Openminded Myth

The more I delve into the philosophies and ideals of the world around me, the more I become irritated at the weak thoughts that take root and flourish in people's minds. See, from my position as a devout, conservative Christian, I can see may things others cannot. However, many folks in this enlightened world of ours tend to take my position as "close-minded" because I have settled the questions of many things in my own mind. 

They (and I use the term loosely and towards no individual in particular, just generally) say that open-mindedness is the way to go. That there are so many options and ways of life that need to be considered when choosing how to act and believe in this world. That no one religion or society can have it right. 

This appears to be wisdom, but it's lunacy in its purest form. And here's my problems with this "open-minded" philosophy.

First off, this philosophy poses to be considerate of all types of ways of life, but it is very selective of which parts. Christianity, for example, and the wealth of wisdom and prudence in its traditions and Scripture is hardly taken for any sort of value. Even the teachings of Jesus (which are mainly directed towards God's Kingdom and the Body of Christ; i.e. Christians) are overlooked or disregarded even though so many hold Jesus in high esteem as a "great moral teacher." The fact that even considering Christianity as a viable source for philosophical and moral guidance is off the table for most who claim "open-mindedness" disintegrates the integrity of their position. But there's more...

Second, there is a myth that open-mindedness and considering all sorts of ideals and philosophies enhances one's life, opens options. And the more options, the more enlightened a person can be, and the better off they are. This is a perspective issue. "Open-minded" people seem to think that all these various, competing philosophies are laid out in the giant thought bubble of life. People who just choose one, are at a severe disadvantage because more is better. So why not take a few, be open-minded. Consider all the possibilities. Embrace all the different thoughts and ways of life. Why not?

Because the concept of all ideas being laid out and being able to choose more than one does not allow the reality to be acknowledged. Philosophies are not hinged in space like an intellectual buffet, these ways of life are paths. You know what a path is, right? It's a road that leads somewhere. It takes you places. 

Open-minded people contend that all paths lead to the same place. For the most part, they're right. There are a billion paths that are not mutually exclusive because they all lead to ultimate destruction. There is one path that is mutually exclusive from all the rest (that Jesus one that the open-minded fail to consider) and is the only one that leads anywhere good.

Near as I can figure, that's the main reason why Christianity is attacked by such enlightened, "open-minded" individuals and groups. They can't wrap their mind around a religion that purports to be the ONLY way. 

The fallacy of being open-minded is that eventually you have to walk one path. It really doesn't matter which one you walk, if it's not the True path, then they WILL all lead you to the same place - destruction and death. At least they're right about that. They've just been lied to about the destination.

Open-minded people cannot and will not consider these words at all. They are in love with choices and don't want to deal with the possibility of being wrong. Their comfort is in believing that there is no wrong road. So they rarely every come to a decision about anything. They don't realize that indecision IS a decision (and what's more, it's the wrong one...). 

The myth of open-mindedness is that it offers ultimate freedom. But the reality is that they are shackled by their own ignorance. The more "knowledge" they gain, the more they believe they are enlightened. But the more they are bound by indecision. They lose their identity. They lose the ability to make a moral decision. They lose objectivity. They are bound by emotion and feelings and every thought that comes into their mind. 

I have chosen the path that yields freedom, true freedom. Making a choice is not the same as being closed-minded, it simply means I considered the options and MADE a decision. When you find the right answer, you don't need to go around considering the plethora of wrong ones.

Crises

Sirens are blaring. People are screaming. Gun fire sporadically punctures the air like thunder. Your best friend is lying across your knees, blood is spilling out of his chest. The only question that can be asked is "WHAT DO YOU DO?"

Would you weigh your options carefully and implement a plan justified by the situation? Or would you just freak out and scream like a baby who just had its thumbs ripped off?

Truth is, some people are vastly more equipped to handle crises than other people. If my first few sentences made your stomach turn and your thoughts freeze with "how terrible!" then it's quite likely you're missing the standard package of resolve to deal with such situations. 

But if you share whatever virtue that seems to be in me, your mind would immediately assess the situation and you would calmly and deliberately be able to take action. Keep your head, overcome, survive, save, whatever was required. 

Personally, even though my personality and training makes me most adept at handling sticky situations, I would rather NOT deal with them. I don't know if everyone who is gifted like me shares the same sentiment. Perhaps there is some brave soul out there who THRIVES on the crisis moment. Maybe there's someone seeking to throw themself into the flames on a daily basis. Waiting for that perfect moment of unexpected tragedy. I guess this describes firefighters, EMTs and police officers... and even our service men but how many of them actually enjoy it to the point of hoping for it?

I hope few do. 

While I like the fact that IF something comes up, I can handle it, I would much rather see events happen according to a well oiled, predictable manner. Is that boring? Maybe. But when you have to deal with the consequences of the unexpected, boring becomes far preferable. I like taking risks, don't get me wrong. But risks don't always yield crises. And when you take a risk, you still make a conscious choice, you expect the outcome to be either good or bad. You're braced for the worst case scenario. When a crisis happens, you're not prepared, not braced, no choice. You face it or let it knock the wind out of you. 

Not a fan of being knocked down by circumstance. Maybe it's that fighting spirit that makes me so well equipped to deal with whatever life throws into the mix. 

Just a few weeks ago, I crashed my car. Walked away from it, joked with the officers at the scene, EMTs, bystanders. Handled. No biggie, everyone's alive and safe. Could have died. Sucks, car is gone. No problem, I'll just get another. The lesson I learned - Takes much, much more than a car accident at 55mph to knock me down. That and God is definitely protecting me. 

The other night, a girl at youth group tripped, smacked her forehead on a piano bench and got a huge gash under her eyebrow. This happened in the first 10 minutes of church... No problem. Get some napkins, get pressure on it. "Bad news, looks like you're going to live..." Called the parents. No worries. Twelve stitches later, she's alright. Church went on as normal once she left for the hospital. Life carried on. Crises are meant to be handled and then life goes back on track.

Why is it like this for me? I don't know. Does this tend to serve me well when theser events happen? Yes, and for that I'm grateful. I would have been out of luck if, at any time during these situations, I would have been the type of person to break down and cry from the overwhelming chaos and disruption of normality. 

Maybe I'm just suited to be in those situations. Maybe it's absolute normality that I can't handle well. 

What's the biggest crisis YOU'VE ever handled well?

Informed Opinion

I've heard this phrase numerous times in my life. In fact, I'm pretty sure this phrase has escaped my lips more than once. This phrase supposedly embodies the discontent of youth and the longing to enter adulthood - "I can't wait until I'm an adult, then I can do whatever I want!"

I say that this phrase "supposedly" embodies the desire to enter adulthood, but the keen fact is that this phrase only cements the ideology of a child and so results in a childish outlook of what adulthood is. 

When the young use this (all to common) expression, the pure concern is that the right of passage once the appropriate age is achieved yield the power and right to do whatever they want; a licence to express one's will without resistance or contradiction from other's. Young people (myself included) believe that coming of age means that one's actions are free from consequence or personal scrutiny, that one can finally live freely and focus on them alone. 

"I'm an adult, and I'll do what I want."

This saying insists on a rebellious nature consistent with that of a child's temper tantrum. Because I do consider myself an actual, bona-fide adult (at the ripe old age of 25...) let me tell you what I want to do. (Just try and stop me, punks!)

I want to live in such a way that contributes to my society. I want my opinions and actions to matter in light of the whole of human existence. I want to be connected to my cultural surroundings and endeavor for the betterment of others over my own personal advancements. I want to focus on filling up others and helping them instead of selfishly trying everything under the sun in a vain attempt to distract/entertain myself for a mere moment. I want what I do to matter to somebody. And I want that others should view my example as excellent and worthy of adopting as the philosophy for their lives as well. I want people to realize what it truly means to be an "adult."

Being an adult doesn't mean I get to live for myself. In fact, that would be the most miserable thing in the entire world. Imagine an unending quest to find the one thing that would fulfill life to the utmost. Imagine searching endlessly for something to entertain and delight the soul forever. Imagine seeking so fervently that all other concerns are pushed aside, other people's wants, wishes and desires are ignored outright simply because they do not pertain to the goal. That is a recipe for a miserable existence. Yet is is exactly what is meant in that youthful expression. 

No, being an adult means that everything I do should be constructive, not only for myself, but for those around me. 

So many people seem to think that the indulgences of this world are worthwhile. People get shrouded in the cigarette smoke, drown in alcohol, remain in a constant daze of drugs, all the while destroying their bodies and minds and wrecking their souls. Even their choice of foods leads to degradation. Obesity is rampant in America, diabetes seems as likely as the common cold, and healthy foods are scorned, rejected for the flavorful delights of sugary fats and "comforting" heart attacks waiting to happen. What man had meant for occasional treats, we have overindulged and made things never meant for it as a regular diet...

All in the name of personal freedom.

Sure, you get to do what you want, but doing that will not GET you what you truly want. These drugs anesthetize the reality of life without treating the symptoms. The condition is of the heart and the misguided perspective held by those who think the sole purpose of life is to be happy. Happiness is so conditional, so subjective. Chasing after what makes you happy will not yield health, fulfillment or even a life worthy of retelling. 

Instead, chase that which truly matters. Principles of valor, Virtues of honesty and integrity, and a relationship with the one, the Almighty God. Seek the things that no one can take away. Seek the things that circumstances cannot steal from you. Seek God above all else. Seek to live a life that is not bent on appeasing yourself and watch happiness find YOU. Change what you want. If you want to live for others, contributing to the lives of those outside yourself, you will find fulfillment enough to smile. And what's more, you will lend happiness to the lives you touch.

That's what I want to do. I am an adult. 

Grow up.

Almost Nearly Died

I can barely believe that it's been almost two weeks since my last post. I suppose it's a tad bit easier to believe when you consider the perfect storm of events that conspired to keep me from creative expression (blogging counts... I'm sure it does!) the past few days.

I'll start at the beginning. This week my boss, the senior pastor at the Church I work with, took a week for vacation/to attend General Conference. This brought me the opportunity to "hold down the fort." Normally, I'm the king at holding down forts. I've been making them since I was 3 years of age. But the normal tradition has been that a guest speaker was found to ease some of the speaking responsibility from me during an absence. No such apportions were made this particular time. So an extra 2 sermons for Sunday (and MC'ing the service) and 2 Bible studies were added to my weekly ministry responsibilities.

No big deal. I can handle that. After all, I am a healthy, young, energetic youth pastor trained for homiletic adventures. Piece of cake. Just a little more to add to the load. 

But Friday, in the middle of preparations for the weekend I had a brush with my own mortality.

On the return from a trip to Zephyrhills (a drive I've completed countless times before), I carted back several plastic crates of memorabilia from my High School days. I was forced to detour from my road, 98, as I neared my town of Lakeland because of a terrible accident. Once I managed to find my way back to the main road (they hadn't put detour signs up yet and I had to guess the right direction) I thought it was clear sailing back to my house. Maybe I'd make a small pit-stop at Walmart on the way back. 

That's when fate interceded. I came to a green light at an intersection I know well. At 98 and Banana, I pushed through at the speed limit - 55 and began to let my subconscious construct a shopping list for when I reached the shopping center. I remember the moment with absolute intensity - there was the green light, I thought there was clear sailing. Then absolute horror. A split second that seemed like a mini-eternity. My brain knew the right command, STOP! but there was no physiological way for my feet to hit the pedals in time and absolutely no way the laws of physics could be bent in a way that would allow me to avoid what was inevitable... Collision is imminent. No, the only thing I had time to do was take a deep breath and pray.

SMASH!

This is where my car landed after I ran into someone who decided they could make the left without knowing whether or not cars were coming.


The damage to my car was extensive. I knew it was totalled even before I got out to survey the damage.

Thank God the damage assessment of my own person was less catastrophic. I immediately knew I had sustained minor damage, but nothing life-threatening. My nose bled from the impact with the air bag, my knee was gashed deep from pushing the car's key with enough force to bend it nearly in half.

I was fortunate that was the furthest extent of my injuries.

The Jeep Liberty that I collided with was even more fortunate. The young lady driving had her young infant in the car with her. Both walked away without a scratch. 

God was most definitely there amidst the terrible accident. I knew that instantly. Crashing felt as soft as falling on a pillow. The aches and pains from the whiplash only stayed for a day or two. The car's totalled value was nearly equal to what the car was worth when I bought it. Insurance came through in DAYS to get me a new vehicle! His strength sustained me as I continued to carry the extra responsibilities entrusted to me throughout the week.

God is good. All the time. Even on the rainy, crappy days when your world falls apart. He's right there to help piece it back together.

Knowing that the outcome of this accident could have turned out very differently if any of the variables had been adjusted, I am praising God and thanking him for his protection and security.

That's all for now. Just thought I'd share!

Post Post Posted

My writing has never been called "outstanding." At best, my attempts at forging compelling literature amounted to a passing grade in high school English class. It's likely that my works will never gain notoriety. I imagine the most critical scrutiny I will receive in my lifetime is a few well-meaning relatives correcting my spelling and grammar usage. For most people, knowing that their attempts at something can only hope to attain the level of "average" is enough to dissuade them from putting real effort into what they choose to do. Thankfully, I'm immune from such a common disposition. 

My experiences have left me determined to pursue greatness. I've learned early on that the only way to succeed is through ferocious intensity aimed directly at your goal. If I don't give more than 100%, then I will never be more than I am at this moment. That's the very principle behind growth, endurance, advancement, ANYTHING that yields progress. 

This is not a safe principle to live by. Don't allow your imagination to go to the place where this principle becomes an iron-clad mathematical equation for success. Giving more than 100% towards the endeavor of excellence is NEVER a sure thing. There is a very real chance that failure CAN (and does) occur. It is possible to fail even when giving 110%, but I still contend that giving more than you have is the ONLY option that has even the possibility for success. 

You cannot find that which you do not seek. You cannot do that which you do not try. 

Success in giving all is not a guarantee, but failure from giving nothing is a certainty. How do great people break from the chains of mediocrity and soar above the stars to be remembered for all time? They simply refused to give less than 100%. Many of the great people in history experienced failure. Many (most, if not all) average people in history experienced failure as well. The extraordinary fact about great people is that they did not settle for failure. The greatest wouldn't even settle for success!

It never matters what area the battle is in, the victorious warrior is the one that never settles on the previous battle's outcome - win or loss. Perpetual loss is the trophy of those who refuse to fight, refuse to sacrifice, refuse to take risk, refuse to give ALL. Someone who has never experienced loss is someone who's never experienced a challenge. 

So my writing may go through the ringer from family members (thank GOD for spell check). My blog may never make the top 100 list (or thousand, or million...). My blog may not even show up on the google search pages. I'm ok with that. The real victory doesn't come from the accolades or recognition. The REAL victory comes from the endurance and character built up with every battle, with picking myself up after every defeat. True victory occurs when, in every aspect of life, more than 100% of myself is applied. 

In school, excellent is determined by a score of 100% and above. Perfection attained. Unlike school, "average" is determined by anything less than 100% in life. Perfection may be an illusion unattainable for us in this life, but it's a worthy aim and a possibility that will never be attained if no one tries...

Improper Ventilation

Since the early days of Live Journal I have been hesitant to splatter my deepest emotions onto the blank canvas that is blogging. This is largely due to the fact that my closest friends and family would criticize the extent at which I would express my inmost thoughts or feelings. Ever heard the expression "TMI?" Well, that was me. I'm not about to make a post and give out Too Much Information, so please, don't get antsy (or excited, depending on your inclination...); I do, however, like to share from personal experience because I believe my thoughts can have a beneficial impact on other's.

This week's journey has taken its toll on my heart and mind. I'm not entirely sure what happened to drain all of my internal resources so quickly, but it has felt like all of my emotional reserves have evaporated at the flick of some diabolical switch. My brain has been failing to fire, much like an ancient transmission that refuses to turn over. No hope of sparks this week.

You would think that emotional drain would be a simple problem to fix or not even a big deal; just give it time and let the reserves fill back up, but this deficit quickly led to even more problems...

Not only have I felt a tad light in the emotion department, I've  also noticed my overall personality shifted from its once confident, collected, and bold nature to a rather weak-willed cowardice that frustrates and disgusts me. Just a single month ago I felt alive, bursting with energy, fresh thoughts, and exuding confidence only known to savvy politicians. This week, I feel as if aliens abducted me during the night, removed my courageous bone and replaced it with pure, powdered timidity.

What could I do? My brain refused to function so a clear solution couldn't be drummed up. The prospect of being ridiculed caused me to be too afraid to ask my friends for advice. Even crying and eating chocolate didn't yield any solid answers. I would say that the situation appeared bleak, but I was too scared to acknowledge that. 

I did the only thing a person can do in time of real internal crisis, I looked to Scripture. In its life-giving pages I rediscovered a passage that is forever burned onto my heart - 2Timothy 1:7 "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power..."

The solution relieved my emotional lacking and broke through the hovering mental barrier like the first autumn breeze cuts through the scorching summer heat. The only way to battle inward timidity is with external adventure. Force the weakness inside to become strong through a series of events that require boldness and courage. Life is meant to be taken by the horns, the sun rises so the day can be seized once more. I need to embrace the spirit of power that Christ has gifted me with. Allowing fear and cowardice to grow and overcome my thoughts and actions will only lead to less pleasant feelings. 

What have I learned this week? If you're feeling weak, do something that requires you to be strong. If you're feeling cowardly, embark on an adventure that requires courage. When you feel as if retreat is in order so you can regroup, charge forward and attack life head on! 

I found encouragement this week. I won't stop, I won't quit, and I will continue to share, express, and (hopefully) motivate others to do the same.

Carry on!

Stuff I learn.

A treat for you readers today! I take a break from the mullings and musings that characterize my posts and share with you the fruit of some spare-time labors. I've been hard at work crafting some amazing pieces of awesomeness that I think you will enjoy. 

First up, as a HUGE halo fan, I decided to undertake the GINORMOUS project of recreating spartan armor. Being over daunted with that task, I settled to make a weaponized prop instead - my personal favorite weapon from Halo Reach; the Pistol! Below you can see the painstaking detail as the pistol takes shape from its cardstock shell into a fully colored amazing piece!

Cool beans right!? Well, not being satisfied with my mechanized amazingness, I decided to go old school and try my hand at an iconic classic - Link's Shield!

This was, comparably, an intensely easy build. In just a week's time this shield was fully formed and decorated and now adorns my wall! Enjoy the transformation pics and the final display!

This has been the constant filler of my free time (since no girl has taken it upon herself to steal my amazing talents for herself) and you get to enjoy the yielded amazing products from my hobby!

Suggestions for something you'd like to see me make? Offers of some sort of currency in trade for one of my amazing builds? Leave some comments! Love to hear what you think!