Theology by Cliche

I don’t like theology by cliché or bumper sticker belief. It seems too easy – too glib. Because of this I sometimes dismiss phrases without really thinking about their truth. “God helps those who help themselves.” I have heard this many times, but I am more and more convinced that it is true. The Father will not do for us what we can do for ourselves. He is not a genie to be conjured whenever our lives get too hectic. Retracing our steps and looking makes more sense than praying for lost car keys. Engaging those we have hurt will be more productive than praying for forgiveness. Those things we can do we should do. Those things that beyond us…learning to love those who hate us…those things belong in the realm of prayer.

Together

“We are all something, but none of us are everything.”
Blaise Pascal

Bands of Compassion

I have met people who pride themselves on “telling it like it is.” They excuse their abrasiveness by claiming that their intention is to be “honest.” No matter the situation, they will say the most outrageous things – usually about others. Tennessee Williams said, “All cruel people describe themselves as paragons of frankness.” His point, I believe, is that sometimes being entirely straightforward can be brutal. Someone who makes a mistake does not need constant reminding of their error, a person who is not pretty does not need an evaluation and the past can remain in the past. There is a place and a time for complete disclosure, but it is not always here and now. Choosing to graciously refrain from telling “the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth” reflects a respect for the truth and an unwillingness to smear it with arrogance and unfounded self-importance. To render damning truth requires no creativity, no imagination and no grace. Any haughty boor can accomplish the task. But to wrap the truth in swaths of hope held by bands of compassion – such words find their origin in the heart of God.

Law and Order

“Bad boys, bad boys, whatcha gonna do? Whatcha gonna do when they come for you?”

Last evening I had the privilege of riding along with Officer Brent Johnson of the Wichita Police Department. I first met Brent many years ago as he was finishing eighth grade, so we have walked a lot of miles together since then. I rode with him as he patrolled parts of south Wichita. A few thoughts…

1. Whatever we pay these folks, it isn’t enough. Their hard work and dedication give me the opportunity to sleep safely at night.

2. It is a joy to see someone following their passion. A few years ago, I had the privilege of interpreting Brent’s Birkman scores. He is doing exactly what he is wired to do and that in itself is delightful.

3. A “police officer” is the description of what a person does, not who they are. Whenever we group people together under a large heading (Whether job, age, race, etc.), we lose sight of their individuality. Grouping people together makes it easier for us to idolize them or write them off. The men and women of the Wichita Police Department are individuals. A bad experience with one cop does not give permission to indict all. In my experience, I have met far more good people – like Brent – who wear the uniform.

Riding with Brent was a lot of fun and something I will definitely do again soon. I am grateful for our many years of friendship and I am thankful for his commitment to our community.