One of the most exciting, hilarious, and yet utterly frustrating experiences a person can have is the anticipation of an event. Humans love looking forward to things, regardless of how annoying the wait becomes. The suspense, promise of reward, and all-around electric feeling surrounds everything from Call of Duty Black Spec Ghost Ops releases (or whatever game Activision is making now), birthday presents, or even a simple night out with friends. However seat-of-your-pants impatient you may become, the wait is a key part of the whole experience.
Many events in American culture have this same "time tag" slapped on the packaging. It tells you that, for best results, you should _______. The blank can be filled with anything, from waiting a set amount of time or completing some type of action.
For instance, if you want to become CEO of a company, you must first: get a job in said company, work to get promoted, schmooze up to your boss, make a breaking deal - and then you'll be made CEO. If you want to drive a car, you must first: get a learner's permit, drive safely for two years, complete Joshua's Law - and then you can get a driver's license. If you want to eat that banana, you must first wait until it's ripe - then you can eat it.
Now, I grant you that these formulas may not actually work like this in the real world (Bananas can be tricky blighters). But I'm sure you get the idea. Whether it's a tasty treat or a life-altering promotion, the wait is most definitely worth it.
Sadly, this rule has all but been ignored in our present society.
It is no longer the shrewd, competent businessman who is made CEO. Rather, it is the man or women who is perfectly ready to do whatever it takes to make it to the top. These individuals don't care who they crush on the way there, as long as they reach their destination. As a result, they don't have half the knowledge and experience that is gained by the young desk clerk on the first floor office, who does his best to preform his job - whatever that may be - with excellence and diligence. Who do you think is more admirable in this situation?
Closer to home for us teens is the area of dating. There used to be a time where it was unheard of for two people to start "romantic" relationships at thirteen, fifteen, or even seventeen. It was just kind of ludicrous to most folks. Why? Because they knew that those kids - yes, we're still kids, deal with it - couldn't possibly be ready for that kind of relationship. Not just because of their age (That's a debate topic I won't approach right now), but because of the simple reason that their lives hadn't progressed far enough to make that sort of commitment feasible. It was just illogical to them!
Now, the idea of dating is less of a "I'm looking for a lifelong partner", and more of a "I'm looking for companionship". When most teens think they're looking for a date, they're really just looking for an honest friend, some one who will understand them and whom they can understand. But ninety-nine percent of these teens aren't aware of that line, and so they assume that the hole in their heart needs to be filled with romance. The ensuing "relationships" are nothing more than a breeding place for hurt, betrayal, and emotional scarring. And when the pair of jilted lovers shake off their sorrow, nothing has changed. So they start the process again, with the same inevitable result.
That's not to say there are no exceptions to this sad rule. I've seen many wonderful young couples in my time that lit up a room with their honest, pure, self-sacrificing love. They don't throw themselves all over each other, like actors trying to convince you of their affection. Rather, their love shines trough the little things they do: a small smile, a warm hug, a gentle laugh. They don't need showy displays of adoration, because the two of them know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, where they stand. They are more than just a couple; they are two sides of the same coin. It is a truly wonderful sight to see, a reminder that a joy such as theirs can exist in our broken world.
"Patience is a virtue." This proverb is often quoted in our world. Wisdom of the ages is greatly valued... Right? Or are we too busy listening to our fickle hearts to hear the whispers of those who have gone before, who have made our mistakes and dealt with the consequences. Why can't we pay heed? Why can't we slow down enough to let them carry us along? Why does our pride rule our minds, eater than the other way around?
These are only some of the unanswerable questions that life seems so fond of.
~
Walter J. Scott
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
The Paladin
Strength. Determination. Courage. Such are the words used to describe the paladin of good, protector of the weak. He stands resolute in the face of danger, shining sword held high in defiance of the darkness around him. He is kind, noble, and selfless.
In short, he is everything we aspire to be. He is the target to aim for, the standard to shoot for. Utterly desirable, and yet utterly unattainable.
But what makes him... Well... Him? We've identified these qualities, but what do they mean? What is it about him that is so fascinating, so captivating? What makes him the idol that he is?
Many have tried to answer these questions, with varying amounts of success. Some were philosophers, some writers. Some were kings, others peasants. Some were wise, others... Not so much.
In my experience, the most knowledgable of these are who would seem to be the least so. Songwriters tend to take an entirely different view on pretty much anything, offering a refreshing new outlook that's often more than a little philosophical. So, to discuss this question with us, I've enlisted the help of several good friends of mine. You may recognize them, as I dearly hope you do.
Now, onward!
"Though they may surround me like lions, and crush me on all sides. I may fall, but I will rise. Not by my might or my power or by the strength of swords. Only through your love my Lord." ~ Josh Garrels
The paladin is strong, resolute in the face of danger. His will is iron, refusing to bow before any other.
Now, Josh isn't talking about physical strength here. Any lunkhead can go to a gym and get bulked up. Rather, he's talking about strength of character. The true paladin knows where his strength lies, and it is not in his own arms. His sword is not his weapon, nor his shield his protection. Instead he trusts in the power of his Savior, his Lord, his Captain.
"I'm not going down that easy! It takes more than this just to break me. I'm not going down without bleeding. I'm not going down without a fight!" ~ Pillar
The paladin is a defender, a warrior. He fights the holy war, conquering the forces of darkness wherever they are found. He never gives up, never gives in. He gives his all all the time, refusing to settle for less.
The truly good things in this life are the things worth fighting for, worth waiting for. The paladin knows what is worth the effort, what's worth sacrificing for. The blessings of God far outweigh those gifts of the world, and that is what the paladin shoots for. And he won't give it up easily.
"Go ahead, you're never gonna take me! You can bend but you're never gonna break me. I was yours, I'm not yours anymore. You don't own me!" ~ Disciple
Courage. Pure, unadulterated courage. The paladin quakes at nothing, fears no one. Hopeless situations? I'm ready. Invincible enemies? I can take 'em. Impossible odds? Bring it on.
But this confidence doesn't come from within him. No, that would be arrogance. Instead, the paladin has complete faith in his Commander. He know that he's never alone, he'll never be forsaken. And in that comforting thought, he finds the ability to conquer an obstacle.
So the paladin's power lies not in his sword. Not in his armor, nor in his steed. It lies in his Lord, his King. The paladin seeks out His strength and courage and determination, and finds rest in it. And therein lies the true power of the Paladin.
In short, he is everything we aspire to be. He is the target to aim for, the standard to shoot for. Utterly desirable, and yet utterly unattainable.
But what makes him... Well... Him? We've identified these qualities, but what do they mean? What is it about him that is so fascinating, so captivating? What makes him the idol that he is?
Many have tried to answer these questions, with varying amounts of success. Some were philosophers, some writers. Some were kings, others peasants. Some were wise, others... Not so much.
In my experience, the most knowledgable of these are who would seem to be the least so. Songwriters tend to take an entirely different view on pretty much anything, offering a refreshing new outlook that's often more than a little philosophical. So, to discuss this question with us, I've enlisted the help of several good friends of mine. You may recognize them, as I dearly hope you do.
Now, onward!
"Though they may surround me like lions, and crush me on all sides. I may fall, but I will rise. Not by my might or my power or by the strength of swords. Only through your love my Lord." ~ Josh Garrels
The paladin is strong, resolute in the face of danger. His will is iron, refusing to bow before any other.
Now, Josh isn't talking about physical strength here. Any lunkhead can go to a gym and get bulked up. Rather, he's talking about strength of character. The true paladin knows where his strength lies, and it is not in his own arms. His sword is not his weapon, nor his shield his protection. Instead he trusts in the power of his Savior, his Lord, his Captain.
"I'm not going down that easy! It takes more than this just to break me. I'm not going down without bleeding. I'm not going down without a fight!" ~ Pillar
The paladin is a defender, a warrior. He fights the holy war, conquering the forces of darkness wherever they are found. He never gives up, never gives in. He gives his all all the time, refusing to settle for less.
The truly good things in this life are the things worth fighting for, worth waiting for. The paladin knows what is worth the effort, what's worth sacrificing for. The blessings of God far outweigh those gifts of the world, and that is what the paladin shoots for. And he won't give it up easily.
"Go ahead, you're never gonna take me! You can bend but you're never gonna break me. I was yours, I'm not yours anymore. You don't own me!" ~ Disciple
Courage. Pure, unadulterated courage. The paladin quakes at nothing, fears no one. Hopeless situations? I'm ready. Invincible enemies? I can take 'em. Impossible odds? Bring it on.
But this confidence doesn't come from within him. No, that would be arrogance. Instead, the paladin has complete faith in his Commander. He know that he's never alone, he'll never be forsaken. And in that comforting thought, he finds the ability to conquer an obstacle.
So the paladin's power lies not in his sword. Not in his armor, nor in his steed. It lies in his Lord, his King. The paladin seeks out His strength and courage and determination, and finds rest in it. And therein lies the true power of the Paladin.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
The Competitor's Creed
I am a Christian first and last.
I am created in the likeness of God Almighty to bring Him glory.
I am a member of Team Jesus Christ.
I wear the colors of the cross.
I am a Competitor now and forever.
I am made to strive, to strain, to stretch and to succeed in the arena of competition.
I am a Christian competitor, and as such I face my challenger with the face of Christ.
I do not trust in myself.
I do not boast in my abilities or believe in my own strength.
I rely solely on the power of God.
I compete for the pleasure of my Heavenly Father, the honor of Christ, and the reputation of the Holy Spirit.
My attitude on and off the field is above reproach - my conduct beyond criticism.
Whether I am preparing, practicing, or playing, I submit to God's authority and those He has put over me. I respect my coaches, officials, teammates and competitors out of respect for the Lord.
My body is the temple of Jesus Christ.
I protect it from within and without.
Nothing enters my body that does not honor the Living God.
My sweat is an offering to my Master.
My soreness is a sacrifice to my Savior.
I give my all - all the time.
I do not give up. I do not give in.
I do not give out. I am the Lord's warrior - a competitor by convictions and a disciple of determination.
I am confident beyond reason because my confidence lies in Christ.
The results of my efforts must result in His glory.
LET THE COMPETITION BEGIN.
LET THE GLORY BE GOD'S.
I am created in the likeness of God Almighty to bring Him glory.
I am a member of Team Jesus Christ.
I wear the colors of the cross.
I am a Competitor now and forever.
I am made to strive, to strain, to stretch and to succeed in the arena of competition.
I am a Christian competitor, and as such I face my challenger with the face of Christ.
I do not trust in myself.
I do not boast in my abilities or believe in my own strength.
I rely solely on the power of God.
I compete for the pleasure of my Heavenly Father, the honor of Christ, and the reputation of the Holy Spirit.
My attitude on and off the field is above reproach - my conduct beyond criticism.
Whether I am preparing, practicing, or playing, I submit to God's authority and those He has put over me. I respect my coaches, officials, teammates and competitors out of respect for the Lord.
My body is the temple of Jesus Christ.
I protect it from within and without.
Nothing enters my body that does not honor the Living God.
My sweat is an offering to my Master.
My soreness is a sacrifice to my Savior.
I give my all - all the time.
I do not give up. I do not give in.
I do not give out. I am the Lord's warrior - a competitor by convictions and a disciple of determination.
I am confident beyond reason because my confidence lies in Christ.
The results of my efforts must result in His glory.
LET THE COMPETITION BEGIN.
LET THE GLORY BE GOD'S.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Dark Horses
Expectations. It's a big word, isn't it? Scares some people, invigorates others.
In every situation, every circumstance, every experience, people expect things. They go into something with a prearranged opinion of how it's going to turn out, or how someone else is going to act, or what a certain group of people is like.
It's hard to try and sort out all the different standards set by the world. Some say you should act one way, and then contradict themselves five minutes down the road. The easiest thing to do us just follow the crowd. Find a model, make like a monkey and do what they do. Then at least you're protected by the power of mass opinion.
This is certainly the most logical, safe course of action. Nothing gets messy, no one gets confused. And no one gets uncomfortable.
But is this really what we want? Do we want a generation of happy, preppy drones that only know how to keep the status quote? Or do we want unpopular dreamers that can see past their own horizons? Adventurous nobodies that dare to try?! Are we content with mere proficiency, or will we dare to do strive for excellence? Because that's the true question that faces our generation today.
As much as I'd love to, I can't give you an answer to this question. You have to make a choice for yourself: that's the entire point of this discussion.
"And we're singing HEY! You can't count us out! We've been running up against the crowd. Yeah, we are the dark horses." ~ Jon Foreman
Most horses are led tamely by a tiny bit of metal fit between their teeth. They trot along because that's all they know to do. But dark horses? They're too wild to submit. They know their true master, and they won't accept being bridled by anyone except Him.
Who is your master? Is it a world that seeks to turn you into a mass-produced consumer content with an average? Or is it a God who made you an individual, who loves you exactly the way you are, and has an amazing destiny in mind that's tailor-fit just for YOU?
I know who I've chosen. The dark horses won't settle for just any rider. They want exactly one: the master who'd raised them since the beginning, who cares for them and treats them with kindness.
Which one are you?
In every situation, every circumstance, every experience, people expect things. They go into something with a prearranged opinion of how it's going to turn out, or how someone else is going to act, or what a certain group of people is like.
It's hard to try and sort out all the different standards set by the world. Some say you should act one way, and then contradict themselves five minutes down the road. The easiest thing to do us just follow the crowd. Find a model, make like a monkey and do what they do. Then at least you're protected by the power of mass opinion.
This is certainly the most logical, safe course of action. Nothing gets messy, no one gets confused. And no one gets uncomfortable.
But is this really what we want? Do we want a generation of happy, preppy drones that only know how to keep the status quote? Or do we want unpopular dreamers that can see past their own horizons? Adventurous nobodies that dare to try?! Are we content with mere proficiency, or will we dare to do strive for excellence? Because that's the true question that faces our generation today.
As much as I'd love to, I can't give you an answer to this question. You have to make a choice for yourself: that's the entire point of this discussion.
"And we're singing HEY! You can't count us out! We've been running up against the crowd. Yeah, we are the dark horses." ~ Jon Foreman
Most horses are led tamely by a tiny bit of metal fit between their teeth. They trot along because that's all they know to do. But dark horses? They're too wild to submit. They know their true master, and they won't accept being bridled by anyone except Him.
Who is your master? Is it a world that seeks to turn you into a mass-produced consumer content with an average? Or is it a God who made you an individual, who loves you exactly the way you are, and has an amazing destiny in mind that's tailor-fit just for YOU?
I know who I've chosen. The dark horses won't settle for just any rider. They want exactly one: the master who'd raised them since the beginning, who cares for them and treats them with kindness.
Which one are you?
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Fearless Tears
You can't take away my strength
Fix these broken things
There's nothing left to hide
Live free or let me die
And so goes the chorus of my latest musical obsession. It's a raw, powerful rhythm that makes you want to jump up and down, punch through metal, and take on an army. All at the same time.
These words inspire me. Because now, my strength can no longer be stolen from me. I have nothing to hide, and I'm not afraid to die. This new power is not my own, nor is this life mine to live. I have no fear, only a future.
You can't kill someone who's already dead.
The confusion and pain that haunted me has disappeared like the night, fleeing before the rising sun. New purpose has flooded in, sunlight warming the inner recesses of my soul.
Dear Reader
I'd expect you're somewhat befuddled. My apologies. Evidently this new clarity is hampering my manners. Please, allow me to explain. And so we shall journey back to the troubled young man, as he lay in a painful, restless slumber...
I awoke with a start, a strangled scream tearing itself from my throat. My heart thudding like a hammer, I sat up and looked about. The wasted landscape I had been trapped in so long was gone! Instead, white mist swirled about me, caressing my face with a blessed cool. Smiling, I closed my eyes, simply enjoying this alien feeling some might call happiness.
Soon, I felt a presence approaching through the fog. Every muscle in my body tensed, and I leaped to my feet. Sure enough, someone stood there.
I couldn't see it's face for some reason. I guess it was obscured by the mist? I still don't remember. Or maybe... It just didn't matter. Anyway, I could tell it was human, and female at that. Curious, I lowered my fists a fraction. "Hello?" I called, trying not to sound afraid.
She raised a hand in greeting, and began to speak. I listened, and it didn't take long for me to realize who she was. She wasn't a person: she was an idea! She was everything I'd been trying so desperately to hold onto, all that I simply could not - would not! - let go of.
A bubble of elation floated up into my chest and burst just as quickly. Try as I might, I simply couldn't make myself feel... Happy. And that scared me.
But as she continued talking, something else began to peek up from my heart. Something so foreign, she had finished talking by the time
I'd figured it out. Something that took me completely by surprise. Something that I never would've associated with the being in front of me.
It was peace. But not just any peace. It was the peace that comes from total surrender to your circumstances. An abandonment, a surrender to that which you've always fought against. It wasn't contentment, but an absence of conflict.
For an instant, I was terrified. But then I kept listening, and gradually my arms began to lower. My jaw unclenched, and my shoulders slacked. Deep in my stomach, a furious knot of tension began to unwind.
As her sweet voice soothed the aches of my soul, I noticed something I hadn't before. A thin line of black trailed from her neck, down her gown, and across the floor, where it connected to my still-tightened fists.
She stopped speaking as I stared in horror at this thing that was undoubtedly a chain. I looked back up at her, apologies about to burst from my mouth. How could I have done this?! I had trapped us both in this terrible prison!
But before I could utter a word, her cool finger pressed against my lips and shut them tight. Then she began to tell me about the chain, and the peace blossoming in my chest grew.
I had put it there, a very long time ago. She had accepted this bond of trust and love willingly, and we had been happy, each lost in the joy of the other's company.
But as the weeks grew into months, the distance between us increased. Soon there came a time when a change was called for. And I simply couldn't see!! Couldn't tell that it was time to let go, to move on. To release out old bonds, making way for stronger, purer ties.
When she had finished, tears poured silently down my face. The peace had spread from my chest down and out to the rest of me. I could feel the unearthly force soothing my tense muscles, relaxing my frantic mind.
She smiled at me, a kind smile full of forgiveness. And after a moment, I wiped away my tears and smiled back.
I knew what I had to do.
Looking down, I smiled sadly at my fist. It was still clenched tightly around the chain, untouched by the brightening glow of peace in my mind. But that changed as I forced my frozen, resisting digits to move. Gradually, they opened, the links of the chain slipping through my cold fingers. Each link felt as if it weighed a thousand pounds, each hitting the floor with all the authority of an anchor. But with every resounding crash, the next link was a little lighter, slipping faster and faster across my warming skin.
When the final piece dropped to the floor, the entire chain shattered into razor sharp shards of night. I caught a glimpse of her face, and she was smiling. Then the mist began to swirl, and everything around me disappeared.
But I wasn't scared this time. Instead, as I felt myself being swept away, I just smiled. Because all I felt, for the first, blessed time... Was peace.
~
Sir Walter Joshua Scott
Fix these broken things
There's nothing left to hide
Live free or let me die
And so goes the chorus of my latest musical obsession. It's a raw, powerful rhythm that makes you want to jump up and down, punch through metal, and take on an army. All at the same time.
These words inspire me. Because now, my strength can no longer be stolen from me. I have nothing to hide, and I'm not afraid to die. This new power is not my own, nor is this life mine to live. I have no fear, only a future.
You can't kill someone who's already dead.
The confusion and pain that haunted me has disappeared like the night, fleeing before the rising sun. New purpose has flooded in, sunlight warming the inner recesses of my soul.
Dear Reader
I'd expect you're somewhat befuddled. My apologies. Evidently this new clarity is hampering my manners. Please, allow me to explain. And so we shall journey back to the troubled young man, as he lay in a painful, restless slumber...
I awoke with a start, a strangled scream tearing itself from my throat. My heart thudding like a hammer, I sat up and looked about. The wasted landscape I had been trapped in so long was gone! Instead, white mist swirled about me, caressing my face with a blessed cool. Smiling, I closed my eyes, simply enjoying this alien feeling some might call happiness.
Soon, I felt a presence approaching through the fog. Every muscle in my body tensed, and I leaped to my feet. Sure enough, someone stood there.
I couldn't see it's face for some reason. I guess it was obscured by the mist? I still don't remember. Or maybe... It just didn't matter. Anyway, I could tell it was human, and female at that. Curious, I lowered my fists a fraction. "Hello?" I called, trying not to sound afraid.
She raised a hand in greeting, and began to speak. I listened, and it didn't take long for me to realize who she was. She wasn't a person: she was an idea! She was everything I'd been trying so desperately to hold onto, all that I simply could not - would not! - let go of.
A bubble of elation floated up into my chest and burst just as quickly. Try as I might, I simply couldn't make myself feel... Happy. And that scared me.
But as she continued talking, something else began to peek up from my heart. Something so foreign, she had finished talking by the time
I'd figured it out. Something that took me completely by surprise. Something that I never would've associated with the being in front of me.
It was peace. But not just any peace. It was the peace that comes from total surrender to your circumstances. An abandonment, a surrender to that which you've always fought against. It wasn't contentment, but an absence of conflict.
For an instant, I was terrified. But then I kept listening, and gradually my arms began to lower. My jaw unclenched, and my shoulders slacked. Deep in my stomach, a furious knot of tension began to unwind.
As her sweet voice soothed the aches of my soul, I noticed something I hadn't before. A thin line of black trailed from her neck, down her gown, and across the floor, where it connected to my still-tightened fists.
She stopped speaking as I stared in horror at this thing that was undoubtedly a chain. I looked back up at her, apologies about to burst from my mouth. How could I have done this?! I had trapped us both in this terrible prison!
But before I could utter a word, her cool finger pressed against my lips and shut them tight. Then she began to tell me about the chain, and the peace blossoming in my chest grew.
I had put it there, a very long time ago. She had accepted this bond of trust and love willingly, and we had been happy, each lost in the joy of the other's company.
But as the weeks grew into months, the distance between us increased. Soon there came a time when a change was called for. And I simply couldn't see!! Couldn't tell that it was time to let go, to move on. To release out old bonds, making way for stronger, purer ties.
When she had finished, tears poured silently down my face. The peace had spread from my chest down and out to the rest of me. I could feel the unearthly force soothing my tense muscles, relaxing my frantic mind.
She smiled at me, a kind smile full of forgiveness. And after a moment, I wiped away my tears and smiled back.
I knew what I had to do.
Looking down, I smiled sadly at my fist. It was still clenched tightly around the chain, untouched by the brightening glow of peace in my mind. But that changed as I forced my frozen, resisting digits to move. Gradually, they opened, the links of the chain slipping through my cold fingers. Each link felt as if it weighed a thousand pounds, each hitting the floor with all the authority of an anchor. But with every resounding crash, the next link was a little lighter, slipping faster and faster across my warming skin.
When the final piece dropped to the floor, the entire chain shattered into razor sharp shards of night. I caught a glimpse of her face, and she was smiling. Then the mist began to swirl, and everything around me disappeared.
But I wasn't scared this time. Instead, as I felt myself being swept away, I just smiled. Because all I felt, for the first, blessed time... Was peace.
~
Sir Walter Joshua Scott
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