Life Just Goes On

Tom Eppy / Via Flickr

One of the first ways I came know Jesus more personally was through encouraging music.

I was in middle school, and a religious ed teacher from my Catholic church had given me a holiday gift - a CD from artist Steven Curtis Chapman. I'd never heard of him, but at 13, I was all about building my CD collection - back when CDs were actually cool.

I still listen to his songs pretty regularly - even though some date back to before I was even born. Here's one that really resonates - especially living in a big city (here's the best Youtube version; bonus points if you can read Spanish).

Today I watched in silence as people passed me by,

and I strained to see if there was something hidden in their eyes.

But they all looked at me as if to say,

"Life just goes on."

- "More To This Life"

Vacant eyes.

Sometimes I wonder if I will look like some of the very tired people I see on the metro every day - if my face will look just as vacant. I'm starting to understand what that Daily Grind looks - and feels - like. Time has worn their faces. Suits are wrinkled from the hustle and bustle. Mp3 players become a method of isolationism. When I see those people - and start think I'm the same way, I remember the hope I have in Christ.

Always have, always will.

If you know me, you might describe with positive adjectives, or attribute my youthful energy to naivete. But I know I'll never get bored of the idea that God saved me from myself. I just won't. That energy I have now? It will radiate to the day I die. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding" - after all, that's what faith is, isn't it? (Proverbs 3:5)

Grounded. Steadfast. Secure.

It's easy to align our faith with our feelings. But if I've learned anything, it's that feelings can't be trusted. When things aren't going right for me, I know that it's not because God can't see or hear what's going on - he knows it all. And God isn't a "fair weather" friend; he's the most dependable friend I have, because I know he won't ever abandon me.

And to those listless people on the metro - I'm praying that you'll find more to this life.

Face Value: Judging a Book by its Cover

Bookstores are one of my favorite places. Of course, libraries are even better because they're free. 

But on a recent shopping escapade, I was pretty disappointed (and humored!) with a some of the titles I saw. I even wrote down a few of them here:

How Not to Die

O's Big Book of Happiness

Why He Didn't Call You Back

Livin' the Moment: Getting to Ecstasy through Wine, Chocolate and the iPod Playlist

It's not a surprise that these were found in the "self-help" section. The human race has always looked to outside sources for answers to success, happiness, health and remedy. It's a lesson I need to learn, too. I am constantly seeking the approval of others and admit to "livin' the moment" every now and then. I'm not perfect; but I think we need to remember to keep our eyes focuses on the things above, rather than to other imperfect human we place with high authority (i.e. Oprah). What better person to follow than the only one who truly was, is and always will be P-E-R-F-E-C-T? I don't know anyone else who has achieved that status in human form other than Jesus. 

In our Beth Moore study, it's clear that I need to keep my attention focused on the things above. Where I look indicates what I hear, which influences how I feel and tells me what to expect. Therefore, I know that if I look to God, I know what I can expect. People, books, food, can never fully give me what I desire. Psalm 121 says, "I lift my eyes up to the hills/From where does my help come?/My help comes from the LORD,/Who made the heaven and the earth."

Case Study: Jon & Kate

They are household names: Jon and Kate (Plus 8). The religion section at the bookstore featured: "Multiple Bles8sings: Jon and Kate." While pop culture is obsessed with the unique family and, most recently, the couple's rocky relationship, I am sorely disappointed. Every People article, entertainment show and even the local news has taken a piece of the Jon & Kate Pie.  To what avail? Perpetuation of their scandalous behavior only further deteriorates their marriage and could lead to a very public divorce. Shame on the media for invading their lives, scripting their every move. The book portrays a loving, Christian family. Pre-scandal, the family seems to put prayer at the center and put their trust in God as their provider and sustainer. But what of it now? Media seem to have pitted Jon and Kate against each other. One entertainment show teased, "Up next, you'll find out why Jon and Kate aren't even sitting on the same couch in this exclusive interview."

Who will answer for their divorce when it happens? True, Jon and Kate chose to be featured on a reality TV show, but media also need to know when enough is enough. Has Princess Diana's death taught us nothing?

Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. - Psalm 34:13