The World Race has furnished me this space so that I may let people in on my thoughts and experiences both leading up to and on the Race. It is a great gift to document my feelings and fears, joys and misgivings, for all who care to see. It adds a layer of accountability that I've lacked. This blog is becoming more and more like a personal journal, which I suppose was the point but not exactly what I had in mind when beginning. Nevertheless, I'm feeling this new direction and will continue to "shoot from the hip." I just figured that a warning should be in order…
My most ardent blog followers should remember my "As Told By Ginger" post. In it, I expressed my internal disappointment in blowing off the problems in Detroit in favor of those in Mexico City and elsewhere. I realized, with God's help, that in order to be fully prepared (mentally and spiritually) to go on The World Race, I would have to become more in tune with the needy at home. It will be a challenge, and I ask for prayers.
Right after I posted the "Ginger" blog, I was thinking about all the stuff that I should have added, and will now take this opportunity to do so. This past summer, I attended Calvary Bible Church in Boulder, CO. It was a great place and I felt very welcomed there. I recall one particular Sunday when the pastor prefaced his message with a short video of noted atheist Penn (of Penn & Teller) discussing a situation he had found himself in. If you have time to watch it, I've linked it…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhG-tkQ_Q2w
Anyway, Penn discussed one particular instance after a show when an audience participant came up to him, complimented the show, and gave him a copy of the Bible. In it, the man had listed a few phone numbers and e-mail addresses if Penn ever wanted to get in touch and talk about God. Penn was struck by the man's sincerity and faith, even though the man most likely knew about Penn's lack of religious convictions. Penn then talked at length about how important it is for people of faith to proselytize about their beliefs, because if they believe wholeheartedly that unsaved people will be damned, it is downright evil to say nothing. I'm not really explaining it all too well right now (watch that video real quick) but Penn makes an important point. Christians should be openly discussing our faith…to anyone! We shouldn't be trying to hide it because it makes for an awkward social situation or might be offensive to someone. God saved us, and now it's up to me and my fellow Jesus-followers to tell people about His gift. It really is a free gift…it just requires faith. If you have faith in God's promises and want to give your life over to Him, completely and irrevocably, then that's all you need. You need to desire to live for Him, and He will reward you eternally. Acknowledge His gift of salvation and you will be saved. It's so simple.
And yet, many Christians are scared to discuss it openly. I'm often scared…but of what? Because nothing bad can happen that can't be made good by God. Nothing.
Which brings me to Larry…
A few years ago, I was introduced to the music of the late Larry Norman. He was one of the original Christian rock n' rollers, and his tunes were a mix of folk, blues, and rock. He opposed the war in Vietnam and wrote numerous protest songs, but from a Christian perspective. He also challenged government hypocrisy and the silly paradoxes present in America, yet being open about how faith fit into the process. I leave you with the last lines of his song "The Great American Novel":
"Don't ask me for the answer,
I've only got one,
That a man leaves his darkness
When he follows the Son."
