"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
Friday, July 13, 2012
Saturday, July 7, 2012
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
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
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
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
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
Thursday, June 28, 2012
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.
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.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
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.
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.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
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
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
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
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)
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)
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