TEAM

This is a team.
We need to work as one.
Our focus, function and motivation
is centered on the center - the Way.
This is a team not a solo act.
- no middlemen - no hucksters - no clowns.
Standing hand in hand and shoulder to shoulder.
Strong and commanding. Understanding. This is a team.
Sometimes the burden seems so heavy.
The input isn’t equaling what the output could be.
The team needs to pick me up and carry me to the sidelines.
Let me rest by the Gator-aid cooler…
This is my team, my life, my hope.
Cover my back while I catch my breath.

"Collective selfishness"

The term "collective selfishness", is taken from Chapter 2 of Krista Tippett's book, 'Speaking of Faith'. Here are just some thoughts concerning this idea.
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"Collective selfishness" is something that Rauschenbusch fought in the heat of Hell's Kitchen. It was 1920, but it was already there. Growing bigger, ever wanting more, never satisfied and this was only the tip of the iceberg. It's purpose was to consume whatever it could: no caring, no compassion, just individualistic and collective greed.

It's like the "blob"in that old science fiction film - only you can't stop it by freezing it. It's too hot and aggressive.
It's like thirsty cracked soil except it can't absorb the water because it's too dry, too lonely and too weary to remember how to drink.
It's has the effect of starvation, swelling the belly and yellowing the eyes; even though the feeding frenzy never stops.
It's the want of everything you don't have and never appreciating the things that you already possess.
It's tripping over piles of excess while pointing and laughing over the fallen, disenfranchised, the widow and the orphan.
It's consumption.
It's self absorption.
It's gluttony wrapped up in the never ending desire of power, control and all the Rail roads in a game of monopoly - only it's no game at all.

We all are affected by it.
We all carry the hidden potential to be it's carrier, it's slave or it's victim.
The only cure is this: 'Love your neighbor as you love yourself.'
Maybe then we can begin to understand what love is.
Maybe then we can see that the world is much bigger than our own field of vision.
Maybe then we can be born again to a life of purpose.
One where the individual learns how shallow life is when we only serve self.
One where the community cares for the needs of each other, knowing that someday soon they may be the ones in need of help and rescue.
Someday they may be the orphan or the widow.
Collective selfishness is only healed when the effected look into Jesus' face of love and hear the words, "Healthy people don't need a physician, but sick ones do. I did not come to call righteous people, but sinners."(Mark 2:17)

Garden Conversation

So much time and energy in life is spent in chasing after the many things we think we need. Our world is so geared towards servicing our whims and desires, we are shocked and dismayed if we can't find what exactly we are looking for. Even when I go online and shop for books, I find what I'm looking for and more! On my Amazon account, after I log in, a store called "Tara's Store" flashes at the top of the page stating – " We have more suggestions for you!"

A personalized "store" has been compiled by the purchases I've made over the past several years, the merchandise I've casually browsed, and the wish lists I've compiled on rainy days all in the name of customer service and consumption. There are literally thousands of potential items in my store that are ready and waiting for expedited delivery for the cost listed in the right hand column next to my blinking virtual shopping cart. At this moment of window-shopping, do I really consider what I need or am I totally wrapped up in my individualistic world of shopping via impulse.

Honestly, there are many things that I've purchased in life that are totally needed and have been great resources of personal increase in knowledge and growth and I have no problem with those kinds of "need" purchases.

On the other hand, there are many things I've purchased that a completely based upon my own personal whims, desires and "I want that!" moments. Many times these are the things I find myself tripping on as I walk through my home or not quite recalling why I bought them in the first place. I find myself asking myself – "Why did I buy this? What did I need it for?"

Recently, I've been trying to do a little yard work around my home. Tilling up some weeds, trimming some hedges and planting a few flowers. In the midst of my novice gardening attempts I've made friends with a neighbor who loves to garden. She was telling me one day that when she gardens that is when she had her best conversations with God. Her words made me stop and think for a moment. What is it about gardening that allows her the atmosphere for chatting with God? Is there a connection with working with the soil and the nurturing of relationship with God?

A few days later, I met another individual who was involved with a local project that is working in establishing community gardens in Chautauqua County. Their goal is to educate people in caring for the planet by learning how to plant, nurture and harvest their own fruits and vegetables. They also hope to develop greater bonds and relationship within communities by bringing people from many backgrounds together to share in the work. It was also interesting to me that this person spoke of the connection with God in this act of gardening in community. (www.gleanchautauqua.org)

In both of these conversations there was a common connection between the development of spiritual formation and relationship in the act of gardening.

As I pondered this question of gardening and God, I began reading my most recent purchase from, "Tara's Store". It's a book called Jesus for President by Shane Claiborne. He begins the book describing the account of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and says…

" ...In the garden, there were no wars, no poverty, no pollution or pandemics. There were no fast-food joints or sweatshops. Neither Republicans or Democrats were to be found, not even the Green Party. Things were perfect. But amid all the organic, non-genetically modified or artificially pesticided trees full of fruit, there was one tree that the first humans were not supposed to touch – the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God warned Adam and Eve that if they ate of its fruit they would discover something called, "death". God warned them that they could not be both immortal and know both good and evil." (Jesus for President, pg. 26)

We all know what Adam and Eve decide to do – they choose to touch and eat the one fruit that God warned them not to among a garden full of bounty. They have an e the thought, "But I want it!" and they go after what they think they want.

Here they are living in a beautiful loving environment where they have ongoing conversation and relationship with God, but they somehow think the one thing they don't have will make them happy, complete or whole. Sadly, they find out that what they thought would fulfill them ends up evicting them from their home and honest, sincere and unrestrained conversation and relationship with God. Simply speaking, Adam and Eve traded perfection for that "suggested product" that they only ended tripping over saying – "Why did we want this anyway?"

Jeremiah 29 11-14 challenges us a Jesus followers to reevaluate what the desires of our heart really are. Are we seeking the garden and conversation with God or are we seeking the next impulse item on our shopping lists?

Jeremiah 29:11-14
The Message reads this way:

"I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. 12"When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen. 13-14"When you come looking for me, you'll find me. "Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed." God's Decree. "I'll turn things around for you."

There is this challenge that Jesus speaks to his disciples in John 17:15-19

5My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17Sanctify[b] them by the truth; your word is truth. 18As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.

As followers of Jesus, the disciples were to function as people set apart for God's purpose. Just as the disciples were set apart and sanctified to be in relationship with God – so are we!

When we desire the trinkets of this world more than we desire to live in the Garden with God – our lives fail to bear the fruit and evidence of that holy relationship. Just as the Message said in Jeremiah – " when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed." God's Decree. "I'll turn things around for you."

God desires to provide us a garden in life. Luke 11: 11-13 reminds us of the great love God has for us.

11"Which of you fathers, if your son asks for [f] a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

God has the ability to see beyond our limited perspective in life. God can see beyond our whims, weaknesses and desire for what we want right now. God desires to love, care and provide the best for us and sometimes that different than what we can immediately see or imagine.

Would you trade a dime store trinket for paradise with God? Just as a reminder, living in the garden with God is not an all-expense paid holiday with fancy umbrella decorated drinks and poolside lounge chairs as far as the eye can see. Caring for a garden requires work, patience and effort and it is not as easy as point and click consumerism. Living in and with God in the garden of life requires faith, community and sweat.

As followers of Jesus, may we recognize our basic need for conversation and relationship with God and remember how being set apart can free us from our own "stores" and help us to cultivate the garden of life in the world around us.

For more information on Urban Gardening Projects click here: Ohio State University
(Banner photo from The Ohio State University Extension.)

Steep

Steep slopes reach beyond the
vision of my eyes.
Eagles circle above,
never hurried in the sky.

Sing to the creator of the mountain.
It's mass seems impossible to move.
Speak to the crafter of the valley,
it's depths reaching further to prove.

-We all have a void that only you can fill.
-We all have frantic chaos that only you can still.
-We all have burdens that only you can take.
-We all have worries weighing that cause our hearts to break.
-We all have barriers that only you can shake.

Just...

Just take hold of freedom.
It's right in front of you.
Just take hold of love and live.

Let go and breathe, let go and sing, let go and live again.

Just free from your loss.
Free from you pain.
Just waiting for freedom to start all over again.

Let go and breathe, let go and sing, let go and live again.

Just take in your light, take in your peace, take hold of your love again.
Take hold of mercy, take hold of grace, take hold and start again.
Just...

Sunny and rainy day friends

There are two kinds of friends in the world: Sunny day friends and rainy day friends. This is a statement that my Mom used to remind me of when I was in the midst of drama or conflict with one school friend of another.
There are lots of people that we define as friends, but they are really acquaintances.

Two men were out hunting in the northern U.S. Suddenly one yelled and the other looked up to see a grizzly charging them. The first started to frantically put on his tennis shoes and his friend anxiously asked, "What are you doing? Don't you know you can't outrun a grizzly bear?" "I don't have to outrun a grizzly. I just have to outrun you!"

This story is funny, but it does help define the distinct difference between a rainy day friend and a sunny day friend. The sunny-day-friend is more concerned with watching out for their own health and wellness, than their friends' wellbeing.

On the other hand, a rainy day friend is willing to take risks, work for the benefit of others, and sacrificially care for the needs of another person. Just like the relationship expressed in this real-life account of Jackie Robinson.

In his first seasons with the Brooklyn Dodgers, Jackie Robinson, the first black man to play Major League baseball, faced venom nearly everywhere he traveled--fastballs at his head, spiking on the bases, brutal epithets from the opposing dugouts and from the crowds. During one game in Boston, the taunts and racial slurs seemed to reach a peak. In the midst of this, another Dodger, a Southern white named Pee Wee Reese, called timeout. He walked from his position at shortstop toward Robinson at second base, put his arm around Robinson's shoulder, and stood there with him for what seemed like a long time. The gesture spoke more eloquently than the words: This man is my friend.

Rainy day friends are the ones who listen to us when life is difficult, and remain faithful in friendship and relationship when the rest of the world turns their back to us. The scriptures give us some excellent examples of sincere friendship, but God's desire to connect with humanity is beautifully expressed by the account of Abraham and God in Genesis 18 and Jesus and humanity in John 15.

Abraham and God

The LORD Promises Abraham a Son (RSV)
1One hot summer afternoon Abraham was sitting by the entrance to his tent near the sacred trees of Mamre, when the LORD appeared to him. 2Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. He quickly ran to meet them, bowed with his face to the ground, 3and said, "Please come to my home where I can serve you. 4I'll have some water brought, so you can wash your feet, then you can rest under the tree. 5Let me get you some food to give you strength before you leave. I would be honored to serve you."
"Thank you very much," they answered. "We accept your offer."

Here is a picture of God (in the form of the complete trinity), coming to have a meal and spend time with Abraham. Abraham has been called God's friend.

James 2:23 23 and the scripture was fulfilled which says, "Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness"; and he was called the friend of God. (RSV)

Abraham's relationship with God mirrors God's desire to be in close relationship with all of his children. This relationship was not only available to Abraham, but it is available to all of us today. Is God: Creator, redeemer and comforter - your friend like Abraham experienced?

Jesus and humanity

11-15"I've told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends. You are my friends when you do the things I command you. I'm no longer calling you servants because servants don't understand what their master is thinking and planning. No, I've named you friends because I've let you in on everything I've heard from the Father."

We find in this section of scripture that God's intention all along was to be our very best rainy day friend. Jesus not only speaks of the value of sincere friendship, but also exemplifies it by the risk, challenge and sacrifice of his actions.

John 15:13 Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (RSV)

God allowed Jesus to sacrifice himself for humanity to have the opportunity to become friends of God. God is purposefully reaching out to us in his actions and words.

God introduced himself to Abraham in Genesis over a meal and conversation, Jesus created a roadway to God by his ministry and ultimate sacrifice described in the gospels and the Holy Spirit continually supports, promotes and provides the basis necessary to build relationship with God. (Ephesians 2:17-19) (NIV)

Barriers in relationships

Sometimes we encounter obstacles in friendships. If you think back to Jackie Robinson and Pee Wee, what kind of obstacles could have caused delay or barrier in the growth of their relationship? How about Abraham and God? What even could have become a blockade for Jesus in his befriending of humanity? The barrier can be racism, fear, disbelief, failure to trust, selfishness, disappointment or argument. Thankfully, Pee Wee, God and Jesus did not allow the potential barriers to keep them from pursuing and committing themselves to people in sincere friendship. The question is: 'are we living in relationship – true friendship with God – or are we allowing barriers to get in the way?
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Reflect today on the condition of your relationships. We can choose to bring the barriers out into the light of God's perspective or we can choose to remain by ourselves. Sincere friendship is precious, rare and risky.
Friendship requires: Agreement, loyalty, dependability, support, and sacrifice.

God follows through and is the most sincere friend a person could ever have. Will you be God's friend? Will you be a friend to the friendless? We have the opportunity to receive a gift of relationship with God as well as the responsibility to share that with the world around us. God is and always be our best rainy day friend, lets brave the storms of life together knowing that the Creator, redeemer and Comforter is holding us close saying, "I love you!", "We're going to make it!" and "I'll do anything to get you back home safe and sound."(from -Rain: Nooma)

God does more than talk about sincere friendship. God is the sincere friend. God was willing to seek after and meet with Abraham and through Jesus' work on the cross – God still seeks to be friends with us. God is waiting. Will you be God's friend no matter the circumstances? Sunny days are beautiful, but real friendship is tested in the storms of life. God is waiting – will you choose to be his friend?

London Author's book tour coming to Jamestown, NY.

Ian Mobsby, is an ordained NSM Anglican priest licensed to work with the Moot community, an Anglican Church of England Fresh Expression of Church Project in Westminster, Central London.


Ian has just completed his second book. "The becoming of G-D" and is coming to the US and Canada for a book tour in the month of June.

After meeting Ian last year at an Emergent Pittsburgh event discussing the function of art in the worship setting, we continued discussion specifically concerning Rublev's Icon and the symbolism of this 17th century painting. This conversation resulted in my writing the song "Eucharist" and the lyrics of this song have been included in Ian's new book.



Ian has recently confirmed his tour in partnership with Westminster Presbyterian Church, St. Luke's Episcopal Church and various other individual sponsors to include an event in the Jamestown/Lakewood area. Sunday and Saturday's events will be held at the YWCA Lake Lodge in Lakewood NY.
For complete tour details, please go to Hyper-reality: Mobsbys muings.


Be sure to save the dates of Sunday June 8 and Monday June 9 for this unique opportunity.



Tara