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
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 :)
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.
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
