Dialogue with Dad.

DAD: Did you hear anything about that TV show "The Book of Daniel"? [He then included Don Wildmon's report on how the show descecrated everything about faith and Jesus.}

ME: Hey dad - I actually did watch this show. It was a two hour pilot of a new series they're trying out. I don't think it's going to make it...it wasn't very good. There were some good moments that touched on the reality of life as a Christian, that weren't very pretty. But my Christian life, and those around me, isn't very pretty either. It kind of makes me sad that people like Don Wildmon spend so much time pointing out how horrible everything is. Perhaps we can focus on good stuff...and find the redeeming elements of things in culture...inspiring people to be more positive and faith-infused themselves, rather than weary of the culture and on the defense against all the media and arts.

Phew...just a thought. What do you think?

DAD: Well, it's like politics. If we didn't have two far-reaching basic differences, there wouldn't be need for organized religion or a risen Savior. Satan would have a field day with all of us. Praise God we can share our opinions without government imprisonment. Let's keep it that way. We have educational and media systems which worship the differences in people and forget about the basic beliefs of our founding fathers. Unfortunately, "good" truth doesn't sell TV ads or newspapers. Wildmon keeps us focused on these basic beliefs, the strength and backbone of the USA. There is still room for constructive differences of opinion.

I am concerned about your comment "...my Christian life and those around me isn't very pretty" What are you trying to tell me?

ME: Hey pop - hope you're doing great this morning. thanks again for the continued dialogue...and for asking questions like this one, re: "...my Christian life and those around me isn't very pretty" What are you trying to tell me?

Here goes. I grew up thinking that the Christian life was about being pretty...about having a firm handshake and a big smile...and performing well for the crowds. I didn't know anything about brokenness. Part of that's age, part of that is church influence. But I'm surrounded by guys who are mostly broken, but are holding onto hope that Christ is a good, loving, compassionate Savior. Someone who is working on us, more than we can work on ourselves. In the meantime, we struggle. We deal with crap. It's not very pretty. Many people drink too much, smoke too much, too addicted to porn or other sexual things outside of their marriages, drugs, anger, separation from spouse and family, ego, eny, pride, jealousy, selfish ambition...i could go on, unfortunately.

That's what I was referring to. There's nothing pretty about living in honest community with other people. But there's a beauty to it that transcends it all...a beauty that feels like grace and love, something that comes from outside of ourselves.

Ok...your turn. Any thoughts? Love you....

DAD: Hi Mark- Thanks for sharing. You've decided to involve yourself in an area most people try to avoid...honesty with self, non-judgmental behavior of fellow believers, willingness to sacrifice time, talent, resources to help others, etc., etc.. I admire your position and wish I had 1/8th the compassion you demonstrate to the guys who are hurting.

There will always be opportunity for those who reach out to "the hurting" and disenfranchised. The "church" usually is a grouping of geese-like clones of each other, seeking comfort and purpose without having to pay a price for that. Therefore, "the comfortable pew," [is filled by] the self-satisfied, blinded-by-the-beauty-of-it-all "successful folks" who sail through life without confrontation for their sinful thoughts and behaviors. I am guilty as charged.

You are an amazing source of encouragement and hope for many folks--including your pop.

Loveyamore,
: ) pop

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