I like blogging, but like my life right now I am riding under the waves. Most people unless really close can't see me, my life, and the realities of my journey with the Lord. I keep saying over the next horizon I will have time for this or that.
I think reality is: accept the reality I have. So I'll keep popping up for air from time to time.
I'm learning about calling these days. It will sound simple, but I'm learning when my friend is mad at me, I am still called to be a friend. When my wife is mad at me I am still called to husband her. When my kids are mad at me, I am still called to father them. When I am mad at me, I am still called to pastor others, father my kids, husband my wife, serve the body of Christ. I am not my own but I am bought with a price. Circumstances don't dictate our calling, being obedient to Christ does. I'm learning.
8 comments:
Like you really needed the previous comment... Argh.
Ber,
you are loved. good to see your head above ground.
when there is time on your clock, i'll make time on mine.
grace and peace.
Hi Berry,
Well, at least your pains are growing pains, so there's a bright side to them. But you know what? It possible to be mad at someone and still love them with all of your heart. You are a man greatly loved and respected.
Nancy and I were talking about you recently, wondering if we'd get to visit with you again some day soon. Maybe when things slow down, something can work out.
Loren,
I'll pray you guys get that opportunity.
Loren aksed,
"Is it possible to be mad with someone and still love them with all your heart?"
Loren, I believe that it is. I can be angry and still not sin (greek=fall short of the goal). If an injustice is done against my family, I should be angry. If Darfour is being raped and forgotten, I should be angry.
I believe the greater sin is to sit by idly in a smug religious tone and do nothing. The prophets point this direction when they call for the nation of God's people to speak out on behalf of the voiceless.
Also, if another person offends me, Jesus does call me to forgive them, but he does not call me to act like nothing happened. He calls me to quick action in resolving the conflict, not to putting on a "forgiving smile" and letting it be.
Jesus was about reconciliation (which is a rough and stormy sea), not calming our relational waters.
The anger we feel is/can be an indicator that the work of the Holy Spirit is not finished in this world.
Hi Justin,
Oh, I agree completely. But I've known Berry for a long time, and I know the people he's mentioned and the relationships they share. So for me, it went without saying that he had already discussed it with them. (he wouldn't have written about it here, unless he had).
Still, it is important for other readers to hear the fuller counsel and context if they are to learn from his example. Good catch!
Okay Justin,
You just gave my wife and kids permission to get mad at me. You are a non traditionalist, out of the box thinking, crazy radical, actually thinking. What ? Are you trying to shake up the system ? I thought once you got your hair cut you would conform to the status quo ( I hope everybody hears me having fun here )
I think forgiveness is a process. You can begin and be in that process and still be dealing with anger. The key for me is that justice is the Lord's, whether that has my involvement in it or not, it is up to him.
And for the record the examples of my post were not real life situations that I am in at the minute but more of real life situations I find myself in from time to time.
Good to have some dialogue on the blog. It makes me feel postmodern.
Sounds to me like you are not under the waves and popping up for air now and then, you are riding them!
Surfs up!
James 1
Hey Berry,
It has been a while and I just happened to jump on your blog today and WOW this blog entry is me me me me me me in a big way!!!
After an extended summer break two weeks ago Saturday we began meeting again in our house hosting our little community OHC.
Family of seven, commercial construction company, office relocation, restructuring of our companies/divisions - madness!!!
Thank You for your great input and contribution[s] to our family, the family that we all celebrate as we come together regardless of format to encourage, build, strengthen, and model life openly, honestly before each other.
We are still looking forward to joining you guys soon - Please advise what would be best for your group and please feel free to come by ours any Satuday Night your free. If you guys are open to it maybe you guys could just plan to come some Saturday and take the whole night teaching, music, whatever you would like we can talk more should you be open to this idea.
Directions and stuff at www.frothandbubble.squarespace.com
Also Berry I would like your permission to not just link but rather post your blog entry: "Random Thoughts on Leadership"
Outstanding stuff dude and something we have been really just talking about over the last week.
Oh, one more thing first friday of every month a bunch of oganicsimplechurchemerginghomecellsmallgroup people are meeting at "Big Buck" at the north side of the airport where bass pro and the embassy suites is. This seems to be a central location for everyone since we have people coming from all point N, S, E, W to grab lunch get together, get to put faces with names, get some good feedback, and just generally build greater community here in DFW.
Let me know if you or anyone you know would be interested in going.
Thanks Brian
Post a Comment