These are the times that try men’s souls, was the cry of a previous generation; but, it could be our cry as well.
I have been doing a great deal of thinking about the hard times most of us are experiencing – personally, with loved ones, and even with our church – and of what our faith says about surviving hard times.
In our sacred writings we reminded that it is our faith that provides the power to survive and overcome whatever life brings – including hard times like these. (I John 5:4)
This statement has provided the underpinnings for additional reflection of what our faith may be saying as to how to survive specific hard times such as those most of us face at one time or another.
And so, taking a clue from the popular TV show, Survivor, I am engaged in this series of sermons on the topic of Surviving Hard Times.
With all of the scientific evidence being accumulated these days that confirm the positive benefits of faithful living, actually taking the “leap of faith” is a far more rational decision than it ever was in the past.
Over and over again, studies reveal that people of faith – people who regularly participate in a community of faith, like our church – actually have a better life than those who don’t.
People of faith actually survive hard times in a way that others don’t.
The faith that is proclaimed here at Christ Church helps people overcome whatever life brings – like I John says.
What is of particular interest to me is that study after study shows that we don’t even have to believe that the conclusions may be true.
What is shown is that something happens to people who are part of a faith community.
Something happens to people who worship regularly together.
Something happens to people who meet together to praise the Creator and to seek guidance and wisdom for living life in these days.
They become different from those who don’t.
They are able to survive during times when others succumb.
Values change.
The way we look at the world changes.
The way we look at each other changes.
Our demeanor changes.
Our attitude changes.
Our brain changes.
And miracles happen.
We are able to overcome whatever life brings our way.
We are able to survive when bad things happen – survive and even thrive.
Let no one think differently, what we do here at Christ Church is important stuff.
There is power in this faith we profess.
What we do now and in the days ahead will reflect our understanding of how we are to channel our resources and energies to promote and enable others to know what we know.
I am looking forward to the days ahead here.
I hope you are, too.
You should.
See you in church – and bring someone with you.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Yes Sen. Inhofe, God is "up there" - and God is Pissed
I love Paul Raushenbush and he doesn't miss a chance to take on anybody.
He writes: "time is running out, and so might God's patience. . . .
If Senator Inhofe is to truly acknowledge the God up there then he should be the first to get on his knees and join with the rest of us to repent of our recklessness with the environment.
It is not too late for us to act in a way that is worthy of the trust that God placed with humans to care for the world. . . . .
Yes, God is up there - and God is pissed."
Check out Senator Inhofe's video.
Check out Paul Raushenbush's article.
He writes: "time is running out, and so might God's patience. . . .
If Senator Inhofe is to truly acknowledge the God up there then he should be the first to get on his knees and join with the rest of us to repent of our recklessness with the environment.
It is not too late for us to act in a way that is worthy of the trust that God placed with humans to care for the world. . . . .
Yes, God is up there - and God is pissed."
Check out Senator Inhofe's video.
Check out Paul Raushenbush's article.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
We Cannot Afford to Wait -- Too Many People are Dying
According to recent reliable studies, more Americans died from congressional inaction on health care than died during those years as a result of the first Gulf War, the Iraq War, the Afghanistan war, the 9/11 attacks, Hurrican Katrina and all of the nation's homicides-- combined.
And it does not have to be!!!
This can be changed -- NOW!
All people should have adequate health care. Period!!!
Especially the poor and the weak.
Interesting comment from Steven Waldman on Beliefnet:
Since health care reform was defeated in 1994, about as many Americans have died from lack of insurance as died in battle during all of the wars in American history (including the Civil War and World War II) -- combined.
Check out his calculations: http://tinyurl.com/yauakfa
and call your Senators and Congressman.
And it does not have to be!!!
This can be changed -- NOW!
All people should have adequate health care. Period!!!
Especially the poor and the weak.
Interesting comment from Steven Waldman on Beliefnet:
Since health care reform was defeated in 1994, about as many Americans have died from lack of insurance as died in battle during all of the wars in American history (including the Civil War and World War II) -- combined.
Check out his calculations: http://tinyurl.com/yauakfa
and call your Senators and Congressman.
Forgotten in the Health Care Debate: the poor and the sick
Articles in newspapers and magazines all over the country reflect things like this:
The bottom line, which becomes obscured by the high-decibel disagreements, is that health care in the United States needs fixing, . . . The people forgotten in the debate are those whom Christians have a moral responsibility to care for: the poor and the sick.
Check it out: http://tinyurl.com/ychrnvh
Call your Congressperson and Senators.
The bottom line, which becomes obscured by the high-decibel disagreements, is that health care in the United States needs fixing, . . . The people forgotten in the debate are those whom Christians have a moral responsibility to care for: the poor and the sick.
Check it out: http://tinyurl.com/ychrnvh
Call your Congressperson and Senators.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Not Providing Healthcare for All Is Morally Indefensible
A number of people have committed to 40 days of speaking out on the issue of seeing that adequate healthcare is provided for all in this country.
I appreciate reading the comments of all who do and who have spoken up and out on this issue.
Dr. Gordon D. Newby, a professor at Emory University, has just published a most interesting article that ought to inspire all of us -- as it did me -- to start proclaiming the faith-connection to the current national debate. ( http://tinyurl.com/l25hse )
He writes: At the end of August, our nation witnessed the first full public conversation about health care reform and the Gospel of the Poor.
In the celebration of Senator Kennedy’s life and accomplishments, clergy and laity joined in acknowledging that the Senator had made access to health care for all—regardless of wealth or station—his life’s work based on his understanding of the Gospels, his Roman Catholic faith, and his love for humanity.
It was a very different conversation than those we have generally heard on the broadcast media or read in print, because it was about health care for real people in real need.
It was a conversation about faith, morality, and compassion.
A conversation about faith, morality, and compassion -- that is what has been missing in all the political maneuvering about providing for reform of the current healthcare delivery system in this country.
Dr. Newby rightly suggests that so far we -- the country, the politicians, the people -- have been having the wrong conversation.
We are talking about insurance, money, the economy, freedom of choice, and letting those already fortunate to have insurance keep what they have. We are forgetting that there is a distinction between health care and health insurance, between the economy and the health of the nation.
What is needed, he boldly suggests, is a national conversation about our moral priorities as a nation, even as we discuss our financial future. From the heritage of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, it is wrong to leave so many in poverty and need.
Yes!
I, for one, pledge here and now to do what I can to participate in a national conversation about our moral priorities as a nation.
It certainly seems to me that Jesus was very clear about where he stood and would be standing when so many of neighbors are hurting so severely because of lack of access to health care.
For all who profess to be Christian it is very clear that not providing healthcare for all is morally indefensible.
Take a look at Dr. Newby's article (http://tinyurl.com/l25hse )and pass this post around for all to see.
I appreciate reading the comments of all who do and who have spoken up and out on this issue.
Dr. Gordon D. Newby, a professor at Emory University, has just published a most interesting article that ought to inspire all of us -- as it did me -- to start proclaiming the faith-connection to the current national debate. ( http://tinyurl.com/l25hse )
He writes: At the end of August, our nation witnessed the first full public conversation about health care reform and the Gospel of the Poor.
In the celebration of Senator Kennedy’s life and accomplishments, clergy and laity joined in acknowledging that the Senator had made access to health care for all—regardless of wealth or station—his life’s work based on his understanding of the Gospels, his Roman Catholic faith, and his love for humanity.
It was a very different conversation than those we have generally heard on the broadcast media or read in print, because it was about health care for real people in real need.
It was a conversation about faith, morality, and compassion.
A conversation about faith, morality, and compassion -- that is what has been missing in all the political maneuvering about providing for reform of the current healthcare delivery system in this country.
Dr. Newby rightly suggests that so far we -- the country, the politicians, the people -- have been having the wrong conversation.
We are talking about insurance, money, the economy, freedom of choice, and letting those already fortunate to have insurance keep what they have. We are forgetting that there is a distinction between health care and health insurance, between the economy and the health of the nation.
What is needed, he boldly suggests, is a national conversation about our moral priorities as a nation, even as we discuss our financial future. From the heritage of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, it is wrong to leave so many in poverty and need.
Yes!
I, for one, pledge here and now to do what I can to participate in a national conversation about our moral priorities as a nation.
It certainly seems to me that Jesus was very clear about where he stood and would be standing when so many of neighbors are hurting so severely because of lack of access to health care.
For all who profess to be Christian it is very clear that not providing healthcare for all is morally indefensible.
Take a look at Dr. Newby's article (http://tinyurl.com/l25hse )and pass this post around for all to see.
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