LINK: “Christian & Gay?” | Relevant Magazine

Would Darren “Do The Church Dance”? Anyone who knows me well would probably quickly say “YES” because I’m known to dance – and on occasion break a sweat doing so.  But the continued enjoyment of dancing hasn’t come without much consideration in my Christian life.  In fact, when I first had my born-again experience in 1998, I quickly stopped dancing all-together because I associated it with being “worldly” and leading to “sinful behavior”.  That was my conviction then, but it was probably fueled more by zeal and shallow thinking.  It’s probably didn’t help much that the church I was part of at the time didn’t condone any dance other than that modified two-step or an equivalent of bucking around wildly. (Full disclosure… I could “cut a step” with the rest of ‘em!)

However, as I grew and studied the word, I came to realize that dance (and music) aren’t strictly the devil’s territory.  I eventually found a renewed desire to express myself through dance – and to do so in praise to God.   I also learned that much of what we disdain in church has more to do with our cultural objections (and fears) than with transcendent biblical truth.

I posted the “Do The Church Dance” video on my Facebook page and (as to be expected) was met with mixed reactions.  I’m also following the comments on pages of several friends who posted it.  Mostly there are LOL’s about the video, but by the comments a few people have taken offense.  I’m curious to get others perspective on why this is offensive to them.  Many seem to consider this ‘inappropriate’ for church – and while I wouldn’t lead a congregation in a round of it, I don’t think it’s ‘wrong’ or making fun of the church.  (They do a STRING of dances you can see in many African-American churches on any given Sunday!)

On one of the comment threads, I shared this in considering the opinion that church should be reverent/reserved.

Listening to the lyrics (while not life changing) he talked about living his life differently than the way his contemporaries are living. I think he also is encouraging people to dance and express themselves in the dance style that is familiar to them – while incorporating some ‘moves’ from the previous generations.

I think the modern “hip-hop” styling and dancing may be challenging to many – especially for people from traditionally reverent worship communities. But this is true in the same way that the introduction of the Hammond B-3 organ was considered the devil’s instrument and inappropriate for the church (the “B” stood for BAR – like where people go to Drink).

I think people generally are cautious about cultural things that relate back to areas that were sinful for them in the past and for good reason.  We can’t just go about life without giving consideration to what influences us.  But in considering history, I think this will pan out in similar ways to the contributions of Thomas Dorsey (great video link!) and Mahalia Jackson, or more recently songs like “Oh Happy Day” – in their time, they were considered worldly and inappropriate – but today they are “traditional” and “old school” church!

What are your thoughts?  Would you defend or support releases like “Do The Church Dance”?

Check out the above link to AfroSpear – a blog where I found powerful yet simple video that inspired this post.

I’m becoming more and more interested in the dynamics of story. Not just in literary form but also in music, drama, video, and cultural traditions.  Our worldviews are built on the stories we’ve heard and accepted.  History exists as a collection of stories.  We long to live the kind of life that makes a great story someday after we’re gone.

What also must be considered is the fact that stories are often told from a single perspective.  We often gain new understanding when we hear a story from another perspective – even if the story has been told to us for ages.

I just wanted to share an article I stumbled upon at Salon.com.  I’ve heard Tim Wise speak on the subject as well as a dear friend who is a College professor expound on these topics.  It’s a good non-sensational read.  Check it out and feel free to share your thoughts here.

I’m familiar with the history of a group of scientists coining ‘race’ and making ‘whiteness’ the next thing under God in their hierarchy of creation.  I wasn’t familiar with the origin of ‘Caucasian’ and how this so frequently has been about aesthetic beauty.

I just read this article from the Center for Democracy & Technology and thought it was very useful and reasonable in the scenarios it presents.  The article looks at the growing nature of location aware information and services and the real and needed privacy controls around these services.  This was a refreshing read after wading through the information spun by groups like PleaseRobMe.com – which was rewriting actual location aware posts from Foursquare to basically say “I’ve left and gone to ______ location, please rob my home now.”

Everyday it seems we become more aware of concerns about identity-theft, personal information accidentally being exposed, and the ever-present Big Brother seeing too much into our lives.  The reality is that today we are exposed to more information in a single day than people of the past were exposed to in their entire lifetimes.  The challenge is being wise about how this information is collected, stored, and used.

Take a look at the article and be mindful of supporting legislation and other forms of policy that support privacy ideals like these.

I’m very late on hearing this, but I certainly enjoyed it.  It seems EVERYONE was able to do a more heartfelt and compassionate musical tribute to Hati than the “We Are The World 25″ remake. Kirk Franklin is a great songwriter – especially for songs like this.  Enjoyed the vocal performances of everyone in this as well.

Check out the above link for a quick and interesting article about the Number Robin Dunbar is credited with defining. Basically, he asserts that people can only maintain about 150 meaningful relationships and beyond that the connection deteriorates.

I’d observed this same principal when I noticed how small churches that are very focused on their pastor ‘max out’ at around 200 members.  I said that in a scenario like that, there are only so many people who are able to genuinely connect to the pastor or leader. When his limit is reached, it cuts off new people to the ‘appeal’ of that community.  Those who come in after that number has been reached, never feel connected and simply drift away to another church or community.

I think it’s important that we are mindful of these kinds of numbers when we think about our own leadership and relationships.

Check out the above article for some great points about unhealthy ways we approach spirituality.  I’m currently reading The Emotionally Healthy Church by Peter Scazzero and it’s digging up some very key points in how we do church and relate to each other.

It took less than 10 minutes to create this and it has a few more features that I only tried out a little.  It’s another neat way to share photos – especially as a time line or in a chronological order.

jonireyes252 is not in your Messenger List
Use caution in corresponding with people you don’t know and never share confidential or private information with them.
Report as Spam?

jonireyes252: well I just saw your name on the yaahoo directory and your profile seemed interesting lol
Darren: really? what’s one plus one?
jonireyes252: what are you up to?
Darren: seeing if you’re a bot or a human
jonireyes252: whats a bot?
Darren: a computer that sends out automated messages that ‘look’ like conversations but then invite you to some spam site
Darren: lol
jonireyes252: nah, I am a vegetarian…  no spam for me! haha
Darren: ha! that’s human
Darren:
Darren: so who the heck are ya?
jonireyes252: nice, nothin I work from home just starting doing these cam shows  It’s pretty fun actually lol
jonireyes252: I am a little busy right now cant really talk here, but if you want I would LOVE if you came to watch my show, give me some company, and maybe a GOOD rating ???
jonireyes252: This way you can see what I look like and we can chat while I work, I promise you wont be dissapointed..I must warn you though, I am not wearing much..
Darren:
Darren: this is too funny
jonireyes252: well I think i have my free friend’s pass lyin here one sec babe.. I mean would you want it??
jonireyes252: yup, I do got another pass left!..YAY.. just please don’t tell anyone else I can get in trouble. What color panties should I put on for you sexy, i’ll let you pick! LOL
Darren: hilarious
jonireyes252: k lol .. You joining me ?
Darren: right after I stop laughing at how terrible this cam invte is.
jonireyes252: Ok, go to http://tinyurl.com/… (URL removed for your safety) scroll all the way down to the bottom babe, and you will see “friends of Myra”, click that and when you get the password page, put in the password: ” kisses ” okay?
Darren: pancakes monkey fly round four six
jonireyes252: yup, fill out your info, make sure you put your correct b-day k?
Darren: quack sick puff
jonireyes252: k, if you entered as my friend, it should say 0.00, if so you are good for my free friend’s pass dont worry about the autorenew the pass cancels all charges
Darren: and it cancels the national debt while making health-care free for all? AND pays my college loans?
jonireyes252: CC is just to verify your age hun,its the sites policy to ensure no minors get access to the site .. i gave u my free friend’s pass
Darren: and you gave me more reason to fly to the moon on a strawberry with cream cheese.
jonireyes252: ok let me know when you get in so I can invite you directly to my cam.
Darren: and let the pron begin? I wonder how far this thing will go?
jonireyes252: k, you in yet babe?? Don’t keep me waiting!
Darren: oh well.  I’m in! ok actually I’m faking… but you’re fake too and this is all a loop in the matrix.  In fact…  what happens if I take the green pill?
jonireyes252: the only thing fake here is your toupet!
Darren: apparently you don’t know me very well.  Would you like a drink or a malware scan?
jonireyes252: k
Darren: if I say faking again will you use the same reply?
jonireyes252: k when u login click LIVEWEBCAMS and I’m the girl on the top row farthest to the left.  There’s a chat there so I’ll see u there babe … maybe u tell me what to do
Darren: I’d like you to ask the blue fairy to turn you into a real boy – and give you a cricket who is your voice of wisdom.
jonireyes252 is typing a message.
jonireyes252: k
Darren: That was Easy.
Darren: do you have anything else witty to share?
Darren: no? oh well… to the spam folder you go.

Did you notice how it was ‘scripted’ to anticipate certain things that would happen in the conversation and reply to certain key words like ‘bot’ or ‘spam’?  But it couldn’t handle a math question or respond to nonsense words.   When in doubt CHECK IT OUT!

The Weight I Carry on Vimeo on Vimeo

I loved this video from Igniter Media from both a design perspective and a personal one.

So often I look ‘fine’ on the surface, but just minutes into a thoughtful reflection on “how am I doing” and suddenly the burdens of my life all start grappling for attention.  I think the challenge is not avoiding having things to carry – I’m not sure how attainable that goal is.  I think we are called to 1) cast our Cares on Him (Jesus) and 2) bear one another’s burdens.  In my mind I think I do both, but in reality I’m not doing so well with either of those.

For me to allow someone else to bear some of my burden would require me to let go of part of it, to actually put the weight of my life in part on someone else.  Theoretically that would make things so much more ‘doable’ but I really struggle with feeling like I’m ‘being a burden’ on someone else.

And giving my cares to Jesus is sooooo much easier to sing about – but in daily living it would seem that I make that a last resort when I’ve run out of things I can do myself.  How much different would my life be if I practiced daily surrendering my cares to Him and seeing what he leaves me to work on?

These are just the thoughts that pass through my mind… these are the thoughts that need to become actions in my life. I hope these things inspire something within you as well.

CHANGED from blaine hogan on Vimeo.

This music video was created for Aaron Niequist’s new song, Changed.

©2009 AARONieq Music / Willow Creek Community Church

I Love this video.  it speaks in simple ways about the awesome things that God has called us to.  “How can we worship more than singing?” is a question we have to ask regularly.

Right now, I’m knee deep in planning an Arts Reception for all the creative, musical, artistic types at my church.  My hope is to empower as many people as possible to connect with our church and use their gifts and to connect with other individuals who share their passions.  I’m extremely excited about the potential of what could come from people gifted by God to do creative things getting together to spread the Gospel, provoke thought and action, and to communicate the heart of God.

Keep me in your prayers as I can get a little overwhelmed with the minute details (that I don’t really need to worry about).  I know that God is in control and working things out wonderfully according to his plan.  If you’re in the Chicago area on August 30th, I’d love to see you there!  You can get details at WCarts.eventbright.com!

lol!

The little boy playing the tin can in the video is his 7 year old son.  The video is a lot of fun, just like the song.  Sometimes you just need to celebrate in what God has given you! Happy Friday everyone! Enjoy!

Photos, videos, and links after the jump

• Mr. Wyatt invited me to sing worship with the team at Chicago Hope Academy.  It’s always wonderful to get back to the roots of my “youth ministry” days.  The message that the speaker brought was powerful and hit my heart.  I didn’t write down her name but she talked about how Solomon was granted great wisdom and wealth, yet his life was led astray by his compromises in relationships.  I’ve been struggling with little seemingly innocent conversations that could easily bring trouble in the long run.  So that message served as a GREAT reminder to watch for the small foxes that spoil the vine.
• My small group gathered together and really came to the support of one of our members who was/is having a difficult time.  We ALL were at some very similar points and 1 Thessalonians chapters 4:1-12 and 5:23-28 really blessed us.  It was great to spend that time in fellowship and prayer.
• AXIS: Chicago – the 20′s and 30′s ministry from my church led us in a powerful time of worship and testimony as 4 people were given the platform to share their stories of struggle and victory with Sex and Sexuality.  I loved that our community has created a safe place for people to be honest about their lives and we can grow together into the fullness the lives we’re called to live.  I’m looking forward to the upcoming featured guest — my friend — Andy Marin who will be talking about the role of the church in ministering to the gay community.
• Worship without Limits – Sunday’s worship and message were AWESOME!  Bill Hybels spoke about hearing the voice of God and discerning that voice from everything else.  And being part of the worship that morning was amazing we had SUCH a great time and sang a few songs for the first time: Glory to Glory, and Victory Chant (Hail Jesus, You’re My King).  It totally rocked!
• I was asked to be part of our Good Friday service at church. My role was one of three in a dramatic reading that was the retelling of the Passion of  Christ.  The reading was weaved through the entire service around the communion, solos, and times of reflective silence.  The preparation was great – I had two wonderful directors who have such a passion for ministry through drama and the service went powerfully well!  I got a lot of positive response and a few long silent hugs.    It was powerful!  I hope to get an audio recording of the service (I don’t know if one was made).
• Our regular Men’s Breakfast (second Saturday of every month) went wonderfully well!  I created a new screen graphic for our series (Letters Written to Men) and led the guys in singing “I Am Free”.  We studied the book of Galatians together and dug into what freedom in Christ really means for our everyday lives.  I’m so thankful for the relationships I’ve built in that group – it’s encouraged me in ways far too numerous to list here.
• Resurrection Sunday – I’m looking forward to how God will minister to the people that walk through our doors in just a few hours.  It’s about 1am now and I should be sleeping but I’m excited about the service.  I’m continually amazed at what God is doing in the community at Willow Chicago.  I was just sharing with someone how remarkable it is that it’s not a ‘perfect church’ but it’s a healthy and growing church.  It’s an interesting paradox to live in, but helps to create a vision in me for my own life that won’t be ‘perfect’ but can be healthy.  I realize that there’s so much power in the relationships we maintain with God, with ourselves, and with others.   This weekend we celebrate the ultimate act of restoring relationships as we celebrate Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection so that we could be restored to complete relationship.