“The greatest battles of life are fought every day in the silent chambers of one’s own soul.” (David O. McKay)

A Gated Community of the Soul

That's an interesting phrase isn't it? I got it from Michael Lindsay in this interview with Tim Stafford of Christianity Today about The Evangelical Elite.

Elite evangelicals have very conflicted feelings. And yet it's not a debilitating emotion. For many of them it lights a fire in their belly to try to do something. That's why a lot of these folks are what we would call "cultural entrepreneurs," trying to do something for the common good. Their faith gives them a compelling sense of activism to make the world right. It also gives them a more positive outlook. They're more hopeful about their ability to make a difference.

Seeing Clearly Through Tears

Here's a link to a great article that was posted on the Christianity Today website today. Al Hsu began to see clearly while singing God of Justice.

Live to feed the hungry
Stand beside the broken
We must go
Stepping forward
Keep us from just singing
Move us into action
We must go

Grace Through Suffering

I just learned of Makoto Fujimura through Michael Card's podcast. Makoto says, "Art is about being honest before God about things that I'm struggling with. Painting is about prayer to me, focusing on the beauty of God's reality and my own brokenness." His paintings create an "arena of grace".

Brennan Manning on the Love of Jesus

The long version. This one is about an hour, but so worth the watch...



The short version...

Demographics

Here's a link to ZIPskinny a web site that provides demographic information by zip code. Here's how my zip code 60624 compares to the rest of the state and the country. Our median household income is $22,426!

In the Studio with Michael Card

Michael Card had me on his radio show today. Here's the link to the streaming audio and the iTunes URL. He is a musician, song writer, author and a genuinely nice guy who clearly loves Scripture and represents Jesus well.

The Link To Michelle Obama's Speech

Here's the link to the outstanding speech by Michelle Obama that I mentioned on Thursday. She describes her experience growing up on the south side of Chicago and the low expectations people had for her. It was very inspirational for those who love to see people rise up above the odds and become models for the younger generation.

Don't Burn A Hole!

Those of us blessed to live in areas that get real winters have heard it many times, some fool trying to get out of a parking spot who doesn't know how to do it and refuses to get help. They rev their engine and accellerate until they burn themselves into a huge rut that makes it even more difficult for them to rise out.

We got about a foot of snow overnight in Chicago. Since my early morning appointment was cancelled I laid in bed for awhile this morning and read about half of Dan Allender's Book, To Be Told: Know Your Story, Shape Your Future. One of Allender's points was that we need to join with God in writing our story and not let the curcumstances of our lives keep us in a rut.

Then I carried out a potato chip bag clip to use to shovel out my car because I couldn't find my brush and scraper. The street was busy with guys from the neighborhood shoveling out cars and sidewalks. One of them offered to shovel out my car. I showed him my chip clip and told him I would love it if he would clear off my car for me and offered to pay him. He and his friend adamantly refused to take any money saying we are all neighbors and this is what neighbors do.

I got in and started warming up the car as they cleared off my windows and shoveled a path for my tires. I rolled down my window to thank them as I rocked my car back and forth to get out of the parking space. They joked that I clearly knew how to drive and it dawned on me, "Life's alot like that", I quipped. Don't burn yourself into a hole!" We can burn ourselves into a life rut that's hard to get out of. We choose the security, refuse to face change, and end up stuck in boring routines devoid of real meaning. So, my word for today is, DON'T BURN A HOLE!

And by the way, I LOVE my neighbors!