CHRIST, rhymes, & Life

This has been a strange year for me. I've been struggling to navigate through a crowd of emotions with no idea how to. Wore my heart under my sleeve for fear of showing weakness, deeming the world undeserving of caring for it. After all it's much safer behind these walls right? My theological knowledge may tell me enough to not crumble, but it is no field manual for going toe-to-toe with this unstable heart of mine. My insecurities speak as loud as anyone's. But I know my God will always be louder. Half a year ago, in my post, HERE ., I shared a little about the journey that I've been on, how I've come to the place where I am now. There was much joy and relief in realizing all that, yet it did not come without scars. Not without pain and confusion. I took what I believe to be a step of faith and it was also a turn from something I had planned on doing for so long. And eventually that step turned into a run, hoping that someone would care enough to try and catch m...

So when the rich young man thought his "good deeds" would help him receive eternal life, he walked away sorrowful because he quickly learned that the Kingdom is about much more than living a decent life. Jesus commanded him to sell his possessions and give to the poor. He knew what the man cherished most. And the man was not wiling to give that up. That man is us. We want God and salvation on our own terms but when we are asked to give up our treasures, that's just too much. A couple night ago, my older brother Robin reminded me of what this is all about. He was inspired to donate to people in Houston affected by Hurricane Harvey. He was talking about how eventually, the hurricane will go away but when that happens, there will be thousands of people who don't have anything to go home to. I've seen people who have no idea what they'll do and don't have much, but are still thankful and proclaim God's goodness. Robin decided to give away, among many ...

"Show up. Dive in. Stay at it." In his farewell address, our beloved 44th President Barack Obama left us with this charge; words my heart resonated with because, even though he said this in the context of our participation in democracy and the political arena, that is what my life has been about for the past few years. It's what the Lord called me to and it's what I am learning to embrace more and more. You ever just sit and wonder how you ended up where you are right now? My goodness, I can't tell you how many times I tried to make other plans.. how many times I thought I'd be doing something else by now.. how many times I tried to avoid where I'm at right now.. but nope! God constantly reminds me that He's in control and let me tell you, it can be frustrating at times, but it is a very good thing. Let's rewind a little bit. Towards the end of high school, this genius thought he was going to go away for college - like UC Berkeley or UCLA. Wel...