Happy Mandela Day everyone! And Happy 95th Birthday Madiba!
With all the talk going around about whether he will be alive after today, and what will happen if he's not, I feel the need to post this article.
"Many middle-class people harbour deep fears that a majority-ruled South Africa cannot prosper."
Just putting that challenge out there to all my fellow South Africans...
Thursday 18 July 2013
Wednesday 17 July 2013
Mandela Day (Part 1)
It's Mandela Day tomorrow! AKA Nelson Mandela's 95th Birthday!
And the question everyone's asking is, 'What are you going to do for your 67 minutes?'
For anyone who doesn't know, it's become a tradition that to celebrate Madiba's birthday everyone in the nation is called to give 67 minutes of their time and energy into helping others, i.e. through a project in their community. Don't ask me when or how this tradition came about, or even why it's 67 minutes though!
So, we at LifeXchange asked our guys the question - specifically, what have they noticed as a need in Ocean View that we can do something about? And their answer was... nothing. NOTHING.
Okay, to be fair, after pushing them a bit more to think they did come up with a few unrealistic suggestions (like a soup kitchen to feed everyone!), but clearly their hearts weren't into any of them really.
Now, the fabulous IIE LifeXchange training courses I've just done, tell me that the guys are blinded to the situation in their own neighbourhood. They've got used to seeing the rubbish lying around and young children playing in it, the wasted, passed-out men or boys against gang-graffitied walls, the dying or empty flowerbeds that show previous attempts to pretty up a corner yard, and even the sounds and sights of gunshots and murders on the weekend. Apparently, it only takes three days to get used to anything. You may not accept it, but without even realising it, you no longer notice it.
And, our LifeXchange team working the guys, tells me that it's an image issue. They have a certain reputation they have to keep up as youth in their community. And, while, hopefully, for our guys it's no longer about being in the Bad Boys or Rudeboys or any of the other gangs, it's still 'not cool' to be seen picking up litter or gardening or things like that.
But, looking into my own heart tells me it's a mindset issue. Example: A while ago I made the decision to give lifts to people (or just women, really) who are needing to hitch a ride in my direction. As a generosity thing. I have a car all to myself - they don't - why don't I help them out? I say this, but in reality I do this very seldom, despite the fact that everyday I pass at least a handful of people along my route to work. So, what's the disconnect? Most times, I'm already passed them before I even think about possibly stopping. I have a lot on my mind as I'm driving, clearly. Kind of like life! So, I have learned that I have to tell myself every time (or those times I'm not already late for something!) I get in the car to look out for people who might need a lift along the way. And so...the same applies to life, I believe. We can say what we like to ourselves, but there's some point when we have to be actively looking or intentional about what reaching out to people to actually make what we say happen.
Whether it's one or all three of these reasons getting in the way, it's still disappointing that the guys came up with nothing to do for tomorrow. Still, we're working on growing generosity in their lives. And in my own life. And it doesn't have to only happen tomorrow! There are loads more opportunities on a daily basis that we can jump into. If we're really looking...
And the question everyone's asking is, 'What are you going to do for your 67 minutes?'
For anyone who doesn't know, it's become a tradition that to celebrate Madiba's birthday everyone in the nation is called to give 67 minutes of their time and energy into helping others, i.e. through a project in their community. Don't ask me when or how this tradition came about, or even why it's 67 minutes though!
So, we at LifeXchange asked our guys the question - specifically, what have they noticed as a need in Ocean View that we can do something about? And their answer was... nothing. NOTHING.
Okay, to be fair, after pushing them a bit more to think they did come up with a few unrealistic suggestions (like a soup kitchen to feed everyone!), but clearly their hearts weren't into any of them really.
Now, the fabulous IIE LifeXchange training courses I've just done, tell me that the guys are blinded to the situation in their own neighbourhood. They've got used to seeing the rubbish lying around and young children playing in it, the wasted, passed-out men or boys against gang-graffitied walls, the dying or empty flowerbeds that show previous attempts to pretty up a corner yard, and even the sounds and sights of gunshots and murders on the weekend. Apparently, it only takes three days to get used to anything. You may not accept it, but without even realising it, you no longer notice it.
And, our LifeXchange team working the guys, tells me that it's an image issue. They have a certain reputation they have to keep up as youth in their community. And, while, hopefully, for our guys it's no longer about being in the Bad Boys or Rudeboys or any of the other gangs, it's still 'not cool' to be seen picking up litter or gardening or things like that.
But, looking into my own heart tells me it's a mindset issue. Example: A while ago I made the decision to give lifts to people (or just women, really) who are needing to hitch a ride in my direction. As a generosity thing. I have a car all to myself - they don't - why don't I help them out? I say this, but in reality I do this very seldom, despite the fact that everyday I pass at least a handful of people along my route to work. So, what's the disconnect? Most times, I'm already passed them before I even think about possibly stopping. I have a lot on my mind as I'm driving, clearly. Kind of like life! So, I have learned that I have to tell myself every time (or those times I'm not already late for something!) I get in the car to look out for people who might need a lift along the way. And so...the same applies to life, I believe. We can say what we like to ourselves, but there's some point when we have to be actively looking or intentional about what reaching out to people to actually make what we say happen.
Whether it's one or all three of these reasons getting in the way, it's still disappointing that the guys came up with nothing to do for tomorrow. Still, we're working on growing generosity in their lives. And in my own life. And it doesn't have to only happen tomorrow! There are loads more opportunities on a daily basis that we can jump into. If we're really looking...
Wednesday 10 July 2013
Catching the Beat
It's a good thing my Bible is a greyish white colour so you can't see the dust gathering on it at times. Today was one of those days when I had to blow before opening it... Yes, I know I'm a terrible Christian...or am I?? But honestly, it has been a few days since I started the day with God.
I have a whole host of excuses, that really don't stand up when I actually examine them: I've been tired, I'm not properly awake yet, I'll just check facebook or the news first, and the winner... I'll do it later, when I'm more awake/feel like it etc. etc. Well, suprisingly, 'later' never came!
The thing is, I don't know what happened. Last week I was so into my quiet times. My alarm would go off and I almost couldn't wait to grab my Bible and get into God's Word and see what He had to say for the day. And it was such a good week, where things just flowed. I flowed. I was able to be present with people and somehow say the right things at the right times. But it wasn't even about that, it was kind of like a natural outpouring of an inner joy, as far as I can describe it.
Then today happened. A bad day. Nothing major, but more like the kind of day that Daniel Powter sang about. A day where I was just off. My maths lesson was difficult and I had to keep repeating myself because I wasn't explaining things right for the guys. And there were several cringeworthy moments where I would think like five seconds later, 'Did I really just say that?!' In short, I was more like Albert dancing in Hitch! No more of that smoothness, those 'unforced rhythms of grace' that Jesus talks about. I found myself being down about myself. Down about the people around me. Just plain down and miserable by the end of the day.
And then I went to that passage in Matthew 11 and I realised Jesus was calling me to Him again. My excuses couldn't get in the way - he even asks me 'Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out...? Then come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life.' Amazing words! Such a reminder of the value of my quiet times. Of the importance of making that time to connect with Jesus. To learn from him and listen to his quiet and gentle voice. For him to fill my heart and set its rhythm according to His heartbeat. Kind of like Hitch taking Albert back to the basics!
So, Satan, it's going to take much more than just your whispering nudges when I'm half awake to keep me from opening my Bible again. Whether I feel like it or not, I WILL start my mornings with Jesus.
And why? Because every relationship I know of takes work. And it takes those times of just putting yourself aside, and doing that thing that you don't really want to do, for the sake of the relationship between the two of you. And the cool thing is, I'm already looking forward to seeing and celebrating the difference in my life He's going to make!
Do you also struggle with finding that time to connect with God? What works for you?
I have a whole host of excuses, that really don't stand up when I actually examine them: I've been tired, I'm not properly awake yet, I'll just check facebook or the news first, and the winner... I'll do it later, when I'm more awake/feel like it etc. etc. Well, suprisingly, 'later' never came!
The thing is, I don't know what happened. Last week I was so into my quiet times. My alarm would go off and I almost couldn't wait to grab my Bible and get into God's Word and see what He had to say for the day. And it was such a good week, where things just flowed. I flowed. I was able to be present with people and somehow say the right things at the right times. But it wasn't even about that, it was kind of like a natural outpouring of an inner joy, as far as I can describe it.
Then today happened. A bad day. Nothing major, but more like the kind of day that Daniel Powter sang about. A day where I was just off. My maths lesson was difficult and I had to keep repeating myself because I wasn't explaining things right for the guys. And there were several cringeworthy moments where I would think like five seconds later, 'Did I really just say that?!' In short, I was more like Albert dancing in Hitch! No more of that smoothness, those 'unforced rhythms of grace' that Jesus talks about. I found myself being down about myself. Down about the people around me. Just plain down and miserable by the end of the day.
And then I went to that passage in Matthew 11 and I realised Jesus was calling me to Him again. My excuses couldn't get in the way - he even asks me 'Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out...? Then come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life.' Amazing words! Such a reminder of the value of my quiet times. Of the importance of making that time to connect with Jesus. To learn from him and listen to his quiet and gentle voice. For him to fill my heart and set its rhythm according to His heartbeat. Kind of like Hitch taking Albert back to the basics!
So, Satan, it's going to take much more than just your whispering nudges when I'm half awake to keep me from opening my Bible again. Whether I feel like it or not, I WILL start my mornings with Jesus.
And why? Because every relationship I know of takes work. And it takes those times of just putting yourself aside, and doing that thing that you don't really want to do, for the sake of the relationship between the two of you. And the cool thing is, I'm already looking forward to seeing and celebrating the difference in my life He's going to make!
Do you also struggle with finding that time to connect with God? What works for you?
Monday 1 July 2013
Who is this King of Glory?
President Obama came to visit our little corner of the world yesterday.
I vaguely remember reading or hearing something last week about him coming by, but it wasn't until the helicopters flew over our heads that I realised he really was in town! Even cooler, in our neighbourhood!
But I never saw him. I know people who did. Who waited all afternoon for him to drive by. And they got a wave! All I experienced was slow-moving traffic and a very present police force on my drive to church. As in, at least two or three police vehicles and officers at every single junction on the way. Kind of spooky! But also exciting, to see how the whole area was at a standstill for a while. You could feel the hype and anticipation in the air and it caught me up, despite myself!
And then I was in church, singing out 'Hallalujah', when it struck me. The contrast between the visit of one of the present earthly 'kings' and the visit of Jesus, the true King. I stood looking around our smaller-than-usual (I hope due to being out on mission or holidays rather than out waiting for Mr Obama) congregation and, compared to the eagerness and expectation of where I'd just left, it didn't match up.
As soon as I started comparing, more and more things started standing out to me. Like... all the security and planning going into making sure the US President's route was clear and safe versus Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey. Or even entering this world in a stable. And what about the big limo keeping the President at a distance, while Jesus was right there in the crowds and at the temple, involved with his people. And who knows what or how long the President's power will last, while Jesus has been given all authority on heaven and earth. I could go on...
I'm not saying anything against Obama, or his plans or visit. Or anyone's reactions to it.
But, it would be cool if there was as much excitement for us in our church services, wouldn't it? After all, we actually get to meet with the true King of all eternity! And he doesn't just drive by with a wave. He wants to be intimately involved in our lives. He wants to stop and hear from us about our day. He wants to share in our happiness and little achievements. He wants to carry us through our struggles and temptations. He wants to be in us and with us all the time! HA.LE.LU.JAH!!
Here's to a revival coming from re-realising the AWEsome truth of the King of Glory that we worship; the Son of God AND Son of Man!
I vaguely remember reading or hearing something last week about him coming by, but it wasn't until the helicopters flew over our heads that I realised he really was in town! Even cooler, in our neighbourhood!
But I never saw him. I know people who did. Who waited all afternoon for him to drive by. And they got a wave! All I experienced was slow-moving traffic and a very present police force on my drive to church. As in, at least two or three police vehicles and officers at every single junction on the way. Kind of spooky! But also exciting, to see how the whole area was at a standstill for a while. You could feel the hype and anticipation in the air and it caught me up, despite myself!
And then I was in church, singing out 'Hallalujah', when it struck me. The contrast between the visit of one of the present earthly 'kings' and the visit of Jesus, the true King. I stood looking around our smaller-than-usual (I hope due to being out on mission or holidays rather than out waiting for Mr Obama) congregation and, compared to the eagerness and expectation of where I'd just left, it didn't match up.
As soon as I started comparing, more and more things started standing out to me. Like... all the security and planning going into making sure the US President's route was clear and safe versus Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey. Or even entering this world in a stable. And what about the big limo keeping the President at a distance, while Jesus was right there in the crowds and at the temple, involved with his people. And who knows what or how long the President's power will last, while Jesus has been given all authority on heaven and earth. I could go on...
I'm not saying anything against Obama, or his plans or visit. Or anyone's reactions to it.
But, it would be cool if there was as much excitement for us in our church services, wouldn't it? After all, we actually get to meet with the true King of all eternity! And he doesn't just drive by with a wave. He wants to be intimately involved in our lives. He wants to stop and hear from us about our day. He wants to share in our happiness and little achievements. He wants to carry us through our struggles and temptations. He wants to be in us and with us all the time! HA.LE.LU.JAH!!
Here's to a revival coming from re-realising the AWEsome truth of the King of Glory that we worship; the Son of God AND Son of Man!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)