Twirling Umbrellas In Our Own Little World

Fall in central Ohio means rain and lots of it. I own an umbrella that gets rarely used. For at least a year, my umbrella rested under my desk collecting dust. Sure, there were times I could have benefited from using it, but I only realized this when I needed it the most. And by that time, I could do nothing about it. Often, I would be kicking myself when I was in the middle of a down-pour, because I realized that the possibility existed of a wet-free scamper to indoors. This was a snapshot of my relationship with my umbrella, that is until recently.

I was at work, and it had been raining all day. I was about to go on my lunch as I glanced at the weather outside. I was in no mood to fight the elements just for a bite to eat. As I peered down at the floor below my desk, I was reintroduced to my umbrella-friend that was still neatly housed in a plastic sleeve. Perhaps one of the reason I never utilized the umbrella is the 6 inch blade on the end. (It is actually just a metal point, but I can just envision a run in with security guards about the potential "danger", especially in these times.) Either way I made the decision to utilize the umbrella for the first time.

I grabbed the umbrella and took off down stairs. As I reached the bottom of my building, I just realized that I had forgotten my badge, which serves as a clearance to renter the building from outside. Reluctantly, I decided it to be a good idea to go back to my desk on the 7th floor to retrieve my badge. Instead of taking the stairs back up 7 flights, (it is a lot easier to go down, then going back up), I decided to take advantage of the open elevator. As I entered the elevator with two other individuals, I have to admit, I was in my own little world. (In all reality, I was way to excited to actually use my new friend the umbrella.) I was in the front of the elevator looking down at the pointed end of the umbrella and I just twirled the end against the floor. As I was doing this, for some unexplained reason, I decided that the plastic sleeve that housed the umbrella needed to come off. Still in my own little world, I slowly lifted the end point on the umbrella and I placed my hand around the plastic sleeve and pulled it off revealing the full glory of the umbrella. (Dangerous point and all.)

To my surprise and humor, the other two individuals had been watching me the entire time. Actually, as I pulled the umbrella from the plastic sleeve, I am positive that they may have been thinking that I was going to attack them with the metal point. Their eyes were as wide as can be, and of course looking back, I can see their concern. I pulled that umbrella out they way you pull a knife or gun out of the holster. I started laughing as I realized how this might of looked to the other two individuals. I reassured them that as ominous as my pointy umbrella looked, I had no plans for any attack on them. Once we arrived at the fourth floor, the two individuals jetted out of there without looking back. (I admit that this made me laugh out loud as I reached my stop at the 7th floor.) It is amazing how when we get caught up in our own little world, we become very unaware of what is going on around us.

If we are not careful, followers of Christ can get caught up in the sub-culture of Christian religiosity. This sub culture is much bigger then we sometimes realize. When you have Christan music, Christian apparel, Christian bumper stickers, Christian talk-radio, Christian television, Christian News, and even Christian magazines, we can get swallowed up by our own little Christian world. This isn't even considering the fact that we have built Christian buildings, Christian Schools, and even Christian sports leagues. Is it no wonder that we can loose sight of what our mission can and should be within this world.

I remember in my short stint in youth ministry, there was a point where I felt very convicted about the fact that I did not have one meaningful relationship outside of church, not one! How is it that I can connect with God's mission to be a blessing to the world (Light on the hill) when I didn't even have one relationship with anyone out side of the church building. How many of us that follow Christ can be convicted in the same way?

In the same way that I got caught up twirling my umbrella in my own little world in the elevator that one day, I believe that the danger exists as Christ followers that we too can get caught up within our own sub-culture, to the point where we are in danger of becoming irrelevant to the world around us. It can be possible to be swallowed up completely in our own world that we may not have any meaningful connections in a postmodern culture that values authenticity. Maybe we need to infuse this culture in which we exist with the kingdom living that is "not of this world" but very much within this world.

-Dan Jones

Football for Dummies

Football seems to be a simple sport. You have a ball that is carried, thrown, kicked, or defended. Based on varying success in these areas, you may or may not win. But what if we were approached by someone that had never watched a football game? What if they wanted you to explain each portion of the game so that they fully understood it, at least to the degree that they would understand the game as they watched it? When you really sit down to analyze the game, the complexity of it is overwhelming. Let's just look at football terminology alone,

blitz; touchdown; touchback; punt; field-goal; zone; cover 2; cover 1; prevent; fumble; interception; safety; kick off; kick return; shotgun; sack; holding; passing interference; facemask; 2 point conversion; line of scrimmage; first, second, third, and fourth down; turnover

This is just to name a few of course. This also doesn't even touch on position names and the numerous rules and regulations. When just touching on these different complexities of the game, one would be able to see the difficulty in explaining the game to someone that is first introduced to it.

In attempting to teach the game we may even be tempted to do so on a very high level as to not confuse this person. Keeping the complexities at bay, and attempting to walk through the game in the way of "football for dummies", this may not be a bad direction to go. Yet, two things have to happen in order to succeed at even this. First, the person that is presenting the "high level" view of football would have to have extensive knowledge of the game even with all of its complexity. Second, the person with this extensive knowledge of the game would have to 'translate' the game in such a way to be understandable. (On a side note, it would not be be a bad idea to avoid sounding patronizing while doing so.) So even teaching the game like this involves great diligence and knowledge.

Jesus can be simple. Following in the way of Jesus at its core is simple. You love God, and you love others. But can we not get caught in the complexities to those looking on with a curious or skeptical eye. As we did with football, let's look just look a the terminology that exists in Christendom,

theology; doctrine; atonement; eschatology; repentance; baptism; rapture; discipleship; fellowship; Trinity; apostle; epistle; Pharisee; Sadducee; zealot; herodian; gentile; Sabbath; communion; worship; praise; Greek; Hebrew; omnipotent; omnipresent

As with the football terminology this represents the tip of the iceberg. This isn't even concerning the fact that the book that those that follow Christ refer to mostly is the Bible which is authored by many different personalities with various backgrounds in many different times. Those that follow Christ have an important consideration when talking to others about why we do what we do. Do we dive with in the depths of the complexity that exists within Christendom? Or do we present the biblical narrative at a very high level? These are questions we must embrace as those that follow Christ in a world that is becoming increasingly "post-Christian". We must realize that Christianity is no longer the culture norm/expectation. Our lingo is no longer easily recognized. Are we willing to address the fact that what we say may no longer be easily understood? (Not that certain aspects of the Christian message is ever easily understood.) And what should we do about it?

I remember when I was a child I knew nothing about football. I went to an Oklahoma Sooner game where I froze my butt off, and still knew nothing about what was going on. Today, I can watch football, and follow along like anyone else. How does one move from confusion to clarity? I think it can only come from overall experience. I have watched numerous football games over the past 20 years. I cannot remember having one moment where everything clicked. It just happened. I understand where I came from, and I know where I am today. Somewhere in the experience of watching football throughout the years I now know the game with some clarity. So instead of presenting the deeper complexities to someone that may not know the game, maybe we just invite this person to watch the games with us.

Is it that simple? Instead of defining all aspects of Christendom, do we simply invite others to experience it with us? Instead of handing a track that details doctrinal bullet points, do we just share a meal with someone? Often, I have been tempted to push Jesus on to those around me without considering other alternatives. I do believe that I am not the only one that has struggled with this. I am realizing that Jesus does not come with a bunch of man-made baggage. (He expects a high price of His own, without any additions from His followers.) I believe if we present Jesus with a living breathing doctrine, (How we live, breathe and act) then the rest will take care of itself. Somewhere between the time we are willing to create meaningful relationships with those that are around us to the present, we may look back and realize that we do not have to participate in a full theological-doctrinal exposition in order to share why we do what we do.

- Dan Jones

Pulling Perfectly Good Grass

Fatherhood has changed me. I am learning so much from my son Jake, and it is truly amazing to watch him as he continues to develop. A trend that I have recently noticed as of late is Jake wants to be like me. He repeats everything I say and do. (which can be scary more times then not!)

The other day, the family and I were doing some yard work at our new place that we just recently moved into. My wife decided that it would be a good idea to pull some weeds that the lawn mower could not get to. So as I bent down to begin pulling the weeds and then rake them to the end of the lawn, my wife pointed out Jake to me. He began pulling the weeds and walking the same path as me. He wanted to help. As little as he is, it is crazy to see that he values being valued.

This was pretty neat to watch for at least a little while. However, something began to happen. Jake ran out of weeds to pull so he began to pull the perfectly good grass. This is a tough spot to be in as a parent. On one hand, all Jake was trying to do is help out. At the same time, we didn't want him pulling perfectly good grass. We tried explaining to him that we no longer needed his help with pulling the weeds, but there are only so many words that you can offer to a 2 year old before just saying that dreaded word "NO!".

I am happy that I am one of the many that follow Jesus in this world. It is exciting to think that I am able to "co-mingle" with God and in his work today. I wonder if God looks at me with the same enthusiasm that I have when Jake tries to help out. How cool is is that God may be looking at me like a proud parent knowing that I am "helping out" in the only way his creation can. In this, I resonate with my 2 year old son. I want to think my intentions are good in my attempts to work with God in this world. This also makes me think that sometimes I (or "we" as the church) may be pulling perfectly good grass. We make decisions on who is "in" and who is "out", with many times not thinking twice about it. We make sweeping judgements about political parties and those that are in them. It is incredibly tempting to believe that God takes "sides" in our political arenas. (Can any man made party truly embody what it means to follow Christ?) I wonder how often we have good intentions, but fail to pull the weeds rather then the grass.

The possibility of pulling perfectly good grass exists as we attempt a faithful dialogue in religion, politics, or even everyday topics. This must enter in consideration in our attempts to boldly proclaim the good news and team with God in His work in this world. Otherwise, good intentions or not, we may be doing more harm then good.

Dan Jones

Book Review; Fearless by Max Lucado

As I was reading some of the 'Praises' for Fearless by Max Lucado, I noticed that Donald Miller provided some positive thoughts about Lucado's latest book. I decided that I would give it a try even though I wasn't overly impressed Lucado's work on For The Tough Times.


The nature and tone of this book seems very appropriate in today's culture which is largely driven by fear. I found myself nodding along as I progressed through the book, while at the same time not blown away. Something that Lucado does successfully is that you can't help but feel truly comforted as you embrace the words of Lucado as he speaks about our biggest fears including death, violence, parenting, and enduring just to name a few. Unfortunately, much like other books by Lucado you also are not covering much new ground with this book either. With that being said, I do believe the book succeeds in what it is trying to accomplish. Lucado doesn't offer pat answers and black and white clarity. What he does provide however are appropriate reflections on various passages that truly comforts. Fearless is worth a read with appropriate expectations of what it is and what it is not.


Dan Jones

Finding God in Unusual Places; Vacation Moment Number 2

Recently, the family and I went to vacation in North Carolina. We stayed with some great friends for the week, and we chose various activities to participate in. One of the activities that we picked out to participate in as a family was the Museum of Life and Science. We wanted to do some some things to incorporate our son into the vacation, since it was his vacation too. And we figured that a museum in which was very hands-on would entertain Jake to some degree. It was a fantastic experience and we all ended up having a blast. One of the more interesting moments was the butterfly house which was full of most beautiful and colorful creatures I have ever seen.


At the butterfly house there was a long walk way that went diagonally from one side to the other. As you inched along down this walkway you would progress closer and closer to the main entry to the butterfly house. Through the walkway, there were items strategically placed in order to catch your eye. There would be huge replicas of different butterflies that were nothing more then painted plastic, which still made them no less then beautiful. When you finally entered in the building you found yourself in a lobby type area where you are introduced to various interesting facts about butterflies. The lobby then narrows into a glorified hallway full of different butterflies that were once living, but preserved to the extent that if it were not for the fact these butterflies didn't move, they appeared to be just like an alive butterfly.


I'll never forget my son Jake as he walked though this room. His eyes were as wide as sky-scrappers are as tall. He would look at each butterfly preservation with such awe. At one point, in the only way Jake can do, he exclaimed "WHOAAaaaa". I shared his enthusiasm, I really did. Any parent knows when your child is so excited about something, no matter what it is, you can't help but be excited right along with him. And yet at the same time, I wanted to usher Jake along the hallway to let him see the real stuff. You see, at the end of the hall way you then could enter in the actual area where hundreds of alive and full colored butterflies would be showcased for our amusement.

As pleasurable and interesting the preserved butterflies were, I understood that this moment only served as a teaser, and that what we were observing would pale in comparison to what was to come. As I continued to usher Jake closer and closer to the entryway I noticed considerable hesitation on behalf of Jake. I didn't know if he was caught up in the moment or not. I do know that Jake probably had no idea of what was to come, and it was my job to usher in the new world to show him the greatness that was just steps away.

This all reminds me of Jesus when he says, "...but I came to give life—life in all its fullness." Sometimes religion seems satisfied with preservation rather then any alternative. Like Jake we are consumed by the moment, and as interesting and beautiful this moment may seem to be, we may find ourselves very much blind to the possibilities just a few more steps away. This 'full' life that Jesus offers is not just about about a very distant future that is full of bliss that happens after we take our last breath. There is something to be had with this moment and this life. Teaming up with God and his mission for this world is what Jesus invites us to participate in. Purposeful living invites a 'fullness' that only Jesus can offer.

Sometimes I think religion and church fakes us out by convincing us that we have captured this 'life to the full' by participating in good morality and going to organized church functions every chance we get. We are caught in the hallway of preservation, when the entryway to 'fullness' is just ahead of us. Are we willing to enter the 'butterfly house'? And what does it exactly mean to live life to the full? I may not know this yet, but I want to mention two ideas that I want all to embrace.

1. Let us be willing to not be satisfied with preservation alone. Sure, there are glimpses of beauty and accomplishment, but Jesus had promised us more if we just stop being satisfied with what what we have now.

2. Let us trust Jesus and His promise and began to walk toward the entryway into the life of 'fullness'.

-Dan Jones

Learning the Language of Your Daddy

Fatherhood has been a whirlwind. When I heard I was going to become a father, I was both frightened and excited. I was frightened because up to that point, I really didn't like kids, especially ankle bitters. I was excited because I realized that first, I was indeed able to pro-create, (There is a since of pride in this right?) and second, I was going to be a daddy!


This whole 'fatherhood' thing has been a steep learning curve for me. I had never been around babies, and the thought of changing diapers, and other maintenance work on Jacob gave me great apprehension. I remember I didn't even change one diaper in the first two months of Jacob's life. I remember one of my first experiences in changing Jacob's diaper, I encountered a problem. I placed the new diaper underneath the old diaper Jacob was still wearing. As I dismantled the flaps of the old diaper to engage the transition into the new one, the diaper flew wide open. No big deal right? Well, I guess the cool air hitting bare skin triggered a release of 'old faithful'. (I was impressed by the power behind...well never mind.) Instead of taking the new diaper and doing a quick cover, I stepped back, as to not get hit. My wife Meghan stepped forward and took over from there. Needless to say, I had a lot to learn.


One of the aspects of fatherhood that has been completely rewarding is watching Jacob go from an infant into a walking/talking toddler. It is happening so fast, and I am trying to soak as much of this as I can. Jacob first expressed himself through facial expressions and cooing. Now he is saying words and short sentences. Its amazing for me to think that some of his first words was 'daddy' and 'mommy'. Out of the words that he could have learned, he had chosen to learn these words first; 'daddy' and 'mommy'. I often wonder why he chose these words. Perhaps these words chose him, as he has probably heard these words over and over. I also wonder if these words mean anything to him. I would love to think that it does. In fact my wife just last night taught Jacob to say "Awesome Daddy". My heart was butter at that point.


Jacob still does a lot of "baby talk". It's funny listening to him sometimes. He might say something like this, "ahue jeuif huihhp watch Monstors" (Monster Inc, is his favorite movie right now.) I feel like there are moments where no matter how clear Jacob's language is or is not, Jacob and I are on the same page. I feel like that at moments, I fully understand the language Jacob speaks, even when it does not resemble anything that's English. There is a connection beyond logistical language. There is communication that goes beyond syllable pronunciation. Even when Jacob says "Awesome Daddy", its not exactly clear as day. This sort of dictation doesn't disappoint me though. In reality, experiencing my son's language, as he feels his new world out, is exhilarating. Any expression of affection through words directed to me, even if it is just a coo, melts me away.


Sometimes I wonder how much I don't understand God. Does God get upset with me if I tap my foot in worship? (Or even clap?) In my attempts to learn the nuances of God's language of doing things, do I upset Him when I don't get the pronunciation right? As I stumble to show my affection for God through the way I live, is He waiting for me to screw it up? The God that I knew did, to an extent anyway. I don't know if this was necessarily taught to me by anyone or any church, but He sure didn't care if my motivation was good or not. That is the way I knew Him anyway.

I wonder if I had it all wrong. I wonder if I still do, but what if God looks at me the way I look at Jacob as he stumbles toward affection? Jacob now says "Daddy Awesome" the best he knows how. And from everything I know about Jesus, he referred to the guy upstairs as "Abba, Father".

Father.

Wow... Father!

That's something to marinate in for a while.

-Dan Jones

"The Sacredness of Questioning Everything" Serves As An Invite to Another World

David Dark, author of "The Sacredness of Questioning Everything", extends an invitation, in a string of essays, to join him in a different sort of world. This world has its own language and tone that David Dark artfully introduces line by line. Dark coins a language that consists of distinct descriptive nouns such as "uncle Ben", "nobodaddy", "plain speak", "HERstory" and "sacred cows", just to name a few. There is not so much as an explanation to this language, but an expectation to join in. At first, I found myself asking questions on what this new language was speaking of. (Perhaps this is to be the intention; hence the title?) However, as I progressed through the pages, I found myself caught in the moment much like a movie where you begin in a new world, but by the end you feel like you belong in that world. ("Chronicles of Narnia" and "Lord of the Rings")

This new world and language points and directs to a new culture of exactly what the title implies. Dark argues that there is very much a "sacredness", something to be had, in the culture or art of "questioning everything". Dark certainly lives in this world and this becomes apparent in this book. Using a wide range of sources to exemplify and embody this new culture, Dark himself recognizes that "questioning" reflects how we see ourselves in relation to God and those around us. The book is broken into chapters, each chapter introducing a facet of life that deserves a discipline of questioning. These facets include everything from God, History, the future, and even our offendedness. With such compelling facets, it is only fair that Dark chose to use a pop sensibility to showcase what this may look like through the likes of U2, Arcade Fire to "the Office". It may seem that the use of such vehicles to illustrate a direction or point would be an attempt to "dumb down" something that is difficult to understand. There is no such attempt here. The ability of Dark to provide social commentary to further illustrate his direction is impressive.

These facets are further explored at the conclusion of each chapter through a set of....you guessed it, questions. I find this to be a completely appropriate way to conclude each facet, and also to encourage a dialogue to further explore the direction Dark takes with each chapter.

After reading the book, I found myself eager to begin to live in this world that Dark invites us into. I can see how the "sacredness of questioning" can lead to a proper posture in relation to God and others around us. The question I continue to ask myself is if I have the humility to embrace this culture of uncertainty? Perhaps this is an appropriate response to the reading of the "The Sacredness of Questioning Everything".

-Dan Jones