Thank you Michael J Scott

I love the television show The Office.  Don't you?  So witty, so clever, so stink'n funny.
While watching, there's one thing I bet we can all agree on...don't take seriously or emulate anything Michael Scott ever says or does.  Right?  He's one of the most hilariously selfish, self-centered, prideful, insecure, and clueless characters on television.

Well, you might be surprised to hear...

I found myself in a situation a few weeks ago where I decided the right thing to do was to be like Michael Scott.  It was a WWMSD (what would michael scott do) moment.

Steve has been a member of our church for many years.  Throughout that entire time he has been a committed member of our Friendship Sunday school class (our class for families and individuals who are homeless, wrestling with addictions, in poverty, etc.  I call it our "church as it should be" class.)
Anyway, Steve had a climbing accident when he was in his early twenties that left the right side of his body paralyzed.  Talk about an inspirational story.  He still manages to drive, walk, and yes, even paint!

This is where I took advice from Michael Scott.  Remember the episode a few seasons back where Pam had her first art show?  Michael barely makes it in time and reacts to Pam's paintings like someone seeing a Picasso or Van Gogh for the first time.  He is floored and sincerely can't believe Pam is so talented. He then looks at the painting of their office building and with utmost sincerity asks her, "How much."  And Pam is equally as floored at thinking that anyone would pay money for her paintings.  She is filled with dignity, encouragement, and love as she reaches out to hug Michael (perhaps the only time she's ever initiated a hug with Michael).  Is the episode coming back to you?

A few weeks ago Steve came to class on Sunday morning with a painting in his hand.  I said, "What did you bring to class today, Steve?"  He said, "It's my latest oil painting.  It's our classroom."  Yes, he had painted a beautiful oil painting of the Sunday school room from the perspective of where he sits every Sunday.  Simply magnificent.  I was so overwhelmed with the beauty of the moment that of course I asked, "How much?"  I was disappointed when He said it was not for sale.  I then asked, "Well, can we put it up in our room?"  He smiled his incredibly sweet half-smile and said, "Yes, of course."

That week I framed it, and it is now hanging high in our classroom so all can see it.

FBC Norman Advent Devotional

Yes, one more.  I had the privilege of contributing to our church's advent devotional guide this year.  Today's thought is based on the well known Christmas song O Come, O Come Immanuel.
I hope it finds you where you are today.

Click here to read it

Thanks, everyone.

Popcorn and Nostalgia

I have said it before, and I'll say it again, "I love the people my work allows me to interact with."

A few Monday's ago a homeless man shows up at our church early in the afternoon.  He was about 6 feet tall, african american, in his late 40's, and as meek as anyone can be.  After a while we learned bits of each other's stories and I discovered he needed some warm clothes (being that he is sleeping outside).  We went to the clothing rooms in our church and he picked out a warm jacket and a long sleeve shirt.  I asked if he needed any food as well, and he stopped shuffling through the clothing rack and said, "no, but do you all have any popcorn?"  Out of all the things he could have responded with I thought it unlikely that he would a) turn down free food and b) instead, ask if we had popcorn.

I said, "No, I don't think so.  You a big fan of popcorn?"  He said, "Yeah, it's one of those feel-good foods for me.  My mom used to make the best popcorn over the stove."  He and I continued to chat about popcorn, how much we both loved it, and fond memories of family.

Everyone has a story.  Everyone.  Next time you see someone you think might be homeless say to yourself, "That person has a story just like me.  They have memories of popcorn and nostalgia just like me."  That is the first step in making the invisible of our society visible.

Buckner Advent Devotional

Many people have access to a devotional guide for the advent season.  Buckner (the non-profit out of Texas that collaborates with our church. buckner.org) publishes one every year and asks staff from every branch of the company and involved patrons to contribute writings.  I was impressed by how well it was designed and pulled-off this year.  I was given the opportunity to contribute to the selections and thought I would share it with everyone.

Click the title link below to read the advent devotional for November 29, 2010.

God on a Mission

May we include the unincluded this holiday season.

Thanksgiving Basket Building Party

Last night was a huge success!  And this is how I measure success for an event like our Thanksgiving Basket Building Party...

1) When people of different backgrounds, economic situations, and cultural upbringings come together and laugh, conversate, and smile.  That's success.

2) When everyone who comes leaves with something they did not have before (e.g. a Thanksgiving basket of food, a memory of joy, a heart that is warm from doing something unselfish for someone else).  That's success.

3) When the local body of believers in Christ comes together to offer two of the most valuable things in our society, money and time, freely to exemplify the free gift of grace that God offers his creation.  That's success.

Thanks to all who came, helped, gave food, gave time, gave money, gave smiles, etc. etc. etc.

Here are the beautiful and grateful words from our Community Ministry Committee chair, Lisa.

Dear Wonderful Volunteers,

Thank you for your hospitality and work on behalf of the First Thanksgiving Basket Building Party.  Many, many individuals left First Baptist Church last night with food and love for this holiday.  I talked to several individuals who wanted to know if FBC members were always this nice and gracious.  Isn't this one of the benefits we hoped would come from this event?   

If the children are happy, the adults will be happy.  North Hallock Hall was transformed into an exciting children's playroom.  I always believe if we can give the children a few hours of attention, fun, and relaxation, we have followed Jesus' directions to  minister to the most vulnerable.  The Beanie Babies were a huge success and unexpected treat.   What a sweet gift and reminder of this special evening for the children!

Joey, we appreciate your leadership and planning.  The evening was a big success and I hope that you are pleased with the results.  I can see it growing in the future. 

I hope your family has a blessed and safe Thanksgiving!  

Lisa

To see pictures from the event click Pictures of the TBBP

All before 9am...

When I arrived to work at 7:45 this morning things were slow.  I turned on the lights, disarmed the alarm, and took a few deep breaths as I decided to keep a dim ambiance in my office by only turning on the lamp.

All before 9am...

A local crack-dealer came by to use the restroom of the church and with the utmost of sincerity confessed that the voices in his head have been tempting him towards violence.  To which I responded, "Well, we all have voices in our heads.  The hard part is knowing which ones to listen to.  Be patient and smart.  Don't let anyone try to make you do things you don't want to do."

A friend of mine who's homeless came by to receive a bicycle.  He has been diligently looking for jobs, but has been limited by his range due to a lack of transportation.  Until now.  I look forward most to the conversations I have with people who come in.  Everyone has their own obstacle whether it comes from within themselves or from someone around them.  Today we discussed the "drama" of the streets.  "It's like being back in High School" he said.  I laughed.

A woman came by to pick up some sheets because she's been stretching (and ripping) a full set over her queen mattress.  She just moved into an apartment, she goes into work early at a fastfood restaurant to prove to her boss that she's a hard worker, and she has a few sons (one of which won't make it out of jail before Thanksgiving).  I asked if she would like a painting in my office (one was donated last week).  Upon seeing it she gasped and said, "That matches the comforter my sister gave me for Christmas!"


What a morning.  I love the people my job allows me to come in contact with.  I hope Christ's love is seen in all we do here at FBC Norman as we continue to grow into our missional identity.

"Never did pay to run from mom couse ya had to come home sometime."

I've learned so much from the homeless community of Norman.

For instance, the other day I was talking with a friend of mine who hasn't had anything stable in his life since his dad's expectations of perfection for him as teenager.  His story is riddled with drugs, broken relationships, and heartbreak.  And, this gentleman is incredibly spiritual.  He does not quite have the full picture of the hope, love, and freedom of Christ, but he ignites in my heart an awareness to spirituality.  I have learned to be more sensitive to the Holy Spirit because of the way my friend sees reality.
I hurt for many believers (like myself) who have lost that spiritual way of living.

This friend recently began writing down the story of his life.  He is letting me read it as he works on it.  The title of this blog entry, "Never did pay to run from mom couse ya had to come home sometime", I came across as he wrote of his childhood.  It is so profoundly hilarious and true.  I think we can all relate to this timeless adage.

I've learned so much from the homeless community of Norman.