My sister wrote a blog entry that I felt was worth sharing. She works with children. She is in college. She is turning 21 this year (man, how time flies). She values being a good voice in kids' lives.
The entry is titled: Correction vs. Hatred. Here are some of my favorites of her points (with my commentary):
"...there is a difference between a voice of authority and a voice of anger and hatred, and I never want to be the latter." This is so true. I remember the voices that shaped me, and I still return to those who treated me with respect. To this day, I avoid the voices I felt harmed by.
"I want to leave an positive impression in their life, not the 'I remember my teacher, Ms. Stacie. She scared me everyday' impression. I have had those people in my life and they did not mentor and help me grow at all." (For real, I fully agree. Voices matter. Words matter. Relationships matter. Influence matters. Well said, Stacie.)
"Correction can be made in many forms." (Very wise statement, actually very wise considering your place in life. It is very easy to fall into habits, or the most easy way to respond. A good response always makes a better impression; a lazy reaction is just selfish.)
If you would like to read the full post, follow this link. Love you, Stacie...you're going to be such a great influence and mentor for our little girl.
Since Shauna and I found out we're having a little girl (in June, her name is Lucy), I have learned a lot. Many things I have learned through simple straight out dumbness. Here is some of my empirical wisdom regarding words and my pregnant wife, and for the record, she helped me with this. Now, I have not necessarily said all of these things...
Things NOT to say to your pregnant wife:
Are you laughing or crying? Or both? (it was both, at the same time, fyi)
Hey Big Mamma!
Why are you __________ ? (insert anything: this question is bad because you are searching for a logical reason for an action: you will not understand, so don't ask)
I think the kid will need a break from us, ya know, to help it develop. So why don't we go ahead and schedule a vacation in Cancun?
Ya know, my mom said she had no pain with me when she was pregnant.
I forgot.
I hope the kid isn't color blind.
Don't you "girl up" our child (granted, this was first said when I thought we may have a boy)
How about some Chinese food? (this question is bad because I still ask it after I have been told that Chinese food has now become nauseating; couple with #6 for optimum dumbness)
Have you ever watched yourself brush your teeth? It's so funny! (I then proceeded to impersonate her...)
I have watched many things since I entered "pastordom" (I may actually make this a word on urbandictionary.com...check it later to see if it has been approved).
One of the things that has had a major, huge, really big, massive impact on me is the writing and teaching of a man by the name Rick Warren. Rick wrote a book in the 90's called The Purpose Driven Church. Most churches that are growing today are doing so because of Rick's insight and wisdom. God has truly used him in the building of the global kingdom. Along with humanitarian efforts and his big church in California, Saddleback, Rick is really a modern day church father. I respect this guy a lot.
I visit Saddleback's website a few times a month, just to see what's happening. I usually pull some good ideas and think and write about them. Sometimes, we implement these ideas. I have always wanted to consider myself a good student of churches. I have always really liked challenging the traditioned mindset in the established church. Rick Warren and his church seems to do that.
I am disappointed in myself, though. I am really a bit miffed at one of the most recent visits to the site: not over any moral issue (believe me, this is not a moral issue in my opinion). This Easter, Saddleback Church is renting out the Angel Stadium for their Easter Celebration. They have been around for 30 years now! What a great way to bring together an entire church family. In the celebration, Rick will be talking about the future. Still cool. Now, the kicker (for me): the Jonas Brothers and Kari Jobe are performing.
Really, Rick? The Jonas Brothers? I know Rick is not the master puppeteer here, and that he has a team that is very trustworthy. But, the Jonas Brothers? Why not Justin Bieber? Or Miley Cyrus? Everyone could definitely bond over a little Party in the USA. Why does this bother me? Is it just a style thing? Is it because I don't like the Jonas Brothers that much? Normal (church people read secular here) music SHOULD be a part of church culture. Art is all around us. Bringing normal art into the church is a good thing. Make no mistake. My philosophy on this is solid. But, the Jonas Brothers?
Now, I ask myself: Is this something I would consider? Can I get past personal preference in this world of art and faith and cast a vote for their kind of art as a catalyst for faith?
I suppose I wrestle with this personal preference thing. After all, most artists and creatives are a bit (read a lot) self indulgent. We want what we like. I would hope, if pushed to make the best decision to create an event, I wouldn't be so close minded. But, then again, these are just my thoughts. Adding input here is valuable, so what do you think? How should one balance personal preference when leading or creating art in the church? It is a valid thought, I think.
Please don't put comments about how "secular" or "worldly" music shouldn't enter the doors or ears of the church. You will be barking up the wrong tree. If you do that, you're missing the point of this post.
