An article by AdvanceUSA, in which I interviewed for, was published today. I will lift two quotes as something I think speaks to today’s decision. The first quote does not address the decision directly but I hope it will speak to how I approach these type of public policy issues. The second quote does not specifically analyze the California decision but it does share my views on marriage.
The video is from my friend Nancy Brown … I love it and who better to tango with on my birthday! You rock!
I have been kidding around for about six months now about how if I have to have a mid-life crisis I should just take the bull by the horns and determine what the theme of it will be. I have shared my worries about how my “thug” appeal just hasn’t ever really worked out. Maybe that is a good thing to get all weird about for the next five years.
Then, reality set in and turning 40 is a little freakier than expected…
I am still having fun with it. There have been some amazing miracles and life has definitely be quite a journey. When I was younger I made a mental list of all the things I wanted to accomplish before my 40th birthday. Back then 2008 seemed soooooo very far away.
So, lately I have been taking a life “inventory.” I have to admit that while there is a lot of praise, happiness and joy. There are also some difficult questions about impact, legacy and relationships. Some things have cause out loud laughter while others aren’t so easy to meditate on.
Other parts of my “inventory” are awesome. I have zero credit card debt. I am in a job I love. I have my own home and drive the car I have always wanted since I was 25 or so. It’s a good thing I haven’t ever wanted to be filthy rich because while I am grateful, I am contentedly and definitely not rich. I am “rich” with GREAT friends all over the country and some from around the world. I have been blessed to meet many amazing people, see many amazing places and do many amazing things.
So, I guess with every life inventory there will be joy and sorrow, bitter and sweet, happiness and sadness. While I am probably going to be on this “inventory” for a while I can already share that all in all … in Christ I am content. Christ dances in the joy, Christ is the calm amidst sorrow. Christ has tasted the bitter and manifested the sweet. Christ makes me happy and comforts me in the sadness. Because of His faithfulness I can lay all my goals (met and unmet) at His feet and trust that He will ordain each and every step into His will for His purposes.
While I don’t believe my thug appeal will ever resolve itself in a satisfactory manner … I am content and couldn’t ask for more.
Christians, what, if anything, amazed or surprised you (about yourself and/or others) when you first became a believer?
I thought about changing the title of this post to something else because it is the same as La Shawn’s. But then I thought better of it … we are one Body so … uniformity actually sends a message of unity.
Now, to answer the question; there have been *many* surprises over the past sixteen years as a Christian. In the beginning, what surprised me the most was how not weird (but still kind of weird) Christians were. I had thought they were absolutely bonkers but they weren’t. Maybe I was lucky but when I showed up with my crazy gay self (I *was* gay identified … I am *still* crazy) nobody freaked out. That was my first surprise (this was in 1992.)
Also, in the beginning, I was very surprised at how much fun The Body of Christ actually had. Granted it wasn’t, “Let’s all dance half naked at an underground alternative bar!” kind of fun (what I was used to before becoming a Christian.) They were full of joy and always doing something cool or hanging out. They taught me joy instead of instant gratification. I had not known that instant gratification often short circuits joy and contentment.
What surprised me about me was that I wasn’t a soloist in how screwed up a life could get. I loved their humility. They helped me to feel acceptance in a deeper and richer way. I took my place among the redeemed willingly, eagerly. This surprised me because at one point in my life I hated Christians. Again, maybe I was lucky but the humility shown by other Believers turned my heart very quickly.
I travel *all* the time and meet Christians all across North America. The sense of familiarity and unity among believers is amazing. Since moving to Orlando almost six years ago, I have said on many speaking engagements, “No matter where you are in the world, if you are in the House of the Lord among the Body of Christ, you are home.” That’s the biggest surprise since living here. It is absolutely true. Having traveled quite a bit I know first hand that The Body does transcend culture.
Well, that’s what came to mind in response to the question … so Christians, it is your turn.
Last Friday I went to my favorite DC restaurant Rosa Mexicano with two other May babies and a friend. We had a “30 Again” party but I don’t have any problem saying I will be 40 on Wednesday the 14th.
I have about 27 hours left in my thirties and I haven’t taken over the world yet … I need to get goin’.
because while I am grateful, I am contentedly and definitely not rich. I am “rich” with GREAT friends all over the country and some from around the world. I have been blessed to meet many amazing people, see many amazing places and do many amazing things.
