Here is Jada’s little teaching on cloud theology. While we have provided her with post-sermonette guidance for parts that were biblically-challenged, we were once again made aware that mortals are seeking to see and understand God.
Worm in Womb
I am a wretchedly poor little worm.
Thoughts of only doom and gloom.
My Soulmate
soul mate
noun
a person with whom one has a strong affinity, shared values and tastes, and often a romantic bond
At first sight, the online dictionary’s definition of “soulmate” surprised me with its closeness to how I feel about the person whom I have married for almost a quarter of a century. Although the description is far from exhaustive and seems to incline toward a pretty picture, it is spot on with the matter of sharing.
Sharing is this non-replaceable ingredient for soulmateship.Continue reading “My Soulmate”
Empty Cups
“Those who celebrate his birth know that this life is not the end of the story. Today, when we open this gift of grace, we are embraced by an eternal mystery. We open a gift of hope that breathes life into us, whispering that death is not the end…. Christ came so that we could fill the empty cup of sorrow with the wine of community and creativity.”
Makoto Fujimura
Christmas is the story of grace.
Grace has existed from the beginning of humankind and will continue to the end of history. Grace is epitomized by the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. He centers the story of grace.
Makoto Fujimura in his book, Refractions: A Journey of Faith, Art, and Culture, writes of grace embracing us, breathing into us and inviting us to fill the empty cups. Grace is experiential and Jesus invites us into the experience.Continue reading “Empty Cups”
Road
It is just 3 days to the new year but about a month and a half ago, my friend Ramesh had gone ahead to ask over dinner, “How has 2012 been for you”? I told him the year has carried much purpose and meaning with the genesis of a community in Tokyo and the establishing of a home for abandoned children in Johannesburg. These emerging journeys had not begun without a missional vision, pleading prayers, painful disappointments, unceasing hard work, generous giving, miraculous interventions and overwhelming gratitude. These experiences are not my alone but of those who have congregationally or communally, participated with us.
However, on a more personal note, loneliness had surfaced its ugly head more often in 2012 and seemed to dwarf all the challenges of this concluding year. While we are not socially lonely, Chui and I do feel the loneliness that comes from leading. Gratefully, we have discovered an antidote to such feelings, and it is the realization that loneliness is inescapable for leaders. Our South African friends, Ryan and Gerda, had popped the question to us, “Do you feel lonely?” They inquired because they identified with us, sharing stories from their own leadership journey. They related that for progression, at times a leader has to travel alone.Continue reading “Road”
