The Lasting Lecture...

Okay, so last evening I picked up my dad and we headed off to York College to hear a lecture from Dr. Tony Campolo. Being a late bloomer, (now that my formal schooling has been on hold since I earned a B.A. in 1989), suddenly now that it doesn't really matter, I actually love attending lectures! Go figure! Of course, being the autograph junkie that I am, I had Campolo's two most recent books in tow, in hopes of obtaining yet another autograph.

We arrived early, as planned, in order to get a seat near the front, which we did. Tony filled a good hour with a fabulous mix of sociology (his academic field), theology (he is an ordained Baptist minister), humor (he is just plain funny!), stories (as only he can tell them), and quotes from the Bible, old hymns, existentialists, philosophers, scientists and on and on. He talked around a recent sociological study where fifty people over the age of ninety-five were asked the opened ended question, "If you could live your life over, what would you do differently?" The answers all centered around three things. First, they would risk more. Secondly, they would reflect more. And lastly, they would do more things that would outlive them. Tony spent the hour moving the audience through these three points in practical ways. He ended the evening by challenging all of us to change the world one relationship at a time. He pleaded with us to visit orphans and widows a la the book of James, to sponsor a Compassion International child or give up a summer or more in the inner cities or in the (so called) Third World serving "the least of these" that Jesus talks about. It was a moving talk. Deep and challenging. Gospel filled in an ecumenical way. I soaked up every word, took many notes. He ended the lecture and exited stage left. I got what he said and hoped everyone else did as well! And now let the autograph festivities begin!

Dad went out the back to find a friend he saw earlier. I went down front hurriedly with my book in hand, jostling for a place near the star of the evening. I arrived second, behind an older gentleman who shook Tony's hand and made a few nice comments. Just after I arrived at my place in line (second) and while I waited for my time to come, I noticed to my left another man also jostling for position. He was dirty looking. Hair unkempt, over sized glasses, looking raggedy and out of place. Even more troubling than the aura he was putting off, was the fact that he appeared to be trying to move from third to second in line...ahead of me! When the first man had completed his turn with Tony. Tony looked at the man and then at me. Without saying anything I handed him my book as if to say......."hey I'm next!" He asked my name and signed my book. I told him how much I enjoyed his lecture, thanked him for coming to York and also thanked him for his part in bringing his former student, Shane Claiborne, to the world. My turn was over, I walked away, satisfied in both the lecture and my still wet autograph!

As I walked toward the back, I looked back at Tony. I stopped in my tracks and heard from thirty feet away, as the crowd scattered, the real lecture, the lasting lecture. What I heard was not audible, yet it screamed and was powerful. It lasted only thirty seconds rather than 60 minutes, but it was the best part of the evening and the real lasting lecture. I watched from my platform of judgement and impatience as the well dressed, well respected, well educated Dr. Tony Campolo opened his arms wide and hugged this man who I had beaten to the front of the line. He didn't just hug him, he held him. Dr. Campolo and I saw two different men. I saw a dirty, you are not as good as me, go to the end of the line, I was here first man. Tony took the time to look into the man's eyes and saw a person, made in the image of God. He saw Jesus in disguise and he held him close. Tony had just finished sharing about real love, which flows into us from God and then out of us to others. He, as always, talked about being compassionate. I, along with God above, got to witness his real lecture. Anyone can utter words, good words. But few seem to back them up with actions, especially when no one is looking. Well almost no one!

Thanks, Tony! I got it!...hopefully, I will keep it!?

Gran(d) Torino...

We often describe a trip to the theater by saying "we saw a movie". This afternoon I "saw a movie". And yet, the term "saw", the act of visual sight, falls far short. I not only saw a matinee showing of Clint Eastwood's newest film, Gran Torino, but the experience, the seeing, was only the beginning. All of my senses became involved and captivated along the way. If ever a movie ticket was underpriced, and deserving of the overpriced popcorn, candy and soda, it is this movie, in which legend Eastwood both stars and directs.

Prior to it's release, I was teased by the trailer (it's job), which showed Eastwood, old but as tough as Dirty Harry. I have long been a action movie junkie, having seen and enjoyed many of the movies this well decorated actor has made. Based on the limited peek the trailer fed me and the rating of R, I went expecting to feed and satisfy my hunger for action. I left the table filled. What surprised me was the unexpected dessert, the many deep streams that ran through the movie converging in the end. I am not about to spoil the movie for those who have not yet seen it, so I cannot, at this point articulate the various plot details. What I can say here and now is that very few movies have left me in such a thoughtful state. This was much more than entertainment. This was an education in life. This was a spiritual movie, not in the evangelical, Focus on the Family approved sense, but in a deeper, thematic, practical way. The canvas on which this movie is painted is made of violence, hatred, racism and foul language. But upon that canvas, right in front of your eyes, is painted a masterpiece of friendship, family, generosity, forgiveness, sacrifice and love ~ real life and real death.

When the credits rolled, the entire audience remained seated in silence for several minutes. Not to witness some outtakes, but to digest the experience, at least enough to be able to make the walk through the lobby and to their cars. I open and close my post with a small correction to the title of the movie. A "d" is all I will add. Gran Torino is Grand Torino! Enjoy!

Why the New Whopper is Angry...

Have you seen the new Burger King ad? Their flagship sandwich, the Whopper, apparently has an anger problem, if you believe the ad. A few days ago, I set out on a mission of errand running right about lunchtime. Somewhere between errand two and three, the King's ad did its job jogging my memory and setting my car in motion toward the drive up window. I was both hungry and expectant at the moment the rage filled burger was passed through my car window. I ordered no fries or other side, not even a drink. I already had my ever present bottle of water by my side for this spicy journey.

Not to be distracted by driving and wanting to use both hands, I pulled into a nearly empty parking lot nearby to unwrap this newcomer to the world of burgers, a world in which I am well versed. As I unwrapped the burger a pleasant smell filled the car. Not having eaten a Whopper of any temperament for quite some time, I was first taken by the size of the bun. It was the size of a man's head! Once I began eating in earnest, I took note that the meat part of the sandwich, while having a large circumference, almost matching the head sized circumference of the bun, was nearly see through. It certainly did not give me a Whopper feeling. This disappointment was short lived and overshadowed by the fact that the whopper was not nearly as angry (spicy) as advertised. It seemed that the one I was holding had been to anger management class and done quite well.

I think the reason the Whopper is angry is because it has seen the ad and realizes it falls short of it's reputation! As far as burgers go, it is middle of the pack on it's best day. The ad proves far spicier than the sandwich!

Ledger is Legendary............

...and the Oscar goes to Heath Ledger!!! After all the fanfare and fuss since his untimely and unfortunate death, the (my) verdict is in............and it is all thumbs up! Yesterday afternoon, on opening day we (Sharon, Bob and me) set out, like so many others, to see this long awaited performance........Ledger as the Joker! He did not disappoint.............what a final performance! Prior to being a member of this vast audience, I was hoping that he would not be nominated for the Academy Award........I have not been a big fan of "sympathy votes" in the past for the dearly departed.....but now, having been moved by his performance...........the performance of a (short) lifetime.........I say: If he is not nominated and does not win...............what a crime! If you find yourself in the small group of persons having not yet seen it...........I say go......and make sure your bladder is empty when you sit down..............because there is not a slow spot during the two and a half hours that you will want to sacrifice in the john.........

Post Script: If you are one of my younger readers or are a bit sensitive..........make sure you are old enough and or have parental permission to go.........it is a great movie.......but it surely is not for everyone!

tip Worthy........

...have you ever gone out to eat after a long day of toiling, fully prepared to simply slump into a booth, be promptly greeted by a friendly and enthusiastic server, who will in due time, bring forth a delicious freshly created meal with a smile? ~ only to have your world rocked by a long wait, an unfriendly and unenthusiastic server, who obviously desires at that moment to be somewhere far far away, serving up something with little or no resemblance to the picture in the menu?.............of course you have, we all have! But, isn't it wonderful when it all works out and you are actually refreshed beyond your original expectations?!

I have to give a shout out to Jackie at LaBella's in Gettysburg, PA! Last night, my wife and some great friends (Bob & Vickie) simply slumped into a booth and were blessed to meet and engage with a wonderful young lady (Jackie) who was friendly, patient and very competent..........a blessing for sure and tip Worthy!

So if you find yourself in Gettysburg, PA ~ look up Jackie at Labella's and enjoy the service!.....and by the way, the food is great too! Thanks, Jackie.......keep up the good work! May God bless you as you finish at E-Town!

Post Script: As my wife has tried to teach me, if you encounter one of those servers who is not, lets say, tip Worthy, just remember to spread a little grace their way - you never know what is going on in their world...a divorce, death of a loved one, news of cancer etc, etc etc............Slowly I am trying to learn and practice this............lets practice together and make the world a better place?!

Dying of Thirst...

Water has become my drink of choice lately. I grew up gulping all the soda I could get my hands on, but recently, I gave up the bubbly for plain old water......clean and in seemingly endless supply. It recently occurred to me that water, like so many other things, is something that I take for granted - I think most Americans do?! When you have never done without, it is hard to imagine there are many who do!

At this years Jubilee Conference (put on by the CCO - Coalition for Christian Outreach) held in Pittsburgh, PA, an organization was present that gave me a reality check when it comes to water (and clean blood).........Blood:Water Mission is an AWESOME organization based in Nashville, TN (started by the band Jars of Clay) to address the HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa by providing clean blood: Freedom from HIV and clean water: The foundation for health.........

Check out their site, listed herein, and be part of the solution.........check out their The 1000 Wells Project at www.1000Wells.com .............$1 will save a life...........$1.........it doesn't take much coin to change lives (get it?)..............Be the solution.............Give life!

beans, books and veggies...

and off we go...I will quite often tell of the joys of good beans (coffee) ~ served up hot and black (as God intended!), good books (from Hearts and Minds, where else?) and lately the fresh organic veggies of our CSA (community supported agriculture)...........these are three of the best fruits of my everydays. I hope you read widely (and think/discuss)? If you do, no doubt you will find yourself in sparse company, sadly! And I hope (I may even beg a bit) that you are buying your books from a small, family owned and operated bookseller (hummm.........like Hearts and Minds Books). What a crime it would be to wake up one morning to realize that all of the mom and pop bookstores have finally succumbed to the online giants (like the one that starts with an A that is named after a South American river???)..........

on to coffee..........the drink of drinks........who do you buy your coffee from? After hundreds of gallons of various grocery store canned coffees (often grown by underpaid and overworked farmers), I have recently "seen the light". I read of two guys (Chris and John) who began a fair trade, organic coffee business, headquarted in Seattle, WA ~ Pura Vida Coffee! Check out their website, listed herein......buy a bag of beans......give it a try........it may cost a bit more....but remember cost is always more than economics! And please, no cream or sugar.........if you need cream and/or sugar............have a soda and save the coffee for the rest of us.

Finally on to fresh, organic, in season veggies................check out Elaines veggie site............I realize that most of you do not live in south central PA and cannot "shop" at Everblossom Farm.........but I bet there are some CSA's in your city, burb, town or county....we were inspired by friends in Chicago (Bill and Karen) and another set of local friends (Todd and Johanna) to give the CSA a try.............and we are just eating it up (literally)!.....until next time grab a book, a cup and some local veggies!