The Journey

Some of the happenings of today have made me wonder if we are in some sort of bad moon phase… you know like “A Bad Moon Rising.”

Everything started out very well. I got up early… around 7:30am staggered to my chair and slept another hour. I got up, took my blood pressure and heart rate, weighted in and cursed the scales. Took my medications, fixed a cup of decaf and headed for the study to do some writing. All of this was going well, as I remember, because I was working on the preface for a new book I am writing on how we are experiencing Jesus in a world gone mad. The words just seem to flow with great ease. Wow, what a good feeling.

Then… Then… we went to Office Depot to get new roller ball refills for my Cross pen. I just love the feel of this pen. I can’t spell any better with it, but I write with greater ease… it is easy on these old hands and fingers… it just feels great as you write with it. We walked to the back of the store where they keep the Cross roller-ball refills. I can’t seem to find the right one… reason being we can’t get the cap off my pen to identify the refill we need. Shirley tries to untwist it and so do I. To little avail neither she nor I can budge this stubborn pen. Shirley grabs it up and heads for the front of the store. Nothing like a woman on a mission… watch out store this baby is going to be opened. She found another lady who couldn’t open it… and then she found this extra big Office Depot dude who took it and very easily untwisted the pen. There you go, lady.

Returning to the Cross-refill isle Shirley brings help. This time we have an Office Depot lady rummaging through all the refills Cross has on these hangers. Finally, she finds one that appears to be near the one I need. The only problem is that the numbers don’t exactly match. You see, not knowing exactly what the numbers mean (her quote) we had a choice between a 1326 and a 0116. We rolled the dice and chose 0116. Finally, with great determination and assurance she says; “This is the roller ball refill you need. I think?” With my 0116 double-pack refill I leave the store and look for the first opportunity to see if it fits, and I can once again start using my smooth, easy on the hands, great feeling Cross Roller Ball Pen.

We moved on to Oakcrest Restaurant for veggie land. I took my newfound goodies in to try them out; a notebook and my roller ball Cross pen. As we entered the door we noticed the sanitation grade is an 87, a “B”. We moved on to be seated by the waitress in the doomsday booth right next to the kitchen pass through window, where the waitresses pass their orders to the cooks in the kitchen, receive the completed order back, and prepare drinks, bread and other items to complete the customer’s order. This is also the place just outside the kitchen where dirty dishes are brought and placed in rubber bends for the dishwasher to collect. (A word of warning… if you are ever seated in this place, move or leave. It is not worth the experience.)

Sitting down in our booth we notice (can’t help but notice) this waitress talking very loudly on her cell phone to a Dr.’s office operator. She is discussing a couple of appointments for her kids (or dogs) one at 3:00pm and one at 3:15pm. She says to the operator that she sees no difference between 3:00 and 3:15. She doesn’t get off until 3:00 and can’t get there until 3:15. Apparently, the operator is suggesting that she will lose the 3:00 appointment if she is not there. To which miss congeniality says: “You tell Dr. (blank) that we have been waiting four months for this appointment. And I will be sure to let him know (insensitive language) how retarded you are acting.” With that (and this is hard to do on a cell phone) I got the very clear impression that she slammed the phone down. Dale Carnegie would have slapped her right there.

Can you imagine that things went downhill from there in this small restaurant??? Sure did! Plates were dropped. Drawers were slammed. Dirty dishes were thrown into those rubber tubs. I think she even poured tea loudly. She wanted everyone in the place to know she was unhappy. Message received loud and clear!!! On and on the scene grew more intense with her grunting and growling.

Amid all this comes the big hit… the grand slam of the day… the winning run that brings utter defeat to the foes… the manager/owner comes back to the battle station and has the gall to suggest to her that she allow the other waitress to have a couple of customers. KA-BOOOOOM!!!! More plates dropped and thrown. More drawers slammed. Louder talking. Insulting words to the other waitress, who by the way was in her second week at this job. She even told her not to come back into that little section because every time she did miss congeniality forgot what she was doing. She drops some glasses and the manager/owner sees them and comes over to pick them up and she chimes in: “I know there are dishes down there. Just leave them and I’ll get them in a minute. You know, you have a smart-ass cook and a smart-ass waitress… deal with it – join ’em.”

If miss congeniality had been working for me she would not be right now. Out the door… goodbye Charlie… it has been real. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out. Call me for a GOOD recommendation. Acting that way in a business, in life in general, is simply unacceptable behavior. It makes everyone uneasy and it kills any good feelings with which you entered this place. I want people to leave my place feeling better for having been there not running for the door…screaming into the night. I don’t know what she had on her boss, but it must be a doozy. If I were him I would be training a new lead waitress (one with personality, poise and a sense of maturity). And I would be building a team of employees that function as family… care for the customers… and seek to create a family atmosphere in that restaurant.

Before I let you go today I must add one more thing that contributed to me wondering about the phase of the moon. Sitting in the booth behind us is a couple, man and woman, who appear to be in their mid to late eighties. I overhear him saying to her: “You accused me a while ago of ignoring you. I wasn’t ignoring you.” I might add, this poor guy probably couldn’t even notice her across the booth. He probably didn’t know what was going on in the restaurant right beside him. I’m not all that sure he could pay attention to anything except breathe, in breathe out. I’ve been there not all that long ago.

I have got to say my veggies were good, as they usually are but Shirley’s hamburger was so big she had to cut it with a knife. My un-sweet tea came out sweet tea, so I ordered iced water. We were charged for tea anyway. I hope this young, new, confused waitress doesn’t let the bull in the china shop run her off. I think that must be her way of doing things. If the manager/owner allows this to continue he will find his customers leaving two by two.

By the way, I checked the moon phase. It is a “Waning Gibbous.” OMG! No wonder things are going so badly.

Grace and Peace
Steve

PS: Shirley’s fit bit battery died in the restaurant – that is only “fit.”

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Today as I was pondering my thoughts for my blog and all the issues of the day… Today for some reason I had this overpowering impression to say something about Mother’s Day… not so much about the day as the person or persons behind the day… those people who make the day a celebration… Moms.

Susie Coletrane

Margie McGehee Bruce

Laura Frances Martin

I have to admit… I am proud to admit that I have been very fortunate to have had the love and guidance, mercy and grace of many ladies… many mother figures… in my life. My own mother, Laura Frances Melvin Martin gave us the love, guidance, grace and mercy of a loving Christian home. She made sure that my brother and I stood on a solid foundation and tradition of faith and charity. She taught us to say our prayers and what that meant. She would read scripture to us and made sure that we had a good (for our ages) understanding of what she believed that scripture was attempting to convey. She taught us about forgiveness and being our brother’s keeper. She taught us to respect all people and never to put anyone down. I always knew that I was loved and that no matter what there was always a soft place for me to land… a place called home… a place called Faith… a person known as Jesus… a person I called mom. Thank you mom, for all you did for me… the stuff I knew and the sacrifices I did not have a clue about. You gave us your best and for that we are thankful. I do miss you very much each day.

Another lady in my life that was a mother figure was my nanny, Susie Coletrane, who stayed with us until I was about 4 or 5 years old. Susie came to us to help out while mom was going through some illness. She cared for me. I knew her as my mom. She would say often to my mother, I am told, “I believe my child is getting about as bad as your child?” Well, we knew that would never be, but I loved this lady. When I asked Shirley to marry me, we went to Madison to introduce Shirley to Susie and get Suzie’s approval. Susie told Shirley: “You treat my boy right or I’ll come get you.” Susie taught me much simply by her presence and her love. She cared for me and it didn’t matter who I was. I cared for her like my mother. I still miss her even today.

My wife’s mother, Margie McGehee Bruce, cared for me in a “You better take care of my baby daughter kind of way.” That meant she always had her eyes on me from the “I’m not sure about you” days through the days of “I guess she is going to stay with him” and finally to the “I think I’ll keep him… he has turned out ok” days. I went through many stages with Margie but I loved her through each one… in fact my love grew through each one. She taught me the long lasting element of faithfulness which she exhibited in her life. She taught me love for grandchildren through the sparkle in her eyes and the tenacious mama saber-tooth tiger protection sphere she placed around her grandchildren. She stayed with us several years due to poor health and memory issues. We laughed and cried together, but I think we knew we really loved each other. I still miss her even today.

There is a group of other ladies who cared for me and expressed a mother’s care in their daily living. In this group were my aunts, church school teachers, some of my school teachers, college professors, and members of churches I served, all of whom lived exemplary lives before me and through their living taught me valuable lessons on how to care for and love others, how to carry myself and be a man of God and family. There is an old African Proverb that says: “It takes a village to raise a child.” I benefited greatly from being in the midst of this village. Thank you ladies for sharing your life and faith with me over all these years. I will forever be thankful for you and the gifts you gave me.

Whether you birthed a child or not… if you cared for a child, expressed the life of Christ in the love for a child, you are an example of what a mother was intended to be. Thank you for all the love given admist all the pain that may have been given by people who did not know that you really were a mom in your living. Many recognize you as mom. They may not call you that, but when they search for a word to describe what you mean to them they say: “Mom.”

Happy Mother’s Day!!!

Grace and Peace
Steve

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Some of you know I dabble in ancestry for my family. It is interesting, addicting, and totally frustrating. There are days I can’t put it down and work into the early hours of the morning trying to find just one more tidbit of information about that illusive person. There are other days when I want to throw the whole thing in the corner and forget about it all. Days when it matters and other days when I’m not so sure any of this really matters… after all what will it change if I find more information on ancestors that I never knew or don’t remember knowing… Does it really matter?

There is one man… my great grandfather…William Henry Moore… whom I cannot get beyond. The “original” William H. Moore came from out west. He was born in Montgomery County, Virginia on March 10, 1868. He seems to hide behind a tree for several years. An article appearing in the Stuart paper (submitted by Helen Moore Gwynn) says he was thought to be a runaway – living with a Padgett family in Stuart or boarded out to a family. From then he doesn’t reappear until he is getting married to Mary Elizabeth Goad in Stuart, Va on the 20th of March 1889. In the 1900 census he is living in Stuart, Va, but by 1920 the census reveals him living in the Dan River area of Virginia. 1930 finds him in Madison, NC living there until his death on February 07, 1944. He seems to be a rather talented person. In one census he was a teamster. In another a grocer, and in several a farmer and/or mill worker (I imagine at the old Washington Mills plant in Mayodan). Seems like most people, even children, worked in that place.

The curious thing is that his mother, Margaret is the only parent whose name is ever given and it’s only on the 1889 wedding license. There is never a mention of William Henry’s father. William has brothers named Ben and John and a sister named Louise. His children are: James Thomas, Minnie Rose, Sarah Alice, Edna, Andrew Taylor (all born in Patrick Co. Va.) Even curiouser is that on his death certificate in the place where it asks for the parents names, we see in large printed writing the words “NOT KNOWN.” The curious thing is that his son, Andrew Taylor Moore is the one giving this information. I can’t comprehend a son, this son – a very responsible man,  not knowing his grandparent’s names… especially on a legal document.

I finish every session with the same question… “Where are you William Henry Moore… and Whose Your Daddy?” I think this dad is the key to getting our ancestry line across the Atlantic to England. I know the Moores are from England and his dad just may be the one on the boat. I am not sure why getting our ancestry back to England seems so important to me. Could it be that I have heard the old stories circulating for years that our family was landowners and royalty in England. Shortly after the turn of the century (the last one) a letter arrived informing us that a will from a Moore’s ancestor was to be probated. Our family could not get over there to handle it but a local lawyer, who found out about this, volunteered to handle it for us since he was making a trip to England anyway. Returning back in the states we were informed that there was nothing left in the estate for our family. Nothing more was said and the matter was forgotten. But the lawyer built a huge house in town not long after returning from England. Just sounds intriguing to me?

Have you ever dreamed that somewhere in your past was a rich, wealthy or notable person whose life, fortune or fame could benefit your family today and relieve any hardship. Wouldn’t that be great? Almost sounds like winning the lottery.

Well, even though it would be wonderful to win the lottery – think of all the good we could do? But more importantly it would be very nice to find my great grandfather, his dad and mom and what that might mean to finding out a little more about our family history. They say that we stop doing ancestry when our family tree produces a king or and horse thief. Well, I haven’t found either nor am I looking for them. But I am seeking to find my history… my roots.

The real family history… the one of real significance is one I already know. I am a child of God through the love of God and the grace of Jesus Christ. I belong to the family of God because I have a Father who loves me so much he reestablished bonds of the family and opened the gates to all of God’s children. I hope you know, as you search for your ancestors, that you have a family that includes all kinds of people from all kinds of places. We are all brothers and sisters… we are family.

Grace and Peace
Steve

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The other day Southeast High School had a Library Fund Raiser at Barnes and Noble here in Greensboro. It was really nice, running from 5:00pm to 8:00pm with a percentage of all proceeds going toward SEHS Library Fund… to help them buy books for the school library. One of the choirs sang beautifully… while the Jazz Band really rocked the house.

I wandered throughout the store which Shirley and I shop at quite a bit. Up and down the isles, retrieving, flipping, through, and replacing books on many shelves. I looked at all the little nicknacks on display and even purchased a few. All the latest and hottest books… ones they are trying their best to get you to purchase were on display near the entrance… almost tripped over them on the way in.

One thing I did think about was the real important question of the evening: “Why are my books only on line with Barnes and Noble and not on their physical shelves?” There are other authors who have several books on the shelves… little known authors like John Grissom, J.K. Rowling, Stephen King, and some guy named Mark Twain… wow what a funny name? I guess these guys are ok to read but I am a local boy… shouldn’t that warrant some consideration ?

I am sure you know that this is all in jest. I envy the talent and skill and imagination of these very famous and successful writers. If I keep working at improving my skills and techniques perhaps in about 30 or 40 years I will be a famous, well-read writer?

As I walked around the computer book section looking for some written help for my ancestry work, I noticed that there is this series of books on everything you ever wanted to know about everything you wanted to know. The series is entitled “(Blank) for Dummies.” Some are funny. Some make you say what? While others you look at and say Really? Amazon Books online has 20 pages of listing the titles of Dummies book titles. Add the words “for Dummies” after each of these: the Bible, iPhone, Running a Bar, Auto Repair, Raising Chickens, Hacking, Facebook, Puppies, iPad, Music Theory, Pit Bulls, Football, Fishing, Christianity, U.S. History, Dad’s Guide to Pregnancy, Gardening, Wine, Bird Watching, etc for many more pages.

There was one that caught my eye… even though I am a dummy at fishing and would love to be able to catch the big one… one book in particular stopped me dead in my tracks: “Mindfulness for Dummies.” It seems to run right along with the Bible for Dummies and Christianity for Dummies. I am afraid that what we are handing out today is the Cliff Notes version of things that really matter – things vital to life and faith – things that call us to a higher plane of living and understanding and loving. And in the process we are losing the deeper meanings of that which is vital. An old college Philosophy professor who was dry as dust and even put a dog to sleep during a summer school class – that wise old professor gave us a quote that has stayed with me since 1977: “If you think you have your philosophy of life all figured out with that philosophical circle complete, watch out cause God is getting ready to let you know that your philosophical circle of life is not big enough to include all God wants to say or do or include”.

It seems these days that the world has gone mad trying to push people out of their circle for reasons that are simply beyond me… like they are immigrants, law breakers, not up to our standards, sick or different than we are. And a host of other reasons. I look at what we are doing and how we are acting and I see the people of Jesus’ days on earth pointing fingers at Jesus because he was different. He healed people on the Sabbath (when they needed healing – didn’t wait for a more suitable or acceptable day). He ate with sinners – people we wouldn’t let in our house – he welcomed people he didn’t know – strangers. He touched the untouchables – the sick lepers – who were spiritually unclean.  He welcomed the Samaritans – the ones our priests and business men leave in the side ditch on the road to church… the office – the ones who worship differently than us. He welcomed the different, the outcast, the ungodly people from whom we would look away. In other words he would welcome anyone, eat with anyone, pray with anyone, walk with anyone, invite anyone, love anyone, and die for anyone.

Several years ago I spoke about the doors, hearts and minds of the church being wide open to welcome anyone and everyone. Someone in the congregation needed clarification and ran up to me after church and said: “Preacher, just how open are these doors?” (meaning, do we let in even those people with whom I don’t agree?) And I answered they are to be wide enough to welcome everyone God wants us to love. I don’t think he liked my answer but it still is the truth… still today.

Our world today needs a crash course in “Mind-fullness for Dummies.” We need to be mindful of all the people God is calling us to love – to love with God’s love – to love with our love. God calls us to welcome the stranger not to send them away. He calls us to care for them – lift them up and not to bring them down and trample them under foot.

Do we really need a book on Christianity for Dummies? I guess we do if we think God has said the last word on Christian belief, faith and action… and that we know all we need to know about how God works and who God loves and welcomes into God’s own heart. How closed off are you? Is your circle complete…finished? If so, Dummy, you need to read: Open Hearts for Dummies. Open Minds for Dummies. Open Doors for Dummies. How to Be Compassionate to ALL People for Dummies. Read and learn. You’ll be glad you did… believe me you will be glad you did.

Grace and Peace
Steve

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Today is another one of those special days in the life of any family, church or child. Today our granddaughter, Abby was confirmed and received into the full membership of the United Methodist Church. The preacher said we’ve made this a special worship service because this is a significant thing that is happening in our church and in the lives of these youth.

Ever since the Church has tried to identify itself as the Church, there have been questions about God, how God works, how can we be the Church, grow in the likeness of Christ, and be fit for heaven?

The Wesleyan Methodist folks, now partially known as United Methodist understood the movement of God as GRACE. In other words you or I haven’t done anything to deserve our salvation. We cannot work, buy, will, beg entice, cajole, be in the right family, at the right time, in the right place. We did NADDA… NYET, ZIP, NOTHING… except receive that gift which God had already prepared for us as a child of God.

I think that is why I so appreciate the theology of infant baptism. In that liturgy the child receives the grace of a loving God… not even being able to know or follow that God. Parents, families, guardians, and the church make a covenant with God to live before this child the love of God in such a way that this child will have every opportunity and advantage of living a Christian life. As they grow in years they also are growing in the knowledge and grace of Almighty God. Somewhere along that path, usually around the age of 12-16 (Baptist call this the age of accountability) when they feel led to be confirmed in the faith… that is they want more and ask to become responsible for their own life of faith and their continue journey in growing in God. No longer do they live on the faith of their parents. Now they work out their own faith. Now they are expected to seek out their own calling in the faith; how will my faith be expressed – lived out in the day to day world?

Confirmation answers the question of how do I grow in my faith, become closer to God and more in unity with the Holy Spirit and the world around me? How is that possible for such a newbie in the faith as me? Well, today through the grace of God you were reminded that Jesus bestowed the Holy Spirit upon the disciples for the work ahead of them. Confirmation is a reminder of Jesus saying to each confirmand: Receive the Holy Spirit. Be empowered by The Spirit of God for the work ahead of you.

Today you are, as all of us are, recommitting ourselves to the moving presence of Christ in our lives… which, as we listen with our heart and soul and mind, draws us closer to the life of Christ. Today we are also reminded that we are who we are and what we are and who we will become in faith by the grace of Jesus Christ freely moving in and through our daily living.

I commend to you one of my favorite passages of scripture is this text below:

For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,  may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height; to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:14-19)

Congratulations to all who were confirmed today… to all who have been or will be confirmed soon… Especially to our precious Abby; May you be filled with all the fullness of God.”

Grace and Peace
Steve

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It is amazing what you can see on a blank page on your computer screen… as you face an open window… peering out on the beauty of God’s world and the unlimited possibilities which lie before us. All the distractions and clutter are gone and you simply have thoughts and words to ponder and arrange in a speakable, hearable manner.

Today is one of those days. Our busy week has a few down hours in front of us before we start again. What to do with that precious time?

This morning at breakfast I just sat there pondering my Rice Krispies. Have you ever done that? It makes one wonder, right?

Why is my today Krispies quieter than they were when I was a kid. Have they done something to them to make them quieter… like a Snap, Crackle and Pop silencer? You have to really listen closely to get the old time full effect of the cereal you expect to speak to you in clear, happy tones. I rake my spoon back and forth through the milk, across the top of my Krispies and they wake up a little but not enough for today’s price of talking cereal.

Have you noticed that some of your Krispies will make their way to the top rim of your bowl and actually jump off if given the chance? You have to have your spoon at the ready to scrape them back into the milk or they will jump to the table. Why do they do that? Is the fear of being eaten greater than ending up on the table and then in the trash can? It is hard to think like a Krispie would think.

My snap, crackle and pop don’t mean the same thing they did when I was a kid. Back then there was excitement about being a pal with the Krispie Trio. Now days if the Krispie Kids are at your breakfast table it means you can’t have bacon and eggs, grits, hash browns, and or pancakes. No! Now days because you have all these medical things you can’t pronounce without a dictionary wrong with you… you must settle for a subdued snap, crackle and pop.

Today my snap, crackle and pop have more to do with the sounds I make as I move toward the breakfast table. Mostly they are the sounds of old bones, tired muscles, and buttons popping off pajamas that have also become worn and frayed. I can’t find the milk because I am standing in front of and peering into the microwave. Once I realize that and look around making sure no one has seen me, I move to the big boxy thing called a refrigerator, retrieve the milk, and try to carry it to the table. Milk is heavier today than it was when I was younger… have you noticed that, too? The snapping, crackling and popping accompany me in sitting down, picking up all the stuff I dropped on the floor, my trip back to the sink… and for the rest of the day. Today there is no snap in my steps… a lot of crackle in my bones… and moments of popping off to sleep. Then snap and crackle are gone, but I do look forward to the popping off to nap time.

Perhaps we just need to turn up the iTunes at breakfast and not worry about those quiet Krispies. They are better for you than the other stuff. Find a way to enjoy their company knowing that they are helping to make you better. Today, just enjoy the pops of quietness. I am willing to bet you deserve it.

Grace and Peace
Steve

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Well, today I did it… drove to Salisbury to spend an hour with Mark. A little light headed as I walked to the prison, but I forgot it all when we began to renew our friendship. We talked and laughed like old times. The time passed quickly as we shared our feelings about UNC/DUKE, Carolina Panthers, the political world, his job, my no job, my future and his. Through our talk I realized how very proud of Mark I have been and continue to be more and more with every visit. Did you know that his GED program is one of the best in the state. He is helping people learn every day things that will open doors for them once they are released from prison. He talks about the men who will never get a GED… but are learning to read, add, subtract, write and do some reasoning. You should see the smile on his face and the sparkle in his eyes as he talks about the hope he has for these men.

Southeastern Seminary will soon be offering a four year masters program in one (maybe more) of the prisons. Mark has really become interested in theological questions and the extrapolation of theological concepts. He is becoming more well read in Christian and spiritual beliefs which, I believe, is fueling his quest for the theological journey. I hope that he will be able to explore more deeply this theological offering from Southeastern.

I hope you will continue to encourage him in his time of searching and growing deeper in his quest for meaning and purpose.

As you can tell from the picture, I am ready to ride, just not real fast. I am happy that I was able to complete this journey today… it was well worth the two hour drive. I am pleased that Mark is doing so well. He is hopeful, courageous, and seems to be at peace with where he is and where he is heading. Keep up the good work, Mark. Even more than that, keep the faith.

Grace and Peace
Steve

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As most of you know I am a sermon junkie… that is I love to listen to good preachers preaching good sermons. I regularly stream the sermons and worship services of pastors like: Rev. Dr. James Howell at Myers Park UMC in Charlotte, the very Rev. Dr. Randy Hollerith the Dean of the Cathedral at Washington National Cathedral in Washington DC, Duke Chapel, Riverside Church in NYC, among others. Through these brilliant Clergy persons I am immersed in a theological smorgasbord of grace, love and peace… challenged, inspired, and comforted. Every Sunday is a WOW Sunday when I hear them preach… many times it is spoken in low tones because I can’t speak… lest I ruin the moment.

Today I was honored and blessed by my long time colleague, the Rev. Dr. Barbara Brown Taylor, Episcopal Priest and college professor. I have loved her heart for Jesus, the easy way she is able to present that Word to me, and the challenge she always dangles before me. Today was no different – she took an average day and allowed that day to speak an especially touching and pertinent message.

Today Barbara Brown-Taylor spoke about “The Next Week or The Week After.” She reminds us all about the thrill, emotion and energy of the DAY. Do you remember the thrill, emotion and energy of your wedding DAY (you better). How about the birthDAY of your first child, your graduation DAY, the DAY you received that acceptance letter to college or your first job in your field of study, the DAY some loved one died? All of these (and many more) DAYS were Jesus Moments where you felt the intensity of the presence of God in and around that moment. These were the days when you sang the songs of loudest praise, waved your hands in the air (no matter who was looking – no matter what they thought), smiled with an unbreakable smile, laughed  so much you hurt, cried so much your tears became sweet, your dreams were never ending… the sun was on your face and the sweet breeze of Spring was in your hair. It was the DAY.

On the week after… there is a big let down. Today is the Sunday after Easter. Easter was full of praise, worship, excitement and promises. This week after, this Sunday after is even known in the theological world as “Low” Sunday – usually referring to attendance, expectations, enthusiasm. Barbara Brown Taylor said today is the Sunday when there is a guest preacher, a soloist fills in for the choir not present, and a guest pianist/organist is here because all the others need some time off after the week of Easter.

On the week after the Resurrection where would you expect the disciples of Jesus to be? Jesus has just risen from the dead, God had ratified the power, love and mission of Jesus, the Messiah, the Christ, for all people. Wouldn’t we all think they would be out talking to everyone about Jesus, healing people, speaking about the love of God? But no, they are hiding in a locked upstairs room… a upper room… fearful, afraid of being found and what might happen if they are. I can almost imagine someone in the shadows peering out to see if anyone suspicious is hanging around outside.

What now? What’s next? Nothing will ever be the same the week after. The truth of the matter is that after forty days of preparing for the Resurrection of Jesus things are not all that much different. You are still slammed at work, still shaken by the news of the world, still awaken in the middle of the night to more anxieties than alleluias. Even if the world is not all that different shouldn’t we be? Where is the peace that passes all understanding? The evidence of things not seen?

John is the only Gospel writer who lingers long enough to talk about what happens on the day after. He talks about Jesus and a disciple called Didymus, the twin, known forevermore as Doubting Thomas because he had some trust issues that the others did not have. Perhaps his doubting was really no more than that of the other disciples. The only reason Thomas got singled out was because he wasn’t there. He had questions because he didn’t get to see what the others had already seen… the evidence of the Resurrection. All he had was hearsay from the other disciples and his trust issues were not with Jesus but wether the disciples were telling the real truth.

Over the last few weeks Taylor-Brown has asked people what they thought about the Thomas story. They all said the same thing, she said; “They knew they were not supposed to approve of him but they did… they liked him… his honesty, where he was coming from. Thomas, for them, was proof that people who were right there with Jesus had problems believing. The disciples had the breath knocked out of them… and no breath means no way forward… no life. Jesus showed them how to breathe again and their grief turned to rejoicing. Perhaps Thomas was looking to see if the Jesus who was raised from the dead was the same Jesus who suffered the the scars of this world… who did not leave that which was human behind and come back all healed up. When he saw the wounds of Jesus he exclaimed: “My Lord and my God.” Thomas was back… not missing anymore… and it didn’t matter to Jesus that he was a week late.

You may be going through some difficult times… life may have knocked the breath out of you; health issues, grief recent and long suffering, troubles at work at home or in the community. Whatever it may be perhaps you need to breathe again… so you can move forward…so you may live again. May the Resurrected Jesus breathe the breath of life into you… that you may breathe in rhythm of the Spirit of God.

I have used many of Barbara Brown Taylor’s words in this blog tonight simply to make the point in a better way. I invite you to click on the link below so that you may watch/listen to her sermon. Please take this opportunity to be blessed.

Grace and Peace
Steve

Barbara Brown Tylor Sermon at Duke Chapel 

My Author’s Page

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Our Amazing and Most Honorable Son

A few years ago, I wrote a book entitled: “The Sayings of Noah: The Four Year Old Theologian” by taking the sayings our grandson Noah would spout out to me or to the group he was around. What I failed to remember was that for a couple years Shirley was keeping a journal on the sayings and deeds of Stephen entitled: “He Strikes Again.” Allow me the fun of honoring my son, Stephen Bruce Martin, by using this collected information. Most of these were when this young theologian was five years old.

A Prayer Before Meals:
God is grape, God is good. Let us thank him for this food… We are all fed, give us Lord our daily bread. Amen.

The Hornet’s Nest:
There was a hornet’s nest on the wall of the local golf shop. Stephen seeing this and not hearing the explanation asked his father: “Is that a behind?” Meaning beehive.
(5 yrs. old – Murphy)

Being Pregnant:
Stephen and his cousin Chris were playing being pregnant and his grandma Martin asked him what pregnant meant? He answered rather straightforwardly: “Pregnant is when you are cross-eyed and can’t see straight.” He may have been more correct than we realize?
(5 yrs. old – Hendersonville)

Who’s Your Daddy:
Stephen was sitting with a friend, Mark Kilpatrick, at church one Sunday. Mark asked him where his father was. Stephen told him his daddy was the man at the front of the church. Mark told him: “That’s not your daddy, that’s my preacher.”
(5 yrs. old – Murphy)

What Did You Say:
We were out riding in the car one Saturday taking in all the sites around Murphy. As we passed over Hiwassee Dam, this voice from the back seat cries out: “Dam!” Immediately Shirley asks him (Stephen the speaker) “Where did you hear that word?” He pointed and said: “Hiwassee Dam.”
(5 yrs. old – Murphy)

No More Bible Stories:
Stephen and his father were discussing why he didn’t want to hear bedtime bible stories any more. Steve had made it the practice to read him a Bible story every night to help him start learning the great stories of the Bible. Stephen’s reply was: “I want to hear more funner stories.” No more bedtime Bible stories.
(5 yrs. old – Murphy).

Runaway To The Movies:
It happened one Saturday afternoon. Scottie Turner (son of Rev. Frank Turner, the preacher at Murphy First UMC) had played with Stephen until in the early afternoon when he had to go home. Stephen was unhappy that his friend had to go home. After supper, he wanted to go to Scottie’s house and Shirley told him he couldn’t go. Steve went off to school, she started washing dishes, while Stephen went outside to play. I went to check on him and he was gone. The first place I went was to Scottie’s and there he was. Scottie had gone to the movies so Stephen decided that he would go to Sky City shopping with Jean (Scottie’s sister). I told him he could not go because he went off from home without telling me. I went in to look at Jean’s cat and when I came out he was gone again. I looked all over the place, called everyone I knew, and drove around in the car looking for him for almost an hour. I called Steve at school and he came home to help look for him. Finally, we called the police and within an hour they found him… (just before they were getting ready to drag the river across the road).

It seems that he had started walking to the movie and happen to meet this boy who was also going to the movie. Stephen just tagged along and the boy paid his way into the movie. The Police called and Steve went and picked him up at the police department. When they arrived at home, Stephen went into his room, while Steve explained what happened. I heard this noise coming from his room sounding like something being hit repeatedly. After a moment, he came into the kitchen all bent over, holding his legs. He looked up at me with this really pitiful expression and said: “Mommy, tell daddy I gave myself a bad spanking.” Needless to say, we were extremely thankful – beyond words – to have him home safe. He did get that bad spanking he was talking about, and a long talk from his dad. It was the last spanking he received from his dad.
(5 yrs. old – Murphy)

It Is All Hand Made:
Stephen came home from school telling about a field trip to the Campbell Folk School. He told us that “Everything out there was made out of hand.” Meaning made by hand.
(5 yrs. old – Murphy).

Braces On Your Teeth:
Stephen was watching a television program where this little girl had to wear braces on her teeth. He asked Shirley if he was going to have to wear “…bracelets on his teeth when he grew up.”
(5 yrs. old – Murphy)

Ready For The Spanking:
Stephen had done something and he thought he was going to get a spanking. It had been a while since his deed and still he hadn’t received the dreaded spanking. Noticing this he asked his dad if he was going to get a spanking for what he had done. I told him “No, I don’t think so. Maybe you have learned the proper thing to do. Stephen went to find his mom and told her: “Since I am not getting a spanking, I guess I can take off these extra pants.” It seems that while waiting for the spanking he put on and extra pair of blue jeans. He was being prepared.
(5 yrs. old – Murphy)

Mow What:
Stephen came in one day and asked his dad if he could help “mow the law?” Meaning lawn.
(6 yrs. old – Midland)

Quitting School:
After picking Stephen up from school one day he announced that “he was going to quit school.”  I asked him why and he said: “I don’t like their ice cream.” To this day, he still likes ice cream.
(6 yrs. old – Midland)

Personal Prayer:
Stephen’s first prayer of his own design not from rote but from his heart was: “Lord, I hope we all stay together and live long lives and will you help me find my spelling book.”
(7 yrs. old – Midland)

Saying Stephen got a Little Wrong:
“Robin Hood and his merry men.” “Robin Hood and his Married men.” (5 yrs. old)
“The Seven Dwarfs”.  The Seven Drawers”. (5 yrs. old)

Words Kinda Mispronounced:
Snake = Sneak
Lake = Link
Hillbilly = billhilly
Butt = Bottom
Sports Car = Sporch Car
Big Truck = Big Tuck

This little guy spent all his growing up years sitting by his mother’s side every Sunday listening to his dad preach. In the early years while I was in college/seminary and serving two churches, most of the time, he and his mom would attend both worship services. Some Sundays I would look back and he would have his head on his mom’s lap asleep. That was ok… this is tuff stuff for a little guy to endure… especially twice. But I have found out that this young man was listening and processing all this religion, theological, grace-filled love of God in Jesus Christ talk and seeks to put it into practice everyday in every way.

He is a good Christian person… man… father… husband. He gives. He serves. He is present. He thinks. He continues to grow. He is smart, compassionate, thoughtful, practical, real and humble. He treats others with respect, kindness and understanding. We are honored, proud and grateful to be his parents… for we have been truly blessed by his high-plane living.

Thank you Stephen for being you… We love you, man.

Grace and Peace
Steve

Steve’s Author Page

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Over the last year I have been going through some difficult health issues which has hindered severely what I have been able to do physically. For those who do not know about the issues please allow me to just summarize: Diagnosed with Diabetes, Stage III Kidney Disease, Atrial Fibrillation, Heart Failure, and most recently cirrhosis of the Liver. All of these things together makes one tired, (very tired), have a low heart rate, unable to do hardly any physical activity (I mean you have to rest for 15 minutes after changing clothes or sit on a stool to take a shower and/or shortness of breath after walking as little as 200 feet) and simply feel like a tired, sleep deprived limp washcloth. In addition to all this I had gained weight (up to around 255 pounds – most ever weighed). Kidney, liver, Atrial fibrillation, Diabetes all seem to work against each other. To help one problem causes the other problem to get worse. So what do you do?

After the cirrhosis of the liver diagnosis in January the doc said “We have got to get that fluid away from your middle. Your liver can repair itself if you give it some help… you have got to get rid of the fluid.” He put me on a less than 2 grams of sodium per day diet. I have got to tell you this is the hardest type of diet I have ever experienced. Sodium is what restaurants use to increase the taste in their food. I challenge you to look at the nutritional facts of the restaurants you frequent. You will be surprised and in some cases you will be shocked. We all love the good old healthy veggies at K&W, right? If you look at the sodium in their veggies alone you will notice the high sodium counts. If you go to Olive Garden and have spaghetti w/meat balls and sauce, two bread sticks, and salad you will ingest almost 5000mg of sodium for that one meal. That is almost three days allotment for sodium.

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