Coming Clean With My DUI(s)

I’ve been planning on this post for about a month. I specifically set aside time to reflect on something of great importance, “Who’s been my Influences?” Or, I would like to refer to them as my DUIs, “Dangerous Uncompromising Inspirations.”

I have chosen 6 individuals, fitting for the close of ’06, who have effected me greatly. Some you’ve simply heard of, others are famous, and several are people God’s brought along my journey.

As we’re all aware, DUIs are normally given to people who drive drunk, but putting a spin on it, I think of the term quiet differently. D is for “Dangerous.” These individuals are dangerous because they challenge my comfort level, they challenge my misconceptions of Christianity, but most importantly, they challenge me to question my beliefs, thus making them dangerous.

U is for “Uncompromising.” These individuals don’t compromise their lifestyles and beliefs for the Gospel. This easily leads me to the “I”. I is for “Inspiring.” Uncompromising men and women are inspiring (those who don’t compromise in relation to the Gospel). If these individuals don’t inspire you then, well I’d be shocked.

I’ve excluded Jesus and my parents, who have certainly effected me far beyond any individuals listed, in effort to avoid any clichés and exemplify others whom God has brought along my journey besides the obvious. So here we go…

* The truth is that these men are simply individuals trying, or have tried, to live holy lives in their journey. They’re just like you and I, except different, different in the fact that they make me uncomfortable. Get those type of individuals in your life.


1. TERRY BLEY

If you’re looking for the “super cool,” loud, and obnoxious youth pastor type you, won’t find it in Terry Bley. You will, however, find a man with great reverence for God. This is displayed so lavishly throughout his life.

Terry is one of the most down to earth guys I know. His “above reproach” lifestyle has always shaken me. His passion for holiness has always been disturbing, challenging me when he was completely unaware. I’ve been watching Terry since I was barely 11 years old. I’ve been challenged since that day.

Terry is dangerous because of his pursuit of holiness. His fear of the Lord is evident as his wisdom is unrivaled. He is uncompromising in his values, love for his family, and most of all his love for his savior. He is inspiring because of his consistency in his spiritual life, even through tough trials. Terry is a youth pastor in tiny Nappanee, Indiana…

This makes Terry one of my DUIs.

2. DAN GRUNSETH

If you’ve never believed that by teaching a Sunday school class you could eternally impact someone’s life, then you haven’t heard my story about Dan.

I was a punk 15-year-old freshman who cared little about church. Dan was my Sunday school teacher that year and to put it simply, “I hated him.” I don’t think he was too fond of me at first either, being the kid who makes teaching more of a headache than a fulfilling ministry.

Yet, this story is unique, this story different than others. Dan killed me with kindness. His love for me was detestably comforting; his love for me was like Jesus’ love, life changing.

After nearly 9 months of time with Dan, Jesus broke through. Dan was Jesus to me at that point in my life, and because of Dan, I began my journey, my love relationship with God.

Dan is dangerous because he loves unconditionally. His commitment to seeking the heart of Christ is uncompromising. The way he loved and ornery high school freshman who despised him is inspiring. Dan was a Sunday school teacher…

This makes Dan one of my DUIs.

3. JASON SHOWALTER

For a short season in my life, I had the blessing of knowing Jason Showalter. He’s taught me about grace, peace, love, and compassion, more so than anyone I’ve ever met. He’s truly inspiring to me.

It saddens me that I’ve never been able to share this with Jason. I want to share it in person; however, it’s almost impossible at this point. Jason has left with his wife and two kids for Morocco. He won’t be coming back anytime soon either. His family made a ten-year commitment to “dwell” among the Moroccan people. What a commitment!!

I’m proud of Jason. I love how he makes me feel uncomfortable. He’s dangerous by how his decisions shake you to your core. He’s uncompromising by his commitment to the gospel. And Jason’s inspiring by leaving what’s here to say, “yes” to Jesus’ barbaric call.

Keep Jason in your mind over the years, especially through this unimaginable transition to Morocco. Jason’s a “doer” of the word, a “doer” of what Jesus said…

This makes Jason one of my DUIs.

4. SHANE CLAIBORN

I’ve read about Shane, heard him speak, listened to what others have said about him, but I’ve never met him. Shane is apart of a new movement in American Christianity. He is the author of the “Irresistible Revolution” and founder of The Simple Way. .

Shane’s passion and zeal for people illuminates Christ’s message to love the least, last, and lost. I suggest you read his book. It will make you question who you are and I love that.

I’ve actually had the opportunity in college to visit the area in Philadelphia where Shane, and those involved with The Simple Way work. I’ve see what they’ve seen, touched what they’ve touched, and have heard the sounds they hear.

Shane is a dangerous person. He is dangerous for the ways in which he calls Christians to question why we do what we do. His lifestyle and words make me search deep into the topics I would rather surpass. Shane doesn’t compromise in his values to love. He’s uncompromising in his loving mission here on earth. Most of all, Shane is inspiring. He inspires me to live uncomfortably, not only physically but spiritually as well. Shane is a 20 year old, dead locked, hippie looking Christ Follower…

This makes Shane one of my DUIs.

5. ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI

St. Francis of Assisi is one of my heroes of the faith. Disturbed by a beggar asking for money one day, St. Francis life took a dramatic shift. You Can read more about his life HERE. .

I encourage you to read the story of St. Francis. Besides the life of Christ, St. Francis truly resonates with my heart. Was he crazy? Maybe, but perhaps he fully embraced the Gospel.

St. Francis is dangerous as his life and actions display radicalism in our faith. At the same time, his life embraces the heart of God fully. He was also an uncompromising man. He wouldn’t let his father’s manipulation sway the burden he had for the church. He chose less to gain more. St Francis is inspiring because of his radical or possibly just Christ centered focus. St Francis was a boy, brought into this world by a prominent business man, who chose to be a poverty stricken apostle…

This makes St. Francis of Assisi one of my DUIs.

6. MARTIN LUTHER


Martin Luther, the monk we have all grown to love, the monk who changed Christianity, as we know it today, the monk who nailed the 95 Theses to the Wittenberg door.

Most of us are very familiar with Luther. Movies have been made about his life, books written about him, and translated the Bible into German, having great affect on our King James Bible.

He has an extremely impressive resume, yet, Martin Luther had many struggles and issues we tend to look past. Nonetheless, he is extremely inspirational to me. Perhaps it’s his defiant attitude he had nailing that document to that door, or the fact that his theological ideas were revolutionary for his time. You can read more about Luther HERE. .

Luther is a dangerous, dangerous man. Again, like other mentioned today, Luther causes me to question myself, my beliefs, and my faith. His uncompromising stance against the Catholic Church at that time is suspenseful. He risked death, yet didn’t taste it in vain. Luther’s inspiring because of his uphill battle he fought his entire life. He never let his conviction pass…

This makes Martin Luther one of my DUIs.

These are my DUIs. Who’s been your influence? Who do you let speak to you?

I’ve learned, from doing this excise. people watch us from the sidelines. I’ve watched many of these individuals from the sidelines and am not the same because of it. I guess whether we want it or not, we’re being watched…

So This Is Christmas...

Tonight I finally did my Christmas shopping. I’m proud of myself being finished a day early, though some of you have likely been done for nearly a month. Presents at Christmas are cool, but time with loved ones and grasping “God with us” is truly what makes Christmas special to me.

I headed to Michigan Ave to complete my Christmas shopping (don’t worry this entry is about more than me purchasing presents.) As I’ve mentioned several times beforehand, I love the city. I love the people, place, diversity, socioeconomic differences, the poor, the lost, and tonight, even the drunk. I’ve simply described most places in the world, yet there’s something special about Chicago.

When I go downtown I try to carry several McDonald’s gift cards with me. This not only gives me a chance to feed those that are hungry, I also get to initiate conversations with homeless men and women. Tonight, I had an encounter that brought tears to my eyes.

After departing from the train, I quickly hit the stores I'd planned, first being Apple of coarse. When my shopping was complete I decided to walk around town admiring the Christmas decorations and atmosphere. I walked down State Street (one of my favorite streets besides Michigan) to see the famous Macy’s window decorations and the Chicago Theater.

During my walk, I came upon a huge Catholic church called Holy Name Cathedral. I was in awe of its beauty. I noticed they had their service times posted for Saturday night, the latest being 7:30. I looked at my phone finding that I was just in time for mass. So, I entered. (Side note: I’m glad I’m not Catholic; they stand, sit, and mumble things throughout the whole service. Maybe I just wasn’t used to it.)

Towards the end of the service my attention was drawn towards a man in the far back corner. By his appearance it seemed most likely that he was homeless. After the service concluded I hurried towards the back where the man had been seated.

He dashed out of the Cathedral, but luckily I caught him just outside the door. “Sir,” I said politely. He turned around slowly giving me a confused stare. “I wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas and give you this card to McDonald’s.” He took several seconds examining the card then looked up at me saying, “how does it work,” looking even more confused. I was almost speechless. I couldn’t believe he didn’t know. Maybe I was being naive, but I was completely shocked.

As I explained how to use the card, I had the man’s complete attention, as if I was explaining where a secret treasure was located. As soon as I finished he said thank you, shook my hand, and then took off like a rocket down the street. I felt inclined to follow him, so I did. It was almost impossible to keep up with him.

Where was he heading so quickly?

As I turned the corner on Chicago Ave, I watched him practically run through the doors of McDonalds.

I’ve never experienced the feeling I had felt at that moment before. I can’t describe it to you. I stood outside that McDonald’s crying as the man stood at the soda fountain for several minutes drinking pop as quick as he could swallow, then refilling his cup over and over again. That experience moved me; I’ll never forget it. Mass was completely boring, but if I can worship God next to people like him, I may go more often.

Shortly after I left McDonald’s, I began walking west towards the Hard Rock Café. I don’t know why I did, but I just did. I noticed a man in front of me who was about ready to fall over. I didn’t know what to do. At first, I debated in my mind how I would avoid the man.

As I came closer and closer to him I couldn’t simply walk by. I think Luke 10 has messed me up some. I asked the man if he was ok.

He replied in a soft drunken slur, “Yes, I’ma great.”

“Ahh ok,” I said. “My name is Ted, where are you headed?”

“To the Redline Train,” he sort of said.

I knew he was really gone, as he had just walked right in front of it.

“Well sir, its just back there,” pointing him in the right direction.

“Can I help you get there?” I asked.

“No, no,” he said. “You don’t want to be around me right now, I’m pissed.”

“Ok, what’s wrong sir?”

I’m not to sure what he was talking about, but I guess he was pretty mad at his boss and came and got drunk because of it, real drunk.

I offered to get a cab for him, but he wasn’t in the mood for help at that moment. “Ted,” he said as he reached for his wallet, “Merry F*@%ing Christmas,” and handed me a $100 dollar bill. I tried to get him to take it back, but he quickly became irritated. Saying Merry Christmas back to him, I made sure he went in the right direction as we parted.

After visiting with several other homeless men and women, I got back on the train myself.

Life…it’s an adventure. I was a little lonely heading downtown alone tonight; however, God gave me company in a unique way: a drunk man and several homeless people.

Merry Christmas everyone!!! Don’t forget, Christmas is about “God with us.”

"I Hate This Church"

This past Wednesday was our last day in Austin for the year. INTRSCT is taking two weeks off from the site to give us a break, and also give the kids more time at home for the Holidays.

It was hard to leave the kids, young and old. I knew it would be when Shantonia came up to me, after we announced we’d be gone for two weeks, wrapped her arms around me saying, “I’m sure gonna miss you,” as her eyes penetrated mine.

It was the first time I had received any love or affection back from the kids. For me, I wanted to stay at that moment. I didn’t want a two-week break, which looked extremely appealing beforehand. I wanted to remain with Shantonia, I wanted to remain with those kids.

In celebration of Christmas we gathered the kids together and told them about the true meaning of Christmas. When we first asked them what Christmas meant, we got several responses, none having to do with Jesus. Several of the students yelled, “money!” and were upset the cards we gave had only a Bible verse and writing.

Occasionally we have to kick students out for the day. In reality, we should kick most of them out each day for their behavior, but in trying to love them and teach grace, I find there being constant tension with how I should respond to things.

Montay, a seven-year-old who thinks he's going on eighteen, was completely out of control Wednesday, nothing unusual for him. After doing a multitude of insensitive things, Montay was told to go home.

We try to walk the kids home when the after school program ends each day. It’s not safe for them to be out on the street after dark, but then we are, so, I guess it’s a “God protect me” walk back some nights.

As Montay gathered his book bag and coat, I willingly volunteered to walk him home.

He didn’t say much of anything on that walk until we were nearly to his house. “I hate this church, I hate ya’ll” “You do?” I asked. “Yeah I do!!” he said with as much authority a seven year old can have in anger. “That’s a shame,” I replied. “We all love having you around and spending time with you.” “Yeah right!!” he shouted. “How come you kick me out and not the big kids?” “Montay, Montay,” I said with as much gentleness I could muster, “You think we like the big kids better because we don’t kick them out?” “Yeah!!” he snarled back.

I went on trying to explain that the bigger kids have different rules and “usually” behave better. As I spoke he seemed very disinterested looking everywhere but at me. I finally said, “Montay, when your older, you’ll have the same rules they do, but for now you have to follow the rules we have and respect others.”

Then Montay responded, “You won’t be here when I’m older.” I opened my mouth to speak, but nothing truthful could come out. I couldn’t tell him I would, because I certainly don’t know. If I would and then I left, I’d lose his trust and so would others whom try to gain it.

This summer, when INTRSCT first arrived in Austin, the neighborhood certainly didn’t celebrate our arrival; in fact, many families were more upset than anything we were there. Our site leader, Zack, told me about a parent who confronted him this summer. She didn’t want him here, and was surely not going to let him care for her children.

Her main concern wasn’t so much that we were there, or that we were a Christian group. She was concerned that we'd walk into her neighborhood, do some “good” deeds, and walk out. Her response puzzled me at first, but now, now I think I get it.

I’m white, most of you who read this are white. We can’t hid it, look past it, try to forget about it, or even raise children in hope they do not look at color. It’s forever with us. It’s in our culture, our society, and our world.

What I hear Montay, and this mother saying, is “You’ve never cared, you’ve never stayed around, you’ve never done anything but give us, black people, false hope.” If you think about it, it’s pretty true. I’m not going to go into injustices that have been done to both blacks and whites, yet I think it’s important to wrestle with our views on any subculture. We don’t know them because we’ve never cared to get to know them, or at least that’s my story. A lot of what we think we know about “blacks” and “Mexicans” for example, is developed by media, or possibly an encounter you’ve had with someone from that culture or heritage.

Anyway, I have a child, most likely many children/adults, who think we won’t last. We’ll come in, give them hope, later to abandon them. I don’t want to do that. I want to see Montay grow up, I want to see him graduate from high school (a huge deal in that neighborhood), I want to see him go to college, which is unthinkable for many of them.

I issue a challenge: When’s the last time you intentionally got to know someone who maybe isn’t like you, I mean not like you in the sense of culture, race, world views, morals? When’s the last time you’ve ever gotten to know someone who is gay, looking at them as beloved by a creator, not a sinner. I’m a sinner; I’m unrighteous, yet you still talk to me. I challenge our beliefs, our misconceptions about others.

Prayer is scary, I don’t understand it most of the time, but pray for the opportunities. Jesus will rock your world if you ask him.

I'm Not Playin...We've Got Issues

Take a read at the recent issue Bono brought to the Man. If I've said it once I'll say it again, "Stick it to the Man," the man sticks it to you. Read HERE .

Dying Behind Walls

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately; thinking about Christmas, it’s meaning, our meaning, Christ’s meaning, and Haley’s meaning. As I held Haley this past Saturday, I couldn’t comprehend the beautiful reality of life. It all seemed surreal (possibly because a barely slept). As I continued to gaze upon this new life, I found my heart growing heavier and heavier, questioning who I am, who we are, as people, as Americans, and as humans.

Over the past 6 months my eyes have been opened to the social injustices throughout the world. When I hear unimaginable numbers of babies dying, children dying, just any human dying, I am mortified by the state in which our world sits back and observes. What can I do? I don’t know, but I want to do something, I must do something.

Being in the city, I’m slowly changing. I’ve gone through many cultural changes this year and I’m finally starting to settle. I don’t mean settle as in becoming comfortable, yet more so feel at home in my environment. It’s hard to be comfortable in this environment. I’ve surrounded myself with pretty radical individuals who are determined to live this life in discomfort. It’s pretty uncomfortable when we open our eyes.

I don’t think we notice how blind we are. I don’t think we notice our walls.

I’ve realized something in America, something very sad about our country. The idea of America is beautiful. The ability to freely worship, the ability to be accepted because you matter as a person, that’s truly our purposeful existence. That’s the America I love. However, I don't love how we obtained it. We'll just continue to look past that one?

The America I struggle with is the arrogant America, the America that fights for “justice” in Iraq, but passes by Rwanda and Darfur. I struggle with the America that has the resources to stop poverty but choose not to do so. The America that could’ve provided clean drinking water to our world with the amount consumers spent on Black Friday of this year.

It’s as if we’ve made it socially acceptable to pass by many of the world’s problems.

I’ll be the first to admit, its hard not getting caught up in what “we’re “doing and where “we’re” going. This is, again, why I think it’s so important to have people around us that make our lives uncomfortable. People who challenge us to our very core, people who ask the tough questions, and people who upset us.

My biggest question for us all is, “Are we willing to get into the dirt of peoples lives?” Are we willing to leave our false reality of life, open our eyes to what’s around us, open our eyes to our neighbors, communities, cities, states, country, other countries, an ultimately our world.

Leo Tolstoy says, “"Everybody thinks of changing humanity and nobody thinks of changing himself."

We need to face our walls. We’re dying behind them. Others are dying because of them.

Am I making sense?

God is more present in the ghetto than in many of our homes. We don’t need God (well…). We’ve got what we need. We tend to only need God when something bad happens, but really, are we dependant on him for our next meal? Are we dependant on him for our health? Truthfully, I rarely give thanks before I eat. I guess if I did I would feel hypocritical. I usually feel entitled to what I eat, like I deserve it or something.

Look, I feel helpless. I am helpless. But, I can do something, I can change myself. I can commit to diving into the dirt of others lives. I can pray to God that my influence would reach what he would have me reach.

I beg you, open your eyes.

Your responsible, I’m responsible. If we don’t act, we’re at fault. It’s your fault and it’s my fault.

What does that mean for you?…I don’t know. I know what it means for me though.

DO SOMETHING.

I can’t, we can’t, change the world over night, but try and look at life differently today. Opportunity is all around you. It doesn’t matter where you live, it matters why you live. We’re all going to die, die serving not sitting.

As I held Haley, I couldn’t get other children around the world out of my head. Over the past few days it’s only grown stronger. My heart is heavy tonight for those kids in Austin, for those kids I see in the news or I read about from the (Red) campaign.

Why is her life more important than those I read, those I watch die on television? Obviously, I have a much closer connection to Haley, she’s family, she matters to God, but so do they.

I will not sit back. Please don’t sit back. Do Something.

You won’t believe how big a small act is. This may be because you’ve never done anything. What’s past is past. Carpe Diem, seize the day, you’ve heard, I’ve heard, let’s live it.

Me And My Girl

Some of you know and some of you don't. This Wednesday at 7:19am a new life entered the world, Haley Elizabeth Thompson. It certainly was a crazy day receiving a call from my dad around 3:45am. 3:46am I was in my car and on my way to Indiana. The feeling of being an uncle is indescribable and humbling. Life is so precious, so innocent at birth, it's a shame we can't remain in that innocents.


Shortly after haley was born.


Haley, tired from such an early morning or tired because she is a few hours old.


The Fam and Rachael!


Big Papa!!


My sis and I.

A Message To Be Heard

I am a faithful listener to Rob Bell, pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church. This past Sunday he gave a message title, "Calling all Peacemakers Pt. 2". You can listen to it here .


Its long, but if you skip ahead 10 minutes, it will save you some time. I beg you to take the time and listen. Don't think about taking the time, don't intend to take the time...take the time. DO IT!!!

Are You Ready For Some Futbol?

Finally sitting down to write I feel dazed and confused about life these past several weeks. I’ve been unable to write, and finding myself going through the motions a little. Luckily, I’m safe from falling into complacency. Why? I’ve discovered something really important this week. It’s not anything that I’ve never been taught; yet I haven’t truly embraced its importance until now. What is it?

Who we surround ourselves with determines more about who we are than what we’d like to think.

I will not, and refuse, to find myself in complacent living. Chasing after the status quo is dangerous and many of us do it. I’m sick of the status quo. I will write more on this at another time. The point of this entry is to update many of you on what is currently happening in Chi-Town.

First let me start from the beginning. The organization I work for is called INTRSCT. Its existence is an amazing God story. Ask me about it sometime.

INTRSCT has two sites in Chicago. The first site is located on the northside of town, predominately along Lawrence Street.

It’s amazing at how diverse the city is and sad at how segregated it remains. The north site is predominantly Hispanic, but also is strewn with Palestinians, Brazilians, and several Puerto Ricans. An after school program takes place there throughout the week and is ran by INTRSCT guys and gals. Since this site is more established, relationships are deeper with students allowing activities outside the after school program take place.

On the first and third Saturdays of the month we have 10/10. This is basically a youth service, but at the same time nothing like it. We talk about Jesus of coarse, but many of these kids have never gone to church.

On the second and fourth Fridays of the month we have soccer. Many of the kids, usually around twenty, come to participate in this event. We meet at the church around 10:30 pm, have a short Bible study, load up in a van and several cars, then travel to INTRSCT’s largest supporter, Chi-Town Futbol. We then play soccer till nearly 3am, its awesome!!

Our second site is located on the Westside of Chicago in the Austin area. This is where I work. I love it and my heart is drawn closer to those kids and their lives each day I’m with them.

Lastly, INTRSCT is involved with Breaking Bread, a ministry of LaSalle Church. We are unofficially official leaders in this homeless ministry and partake most every Monday evening.

There is much more to come, my journey is only getting started, so please stay tuned.

A Poem From Austin

The following poems were written by a 6th grade girl in Austin. Her name is Kimyatte. Each day she wins my heart more and more, as many of them do. I don't know if these poems will impact you, but they keep me awake at night. Here's a glimpse into a life none of us will ever experience.

LOCKED UP

Locked up behind bars; you can’t see daylight you can’t even see stars. Locked up in a place that is lonely; the ones that you miss aren’t your one and only. Locked up arrested by cops; your only job is working with mops. Locked up they won’t let you out; no matter how much you scream, holler, or shout. Locked up you say it doesn’t matter; but when you get out all your dream just shatter. Locked up you say it aint true; but the one who’s really locked up is all you. You’re locked up with no where to go; and you say to your self “say it aint so.” But it’s true because it’s you; now you sitin up in there all down and blue. He’s locked that man is gone; and just when you thought, he was the only one. He’s locked up and you may feel sad; especially when that man is your dad.

YOU'RE GONE

You’re gone you’re gone you’re out of life; and you weren’t even old enough to have a wife. You’re gone and out of sight; you were like a son to Terreca dispight the fact that you loved to fight. You were a cousin to us all and now you’re gone;

You left us but you’re not the only one. You will be missed dearly but never the lest; L.F. loves you and we are all here to put you to rest.

We are all here to put you in your grave; and to honor a young man who was very, very brave. You’ve always been loved by people around you; I just want you to know that I love you too. You’re gone and never to return again; you were a lovable young man who was never plain.

You’re gone you’re gone and we are left with pain; now that you’re gone life will never be the same. You left without warning, life is a dread; but you have no life now that you’re dead. Dontay you weren’t related to me by blood; but my cousin kept you out of trouble and out of the hood.

Starting in January I'm going to be teaching a writing class in Austin. God has a sense of humor. After I read "Writing For Dummies" I hope I can continue what Kimyatte has started. These kids have a story to tell, pray I can help them tell it.

And Now It's Christmas

It was 12 degrees outside today...perfect weather for picking out the perfect Christmas tree. Take a look at our little journey.


This is the wonderful vehicle that got us there.


Did I mention we were in an accident? It wasn't bad, especially for my "beast" of a car. We were all fine, all but the front of her car. The bumper of baby blue only had a scratch.


Adam and I had to check out the nativity scene.


After a cold walk and inspecting dozens of trees, we found what we came looking for.


Hacking away at our spruce!!!


Oops..I broke it


It's finally down!!


Two things learned today. First, don't break your axe when cutting down your Christmas Tree. Second, don't pick a tree so far away from your car.


Making sure the tree won't fall off.


Jordan and I. This picture could come across as a litte gay. Don't worry. we like girls.

Now it's time to decorate. I suggest getting a real tree and cutting it down yourself. You feel more like a man, at least for a split second.

What I "Want" For Christmas

Today I’m off to brave the treacherous cold in hope to establish a new tradition: The cutting down of a real Christmas tree. Supplies: 4 guys, 1 axe, and a ’91 baby blue Chevy blazer. Obviously we will travel some distance to find this tree since we are in Chicago. Wisconsin here we come!!!

We were inspired by the best Christmas movie ever, National Lampoons Christmas Vacation . If you haven’t seen it, it’s truly a Christmas Classic.

As I thought about Christmas this year and the guaranteed question, “what do you want for Christmas? I couldn’t come up with an answer, until now. My family will be happy with my decision as I have decided this, I want nothing this Christmas. I mean it. If someone gets me something I will return it. I WANT NOTHING.

It’s not that I’m not thankful for your kindness; I simply don’t “need” anything. This year I want Christmas to be different, I want Christmas to be Christmas, a celebration of life and love.

I don’t know what you’re thinking about this unnecessary response to Christmas this year. I haven’t really been doing things normal lately, and guarantee I won’t in the near future. I will, however, accept gifts to give to others in the city. There are a lot of people that haven’t received a gift for sometime, this year I’m finally going to make good on my intentions and do something about it.


I encourage you to read this article I found this week. It’s called, The Face of Generosity Let it speak to you.

The Train Ride

I have the luxury of traveling a few short minutes, ending up in the center of American luxury and consumerism. I love downtown Chicago. Since I can remember my family traveled frequently to the city shopping, eating, and enjoying the Christmas lights.

Those memories are precious. I cherish the innocents I had in that magical place then.

Tonight I traveled into the city alone on my way to meet up with several college friends. I took the Redline train thinking I would have a nice, peaceful ride after a long day of serving coffee.

> A Quick God Moment

I hesitate to share this with you; however, I believe it’s important for someone to hear. Today I started work at 5AM. I haven’t seen 5AM in years, well… not on the waking up side at least.

A lady came in today and ordered a coffee, nothing unusual. She then proceeded to spill it all over the table she was sitting at soaking her coat, purse, scarf, and newspaper. I sincerely felt bad for her and then realized it was my job to clean it up. Then I started feeling bad for myself. “That sucks,” I thought in my head.

As I helped the lady clean her things, she profusely apologized. I assured her it was fine and happened all the time. She went into the restroom and I continued to clean her spill.

I am not sure why God uses weird situation to speak to us, but I felt during that moment God spoke to me. Here I was, graduated from college, had an extremely lucrative job several months ago, and now I am cleaning up someone’s coffee. I suddenly smiled while thinking, “Lord, your ways are higher than my ways. Your thoughts higher than my thoughts.”

The joy I felt at that moment was indescribable. I’m making minimum wage, cleaning someone’s coffee mess, and never have I felt more joy and happiness in what I do, even at 5am.

I’m not saying that you should leave your dreams and desires and go work at a coffee shop or something to that nature. This is my story, my journey. Go find your dreams!! I do encourage and invite you to live radically. For you, radical may look different than what it does for me. I don’t understand the radicalness of Christ and his message.

I do know this. We shouldn’t be surprised, then, that to follow Christ is to abandon the luxury of safety and security. It looks different for all of us. Never give up your search. No matter how crazy an inadequate you may feel at times, press on.

> Back To The Story

As I loaded the stuffy and overcrowded train, I found a place to stand next to a loud drunken man (I figure this ride was going to be interesting). The gentleman he was sitting near quickly had enough and moved through the crowd near the front of the train.

What happened next shocked me. The drunken man began talking somewhat suggestively to a little girl sitting with her mom. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. In shock I froze and so did everyone else. This girl couldn’t have been older than 6 and by her body language, she expressed great discomfort, eventually pulling herself as close as she could to her mother. The man then insisted he didn’t want to hurt her, just talk.

It all happened so fast, but next thing I knew I had extended my hand and asked the man what his name was. “What’s your name?” he slurred somewhat shrewdly. I politely said, “Ted” and he then told me his name, Billy. Billy openly admitted to me, and to the entire train, he was high and drunk. “Ya think,” I thought to myself. After Billy had called me a liar, threatened to beat me up, and said he wasn’t talking to me anymore we arrived at Chicago Avenue, my exit. Thank God!!

As I got up to leave he was still talking. Billy suddenly turned nice and told me to have a good day and gave me five. As I walked out of the train I heard him yell, “take care.” Fortunately the little girl and her mom got off at that exit too. She thanked my again and again saying how they were new to the city and thought it was very scary, especially at that moment. After making small talk for several minutes, we said goodbye and went our separate ways.

This story certainly isn’t a story showing any courage on my part…I don’t know how I started speaking with this man. Looking back, I was in such shock at first its as if God took over and used me through my momentary standstill.


I had a good time hanging with my friends. We went to Gap and noticed they were pushing their (RED) product.

Go buy some and help stop aids in Africa.

It’s at least something. The world won’t change unless someone takes a step. It may be small, but it’s better than no step at all.

I leave you with this.

We are at war. We are at war with ourselves (We are so selfish, our default mode is me). We are at war with others in the name of freedom. We’re in bondage to our freedom.

Again, Love Wins!!!

It may get you killed, but in the end it will win.

Love Recklessly.

It’s our only hope. We fight violence with peace, hatred with love, and oppression with servanthood. Jesus was crucified not in spite of His love, but because of it.

I’m here, you’re there. We’re still in the same boat. Hurting helpless people all around.

Sometimes all we can do is ask questions and show we care, even if their drunk, high, or possibly worse. I didn’t get far with Billy, but for some reason I was on that train at that point in time and so was he.