The Master Sculptor

At Ash Wednesday mass tonight, Father spoke about how Michelangelo said that when he was sculpting the David, he didn’t so much make the David as he did chip away all the things and parts that weren’t David.

And that’s how it is with us.

God is making us or turning us into something we’re not. We’re souls in bodies, not bodies with souls; we are already made in the image and likeness of God—we just have to chip away the parts that aren’t like him. Sin covers the masterpiece that is you—your inner David—and keeps you from seeing it. God is the master sculptor and uses his chisel of mercy and grace to chip away at these imperfections.

You yourself are already perfect; we are there, residing in that marble block of sin. All God does is let us, our true selves, out.

So don’t view yourself as this unformed mass of sin—what you really are is a perfect being just covered in grime. You yourself are already wonderfully made; we just need to wipe away what’s not wonderful, what’s not you. You’re already a Ferrari, we just need to go through the carwash.

Love yourself and others, not for how we see them as they are now, necessarily, but as we know them to be underneath: a perfect creature fearfully and wonderfully made, one to be loved and cherished.

Trusting Like A Child

The Bible tells us to be like children. But it doesn’t mean to be childish (i.e. immature), but rather to be like children in how we trust. Does a child stay up at night worry about finances? Does s(he) cry in anxiety over where the next meal will come from? Will a child fret about things yet to come?

No. The child trusts in his/her parents to provide and protect. It doesn’t enter the child’s mind that the parents would ever abandon their child. And so it should be with us and our Father. We may not be able to understand everything, but trust stands independent of understanding.

God provides for the birds and the bees, and don’t we know that we are worth so much more than they? God loves you and will provide for you in one way or another, and He blesses those who trust in Him and follow His Will.

I know for me that can be so difficult. I have it stuck in my head that I have to take control of every situation and rely on my own abilities. How quickly I forget from where those abilities come. Everything I can do comes from God, so it’s foolish to think I can rely on anyone besides Him. All things come from God, so why not trust in Him who made all things in my life possible in the first place?

Who would I trust, a fallible, imperfect Self that has let me down over and over again, or a perfect, omnipotent, and loving God who has fulfilled His ever promise?

This isn’t to say that we should give up and coast on autopilot—God acts through us and others through our capacities—but it is to say that we should trust that He has given us the ability to handle every situation in a way that works for His and our good.

I may not understand, but I will trust. I may not know, but I believe. That’s what it means to be like a child. And in that sense, I never want to grow up.

Why Do We Suffer?

Suffering is ugly. It rears its ugly head and comes in many hideous forms. But why do we suffer? Frankly, I think most of us don’t understand the greatest of sufferings, but can we ever understand it? Viktor Frankl explores this in his book, Man’s Search for Meaning:

“The question was whether an ape which was being used to develop poliomyelitis serum, and for this reason punctured again and again, would ever be able to grasp the meaning of its suffering…Is it not conceivable that there is still another dimension, another world beyond man’s world; a world in which the question of an ultimate meaning of human suffering would find an answer?”

What a profound lesson. We aren’t to rely on our own understanding, but instead we are to trust in God. Who’s to say that we understand our suffering; do we not know that there may be a greater purpose for it than we can ever comprehend?

We ask God a lot, “Why?”

Why did this happen…why didn’t you stop _____…why did you ____…

The list goes on. We barrage God with questions he never intends to answer. Maybe because we wouldn’t understand even if He did. How could we, who are so carnal and so of-the-world, ever comprehend something that is so large, cosmic, and majestic? How could our puny brains ever understand?

This isn’t some limp attempt to justify pain and suffering or injustice—just a recognition that if we suppose there to be a God then surely there must be plans that are beyond of capacity of understanding.

So, then, the question begs: how are we to take this suffering? Romans 5:3-5 admonishes us:

More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Rejoice in our sufferings. How are we supposed to do that, God? Don’t You know it hurts? Don’t you know we feel like we’re dying inside?

Of course He does. But there is a purpose. And in recognizing that purpose, that suffering is now accompanied by something that makes the load not quite as heavy, something making it just a little easier to carry: purpose.

They say pain is inevitable but suffering is optional. I understand what they mean, but I don’t believe that there will never be a time in someone’s life when the pain is unbearable. I firmly believe that we will all suffer at some point in our lives (I actually believe it’s necessary, to an extent). But what matters most is how we look at that pain and suffering.

Frankl talks about how meaning comes once we acknowledge it. The potential for meaning is always there; we simply don’t look at it properly. In the case of one man, he couldn’t reconcile his suffering that came from his wife dying. Once Frankl turned it around and showed the man that one of the two would have died first, regardless, and that by him being the one to outlive the other he effectively saved her from suffering as he is, and in this the man found meaning.

So why do we suffer? I don’t know. But I do know that God loves us too much to permit pointless suffering. Rejoice in the suffering; bear it with a joyful heart. For even devoid of understanding, we can rest in peace knowing that all is working for His good, and ultimately ours.

*For the most profound example I’ve read on suffering, read the book of Job.

What An Omelet Can Teach You

I’m not thankful. Not enough, at least.

We’re creatures of habit and every day I get an Everything Omelet with no mushroom or pepper, wheat toast, and a side of fruit salad from Pulley Diner. It got to the point last semester where I could just say “The Usual.” And because of that consistency, I got very good at noticing when things changed.

The plates, the potatoes they make, and, most importantly, how they make the omelet.

Far and beyond, this is the most inconsistent aspect of their business. Every day it seems to change. And over time, the omelets have been consistently getting smaller. And for a moment this morning I wanted to attribute it to greed in saving money; for a moment I was genuinely resentful that my omelet was just a little bit smaller today.

Yeah, I was upset because my omelet was a little smaller than usual.

And it hit me: how pathetic. As I took my meal back to my seat and sat down, I looked at my situation: fresh, reasonably-sized omelet, two pieces of wheat toast, hashbrowns, and a cup of fruit. And I didn’t even think about how all that came from a restaurant I can walk to in minutes, which is run by a great school that I attend, and that they even clean up after me.

And I was upset because my omelet was a little smaller than usual.

I’m not saying that they’re not making the omelets smaller to save money—there’s a decent chance that they are—but I am saying that it’s only possible for my heart to be bitter and resentful when I stop focusing on all that I have to be thankful for.

There’s so much to appreciate in life and when we focus on the good, the bad melts away from view. It will still be there, but it won’t take center stage in our consciousness; we may still be burdened, but we can do it with a thankful, loving, and joyful heart. It reminds me of the quote from Sheila Walsh:

“Peace is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of Christ.”

It might be a far stretch from my omelet being a tad bit smaller, but the idea holds. The best way to attack feelings of resentment and bitterness is to simply focus on God and be thankful. He has given us so much in life that it’s impossible that the bad should ever outweigh the good.

So no matter what your omelet may be in life—no matter what you think is getting worse or is cause for feelings of ill-will—be thankful and appreciative. Soon enough, you’ll be jumping for joy, singing songs of praise and thanksgiving.

To My Future Wife

I don’t know your name. I don’t know where you are or what you’re doing this Valentine’s Day. Maybe you’re in the arms of another man. That’s alright—I know all things are working for His good and that one day soon enough those will be my arms you’re in.

I think about you a lot. I think about a lot of things, actually…

I think about…what kind of husband I’ll be—if I’ll be able to honor you as God wants me to. If I’ll be patient when needed, if I’ll love you when you’re broken, and if I’ll stick to you when all the world would have us torn apart

I think about…what kind of wife you’ll be—if you’ll understand me when it seems that no one else does, and if you’ll see me for all that I am and all that I’m not and love me anyway.

I think about…what kind of father I’ll be—how that the only thing I’m more excited to be than your husband is to be a father to your children.

I think about…what kind of mother you’ll be—how you’ll put our kids in front of me and God before all.

But more than anything, I think about how I’m not ready for you yet. I used to pray to God that He’d send me you because I was lonely, but I don’t do that any more. I used to search desperately for someone who would fill this void in my heart, but I’ve stopped that search.

Because the truth is I’m not ready for you yet.

I won’t be ready until…I stop searching for someone to fill the parts of me that only God can fill.

I won’t be ready until…I fall madly in love with God our Father, and rely only on Him.

I won’t be ready until…I’m the sort of man He needs me to be for you.

I’ve been waiting and searching for the longest time. I’d grown tired. But I’ve finally found my peace in God. I’m not waiting any more; I’m not searching. For the first time in my life—since I started liking girls, that is—I want God more than I want you. And while I’m so excited to have you in my life, I’m content to wait. While I get so happy thinking about the life we’ll share and the family we will raise, I’m at peace where I am.

Like I said, I don’t know where you are or what you’re doing, but I hope you’re doing fine. I’m so excited to meet you, or realize that you were here all along. Just be patient with me—I need some more time to become the man God needs me to be for you.

Singing Him All Day Long

Sometimes you just gotta praise Him! Hard to put into words how great it feels to sing to His glory.

Just came from our Collegiate Chorale Choir and man was it awesome. Just sang spirituals, which reminded me of when I was in the Miami University Gospel Singers. Feels so good to just put the whole mind, body, and soul into worship. Maybe that’s why singing is so powerful and I love it so much.

C.S. Lewis says music is godly, and I have to agree.

There’s something special about music—something almost magical—that transcends all cultures, races, genders, orientations, etc. It can speaks volumes without ever whispering a word; move mountains without moving; and it can heal wounds that no ointment ever could.

But more than anything, I think it heals the soul. It reaches us where nothing can and connects us to something spiritual.

I’m just so thankful for music, and what it’s done for me. I’m sure most of you can relate: sometimes music understands us better than any of our friends do. And in that right, I see music as an extension of God. It’s Him speaking to us in the most beautiful way—through our soul.

How beautiful. Let’s praise Him in song today!

When We Need Strength

“I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

All things. Not some things, or the things that seem realistic. But all things.

I think we so often underestimate the extent of God’s power. There is no limit, no plateau, of what He can do. If it be in His Will, then it will be done.

So when we really stop to think about our lives, when we’re feeling stressed or down or disappointed, we should almost laugh about how ridiculous it is to worry. God doesn’t want us to worry, but instead wants us to focus on and trust in Him (“Why do you doubt?”)

God provides for the birds and the bees—He will provide for you, too, in your life.

You are a most holy and beautiful creation, made in God’s image. Whatever it may be that you’re going through, there is a way. And it is His Way. Trust in Him and be delivered.

Bad Things Happen To Good People, And Good Things To Bad People

“There is a vanity which occurs on earth, that there are just men to whom it happens according to the work of the wicked; again, there are wicked men to whom it happens according to the work of the righteous.” (Ecclesiastes 9:4)

We like to believe that good things happen to good people; that the Universe is dictated by the all-impartial and just Karma.

But so often, bad things—truly horrific things—happen to the best of people, and it seems like Karma is out to get certain people, even if they have done nothing wrong. Is this right? How can a loving God allow for such atrocities, or conversely, allow such wicked people to prosper?

In The Screwtape Letters, written amidst WWII, C.S. Lewis briefly explores such questions. What benefit, the devils ask, can we make from this war? The younger, more inexperienced of the two believes that the crushing bombs and crackling gunfire will aid in the destruction of his human’s soul. The older, wiser of the two, however, admonishes his pupil to be warned that while bombs may crush and gunfire may terrify, they also have the capacity to create within their subject virtues:

Courage..

Perseverance..

Reliance on God..

C.S. Lewis basically asserts that from every perceived evil can come a good, and that often it is only through a rough trial that one can grow closer to God in some way (tested by fire). This is not to say that God subjects people to hard trials for pure enjoyment, but rather that in living a comfortable life, one may never truly test one’s faith and resolve enough to significantly grow in her/his relationship with and dependence on God.

And so it is with bad things happening to good people.

There is no system of goods and returns, of exchanging one’s good merit for some shiny prize. That’s not how it works. Blessed is he who comes in the name of The Lord, yes, but that does not preclude him from experiencing any difficulty. What we can take solace in, however, is the knowledge that “all things work together for good to those who love God,” (Romans 8:28).

So yes, things might be “bad,” that’s that’s likely only an illusion. Truly, what we perceive to be bad is often a good disguised.

And conversely, things that appear to be good that are seemingly divinely bestowed upon the wicked may prove themselves to be working against them in time. Riches, fame, success in love…all these things which we deem desirable may cause one to rely on one’s own intelligence and ability more than on God. These things we call “blessings,” may actually be curses, deceitfully colored as pleasant by devils: “Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” (Matthew 19:24)

So let us be not concerned with worldly matters, but with those that are of God. Let us focus not on the “why,” but on the “Who.” The Bible tells us that no man can “find out the work that is done under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 8:17) Therefore, never being able to understand all that happens around us, and for what purpose, it’s better to just rest in The Lord and trust in Him—trust that all things are working for His good, and ours.

Seeing Our Lives As They Truly Are

Billy Graham once said that coming by “the way of the cross” is immensely difficult because it forces us to admit our flaws, face our imperfection, and come to terms with our sinfulness. He said that the way of the cross is meant to make us uncomfortable because it looks us in the eye and says that we’re not living our life as we should. And who wants to hear that?

We all like living in the belief that our way is the right way, that we are just in our actions. Few people living in sin acknowledge it as such. And because of that, we’ve gotten very good at justifying our circumstances, lifestyles, and habits. 

But when we come to the even ground at the cross, when we stare God and His Truth in the face, all our excuses and justifications melt away. The fog is lifted and the mirage we’ve fabricated melts away and the Truth is left bare.

And for many that is too much. For a lot of people, the Truth is simply too inconvenient to the lifestyle they want to live:

Pride…

Fornication…

Perverse lips…

…It runs the gamut.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m just as tainted and deserving of death as anyone else. But when we come by the way of the cross—when we lay down our burdens and pride and submit our will to God’s—we begin a transformation:

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Coming to Christ means that we look honestly at our life—not as we see it, and especially not as we want to see it, but as God sees it. In accepting Him, we allow Him to shape us into His perfect image.

There is no hiding…there are no excuses…there are no far-fetched justifications. When we bring ourselves to our knees in front of God, He brings to light all that we wished had stayed hidden.

But it’s done in love.

It’s not done to bring us shame, or to make us feel guilty—that’s the last thing He wants. Instead, He shows us these things so that through them we might be made new. This cleansing isn’t done for His sake, but for ours. God is already perfect, and He simply wants to share in eternity with us. Him showing us our sinfulness isn’t oppressive; it’s actually a most liberating and loving endeavor.

Because just as naming a fear strips it of much of its power, so, too, does bringing sin to light enervate it.

Love Transcends All Boundaries

Sometimes the biggest blessings come from things you thought would hardly amount to much of anything.

On a whim, I signed up to partake in the Global Buddies program here at Miami, in which a domestic student gets paired with an international student to be buddies. One of the greatest impetuses to join was probably so that I could practice my german with a native speaker.

But man, did God turn that into something so much greater (and how foolish I now look for having that be one of my biggest motivating factors).

While I only have one “official” Global Buddy (Daniel Fischer from Austria), I’ve gotten to know his friends and adopt some other international students whose domestic buddy didn’t show up, and it’s been just amazing. Three guys from Hong Kong, two girls from France, and then Daniel and Petra from Austria. Heck, we all went to Steinkellers (local German restaurant) yesterday and three girl Chinese international students joined us, too!

And there are so many things I’m learning, but none is greater than this: that love transcends all boundaries.

I must have thought that despite just the language difference there must be some fundamental difference between all of us. That besides speaking in different tongues there was some factor that led us to be starkly contrasted. That we wouldn’t get the same jokes…or that we’d be able to get along only so well…and so on.

But man, was I wrong.

I’ve found absolutely no intrinsic difference in any of us—not French from Austrian, Hong Kongese to America. Which that all sounds pretty silly now, but I think we all think or feel that a little bit—that somehow more than just language separates us.

But it doesn’t seem like it. Sure, our cultures are different, but that isn’t fundamental to one’s nature. As far as I can tell, we’re all the same.

And that’s beautiful because we know that! We know that we’re all the same—we’re all sons and daughters of God, after all!

No wonder God had to confuse us with different languages (Genesis 11). When we break down language barriers—or barriers of any kind—there is no latent animosity, no misunderstanding, no resentment.

But what’s even cooler is that we don’t even really need to break down the barriers completely. We just have to in some way see them as they truly are: just people. And if we can practice seeing them as God does—as our brothers and sisters in Christ—then there will be nothing but love and acceptance, because as well as speaking the same language serves to create unison and understanding, it pales in comparison to the unifying force of love.

Whether the difference lies in a language disparity or a different peer group or whatever, the solution is the same: love them as God loves them.

It’s funny how obvious His teachings become as we go through life. I’ve “known” that all my life, but it isn’t until I see it in action in person that I come to truly understand it.

And how great it is.