I was 15 when the song debuted; a sophomore in high school. I remember seeing the video for the first time. I was moved. It was the first song in which I felt instantly connected to the message. Even now, I am taken back to that day when I hear the song or see the video. And that’s how you know a song has really left it’s mark.

Are we listening?
Hymns of offering.
Have we eyes to see?
Love is gathering.
Shortly after becoming a father (some 2 1/2 months ago), my son, London, and I were on the way to the mall and The World I Know came on the radio. The song suddenly felt different and it made me think: what it was like to see the world out of his eyes?

All the words that I’ve been reading,
Have now started the act of bleeding,
Into one, Into one.

So I walk up on high,
And I step to the edge,
To see my world below.
And I laugh at myself,
While the tears roll down,
Cause its the world I know.
Oh its the world I know.

Innocent.
Pure.
Unashamed.
Real.
Honest.
New.
Curious.
Peaceful.
Excited.
Willing.
Zealous.
Engrossed.

In Matthew 18:2, Jesus tells us we must return to the pure heart and mind of a child in order to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven.  Perhaps it’s because children see the world the way God sees the world. Unfortunately, I approach the world with bias. Lucky for me, God doesn’t approach me with bias.

Our country entered into a season of change when we elected a new President. Change that was predicated on the promises to be different than we were before. We need to be different.  But not politically different.  

We need to be Jesus different.
To approach the world unashamed.
With Love.
Willing to accept those around us.
Despite our differences.
Much like Jesus accepted and loved us.

As parents, we try to be the example for our children. To demonstrate the behaviors and attitudes that we believe to be acceptable. But as parents, we are the ones who need to learn from our children. Not to show them the world we know. Rather to learn of the world that they know. And then approach life with the same love, passion, mercy and grace that God approaches us with.

That’s the world that I want to know.

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
Appropriately, the first man. Booyah!

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
I almost cried today when I thought about how awesome I looked driving a big honkin’ Home Depot van. I also got a little choked up at church on Sunday, but no tears. I guess the last time big salty drops came streaming down my face was at Gran Tornio.

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Heck yeah I do.

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Boars Head Cracked Peppercorn Turkey.

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
We have a son named London Rhys and he’s the 2nd coolest person I know.

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Duh!

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM?
At weddings, funerals and during important meetings with my boss.

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
So those are the swollen things in that back of my throat.

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
Would you snort cocaine off the lid of a toilet seat? Wait, don’t answer that; Jamal Anderson already did. No, I would not bungee jump. God has already determined which way I should die.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Fruity Pebbles.

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
You don’t have to with the pimp tie.

12. WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE ROBOT?
Johnny 5 (Short Circuit) followed closely by Wall-E.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Everything but the…by Ben & Jerry.

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Whether or not they are as good looking as I am.

15. RED OR PINK?
Pink. And yes, I am a dude. And yes, I am straight.

16. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
My nose. It’s ginormous.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
My brother. He’s in Portland, OR.

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO COMPLETE THIS LIST?
They better, if they know what is good for them.

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Black t-shirt (Pig Cloth by Aaron Gillespie) and black Chuck Taylor Lo.

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
Jack Bauer interrogate some idiot traitor.

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Black.

23. FAVORITE SMELLS
Hot wings from Taco Mac.

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
My mother-in-law.

25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
Yeah, he’s a pretty righteous dude. Taught me what the Spider Man is.

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
Auburn football, SEC football and college football.

27. HAIR COLOR?
Black, blonde, red and light brown.

28. EYE COLOR?
Blue.

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
Only when I am working out my guns and my buns.

30. FAVORITE FOOD?
Hot wings from Taco Mac.

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Scary movies. Especially when the bad guy comes back to life after an alleged kill!

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
At the theater: Taken with Famke Janssen and Liam Neeson. At home: Twilight. And I drooled everytime I saw Kristen Stewart.

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
Black.

34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Summer!!! Winter is for girls.

35. HUGS OR KISSES?
Kisses. And only from my wife because my dog has smelly breath.

37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
MaryAnn.

38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
Mark Kimel. He’s the righteous dude that sent this to me.

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
Twilight. Again.

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
People still use mouse pads?

41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT?
Fired Up! Rented it from RedBox.

42. FAVORITE SOUND(S).
Anything from Underoath, The Almost, Demon Hunter and the flight attendant telling me it’s safe to use portable electronic devices.

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
Who are they?

44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
I live by the quote that “home is where the heart is,” so I’ve never been away from home.

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
I can play handbells, make my arm shorter in length and make fart sounds with my mouth.

46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Birmingham, AL. Sweet home Alabama.

47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK?
All 25 peeps who respond.

48. HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR SPOUSE/SIGNIFICANT OTHER?
NetBank. Left a note on her car, because that’s how I roll.

I realize that is a loaded question and thankfully most of us are never faced with a scenario where we have to answer it.

But for a moment, pretend you were.

At approximately 11:30 AM on April 20, 1999, Cassie Bernall would know exactly what it meant to giver her life for something she believed in. Cassie was in the library of Columbine High School when Eric Harris is believed to have asked her: do you believe in God? That day her life was taken because she confirmed her faith in something he did share. Ultimately, she looked at Eric and told him to pull the trigger. It would have been easy for Cassie to say, “no, I do not believe in God.” No one would blame her. God would have forgiven her. And she would still be alive today. However, it’s not always that easy.

As Christians, we’re called to take up our cross: to do as Christ did and die to ourselves, for his cause, daily.

While listening to Flyleaf’s song dedicated to Cassie, I was reminded of her story and I was consumed by the thought:  what was it like to be her in that last remaining seconds of her life? When she entered the library that fateful morning, God was preparing to watch her destiny fulfilled; but what was she preparing for? What did think when she heard the gunshots? When Eric walked into the library?

We never know the time in which our number will be called, our purpose fulfilled.  But we must be ready for the time God calls us to His purpose, even when it may not be our own.

I think it’s foolish to pay HOA dues.
I should be thankful that I have an HOA that manages yard maintenance, keeping our neighborhood pretty, etc. and provides individuals a job to perform these tasks.

I feel inconvenienced when I have to take my dog out in the rain.
I should be thankful for the rain that keeps my grass green and that my dog uses the bathroom outside.

I would rather sleep in on Sunday mornings.
I should be thankful that I have the opportunity to serve my Savior in a country where we have the freedom to do so.

I really, really, really don’t like Barack Obama or democrats for that matter.
I should be thankful that I live in a free republic where we elect our government officials. And that the changing of the guard happens peacefully, without bloodshed.

I can’t stand sitting in traffic.
I should be thankful that I have somewhere to go.

I don’t like having to wait for a table at a restaurant.
I should be thankful that I have the opportunity to wait a small amount of time for a table where I will have a chance to eat a warm meal. And the money to pay for it.

I hate turning on the heat when it’s cold outside.
I should be thankful I have heat. Even though I am ultra warm-blooded.

I hate grocery shopping.
I should be thankful that I have a chance to push a shopping cart up and down the isles, stuffing it full of food.

I don’t like a lot of things. I should be thankful for everything. Inconveniences. Challenges. And even my frustrations.

I encountered an interesting challenge today and after struggling with it for a few hours, the Lord reminded me of Spafford’s story.

* * * * *

Horatio Spafford was a successful lawyer in Chicago during the late 19th Century. Reaping the benefits from his profession, Mr. and Ms. Spafford along with their 4 daughters lived a good life. They were also Godly people and gave of themselves whenever presented with the opportunity. The Spaffords used their blessings to help others in the community, often times serving as a safe house for those who were down on their luck.

And it seemed when life couldn’t get any better, challenges set in. The Great Chicago Fire destroyed the Spaffords’ home and since nearly all of his investments were tied to Chicago real estate, they lost everything in an instant.

Unable to pick up where they left off, Horatio and Anna decided they would travel to Europe to meet up with a close family friend and evangelist, DL Moody. As the Spaffords attempted to board the vessel, Ville Du Havre, Horatio was suddenly called back into Chicago to handle some unfinished business. Anna and their 4 daughters decided to make the journey without Horatio; trusting that he would join them later that year.

During the cross-Atlantic voyage, the Spaffords’ lives would face yet another challenge. The Ville Du Havre was struck by another vessel and killed all four of the Spaffords’ daughters along with 222 other people. Anna was one of a handful of survivors. Upon her arrival to Europe, she sent her husband a telegram with the words: Saved alone.

I cannot begin to imagine the heart break that Horatio and Anna experienced. It’s difficult for us to remain loyal to God when we are presented with challenges. I’ve never faced a real challenge before, and yet I’ve cursed God because he didn’t give me what I wanted. When I first heard about Horatio Spafford’s story, I felt so small because of all the times I’ve flippantly disregarded the Lord’s will for my life when I didn’t get what I wanted. I felt even smaller when I heard the rest of Spafford’s story.

Horatio finally made the journey to Europe. At the request of Spafford, the ship’s captain alerted him when they reached the point where the Ville Du Havre went down. As the ship crossed over the place where his daughter’s died, he penned the following:

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
And Lord haste the day, when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

These lyrics became the hymn It is well with my soul. When I hear Spafford’s name, I am reminded of his steadfast ability to separate his challenges from honoring God. I tend to let life’s little challenges get the best of me; asking that selfish question: why me!? But when Spafford encountered a challenge he remembered to stop and offer up thanksgiving. What does that say about me? Sorry, that’s selfish. What does that say about Spafford? Amidst tragic loss he went as far as to say it is well with my soul. What a testament of faith, that a man who lost everything he owned and then lost his four daughters, still took time to say whatever my lot, thou has taught me to say, it is well!

While composing this entry and researching Spafford’s story again, I was reminded of his character and the things that he represented. The true sign of our allegiance to Christ is not tested in the face luxury, rather adversity. I fail that test every single day. When I hear the name Horatio Spafford, I immediately think of what it means to give thanks in everything we do: to thank God for the good, the bad and the wretched.

It is during the times we spend in the trenches that we get to experience the Lord’s marvelous existence.

Several months ago my wife and I were having lunch at this little hot spot known as Taco Mac. It happens to be 1 of my 2 favorite restaurants. While waiting on our food, we were captivated by a feature story on ESPN about UNC Mascot Jason Ray. A real tear jerker.

In March of 2007, Jason was with the UNC men’s basketball team in New Jersey, preparing for their Sweet 16 appearance against USC. Tragically, Jason wouldn’t make it to the game. Walking back to the hotel from a nearby convenience store, Jason was struck by an SUV. Jason would later die from injuries he sustained

Jason became an organ donor. It was a proud moment for Jason. His mom even recounts the day he came home touting his decision. No one could have predicted that decision would answer the prayers of 4 men, each with a different story. Each from different walks of life. But each looking for a miracle. The prayers were answered. The miracle happened. At the end of it all, Jason’s heart, liver, pancreas and both kidneys were dispersed and it was because of this decision to become a donor that the lives of 4 men have been sustained.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/story?page=rayofhope

Visitors to www.FreeHugsCampaign.org are invited to join the movement! The first thing Juan tells those interested in joining the movement: Ready to change the world with nothing but your arms wide open?

I am not a touchy-feely person. I shake hands with strangers. Hug friends. And hold hands with my wife. But I am not one of those people that invades others’ space. That said, I understand where Juan Mann is going with his movement. Hugs are great. I love hugging my wife when I get home from work or hugging my dog when I get home from a long business trip.

I don’t love hugging strangers.
Juan does.

Juan also suggests that we could change the world with nothing but our arms open wide.
Pretend for a second that Juan were a Christian. Offering free love. 
Would his campaign be effective?

Jesus changed my world with his arms opened wide. Jesus offers me free love.
More than that, he offers me free grace. And mercy. And forgiveness. And salvation. And a one-on-one, personal relationship. For free.

Do I want a free hug? Nah, homie. I got free love. And for me, that free love is better than any free hug Juan could offer me.

Last week, on my flight to Phoenix, I witnessed someone who did not apply this lesson.

Shortly after I boarded the plane, I was greeted by a stewardess that I knew was going to be an interesting individual. I had the luxury of sitting in the very last row of the plane and she just happened to be overseeing the helm in the rear galley.

She wore a US Airways uniform with a matching scarf tied around her neck. She had a tan that, from the looks of it, she’d been working on that tan since 1952. She was also really wrinkly – the result of her 56 year old tan. She wore 2 shades of eye shadow: purple and really purple. Her eyelashes were long, clumpy with cheap mascara. The most striking feature was her voice. It was raspy and coarse, likely from her years of smoking; but it also carried the tone of life’s up and downs.

After I took my seat, I listened to her huff and puff under her breath – a sign of her annoyance by the passengers that were boarding the plane. She complained to the other flight attendants about people not stowing their bags properly or about passengers who looked funny or didn’t speak English. It goes without saying she was unprofessional; it made it worse that her voice carried and individuals sitting towards the rear of the plane could hear her voice her disgust. Before the plane was even 1/2 full, the overhead bins were maxed out. Nothing else would fit. The pleasant attendant announces to the passengers that any bags that would not stow under the seats would have to be checked. At some point, she motioned to the obese, male flight attendant manning first class: do not allow any more bags, we can’t accommodate them. I mention his weight for visual purposes – and to demonstrate my next observation.

Several minutes later, a feeble, elderly Indian man boarded with a small rolling bag. Somehow he got passed the flight attendant upfront without any issues. I listened as my new friend, with the heavy eye shadow and clumpy mascara, say: did that fat man not hear me? I told him not to let anymore bags thru. Now look at this idiot (referring to the feeble Indian man), he’s going to try and place his bags overhead and there’s no room! But instead of greeting the passenger and explaining our capacity issues, she felt it was best to get her point across thru the intercom system: Ladies and gentlemen, there is NO MORE ROOM IN THE OVERHEAD BINS! Pleaaaaase check your bags at the FRONT OF THE PLANE!

After that mini tantrum, she yelled at the Indian gentlemen, who was still about 10 rows away, and who looked old enough to be Gandhi’s father: SIR, YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE TO CHECK THAT BAG! THERE’S NO ROOM!

Following her tirade, she marched up and down the aisle, checking people’s seat belts and demonstrating safety procedures that were obviously not thrilling duties for her. Once we are airborne, she walked thru the cabin with drinks and food. I watched and listened as she berated people: DO YOU WANT A DRINK OR SNACK!? WHO’S BUYING A DRINK? And Heaven forbid someone answer yes: she slung cups and ice and empty cans all over the place – signaling to everyone that she was not a happy camper to be on our plane.

Almost as soon as we touched down in Phoenix, her cell phone rung. It was almost immediately clear that the person on the other end was someone in her family – most likely a son. Since we had decent commute from the runway to the gate and because she was virtually sitting next to me, I was able to hear her conversation. And here’s what I observed:

She recently went thru a tough divorce – probably dirty – but most divorces are
She is estranged from her loser x-husband (her words)
She is at odds her youngest son, who is irresponsible and does nothing but drink and smoke weed. His car was having problems and needed a large sum of money to fix it. Just so happens this same son had violated his parole the night after he arrested at a party with extra-curricular activities
Her only daughter, who had recently been influenced by her not-so-perfect-role-model-youngest-son to drink and do drugs, was also at this party and as a result, sent to jail
The flight attendant also worked for the same airline whose plane ended up in the Hudson River a day prior and she knew and worked closely with the entire crew from that plane

Needless to say, she had a lot going on and the outcome of life’s little obstacles explained her demeanor.

Moral of the story: life’s overhead bins can be full of baggage. And rather than judging others, we should first reach out with a heart of compassion.