Charlie's Journey's Journal

For the past several weeks I have been hunting for a hero, but I am not sure I am going to find one.  Throughout much of my life I have heard about the religiousness of President James A. Garfield.  Garfield was a true rags-to-riches story from the American Frontier who came of age during a time called the “Restoration Movement”.  According to several historians Mr. Garfield became a part of that religious movement; serving as a church leader and minister before pursuing a life in politics.  I liked what I had learned, so I began to do some deeper studying into the life of our twentieth president, but as I investigated I realized I was dealing with a human being.  Several of his political philosophies and core principles differ from mine and his political career was touched by scandal.   I am continuing my discovery, but the jury is still out on whether I will adopt him as one of my heroes or not.  The reason I share this is that I am learning ...

And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying,  “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.   Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,   teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20) When Jesus issued what has been called the Great Commission it appears that His intent was for all believers in all eras to take His message around the world.  Through the years this challenge has been fulfilled by Christians when the populous was receptive and during eras of intense persecution.  There have been societies that have welcomed the gospel, others that have oppressed the message and prosecuted the messengers, then there have been periods when the truth has been met by a collective yawn.  There have always been individuals who were willing to hear and obe...

What’s wrong with you?  When we ask this question, are we really look for a justification from the other person or are we caustically pointing out that they aren’t like us?  In all honesty, I think this is more of a declaration than a question – it  probably should be interpreted, “There is something wrong with you!” .  This seems to be the shorthand version of “How can you believe that what you are saying, doing or thinking has any credence?  You, obviously, are doing, saying or believing in a way that does not meet my approval, so you must be wrong!”.  How many people who have been confronted with this simply-worded statement have walked away from relationships?  How many have quit jobs, organizations, churches or given up on marriages?  How many have been inundated with this accusation and been emotionally scarred?  Before we move forward with our discussion, we should understand that there are some things that are inherently wrong....

Several years ago I was asked to be on a Board of Directors for an organization.  I gladly accepted the offer and, in the beginning, I was somewhat involved; however, as the months and years passed I became  less active.  Toward the end of my tenure I might have attended some of the meetings, but that was about the extent of my involvement.  When I look back on my time with the institution – it looks good on my resume, but that’s about it.  I didn’t really add anything to the organization and I can’t say that I made any significant difference in their mission.     I could display my Board Of Directors “Thank You” plaque, but in all honesty I didn’t deserve it.  I am sure that there are some Boards that promote ceremonial membership, but, typically, when most organizations ask you to join them, they are wanting more than your name, they want involvement.  They want us to do something to enhance their outreach .  They ask for ou...