, I heard someone say on FNC that the paradoxical scenario being played out is that the party who seemingly can't lose (i.e., the Dems) will be running the candidate who seemingly can't win (i.e., Obama), while the party who seemingly can't win (i.e., the GOP) will be running the candidate who seemingly can't lose (i.e., McCain).

* I personally think that is a keen, point-on observation.

Someone stop her! She's growing up too quickly!

noreply@blogger.com (Adam Godbold) — Tue, 27 May 2008 22:34:00 +0000

When I was a kid, one of the things that I used to hear my elders talk about was how suddenly time seems to pass, usually in the context of how quickly I was "shooting up" . Now that I am an elder to others [personally, hard to believe and quite humorous], I can honestly affirm what my elders countless times told me. Wow! Time sure flies!

It seems like just weeks ago that Lindsey and I were going to doctor's visits while she was pregnant with Imogene. Now, it's hard to believe that our second contribution to the population and the Church - Aidan - will be nine months old in just days, while Imogene is a whopping two years old.

Just the other day, Imogene wanted nothing more than to be held all the time. No, wait! Those days have been gone for about a year now! [Now, she often goes to her room, shuts the door, and plays by herself for half an hour.] No, just the other day - in reality -, Lindsey and I converted Imogene's crib into a bed. Sure, it still has guard rails [I guess that's what I'm supposed to call them.], but it's a bed, nonetheless. In other words, she can get up in the middle of the night and walk back to our bedroom to climb into bed with us. Yikes! She's getting too old too quickly! [Lord, please slow her down.]

Memorial Day

noreply@blogger.com (Adam Godbold) — Tue, 27 May 2008 02:14:00 +0000

(above: Arlington National Cemetery)

Happy Memorial Day!

In the past few days, I have found a couple of particular things to be of some interest:

1. The first thing that has held my interest is that many - possibly, most - people really seem to have no idea why we celebrate Memorial Day. They know it's related to patriotism, freedom, and the military, but they aren't quite sure how it's distinct from Independence Day or Veteran's Day. However, on Memorial Day we particularly remember those brave heroes who have given given their lives in combat for their country.

* NOTE: My sermon yesterday was about the three things we do - and I believe are biblically called to do - on Memorial Day. We remember. We give thanks. And we celebrate.

2. The second thing that has held my interest is that too many people - often Christians, regrettably - simply can't let holidays be what they are. Now, on this issue, I want to be cautious, for I do honestly want to think as Christianly as I can.

Before I begin to say what I have in mind, let me illustrate what I mean. A few years ago during Advent, I saw a Church marque that read something to the effect of [I'm paraphrasing here.]: sure, we all like the little Baby lying in the manger, but most don't like the Savior hanging on the cross. Now, though my wording is not precisely accurate, I am not stretching what the sign said [Please trust me.]. Now, why would a Christian feel the need to make such an insensitive jab - or "drive-by" remark - at folks?

Okay, what does this have to do with Memorial Day? Well, a couple of days ago while surfing the web, I was invited by an add to read an essay written by a Christian concerning "the two kingdoms". This invitation was unabashedly made as a challenge to our typical thoughts at Memorial Day, and the essay was essentially making the point that we can either be true to America - a kingdom of the world - or to Christ - the King of THE Kingdom. And so, I entered into a bit of dialogue (which I hope to continue, if I find some time) with the writer.

The problem I have with such challenges is not about the fact that they are challenges or even that they are a bit controversial. In fact, I enjoy challenges and sometimes even find myself to being somewhat controversial. About some things, I know I am controversial; about others, I have been known to deliberately inspire controversy. The problem I have, though, is that we - particularly, again, as Christians - too often feel the need to make our snide remarks about everything. We can't simply let things be what they are and celebrate them in their undeniable truth and goodness.

Please note, I am not saying that we are never to be critical. We are certainly called to have critical minds, even judging all things. However, the writer of the said essay was painting a picture of two kingdoms that are diametrically opposed to one another - as if the Church and America share nothing in common and are always at odds. He even went so far as to imply that military service would be inordinate obedience to another "king", though I couldn't get him to plainly say so.

If I might be frank - not the person, but the adjective - as best I can tell, the Gospel is only hindered by such assumptions. Though America is not without its flaws - some quite big and ugly -, it is truly a virtuous nation that stands for life, liberty, and "the pursuit". Thank God for these! And thank God that there have been many thousands throughout our history who have fallen that these might continue to be America's principles!

God bless our nation! And God bless our troops!

"Happy birthday!"

noreply@blogger.com (Adam Godbold) — Thu, 22 May 2008 15:07:00 +0000

My little princess (who happens also to be a rock star) turned two on Sunday...

And my little prince (an up and coming rocker himself) was there to help celebrate...