Learning To Hate

I learned about the tragedy in Charlottesville late in the day on Saturday.  I watched with sadness the hatred of the "nationalists", and then with horror the senseless death of one woman and the injuries to many others.

 

I was reminded of one of my favorite John Grisham stories, "The Chamber".  Sam Cayhall is on death row for the bombing of a Jewish lawyer's family, which killed his two young sons.  Ironically, Cahall's son, Adam Hall, ends up representing Cahall in trying to prevent his execution.  Adam is full of the hatred for his grandfather that you might expect anyone to have for a murderer, until Cahall's alcoholic daughter reveals his tragic upbringing.  The story is capped when she produces a photo of the 10-year old Cahall surrounded by a group of Klansman as a black man is hung from a tree.

The reason I like the story is not because it might seem to give the murderer an "out" because of his upbringing.  He is fully responsible for his actions.  But it does make me thankful that I had parents that took me to church and taught me the difference between right and wrong.  My nature is to hate the "nationalists" in Charlottesville, and I do hate everything they stand for.  But my heart also bleeds knowing that the hatred they feel may have been taught to them, just as I was being taught right from wrong.  I don't know if they will ever be healed, but I believe their best chance for healing would come if someone could show them the Jesus I know.  I pray I have a chance to do that.

Raqqa raids

I read with sadness this story about Christians fleeing from the city of Raqqa in Syria.  At one time Christians made up about 1% of the population of that city.  With the advance of ISIS, Christians were given the option of converting to Islam or fleeing the city under threat of death.   All places for Christian worship have been destroyed.  The remaining Christians are now being driven out by the US led coalition forces that are bombing the city.  I am amazed at the strength of the Christians who are managing to keep their faith under the most dangerous circumstances and know that nothing but the power of our God could get them through.  I pray today for their safety and continued faith.

Courtside cabinet

You may remember that Ralph Drollinger was the first collegiate basketball player to go to four consecutive NCAA Final Four tournaments.  He was playing for UCLA at the time.  You may not know that Drollinger is now leading a bible study for about a dozen of Trump's cabinet members at the Capital.  Attendees include Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, Energy Secretary Rick Perry, CIA Director Mike Pompeo and Attorney General Jeff Sessions.   Mike Pence sponsors the meeting and attends when he is in town.  Drollinger has lead studies in 40 state capitals, but this is the first one he has lead in the nation's capital.  I can't keep up with everything that is going on in Washington, and I don't really want to.  But I was surprised and delighted to hear about this regular meeting.  More here.

Truth

 

In my SpotOnTheLake update today, the tag line was: How do I love thee? ...let me count the wakes.  That idea was courtesy of one of my best friends, David Slagle.  I have known David for 20 years, first as my pastor from the pulpit, and now as a pastor to my soul.  David started Veritas Church in Atlanta, and if you are ever in the area, you should stop by and be blessed.  Veritas is latin for truth, and that is exactly what you get at Veritas.  David is an amazing pastor, but he is even more amazing at being a husband, father and friend.  David, thanks for your uncompromising friendship.

Cause Nausea

The proliferation of GoFundMe and other similar sites sometimes overwhelms me to the extent of feeling sick to my stomach.  There are so many hurting people in the world and about that many more that think they are hurting, but aren't.  For the ones that are really hurting, I often feel drawn to help, but seldom do.  The "I can't help everyone" reasoning is forefront in my mind.  This thoughtful article by Richard Stearns helps to address my problem and encourages us to focus on the causes where we have a real intent to help and make an impact.  I hope it helps you, too.

ESPY winner steals the show

This week, a lot of very talented athletes were recognized for their dedication to their sports, but the most memorable award of the night was the Jimmy V award which was given to Jarrius Robertson.  In case you aren't familiar with Jarrius from the gridiron, the hoops or any of the other sports that were covered, that's because Jarrius is 15 years old and under 4' tall.  He has struggled with a life-threatening disease and two liver transplants in his short life, but continues to exude optimism in his support for organ donation and living life a day at a time.  If you missed the tribute, take 9 minutes to be inspired here.

Independence

 

My 4th of July weekend was filled with family, boating, swimming and eating.  I don't believe I was alone.  I spent some time this morning reflecting about what the holiday is really about, and no surprise, Independence was the word that keep coming to mind.  Our independence today is due to the ultimate price men and women paid over 200 years ago to form the greatest country in the world, and the continued sacrifices from our armed forces today.  I was looking for a musical tribute and found this one from 10 years ago.  I love the faces of the military personnel being honored here.