So Far So Good...

Summer update...

Where to begin; even only sitting in early June it seams that so much has gone on this summer that I'm way behind on blogging. I just got back to Colorado from North Platte, Nebraska. I was doing the music for the week for a early middle school camp. And I just have to say... those kids are CrAzY!*%!! The first set, the first night and they were far from the deer in the headlights look I'm used to getting as the music guy. they were interactive, LOUD, and bouncing all over the place. I love Middle Schoolers, they will tell you when their wanting to be there or wanting to be somewhere else. There is no guessing with them and thats why I like them so much more than adults. All in all the week went well. Most camp weeks you see the end of chapel recommittals; and such. And I have no real authority to decipher what is genuine and what is hype. But especially as the music guy, I commonly get used as the emotional driver to fake or flimsy committals to God. And this week didn't really do that. Although there was opportunity for kids to do that, they seamed to be driven more to interaction. The stage time instead was joyous and fun, and I like that.

Moving on, I leave for Mexico City this saturday. I'm an odd form of excited, considering what the trip is. For those of you that don't know I'm with a group called IEmpathize going to advocate against sex and human trafficking in Mexico City. I'll be meeting with members of the Mexican Congress and touring different brothels that the Mexican Police have busted recently. CNN published a report this week about sex trafficking in Mexico City; with an estimated 10,000 sex slaves in the city alone, there were only 12 arrests last year. Anyone with a sense of justice should be shattered by these figures. and this is only one issue in one city on the Globe. The problem presents society with a mountainous traverse that no individual has the ability to climb solo. thats why the awareness of the issue is so important. But like always "its not the education we get but the empowerment we give that makes a difference to others." (-John C Maxwell) I think that best surmises the journey I get to take next week. Personally its more out of my comfort zone that I had to raise the money to go than the nature of the trip itself. The Business side of ministry is still something of work in process to me. Below I've put the shortened video from Iempathize about the work in Mexico City, I'm trying to keep this post more of a cleft note's type of update, so I'm gonna just leave you with the video and keep coming back to this site next week as I'm in Mexico City, I'll be updating here about the trip as I get opportunity too each day.


iEmpathize Mexico City Short: The Way Home (English Version) from Simon Scionka on Vimeo.

If you would still like to support the trip, were still short on funding, and you can do so on the link below. Then Click the "support me" link on the right.

Support Mexico City Expedition

Other than all of these happenings, I'm getting behind on school already, I don't know how a thing like that could happen taking 15 credits over a summer with all of this also happening. It just blows my mind.

And I've been presented with a familiar crossroads, to operate in my nature. turning down the opportunity to put down roots and do what society sees as the normal or wiser plan for the next few years. OR... in line with all my life decisions and flighty nature. To choose instead to operate even more as a drifter than I am now? Hmm perplexing choices. Roots creep me out honestly. So I'm at an impasse with wanting to be responsible but also being who I've always been and wanted to be; Active, extreme, and living a life like few have tasted seeing both the world being involved with people all over instead of an isolated few...we shall see ;)
The prospect went with an interesting conversation, one that I have with myself often, but none the less was a feature our dialogue. It was about the nature of this itinerant life style. This conversation was with a man that knows me well, and he observed how uncomfortable I am with settling in. weather that be with a normal job, a house, a girl... "its like your so used to change that your afraid to commit to anything that will keep you from the ability to be where you feel you need to be from moment to moment." I couldn't agree with him more... that is me (hence the tittle of the blog in case you were wondering)! And I mean that as a very good thing. I like writing my address in pencil (I've lived in the same place for a year and a month now... that's a record in a nine year time frame) I enjoy that I get to live a life outside of a 9-5 prison cell, looking back 10 years later and realizing you've only existed well and not actually lived. I get to experience life that few do... and what affords me this right. I pathetic gross income every year and zero stability. I can deal with that. So I guess the only thing on that list to figure out is the Girl part.... yeah... I haven't figured that one out yet obviously. (How emphatic can you make one "!" ?) Perhaps i'll post a blog when I get back from mexico with a girlfriend application section. Except I think the "need not apply" section would be depressingly limiting :/    ... Well 2/3 figured out is nice I suppose, story of my life!  (lol)

If it bores you... it must be godly!

I watched this video almost two years ago, and haven’t been able to find it since despite a few wasted hours. Grrr… Recently it was found and posted on Christiannightmares, which is great for you… because now you can enjoy it with me (insert overt sarcasm here)!

I’ll give him this much, at least he’s not totally ignorant, he knows basic music theory. However I fail to see where in the bible God revealed this “Body wants to dance” doctrine. I’ve looked for it, yes, even in the ever touted King James Version (you’re supposed to lift your chin a bit when you say that by the way, who knew?) The only original source I’ve found this is in Fundamentalist Christian dogma.

As in all things (yes I do believe this) the bible does have something to say about this.  In 2^nd Samuel chapter 6 David is bringing the Ark back to Jerusalem. Which was far deeper than simply the return of a national Icon. The Hebrew people are heavily about poetry, and so they would not have overlooked the deep symbolism here. The Ark was the Icon of the presence of the one true God. And bringing it back to the Nation of Israel was also symbolic of the Nations reconnecting to God. And as the Ark was carried into the city after a long journey; King David, warring what was called an “Ephod” (A rob that was worn by priests, which was disgraceful for a king to wear because it showed his knees (*Gasp! I know)) danced through the city streets with the people in celebration of his people being Rejoined with the presence of God again.

You see there are things that are worth throwing a party for! There are things that are worth dancing through the streets! I’ve even heard it said (by a pastor) “It’s honestly a sin to not have fun.”In the psalms it tells us to “praise him with a clashing cymbal and a Gong.” To Praise with both a harp and Lyre (a first century guitar) And I’m sorry if being biblical doesn’t sit as pretty in your church. But I’m going to dance, shout, raise my hands, and dance with my friends when I praise a God who’s presence has been brought back to me by Himself!

                                 

As some of you know I’ve been involved in youth work for some time now in a variety of capacities: Youth pastor/Leader, working with inner city kids and incarcerated youth. My ministry involvement over the past few years has allowed me the opportunity to witness an ever increasing world issue commonly referred to as “social Justice.” This umbrella covers issues like Sex and human trafficking, Child Soldiers, and a host of victimized people used as prostitutes, drug peddlers, and unpaid labor forces all around the world. The specific issues vary, based on the Geographic and political situations. To give you an idea, human Traffickers alone grossed an estimated 3.2 billion dollars in 2010, that’s more than Nike, Google, and Starbucks COMBINED!

This coming June I’m on the first of three teams going to Mexico City with the Colorado based organization “IEmpathize.” Mexico is currently on virtually every top ten list for countries with human trafficking violations. While there, I’ll be from one side of the city to the other; spending time in some of the worst slums and meeting with members of the Mexican senate who are battling social injustices within Mexico. With great respect my team will be spending some time with residents of safe houses in Mexico City. However a large part of my time there will be spent on awareness education in Government, Educational and also public venues; using art, media and other exhibits to boost awareness to the issue within Mexico. These are key strategic efforts to confront the issue with lasting effect, as one of the main reasons human trafficking is able to thrive is its limited awareness.

For more information on Social Justice, my expedition to Mexico City or “IEmpathize” please visit IEmpathize.org or feel free to E-mail/facebook me directly. I would greatly appreciate your prayers for myself and the rest of the team going, as you can imagine this will be both a stressful and emotionally exhausting experience. I would greatly appreciate those of you who would like to be a part of the work by donating to help cover the expenses of making this trip happen. All Financial donations are Tax deductable through IEmpathize. I’m still in need of nearly $1,800, with our leave date steadily approaching. (The $1,800 will help cover air fare, hotel, and transportation costs; projects and advocacy events; gifts/items for the girls and safe home. And over 25% of the cost directly funds our Mexican child protection and restoration partnerships in Mexico.) Checks can be sent to IEmpathize directly (4845 Pearl East Circle, Suite 101, Boulder, CO 80301) payable to” IEmpathize,” Please make sure to write “Chris Cook Expedition” in the memo line. Pre/post trip updates will be here on my Blog with obvious omission of certain details to help protect the people on the ground in Mexico City.

                                                                                 

This is a great watch if you have the time!

Ok this is a bit long I realize but the full version I think gives the best look at what he's exposing. Derren Brown; has made a name for himself in the UK, he's an illusionist/mentalist, and also a sceptic-type whistle blower. Takes an ordinary man and trains him in the so called art of "faith healing." 

Now I find that most people are skeptical of faith healers in general but there is a reason why it remains a multi million dollar industry every year, because there are people out there that need and want genuine hope. Brown does (I think) an excellent job in showing both simply and scientifically the methods of these con artist praying on people asking for help. I do wish his finale performance had a higher turnout, but I respect their decision to take a hit on the numbers to protect both the goal of the project and also protect people that didn't know the ruse. Well done Derren Brown. 

Lead 1: Ownership

I've had it in mind for some time now to write a small series centering on practical leadership. I don't know how many I'll do, and they probably will be spread among all of my other random blogs, but I've been thinking about this particular facet for some time now, and thats the concept of  "ownership." On its own, it embodies the arching goal of nearly all leadership; but is also focused enough to give it also individual attention.

In all leadership the emphases is on the people about the task, and not on the task itself. Thats the key difference between a manager and a leader. Robert Townsend understood this when he said:

"A leader is not an administer who likes to run others, but someone who carries water for his people so they can get on their jobs"

Townsend's words convey the idea servanthood, not manipulative slave driving. Its seeing a need that the people under you have and providing for their health/benefit. A true leader is not just someone who can produce results; because truly , both success and failure surround the majority of the worlds greatest leaders. The merits of a great leader are seen best when they step out of the way. If a man initiates a movement; teaches a concept, or creates a product, success in many ways can be seen on paper, escrow, or real-estate. But to put a value on someone as a leader, judge what is done when the leader removes himself from what they initiated; observing the health of what is sustained following their absence.

What happens when someone steps back from pushing an idea/agenda and instead invests in the people they've instated; an opportunity is created for those people to have a vested interest themselves in what their doing. Whatever success will follow, your people can look on and say..."I did that!" Their hours of work, weren't just a paycheck anymore. They have ownership in the success of what once was only your vision. Much like a company that goes public. But the investment that you give your people has to happen before the success. to turn around from the finish line and say, "oh thanks guys" is nothing more than what they earned from before. As a leader you never pay back, you always pay forward. Glancing back from the finish line and adorning the people responsible for getting you there with a semantical pat on the back is more demeaning than appreciative. Your people see that they are the last thing on your checklist at the end of the journey, not the focus of the drive to get there. And believe me they can all tell!

So how does a leader go about giving away ownership of their vision? Easy... in fact, often so easy most leaders find it difficult. the quick answer is "vacuum." The majority of leaders, and to be picky, people in authority too. are those who exercise the courage it takes to be the first to volunteer, the first to venture new ideas or create change. That same courage however seams to be infused in them, causing them to keep stepping in, and stepping in and stepping in. In their defense their motives are good, momentum if neglected can end up in a variety of places. So most modal their efforts to confine the momentum to direct it to where they see the best end. See now your thinking like a manager.

A leader who steps in to solve every problem or correct every course robs his people the very possibility of ownership. It builds up the "leader" [notice my subtle quotations now ;) ] and demeans the people. It sets a precedence that each member on the team clear things through higher powers. Which when your in-charge makes you feel indispensable, and who of us doesn't like feeling needed right. We all like that right. Which is why John C Maxwell describes weaker leaders as failing to delegate. Only the strongest leaders will surround themselves with other strong  people. Those who are smarter, stronger and more capable. Such a structure is a threat to most leaders. By knowing that you have competent people on task, a real leader can place trust in those individuals to take vision to conception. A roadblock to many leaders is that often the delegation and subsequent ownership their vision means that the steps to success will be decided by someone else. The majority of leaders tend to be control freaks [Ask me how I know]. Gen. George S Patton, a type "A" leader with courage and drive if there ever was one said this:

"Never tell a man what to do, you tell him what needs done and let his ingenuity surprise you"

He understood this principle of ownership. I've had the privilege to meet two different men who served under him; They'll will be the first to tell you what a son of a bitch he was, and yet it was the honor of their lives to serve with him. You see they don't read a history book and see that "Patton defeated Rommel;" and "Patton conquered Sicily." They own every victory still today, and Patton treated his men like they did from the day they shipped out.
For many of us who strive to be leaders leaving a vacuum is unnerving, but without it your people will have no need for their own incentive. There may be a more politically correct way of saying that today but its the usual truth. After your vision is cast, and competent people are in play towards its completion, a leader can really come alive; Investing solely in the people pursuing the task. Success now is bigger then the efforts of one man, no matter how loud they are or how much money they invest. And when the inevitable day comes when the leader steps aside, those who are personally invested wont need them there any more. They now own the vision and are striving themselves for its success.

...GRASS

Barefoot and lightly, the first step is taken, toe first and slow with curious anticipation, as you feel the first blades of grass beneath you. Soon your full weight is pressing down at this sea of green. Anticipation has been yours for some time now because this ground is now your ground. And you’ve longed to walk it. Traipse, galumph or frolic (when no one’s looking) whatever you pleasure cause this is yours and you’ve waited oh so long to walk it. It may have been in that first step, or it may have been a thousand later, but somewhere your eyes noticed the things in your grass that weren’t like the things in “their” grass. The yard down the street, the field a valley away, its wider, darker, greener, stronger, more mature, healthier, funner,  more… lovely. And this is life(!)

... It’s a job,

It’s a toy        

                            It’s a house                 a car   

  a collection

                                                                                     … a person?

        We’re masters of packaging this conundrum. So good in fact I think we play the game unknowingly or trivially. Heck I just did it on my IPod (the grass was greener on the Mumford & Sons side) Many have done this with our carriers. We’ve all done it with things and places. All of these things, in my head, are neutral things, you could have [this thing] or [that thing.] Matters not, go with both maybe. *shrug… “why not.” If you want to many things you’ll indebt yourself for them, and that’s an inconvenience (not to trivialize debt, but in light of what’s after this it doesn’t matter.) Whatever the arena the game is played it stays just that…a game. My head has been stuck in this game play lately: In the past few years it seems I’ve sat in every seat. I’ve been a spectator, a player, the greener grass and the weedy side. (this metaphor is getting too thick, it’s ok I agree) And when we talk about the analogy we all know the ending. “the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence” Hop the fence a million times, back and forth and the elusion never changes.

Often times we don’t see the real conclusions of our decisions for some time, years if ever. My observance of my own life and the life of many of my friends as we navigate relationships has shown that we’re often approaching it with the “greener grass” mentality. We don’t call it that, and honestly in the moment I don’t’ think we see it as that. Now before I delve in I just wanna say plainly that there are reasons of substance for leaving a relationship; Psh! we all know that. So I'm not talking about those. What I am talking about is when we approach or navigate a relationship with "the grass is greener" idea driving their decisions, thinking that this person isn't bad, but I think I'll be happier with [that person] or someone they've made up in their heads as someone they'll be happier with, that they've recipied nothing but delusional frustration. I watched as a friend broke off an engagement with little explanation, only to be bounced from attraction to attraction that were never once reciprocated. Multiple friends of mine I've seen brake off relationships only to become depressed, pining back after the one they left or a previous interest. I'm sure none of this is as cut and dry as I just dictated, many of them I know are far from that simple. but as a principle I've seen this being an unfortunate theme when we are deciding the people we do our life with. And I'm not excluded, I had opportunity to continue a past relationship and declined, thinking I was being wiser to pursue someone different. My rational made sense, still does. The things that made our relationship not work last time were things I wanted different the next time around you know. I literally thought to myself, "I could marry this person, BUT I think I'd have a better marriage over here." What a mature decision I was making right?! Well it would have been if I didn't become the grass that wasn't greener down the road myself. How come a decision becomes right or wrong because of the outcome instead of the driving character behind it. I firmly believe that God cares more about WHO we are than what we do. And the "Who" that God is striving for us to become is someone who resembles himself. The bible says we are "made in his image;" We are capable of loving as he has demonstrated love to us. In all areas of life God gives us a better way to live. Romance is no exception, frankly I think God even lays a heavier emphases on the way we love. Here is an excerpt from Proverbs (19:21) , conveying an idea that is not left unsupported by the rest of scripture:

There are many plans in a person’s mind, but it is the counsel of the Lord which will stand. What is desirable for a person is to show loyal love, and a poor person is better than a liar. Fearing the Lord leads to life, and one who does so will live satisfied; he will not be afflicted by calamity.

The counsel of the Lord... Show Loyal Love... fear the Lord [in this]... you will be satisfied. 

But Chris [thats me] you don't understand. THEY didn't tell the truth. THEY didn't take us seriously! THEY didn't _______. and yes. Your probably right. They probably did (or didn't depending) I'm not saying this idea is completely rational, I'm definitely not saying that its easy, what I am saying is that THIS is better regardless of the rational we throw at it. But when I look at this passage and read it knowing what else he says about love, "Husbands love your wives just as Christ loved the church" Which by the way he gave us a picture of in the marriage of Hosea and Gomer (the Book of Hosea) and I don't think any of our jacked up relationships look anything like that soap opera (although I met one man who had that same story, and he astounded me!!) God paints a super clear picture of how he loved all of us. As the husband of a prostitute, Guardian of an unwanted child, Rescuer of a whore... He pushes towards the unwanted, trampled neglected, and says I will love you Loyally, He's described this way over 1300 times in the Bible. You know how much easier it would have been for God to just call a do-over. It only took a mere breath to create us, but to redeem us it took a few thousand years of rejection death and pain to say to us..."I loved you loyally, and as I have shown you what love is, love each other like that too." And in my petty-ness I screw with love like a game? We have an intentional God who has such a bigger idea in mind for you than "I like his shoulders better" or "His last name just flows" (yeah you know you've done that, don't deny it) I'm not saying that you cant enjoy those things, I'm just saying that why do christians make these petty lists and miss the point setting the game with the wrong end goal on the agenda. This is my reaction to all of us that over complicate what God intended romantic love to be, simply an opportunity to become that "who" that we're to be. To display the love and glory of a God who loves loyally. And yet we make decisions by the greener grass on the other side of the fence which seams so much better to walk in. Notice that God isn't denying that the grass probably is greener, so there you go, *pats on the head, "way to be right"... what he's saying is: "your missing all of what I intend to do"... "I want to make you a better gardener." don't we all want that? To be in a place where between myself and my spouse I know there is security and commitment to become better caretakers of one another? That no matter what our marriage may look like I at least know who to invest my heart in? I don't say that lightly, my own insecurities scoff at even the idea of that being a reality, if you don't know me or my story than your missing the largest exclamation point I could draw. I don't have this in my life, many of you don't either. But its what I see described in the bible, so it must be both better, and possible! And if possible... than its who I want to be. To not be treated like mere grass anymore, to be walked on, shitted on then neglected. To have the person I love someday to help me become a better gardener. and after seasons of success and failure pass and pass, to walk on a lawn with her that is both healthy... lovely... and ours!

**WARNING**

Sigh: this one is gonna be fun. (insert melancholy tone here). If I don't get in trouble for this one, I'll be dangerously close. Please note now that I often use strong wording so that Black becomes rescued from a lost spirit of gray; and this article will be no different, sharper in-fact. As you read, understand that this apologetic is only one side of reality, and there exists a valid second half that won't be found here. The side your about to see is of the ever trampled minority, [we] are without a voice that resounds. I pray that you are patient with this article and heed this preamble. I've given cautions like this before that were ignored, and did the reader no good (once almost getting kicked out of collage... oops.) Yup this is gonna be one of 'those' blogs today...

**WARNING**

"MARKED"

There is a bothersome pattern within "biblical" Christianity (the parenthesis are only to devalue their use of the term on this issue). "Biblical" being the organized community of Christians that lets the Christian Bible be an authority on all things life, faith and doctrine. Giving them the benefit of the doubt instead of my usual cynicism, this community has done well, objectively doing life, not influenced by personal feelings, interpretations or prejudices but taking the bible as a simple literal guide. But like any group of men, led by men (as in human) they have areas of complacency and neglect. Today both intentionally and unintentionally, the Church itself is operating as a racist culture. Our acceptance has limited those that don't have the physical appearance of the conservative-fundamental/traditional class within christianity. We have reserved our fellowship, our offices and our podiums for those that are more "acceptable" in their appearance. A qualified, gifted individual will be blacklisted from service due to simple appearance nullifying any legitimate marks in a persons favor. This practice is nothing more than cultural bigotry and should be called for what it is: intolerance to opinions that differ from one's own.

I can hear the soliloquy response now. "but what about that one verse." I've heard all of the so called "biblical" arguments. "your body is a temple" (1 Cor 6:19), the removal body jewelry and ceremonial garments of the woman in Isaiah 3. The "braided hair" argument extrapolated from 1 Timothy 2:9, (cf 1 Peter 3:3) Every "weapon" wielded (and yes I meant that to be quite unflatteringly as the bible is not to be used in this manner) can be diffused by either a) looking at the context, or b) understanding what the letter meant to its original intended readers. (Both being covered in the elementary school level of proper bible study methods, and both methods are pridefully touted by the same people that use these arguments, with the exception of certain issues like this one)

**To read a brief biblical support, read the paragraphs below. to skip and take my word for it, go down to where it says "Continue."

What is being neglected is much of what the bible does teach on a deeper, more foundational level. Probably best seen in 2nd Samuel, when Samuel was choosing a new king for the nation of Israel. After looking at all the "kingly" looking men, Samuel heard the Lord speak for himself, giving this principle; "God does not view things the way men do, people look on the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart." (16:7) A simple stated truth, more than I can say for the arguments to my opposition. But is this an isolation only to the circumstances of Samuel. No. Paul himself applies this principle to men as well in 2 Corinthians 5, the context being life lived through faith and not based on what we see. says this "[this is] so that you may answer those who take pride in outward appearance, and not in what's in the heart." Note; the issue is pride, not appearance. I'm not giving the pierced a free ride here. Your pride can be in body jewelry or a baptist-issue three-piece suit. So why do we let the suit serve and the pierced not... Bigotry. Paul goes on, verse 16 "so then from now on we acknowledge no one from an outward human point of view." Paul labels all of this an "ambition to please [Christ]" (verse 9). Leaving one to see here that living where the church is; displeases Christ, its head. Now before you think I'm speaking for God. lets let the man speak for himself.

John 8: Jesus speaking to the Pharisees (religious leaders)  "You people judge by outward appearances, I do not judge anyone [this way]." Silly me, when Jesus says "anyone" I think he means anyone. psh! In the interest of not being exhaustive here I'll skim the next few. Matthew chapter 23 Jesus, speaking again to the Pharisees, slanders them calling them "Hypocrites!" and "white washed tombs... looking beautiful on the outside but inside are full of a dead mans bones" (this particular point is even more emphatic and expounded in the passage, I encourage you to read it). There is a similar passage in 2 Corinthians chapter 10, this time we're back to Paul writing: "you are looking at outward appearances... they measure themselves by themselves, and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding." (this passage also is more emphatic and expounded and suggest you read it as well. I have chosen to give you the full of the simple passages and the 'cleft-note' version of the passages that even give a fuller meaning to this principle. I've done this to show that there is enough for an exhaustive apologetic, however my purposes are served by the simpler stated) As people we have a hard time seeing past the end of our own noses. Insert a pseudo-obscure deity into the mix and we're just gonna get it wrong.

But Chris, you ask, does the bible give any positives to the idea of this kind of "culture" as you claim it?" "Cause couldn't you just be using the same alterations to biblical interpretation as your opponents. Good question! (*pats you on the head) As a matter of fact, there is. The prophet Ezekiel (Ezekiel chapter 16); Verses 1-5 start the story of the nation as told by God himself. Seeing the nation as an unloved and abandoned child, malnourished and neglected by its parents. Left to die, and with no pity from onlookers. Verses 6-14 begins a shift in the story where God comes along as a man taking this "unwanted" as his wife. Taking such love for this "unwanted" as to treat her and dress her like royalty. "I put bracelets on your hands and a necklace around your neck. I put a ring in your nose, and earring s on your ears..." These are the words God himself uses to describe a tangible means of value and appreciation for an unwanted people. God himself tints them as a positive, in proper context.

There is also the cultural practice of a freed slave, willingly and wantingly continuing in his service to his previous master, in the practice of a "bondservant." Where the slave pierces his ear on his against his masters doorpost. choosing a life of service. A practice very few would even be aware of if it weren't in the scriptures as a picture of a man freed of sin, choosing servitude towards the object of his salvation... Christ (Paul was one of these by the way). Again portrayed in a positive. One even has to give allowance for the possibility of Christ himself returning with a tattoo. (now you think I'm crazy) Revelation 19:16 "he has a name written on his clothing and on his thigh: 'King of kings and Lord of Lords." If you are going to stake a claim in both the verbal and plenary interpretation of scriptures, as most in evangelical Christianity do, than you can't any firmer say that this isn't a tattoo as it is a tattoo. Because the bible doesn't give an explicit alternative to disallow the insinuation of a tattoo and yet still uses the words "on his thigh" than in the integrity of your theology you must allow for the possibility that this interpretation being valid. Taking away from Gods word is as evil as putting words in!

**Continued...

The issue is not grayed by biblical obscurity, as many would wish is to be. Yet we operate as if it is, using the  "agree to disagree" fall back on issues like this one. Because if we can hang our hat there we don't have to approach the issue of personal uncomfortability with people that are different than we are. It allows us to keep our bias with minimal conflict and fireworks. The problem is your pinning yourself against Gods own philosophy and heart for HIS people. Using the excuse of tradition, generation interpretation, or culture are nothing more than a vail for sin. Your trivializing and excusing opinions that are contrary to the scriptures and have no reason other than selfishness. By taking a stand in any of these arguments is putting yourself against people, not walking with them towards the heart of God. Your alienating, not accompanying. Churches and parachurch ministries that cater to this philosophy are enabling, and by default teaching a cultural racism within christianity. If you claim to be biblical, than be biblical; If that means being patient with people, on both sides of this issue, than guess what, your where your supposed to be. 

Well I started this with a warning, bracing you for harsh words and potential controversy. Maybe you think I've already reached that level on your scale. But if you think that my warning was overly-cautious than this next bit is for you. You see we still need to land this plane. Something like this doesn't just exist in an intellectual compactly. It isn't sifted through the greek and discussed over coffee. No, unfortunately not a single word I wrote means a thing if it doesn't have some skin on it. Theology does no one any good if it stays on paper and not in our words, and decisions. And so in an effort to rock a sturdy boat I'm going to share a real story, probably only dramatic to those that it involves. In an attempt at accountability I'm not going to avoid proper nouns (not intended to be a form of gossip or throwing of red paint, but only what is accomplished and not what is intended will really matter I suppose), I believe if you make decisions your accountable for them, yes to God, but when you lead men, your accountable also to men; Policies of a public office are for public review. 

(For the visual, I have four piercing: a lip ring, gauged ears and another ring on my upper right ear, I'm actually fairly clean cut, I'm more of a snob than a slob). I am an Audio and Acoustics Engineer (Live Sound production for concerts and alike) Recently My alma-mater Frontier School of the Bible, asked me to produce their yearly Christmas outreach. In visits to the campus throughout the semester, I'd been giving of my time training some of the interns to do audio production. Something I enjoy doing, and it was a good service to the school so doing it was as much for me as it was for them. I produced the Christmas outreach; which is an all day chore for an hour production. I was payed many compliments from various people that took notice of my efforts and abilities. Yet in the end I was told that because of my piercing I'm no longer allowed to serve in, on stage or on the production. You see the school received complaints that the man behind the scenes had piercing. The first mistake was not dealing with a personal problem using the guides set forth in Matthew chapter 18, in which the offended party would approach me directly first, nothing like this happened. Secondly the leaderships decision in the matter was to cater to bigotry and blacklist me from any on stage or production ministry.. I'm permitted now only to serve in construction projects with the school. This is synonymous with class distinction like you would see in the pre-victorian era. Because a piece of hardware decided both the venue and compactly Im even permitted to serve, My degree and years of experience didn't matter anymore. I'm not really upset that people complained really, I'm kinda used to it. What does upset me is the deficiency in the leadership to handle things in a more biblical manner. First they should have instructed the offended parties through Matthew 18. Their resulting decision enables, and by default endorses this bigotry to those that are up and coming church leaders. Who is gonna say "this stops with me" ? Eric huff once said "Learners will inherit the earth, while the learned find themselves adequately equipped to live in a world that no longer exists." For the last century the church has focused more internally on discipleship with less and less on the gospel; leaving those outside the church pleading for who Christ is and not knowing that they can find him here. Why must we conform people to christianity for them to become Christianity. We have a creative God who created diversity. Bigotry is digging the mass graves of hurting people who want your Christ. You can't even get over the guy in the pew next to you much less make it out the door to love a whore who thinks herself nothing better! I dream of a church where the ushers are sleeved in tattoo's and still invite the elderly over for brunch. But at this point, to be honest, I'd rather do life with a drunk than a pastor, cause I'd rather a screw up than a racist. Regardless where I find myself. I will articulate this holy gospel through my lips... ring and all! I will not bow to bigotry, endorsing the unbiblical masses at the expense of the marginalized. Without me the masses will make it to heaven through their poster child churches. I'd rather stay on their fringes cleaning all that they sweep under their rug. I will inter your sanctuaries through the side door with my integrity intact. For tonight thought, I retire, cause its late and currently I'm quite proud of myself that I wrote a very long blog without swearing ...quit while your ahead.