Convergence

 

 Well I have returned from Oklahoma City and let me just say that I was really impressed with the effort by both the Fusion Church community and those who attended the benefit concert. There was tons of winter clothing provided for those in need, and there was a lot of great music to be heard. All the acts were great, but I got to hear a new act that just blew my mind last night, and that is The Sherree Chamberlain Band. Amazing lyrics and vocals, and Sherree is only 20 years old. They’re from Stillwater, but I guess something good is bound to come out of there from time to time.

Last but not least, I want to congratulate Rob Davis, who spearheaded this whole thing and is formulating Convergence, which seeks to promote the arts as well as help out communities in OKC. Rob is an avid Lesslie Newbigin reader, and his life speaks so much of what it means to live missionally. Rob and friends are going to be starting up more events in the near future so check out his site.

Stranger Nonfiction

 

 I have yet to see the film Stranger than Fiction, starring Will Ferrell, Emma Thompson, and Dustin Hoffman. Even so, I have read reviews and a synopsis of the film that give me somewhat of a clear idea as to what is going on. I love the premise by the way. What I wanted to say was that there is a certain continuum I see with certain films as of late, and I think that what is offerred in these films is very telling of how the gospel can change people. Now, before I go on, let me just say that I don’t feel that the writers and directors nor the producers are really speaking from this perspective, but the truth that they are conveying is a truth that I want to hold on to.

Films such as Finding Neverland, Big Fish, and Adaptation tell us that story is important. The truth is that we don’t live by mere propositions or ideals even, but that we see ourselves involved in a story. It may be a story of complete fabrication, maybe it is one that needs changing, or one that is being challenged, but in the end we are deeply embedded in a story. Personally, I think a good story is to be truly valued, and I think that is why I have some hope for the gospel. The gospel is a story, or maybe as C.S. Lewis called it, the story of Jesus is the one true myth. Let’s reclaim what story really is and how it can transform us.

Cold is Hell

 

The community I was a part of in OKC, Fusion Church, is having a benefit concert tomorrow night (Saturday) to provide clothes for those in need. Some of my friends are going to be playing as well and I am really excited to see the turnout. To me, this is a truly missional act on the part of this church to provide for those in need as well as call others to service. I’m getting this info out late, but if you would like more info, check out www.fusionokc.com/convergence.

Peace

 

Introducing Eric Jensen- A Fellow Pilgrim

 

 

As I pondered a return to blogging, I realized that one of the things I missed most about writing was the response from readers. I like the conversations that can grow from writing and the many ways that we begin to “rethink” things we thought were so concrete and fixed. Deep, engaging dialogue forces us to really deal with the issues, not gloss over them and take them for granted. One of my favorite conversation partners is my best friend Eric Jensen, who himself is a writer and a very reflective and thoughtful person.  I have asked Eric to be a fellow contributor to this blog,  and I look forward to the conversations that can be created here.  So, Eric, make yourself at home….

 

By the way, Eric is on the right (brown shirt), I  am on the left (with thumb ring!)

The Return

Well, if anyone at all still checks in on this from time to time, I would like to announce that I am back for more blogging action! It has been a very long time and I have really learned a lot about myself over these past couple of months. I think I am ready to get a lot of thoughts out of my head and onto this blog.  So in the very near future, look for some posts to come soon. I am thinking about doing some book/music/film reviews, but I’ll also have my standard commentary on God, life, and culture. Perhaps some theology and spiritual formation will be in the mix as well. Well, hope to hear from you soon…