Pushing the "pause button"

As a Chaplain for the MBPD, as a Pastor at a local church in Morro Bay, I've learned that there are times when I need to chill, kick back and escape from the issues that comes with my line of work.  Recently,  I was privileged to push the "pause button" and get away for some guy time with some close buddies.  A group of us spent 41/2 days trekking through the Eastern & Western Sierras, securing 51.5 total miles.  We battled elevation changes that boasted of minimal oxygen, we climbed up sharp granite peaks & descended steep ravines that invited injury, we journeyed in and out of picturesque streams with 55 pounds strapped to our backs all the while our aging bodies continually asked, "Why?"

I love the mountains.  I love backpacking.  I love the outdoors.  Always have, always will.  From Lake Ruby to Lake Italy, from the 256 switch backs just outside the 2nd recess to the gorgeous green meadows that part of the world affords, something magical happens to my inner man when I push the "pause button" - this excursion was no different.

One of the "pause button" moments for me was the reminder that intelligent design was behind this mass of beauty.  You know, I confess I'm not the sharpest pencil in the pack, nor do I pontificate my clever brain power.  However, I do know that He created this place we call earth as a gift of His magnanimous heart for my, your, our enjoyment.  There's an ancient document that was written to a group of people in Rome that encouraged them to give the Creator the affections of their gratitude.  I was constantly reminded of His gift to me and many a time a tear would well up in my eye - a tear of awe, a tear of appreciation.

Another "pause button" was during our most difficult day.  We had to blaze our own trail for roughly 15 miles since we were so far in the back country.  We were facing an elevation climb of over 500 feet and our only option was to climb over boulders and through willow trees as we navigated next to a busy stream.  As I was struggling to muster up the courage to climb (not that I had a choice) I quickly began to thank my Maker that I was even able to do this.  Seriously, the smell of the air was pristine, the mist from the stream refreshing and the noise from the light breeze tickling the leaves was music to my ears.  This "pause button" reminded to be thankful, grateful for my health and the fact that I am even able to backpack.

One of my favorite "pause button" moments was the morning of September 7.  I purposely exited my tent at 4am, boiled my water for my Starbucks Via and walked down to the shore of Lake Honeymoon.  It was there that I sat on a rock and was reminded of the phrase the Psalmist penned some 3,000 years ago, "Be still and know that I am God!"  Wow, it was one of those moments I will hold dear for the rest of my life.  It was as if the world had stopped and my Creator was sitting right next to me, sipping on His heavenly coffee, readied and positioned to have a time with little 'old me.  Amazing - words can't describe the spiritual intimacy afforded to me that brisk morning!

Well, pushing a "pause button" is something we all must do from time to time to simply chill, relax and clear our mind.  I love it when I take the time to push the "pause button" and every time I do, I am able to look up and say thanks!

  

Thoughts

I just returned from a trip to Mexico with my church.  We went to serve alongside a ministry called El Refugio in Ensenada.  The founders of this work is a precious family from Canada who moved to Mexico when they felt a call to rescue young ladies who have been victimized by the sex trafficking world.  Their work is noteworthy, much needed and their love for these abused and wounded young ladies is second to none.   

Our role on this short trip was simply to encourage, support and come alongside this ministry.  The guys we took were limited to more manual labor projects around the compound while the ladies were able to connect, hang out and just listen to the young ladies and their stories.  Lots of tears and heartache were shared, along with great nuggets of healing.

As I've had a week to reflect on the trip, yes - I am so saddened by what these girls have had to endure at the hands of perversion; my heart and prayers go out to them.  In fact, we are already planning a trip in the late fall to spoil the girls, to provide them with the greatest weekend ever - a weekend of learning how to surf, a time where our ladies will provide manicures, pedicures, make-up sessions, bring dresses & nice shoes... you know, girl stuff.  That's going to be a monumental weekend of fun, faith and great therapy for these gals. 

Back to my reflection, I'm amazed at the abundance my life affords.  On one of the afternoons, we went to take some snacks out to a migrant camp that was an hour or so away.  When we arrived, not only was the stench prevalent, the landscape worn & beaten down, what hurt me the most was the lack of hope on the faces of the workers.  Day after day, in the 90+ degree heat, with no vacation, no overtime, no affirmation, no dream of a better day, they work, and work and work.  My heart hurt for them, however, there was really nothing I could do to effectuate any change in their temporal existence.  The only thing I could do was provide them a bit of laughter by being silly, a literal cup of cold water and a tangerine wrapped with a piece of candy.  The best thing we did, I reckon, was pray for them.  Grateful, yes they were.  Appreciative, totally!  Sad we drove off, you bet. 

All to say, I'm evaluating my things in light of this experience just nine hours from my opulent life.  I just did a count of my stuff  in my closet.  Are you ready?  It's kind of embarrassing, here goes: I have 14 pairs of shoes, 2 pairs of slippers, 6 pairs of flip-flops, 18 pants, 3 suits and 1 sport coat.  I have 20 nice long sleeve shirts, 33 nice short sleeve shirts, 51 tee shirts, 11 designer sweaters, 12 beanies, 39 hats... you get the picture!  Yes, I'm very grateful and blessed for this abundance.  However, really - enough is enough, right? 

I guess what I'm thinking, as I type out load, is that I'm going to be more intentional about living that attitude of gratitude.  My directive from my favorite Rabbi is that in all things, I am to give thanks.  And, every perfect gift does come from above and as I may have these things now, I may not have them tomorrow.  The real essence of life isn't in the abundance of the things, but in a relationship with my Creator - this can't be reduced to a thing because He is the Thing, if you will. 

In short, the lesson I'm gathering is simply this: let's be grateful & at the same time, careful that the luxury we're afforded with doesn't preempt that which is most important.  Namely, cultivating a relationship with our Creator.  Thanks for listening...

When Generosity Becomes Toxic

For the past five years and a half years, our church has been actively involved in projects that assist, come alongside and provide much needed help to a variety of citizens in our community.  This has been rewarding and at times, very successful.  Many a servant has been able to step outside of their comfort zone, realize a great sense of fulfillment, and invest not only their life, but a fair amount of money into these altruistic ventures.  As we look back on what has been accomplished, I feel we can say, "...well done!"

However, as of late, I am having a shift in my thinking when it comes to these types of outreaches. Namely, albeit our heart and motives have been pure, I'm not real sure we've actually helped those in need.  Yes, we've given a cup of cold water on a hot day, we've provided hotel rooms for a weary soul and, we've put food in the belly of literally thousands.  And, we will continue to do this; still, I wonder if there's a better approach, a more effective method... a system, if you will, that will empower and equip those we help to facilitate change and a future good for them.

Recently, I tweeted on my Twitter account the following, "Generosity becomes toxic when we perpetuate a spirit of kindness into the life of the broken without providing tools to become healthy."  I had a variety of responses; responses from '... right on!' to, '... what?'  My Facebook account had posts that said, "I really need to ponder this one!"  And, "... that's a great idea when it comes to the helps ministry."

You've heard the adage, "Don't give someone fish, teach them how to fish!"  I've always liked this; however, I think we should take this further: how about giving them a tackle box with the necessary ingredients to be successful and self sufficient?  To many a time our heart and love for others supersedes a pragmatic, practical approach to helping those in need.  And, in the long run, we create a dependency on the system rather than a sense of pride on behalf of those being helped.

Robert Lupton, an author out of Chicago, writes, "... when relief does not transition to development in a timely way, compassion becomes toxic."  I am coming to own the fact that if we cannot provide tools to break a cycle of brokenness in the life of those hurting, all we do is enhance that cycle of brokenness and destructive behavior.

I was sharing my thoughts with my good buddy, retired cop Hannibal the other day over lunch.  We both have come to the conclusion that we must, if we want to effectuate change, have an effective systematic approach to provide care coupled with practical application to those we assist.  To many a time we've served, invested time and energy into folks that simply want a hand out & could care less about change; folks that, sad to say, have allowed their existence in this cycle of hurt and brokenness to define them.  Now, this might sound judgmental and mean - at a first glance, I guess it does.  But, in all honesty, both Richard and I, & our plethora of servants in Morro Bay would drop everything to help someone in need that truly wants a new start, a new beginning.

Hannibal calls my boss my 2,000 year old Rabbi.  I like this and it's to His example that we try and emulate at the church I serve at.  One day, Jesus was walking through a village and there was a man who had been crippled for 38 years.  As Jesus walked by, he began to yell, "Master, heal me.  Heal me!"  Jesus responded with a statement that has been ringing in my ears these past few months: he told the guy to, "... pick up your mat and walk!"  In other words, the principle back then is the same principle today: take ownership of your situation, and take that first step toward health.  And, keep walking toward a newly found freedom that life promises.

This is where my heart is at these days.  I don't have all the answers, that's for sure.  But I do know that the way we do business has to change.  Currently, we are in the process of evaluating how we do our helps ministry and it is my hope that we can develop, mentor and guide those caught in the cycle of brokenness.  To provide means to win, to help break a cycle of destruction and to facilitate change to a productive fulfilling life... a life our Maker intended for us to live!

Thanks for hearing me out.  As you can tell, my thoughts are being formulated and my paradigm for helps is changing.  I would appreciate your thoughts and prayers as we charge into the days ahead with the hope of effectuating change in the lives of those we help.  

Perspective

Sometimes life can just be, well - you know, it can be laborious.  With all the challenges, issues and personal things we deal with, we are constantly inundated with electronic images & stories reminding us that we live in difficult days.  From the economic challenges at home to disputes in the abroad, life can be arduous.  As a chaplain at the MBPD, I often meet with families in great crisis and occasionally meet with the officers to help them process through a traumatic event.  Accordingly, it is vital for our emotional, mental, physical and spiritual well being to have a healthy perspective on life.

I often remind the family at the fellowship where I pastor that this time on earth is oh but a minute speck of time in relationship to eternity.  We often encourage one another to have an eternal perspective, an everlasting view of life.  K.P. Yohannan, the founder of Gospel for Asia, prays every day that eternity would be imprinted on the inside of his eye lids. 

My favorite Rabbi, the One I refer to often in these short articles, told his follower's one day, 

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

  

I like to call this perspective, a healthy directive to set the affections of my heart toward those things that really matter.  You see, if we take our focus off of the problems around us, our own hurts, hang ups and bad habits, and place the affections of our heart on to things that really matter, our perspective radically changes.

We just completed a wonderful series at Rock Harbor that dealt with perspective.  I preached for six weeks on purpose and meaning, a very practical look at why we exist.  This short sermon series encouraged each attendee to take a healthy look at their own life and ask that significant question, "Why am I here?"  We came to the conclusion that we were put on this earth to worship God with everything we are.  And, in so doing, not only is God honored, we are completely satisfied in that journey.  John Piper, an author and minister from Minnesota, put it this way, "God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in him." 

Further, I've learned in my journey that to the extent I set the affections of my heart toward the eternal, all the while cultivating a relationship with my Maker, my emotions, my mental, my physical and my spiritual man is all the more content.  In fact I try to be intentional in keeping perspective.  Namely, I do my best to eat healthy, engage in consistent exercise, take time out for me to chill and I actively stimulate my mind by reading.  When I'm faithful in these areas, life takes on a different slant and my perspective then is focused on those things above.

In a day that bleeds with challenges and concerns, I encourage you to shift your perspective onto the eternal.  Also, ask yourself these questions, "Why am I here?  What is my purpose?"  In so doing, I'm confident your life and perspective will be altered for the good and for the eternal. 

Have a great day and as always, thanks for reading...

The other

Some times I wonder if the world would be a better place if we simply looked to serve our fellow human beings instead of serving ourselves.  I'm fairly confident that we would have a more peaceful, harmonious existence if we took the advice of an ancient Rabbi named Jesus when he said, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you!"  I'm positive life would be amazingly great if we as people made ourselves available to be available, even when it's inconvenient.  

I'm currently at Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii visiting my son and daughter-in-law.  As I've had some time to chill, I've been working through some thoughts that I haven't been able to reconcile.  Namely, thoughts of why our society is seemingly spiraling out of control with terrible acts of violence.  For instance, we had the theatre tragedy in Colorado a number of months ago, we witnessed the Oregon mall shooting on CNN, most of us shed plenty of tears when we were informed of the Connecticut Elementary School shootings, and most recent, the terrible act of horror at the Boston Marathon.  

I just have to wonder what would this place we call earth be like if we all took on the form of serving 'the other' first, considering the needs of others more important than our own and, being proactive to simple be there and be ready.  John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement once wrote, "Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the time you can, to all the people you can, as long as you even can."  

I know full well that all we can do is what we do when we do by how we do; in other words, we can only impact our very own sphere of influence.  My good friend, retired cop Richard, always reminds me that we have a fifty foot radius around us.  He adamantly encourages me to impact that fifty feet with passion, rigor and impact.  There's a Greek word for this and it's called Oikos.  This ancient word means that each of us have 8 to 12 people we live life with.  The question, then, is what will we do with that 8 to 12 people we live life with? Will we serve, encourage and help them?  Or, will we wait for them to serve us?  That same Rabbi Jesus articulated 2,000 years ago that he came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. At our church in Morro Bay, we have a saying that does like this, "Don't come to church to be blessed - you come to be a blessing!"

I recently read a book by Rick Warren on serving others.  He states that servants are those who:

* make themselves available

* pay attention to the needs of others

* do every service with equal dedication

* are faithful, humble and reliable

* think more about others than themselves 

The list goes on, but I think you get the point.

As 2013 is almost half over, I propose that we commit to the next 7 months to serving 'the other'.  I'm not sure what that looks like for you, but I think if we take the simple advice of the aforementioned, perhaps our world will be a better place (at least it will in our neck of the woods).

I close this note with a story of a young nun, who in 1950, received a call within a call.  Mother Teresa wrote in her memoirs that she felt God telling her to go to the poorest place on the earth and give her life away to the poor.  Well, she went to Calcutta and as the saying goes, the rest is history. When we hear of Mother Teresa, we immediately hear servant, we remember a woman who made herself available, paid great attention to the needs of others, was totally dedicated, faithful, humble and reliable; was one who is defined as thinking more about 'the other' than herself.  

Who knows, if we simply infuse into our life these principles just maybe, maybe life would be that much more meaningful and purposeful.  

Thanks for listening - now go find some one to serve, help, come alongside and be available ...

Randy

Enable or Empower

Last month, the Estero Bay Alliance for Care (EBAC) and the City of Morro Bay hosted a seminar that highlighted the needs within our community; namely, needs ranging from those who are struggling to make ends meet to the needs of our homeless population.  The turnout was spectacular and you could almost feel a vibe of altruism in the air as many encouraged attendees signed up to help.  We discovered that the citizens of Morro Bay have all one thing in common, a heart to help.  It's a heart characterized by a spirit of giving, a magnanimous way about them that drives them to serve, to help, to assist and to come through for the needy, the less fortunate, the homeless, those who simply need a helping hand.  It's this selfless part of our community that makes living on the Central Coast truly a blessing. The volunteers from EBAC are so encouraged and we are confident that the future is bright. 

As we've had time to soak-in that great day last month, one persistent question continues to come to mind.  Specifically, how can and how do we provide tools and resources to help those in need?  When are we suspect of enabling and when are we responsible for empowering?  Our heart as a volunteer group is to empower one to a lifestyle of productivity and to never enable one in their cycle of brokenness.  And you know, there's a fine line between enabling someone and empowering someone.  When do we help one in need?  How often?  How much do we give?  When do we say no when helping might be wrong?  Is it wrong?  What is tough love?  What is genuine, authentic love?  These questions have been in our thoughts for some time now and to be honest, I'm not sure I have the answer.  This is really a tough road to walk and one that requires extreme wisdom and discernment.

                 This morning in my staff meeting at my church, I asked my team to define both of these words in context of helping those in need.  Here's what they came up with:

• Enable: giving someone permission to continue in negative behavior; giving the means and encouragement to do those things that destroy them.
• Empower: to give someone what they need to succeed; to provide the necessary tools to help someone win. 

We have a saying at the fellowship that goes like this, "Never enable someone that God is disabling."  In other words, the very kind heart so many of us have might be the exact opposite gesture the one who is struggling needs.  Now, I need to throw out a disclaimer: I have no question or doubt that the 40,000 residents of San Luis Obispo County who received 5.4 million pounds of food in 2012 are hard working, productive citizens.  This is in no way is a slur or a negative on their situation - as the saying goes, many are one pay check away from great challenge.  This is truly the majority of those we help - great people who have come into hard times.  The issue arises with a small segment of our society that this differentiating between enabling and empowering must be addressed. 

                A number of years ago, back in my corporate days, I had a premonition that I needed to help a homeless man.  He was sitting in front of a Mobil gas station in La Jolla, Ca.  I was having lunch at an exclusive restaurant across the street with a buddy.  Well, my heart was to help, but my head said no.  I told myself, "If he is still there after my meal, I will help him!"  Well, my $30 meal was terrible, not because the Elephant Bar had a bad chef, but because I was denying what I had to do, namely, help the guy.  After an hour and a half, I walked out of my lunch date and guess what?  You're right: he was still there.  I drove over and grabbed a new Bible I had in my car and put $5.00 in it (what a generous guy, right...five bucks?).  I walked up to him and said, "Sir, I have something for you."  I handed him the Bible and proceeded to tell him there was a whopping Lincoln enclosed.  He looked at me, stood up and with tears in his eyes, he said, "Dude, thank you so much.  I was robbed the other day.  They took my backpack and my Bible.  Oh, this is the greatest gift I could ever have.  Thank you!"  I replied, "Your welcome.  Hey, there's $5.00 in there too."  He answered, "I don't want your money, this Bible is all I need!"  Well, needless to say, I was humbled and blessed.

                Back to our question, or dilemma, if you will - where's the fine line?  I'm not sure; however, I do know this: we as people are called to help 'the other'.  Regardless of the situation, regardless of the person, I feel that we're compelled to give out of our self to help, to assist and to bless.  My favorite Rabbi (as my buddy and former cop Richard calls Jesus) said one day, "... to the least of these, you've done it unto Me!"  I love this thought: when I help someone in need, it is as if I am doing it for my Creator.  That helps me in the whole enabling and empowering discussion; if I see a need, I am called to fill it, to fill it with wisdom and discernment, to have grace for the recipient; and, to remove self out of the equation. 

Maybe that's the answer: to help, to pray and to serve those in need and leave the results to them and their Maker?  Well, these are some of my thoughts - I'm not convinced I've figured it out though.  Hey, if you have any insight, please feel free to share them, we would love and appreciate your input.  Thanks for reading, have a great day!

'Going Camping'

I started something new this year called 'Going Camping.'  I love backpacking, hiking and campfires; I thoroughly enjoy fresh fish tacos and blue lakes in the mountains.  I even enjoy a 50 pound pack strapped to my back and the work that comes with it.  The cool breeze, sleeping under the stars, life can't be much better.  This summer I hope to tackle the Eastern Sierras and venture high elevations on long, arduous walks to simply bask in the freedom of the outdoors.  

As a Christ follower, I too love to spend time daily with my Master, hanging out, meditating, talking and listening to His tender quiet voice.  The Word instructs us to not allow His Word to depart from us and that we should meditate on it day and night so we may have a fruitful life (Joshua 1:8).  Well, in light of this, I'm trying something a bit different this year for what I call 'alone time.'  Namely, I've been 'Going Camping.'  Well, not in the conventional way; rather, I've been 'Going Camping... Spiritually.'  In other words, I've been picking one section of scripture a week to camp out with.  My thought: there are 52 weeks a year and if I can pick one camp site a week, I will have hidden 52 nuggets of truth in my heart for 2013.  

Thus far, I've camped at and learned:

Week one: Philippians 1:9-11 – I'm to abound more in love 

Week two: Romans 11:36 – life is about, for and because of Him

Week three: Colossians 1:28 – Randy, point people to Jesus

This week, my destination is 1 Peter 4:11.  This is a great passage to walk with, a great verse to sit with, reflect upon and apply.  You see, Peter is instructing believer’s who have been forced out of Jerusalem due to persecution to speak as if they are speaking on behalf of God.  And, when they serve, they are to serve only with the power that He provides.  Talk about a trail that is a challenge; talk about a route that is convicting.  Further, Peter sums up his heart when he writes, “… that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ…”  

To be honest with you, this is a tough road to walk for me.  I many a time forget to listen before I speak; I all too often do before I think about a consequence.  And, I truly have a narcissistic way about me – many a day is about Randy and not about my Lord.  Ok, enough self deprecating, that’s not productive.  Rather, the encampment called 1 Peter 4:11 invites me, with His strength, to be His spokesman and His servant to a world that desperately needs His love.  In so speaking and doing, the end result is that my journey brings Him glory and honor.  And further, my satisfaction and purpose in life is totally linked and dependent upon bringing Him praise. 

Well, my encouragement - go camping and sit with God.  Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"  Seriously, there isn't a greater privilege in life than to be in relationship with our Creator.  Blessings to you and as the new phrase goes, 'Peace Out!'