Virginia Tech, Guns and Torture

"The second question you asked was a theological question. And I get that asked every time there is a tragedy. And you properly ask that question over and over again. And I say things that always get incredible uproars because people don't think. And it's as simple as this: God is not in control of everything. I know that's going to sound like heresy, because we love to say in the midst of everything that's going on, "Oh God's in control, God's in control, God's in control," but that's absolutely absurd. God did not bring about Auschwitz. God does not bring about these horrible events on this planet. They are the doings of human beings in most instances. May I say this: It's obvious that God is not in control, by God's own choice. When God created Adam and Eve, He gave them freedom. Now, you can't give your children freedom, and still say you're in control of them…"

Tony Campolo's podcast on the Virginia Tech tragedy covers several questions:

• How can God allow such a thing to happen? Campolo explains that God has given up much control in order to allow us, His children, to be free. In Campolo's words, "what we do with that freedom has been horrendous, but it's also been glorious."
• The legitimate question asked by the parents of US soldiers "Where's the outcry for our fallen?" And where's the outcry for the many thousands of fallen Iraqi civilians?
• The power of lobby groups such as the NRA over politicians through financing.
• The strong connection between the NRA and the religious right in the US, and the difference between the potentially violent outlook of many Christians with that of Jesus' teachings.
• US patriotism being placed as an idol above Jesus.
• Accountability for US soldiers who massacre Iraqi civilians, in contradiction to the Geneva accord, and the unquestioned support for these obscenities by US citizens. "In fighting the dragon, we have become the dragon."

I deeply respect Tony Campolo, and have begun listening to his collection of podcasts found on his website. They're worth checking out, as is his book, Speaking My Mind.

On The Move

The One Campaign has published a book based on Bono's powerful speech at the 2006 National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC. Check out the live preview here (it's really neat).

"Because where you live should no longer determine whether you live." Bono

Surrey Christian Sojourners First Meeting

On Thursday we had our first meeting of Surrey Christian Sojourners, the spiritual meetup I've been putting together. It was an interesting evening. About the time I got in line at the coffee shop, their coffee grinder broke, adding to my nervousness. So I stood in line for 20 minutes, turning around every time the door opened. It was surprisingly nerve wracking.

3 people arrived, and we discussed Micah 6:8 and it's three-fold directive of justice, mercy, and walking with God. Interestingly enough, all 4 of us are currently involved in serving the homeless in various ways, right here in Surrey!

What was also neat was the group included another church planter, Ron. He currently leads a house-based faith community called Coram Deo here in Surrey. Take a look at their site, it's very cool. As he shared a bit about the spiritual journey he and his wife have been on, we found a lot of common ground. Very exciting! I'll probably check it out next Sunday.

Challenges of the evening - 1. Not everyone spoke English well, and as we read it I realized what I had written on the handout was too complex. I'll need to ensure everone can understand.

2. My overwhelming nervousness! As a 'recovering' shy person, I had a few nerve-wracking moments of going completely blank, and there were some awkward silences. Hopefully, as the group gets to know each other, those will lessen.

Since we're a new group, to help people start sharing I've posted our discussion on a blogger page, so that participants can interact through comments.

Check out the Surrey Christian Sojourners blog.

And check out the Surrey Christian Sojourners Meetup Page.

I'd love to hear feedback from you, my friends and family, as we go along! I hope to hear from you soon!

Famine Again?

Art by Trevor Romaine

The problem lies with those who have not or cannot join the modern economy—those in poverty-stricken urban slums, whose labor will not earn enough money to buy food, or those in remote places pursuing traditional lifestyles that are subject to natural disasters. The number of such traditionalists has grown, even as their ability to feed themselves has declined. Their land has been restricted (by war, land grabs, or borders) or degraded (often by overgrazing or poor farming techniques). Crime and war and bad government have kept them isolated from education and business, forces that could change their lives. They are more vulnerable than ever.

When I talk to people in relief and development organizations, I find them frustrated by these realities. They want to make a lasting difference but, by and large, they cannot. By feeding people, they are putting off problems to another day. Drought will come again. Donors will groan and ante up again—we hope.

Read the rest of this great article about the hidden faces of famine...

An Expensive Mistake

Yesterday, in my laundering frenzy, I accidentally washed my cell phone in my jeans. It came out lemony fresh, never to ring again. Aside from feeling stupid, I was disappointed - the phone had lots of cool features.

So I went to the mall this morning to find the cheapest replacement possible. The phone rep was very helpful - for just over $200, he sold me this:

Yep, I paid $200 for the exact same phone. I feel a little gypped! They did have a cheaper version, which was slightly smaller than this:

Call it pride, but I felt embarassed carrying around a phone too big to fit in my purse!

Well, I've learned my lesson - always check my pockets for Kleenex and cell phones before throwing my pants into the wash.

Back Online

Hi Friends,

I'm back online after nearly a month being off the internet. Very sorry - I had to switch providers because I was having so much trouble with the old one.

What's new:

• The first Surrey Christian Sojourners meeting is coming up this Thursday. So far, 4-6 people are attending. Please keep me in prayer - I'm excited and nervous at the same time.
  
• NDGU, my company's leadership intensive, starts up again during the last week of May. Year two is going to be an in-depth look at ourselves and how our internal health affects corporations. Very intense! We've been assigned a couple of great books to read beforehand - Fear and other Uninvited Guests and The Anxious Organization, which is so popular it's sold out all over North America. Both are great, and worth reading.
  
  
  

• I bought a Littermaid electric kitty litter, and I'm in love with it! So is my cat, because I tend to be forgetful when it comes to her box. For those of you thinking I was going to make another attempt at toilet training my cat, don't worry, I've learned my lesson!
  

• The midnight shift at work is going well. I still get frequent headaches, but nothing too serious. More importantly, I'm really enjoying my job, and have a couple of great bosses.

That's it for now. I'll keep you posted.