Synthetic Reality

Did you see the videos of Air Force One doing the low pass over Manhattan for the photo shoot? Did you see the reaction of the crowds? They were running for their lives, which makes it especially puzzling to understand why Americans seem to have forgotten the lessons of 9/11.

When the planes hit the twin towers of the World Trade Center on 9/11 it was apparent to almost everyone that there were people in this world who hated America and what it stood for and were prepared to go to any lengths to make their point. The mark on the collective psyche of this country seemed indelible - a day that would forever live in infamy. Sadly, though, this has not proved to be the case and this enormous tragedy has slowly leaked out of our national consciousness. Why this has happened is less clear and I have struggled to understand how this could be. A book by the former editor of Punch, the satirical British humor magazine, has provided an explanation.

Malcolm Muggeridge was well known as a writer with a sharp and biting wit. He was also a well known atheist who did not suffer fools, especially Christians, gladly. Late in life, though, he came to Christ and wrote a number of insightful books and articles. Christ and the Media is one of those books and he observes that the reality portrayed by the media, television in particular, is not really reality at all but a synthetic version thereof. He was an on-air BBC personality and commented that he was always surprised by the contrast between what he was seeing in front of his eyes and the version that was broadcast. Even in supposed "news" shows, reality was altered and made to fit a story line, rather than being simply reported. It is this disjunction that I refer to as "synthetic reality."

There is a synthetic reality in foreign affairs that blames the U.S. for "torture" of self-confessed terrorists who have killed and whose only desire is to kill again. It soothes with the thought that if we only talk nicely to such people and governments that support them, all will be well. Then, based on this "reality" advocates cuts in the defense budget because the world will be a more peaceful place. The media is a hot bed of such views and would rather focus on Golden Globes and which star is sleeping with whom anyway. Meanwhile, Congress, having bought into the alternate reality that defense is passe' and completely unneeded is spending trillions on pork, merrily mortgaging future generations, and generally behaving like drunken sailors on a week-long bender. Who us worry?

At some level, though, and not very far below the surface, people understand that the jihadists really want to kill us. It doesn't matter if you are white, black, green or purple - if you are an American, you are an infidel and you die. Reading the writings of the terrorists makes it very clear that this is so. They are serious (if sociopathic) people and they are relentless. We are not a serious people right now and what we don't - or won't - know can kill us. Just ask the folks in Manhattan when they see a low flying plane. I hope the rest of us don't need to see a mushroom cloud rising over an American city before we reach the same conclusion.

John Stumbo Hits a Home Run

Tuesday, April 21. 2009

The Beauty of a Fulfilled Vow

(Warning: The preacher got long-winded today.)

A businessman wandered into a doughnut shop in Grand Saline, Texas one morning and ended up with far more than a doughnut. He noticed a young farm couple was seated at a table. The man was wearing overalls and she wore a gingham dress. After finishing their doughnuts, he got up to pay the bill, and the businessman noticed she didn’t get up to follow him.

But then he came back and stood in front of her. She put her arms around his neck, and he lifted her up, revealing that she was wearing a full-body brace. He lifted her out of her chair and backed out the front door to the pickup truck, with her hanging from his neck. As he gently put her into the truck, everyone in the shop watched. No one said anything until an employee remarked in almost a holy whisper, "He took his vows seriously."

I've thought of that story often as I look into my wife's eyes. There she is kneeling on the floor again for the thousandenth time putting on my socks or caring for my dry skin. I know, I know, she has been very clear that she would rather be a nurse than a widow and is grateful to have me around. I know, I've heard her say it repeatedly that she is happy to serve me and senses that she is serving Christ in the process. All true. All healthy. All beautiful.

But when another day is done—another day of having her assist me from showering to dressing, to getting down the stairs, through three or four feedings, through countless medications, to picking up what I've dropped on the floor and can't reach for myself, to assisting in my therapy, to delivering me to yet another doctor's visit…and on the list goes—when another day is done and my head hits the pillow I know one thing: she took her vows seriously.

"For better or for worse, in sickness and in health," we stated. We were so young, what did we know? She was still a teenager. Having graduated from high school at 16, she was half way through college by the time most girls were still figuring out what to wear to prom. I was accused by my buddies of robbing the cradle, but I knew a good thing when I saw it. Two years of courtship later, we stood before 400 friends and family members and youthfully declared our intentions for the rest of our lives. Ridiculous actually. We didn't have enough wisdom, experience, foresight or maturity to make such a declaration. Perhaps that is why God allows a little love blindness to capture young couples. If we really knew what we were saying at the moment we'd be shaking in fear, looking for the lawyer's fine print or excusing ourselves to go find a bathroom. "For better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, 'til death do us part." Wow. Bold words for kids barely old enough to get a rental car.

Yet, twenty six years later, I gratefully declare that she is living out those vows and I consider myself blessed. I knew I was marrying a woman of character on that snowy December day in 1982, but I had no idea just how much I would benefit from that character.

So celebrate with me today a woman who has chosen a lifestyle that doesn't revolve around herself, has chosen to serve a husband whose needs are unrelenting, took her vows seriously and has done so without complaint. And who, by the way, is very uncomfortable with this kind of acknowledgement. (Too bad, Honey, it's my blog!)

Allow me to go a few paragraphs further. Allow me to put back on my pastoral hat and preach a bit. I see this as an opportunity to offer a few challenges. Some of these things may seem so obvious that I don't need to put them in print. On the other hand, I'm not sure where these kinds of messages are being clearly spoken these days, so here goes:

First, I appeal to all singles in pursuit of a marriage relationship—look for Christ-like character above all else. Compatibility is good, but you might find yourself compatible—enjoying similar hobbies, conversing easily—with someone who has no character depth. Wealth is nice, but don't chase it in marriage. To be courted is exciting, but without character you'll eventually end up in another court. Attractiveness is a bonus; hopefully you see some physical beauty in the other person. I certainly did and do with Joanna. But, can I remind us that we don't marry just a face, we marry a complex person. Beauty fades. Character blossoms. Marry character.

Second, I appeal to married couples who are struggling right now. I know that there are, at times, legitimate reasons to call it quits. However, this list is much smaller than society is telling us. "I just don't love him like I once did" isn't on the legitimate list. "She's not the same person I married" isn't either. Of course she's not the same person she was. She's been married to you for 20 years, that's bound to change a person and if she hasn't changed for the better, maybe YOU had something to do with it—not everything, but something. "We've drifted apart." Well, grab an oar and start paddling back. Don't believe the lie that you will automatically be happier alone. Don't believe the lie that you'll certainly be happier with that other person across the office. Don't believe the lie that happiness is the ultimate goal.

Another word to married couples. Some of us have easier marriage relationships than others. Joanna and I have never had an easy marriage. We've had to work at it from the very beginning. Countless times we've had to come back together and say, "Okay, let's talk this through. Where did we get off track?" But that's the key. We've kept coming back. Each time we grew a little stronger as individuals and healthier as a couple. Each time was another blow to the enemy who is seeking to destroy every Christian marriage. If you have a marriage that ranks high on the compatibility scale—you naturally agree on subjects, converse easily, enjoy the same things—consider it a blessing and a loss. It is a blessing because you have an ease of life others will never experience and a loss because you are missing out on some character development opportunities (although life has a way of dishing out plenty of them, so you'll catch up to the rest of us).

Next, a word to those who have known the trauma of divorce. I don't know your story. It's not mine to know. Some of you, no doubt, did the right thing. It was an act of courage and character to remove yourself from the nightmare you were in. Others no doubt bailed out early—God had more in store but you didn't hang around long enough to experience it. And, some of you had no choice in the matter as your spouse ended the relationship regardless of your efforts. Whatever your analysis is of your situation, use it as an entrance into a pursuit of deeper character and greater intimacy with God. A door has been opened, inviting you to walk in healthy places. Take Him up on the offer. And, somehow, may God grant you the grace to not live with a label. God doesn't look upon you as "divorcee" but as "child" (for those who have come to Him for salvation) or as "lost lamb" (for those who have not yet done so). Wise are those who can see themselves as God sees them.

And, a word to us all. In a world glutted with contracts, lawsuits, fine print and disclaimers—often necessary, I know—let's simply be people of our word. Nothing crushes a child like a broken promise. Few things mar a Christian businessperson's reputation like unfulfilled commitments. Some of us mean well—we're just too flippant in what we say. We have good intentions—we just don't have our act together well enough to carry them out. Isn't it time we own up or shut up? Others of us are good at keeping our commitments, until we realize it is going to be inconvenient or hurt. Joanna and I are feeling this a bit right now. Prior to my illness we made a significant pledge to our church's new building project. Living on disability income and uncertainty about our future throws that commitment into a different light. Our church would never require us to keep the commitment—it is completely voluntary—but I don't feel right about backing out now, just because circumstances changed. We prayed about it when we made the commitment, God knew what our future was going to be, so we're finding a way to make it happen. I hesitate to share this because I don't want to draw attention to ourselves; but I choose to share it because I want you to know when I'm speaking from personal experience. Let's be people of our word, even when it becomes more difficult than we first expected.

Finally, back to thoughts about my wife's kindness to me: caregivers, you rock…whatever that means. I celebrate you. You are giving your life so that others have a higher quality of life—a level we in no way could attain on our own. This is a noble thing you are doing. May God give you the same grace He has given to my wife—that you would be able to count it a genuine privilege to serve. You're not just serving us; you are serving Christ Himself. God bless you as you do.

(For John's blog, see http://www.salemalliance.org/serendipity/)

Cuba is Solved - What's Next?

By BEN FELLER, Associated Press Writer Ben Feller, Associated Press Writer – Sun Apr 19, 6:44 pm ET

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad – Defending his brand of world politics, President Barack Obama said Sunday that he "strengthens our hand" by reaching out to enemies of the United States and making sure that the nation is a leader, not a lecturer, of democracy.

Obama's foreign doctrine emerged across his four-day trip to Latin America, his first extended venture to a region of the world where resentment of U.S. power still lingers. He got a smile, handshakes and even a gift from incendiary leftist leader Hugo Chavez of Venezuela, and embraced overtures of new relations from isolated Cuban President Raul Castro.

"The whole notion was that if we showed courtesy or opened up dialogue with governments that had previously been hostile to us, that that somehow would be a sign of weakness," Obama said, recalling his race for the White House and challenging his critics today.

"The American people didn't buy it," Obama said. "And there's a good reason the American people didn't buy it — because it doesn't make sense."

Still, Obama made sure to inject some go-it-slow caution and clear expectations for U.S. foes as he capped his trip to twin-island nation of Trinidad and Tobago with a steamy outdoor news conference.

On Cuba, he said Castro should release political prisoners, embrace democratic freedoms and cut fees on the money that Cuban-Americans send back to their families. Obama has lifted some restrictions on Cuba, and Castro responded with a broad, conciliatory overture.

"The fact that you had Raul Castro say he's willing to have his government discuss with ours not just issues of lifting the embargo, but issues of human rights, political prisoners, that's a sign of progress," Obama said. "And so we're going to explore and see if we can make some further steps."

*************************************************************************************

From the Associated Press

9:36 AM PDT, April 22, 2009

HAVANA -- Fidel Castro says President Barack Obama "misinterpreted" his brother Raul's remarks regarding the United States and bristled at the suggestion that Cuba should free political prisoners or cut taxes on dollars people send to the island.

Fiddling While Rome Burns

Debra Saunders wrote a recent column ( see below) about why the U.S. is at the mercy of foreign oil barons and notes that our own governor, Ted Kulongoski, apparently not having enough to do at home with Oregon's own fiscal crisis, made an appearance:

"Here's a sobering statistic: U.S. imported oil use grew from 24 percent in 1970 to 70 percent last year.

Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski, I believe, spoke for all the other anti-drilling Democratic politicians -- there were no Republican or pro-oil pols -- when he said that supporting more oil and gas drilling "sends the wrong message."

Message? Americans use more oil than we produce. Doesn't that send the most powerful message of all?"

Indeed it does send the most powerful message of all and until the U.S. quits posturing and gets serious about energy independence by developing all our energy resources, we will continue to be whipsawed by the whims of other nations. I respect Gov. Kulongoski for attending the funerals of all Oregon war dead, but posturing in the vital area of energy policy is a disservice to Oregon and the nation.

( http://townhall.com/columnists/DebraJSaunders/2009/04/19/left_coast_tea_party)

A Venture Capitalist for Christ

Day #1 and a new media. What's on my mind? A young missionary in Peru, Jennifer Harris, who is doing a spectacular job in the Amazon basin of Peru with very little but an abiding faith in God. She lives in Pucallpa on the east side of the Andes and ministers to a growing flock. A Stanford graduate, she has devoted herself to bringing the people of this region to new life in Christ - body, soul and spirit. She ministers to the whole person and I will let her tell her own story of one of her many ministries.

Micro Enterprise on the Go

As in the United States, countless families in our city are struggling with escalating unemployment. Most parents do not have any savings or extra food. Fathers spend days (or weeks) searching for construction jobs, waiting in lines at the lumber yard, interviewing to work for an oil company, and more…all to no avail. Meanwhile, mothers at home are trying to pacify their two-year olds who are crying from hunger.

So how can we help parents provide for their children’s food and education?

We can create jobs! In the last three months, we have helped finance 25 micro enterprise projects, according to people’s desires and experience, as well as local demand. Examples of these projects include: starting a tree nursery (see photo); selling cheese and fruits from home; selling fish at the outdoor marketplace (see photo); making lingerie; selling fabric and thread to village seamstresses; raising chickens; and selling first aid supplies and medicines in a remote village. (see photo)

We spent a total of $1,800 on these 25 projects, $200 of which was given to participants as a donation (due to extreme economic need) and $1,600 of which was given in the form of loans. Three recipients have already paid back their loans, another is paying off his loan at $1.60 per day for 20 days, and others have begun (or will begin) to pay back with products from their businesses, such as seedlings, jungle fruits, indigenous crafts, underwear, and cows.

I have the privilege of visiting the project sites to hear success stories, answer questions, and help with budget dilemmas. Participants have been sincerely appreciative of the opportunity to earn an income, thereby providing food and education for their children. Thank you for your support! Jennifer

If you would like to help support this dynamic ministry, or contact Jennifer for more information, here is her contact information:

All donations are tax-deductible. Please make checks out to World Outreach Ministries and write “Jennifer Harris” in the memo line of the check. Send to:

World Outreach Ministries, Inc. / P.O. Box B / Marietta, GA 30061

Questions? Contact Jennifer: (011) 51-61-577923 or jenniferpageharris@yahoo.com