When the "enemy" becomes your friend.

I find it most interesting that I was so ignorant about so much of Islam. I say that laughingly because I was always the person saying "no, that's not in the Qu'ran, no that's not something that is taught to Muslims" etc etc etc.

I decided to take a class this semester called "Islam: History, Philosophy, and Religion". The class is taught by a religious studies professor and a practicing Muslim. She was born in Turkey, but is a US citizen. She also, until recently, was on the board for the ACLU. This is all important to her identity.

I was completely ignorant about this beautiful religion. I had no idea what was included in the Qu'ran (plenty of stories about Adam, Abraham and Jesus). I had no idea the rich history and tradition that is essential to Islam. I had no idea the racial make up of Muslim in the United States (1/3 African American, 1/3 Indian, Indonesian, and 1/3 Middle Eastern). I had no idea of the cultural effect of certain countries and the direct correlation to their ideas about Islam. I was completely ignorant. That was just weeks 1 and 2!

The story that broke my heart and really opened my eyes was a story she told about her daughter. Her daughter was 5 when 9/11 happened. Several weeks after the attacks, her daughter came and said, "Mama, Why are all Muslims so bad?" (they are of course practicing Muslims, so her daughter is referring to herself and her parents too). A 5 year old had learned through media and school that all Muslims are bad. Why do we not see the crime in this?

It's not simple enough to just say "well they have religious freedom". We need to take a stand against those who are trying (and succeeding) in dehumanizing our Islamic brothers and sisters. Learn more about Islam, learn more about people you may know who are Muslim, stop hate language by protesting or writing letters to those who use it in mainstream media or politicians who use it. Yes we have freedom of speech, we also have the freedom of speech to protest the words used to oppress people.

Am I asking you to worship with Muslims? Certainly not, unless you'd like to and you are welcomed. Am I asking you to convert to Islam? I would never ask anyone to convert or change their beliefs simply to be more open to someone else. All I'm asking is for some basic understanding and a little more love in this world.

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." -- Martin Luther King Jr.

When people and corporations meet...

In class this week I was giving a presentation about slow violence, specifically environmental racism and environmental violence. I was using a violence theory to explain the violence that is perpetuated by different companies and corporations and I had to step back.

Who am I to judge why or how decisions are being made within companies? How do I "know" that companies are simply doing cost/risk assessment and decided that product profit was more important than healthy families? I can surely assume that, but it isn't fair. Furthermore, if those companies (and the people who run them) did that, don't they deserve a second chance?

I was happy that I was part of a community that helped me step back from what I was thinking and say, "hey, this is something I'm fundamentally against others doing, I shouldn't be doing this either."

So here's to my second chance at approaching grace the right. I'm happy to overthrow judgement and liberate love.

God bless the world. No exceptions.

I feel like when I say this, people feel like I'm just paying lip service. That somehow I'm just "pretending" to care about the whole world. The truth is, I'm not, I mean it. At least in theory. Forgiveness, grace. They are hard things to remember. Especially on a day like today.

Today's lectionary text was the Matthew text in which Jesus tells Peter to forgive 70x7. As the preacher stood and told us that we continually forgive to get better at it and eventually achieve true forgivenss my cynical mind couldn't help wondering...How many of us actually do this? As a culture, we hold grudges, we revel in fear.



This particular image doesn't exactly represent the "best" of our society in so many ways. But it represents the idea of 70x7 forgiveness. We must continually work to forgive this image of people. We extend grace to those who both need it and those who may or may not WANT it.

This particular image was hard for me. POTSC is an amazing organization that helps me to live a better life, but I can't help remembering hurtful things in my own life. One of the last stigmas in church is "loud" children. I have two wonderful little boys (2 and 6 months) who go to church and chapel often. My oldest son "breaks the bread" during meals. However, they aren't known for being "quiet" and let's be honest, how many two year olds are awake and quiet?

*I* have the loud kid in church. THE PASTOR (well, student pastor, but you get my meaning). When I sit in chapel (at school) with my children, who are talking or whining because they want to run around, I sit terrified that someone is going to glare at me. Why? Because I'll be full of all this anger at them for their judgement and too much of a coward to stay. So I'll pack up my things and leave with the kids and that person WINS.

They don't win for God though. They aren't showing grace to my children. They aren't showing grace to me. However, that doesn't mean I can't give them the grace and forgive them. This poster reminds me of that. I hope it helps me to be able to do that.


And may God bless the whole world. No exceptions.


This post is part of an initiative by People of the Second Chance (POTSC). POTSC is launching the NEVER BEYOND Poster Series: 25 posters representing well known historical, current and fictional characters who are believed to have harmed society. This campaign consists of digital and print posters and the full collection will eventually be displayed as a touring art exhibit.

Schmucks don't ask for second chances...

I've done a lot of things that would make people cringe. When I think about my past I can't help but wish away certain moments. Then I remember that my Second Chance has brought me to here and now.

"Back then I used to tell the world “I’m Mike, the baddest man on the planet”, now I look at that Mike and say, “Hey Mike, you’re a schmuck”."

That quote is taken directly from Mike Tyson's twitter feed. This week in the "Never Beyond" poster series, we have Mike Tyson. To many he is only known for his face tattoo, role in the Hangover, or various crimes. To me, he is a living breathing second chance.



I wasn't sure if I was going to write a blog this week, because I have nothing but respect for Mike Tyson, so why would I need to write about that? Then, when I read the above quote on his twitter feed, I couldn't stay silent. Second chances aren't asked for by schmucks. People don't change unless they try.

According to Schmuck U the definition of schmuck is "
Schmuck, a Yiddish word, has a range of meaning depending on context. In its most innocuous use, a schmuck is a person who does a stupid thing, in which case "dumb schmuck" is the appropriate expression.

A schmuck's behavior ranges from pesky and inconsiderate, to obnoxious and manipulative. A schmuck's personality type ranges from jerk to bastard.

Schmucky behavior also falls within a range of intentionality. Some schmucks carefully plan their bad behavior, some only a little, and some not at all. For example, the bastard may spend considerable time planning his bad deeds. In contrast, the dumb schmuck and the pesky behave badly without any forethought."

While the definition is meant to make people laugh, I think it says a lot about who Mike is NOT. He is not a schmuck. He has owned what he has done and moved on to the future. He is a person of Second Chances. He is an inspiration to those of us who think ourselves a "schmuck". Mike Tyson helps to remind me of my Second Chance and inspires me to not look at myself as a schmuck, but admire the person I am today. I hope he can do that as well.



This post is part of a new initiative by People of the Second Chance (POTSC). POTSC is launching the NEVER BEYOND Poster Series: 25 posters representing well known historical, current and fictional characters who are believed to have harmed society. This campaign consists of digital and print posters and the full collection will eventually be displayed as a touring art exhibit.

Someday you'll thank me...

I remember the first time that my mom said that to me. "Someday you'll thank me". The first time that I said that to my son, I called my mom and thanked her. My mom taught me a lot about life and love and what being a true Christian was. She taught me a lot about grace and disappointment and trust. She taught me to give people the benefit of the doubt and to treat everyone fairly and equally.

What she probably doesn't realize is that she's the first person who taught me about second chances. When I was thirteen I lied to my mom about where I was going and who I was going with to the event. I went bowling and didn't have a ride home and had to call a family friend. When I got home, my mom questioned me and I tried to lie. She had me write out the definition of "integrity". The next day, my lies were forgotten and her trust in me returned. As far as I can remember I never really abused that trust again, at least intentionally.

Saying all that brings me to this. I love second chances. It makes ME feel renewed to be able to give them to others. It helps me cleanse myself. When I heard about the organization People of the Second Chance, I was in love. Grace is such a beautiful thing. When I read about the new campaign they were starting called "Never Beyond" I was practically jumping up and down in my seat! I love the idea of thinking about who we would or wouldn't give second chances to.





When I saw who the first week of the posters was, at first I was confused. I didn't recognize this face. I'm not much on pop culture anymore. It was Casey Anthony. I will admit that I know little about her story except what I read on twitter. I remember the day they read the verdict because that's all anyone could talk about. It seemed that the new motto for our justice system was not "innocent until proven guilty" it was "the public gets to decide if you're guilty".

As a parent I was sad to hear the story. Devastated at the loss of the life of a beautiful little girl. I was also devastated that we as a nation were judge and jury to a woman we didn't know. Casey is in need of a second chance.

I'll admit, when I saw her name, I immediately thought of all the people in my life who would be upset if I defended Casey in any way. People who would be appalled that I could let a "child murderer" "get away with it". But Casey is in need of that chance. I'm not her judge or jury. I can only offer her the love of Christ.

Maybe I'll make enemies by saying that even Casey Anthony deserves a Second Chance, but I know the definition of integrity and it requires that when asked the question "Who would you give a second chance?" I would wholeheartedly say "Casey Anthony"

(Thanks mom)

This post is part of a new initiative by People of the Second Chance (POTSC). POTSC is launching the NEVER BEYOND Poster Series: 25 posters representing well known historical, current and fictional characters who are believed to have harmed society. This campaign consists of digital and print posters and the full collection will eventually be displayed as a touring art exhibit.