Get Outta Here, Facebook! (why I gave up social media for Lent)

As I groggily reach for my phone in my usual morning fog, the alarm beeps seem to grow louder.  Who picked that annoying ringtone anyway?  Alarm turned off, I pick up my phone and start to browse the usual social media outlets: facebook, Instagram, and maybe even twitter for good measure.  Crap, it’s Morgan’s birthday. How did I not know that?  Good thing I have facebook to send me messages of peoples’ birthdays and anniversaries.   Lauren is in New York? Ugh- I want to be somewhere.  Sarah just booked a cruise? Is it only me who doesn’t get to go everywhere whenever I want?  Oh, and there’s another picture of someone’s beach vacation just to rub it in.  Ooh, that haircut is super cute. I need to do something to my hair – there’s no point in selfies if I don’t look good. 

Well, time to climb out of bed and start the day. 

Wait.

I just noticed a link to an article that says, “You won’t believe what happens when….”!  Obviously I need to see if I believe it or not.  So exciting.

This recount of a fictional day, unfortunately, is closer to the truth on a typical morning than I want to admit.  The past year or so I have felt convicted about how second-nature it is to turn to my phone the instant something isn’t holding my attention completely.  Why has this obsession with our phones – and social media in particular – overtaken our lives?  I rarely walk into a coffee shop where thumbs aren’t becoming more arthritic by constant scrolling.  The other day a couple sat down beside me at Starbucks and began snapchatting EACH OTHER! Apparently a pixelated photo on a screen is better than the real thing. I mean, at least there’s editing.

Which brings me to another point.  We EDIT our lives for those around us.  Of course I’m not going to post about my sucky day and how I am battling depression and how annoyed I am that I can’t figure out what to make for dinner because I’m completely broke and have no groceries. 

No way.

I’m going to post #TBT photos of me at the beach to reinforce the idea that I have good days and that others should maybe even be jealous of this awesomeness.  I only post things when I’m at a concert or took a good photo, or when I’m with cool people to “check-in” with. 

Please tell me I’m not the only one.

This realization has helped me make much less frequent postings on social media.  I no longer update my albums, I don’t care if someone tags me in something, and I stopped checking in at the cool venues I frequent. 

But I realized that just because I wasn’t posting didn’t mean that I wasn’t a slave to other peoples’ lives.  I compare myself to where they go, who they hang out with, what music they listen to, and the vacations they take.  I want their hair, their makeup, their photo-taking skills.  Unfortunately just because I don’t care what others think about my personal postings, I still care about who I am based on others.  But now it’s an internal struggle.  Why can’t I be that awesome?

Get this: there is a reason we try to find our identity through others.  We were made that way.  But we are supposed to find our identity through the Creator and we are just searching in all the wrong places.  The good news is that we have been “given fullness in Christ” (Colossians 2:10).  There is no need to compare ourselves to others – that only sets us up for failure and frustration.  I am not saying it isn’t hard, but it is an important realization to focus on the fullness in Christ we have rather than the unfulfilling expectations society places upon us.

For this reason, I have decided to give up my social media outlets for Lent (blogging does not cause any stumbling or addictions for me).  I need to refocus my attention on God and give up this addiction to my phone and comparison to others. 

So far, in my first week off, I have found my time spent in the Word is much more enlightening than seeing what my friends are up to.  Yes I am missing birthday updates, but if I don’t already know their birthdays how good of a friend am I anyway?  I am becoming more invested in real-life relationships and less invested in the personas seen online.  I am realizing it doesn’t matter what others do or say about me, but rather who God says I am.  And that is all that matters in this life and the one to follow.  

"Erasing Hell" by Francis Chan - discussion guide

This week at our book community, we are discussing the important (yet frequently dismissed) topic of hell.  We are reading Francis Chan & Preston Sprinkle's book, Erasing Hell, and I have a free pdf of the discussion guide compiled for our group available HERE.

"Searching for God Knows What" discussion questions

For a full leaders guide of Donald Miller's book, Searching for God Knows What,  click here.

5 Things about Racism I learned from John M. Perkins

John M. Perkins

But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness 
like an ever-flowing stream 

(Amos 5:24 ESV).

In light of recent racial tensions throughout the country, I thought a great book to read for our next book community would be John M. Perkins' Let Justice Roll Down.  If you haven't had the pleasure of reading this enlightening book by and about a Christian civil-rights leader, it should be on your list for the coming year (because that's your resolution, right? more books!?).  Keep in mind that even though this was written decades ago, many statements he makes about our society's injustice towards other races unfortunately still hold true. Here are some truths I learned while reading to wet your appetite for his book:

1. It's all about power.

In his own experiences, Perkins realized that "The Southern white doesn't want the blacks removed.  What he wants is to have the blacks under his control, in a special relationship to him."  I suppose I always assumed that through racial tensions, one group wanted to eliminate the opposing group to make things easier.  However Perkins gives interesting insight, stating that keeping the downtrodden under the oppressor's feet allows them to keep their power.  This is truly what they want.  Not elimination, just power over them.  Who might we be keeping under our feet due to white privilege today? Think about the marginalized of our society. 

2. Taking a stand against oppression is the only way to start fixing the injustice.

"In situations of inequality or oppression, the oppressed group must take a stand somewhere, sometime.  For until the people take that stand, there is no development possible for them.  Yet when they take that stand in the face of clear injustice, an oppressed people are once again humanized."  Development cannot occur for a particular group of people if they are constantly under an oppressor's foot.  Lifting that foot, by helping gain the right to vote, work at good jobs, and live in acceptable housing begins to clear that injustice the system has pushed.  Only then can humanization truly occur for people.  Until then, people are merely existing without being able to thrive.

3. Christianity must be stronger than racism.

It seems often that church is merely a social club or a quick answer for our actions.  Perkins unfortunately witnessed this in the South, where white Christians did not acknowledge racial tensions as an injustice that needed fixed.  Rather they utilized their social status to keep many blacks downtrodden.  Jesus overcame many societal issues of his day, much to his peers' dismay.  Likewise, Perkins charges Christians to do the same, accepting the fact that it may not be easy, but eliminating racial injustices in society is what Jesus needs us to do.  Christianity is a stronger force than racism, bigger than economic struggles, and more powerful than anything against Jesus' teachings.  We have the important duty to accept this truth and act in ways according to Scripture to show others just how powerful Christianity can be, so that the following question is no longer needing to be asked: "The question on my mind and on the minds of most black people to whom we preached was whether or not Christianity was a stronger force than racism."

4. Identity in Christ is necessary to combat racism.

Perkins explains how "Everybody needs to feel important - because he or she is.  But brutality is something like dope.  Some people have to have it to confirm themselves. It's a sickness of the racist." This comes down to an identity issue.  It is something that so many of my friends have been struggling with lately, as they finish college, or go through a divorce, or leave a job.  Who are they without these things they've put their trust into?  Likewise, racists have confirmed themselves over and over with the power that comes with putting others down. This power is a drug - they need it more often and do not seem to care who they hurt in the process.  This is why people become addicted to their jobs, or obsessed with particular aspects of life: they need more and more of that "drug" to confirm who they are.  Perkins hits it on the nose by saying "Everybody needs to feel important- because he or she is."  EVERYONE IS IMPORTANT and everyone can find that confirmation through Scripture and prayer and the comfort Jesus gives us knowing this.  But when we lose focus of not only our importance, but our neighbor's importance, issues begin to arise.  Hold strong to the hope that lies in our identity in Christ.

5. We're all biased.

"Whether or not we admit it, our reading of biblical ethics is colored by our perception of the world around us."  This is an unfortunate truth.  If I grew up rich and affluent in America, I will read Scripture through this lens.  If I grew up knowing many economic and social hardships in the Global South, well then you better believe my understanding of Scripture will be different from the American's.  Regardless of where in the world you are from, there is a perception that comes along with your readings.... you are biased.  It is inevitable.  It is important, however, to understand this clouded lens and not argue with those who do not see things your way, but rather try to see how they have approached the same text in a different way.  Perkins saw how the whites in his town used their Christian privilege to keep blacks oppressed (which is obviously unbiblical).  They weren't all bad people, just confused in their theology.  We perceive things differently based upon how we were raised, but that doesn't change the one truth given to all.  What we must do is seek out true understanding and pray for clarity and justice for all God's people.

While these are all very racially-charged statements, there is so much biblical truth that is held within each sentence.  Perkins understood that God could speak through people of all races and statuses, and fights to allow more voices from the African-American culture to be heard.  The fact of the matter is that Christians need to band together to eliminate injustice to God's people - all people. 

For a discussion guide to help in your own book club or personal reading, click here for a PDF.

Mere Christianity & Life Together Discussion Guides

Since our group has completed the Mere Christianity discussions, I figured I ought to share the questions for anyone interested.  Please download the PDF here.

We also just finished reading Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer in it's entirety.  I've also uploaded a PDF of these discussion questions here for public use.

Our next book is "The Magician's Nephew" by C.S. Lewis.
Check back for more details and study guides!

4 Reasons to Utilize the Spiritual Discipline of Art Journaling

One of my favorite subjects (besides English) is Art.  In fact, I often wish I had pursued my M.A. in Art History - but, hey, I have a lifetime of education ahead of me. There's still time.  One of my most recent discoveries is spiritual journaling with prompts from icons.  I've been able to merge my two favorite subjects by first studying art, then writing anything that comes to mind from this interaction.  It has proven to be a powerful spiritual discipline for my own faith journey.

1. Art can Connect us to God

In his book, Behold the Beauty of the Lord, Henri Nouwen, describes his interactions with four particular icons.  He responds through writing detailed descriptions of how each speak to him and how they assist in his connection with God.  He states how these pictures help "[lead] us to the heart of God as well as to the heart of all that is human. It is a sacred event in which contemplation and compassion are one, and in which we are prepared for an eternal life of seeing."

Pictures, paintings, mosaics, woodcarvings, etc. all can draw people nearer to the author of creation.  In fact, this is why so many were in the church back in the day - because those who were illiterate could not connect by reading Scripture and therefore could gaze upon the depictions of Scripture which aligned the cathedral walls.  

2. Journaling allows for Honesty

According to Ann Voskamp, "Journaling cultivates deep honesty and authenticity."  I whole-heartedly agree with this statement.  It allows for honest feelings and opinions because it is only for you to teeth out emotions.  A much cheaper version of counseling, if you will.

No one else will see this, so it doesn't matter what you say or feel.  Why do you think people get in such an uproar if someone looks through their journal or diary?  Their privacy has been invaded! The personal deep thoughts and emotions are compromised because now someone else is aware of this intimacy between you and your journal.  

This is another reason why so many use the act of journaling as a spiritual discipline.  It is a great way to be honest with God.  It can hold prayers, fears, and questions that may be too difficult for group prayer.  But I find it is much easier to voice my opinions through the power of the pen.

3. Art invokes Response

The last time I visited the Cleveland Museum I stood in awe amidst some of the largest paintings I had ever encountered first-hand.  It's hard to realize their grandeur when merely studying them in a little art history book.  My response was to simply stand, stare, and take it all in.  

These paintings hold so much truth behind each brush stroke.  I love learning about the hidden meanings of the colors used, or the objects embodied within the painting.  So many details which often go unnoticed!  It makes me wonder about the artist, too.  What were they thinking when painting this? What was the cultural climate? Was this just a job or were they deeply invested in the subject matter?

Looking, studying, and feeling these pieces of art has helped bring me closer to the artist's intention, to the importance of art, and to the vast creation God has made.  It invokes a response of awe and wonder.  It invokes praise and adoration for God and the amazing talents He has given his people.

4. Art Journaling is Approachable for Everyone

Even if Art isn't really your thing, journaling about your response to creation (which I think is God's artwork) is just as important.  There is no need for a degree in art history to appreciate the value of creation.  If there really is no response to a fresco, mosaic, embroidery, or painting, then write about that!  No one says you must fall to your knees in response.  Write about frustrations or hopes and desires.  This discipline of journaling - specifically art journaling - might not be for everyone.  It is merely a suggestion because it suits my particular interests and desires. But I have a hunch that not only is it approachable for everyone, but helpful.

So... give it a shot.  A spiritual discipline is important to make that connection with God routinely.   So often we allow our days to fill up with stuff and squeeze him in at the very end.  

Here's my challenge: 

Focus on one piece of religious-ish art each day for a week.*  
Journal about anything that comes to mind- whether that be praises, adoration, thanksgiving or even fear and sadness.  
Contemplate for a bit.  
Then let the words flow through pen to paper.  
You'll often be amazed at what can come from your own hand.



*One book I've found particularly helpful as of late is: The Face of Jesus


Comment below with any pieces of art you've found particularly intriguing or helpful insights to spiritual art journaling.

Book Choices

Even though I am fairly biased in my book selections (who isn't?) for past book clubs, I wanted to allow this book community to decide their own books to read (you know, like communities do).  Even though I could read C.S. Lewis all day, others may not feel that way.  That is why I decided to put together a starting list of titles I believe would be spiritually formative.

These cover diverse authors from varying time periods and faith backgrounds.  Again, not a set list, just a starting point for those who aren't sure what to choose from (sometimes an infinite number of selections is harder than picking from a list!).  This document gives a brief description of each title as well.

What books would you like to see on this list of spiritual literature?  Comment below or email me!

Our next Book Community meets tomorrow at 8! (See Book Community tab to the right for more info).