I remember watching the benediction and comparing it to the uplifting words of Rick Warren who gave the invocation at the Inaugural. And I remember thinking to myself that it seemed a bit out of place at times promoting class-envy and even tried to keep the idea of racism alive.

I also remember watching some of the “pundits” that night, some of which I really admire. Some that have in the past promoted Christianity or claimed to be Christian, etc, and are white. They fanned the small flame caused by this pastor and tried to create a large fire out of it. There are a number of blogs quoting line by line the “outrageous” words of this man. But they left out one important fact. the majority of them weren’t even his.

I learned something today that was not once mentioned in the onlslaught of criticism over Lowery’s “views of the world.” Much of what he said came straight out of the Old Testament. Specifically, Amos, Isaiah, Hosea, Habakkuk, Zechariah and Micah. Their words were peppered throughout his benediction.

“And while we have sown the seeds of greed – the wind of greed and corruption and even as we reap the whirlwind of social and economic disruption, we seek forgiveness…” Rev. Joseph Lowery

“They sow the wind, and so they will reap the whirlwind! The stalk does not have any standing grain; it will not produce any flour…” Hosea 8:7

Or,

“Help us then, now, Lord, to work for that day when nation shall not lift up sword against nation, when tanks will be beaten into tractors, when every man and every woman shall sit under his or her own vine and fig tree, and none shall be afraid.” Rev. Joseph Lowery

“He will arbitrate between many peoples and settle disputes between many nations. They will beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into burning hooks. Nations will not use weapons against other nations and they will no longer train for war. Each will sit under his own grapevine or under his own fig tree without any fear.” Micah 4:3-4

And the most controversial sayings, “….and when white will embrace what is right,” came from an old song from 1951, in the heart of the Civil Rights struggle, “Get back (Black, Brown and White)” from an old jazz singer by the name of Big Bill Broonzy. I think he was reminding us just how far we’ve come.

I’m not saying that there weren’t any political overtones in his prayer, (he’s known for being controversial) but I do say, some of us used the wrong filter and completely missed the message. Lowery was and old Civil Rights leader who saw culmination of his hard work, as well as countless others, finally pay off on Inauguration Day. He is an Old Testament scholar who likes to interject scripture anywhere he can to show its timeless nature. And he is a proud African-American who enjoys the wonderful sounds that have come out of severe hardships.

We may not be on the same political page or are even able to see the world through the same set of lenses. And I’m sure I will disagree with his words in the future, but as for today, kudos, job well done.

We Christians sometimes do a horrible job of practicing what we preach. One of the biggest calls we have is to not judge others. Yet that is exactly what we do. And an many cases, such as this, we judge without even taking into consideration the context. We just assume we already know everything there is to know. Our own worst enemy is too often ourselves.

I say helpful.

In saying so, I would like to establish where I think Bakker is wrong. I read an interview with him where he stated that he does NOT believe homosexuality is a sin. I cannot disagree more. Not because I think it is a sin, but because that is what the Bible says. I didn’t write it, and I’m not going to choose what I think was divine intervention or just “bigoted” human-speak. Once you start doing so you destroy all of it’s credibility. But rust me, there is plenty in there that blankets me as a sinner.

On the other hand we still need to take what ALL of the Bible says. And correctly interpret it. The argument of whether homosexuality is a sin or not is irrelevant. Let’s assume that it is NOT, as Bakker says. If you believe, as the Bible says, that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, then homosexuals are still sinners. And they need the Gospel just as much as all other sinners. And the last I checked, the Gospel says the Jesus Christ died for ALL who have sinned.

I defend Jay Bakker from this standpoint. The church has done one heck of a job welcoming everyone in to its arms, as long as they aren’t gay. The new unpardonable sin. I must have missed that verse. I think this is the core of all the contraversy. Bakker is reaching people “the church” doesn’t want reached. It’s as if homosexuals have to “cleanse” themselves before they go before God, instead of, like everyone else, going before God and letting Him cleanse them however he chooses. That’s His call, not ours. Plank in your eye ring a bell.

I think what Bakker is doing is great. He is reaching people who need love, with love. Jesus’ love. Not with picket signs that read, “God hates fags!” I cannot think of anything LESS like Jesus’ teachings than that. Even if Bakker is sharing the Gospel with a filtered lense, and I think he is, he is bringing people to Christ. That’s the job we have been given. God is big enough to mold them, use them and if he chooses, change them, however He wishes. And that is the job He takes upon Himself.

Again, all comments welcome. I know this will bring an opinion or two. Be nice.

Not a big reader, I was glad to see it was very short. I should be able to knock it off in a month or two. Well, actually I was able to in a week. It’s a very interesting concept of using a fictional story to bring about some theological truths. But, because of that, I need to give it two reviews.

As a fiction novel the book has some very emotional qualities about it. As a father of two girls, I just about had to put the book down several times and think about something else (ever seen “Gone Baby Gone?”) I don’t want give anything away, in case you’re one of the few that HASN’T read it, but the general plot goes like this (it’s on the book jacket.) A couple’s little girl is kidnapped and never found. Three years later, the little girl’s father has an encounter, face to face, with God and has it out with Him. And God with the father. Decent plot. A couple of great twists. And a great ending. But, a lot of the dialogue, characters and scenarios did seem a little strange and far-fetched, at times.

But, that’s not what the book was about. Like I said, it was a theological lesson, disguised as a fictional tale. And from that view, thumbs up. This is why the book is so popular and this is why it should be apart of anyone’s library. Young spends two-thirds of the book spelling out the very accurate and biblical character of God, and is a great reminder of the wonderful gift to be able to be called his heirs (like the plug?)

I think my favorite part was when the question of “disappointment” came up. In C.S. Lewis style, Young took common sense philosophy and answered it in an extremely comforting way. Simply put, If God knows everything you’ve done, are doing and will ever do, then there is nothing you can do to disappoint him. Disappointed is a feeling that requires one to NOT know the outcome. What a liberating thought. And no, this doesn’t give us free reign to just go do as we please. But, it does unshackle us from being so worried about doing right that we ultimately think of ourselves as failures. Remember, we failed at birth. It’s done. There’s nothing we can do to right it. Hence the small sacrifice of a guy named Jesus.

This is what the book is about. A real life discussion of the love of God and his wanting a relationship with us. Not a great track record. Not perfect attendance at church. But, a relationship. The fictional side of the book wasn’t as great as a lot of people told me. But, after reading it, I don’t think they were even talking about the fiction. They were talking about the non-fiction, the truth of the book. The on-going truth that started in vacant garden a long time ago. The truth that God created us in His image so that He could be with us and that we could be with Him. Thanks William, I keep forgetting. Have you read it. What did you think?

Sometimes it seems that nothing would make a difference to communities like this. What Mycoskie has proven is that even the most simple of ideas can make a WORLD of difference. You just have to get off your butt and act on them. Thank you Blake for answering that age-old excuse, I mean question “What can I do about it?”

Please visit TomShoes.com to get their full story of just how much they’re making a difference.

Former addicts, that is. Thanks to the Charlotte Rescue Mission (CRM).

The CRM was founded in 1938 by a handful of Charlotte business men, including Franklin Graham, the father of evangelist Billy Graham, as a temporary home for those without one. It quickly starting attracting those in need of which many were battling addictions. Addictions of all sorts. Because of this, in 1990, the CRM made a commitment to have a Christian staff trained in substance abuse. This was the beginning of a program called “Rebound” and has since served many thousands of men. Because of its success, the women’s program, “Dove’s Nest,” began two years later with a similar structure.

The CRM is a unique entity. It is totally christian based, volunteer oriented and relies solely on donations. Nothing from the government and nothing from the United Way. And it’s totally free to its guests. No wonder why they have such a high success rate compared to other organizations. The whole organization answers to only one power. God.

So we had lunch duty today (with about 15 other volunteers.) Real hard, too. 3 whole hours and all we did was throw frozen pizzas in the oven, whip up some salads and talk. That’s right, talk. These men (about 75 of them) are on a restrictive 90-120 program. No family, no friends. And most aren’t even from the Charlotte area. It’s a true cleansing program.

When the men walked in to the dining hall we were amazed at the diversity stung by addictions. White, black, old, young, professional business men and the down-and-out. All walks of life were represented here. Addiction is not prejudice and doesn’t care who it recruits.

After lunch was served, we sat down to eat with a couple of the men. Out-of-towners. Ron was from Alabama. His family still at home, waiting for his return. His little girls upset that he missed their first days of school. But, he’s doing great and is only a month away from going home. He has been married for 13 years and shares the exact same anniversary date as me and my wife. Weird, huh?

Gene resides in Virginia. BIG DUDE. He played in the NFL for a few years in the late nineties. And yeah, he put away some pizza. Coincidence number 2? He played college ball with a friend of mine and under a coach who is the friend of another volunteer who was there today. (Insert theme from “Twilight Zone”)

It’s pretty eye-opening to see what addictions can do to people. It’s amazing that this many men accept the fact that they need help. It’s amazing that the couple of hours that we spent not doing much today actually helped these men. But, it did. As will the volunteer’s hours tomorrow, the next day and the next.

Jesus said, “the harvest is great, but the workers are few…” That’s all those few men needed to hear some 70 years ago when they started the CRM. It’s amazing what can actually be done, when we accept who we are and obey what we are asked to do. I only hope I continue to listen.

I was introduced to Third Day, here in Charlotte, at a festival at Carowinds. Not at all a big Christian music follower, I was blown away by there powerful performance and immediately bought their newest CD the next day. “Offerings.” Yeah, this happened a few years ago. Over the next few weeks I kept jamming to “Consuming fire” over and over again. Christian music isn’t supposed to be this good. I also listened a lot to their version of “Angus Dei” – a great church song – and “Thief” – about as unique a song as they come. Then I was unexpectedly broadsided.

My family was already at the beach. It was Friday night and I was on my way to join them. Tired of playing the same songs over and over again (a little Grateful Dead, some Cure, I think I was even playing some Techo) I put in the “Offerings CD and played it all the way through. It’s amazing what you hear without distractions. I didn’t remember hearing a couple of those songs. Then “Love Song” came on. It was like the episode of Seinfeld when he discovered emotions for the first time, “What is this wet stuff coming out of my eyes?” Yep, I started crying. Crying like a little girl.

Now, at this point in time, my life was pretty good. A great wife, a good job, a new baby girl, went to church every Sunday. No complaints at all. It didn’t matter. I heard something for the first time in my life. Even though I had an understanding of God’s love, I basically knew what the Bible said. I never actually heard it FROM God. And that’s just what that song did. And no, I am not calling Mac Powell God. And I sat in the driver’s seat, alone, cruising down I-95 crying. Joyfully crying. Of course, my wife just thought is was hysterical and wanted to fit me for a bra.

Anyway, their new album just recently came out. And as you all probably know already, possibly, the best album of the year. And darnit’ if it didn’t almost happen again. The first time I heard the title track, “Revelation,” I started getting hot-face, the lip wanted to quiver, but this time, I manned-up and forced it away. There will be none of that again.

Well, at least not until I get back into the privacy of my car.

Gregg Russell has been a fixture of that oak tree in Harbourtown for over 30 years. And is still going strong. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, he entertains a couple hundred kids and adults every night, except on Saturdays. He has a brilliant formula. And its been basically the same since day one. The kids all sit on stage with him, the adults fill the benches. He makes fun of moms. He makes fun of dads. Grandparents don’t get off easy either. He sings a few songs, tells a few stories and then gives the mic to the children to sing their favorite songs. I’ve heard anything from the ABC song to Aerosmith (that was a little weird). Then toward the end the evening he makes all the kids take a pledge to “drive their parents crazy.” And they do. Religiously.

Gregg has shared the stage with top-shelf acts (including Stephen Curtis Chapman), recorded numerous CDs and has now made a name for himself in the movie industry. His latest effort, and independent film called “Come Away Home” won the Best Picture Honor from the International Family Film Festival along with an Award of Excellence from the Film Advisory Board.

So, what’s he do for the community? Well, in 1998, he and his wife Lindy started a charity called “Hilton Head Heroes.” It’s purpose is to bring children from the ages 4 to 16 with life threatening illnesses, along with their families to Hilton Head for a free, resort-style vacation.

So, if you ever make it to Hilton Head and run out of things to do, take your kids over to the oak tree in HarbourTown. It may be the most enjoyable two hours you spend on the island.

Feel free to comment on Gregg if you’ve already seen him or others like him.

I remember watching “Ice-Age” with the girls. It was PG. Why? Because a tiger had sharp teeth? A mother may have died? Cool, they are really protecting me. But, after watching Shrek (which I loved) I had to worry about my kids calling each other “ass.” Fortunately, they didn’t catch on. But these are two different levels of PG. One for young kids and one for old kids, even adults. I need a solution. I can’t afford to see movies twice just to test them.

There IS one company that hasn’t failed me. Pixar. They keep cranking the best animated movies year after year. The problem is, until this last year they only came out with a movie every two or three years. Finally, they are one a once-a-year schedule. Plus, I  noticed something this year that I want to give Pixar credit for. There are quite a few G-rated movies coming out THIS summer. Leading the pack is Pixar’s “WALL•E” (once again a most excellent offering from these brilliant movie makers) Followed by “Kit Kitridge” (great if you have daughters) and “Space Chimps.” And don’t forget “Horton Hears a Who” earlier in the year. And the good ‘ole Vegetales.

I decided to take the girls to see “Kung Fu Panda” based on a the website, pluggedinonline, What a tremendous resource. Without trying to steer you in one direction or another, they legitimately review movies and give you every detail of why they were rated the way they were. “Kung Fu Panda?” martial arts violence. Good enough for me. The girls fight themselves everyday. Nothing new. “Surf’s Up?” (I desperately wanted to see) One scene with a penguin peeing on another one when he was stung my a jellyfish. Funny, but I didn’t want to give my 4-yr old (at the time) any ideas. Best movie review site available.

But, again kudos to Pixar who has proven that, yes, we do want a choice of good solid G-rated movies and yes, we will pay a lot of money for them. They know the formula and their formula seems to be rubbing off. Maybe I have just forgotten, but the choice of true “family movies” that seemed to be slim over the past few years is slowly growing. Keep it up.

Please feel free to comment on the state of movies today, give your reviews of any of the above movies or give some recommendations good, family-friendly movies out there.

I went to a music festival in Charlotte an this band Third Day came out and just started rocking. I was wrong. I just listened to the wrong stuff. I think what did it for me was when they sang “Consuming Fire.” What a concept. Powerful music, with equally powerful lyrics. And now a few albums later, here I am anxiously awaiting their newest endeavor, “Revelation.” And no less than Billboard Magazine is singing their praises.

Gracing the cover of the June issue of Billboard, Third Day is the feature of the aticle asking “Christian Crossover?” This is a direct tie-in to main point in the article which is that they have joined forces with new management as well as a new producer. Secular ones. Oooooh. But, as the story clearly illustrates, the crossover is coming from the other side. Producer Howard Benson explains about how he has wanted to work with them for a while and even tells of a wonderful, religious experience he had while in studio with Mac Powell and Flyleaf front, Lacey Mosley. Even more awesome, is because he’s Jewish.

Their long awaited album is certain to be one, if not the, best albums of the year. “Call My Name” has already spent a few weeks at the top spot. And from what I heard a couple of weeks ago at Carowinds, in Charlotte, as well as some samples from other websites, there will be a steady flow of other no. 1’s in the coming months. “Revelation,” the title track, I predict will be their biggest hit. Pre-mature prediction? Maybe. But, the song really speaks to me.

Thanks again guys.