Currently Reading God & Government By Charles W. Colson, Ellen Santilli Vaughn see related

Strange Encounters

Yesterday, before church, an older lady came up to me and asked me a random question:  "Do you watch GOD TV?"  Taken aback, I said "no" because I don't know what that is.  (Only after thinking about it did I realize that I think it's part of the Wendy Alec empire as it were.)  She then started talking about how guests on that TV program/station had been healed of various physical problems and illnesses during a "healing revival" and how I should start watching it.

So, ok, color me a skeptic.  I know that God CAN do such things, and that the Scriptures are filled with Him doing such things in the Old Testament and Jesus in the new (even using the Disiples and Paul).  God is God and the Universe belongs to Him and He can do as He wills.  The whole reason this akward converstaion started is because she saw me sitting in the scooter and the synaptic impulse shot across her brain that "something is wrong with this young man and I know God can fix it".  A noble idea and response to be sure, but is it the right one? 

Has anyone ever considered that there is nothing wrong with me?  Has anyone ever thought about the fact that I am what I am because the Lord created me to be this way for some purpose unknown to humans but fully known to Him - even though it is revealed to me and to others in small pieces or not at all?  I just feel sad for people who see something like this automaticly think something is out of place, when in fact it probably is not.  Sure, I still struggle with this whole situation, the idea of getting older and things getting worse.  At times it isn't fun - like right now when I am home suck because a variety of factors are working together to keep me out of the game for a short time - but it is never as bad as the outside world perceives it to be because my Heavenly Father is here too, gieving and struggling along side, but knowing there is a greater purpose that often I cannot see.  (Lest we forget Paul's example shown to us by the thorn that he was given, but never taken from him though he asked it to be)

What is the greater miracle?

 For someone to be healed of a life-long infirmity, the Lord be recognized and praised for it, but soon forgotten by all except the one it happened to - and even then possibly forgotten over time?

Or for someone to go about life striving to accomplish the mission set before them, phase by phase, with a consistent infirmity, a constant reminder of their mortality, that can cause great pain and internal struggle (but also bring them in closer relationship with God than anything else) against impossible odds because the Father planted within that person the seed of perserverence that over time will grow and transform into a massive structure with God engraved all over it, as a symbol and encouragement to many people in many places?

I'll take door number two, Bob.

Charlie X

Currently Reading The Knowledge of the Holy: The Attributes of God: Their Meaning in the Christian Life By A. W. Tozer see related

Wounded, but Warriors Still.

Last Friday April 11, 2008, I found myself a part of a most unique opportunity which rarely, if ever, is covered by our nation’s media outlets.  On a sunny day in the nation’s capitol I boarded a bus with a co-worker which was in route to the Pentagon.  A chance had been offered to me to welcome home some of our wounded Warriors; the best our nation has to offer in the defense of our God-given freedom, those who have fought well but have not emerged unscathed.  Pending our arrival, I contemplated how I would never get to serve in such a capacity for the United States; for my country – hence the decisions which led to my current station.  I would never walk the halls of the Pentagon or any other American military instillation as such a warrior, but only a civilian.  However, in every generation of our family someone has served so someone always walked as such, as my brother does now. 

As we arrived and disembarked from the bus, I hadn’t expected to be told how happy military and civilian staff of the Pentagon were to have a small contingent of Congressional aides present to welcome these folks home.  I, along with others, was led into a long hallway where many unknown faces were already present standing against the walls.  Looking down the hallway this is just what was; grateful people from all walks of life showing respect and gratitude for the willing sacrifice some choose to make to defend our great nation.  I didn’t know what to make of the scene, didn’t know what to expect once the procession started.  Next thing I knew the music began and with the clapping, just continuous clapping, as the musical standards of the military branches played.  First down the hall:  a young man, probably younger than I, in a wheelchair because he was missing both legs.  I was later told in detail the different prosthetics he would be receiving so that the ability to walk and function as normal as possible would not be lost to him; he was just the beginning.  Some warriors were in casts, others limping.  A good number seemed to be doing just fine; still the clapping continued at a steady pace as the honorees moved down the line, thanking many of us for being there to support them; their faces saying all that needed to be said.  One warrior in particular had lost an eye, and I can imagine the day in his future when his young daughter asks why her father looks a bit like a pirate – what a story that will be. 

As I looked I saw heroes, regardless of race, gender, mobility or whatever else – those who, when the country asked “Who will go for us?” said, as the prophet Isaiah did “Here I am, send me”.  The call came, and they answered, willing to defend the Constitution of the United States of America, and the People of these United States without purpose of evasion.  It was an honor to be there, something everyone should get to do, but yet this never gets talked about, goes vastly underreported in the news, even though it happens once a month, and as a result the knowledge of such honoring is not widespread. 

But now you know, and knowing is half the battle.       

Currently Listening The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time Symphony Album see related

Vessels almost Forgotten

I almost forgot about this spot, this place which seems outside of  time itself - where thoughts and ideas can be preserved.

The trip to London has come and gone - five days with my parents which were not quite like any other I remember.  Good times across the pond.

I don't have much to say right now, except that Mr.  Hocky turned eighty today, and because of a small mistake - which is probably my fault - our honoring of him almost didn't happen.  I'm so glad I serve One who is much more gracious than anyone else, Who fixes the things I cannot - for I work in an enviroment where grace is rarely present and perfection is not the bar, not the height to be reached for and achieved, but the invisible trip wire which causes one to stumble and fall...

The best way to feel like a failure is to disapoint the one who teaches you...even if it is not always the teacher who teaches nor the student who learns.

Even though rescued form failure the damage is done.  This should be a proud day, but it isn't.

Charlie X

Currently Reading The War of Ideas: Jihadism against Democracy By Walid Phares see related

Futher up and Further in...

Some days we just long for Aslan's Country...

It's been a busy and exhausting few weeks between Star Wars marathons, game nights, friends visiting, work, securing support for Christians in China, and the most exhausting game of laser tag in recent memory. 

Oh and I have a trip to London coming up too.  I miss Seth.

Charlie X

Currently Watching Serenity (Widescreen Edition) By Nathan Fillion, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Raphael Feldman, Yan Feldman, Ron Glass see related

Election Season: Both the Pro and Con of DC Life

So a typical Sunday afternoon right?  Go to church in the morning, have lunch with some friends, and then head home.  Not this Sunday apparently.  I get off the Metro at the old tried and tested Chinatown only to be greeted by a rushing mob of people milling about and lining the streets while, is that a marching band?  Yep it's a marching band blares their instraments and drum cadence down the street.  And I see all these Obama '08 signs...is this an Obama rally, right in the middle of town?  Well it is rumored that he stays at the Wah Luck House on H and 6th when in town...impressive stone building, that.  Why are all these people here, don't they care some od us actually LIVE in this area and need to move about instead of gawk at people who are but a vapor in the never ending news-cycle?  It took me a good 15-20 minuites to finally get home and I had to move at a snail's pace as to not run anyone's ankle's or toes over.  I think it's because the DC primary is really soon and this is an attempt to raise awareness about voting - only caring about Democrat candidates and what not - this is blue-blood country - but not caring about impeding the lives of others.

On occasion this place is worth disdain...

Charlie X