The Thought is the Challenge into Obscurity!

Last week, I didn't really have a direction, nor a reason to write a post--other than to keep the practice going. It has become a bit of a ritual for me: wake up on a weekend day, lay around for an inordinate amount of time, get dressed, come to this coffee shop, and write some nonsensical piece of literature. It works though, if only I could find a way to write more outside of the confines of this place. It has become a bit of a muse for me. the air is ripe with young people trying to figure out what their life means and when they will realize their full potential, which is exactly what I am doing here. Trying to figure it all out... one step at a time!

Nonetheless, I had some thoughts about what I would like to cover in this post, some new thoughts that have surfaced over the course of some conversations I have had this week, and some thought that I have had rise to the surface all by themselves.

Thought #1: There is an appropriate time and place to verbally conjure vivid images of faith matters.

The reason I say this is because, I feel really uncomfortable hearing people talk about God, stories of the Bible, and other matters of faith at work. Especially when we work with such fragile minds (K-5 Grade students). Now, this is not to belittle the importance of matters of faith to the people who are conducting the conversations, or telling the stories, but I just feel that there is a proper setting for such matters. I realize that the great comission could be brought into conversation here, where we are called to "Go, make disciples of all nations, baptizing in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit," but just because that is what we were called to do, doesn't indicate the method. For that you must, if you want to, look back at the gospel accounts of Jesus' work: telling weird stories that pertained directly to the people who were listening; performing great feats of miraculous nature; and being an all around good dude. That's how I play the game. If somebody else wants to bring it up, I am still reluctant to talk about it, but at least then there is no room for perceived proselytizing. Faith is a personal matter, that I don't feel should be broadcast widely--keep it to yourself unless otherwise required to talk about it! That's just me though!

Thought #2: Reading The Bible can be fun, if you know what you're doing!
As some of you may have noticed on The Facebook, I have been posting obscure verses, one each day of the week (and one for the weekend). Now, I realize that posting weird bits of scripture doesn't really count as reading the bible, but I has brought to light an experience that I hadn't yet experienced--purposely cherry picking The Bible. In terms of theological discussion or study, I don't recommend this type of work, however if you're merely looking for a way to get in touch with the divine, but don't have time to read cover to cover, it is a really quick way to get what you want out the thing.

I'm just half kidding. It has proven to be an interesting way to get messages across though. If one was unaware of all of the context that is surrounding every word in The Bible, a lot of harm could be done (as is being done) in the modern manifestations of faith. It is a very precise way of ruining the lives of people who stand against an immovable force like the uber-conservative types who seem to have a problem with everybody but their own kind--weird I know. So, regardless of how fun it is for me to cherry pick The Bible, there is a point to this endeavor, which is the following: People don't know the whole story when it comes to The Bible, especially not when it comes to the darker side of the faith. Jesus was  Jew folks, and he lived the Old Testament, and came to revive the faith of the Jewish people as it was supposed to be--not a Christian. Nonetheless, learn the whole story before making a bigger ass out of the world!

Thought #3: Nothing really!
 I just want to wrap this up with a bit of clarification. There is a lot of random shit that flows through my head at any given moment of the day. What you see manifested on your screen is merely a tid bit of the big picture. I may come across as an idiot sometimes, but you only think that because you don't know me, which is fine. I think I'm an idiot sometimes too, but people often tell me otherwise--go figure! I really just want to promote conversation: not fights, not war, not isolation. Conversing with one another is the only way that we can really learn from each other. yes, with the vast network of wires and things that is the Internet, we don't really have to verbalize our concerns, fears, longings, loves, or anything else for that matter, but you cannot really KNOW somebody unless you talk to them face to face! That is my challenge to you, and myself... Find somebody to talk to! To really talk to, so that you might be pulled out of yourself and into a "whole new world," like Aladdin (or some other awful metaphor)!

There you have it. Some random thoughts and a challenge. If you would like to challenge my thoughts, please leave a comment and we will go to work figuring out how to live a better life together!

Much love to you all!

-Andy J. Graves