Reflection.

As I fly out of Reagan this morning, it seems appropriate to try to reflect on what all has happened this Summer. But, doing that without music would simply be boring. So, I picked a few songs and will write a little bit under each of them to give you (the viewer) something interesting and me something to try and steer my thoughts.

While I know I am not the only one who ever sleeps in DC, I felt this way a lot when thinking about leaving the city...or District of Columbia.

I loved this song before I got here. And, I still very much do. I think it's the energy contained in it, and the optimism or hope that seems to come from these electronic sounds. Plus, there many funny times involving this song.

I first heard this song while on the lawn of the Capitol during the Fourth of July celebration. It just seemed fitting to be where I would one day like to serve that I could 'make this place my home'.

I had never heard this song until I worked in DC this Summer. While I think it is much more beautiful when sung by teens and a simple guitar, I think this version does a pretty great job. Oftentimes, the realizations about the audacity that humanity has took me to my knees in prayer and shame.

I performed this song during our karaoke time as a staff, but no...I didn't need the words on the screen, I already knew them.
There is no need for any explanation: London 2012.was.incredible.

When landing in DC, I had no idea what to expect. But, since it is contains many of the symbols of freedom, liberty, and the American Federal Government is housed here...it seems fitting to have the national anthem. The chaos that Hendrix adds to the song I believe fits how our society is, and will always will be because freedom creates a constant tension sometimes hard to understand and appreciate.

Now, is it a cheesy song? yes. Is it overplayed? yes. Does it actually have any significance other than teen girls always played it in the car when going places? Yes, it does.
I like to think that God (in a non-creepy, teen love way) is singing many of the same thoughts. We are His creation; and yes, every bit of it is beautiful.
I'll see many of you soon.
Tim

It's not goodbye, it's see you later.

Today, the last group I hosted left. And, honestly they were one of the most memorable probably because it was 'my last [insert activity here]'. I felt privileged to get to know them and see God moving powerfully in their lives.
Saying goodbye is not something I'm a big fan of. At all. Primarily because I don't think that things end, they just have breaks in the middle. Saying goodbye to my coworkers was a unique experience. The sense of closure we all felt allowed for us to truly say that it was a 'good' bye. Not sad. Not emotional. Not hurt. But, a sense of joy that all of us had knowing that deep down, we were good with what happened this Summer. That we were proud of the work that we were allowed to be a part of. There's a  more off-color phrase 'It's all good in the hood'. And, that is the best way I can describe right now.
The sense of community that mainly underprivileged communities have is desperately missing from more affluent areas. And while problems will always exist, it is with honor and pride that I as a member of Christendom look at my job and know that God will one day say "Child well done". It is with the audacity of Christ's death and resurrection that I have any chance of knowing him. And with that, my job is done.
I'm going to be in DC for a few more days having fun. I hope to be able to fully reflect on my time here and prepare for the upcoming year. For those that have been reading this blog, Thanks for your wishes and prayers. You're the best :)

Last Work Day Eve

Tonight before my last full day of hosting was very...interesting. I have never more passionate about speaking to a crowd about God in my life. Never. Usually, I'm very cautious and careful...meticulous about what I say. Not tonight. It was quite raw. And, strangely the most awesome I have felt at a debrief at the end of a night.
I talked about the 'beautiful struggle' which is what I like to call 'fighting the good fight' mentioned in 1 Timothy 6: 11-end. And, man do I have a road in front of me. While it feels like I have been here years, I know it has only been a few short months and I can't even describe fully everything that has gone on. I'll try to when it is all said and done, but I won't make any promises because I probably won't be able to communicate via blog. It's a passionate feeling of anger, hurt, and love that the District of Columbia has brought out of me. I can't wait to see what is in store for the rest of my walk with God. I know it will be a tough road, but the sight will be something to see.
That's it for now. I have too much on my mind to focus.

in The Darkest of Knights, the powerful will Rise

Forewarning: This deals with the newest Batman movie and is not the shortest piece I've written, so only move forward if you have the time to finish it! And, it is kind of a jumbled collection of thoughts.

When I saw The Dark Knight Rises, I was really pleased with the movie and had been looking forward to it for quite some time. In fact, I had began to like what I saw with the first trailer I watched when I was overseas last fall. Being able to tie current popular sentiments of culture into an advertisement for a movie already made is pretty impeccable. Nevertheless, there was one particular point that really resonated with me the other night.
"When structures become shackles"
And, this week truly let me see that. Unexpected and uncontrollable events made my week of leading a very challenging one. After two 'terrible' days of nothing going right, I realized something strong. I Have No Say over when kids throw up. I Have No Say when it rains.

But, I can make a difference. And, seeing the RFK Center for Social Justice and Human Rights today really inspired me. It's funny how small the world is...RFK being one of my heroes, and a woman that I worked with this week being a teacher of some of his great-grandchildren. >>>>What. Just.Happened.
It was so neat to see the work that they have been doing and the advocacy they do here in the US and abroad. Needless to say, I forgot all of the 'issues' the week had presented and was presented with the radical ideas the great men (including God in Human Form, Christ) throughout history have eloquently spoken. That equality and justice are the fabric of a legitimate society. That humanity must take care of one another. That barriers erected are to be torn down in the name of reconciliation.
I have one last group here in DC. I can't wait.
-Tim

An Indescribable Depressing Situation/Hope Into Victory

 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 5:3-5


This week the International AIDS Conference is taking place here in Washington, D.C. 
Sadly, it is not far away from the battlefield of fighting this horrific modern plague. It is on the front lines. I strongly encourage to watch the link attached. It is about 4 minutes long. It describes some of the realities of the community that I have had the honor of serving in for the past several weeks. 
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-18919153
Today, I took my team to a non-profit that serves individuals with life-challenging illnesses. For the first 12 years of their organization, it was solely for victims of HIV/AIDS. Now, it encompasses more but are still dominated by that particular illness.
As I came back from my route, I saw a kid from another group wondering why condoms were in a basket on a desk at the organization. I told him the story about the work that they do and the people that they serve and while he was young, he didn't seem to understand that it is a non-curable disease. Hopefully, as he gets older he will not have to live in a world where it remains an issue. But, until then, We all do. Therefore,
Ladies and Gentlemen, I am an advocate for a healthy and committed relationship between individuals who has committed themselves for life and before God. But, if you are active: use protection. Get tested. Be open. Be honest. And, do not hide from reality. We as brothers and sisters in humanity need each other to lean upon in difficult times. And, as humanity we lean upon the Cross and the sacrifice it represents. 

2 Months.

Today is the 2 month anniversary of me starting my time in Washington, District of Columbia. At first, it seems like it has been a lot longer than that because of the multitude of experiences that I have had the privilege of having while here. But, at the same time it seems like I haven't been here for very long. I think part of that has to do with the pace of the ministry life here, but I'm not quite sure.
There have been moments that have allowed me to be tested in patience, humility, and servanthood. While those moments often came at the most 'inconvenient' time possible for me, I guess that the biggest lesson was to go ahead and never plan anything. Why? Because something is always in store that is unexpected. After reading this morning's headlines, I hate to think that sorrow is often a part of that story.
But, pain is a constant part of the human existence. On a daily basis, I have seen individuals who are struggling with mental instability, homelessness, poverty, injustice, discrimination, lack of hope, and a constant cycle of a world that views them as: a blight on their city, a statistic...if they are viewed at all and not just completely forgotten. And, in a city full of organizations that were built on the idea of individuals having dignity and worth it seems unfathomable that it is so visible to the willing observer.
As a student of politics and a Christian, I am disheartened by much of the discourse that goes on (if any) concerning urban politics and society. While it was one of my favorite courses so far in my discipline, God allowing me to see the problems head on was quite a blessing.
Seeing a man dig out of a trashcan just a few blocks from where I reside, seeing a kid not be able to do problems well below their grade level, and seeing the long lines for social services make me (as a hopeful member of government one day) want to explode in rage. As a Christian, I feel that Jesus in the temple overthrowing tables of money changers is completely appropriate in many instances I have found myself in this summer.
The brokenness of communities however, is not a lost cause. Non-profits and especially, churches are doing valuable work trying to take care of their neighbor. Many have been fighting these problems since the 19th century and emancipation here in Washington. Thank God that they have. No longer is DC the murder capital of the nation as it was in the 1990s. But, the problems go far beyond the headlines. The voices of those who can't get a voice in the halls of the federal government, the voices of the immigrant trying to begin life on a fresh start, and the voices of men and women trying to do the will of God by reconciling race, ethnicity, socio-economic class, and political affiliation to see that what unites us is Love.
I have a few weeks left and I can't wait to see what is in store.
-Tim

Nails and Nonsense

So, I stepped on a nail at one of our ministry sites today. And, man. It hurt. But, I was able to do something that I'm going to brag about: When it happened, I didn't say one word. Not one. But, as I was putting my bandage on, I started thinking about the building I was in (a church) and the pain that our Savior went through in order to provide a mechanism for it to exist....and it struck me as truly unimaginable. I can barely begin to fathom knowing that one could avoid pain, but submissively endures excruciating pain for the greater good of humanity. It is truly a gift, the gift from God.
On a less theological note, I have just under a month left here in Washington. While it feels like I have lived a lifetime in many respects here, I also feel like it has just been a huge whirlwind. A wonderful one at that, too.
Getting to see students wrestle with social justice, the struggles of street life, and the saving grace of the Kingdom has truly been extraordinary. I have a wonderful job, and nothing is going to nail me down.

What's love got to do with it? ...Everything

"What is needed is a realization that power without love is reckless and abusive, and love without power is sentimental and anemic. Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice, and justice at its best is power correcting everything that stands against love." Martin Luther King, Jr.


As I'm writing this post, I am reflecting on the current affairs in Washington D.C. Unsurprisingly, the local government is under fire and the mayor is being called on to resign due to alleged corrupt election practices in 2010. You can read more here about it. 
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/gray-donor-admits-to-scheme-to-funnel-illegal-campaign-contributions/2012/07/10/gJQA0b5DbW_story.html
But, I think this is just one example of how our society is getting things wrong. These things happen because we as humans try to have a focus on us when really it isn't. It is about others (for those of faith, God by loving one another). The group I helped lead this week had a neat them of "It's not about you" and I found it very fitting at this juncture in my time in the District of Columbia. 
It's been an enlightening summer of trying to see the interconnectedness of government, non-profit, and religious organizations working to try and solve problems of social justice in our communities. Unfortunately, it looks very jumbled because of the disconnect between the different sides. Those that can and can't or won't talk about God, the solutions that each side believe would be most effective, and the problems that seem to be the 'most important'. For me, it has been fascinating to see. I've gotten the privilege to work with amazing people and organizations that are truly making an impact. I've gotten to see the aftershocks of bad decisions made by organizations in the past. 
All in all, I am lucky for the opportunity that I have had. It's crazy to think it's mid-July, but I guess time flies when you are busy. 
Best,
Tim

Man, I love fireworks

So, the fireworks in Washington D.C. are absolutely spectacular. I got to hear John Williams conduct, here the 1812 Overture (one of my favorite classical pieces of music) and watch incredible works of art above the Washington Monument.
But, even this week I got to see the Washington National Cathedral which is a grandiose place worthy of being a home to the funerals of many of our dignitaries and the last place Martin Luther King, Jr. preached.
This week was full of lots of great things. On the same note, it was also the most challenging I have had by far. With many things happening not according to plan, I felt discouraged. But, the book of Job was able to come to my rescue and teach me even more of the amazing life that we are allowed to live, enjoy, relish in, and appreciate. Even though I feel that often there are insurmountable challenges that face our world, and our individual lives, I know that they can be overcome by the incredible spirit of mankind in unity, love, and kindness. Have a fantastic weekend everyone. -Tim

"Job stood up and tore his robe in grief. Then he shaved his head and fell to the ground to worship. ²¹ He said,“I came naked from my mother’s womb, and I will be naked when I leave. The Lord gave me what I had, and the Lord has taken it away. Praise the name of the Lord!” In all of this, Job did not sin by blaming God." Job 1:20-21

The Fourth of July

Hello Everyone, I seriously have no idea who is reading this blog...but thanks to you diligent scavengers of the internet!

Today is the celebration of Independence Day by the United States of America. Being in Washington D.C. is an exciting opportunity as I get to see many of the products, history, and grandeur of the years of the nation. However, for every memorial their is a broken city or neighborhood. For every missed parking spot on the street there is a child who sees little hope in their own future. For every tourist booth, there is a broken school. While today is a day of celebration for the freedoms and rights that we have and enjoy, let us remember that for many it is simply another day of struggle. The light of our nation may shine bright. But in order to do so, we must all see what is and what we want it to be.

God Bless You and God Bless the United States of America

Insightful

"But Jesus, aware of this, replied, “Why criticize this woman for doing such a good thing to me?  You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me. She has poured this perfume on me to prepare my body for burial." -Matthew 26:10-12


Today is a monumental day in the history of the United States. There are those who believe that the nation has gone far off course, those that believe the nation is only now getting back on the right path, and those that think that their is no hope for any positive outcome. This is unfortunate for a variety of reasons, but I am hopeful for the future. Even though at the same moment I am furious at the state of affairs that many citizens find themselves in. A fair shake in life is a right, it is the essential component of dignity.
I have had the privilege of working with children over the last several weeks, but yesterday was very difficult for me. I saw children that loved reading and doing math and were invigorated by the classroom environment. But, at the same time there was the quiet child in the back that struggled to do basic addition well below their grade level. This is simply unacceptable. Change is an inevitable part of life and society. It is only right that certain injustices begin to get rectified. You have to be well in order to do well in the classroom.
I could continue, but I need to go. Have a great day everyone. Let us all remember that we are part of the same world.

What A Week..

This past Sunday was the beginning to a very interesting and tiring week. It started off with a bang when I went to St. John's also known as "the church of the Presidents." I really enjoyed the service and will be attending again for sure. I then met my most energized group yet, and they were a blast to work with. The days were long, the adventures many, and the growth was undeniable. I feel very privileged to work with kids going through some of the most influential years they will have in their lives concerning their faith. Being able to challenge them and see them break through glass ceilings is incredible and I wouldn't really want it any other way.
I have had some long days and will have many more, so today is a much needed rest for the week ahead. So, continue to think of me and my coworkers and the ministry we are doing and allow it to impact each and every person that comes to serve.
Additionally, I got to go to a Nationals game this week!!!!!! I was super excited and really enjoyed my time at the ballpark and seeing them beat the Rays! I really hope to attend a DC United Soccer match while I'm here.
Finally, I went to the FDR and MLK Jr. memorials this week. I didn't get to spend near enough time at them, but I plan on going back because they are incredible.
Well, I think that's going to be it for now.

This is really short.

So, I've started and restarted this post like 4 times and am still not sure what all I'm going to say, so here it goes. 
This week was exhausting. This week was fulfilling. It was a struggle and it was a needed challenge. I felt like I wasn't doing a very great job during this 2nd week (but my first full one) but, I think otherwise now. The comments and growth that I got to see and hear were really able to lift my opinion about how I do my job from low to acceptable. I know that I'm pretty critical of myself, but I just feel like I'm being honest. I don't need a sugar coat on when I speak in front of people (I need brutality to get better). Hopefully, this next week will continue to be a great chapter on this book I'm writing. I just don't have much to say...so, I guess that will be the end of it. 


“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." John 15: 5

June 6th

"Few will have the greatness to bend history, but each of us can work to change a small portion of the events, and then the total — all of these acts — will be written in the history of this generation" Robert F. Kennedy


Today is the 44th anniversary of RFK being assassinated. If you are only going to read one thing today, don't let it be this blog. Read this instead. 
http://www.jfklibrary.org/Research/Ready-Reference/RFK-Speeches/Remarks-of-Senator-Robert-F-Kennedy-to-the-Cleveland-City-Club-Cleveland-Ohio-April-5-1968.aspx

Last night, I gave a debriefing session to my group with the capitol in the backdrop. While I didn't do it on purpose (I promise!), it was a little ironic when one of the leaders said I looked like a politician. HIstory says that Catholicism was a prominent part of RFK's life, and if I am ever given the chance to be a leader that makes even a small imprint on the book of history, I hope that it is also written that faith is essential. The past 72 hours have definitely been a testament to that. 

The past few days have been difficult as they have been the first days of actually leading groups in the city and around. While I have remained calm and everything has happened that needed to, it has been trying on my brain. But, probably because I wanted to be in control over everything when that is just not going to be possible.


The group was only here for a short time compared to groups I will have the rest of the summer. I feel that I will be challenged and tested to even greater limits. Hopefully, I will be able to continue making strides to garner greater serenity concerning daily events and planning for the future. 
Here's to a great week ahead!
~tim



John spoke up, "Teacher, we saw a man using your name to expel demons and we stopped him because he wasn't in our group."
 Jesus wasn't pleased. "Don't stop him. No one can use my name to do something good and powerful, and in the next breath cut me down. If he's not an enemy, he's an ally. Why, anyone by just giving you a cup of water in my name is on our side. Count on it that God will notice.
Mark 9: 38-41 (The Message Translation)

Reality, Faith, Kindness

"Gross National Product counts air pollution and cigarette advertising, and ambulances to clear our highways of carnage. It counts special locks for our doors and the jails for the people who break them. It counts the destruction of the redwood and the loss of our natural wonder in chaotic sprawl. It counts napalm and counts nuclear warheads and armored cars for the police to fight the riots in our cities. It counts Whitman's rifle and Speck's knife, and the television programs which glorify violence in order to sell toys to our children. Yet the gross national product does not allow for the health of our children, the quality of their education or the joy of their play. It does not include the beauty of our poetry or the strength of our marriages, the intelligence of our public debate or the integrity of our public officials. It measures neither our wit nor our courage, neither our wisdom nor our learning, neither our compassion nor our devotion to our country, it measures everything in short, except that which makes life worthwhile. And it can tell us everything about America except why we are proud that we are Americans." -Robert F. Kennedy Attorney General of the United States

Yesterday was an exciting day in many ways. We went to one of sites that helps provide resources to teachers that often work in underprivileged schools and areas. I felt really inspired while doing the work because it used several skills that I have extensive experience with (namely, open boxes, breaking them down, and counting pallets...). In many ways, I struggled to keep my mind out of the political questions that creep in concerning many issues of social justice (this would only get exponentially worse/better as the day went on). 
That evening our groups were sent into the city to help personally impact someone and learn more about the realities of the city. Real people, real tasks, real challenges. I was able to do mine well (talking business people into giving me free food is another thing to list on the resume). However, I was really impacted by one of the residents of the street we met. I'll call him Luke for the purpose of this blog. Luke was a member of the United States Navy and went into his struggle with claiming military benefits, etc. He was very well spoken and articulate (while the other members of my groups were just nodding along with what he was saying because it was very bureaucracy-ese, I was eating it up). He talked about the need for government, the need for balance between interests, and was very balanced in the way he presented it. And, he was homeless. 


It was hard for me to listen to this. Luke reminded me of another person that I know very, very well. That man is my father. My father was a member of the United States Navy. My father has always been reasonable and articulate with me and raised me to see both sides of issues. And, it was just tough. 


So, this was the apex of what I call my political brain exploding. It was numb. How less than 6 blocks from the halls of Congress was this possible? Well, I don't have an answer and I probably never will. The answer I do have are that those we are meek shall inherit the Earth. These past few days have really made me grapple with many issues and constantly reevaluate to persistently seek truth. 


-Tim

Big Gulps.

Those that know me well know that I love three things and may or may not be obsessed with: politics, soda, and more politics.
Let's start with the first one. I like Dr. Pepper.... Ok, I consume far more than the usual daily amount for normal humans. Anyways, the primary way I do that is via a Big Gulp from the 7-11. 32 oz of pure delicious goodness is double the price here in D.C. than back in Oklahoma. But, it's not really that surprising (it makes me feel like I'm back in a foreign country in some ways). In fact, the price of everything is pretty much double or triple what I grew up with and is a large factor for why the District has such a wide gap between the wealthy and those in poverty. So, realizing that it was so expensive not only in quick stops, but also grocery stores made me shudder. A 2-Liter should never be about 1.50 in my opinion...but, anyways it has been an enlightening experience with my coworkers talking about the differences between here and where they live (most are from similar places price wise etc. )
This week has been full of great and unique experiences for sure, but two have stuck out to me when interacting with the people of the city. When we had to ask locals about D.C., we got an earful and I loved hearing opinions from passionate people about their community and city. Which is why the price differences piqued my interest (because I wanted to grumble about 7-11 highway robbery on Soft Drinks).
The 2nd one was at a local restaurant when I was handed a flyer from a local with the Occupy movement and it concerned racial tension between different groups of the community. And, it went even further than that encompassing (rightly or wrongly) multiple issues facing this community and the broader society today. I thought to myself, "What am I going to say to the kid who (like I would have at 16) asks about it and what to do about it?" There two very good questions....however, this week has been helpful in being able to recognize something: answers and solutions are not always absolute, but the constant factor is the Love of God.
The lack of reconciliation in some areas or the occurrence of racial tension is something that I will be facing daily and seeing/hearing varying opinions on it. I won't elaborate, but if you want to know more of what I'm talking about wiki Washington D.C. and keep reading about the city.

Today was a pretty good day. I went with a couple of coworkers out and about in the city and had a good time exploring. (I finally saw the Avengers movie and it was solid ...the hype was higher than the actual product in my opinion.)
This Summer will be an adventure and a growing process for sure. It feels like it has been a month...and it has been a week. Oh man, here goes nothing/everything.

"Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth." 2 Timothy 2: 23-25

the first day...

Jehoshaphat stood before the community of Judah and Jerusalem in front of the new courtyard at the Temple of the Lord. ⁶ He prayed, “O Lord, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you! ⁷ O our God, did you not drive out those who lived in this land when your people Israel arrived? And did you not give this land forever to the descendants of your friend Abraham? ⁸ Your people settled here and built this Temple to honor your name. ⁹ They said, ‘Whenever we are faced with any calamity such as war,^[d] plague, or famine, we can come to stand in your presence before this Temple where your name is honored. We can cry out to you to save us, and you will hear us and rescue us.’ 2nd Chronicles 20:5-9


This morning I went to Church with one of my co-workers. The church was one of several locations for members to go to throughout the DC area. It was interesting as I haven't been to a very contemporary style church. While I knew what it was, and how it would feel...I was challenged by the message. It seems fitting that it was on the passage above and how all of the problems that I would be confronted with later that day that I will be working in, through, and around. 


After some logistical training, my fellow workers and I were introduced to the city and its landscape and scenery. The stark differences between the communities were similar to what I was expecting. However, the differences between even blocks within neighborhoods are varying in the degree of starkness (some are similar and some gentrification is almost bizarre in the way it looks). Taking it all in, I'm excited and ready to do this. However, it will be challenging and to not think so would be dumb. I'm looking forward to it all. 


More next time.....

I'm starting this blog to capture my time this summer.
So, it's the night before I head to Washington D.C. to do missionary work with the Center for Student Missions. I'm not quite sure it has completely hit me yet though that I'm about to work in one of the most dysfunctional cities in the United States. And, that goes far beyond the stereotypical comment about Congress and the Federal government. I'm looking forward to what God has in store for me this summer. I'll write probably about once a week (or at least try to).