Easter Sights and Sounds

I think this past Easter season was by far my favorite, Lent was spiritually exhausting yet rich in lessons I have learned about myself, others, and God. What might seem really odd to some but is normal for me is that I didn’t really read the scriptures more or spend more time in prayer (by prayer I mean time set aside). I think, as Buechner says it best, I just began listening to my life. More than ever, I became acutely aware of my inner desires, the resounding gong of my selfishness, the countless times I have tried to polish this image of myself that I present to others in various showcases. I could go on about how dark my soul is, but then again I don’t want to depress myself nor anyone who reads this any longer.

One of the things gained in this Lenten season has been a fresh outlook on how people form and shape my life, how the voice of God is always speaking but in places I never imagined, how the things I speak are really prayers for myself and for others. Hope longed for, not always achieved, can still be beautiful in and of itself. I think it is a part of God’s inaugurated and yet still approaching kingdom. Dreams are good, they can keep us waiting in times where we are ready to throw up our hands in defeat. I think that is what Christ has showed me this Easter, that hope is good, and it is the best of things at times. I hope in the person of Christ, for his resurrection to manifest itself in my own new life. I hope that people will continue to not give up on me, that they keep showering me with the love of God. I hope that I can contribute to others in a way that flows out of love and produces hope. I hope… 

Also, I wanted to incorporate the music, books, and films I enjoyed during the season that can serve as a backdrop for the things I was experiencing along the way. I got this idea from Anthony over at postmodernegro.wordpress.com

Music:

Derek Webb- basically all of I See Things Upside Down- I Repent, Medication, Lover pt. 2, and What is Not Love were my favorite songs on this album

Denison Witmer- favorite songs were: Are You Lonely?, Finding Your Feet Again, 22, You Could Be Anything, Are You a Dreamer

Rosie Thomas- These Friends of Mine album

Books:

Free of Charge- Miroslav Volf

Telling the Truth: The Gospel as Tragedy, Comedy and Fairy Tale- Frederick Buechner

Following Jesus: Biblical Reflections on Discipleship- N.T. Wright

Film/DVD:

How to Kill and Be Killed- Derek Webb, Stranger Than Fiction, The Departed, Blood Diamond, Adaptation

ALSO

Congrats to Rob on getting ordained this Easter. Rob has been a pastor for a long time, and didn’t need to be ordained to prove it or jumpstart his pastoral “career”. He has been a shepherd to many people, and I am happy to see so many gather around Rob and his family to honor his ministry. Going to OKC was great, I love the community at Fusion for it is very much like a second home to me. Grace and Peace