“Recapture a piece of the mystery!”
Photo by Scott E. Strissel
Christmas mystery
Does Christmas still exist (a poem)
I wonder beneath
All of the glint
And glitter
Underneath the wrappings
and freshly fallen snow
Buried deep in
smoking chimneys
and lights flickering
for repetitive attention…
beneath all of this
does Christmas
still exist?
Beneath stars
Burned out brightly
flares in the night
beacons of eternity
if we only took the
Time every so often
to look up.
Does Christmas
still exist here?
Is it lost?
Buried deep?
Are our eyes
blinded
have we stopped
Looking up?
Does Christmas
still
truly exist?
My ‘Judgey’ Thanksgiving
I used to point fingers.
I would scoff and some people.
I judged them.
Criticized them…
until last night.
I joined them.
spent money.
wandered not one, but TWO crowded stores.
Actually stood in line…outside…in freezing temperatures
But…
at the same time, I found commonality.
I found a crowded, yet civil kind of people…I was shocked.
I must admit that I was a hypocrite…before this experience.
I was not among a bunch of crazed shoppers…I was NOT a crazed shopper either.
I was surrounded amongst families who couldn’t afford much and THIS day had the best deals.
I was surrounded my Moms and Dads and kids doing their Christmas shopping.
This wasn’t destroying “family” time.
This wasn’t some sort of desecration of a holiday that some have said it to be.
For me, it was a kind of social experiment.
For me, I came away surprised.
I had stood shoulder to shoulder with other people and had not experienced the greed, the craziness, the insanity…
I’m not saying it doesn’t exist somewhere.
I’m not saying there aren’t “crazies” out there…but they weren’t in the store with me last night.
One thing I discovered…
We still preemptively judge people, at least I did.
I’m sure that I’m not the only one.
If my judgement of others exists, then other kinds of judgments still exist too.
Perhaps I learned something last night.
Perhaps we could all learn something from these kinds of social situations.
I don’t know.
But perhaps I won’t be so quick to judge other people again.
Dear Salvation Army, The Shunned
I have written a little bit about this topic before:
Officership, A Calling for a lifetime?
But…
It’s an assumed notion.
Something that we do not generally speak of in our Army, and yet it dates back to our founders, William and Catherine Booth. What of the shunned?
What do I mean by ‘shunned’ you ask?
In Booth’s day some disagreements led to the departure of family members from The Salvation Army. William considered this to be abandoning the cause. Our founding general in a very real sense shunned these family members and no one was to have anything to do with them. It didn’t just end there, however, for when family members (not Ballington Booth he is buried in New York) did not please the family with their choice of ‘leaving the work’, were in essence even shunned in death and were not allowed to be buried with William and Catherine Booth at Abney Park cemetery in London. Some of these members are buried in the same cemetery but there was explicit instruction as to not allow them to be facing William and Catherine.
I seriously doubt (I hope) that our Army “shunning” doesn’t go that deep today, but it is still present. It is in the unspoken glances. The momentary intake of breath when a former officer is seen. The look of uncertainty as to what to say. “How have you been?” “What’s new with you?“…these pleasantries just don’t seem to cut it.
Perhaps there is a disconnect between commonalities now…sometimes.
The accepted methods for “dealing” with those who have left the work varies. Some soldiers and officers are very compassionate and display grace and love and sensitivity in such situations. Others do not.
The Hypocrisy:
It is rather easy to chalk all who have left “the work” as abandoners of the faith. But are they? Do you really know this? Or, do we sometimes make hypocritical judgement of situations and circumstances that we know nothing about. I would call that ignorance at the very least.
Others would simply say “well they knew what they were getting into when they signed their covenant as an officer…” Well, “yes” and “no”. I am sure many who have signed the covenant have done so with the best of intentions. Many who have committed to the cause at that time thinking this was all that they wanted to do in their lives. There were some who, I am convinced, didn’t truly know what they were getting into even after the rigors of Officer’s training. You see the real world begins following the service of appointment. The real world doesn’t look much like the bubble that is training college. It isn’t the college’s fault…they do their very best to prepare us, but some training has to take place in situations that have many variables and consequences other than a grade in a class.
I think we ought to be careful of hypocrisy in our Army when we rush to judge those who have decided to make difficult life decisions that do not include Officership anymore. It isn’t black and white, right and wrong. Life, unfortunately has more color schemes than these. The assumed notion that all officers who have left or are leaving are due to sin issues or terminations is also hypocritical and ignorant. Opportunities come to some former officers and they choose to leave to pursue something else. There is life after officership believe it or not. There are other ministries as well other than the Army ministry.
We partner with pastors in almost all the communities that The Salvation Army is in…what if that pastor is a former officer? Can we say “well they weren’t truly called?” Um…no we can’t. In fact how dare we say something like that. Who are we to judge the lives of others, especially if their decision had nothing to do with sin or moral failures.
Questions:
Do we actively shun people who have left the work today?
Do we shun people subconsciously in the way that we act around them?
Have we closed the doors on people because of their decision to leave the work?
Is it our place to cast judgement?
Is there life outside of officership?
Is officership a calling for life to all?
I do not presume to have all of these answers… but I do know how I feel when I hear these very sad stories of officers who have chosen to leave for many different reasons and the lack of support and/or negative responses they have received which has felt like public shunning. Does it happen to all who have left the work? Of course not. Should shunning happen at all? Absolutely not…so why is it still lingering? Why do we glance a precursory judgmental stare at former officers? Why the stigma?
Sometimes I wonder if we have missed the point as we attempt to reach those who are marginalized when from time to time we are marginalizing former comrades and fellow soldiers of the army.
All I know is that if we conduct ourselves with grace, love, compassion and understanding even if we do not completely understand we can stave off this “shunning” persona in our Army…but it’s going to take some time.
Just something more to ponder in our Army world.
To God be the glory!
“I Got Saved Because Of A Halloween Gospel Tract”…Said No One EVER!
Here’s a bad poem to convey my chagrin, to all those who would drop these tracts into children’s Trick or Treat pail…sorry, but it just doesn’t work. Seriously stop…it’s annoying.
Stop, it’s not helping.
Stop, you’re making it harder for the rest of us.
Grrrrr…….
Halloween candies were not provided
while eyes and words swiftly chided
an absence of sweets to children in dresses
hell fire papers inserted instead.
A look of defeat hidden by darkness
walk down the street recover this mess.
I got saved from a hell fire tract…
okay, not really…it was camp, in fact.
These paper witnesses do not attract
it’s annoying and it really detracts
Find another way to convey God’s word
instead of hell fire and some deadly swords.
The Black-eye Of Sports
I love sports.
I am an avid fan of various sporting teams.
There are certain players that I enjoy watching play the game. There are superstars with an insane amounts of talent and to see them in action is truly inspiring. I don’t want to take away anything from these sports that I love. The game, in its pure form, can be spectacular to behold.
Recently in the news there have been stories of rampant racism, and domestic violence. Some perpetrated by team owners while other acts such as domestic violence perpetrated by big named players. It makes us sit back a bit from the couch. It makes us re-evaluate what is important in life, beyond our weekly fascination with our home town teams.
The Black-eye of Sports:
The issues are really two-fold.
1) Personal struggles. 
Sometimes it’s because people have harbored ignorance and racism in their lives and these troubles that have been left unresolved and addressed. In 2014, it is shocking yet not surprising that racism is still alive. It hurts my heart to even imagine ignorance like this still kicking. It hasn’t gone away, but I sure wish it would. While other times individuals have grown up in environments where learned abuse has become a “passed on” trait in their lives. This does not excuse abuses by any means! Violence against women or children, or anyone else for that matter, cannot and should not be tolerated! When a sports figure, no matter how nationally recognized they are, is convicted or has displayed evidence of such a crime, they should not be allowed to continue to take a public stage in their respective sport. Consequences for violence should be swiftly dealt with by both the league they compete in as well as the appropriate legal system(s).
But this topic is also quite complex as well. There shouldn’t be just punishment for the offender. If these individuals have grown up in homes of abuse and in turn have become abusers as well, counseling and rehabilitation ought to be sought also. How will this cycle ever end if both the short term outcomes as well as the long term outcomes aren’t addressed?
2) Sweeping Things Under The Rug…
Sports franchises and leagues ought to be held accountable if they ignore such acts of violence by their players. The whole Ray Rice situation has been both quietly and publicly analyzed. Did the NFL try to keep the evidence under wraps? What was the extent of their responsibility? Did they scramble and only react because of the public outcry? What does it say about integrity and ethics? Understandably action was taken but if there had not been such a public response who these reactions been as severe?
Zero Tolerance For Every League!
No matter what the sport, every league should analyze how they respond to such proven crimes of domestic violence as well as evidence of racism. Serious offenses such as these ought to be handled both in the court system but also within each respective leagues. This isn’t JUST an NFL issue. I believe other leagues are ignoring potential horrific abuses of the kinds as well. I hope that every league in the US (and abroad) would implement vital policies to stop abusers of every kind long before the public gets wind of viral videos, long before there is applied pressure by the public. I am hopeful that leagues will become more sensitive in protecting the innocent instead of protecting their investments…that they seek to send a message to the rest of society that abuse of any kind is wrong and should never be tolerated.
For The Rest Of Us…
We too have a responsibility to society.
We may not know star athletes and we may not travel among classes of wealth (perhaps some of you d0)…but we should have a responsibility in our local communities and neighborhoods. We can end domestic violence. We can stop it, report it, and combat it through non-violent means. We have a voice. We have various means to end these awful, sometimes unspoken, crimes. We should never ignore such blights of society. We cannot turn a blind eye to innocent children and women being abused behind closed doors in their homes.
We shouldn’t turn a blind eye to racism in the work place, the social gather spaces or our neighborhoods either. We must actively campaign against such ignorance and injustice.
We may not be able to individually control sports leagues and their wealthy bankrolled lawyers and image consultants. But we can implement change within our own communities, stand up from the innocent and work towards publicly altering the environment in which these leagues operate in.
As a Christian and a Pastor, It is vital that we help those in need including and especially those without a voice. Abuse is no joke. It can permanently damage lives and ruin families. Speak up, take a stand and help to end domestic violence!
Something more to ponder today.
For more information on Domestic Violence:
Domestic Hotline
End Racism!
Fight racism now!
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Other sources
Dear Salvation Army – 3 Reasons to Rethink What “Church” is…
Yes, we’re a movement.
Yes, we are more than just a Church.
But what do we call what we do on Sunday’s?
Yes – Holiness Meetings and Salvation Meetings…but the elements of worship are involved aren’t they?
1. Statistics & Sundays…
I do no wish to argue terminologies today. I want to delve deeper into the heart of what we do within our active ministry roles.
We count statistics, of this we cannot deny or escape the reality of such documentation. Statistics can be an indicator of health or critical needs within our corps…BUT, what if we are too dependent upon who comes on Sunday? Is this the “make or break” issue for our ministries? Are there not other days in the week that we provide worship opportunities? Sometimes, I must confess, I have gotten caught up in the numbers game on Sunday and completely overlooked the vital importance of midweek worship opportunities.
2. Home Fellowship…
Where did the early church gather to worship with one another? In their homes. They shared what they had. They broke bread together. They grew because of this close knit “family”.
Another component that might help us to rethink what “Church” is could be one of the most pivotal fellowship tools we possess – our homes. The places we reside. Do we take the initiative to not only visit our corps members but to host frequent, yet intentional, worship times within the home, whether it be your home or someone else’? When we are away from the corps halls and we allow our “hair down” and our shoes off, we are more comfortable. We are on level ground with others gathered in our home. These are moments not to miss. These can become crucial times to personalize the gospel and our Christian relationships with each other.
These home fellowships shouldn’t be forced upon anyone, but allowed to happen naturally. Take chances. Take risks. Get to know your corps members and let the corps members know you. When we can relax within each other’s fellowship we are more inclined to talk one on one and peer to peer. This can be where true growth and decisions takes place.
3. Biblical Studies, Prayer & Holiness...
The concept of “Church” is so much more than what we do on Sunday mornings and the elements involved in our worship times. Do we collectively devote ourselves to times of biblical studies? Is there adequate times devoted to understand what we study? Is there homework and life application involved? Coupled with the need to know the Word of God better is the need for collective times of prayer. I am firmly convinced that some of our losses today within our Army has to do with the elimination of prayer meetings within our weekly schedules. Prayer is THAT important! If your corps doesn’t have a prayer meeting anymore and you are seeing a decline in your soldiery/attendance then perhaps it’s time to re-employ this powerful spiritual tool. It not only allows us to talk to our Lord in prayer but it also unifies us under one specific cause – prayer for each other. This is vital.
Coupled with biblical studies and prayer meetings should be the teachings of holiness within our corps body. I firmly believe we have lost this intentional emphasis in a large portion of our army. The need for spiritual disciplines and growth is another vital element to our army. When re-thinking “Church” does the need for holiness come to mind? Is there more to our Army than just the statistic of those who have recently made a decision for Christ? What do you do with those who have recently become saved? Is spiritual growth and holiness (sometimes synonymous) emphasized?
Wrapping this pondering up:
“Church” is more than Sunday worship.
“Church” is more than how many people come to our services.
“Church” is more than the corps building…hence the movement…
Our places of residence can be “Church”…
Our emphasis of holiness is “Church”…
Our love for everyone we can reach beyond our soldiers in uniform is “Church”.
So get on with it!
Questions:
Are there areas of your ministry that you’ve overlooked?
Have you misplaced some of the emphasis on other programs and other relationships?
Can we rethink what “Church”, or if you’re uncomfortable with that word, what “ministry” is?
Just a bit more for our Army world to ponder today.
To God be the glory!
Dear Salvation Army – OneArmy…Is it possible?
One Army, one mission, one message,
One Saviour and Lord of all;
An Army with purpose and passion,
We are united to answer his call.
An Army following Christ together,
Reaching the lost with his love;
One Army, one mission, one message
For the world.
-(Commissioners Robert Street and Dick Krommenhoek)
In an ever progressing world that is often full of strive, turbulence and pain…can we be One Army?
In a world where outbreaks of Ebola, AIDS and other horrifying diseases plague men, women and children…can we be One Army?
What is our Mission?
What is our Message?
I know our Salvation Army leaders including General Bond have already clearly articulated the answers to the above questions. They are:
VISION
ONE ARMY: We see a God-raised, Spirit-filled Army for the 21st century – convinced of our calling, moving forward together
We will…
- deepen our spiritual life
- unite in prayer
- identify and develop leaders
- increase self-support and self-denial
ONE MISSION: Into the world of the hurting, broken, lonely, dispossessed and lost, reaching them in love by all means
We will…
- emphasise our integrated ministry
- reach and involve youth and children
- stand for and serve the marginalised
- encourage innovation in mission
ONE MESSAGE: With the transforming message of Jesus, bringing freedom, hope and life
We will…
- communicate Christ unashamedly
- reaffirm our belief in transformation
- evangelise and disciple effectively
- provide quality teaching resources
(Source: OneArmy)
Two Questions To Ponder:
2. Who is “WE”?
It is you, it is me, it is every Soldier around the world who is willing to wage war against sin and darkness. We MUST become One. We cannot fight independently because our Mission is too great to wage solo missions. We are called by God to proclaim His name to the whosoever and often times those we reach out to are despondent, hurting, lost, poor, wretched and marginalized by society. This battle is tough. “Army” life is not “cushy” or comfortable. We serve a purpose and we cannot afford to hunker down in corps buildings babbling about the glory days while we do nothing…that is a vision lost! Our call…you and me – “WE” are One Army and we must begin to act like it if we are to progress and transform lives!
1. Are we encouraging “Innovation in Mission”?
What does innovation in mission look like?
Is this universal or regional?
Can we possess varying missions in various places around the world and still maintain “OneArmy”?
Secondly, are we truly willing to risk A LOT in order to accomplish our Mission?
Innovation in any organization, movement or church will cause initial turbulence and occasional upheaval. Innovation requires that pesky element called “Change” and often time most of the time people (in general) do not like change. One Army calls its soldiers and officers to become more innovative in our mission. We must grow, adapt, and multiply. Discipleship making is vital in our army. We cannot accomplish our mission without forces on the ground. We cannot win souls if no one is willing to step out and say “here I am, Lord send me!” Discipleship is a fundamental calling to all of Christ-followers including Salvationists. We just fancy our disciples to become additional soldiers in our army and wear the uniform along side us. But are we truly prepared to make disciples and salvationists?
We are individuals, uniquely created by God and yet we are also called to work together to accomplish this great commission here on earth. Becoming more missionally minded will force us to adapt, change and become pioneers and innovators in this army.
The Salvation Army needs YOU!
The Salvation Army needs Me!
Without individuals who are willing to throw caution to the wind, to push and strain not only relevancy but sincere, godly holy living as men and women of the Most High. We cannot settle for what we have accomplished in the past to get us through to tomorrow. We cannot rest and relax when still so many marginalized in our world suffer under so many oppressive elements.
Innovation can and will take on numerous forms, and as William Booth once said to Bramwell – “Do something!”
We must do something!
Do the impossible.
Dream for those who cannot dream because life’s nightmares have deprived them of dreams.
Fight for those who are suffering, those who are poor, those who are unrepresented and misunderstood.
Put away the judgments and the scorn and the cynicism and pray for better attitudes and eyes that see others the way that Christ see them. We MUST become One Army.
-For divided we will fall.
-Divided we will fail.
-Divided sin claims victory and victims continue to live in physical and spiritual hells.
Dear Salvation Army…One Army is NOT a Dream!
One Army is possible.
One Army is relevant in our present state of things within and without the Army.
One Army is nothing without holy men and women willing to fight side by side for a purpose higher than any one person. It is this continuation of the great commission that is at the forefront of our Army’s mission and purpose.
Are we ready to take this stand?
Good! Then it begins on our knees before the Father who is the only One who can make the impossible possible in our efforts. It is no good to simply add more uniforms to our Army unless we do so with holy intent and a willingness to be transformed completely by the Holy Spirit. It is no good to simply come to services and pretend to buy into the holy mission but in our hearts we have not yet allowed God full access of our heart and lives in a full surrender.
Dear Salvation Army, One Army – One Mission – One Message IS POSSIBLE…but it MUST, MUST, MUST begin on our knees as we anxiously await the Holy Spirit’s leading and prodding.
-Just something more for our Army world to ponder today.
To God be the glory!
Saturday Musings…in an airport. (I’m looking up)
I am sitting in the airport right now waiting for my flight. There is a cup of hot steaming coffee next to me still too hot to drink. It is my vice, my friend.
As I sit in these delta blue pleather seats surrounded by other travelers currently, temporarily displaced and homeless until they make that connecting flight, I feel like I am in limbo. I don’t just mean this airport. Perhaps that stimulates these rambling thoughts in me now. Other travelers seem unperturbed by this. They have white plastic earphones in, blank stares on tired faces attempting to tune out the world around them. We are a curious bunch…simply waiting here.
Souls connect like this all too often. Close enough to touch, within arms reach and yet a million miles from a smile. Isn’t that kind of how our world is evolving? So close that we are too close…and so we put earphones in our ears in order to drown out the thought that others can see will see who we really are. We are close and yet we don’t want to be close. We are all traveling in the same direction and yet we attempt to ignore those around us all the while pretending to make ourselves busy with papers and tablets and anything else.
We are alone in our consuming lives with dour stares and tired eyes. Is this what we have become? Is this what we wanted to become? I say no. I say look up. I say engage people around us.
This is me attempting to re-engage myself.
This is me attempting to unplug my device and plug myself into the real world with real people again.
This is me waking up to the call for passion, compassion and genuine care for others around me.
This is me realizing that I can’t simply ignore the world that is crashing around me anymore…is this you too?
I’m taking my white earphones out.
I’m looking up.
Can you see the smile on my face?
Can you see these revitalized eyes?
Pastor's Ponderings 