Archive for August, 2008
08-20-2008
Retard = Caring, Sharing & Hugging There has been some recent press over the newly released movie “Tropic Thunder”. I will confess, I don’t usually pay much attention to the new releases since there will never be anything equivalent to the caliber of Barney. That purple dinosaur really knows what’s important in life ~ caring, sharing, and hugging! It has come to my attention that the main character in the movie (played by Ben Stiller~ my brothers loved him in Night at the Museum) is named Jack (spelled wrong). They refer to him as ‘Simple Jack – the retard’. I even heard the movie‘s marketing campaign is selling mass quantities of t-shirts with that slogan. Personally, I can think of several things that money could be better spent on, such as feeding the hungry and finding a cure for seizure disorders.
· I have heard a lot of people use the word ‘retard’ and it seems more and more popular. I only recently was told that it is often used to make fun of someone or in a derogatory way. I was confused since my family has always taught me that retard means; “holy, wonderful, child of God”. So, I looked it up and here is what is in the dictionary: 1. to make slow; delay the development or progress of (an action, process, etc.); hinder or impede. As I read the definition, I couldn’t help but agree with what my family has told me that ‘retard’ is a good thing. People in the world around me seem to be moving so fast all the time, the fact that I have been given the gift of being able to slow down, not hurry up; to be still and listen instead of being constantly surrounded by noise; to be able to be present in each moment and appreciate every breath I take and every song I hear Barney sing. No matter what I am doing, I always have time for caring, sharing and hugging. I definitely see why me being ‘retarded’ is a good thing. So even if there are people who don’t get it and perhaps might even make fun of it (forgive them Lord, they know not what they do) I just think they might need more hugs.
I I wish for you a day of slowing down not speeding up, of delaying the hurry and making time for being still, for listening to the birds instead of the TV, for laughing with friends, smiling at strangers, and always having time for caring, sharing and hugging! In the words of my great mentor Barney, “With a great big hug, and a kiss from me to you… never forget I love you” (I changed the last part, but I do love you)!
Namaste,
Jac Labeled by this world: globally delayed, speech disabled, autistic, epileptic, special needs, hypotonic, mentally retardedLabeled by God: my holy son, my prophet, my saint, my beloved child, the perfection of love~ perfect exactly as I made you! More thoughts by Jac are available in Special Angel: Through the Eyes of Jac. Copies can be ordered through his biggest fan –his mom! http://icydk.com/2008/08/05/ben-stillers-movie-in-disability-fight/http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=retard
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08-20-2008
Wrestling with the Past, Present and FutureOne week ago today I was sitting at the Piazza in St. Peter’s Square (
Vatican City). Together, with my fellow classmates and professors from the
School of
Ministry at The University of Dallas, and 10,000+ pilgrims from all over the world ~ we awaited the homilist, Pope Benedict XVI.
(1). Before me, erected on the altar of the audience hall, was a massive bronze structure that looked like something from the Medieval period (even though it was completed in 1977). The sculpture depicts the Risen Christ entangled in a sea of web like vines. It looks as though a fierce wind is violently tussling His hair in tornadic wildness. His legs are entombed by wild tree branches attempting to imprison His lower body in a shell of and skull like images. The artist, Pericle Fazzini, was attempting to create an image of the church as she wrestles with the tension between her past, present and future. (2) As I pondered the image before me I felt an intense surge of emotion. I began to contemplate the mysteries of the seen and unseen, the human and divine, despair and hope, falling and rising, suffering and healing, defeat and triumph, death and new life, finite and infinite. I found myself relating to her (church) struggle; the humanness of trying… falling… learning… reconciling… and trying again. As I meditated on these concepts I became painfully aware of a negative emotion that was erupting within. No matter how hard I tried to stuff it, it was of no use, it purged to the surface in all its ugliness… resentment. I had a resentment with her. Over the course of several years I have heard many accounts of people who have been hurt by what I attributed to her insensitivity, and when my brothers and sisters hurt-so do I. The epiphany I had was that in talking about her, I realized I was talking about me. Now I was faced with the accountability that as a member of the same apostolic community Jesus first commissioned Peter, Paul and the rest of the apostles to serve in, I am called in the same way. That means I can’t point fingers, I have to take action. I am part of a family, made up of broken people who are at times capable of hurting one another. And yet, here I was requiring her to be perfect. How could she be? I am a member, thus I just brought imperfection into the mix. This community, body of believers, church family is made up of imperfect humans whose only source of perfection is the God they worship. I realized I can no longer be mad at (resent, or blame) her. (Sheesh this forgiveness stuff is tough!) I am accountable to be the healing I seek by way of word, action and deed. If I hunger for peace, I have to be willing to sacrifice for justice. If I desire healing, I have to be vulnerable to suffering. If I know someone with a wound, I am called to seek reconciliation. I am not a helpless, voiceless member of a family imprisoned by frustration. Rather, I am a present day apostle called to follow in the footsteps of my Father who says, “Come, follow me, do as I have shown you, I go before you always.” Sometimes I forget that the family I belong to gets to be imperfect, God allows us that, even forgives us, even though He Himself is perfect. Slowly my resentment began to dissipate and my heart filled with compassion. I became infused with hope and an overwhelming desire to serve in whatever way I am needed. We are currently living in an exciting time. The church today has more historical, archeological, scriptural and theological knowledge than ever before. She is currently equipping her members, both lay and ordained, in ways inconceivable to the early church. She is continuously learning from the past, seeking to meet the concerns of the present, and forever planting seeds of faith for a promised future. Wrestling with tensions of the past, present and future is healthy insomuch as it keeps us seeking navigation from the one who can help us keep the course - the Holy Spirit. Thus, it is with great enthusiasm (with the spirit) and zeal that we can continue the work of He who is perfect love. He who was, is and always will be; The great I AM, who is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. He, who is the True Presence, who calls us in continuation of His apostolic commissioning to love and serve our neighbor and the One who is the constant of the past, present and future! I hope you will be able to take advantage of the incredible opportunity to study in
Rome. I highly recommend the program at the
School of
Ministry (credit, audit, or just attendee options). To find out more information go to: http://www.udallas.edu/ministry/summerinstitute.cfm All God’s blessings, Together in Him, Tammy
——————–(1) Background information on Papal Audience :
Brian Schmisek, Ph.D, and
John Norris Ph.D ; http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/audiences/index.htm.(2) Reference information on Fazzini :
Brian Schmisek, Ph.D, and
John Norris Ph.D Archivio della scuola Romana: Arte a Roma tra le due guerre, Pericle Fazzini, http://www.scuolaroman.it/artisit/fazzini.htmP.S. For those of you who have a hurt with her (us), I am so sorry. I hope in time you will be open to forgive her (us). “For they (we) know not what they do.” We do love you, in our imperfect, sometimes hurtful way. We are truly sorry.
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08-11-2008
Spiritual Fitness Colossal Indulgence vs. Spiritual FreedomThere are many emotions that erupt walking through the historical streets of
Rome, but as I made this recent journey, perhaps none quite so gut wrenching for me as touring Vespasian Flavius’s famous Amphitheatre (known today as the Coliseum). This palatial structural, erected with tiered arches and once coated with Pentelic marble and imperial statues, is truly an archeological masterpiece. As I peered upward at the colossal landmark it was as if I could almost transcend time and hear the echoing chants of an overstuffed crowd impregnated with the unquenchable, gluttonous lust for food, drink, and vengeful bloodshed. I remember experiencing a similar sick feeling while touring a holocaust memorial. I just could not fathom such demonic disregard for the value of human life.
As we listened to our awesome tour guides ~ (1. shout out to the amazing professors Dr. John Norris and Dr. Brian Schmisek at the
School of
Ministry U.D.) expound upon the historic happenings in the coliseum, my heart sickened. They explained how the floor of the coliseum would have continuously been coated with sand, of course, how else would they soak up all the blood? The tragic history of martyrdoms, and murderous acts that took place in the arena coupled with the fact that the emperor gave the Roman people the stadium as a gift deemed for the sport of killing just seemed too barbaric to believe (couldn’t someone have suggested a symphony?). Still in utter disgust at how human beings could act so inhumanely, my thoughts turned to modern day practices and I grew increasingly disturbed as I couldn’t help but draw some uncomfortable parallels.
I don’t have to go far from my home town of
Las Vegas to confirm this revelation. Tickets are both expensive and hard to come by for those seeking various kinds of entertainment that includes hitting, punching, and tackling another person in the name of sport. An especially huge draw in this town is an event whereby the winner is determined by one opponent knocking the other one out; most often both athletes are bruised and bloodied (FYI~ kick-boxing a punching bag is not the same thing!). In addition, one of the most celebrated pastimes in America involves a crowd gathering at a coliseum (Hmm…ever thought where that name came from?) and cheering as men hit one another in competition for a ball; often times, excessive food and drink is part of the experience. The coliseum itself was built with slanted interior walls that became notorious as vomitoriums, thus when people had filled their stomach they could purge and start again. I currently live in the city that is known for its elaborate buffets, so many that they could probably feed a 3rd world country for a year with what they serve in one day. What might not be as commonly known is this same city happens to have one of the highest percentages of homeless and hungry people living in it. How is it possible that a city so oversaturated with food and excess could have so many starving people? Again, uncomfortable parallels. Although Russell Crowe and
Hollywood together managed to romanticize the Gladiatorial games, the reality is that two people entered the Coliseum and only one came out alive. You don’t have to live in the Vegas to know those are not good odds. I have heard the same uncomfortable analogous relationship made of two people entering an abortion clinic with the same result. Women attending the Roman games were perched at the top of the arena waiting to service yet another lustful indulgence in exchange for money. This is especially uncomfortable since the city I live in is notorious for pornography and prostitution readily available per request. What do all of the above have in common? All legally protected by their governing political systems. When it comes to animals, I can’t even watch Bambi without crying, thus I can’t fathom watching animals slaughtered for sport. Fortunately, in modern society, we don’t partake in such atrocious animal cruelty… Oh wait, that’s right~ lest we forget Michael Vick and the entourage of patrons like him who instigate such venomous displays of unbridled animalistic behavior. I don’t contest the innate sense of competition that seems part of the human condition, and I won’t deny my own willful desire not just to play, but to win. I confess that I do find pleasure annihilating
Dobie Moser on the tennis court or at the ping pong table and winning a bet against Mike Patin when the Cowboys beat the Saints. I enjoy nachos while cheering on the Texas Rangers, and I jump up and down and scream at the TV with the rest of my family when Tony Romo nails a pass in the end-zone. I am not dissing the obvious pleasures associated with sports. It seems almost spiritual to cheer for good over evil, the underdog to beat the odds, and there is no denying the elated high that ensues after a victory. Many of us got chills just watching the athletes process in during the opening ceremonies of the Olympics- colossal coolness! So how do we differentiate between celebrating skill and sportsmanship vs. desensitizing ourselves to violence? Television, movies, and video games are constantly exposing explicit graphic images of bloodshed. The growing number of drive by shootings, gang violence, and school massacres is evidence of its negative effect. And yet, in all of this bad news, there is Good News! We, in our human condition, have a unique power source unlike any other, something that separates us distinctly from impulsive animalistic behavior~ it helps us discern right from wrong, good vs. bad and sacred vs. sinful ~ it is the Holy Spirit!!! The Holy Spirit inspires gifted athletes to donate thousands of dollars for charitable purposes (2. Andre Agassi); those who advocate and raise money for diseases (3. Dan Marino-Autism); and create scholarships for young people (4. Tiger Woods); those who use their money for foundations that help others (5. Troy Aikman); Players who inspire us not only by their skilled careers but by their grace filled lives, and even deaths (6. Lou Gehrig); There are those who dedicate themselves to teaching others that everyone is a winner (7. Muhammad Ali - Special Olympics). The spirit is not isolated to sports but can be seen providing counsel for those who have suffered abortions (8. Rachel’s’ Vineyard); those who tirelessly fought for justice (9. Martin Luther King) and those who continuously worked for Peace (10. Gandhi). The Spirit helps us discern how to use the gifts we have been given for God. So even if we too erect statues of our own modern day heroes in coliseums (11. Nolan Ryan in
Arlington Stadium-also a generous donor and foundation head) similar to Roman times; We have the spiritual freedom to reject unhealthy excess and violent attacks on human life. We are free to embrace our love of the game while admiring God-given athleticism. Furthermore, with the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we can celebrate treasured memories at the ball park ~ don’t forget the nachos! 1. http://www.udallas.edu/ministry/ ; http://www.udallas.edu/ministry/summerinstitute.cfm2. http://www.agassifoundation.org/3. http://www.tigerwoodsfoundation.org/4. http://www.danmarinofoundation.org/mari.html5. http://www.aikman.com/6. http://www.lougehrig.com/7. http://www.abilitymagazine.com/special_olympics.html8. http://www.rachelsvineyard.org/9. http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1964/king-bio.html10. http://www.kamat.com/mmgandhi/gandhi.htm11. http://www.nolanryanfoundation.org/
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08-05-2008
Spiritually Fit
Normal?
What is spiritually fit normal? Is there really such a thing? I think Alicia Silverstone, in the movie Clueless, best articulates it by saying… “As If”!!! Recently, a friend and I were having a conversation about wanting the best for our children when she commented (as a single mom), “I just wish they could have a normal life.” I totally understood what she meant, but it got me thinking… What is normal?
According to the report, Feeling the Heat: “Global Warming and Rising Temperatures in the United States”, the average low temperature in Las Vegas in 2006 was 2.8 degrees above normal and 4.8 degrees above normal in the summer of that year. In 2008, the normal temperature broke the previous record set in 2006. (1) So what then is ‘normal’? Are we talking about ‘normal’ prior to 2006, or after?
Normal for 2008, or what ‘normal’ was in 2007? Do you mean the normal high, or the normal low? See what I mean! Lots of variables to consider – thus ‘normal’ is not as easily identified as what we might perceive. There is also no way to identify only one ‘normal’ temperature for the entire
United States cumulatively. The temperature in Anchorage today is projected to be 56 degrees- Vegas is projected to reach 107; hardly reasonable to try to merge the two into one normative temperature for the
U.S. (2, 3).
So, why in the world do we attempt to define a standard normalcy for families? Unless, of course, you are operating from ‘Cleaver Sociology’ : 2.5 kids (the .5 must be factoring the ‘normal’ weight gain after giving birth), one dog (probably not a pit-bull), a white picket fence (hopefully not too near the California fires), dinner on the table (not bags decorated with golden arches) the husband arrives home right on time at exactly 5 p.m., kids happily eat their vegetables, wife decked out in pearls, heals and a dress, full make-up and perfect hair (not sweats and a baseball cap) and her husband warmly greets her with a kiss accompanied by flowers. Dinner is followed by dad playing ball with his son in the front yard while mom and daughter happily knit. What was that again Alicia? That’s what I was thinking too! AS IFFFFF !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Clearly, we can’t begin to stereo-type a cumulative ‘normal’ for family life, nor would it make sense to even compare our own circumstances with anothers.
I will never forget when Jac had a grand mal seizure and we called 911. Later, riding in the ambulance to the hospital, the paramedic commented, “I don’t think I have ever seen a family respond so calmly under these circumstances - I guess this is pretty normal for y’all.” Although I don’t know if I could ever constitute my child convulsing with a seizure ‘normal’, I did realize there was some truth to what he pointed out. Although always scary, this was not that abnormal for our family. We all have our own reality of ‘normal’ thus there is never a need to compare. We all have our own set of circumstances, none identical to anothers, thus it frees us from the temptation to judge. Instead, we have the opportunity to be filled with compassion and reach out in service supporting one another.
Maybe ‘normal’ is over-rated anyway. A child born with special needs is categorized as ‘not-normal’, but we happen to know one who is a saint- that might not be normal, but it sure is cool! Other examples of the awesomeness of ‘not-normal’ include; a man walking on water demonstrating faith and another man who lost his job, giving to the homeless in charity; A woman saying ‘yes’ to God resulting in a miraculous birth; and another woman’s unplanned pregnancy resulting in an answer to prayer for a couple waiting to adopt. A man healing a hemorrhaging woman upon her touch; and another holding his wife’s hand throughout her journey with breast cancer; a 4 foot senior citizen living in a poverty stricken 3rd world country cleaning the oozing sores of lepers, and a single mom changing diapers, making dinner, driving carpool, paying bills, cleaning house, giving breathing treatments and rocking her children to sleep at night; The death penalty given to an innocent man resulting in his resurrecting from the dead, and the death of a hunched over aged balding man bringing together every religion in the known world for his funeral. Not-normal can often be holy opportunities for extraordinary expressions of love.
So the question no longer has to be ‘what is normal?’, and ‘how do I attain it?, but rather, ‘how can I make holy my current circumstances whether it be poverty, loneliness, uncertainty, illness, unemployment, disease, grief, or pain -normal or otherwise. My favorite quote is by Meister Eckhart:
“It is not what we do that makes us holy. We make holy what we do.”
I pray that today you experience holiness in your own version of ‘normal’ or ‘abnormal’, and throughout you are able to embrace God’s grace-filled presence and all encompassing love. Your life is holy - because you are holy!
Together in His Love, Tammy
References: 1. http://www.lasvegascitylife.com/articles/2007/07/26/news/shrapnel/iq_15684520.prt2. http://neondesert.com/serendipity/index.php?/archives/123-WARMEST-METEOROLOGICAL-SUMMER-ON-RECORD-AT-LAS-VEGAS.html3. http://www.alaska.com/about/weather/story/4481284p-4460281c.html
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