Is God a Maniac?

The main reason I love the meditation I'm currently reading is that it makes me go deep.  Rather than give answers, it asks questions. And it's very brave.

Jan Richardson quotes a writer who has suggested that God, in what he's expecting of us, is acting like a maniac. Richardson responds in her own journal:

A maniac, indeed.  I am searching for the mercy of a maniac who seems to delight in outrageous possibilities and maddening timing and in opening the ground beneath our feet, carving a fissure, breaking open a gap from which we will not exit the same way that we entered.  Mercy, mercy, mercy.

Looking back, I've said the same kinds of things in my prayer journal. I actually wrote the following once:

What?  You want me to do what? Are you crazy?

It must be much harder for those folks who think God purposely causes everything that happens to us, i. e., the recent tornados that have taken hundreds of lives and thousands of homes and then threatens those same people with a flood.  I don't believe God does these things.  I believe that in some cases they happen because we're not listening. 

I also believe, as I look back on my life, that God expected unusually tough stuff from me.  Somehow he managed to give me the strength to get through.  Because I'm still here.

Richardson closes this section with a blessing:

May the mercy
of the maddening,
outrageous, outlandish God,
meet you and feed you
in every need.


***

Cuban Revolution

We had breakfast this morning at Victor's 59 Cafe, at 38th and Grand in Minneapolis.

Quite an experience.  It's a little, tiny Cuban cafe covered with graffiti.  1959 was the year the Cuban Revolution was completed.  Hence the name.  Their food is "Revolutionary."

And yummy.

Guy Fieri from Diners, Drive Ins and Dives was there last year.  You can have some fun if you want to look it up - see the video. 

While we were eating, Dave and I discussed how we felt about the Cuban revolution when it was happening. I was a teenager but very aware of the evil Batista Regime.  Havana was sin city.  Much of it was controlled by the mob.  It was the place to go for a weekend of vice.  Vegas on steroids!

And then these handsome, young revolutionaries emerged from the jungle.  Che Guevara and the Castro brothers, Fidel and Raul.

It wasn't until later that the Cuban people (and we) realized they traded one evil for another.

Right now we're both wishing we hadn't eaten black beans, rice, fried sweet plantains and tortillas covered with creole sauce and topped with fried eggs - just  before going to work out. 

But it was fun.


***

Happy Hubert Day

If he were alive, Hubert Horatio Humphrey would turn 100 years old this month.  He started in politics as mayor of Minneapolis but I became aware of him later on when he became a U.S. senator and then vice president under Lyndon Johnson.  I liked and admired HHH - LBJ, not so much.

Hubert was a big civil rights person before it was popular or safe.  So was I. 

He was a happy, upbeat guy.  His favorite phrase was "pleased as punch."  But he was outspoken about his views and made many enemies.  A line in one of this speeches became known as "the liberals' mantra."

It was once said that the moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those who are in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy and the handicapped..

I never thought of it as "the liberals' mantra."  I thought of it as the teachings of Jesus.


***

Happiness and Joy

Some folks don't know the difference between happiness and joy.  To me, one is on the surface and the other goes deep.

Today I experienced both.

I was in the library here in Minnesota when I got a call from Atlanta telling me that my granddaughter, and name sake, had just been elected by her teachers and fellow classmates as...

The Student Most Likely to be Elected President of the United States!   This news made me HAPPY all over.  OK, yes, she's only five.  But she's already a powerful force of nature - like her mom - and her pop.

This evening I received an e-mail from a close friend.  She's on the last and most powerful chemo the docs can come up with.  So lots of us have been on pins and needles waiting for the latest tests.

The tumors have "decreased in size!"

Tonight I'm filled with JOY.


***

Happy Bob Day

What do schools in Norway, Spain, and Nova Scotia, as well as Boston University, Vanderbilt and the University of Minnesota have in common?

They all have courses on Bob Dylan.

Bob Dylan turned 70 last Tuesday.  He's from this part of the country and the papers have been full of Bob stories for days.  Four pages on him in yesterday's Minneapolis Star Tribune. 

What's the big deal?  Bob Dylan is a poet.  He, like Mozart, the Beatles and others, changed the face of music.  Bob Seger said:

There's never been anybody as good as him for writing lyrics.  Ever.

Dylan's written lyrics for over a thousand songs.  Here are a couple of lines that I like and can relate to:

From Knockin' On Heaven's Door -

Mama take the badge from me,
I can't use it anymore.
It's gettin' dark, to dark to see
I feel like I'm knockin' on heaven's door.

From Just Like a Little Girl -

...She makes love just like a woman, yes she does
And she aches just like a woman,
But she breaks just like a little girl.

Happy Birthday Bob.


***

Does Your First Name End With An "A"

You may think that you're totally up to date on everything.  But if you're female and your first name doesn't end with an "A," you're  kind of out of it.

Recently, the list of top baby names for 2010 was published.   I always wonder how a particular name becomes popular.  They say that baby names are influenced by pop culture, ancestry and religion. If this is true, how does every other mom in the country know to choose the same name? 

Anyway, six out of the top ten girl's names end with an "A."  Why is that?  I have no idea.  But here they are:

• Isabella
• Sophia
• Emma
• Olivia
• Ava (my personal favorite)
• Mia

The top baby boy name was Jacob.  This has been the top baby boy name for several years in a row.

Why?  I have no idea. 


***

What Are You Doing This Saturday?

By now you've probably heard of Harold Camping and his predictions that the world will end this coming Saturday, May 21st.  His followers have been traveling all over the country practicing spiritual abuse by trying to terrify people into believing him.

Even comic strip Doonesbury has had fun with it this week. 

Campings' people have cancelled their insurance policies, quit their jobs, sold their homes and liquidated their assets.  How are they going to feed their kids on Monday? 

Camping says he's cracked some Indiana Jones type secret code to get this insight.  He did the same thing a few years ago.  As you know, because you're still here, it didn't pan out, but he says this time he has more info. 

It seems crazy that folks would fall for this or even worry about it but it's brought about high anxiety to many, especially those who are already in the dumps for some very specific REAL reasons.  I remember, as a kid, being terrified every year when the evangelist came to town for the tent meetings, predicting the end times on a specific date.  It never happened but every year it scared me.

So here are a few calming suggestions from important people:

Jesus (Matthew 24:36)  We cannot know the day and the hour of the end of all things, for that is a mystery, known only to God.

Martin Luther:  (On what he would do if he knew the world would end tomorrow)  I'd plant a tree today.

Britney Spears:  Keep on dancing till the world ends.

Josh Nelson:  (Lutheran minister)  ...we should dance, work, play, share, give, care - all those things that make this life sweet and beautiful.

And I'll end with my own advice from the book of Deuteronomy  Celebrate Life!


***

Passion Vs. Apathy

I used to feel - and act on - a great many passions in my life.  I still have these passions but I don't act on them nearly as much. Passions like women's rights, civil rights, an end to hunger and racism, and on and on. 

Now my life is balanced more toward thoughtful interaction, encouraging others and prayer.  I'm grateful for this more quiet life but there's always the temptation to fall forward into apathy. 

In reading my Jan Richardson mediation this morning I was reminded of the ancient word "Acedia."  It was generally defined as laziness or sloth (It's one of the Seven Deadly Sins) but Jan explains that "The Greek root refers to a lack of concern, a state of care-lessness that threatens to overpower the person whom it visits." 

Sometimes we can't help it.  It's called "burn out."

I'm grateful for this season in my life.  But I don't want to become a victim of acedia (or apathy.)  I hope God will continually show me how to relate appropriately  to suffering people in the world. 


***

Plane Pals

I just spent five fantastic, non stop action days with my Atlanta family.  They are yummy.

On the flight down I was upgraded to first class due to an overcrowding situation.  It's not a big deal for me because I don't need a wide seat and, with a two hour flight, there aren't many other perks to be offered. I drank water.  That's it.

But I had quite a conversation with my seat mate.  Actually, I just listened.

By the way, I always double check first class passengers when I walk through their elevated atmosphere to check for celebs, either entertainment or political, or both.  Like, say, if I'd seen Arnold I'd probably have slapped him.  Although I sorta doubt that he rides commercial.

About ten minutes into a conversation with the guy sitting next to me I was not envying his status in any way.  In the last four years he's lost his father, then the family business, then his wife and four kids.   It was just another reminder of what this recession has heaped on folks.  I'm not saying it caused all of his problems, but it helped them along.

On the trip home yesterday, while sitting with the other regular folks,  I talked with a lovely young African American woman.  She was returning from her younger sister's graduation from Spelman College.  Spelman is an old, (1881) highly prestigious, traditionally African American women's college in Atlanta.   I said, "Oh, you must have seen Michelle Obama give the commencement speech."  She had.  Also, Phyllis Rashad and Debbie Allen were given honorary degrees. 

Talk about seeing fantastic political and entertainment celebs!

By the way, I never bug my seat mates.  I occasionally ask one question - and the conversation starts (or doesn't) from there.


***

Home Shows

Since Dave's beautiful house is for sale here in beautiful Edina, Minnesota, we, occasionally, have to run through hiding every extraneous item as we go, and then leave while a realtor shows our home to a potential buyer. 

Since the house is contemporary it lends itself even more the no mess look. 

As I've told you before, Dave has lived here for 47 years and has taken meticulous care of the house.  He's concerned now that the fence in front is not perfectly straight so is having the fence guy come by tomorrow.  The realtor and I just kind of roll our eyes.

The house sits on Minnehaha Creek.  The photos are of the back yard.  The realtor put a sign there last night for all of the kayakers to see as they meander by. 

On Friday night we're having several friends for dinner.  I hope we don't have to leave on Friday because I can make quite a mess when I'm cooking.

***

Dizzy Decisions

Blessing - When the way is convoluted and confusing, and when the choice is not clear and uncertainty presses close, may there be those through whom God's longing speaks, and, speaking, shows you a way. - Jan Richardson

Along with most people on the planet, I've been impressed with all that went into the decision making regarding the finding and taking of Osama bin Laden.  Especially after seeing the president on 60 Minutes last Sunday night. 

Some decisions take extraordinary care and expertise from a great many people.  But most daily decisions just need to be made and then, rather than second guessing ourselves, going with it.

As I used to say to my kids - Make a decision - And then make it right!

That philosophy has been helpful to Dave and me as we're doing all that needs to be done for this next transition in our lives. 

My friend, Jan Richardson, in her excellent meditation book, "In the Sanctuary of Women" tells a funny story about decision making. 

Saint Francis and Brother Masseo are on a journey and come to a crossroads.  Not knowing what path to take, Saint Francis tells Brother Masseo to stand in the center of the crossroads and spin himself around .  When Masseo finally falls down, Francis and his dizzy brother set off in the direction where Masseo had landed. 

In other words, Make a decision!  Don't just stand there in the crossroads.  Or, as Yogi Berra used to say, "When you come to a fork in the road, take it!"


***

Glory Days

Dave has a theory that who we are in high school is pretty much who we are.  I believe that's true of him but I was in such a survivor mode in high school that I don't believe my true personality emerged until later.

I went to Tech High School in Indianapolis in the 50s.  There was a guy in my class who was an outstanding athlete named Don Sexson.  He was a basketball player.  Basketball was everything  in Indiana.  And especially in Indianapolis.  And especially at Tech.

During the season everybody had Hoosier Hysteria.  I understand they still do.

Don Sexson had an older brother named Joe Sexson. He'd graduated from Tech a few years before.  He was a sports legend at Tech.   I met him a couple of times.  Both Don and Joe, besides being rock stars on the Tech campus, were fine young men. 

Although at that time I probably thought of them as just fine.  They both had really cute noses.

When we were in Indianapolis a few days ago to visit my brother he handed me that day's newspaper article about Joe Sexon.  It was his obituary. 

Apparently, what I'd remembered about the Sexsons was true throughout Joe's life. Here are some highlights.

• The Indianapolis Star named him Mr. Basketball in 1952.
• A former coach said he was the best high school athlete ever in Indianapolis.  He earned 14 letters.
• He was an All-Big Ten first baseman in baseball in 1956.
• He was a star at Purdue
• He was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 1986 and Purdue Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame in 2000.
• Joe Sexson spent his career coaching in high schools, then Purdue, then Butler.  He was a winning coach but most remembered for caring about his players.

t's so comforting to know that the memories I have about Don and Joe Sexson are real.  I guess some folks really are who they were in high school.


***

King James Didn't Write the Original

The King James version of the Bible was written 400 years ago on May 2, 1611. I'm admit that the KJV is the most influential scripture translation of all times but it's not the original.   I remember when most folks thought it was written by God himself.  As new versions came out they called it blasphemy. 

When I was a kid I had to memorize several psalms in my English class.  Since I learned them in the King James Version it wasn't until years later that I had any clue as to what I'd memorized.  But since then the memorized psalms have served me well.

I think that it's much easier to read the books of the Bible now that we have so many reader-friendly versions.  Over the years I've taught a 34 week class to adults called "Disciple I."  The goal is to read and understand the entire Bible.  It's exciting and I'd love to lead this class again if I didn't travel so much and I had the energy.  In this class we do everything we can to make it easy for adults, many of whom have never read the Bible,  to grasp these 66 books.  The KJV just doesn't cut it. 

But it is beautiful.  It's very moving to attend a funeral and recite "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I shall fear no evil."

Martin Luther King, Jr., in his "I Have a Dream" speech quoted the King James Version when he said,  "I have a dream that one day 'every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together.'" (Isaiah 40:4-5)

So Happy Birthday King James Version.  May you live a long life, along with your younger, easier to comprehend, brother and sister versions. 


***

Back Home Again in Minnesota

Just arrived at David's house after a fast (for us) 3 1/2 day cross country trip.

Here are a couple of highlights:

• We left early on Sunday morning so this is the second Sunday in a row I've missed church.  The Sunday before that (Easter) we were flying home from Los Angeles.  I'm almost always in church on Sunday, no matter where in the world I am.  But this past Sunday we drove over 500 miles.  Fortunately the hotel outside Dalton, Georgia where we stopped had a jacuzzi in the room.  So I got relaxed and had a kind of spiritual experience. 

• Monday night we stayed in Columbus, Indiana.  As you know, Dave loves this town of 39,000 folks just South of Indianapolis.  Many years ago Cummings Engine, located there, paid for world famous architects to design many of it's structures.  So fire stations, other government buildings, churches and so on are over-the-top beautiful.  We stayed at the beautiful Holiday Inn.  As you know, I love hotels/motels.  Especially lobbies and also free breakfast.  But the next morning we drove into Indianapolis to have breakfast with my brother and his wife.  I love them.  I wanted to cry when I saw them.  We ate at "Bob Evans."  The waitress was perfect.  She called me darlin' several times.  When I asked for honey she pointed to it on the table and said, "I got ya covered, sweet pea." 

• Last night we stayed in Janesville, Wisconsin.  It took us a while to decide how to skirt around Chicago but nothing's more hectic than driving through Chicago. 

• It was in the 90s when we left Orlando.  Last night it was in the 30s.  And we lost an hour.  I'm confused.

Now here we are at Dave's beautiful house.  Pending the inspection tomorrow it will be sold and we must pack up and get out.  47 years of memories must be dealt with.  I'm sorry I missed those two Sundays in church because I could use the spiritual insight to help Dave through this.


***