Albertine

You know how sometimes it seems like the whole universe is working with everything around you to send you a message? And you keep getting the clues, but either you just don't get the message or you're almost afraid to really open your eyes to what the message is....

I'm getting a message. A big part of my soul is passionate about peace and social justice and I've never really been able to do consistent service work, even though it's always been on my mind. Well, in the past few weeks I've had sermons, songs, prayers, conversations, readings, etc that point to turning my faith into a more proactive, service-oriented faith.

There are two songs that I haven't been able to get out of my head for this entire week. Albertine by Brooke Fraser and When I Leave by JJ Heller. Every time I listen to these songs I start to cry. It reaches deep down inside of me and I feel compelled to leave everything and follow Jesus. I want to live in a community of progressive Christians and do service work and talk about faith and spirituality in all our free time. I want to feel like I'm making a difference in the world. I feel called to do this. I'm still praying for more detail to be revealed, but as of right now, I'm doing my part to make connections.

I turned in an application to volunteer at the Center for Women in Transition in Champaign. Even if it's just a few hours a week, at least it's something! I have a lot of skills. I have a lot to offer. I want my eyes to be opened even wider to the injustices of this world so that I know even more what I can do to ignite change.

I am willing, Lord. I am open to your call, ready for your instructions. I am ready to be used by you in any way that you desire. Live within me, Lord, live through me, Lord. I am ready.

Suddenly Alive: A musing for my brother, Eric.

Your faith suits you well, oh brother in Christ. Your words ring loud and clear to those who happen upon your striking wisdom. Like a calm amongst the storm, your message is suddenly clear.

You speak of hope
And I am suddenly lighter.
You speak of truth
And I am suddenly wiser.
You speak of compassion
And I am suddenly warmer.
You speak of trust
And I am suddenly stronger.
You speak of prayer
And I am suddenly trying.

Your love and passion for all things holy is deep like the ocean and true like the sky. Your witness is powerful, your stores are divine. God lives not just within you, but through you most sure.

Your faith suits you well, oh brother in Christ. You are a testament of reparation and triumph. The truth indeed set you free and now you teach others to fly.

And I am suddenly alive.

Slumdog Millionaire

You know, when I first heard of this movie I wasn't interested merely because of the "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" theme. But then I read a little more about it and decided that it was something I wanted to see. Last night, Chandra and I went and saw it in the little art theatre right down the street from my apartment.

WOW. It's the best movie I've seen in a long time. It was so well done, carefully thought out, beautifully sequenced and brilliantly acted. And as someone who can be a bit ADD through movies, this one kept my attention the whole time. Chandra and I were captivated the entire time. We laughed, we cried (well, I did. I'm not sure about her), and we left feeling really good. I also left feeling really lucky to live the life that I do and to have the things that I have, but not in a guilty way. I felt genuinely blessed.

Go see this movie. Pay the money. Support this fantastic film. It even won a few Golden Globes last night! And when it comes out on DVD - BUY IT! I know I am.