State of Shock (Sudden Death Pt. 2)

My members were walking in the doors for worship and prayer and I was walking out in numbness and shock. My only thought was, “I gotta get down to Florida.” The numbness reminds me of a story in the Bible that probably best displays the shock of loss that a person experiences when they lose a loved one to death.

Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a

large crowd went along with him. As he approached the town gate, a dead

person was being carried out—the only son of his mother, and she was

a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. When the Lord

saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, “Don’t cry.” Then he went

up and touched the bier they were carrying him on, and the bearers stood

still. He said, “Young man, I say to you, get up!” The dead man sat up

and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother. 

(Luke 7:11-15NIV)

Jesus is surrounded by a massive crowd, which is no surprise because everywhere Jesus goes a large crowd follows. He's the equivalent of a modern-day superstar in that everywhere He goes, He gets mobbed by people. They've heard of His miracles and many of them want to see it for themselves. He travels all the time and so there's no telling when or if He'll ever come here again. Many come to see, but some come to be healed themselves. Some come to bring their friends and family to be healed. Some come to hear Him teach about the Kingdom of God. They say he speaks like no other man who has ever lived. He's different. Man believe that He's the promised one, the Redeemer, the Messiah. Thus, they followed Him everywhere.

On this particular day Jesus is entering the city of Nain, a small village town just southeast of Nazareth. The twelve disciples are by His side and the usual crowd of expectant onlookers are close behind. They're approaching the city gateway and while they're coming in brimming with excitement and expectancy, there's another crowd coming out with weeping and wailing. It's a funeral procession. Talk about bad timing...or is it?

Let me pause right here and remind you that I said I don't like funerals...at all. I realize that Nobody likes funerals. But I don't like them at all. I actually detest funerals. I suppose that might be a bit disconcerting for someone to hear how much their pastor hates funerals. Sad, it is; but it's true. I have a really hard time ministering at funerals. Pastors are often invited to share in the ministerial duties at funerals. I always go, but I have a really hard time maintaining my composure while sitting up behind the pulpit. I think it's because I hate seeing people suffer pain of any kind. I remember assisting in a funeral for two little boys who died in a fire. They were so small that they placed both of them in one casket. I didn't even view their little bodies. I walked right past the casket. They asked me to give words of encouragement to the family. I did, but I struggled to conceal my anguish during the entire funeral. I was a mess.

Jesus and His followers meet this funeral procession just as it is leaving the city. In ancient Jewish culture, dead bodies are considered unclean and thus they must be removed from the community. Thus, Jews were always funeralized and buried outside the city limits so that the community wouldn't become “defiled” by death. Not only that, but funerals took place abruptly after a person died for the same reason. Thus the processional outside of the city was an integral part of the actual funeral. People are crying, and screaming as they walk alongside the coffin to the burial place. Their is a fairly large group; some are relatives. Some are neighbors. Some are just nosey. And there are even some who are paid to come and cry out loud in order to show that the dead person was greatly loved.

In the midst of this whirlwind of a scene is the family, yet only one family member is mentioned. It's the mother of the deceased and their something about her that makes this an even more tragic scene. The Bible says that this (the one who died) is her only son. That's sad.

I remember hearing something about the military not accepting war volunteers who had no other siblings. There is something terrible about losing your only child to death. But that's not all.

The Bible says, “and she was a widow” (Lk. 7:12 NIV) Luke tosses in that extra detail to turn the knife and drive it in a little deeper. She had lost her son, possibly that very same day and top of that she was already dealing with the loss of her husband. And all of a sudden she's alone. No companion. No children. Just her; in a wicked and cruel world. What's ironic is that she 's surrounded by people, but she's still all alone.

Have you ever felt like that? Have you ever been surrounded by people and still felt terribly lonely? Have you ever lost a loved one that was so close to you that you all of a sudden felt alone in the world? Have you loved someone so deeply only to lose them to death and then feel like you could never love anyone like that again? I am convinced that death and loneliness are close relatives. When death shows up, loneliness is likely close behind. Even in cases where one is not actually alone after the loss of a loved one, there might be the feeling or sense of being alone in the world—like no one cares. No one understands.

Here's another question: Have you ever had someone walk up to you at a funeral and tell you, “I know how you feel?”

“How could you possibly know how I feel? Have you ever had your only son die? Have you ever had your husband die? Have you ever had both, your only son and your husband die? Probably not. So how could you possibly know how I feel? But maybe you have (by some stretch of the imagination) had the same general experience. You still can't imagine the deep emotional nuances of my relationship with the two of them and how it effects me right now to have lost both of them. You have no earthly idea how I feel right now.”

It's in these moments that you actually want to be alone. You just want to be left completely to yourself. You don't want to be bothered by anyone. So yes this is sad and people are crying, but how many of these people are actually able to comprehend the position she's in right now?

But there's more. We have no way of knowing when or how her husband died, but that doesn't even matter. Just think of it like this. There was no women's lib movement, and the welfare system was totally different. Therefore, it was going to be really hard without him. But at least she has her son to carry on the family name, the family business, and care for her in her old age. But that's the problem.

Now he's gone too. Who's going to look after her? Who's going to provide for her? Who's going to protect her? Can you sense the loneliness creeping in?

My eldest brother died when I was a little boy. He drowned in a boating accident while serving in the Air Force. As the story goes, he went out for a weekend trip with some of his service buddies. He lost his footing and fell off of the edge of the boat, and his friends couldn't save him. While I don't know all of the details of what happened, I can tell you exactly how it affected our family. We were devastated. It was an extremely sad time for all of us. But no one took it as hard as my mom. She cried a whole lot, and I'm sure she suffered a great deal of depression as a result.

It's from this experience that I learned a bit about how painful it is for a parent to lose a child. While I personally haven't sustained that level of loss; I watched it's havoc every day as it unraveled it's tentacles in the life of my mom and our family. There is something terribly backwards about losing a child. You intend to die and leave them to live out your legacy. They are your posterity. And without them your name and family line ceases forever. It's not fair. It's not right. But this is where the widow is; and it's all happening so fast.

She hasn't had time to think and plan, but all of this walking and screaming and crying is making her even more anxious, and agitated, and angry. She just wants everything to slow down. Everybody be quiet! Everybody stop! But nobody is listening to her. She's so angry that she starts breaking down and the tears start to flow. And that's when Jesus walks right up to her and says, “Don't cry” (Lk. 7:13 NIV). It seems like an outlandish command, but when she looks into His eyes, she knows that He's no ordinary man. She can feel the deep warmth of care and concern from the look in His eyes. Yet, without even saying a word, He turns to the coffin and does what no other priest, pharisee, or rabbi noble dare. He reaches out to touch the coffin and the both processions come to a screeching halt. The entire crowd of disciples draws a gasping breath. Some begin to whisper wondering what Jesus must be thinking. Nevertheless, His thoughts are crystal clear.

He thinks only of this mourning mother and the great want that He intends to restore. He thinks of her many needs that will definitely go unheeded and possibly even unnoticed. He's thinking about her husband and how much He wished she didn't have to stomach such a loss. He's thinking about turning her grief into joy.

And thus here surfaces a grand maxim: Jesus cares! When no one else takes the time to listen or understand—Jesus cares. When there is distress, strife, pain, and loss—Jesus cares. No matter how traumatic or tragic—Jesus cares. Jesus knows and Jesus cares!

Sudden Death

On January 4, 2011, my father committed suicide
after battling depression and substance abuse.

I've been writing, thinking, and teaching quite a bit lately on grief and related issues. Here is an excerpt from a project I'm working on along the same lines. Here, we specifically deal with coping with sudden loss in the death of a loved one. It's my own personal story, and later I'll try and draw meaning not only from my experience, but also from a biblical narrative that I believe is closely related.

My family began last year with a literal BANG! It was January 4, 2011, and we were gearing up for
a really busy year at the church. I had gone to the hospital around 4:30 that morning to pray with a
member who was preparing for surgery. I was there for several hours so by the time I made it home I
was very tired (more on that story later). I went to sleep and took what ended up being a very long nap. I had no way of knowing it when I laid down, but I was getting some rest that was really going to come
in handy. I woke up in a bit of rush realizing that I was late for a meeting at the church. I got up, got
ready, and rushed out the door. Luckily, we only lived four blocks away from the church.

At the close of a long, yet productive meeting, my cell phone rang. It's was my cousin Sharhonda.
She had that tremble in her voice that said that she'd been crying, and so I knew something was
wrong. “Sharhonda, I'm in a meeting. Let me call you back.” As the meeting ended I walked my guest
outside and dialed Sharhonda back.” Now I assumed that maybe she had had an argument with her
fiance and so I'd give some comfort, encouragement, and advice and then keep it moving. I wasn't at
all prepared for what she was about to say.

It was a Wednesday; and just about time for prayer meeting to begin. A couple of my members were
already driving up. That's right when Sharhonda dropped it on me.

“Chris, I'm so sorry.”

“What's up Sharhonda? What's going on?”

“It's your dad.”

“What happened?”

“He's dead Chris. He shot himself.”

“Are you sure? Are you serious?”

It's amazing how in the moment of a state of shock how such ridiculous questions like, “Are you sure?” become the only plausible option. The world stops spinning, and all of a sudden you're the only one
on it. The air is completely sucked out of you, but it doesn't matter because you're not even thinking
about breathing. You don't even want to breathe. You actually want to wake up because you must be
sleeping. This must be a dream. This can't be real. And so you ask the only sensible questions, “Are
you sure? Are you serious?” This is the kind of stuff that happens on the news or in movies. This isn't supposed to be happening to me. Then there's the numbness. Shock and stunned, you just kind of
stand there for a moment as if in a far-away place until it sinks in that this isn't a prank call. It's really
happening. It's really your dad, and he's really dead. That's usually the point where the tears actually
break through. But that wasn't my response.  I guess I didn't know how to respond.  I simply left the church and went home.

Set the Captives Free (Forgiveness Pt. 4/Final)

The Messiah's work was to be very extensive, yet this prophecy seemingly
speaks exclusively to the relief work to be done for the downtrodden.

The ministry of the Promised One is to be characterized by some very powerful work. Interestingly enough, despite the countless miracles of Jesus there isn't one actual (physical) miracle listed in this description of His mission. Rather the focus is on relieving the burdens of the socially oppressed.  He deals with social issues like...reciprocity...and pardons, and emotional therapy.

And with all of this, there is that one line that that really sticks out to me. The Promised One will boldly "proclaim liberty to the captives..."  And closely aligned with His proclamation is the actual opening of the prison gates. And just like that He says, "You are all free to go."

It's a very beautiful image for those of us who have been separated from an imprisoned loved one. Yet, it may be harrowing for someone who has been victimized by a prisoner. I mean, it is very risky business to set the prisoners free. They could easily pick up where they left off and re-offend. The really intriguing thing is that God is fully aware of the risk, and it's actually His idea that they be freed. Wow, talk about grace!  Now I must add that there are some very specific historical-cultural aspects to this idea which we must address another time. Nevertheless, the imagery is very powerful still.

To set the captives free requires a great deal of trust. It would be a sad deal if we were to follow them around the mall making sure they don't steal anything, or to refuse them gainful employment for fear that they might criminalize the work environment.

Even more sad is the fact that we have in many ways kept them prisoners (if in no other way than) in our own minds. We determine that they will suffer at least just as much as they caused us to suffer so we resolve to hold them captive indefinitely. No pardon, no reprieve, no appeal; just pain, suffering, and torture.

In my first post about forgiveness I introduced a clip wherein one interviewee told her story of victimization. In the following video she and another interviewee talk about the value of forgiveness and setting the captives free.

I can only imagine the relief and joy of freedom that one must feel knowing that they could be, should be, severely punished, only to find that they have been pardoned and released. It must be an absolutely overwhelming experience.  But the truth is, I have received that very same experience in Christ, and He has given me the responsibility to extend that same privilege of grace to those in need. It's an honorable and noble opportunity and an awesome gift.

Now, should we offer rehabilitation to prisoners and set up systems to protect ourselves from systematic, cyclical victimization? I believe we should. But those methods of rehab and prevention are not means to imprison, but rather tools for liberation. It would be treacherous to a pedophile to give him a job working with children. Rather, let's find an area where he can be free to use his gifts and talents that do not so easily tempt him, while we provide therapeutic support that aides in his healing process.

Yet, we retain the satisfaction that God has worked in us a mighty work of liberation, and now works through us that very same work. My, what a feeling of sweetness. Meanwhile we are aware of the the fact that to refuse to forgive is to refuse God's forgiveness. It's amazing how in the video they talked about how much forgiveness helped their own personal healing process. He forgives us as we forgive others, and it is true that often times we hold grudges against people who have forgotten we exist. It's an exercise in futility. We must be willing to forgive; "proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of prison to them that are bound." For it has often been said, "To forgive is to set a prisoner free and then to find out that that prisoner is you."

Reciprocity (Forgiveness Pt. 3)

rec·i·proc·i·ty

   [res-uh-pros-i-tee]

noun

1.

a reciprocal  state or relation.

2.

reciprocation;  mutual exchange.

3.

the relation or policy in commercial dealings between countries by which corresponding advantages or privileges are granted by each country to the citizens of the other.

The term is most often used in the context of conversation involving policies and law, yet the general concept is very simple and basic.  The 2nd definition brings this concept to the surface. Very simple; "mutual exchange." It's a matter of relationship; wherein two parties agree to give and receive equally. This is the general basis of relationships. Two people agree (either formally or informally) on this basic principle.

On the other hand, it is the very same concept that often undergirds our mistreatment of others.  Mommy asks little Johnny why he hit his brother, and little Johnny replies...??? You know it. "He hit me first!!!" We normally and naturally reciprocate mistreatment and ill-will as well as goodwill and favors.

This is why forgiveness is so difficult. There is an unspoken commitment to reciprocity that guides all of our relationships. If a person wrongs us we determine to wrong them, and if by no other means, then by simply disassociating ourselves with them. We are committed to making sure people "get what they deserve."

But here's where I'm challenged most.  If you'll remember in my first post about forgiveness, I talked about all the bad things that have happened to me.  However, the more I think about it, I realize that though I have been on the receiving end many times, I have been on the giving end just as many times.  In other words, I have quite a number of people on my hit list but then I'm sure that there are (at least some) people that have me on their hit list just the same.

I vividly remember being the one doing the very things that I mentioned I hate so much that were done to me.  And that's the problem.  I didn't really mean it.  I mean, I'm not an evil person.  I'm a good guy.  Good-natured, friendly, caring and considerate, funny, trustworthy, supportive, giving...(and might I say) good-looking! Seriously though, everybody sees themselves this way. In our own minds, we all are good people and we don't mean any harm.

Nevertheless, we have bad days, and we make bad decisions. At least, I'll speak for myself. I can think about some of the most terrible things that I've done and truthfully say I really didn't intend to cause any harm.  Now I can already hear the people saying, "Yeah, yeah, yeah. Blah, blah blah." "The road to hell is paved with good intentions." "Just because you mean well, that doesn't excuse your bad behavior."

Point well taken. I believe all of that.  Nevertheless, I'm also thoroughly convinced that I (just like everybody else) am a work-in-progress. And even though I didn't get it right this time, I will get it right one day. And I hope you will be around to see it.  In other words, yes, I realize that I stepped on your toes, and that it hurt.  I'm truly sorry.  Please be patient with me while I'm learning how to dance. One day we'll dance...together.

So whereas I desire people to be patient and forgiving of me where I have made mistakes and missteps, I recognize the need to reciprocate that same patience and forgiveness while they learn how to dance too.

I know this is hard. I'm living it too. But boy I know how much I need forgiveness...from people and from God.

btw, for a biblical illustration of this concept, check out Matthew 18:21-35. If you don't have time, just watch the cartoon version right here:

Bitterness (Forgiveness Pt. 2)

1bit·ter

adjective \ˈbi-tər\

2: marked by intensity or severity:

a : accompanied by severe pain or suffering <a bitterdeath>b : being relentlessly determined : vehement <a bitterpartisan>c : exhibiting intense animosity <bitter enemies>d (1) : harshly reproachful <bitter complaints> (2) : marked by cynicism and rancor <bitter contempt>

Bitterness is powerful. The images in the definitions are so sharp: relentless vehemence? Intense animosity? Harsh reproach? Cynicism and rancor?

Wow!

I think it's safe to say that anger has the potential to become totally consuming to the point that a person might express vehemence and rancor. If left unchecked, the passion and energy of anger will boil over sooner or later because bitterness is the end-game of anger. It's deeply hazardous to your health.

It makes me think of the story of Naomi and Ruth.  There is an iconic verse that I think encapsulates the emotional state that Naomi is after sustaining the traumatic loss of her husbands and sons.

“Don’t call me Naomi,” she told them. “Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter (Ruth 1:20 NIV).

There are no words to fully describe the depth of pain that she is experiencing in this moment.  Nevertheless, her words give us insight into inner-workings of bitterness. When considering Naomi's situation there are three simple concepts that I think will help us to avoid bitterness.

Here they are. Naomi was bitter because:

1. She chose to be.
2. She had become irrational.
3. She saw no end to her pain.

That's it. Very simple, yet very profound.

1. Naomi was bitter because she chose to be.
When she returns to her hometown she says to her countrymen "Don't call me Naomi."  This is a pivotal moment.  I have always loved the name Naomi. I used to say if I ever have a daughter I'm going to name her Naomi. It's such a beautiful name, and as it turns out, that's exactly what it means--Beautiful. Beautiful, pleasant, delightful. It is here that she divorces herself from pleasantness and beauty and chooses a name with a completely different meaning; Mara--bitter. she adopts bitterness and determines that it is the best illustration for who she is as a person. She chose to be bitter.  When someone wrongs you be careful not to let it define you. Choose to maintain a pleasant and beautiful disposition.

2. Naomi was bitter because she had become irrational.
She told the people to call her Bitter and in the very next verse her reasoning really starts to manifest some serious distortions. "I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The Lord has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me" (Ruth 1:21 NIV).  I am bound by my theological training to tell you that in those days (amongst the Jews) it was a commonly held belief that misfortune is the result of God's displeasure.  However, there were numerous images and sources that were indicative of God's love and grace (i.e. the sun, rainbow). Nevertheless, Naomi does not draw from these images. In her mind, God is now her enemy, rather than her Father. She chooses to see God as vindictive and evil (another poor choice). She doesn't see how in the place of her sons God has given her two loving daughters who determine to commit themselves to her; and one in particular that vows that only death will separate them.  She is blinded by her anger, misdirected by poor choices, and thus, her entire worldview is mixed up. Anger consumes us to the point where we don't see straight and reason logically. Take time to reflect on what you are sure of and what you have despite what happened to you or what was taken from you.

3. Naomi was bitter because she saw no end to her pain.
She had signaled this at the end of verse 13 when she said, "It is more bitter for me than for you, because the Lord’s hand has turned against me" (Ruth 1:13b NIV). She urges her son's widows to move on with their lives. She reasons that they are still young and can remarry and have children, but as for her, her future is bleak. There are no positive prospects or opportunities. Nothing good will ever happen to her again. God has completely turned His back on her. There is no hope. When I first moved to the north I loved to see the snow. It only takes a few snow storms for the novelty of snow to wear off.  When there is lots of snow the salt trucks and snow plows can only do so much. After a while there's nowhere to put all the snow. You see it piled up in giant mounds at stop signs and in parking lots. But I love it that the sun always comes out right when we can't take it anymore.  The clouds drift away and the snow-season sunshine slowly melts the snow away. No matter how bad it hurts, or how much it piles up, it won't hurt like that forever. I will get better. I will heal. Trouble won't last always.

Naomi is steeped in anger that spins her in a sickening cycle of stinking thinking and bad decisions. Forgiveness is necessary because otherwise, my thought-life becomes a putrid cesspool of toxic ideas and emotions. "Let go of bitter and grab hold of better."

Using Your Spiritual Gifts

Tomorrow I'll be presenting a seminar on using your spiritual gifts for youth and young adults in the  Allegheny West Conference of SDA.  Below is a list of links and resources for anyone who wants to get a basic understanding of spiritual gifts and possibly even take a test to identify their own spiritual gifts.

Here is a graph of the process of spiritual development called Microdecisions of Faith:

The graph is taken from the book Going Public With Your Faith by Walt Larrimore and William Peel:
 http://www.amazon.com/Going-Public-Your-Faith-Spiritual/dp/0310246091

Every part of the body has a function.  Hands are used for grabbing and lifting.  Feet are used for balance and support.  Ears are for liste...you've heard this before, so you obviously get the idea.  The point is, as a part of God's body, you have a specific function/purpose/role to play.  Without your faithful commitment, the body is weaker.  Try grabbing and holding something in the palm of your hand without using your thumb.  It's possible, yet very difficult.  The higher you rise on the scale from cynic to disciple the greater will become your value of community.  And as you grow as a disciple you will recognize your responsibility to help strengthen that community.

Here are some additional resources:

My book on discipleship and spiritual mentoring entitled 360º Christian:
http://www.adventsource.org/as30/store-productDetails.aspx?ID=37058

Connections:
Connections is a spiritual gifts training course that was adapted from a course and book called Network by Bruce Bugbee, Don Cousins, and Bill Hybels.  Their resource was "transposed" to serve the SDA context by the North American Division Evangelism Institute (NADEI). You can find the entire resource here:
http://www.nadei.org/transaction_detail.php?id=97

The workbook contains extensive assessment materials for finding your spiritual gift and finding a good fit for ministry. There are portions that can be utilized apart from attending the seminar (i.e. the assessments) The participant workbook is here:
http://www.nadei.org/transaction_detail.php?id=96 

You can also find the entire series of training videos from the course adapted by a local pastor here:
http://vimeo.com/album/217334

Additional links:
Survey and definition of various spiritual gifts:
http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/files/lwcF_wmn_SpiritualGifts_List.pdf

Biblical Comparison of spiritual gifts lists:
https://www.uniquelyyou.com/sgift.php
*please note that the entire uniquely you website is a great resource for developing spiritual gifts and understanding personality styles, etc.

Spiritual gifts assessment for young people:
http://www.kodachrome.org/spiritgiftyouth/
*There is also an adult spiritual gift on the same site.

Lastly, here are some cool, inspirational videos relating talents and spiritual gifts. Remember, God can use any "authentic" talent to bring glory to Himself and expand His kingdom. How do you plan to impact the world for God's glory?

Forgiveness

I mentioned in my first post that our church had just released a documentary called Good Grief.  As a matter of fact, we produced it in conjunction with a 10-session series we did (by the same title) to explore the grieving process.  There were a couple of the stories in the film that caught my attention.

I'm certain that no one I know would want to trade places with her.  Nevertheless, there are many who share a similar experience.  A little later in the video, Lynn (along with another one of the featured interviewees) goes on to tell how learning to forgive was a major turning in the healing process.

It made me consider my personal struggle with forgiveness.  I'd like to think of myself as a very forgiving person.  Yet, I'd have to admit that those people who have caused or attempted to cause me serious harm have often been the target of some of my most heinous non-christian, un-christ-like, and ungodly thoughts.

For some reason, I'm not at all ashamed to admit that.

So yes, there it is.  The pastor has a hit list.  I've tried many times to throw it away, but I miss the trash can...and then resolve to pick it up and unravel it. I may need it one day...maybe.

Seriously though, I've had some really bad stuff happen to me over the course of my short life. I've been abandoned, abused, neglected, rejected, jumped and beat up, dumped, cheated on, lied to, lied on, misrepresented, undervalued, and under-appreciated...in a nutshell.  And I remember each situation and circumstances surrounding them as vividly as if they had all happened over the past 48 hours.

I'm not really ready to forgive. I know I should, but I don't know how.  I obviously need to give this some more thought.

Meanwhile, y'all pray for me.

I'm Back

What's up y'all?

For those of you who are familiar with my writing and research I want to thank you for your support and encouragement through the years.  Yet The past couple of years have been vey difficult, yet very fruitful and productive. I am grateful that God has continued to give me favor to grow in ministry and in my personal walk with Him. And that's exactly what this blog is about...growing.

For those of you who don't know me, I hope that you will journey with me as we explore the different aspects of personal and spiritual growth.  A great deal of my pastoral experience, my writing, and graduate research has centered on the process of growing towards God.  I used to blog quite a bit on myspace (don't laugh).  But then everyone left...and so I stopped posting.  Yet I never stopped writing.

My first book (2009), My Savior and My Lord, explores the process of Sanctification (growing in Christ) centering specifically on the relationship between law and grace and how we make sense of the two.

My second book (2009), 360º Christian, is actually an adaptation of my masters thesis on spiritual mentoring-helping people to grow in Christ. It was written in 2009, but it was released earlier this year.

My newest book (2012), Training Days, is a fictional story based on the book of proverbs about a young man who is at a significant crossroads in the growth process.

And just recently the church where I serve produced a documentary called "Good Grief" about growth and the grieving process (specifically after traumatic experiences).

Check them out when you can.  Nevertheless, in this blog I want to continue to seek for understanding about growth and the grace of God that empowers us to do so.   

So thanks for joining me.  I know we each will be blessed by this journey.  I mean it is indeed a journey, so we might as well have traveling partners.  So let's journey together.

Let's grow together!