Out of Darkness…
You would think that when all you do is “sit” there would be gross amounts of time for writing and reflecting. However, with a steady flux of visitors, painters, and texts, the chunks dissipate into fleeting minutes marked by positive interruptions. It is why I am here. Unfortunately, telling some of the themes becomes more challenging.
Since I have a few moments-here we go-Darkness and Light come to mind: From The Message,
19-21 “This is the crisis we’re in: God-light streamed into the world, but men and women everywhere ran for the darkness. They went for the darkness because they were not really interested in pleasing God. Everyone who makes a practice of doing evil, addicted to denial and illusion, hates God-light and won’t come near it, fearing a painful exposure. But anyone working and living in truth and reality welcomes God-light so the work can be seen for the God-work it is.”
Auburn is like any other college down which is like any other entertainment district. A lot goes on that is only for adults…or is it? No! Children most definitely do not need to see nor hear what is going on. But, I am convinced, it is not healthy for adults either.
What do I mean? It goes back to my hate/hate relationship with the bars in downtown Auburn. Notably the one next to the Episcopal Church. On weekends, the music goes loud and when it is a band, it is just loud-but when it is a DJ it goes loud and Triple X. At 9pm on the mark, music is piped that is loaded with F-bombs and all types of foul language. In fact, I’m pretty sure the song last night was about why it is ok to say that particular word. Being in the military, I hear my fair share of explitives and can tune them out. This was nearly too much and unless I put on my own headphones in a public venue, I could not get away from it.
Next came the song that was Triple X and so raunchy it made my stomach turn. Do you get the scene? Young college guys and girls who eventually want to get married and start families hanging out in rooms that will do everything it can to prevent anything healthy or whole. College guys and girls exposing themselves to the unhealthiest and most dangerous of environments. Sexually charged music that is nothing about love, commitment, or covenant. Its about narcissism, hedonism, and objectifying the other-it is a catalyst for the sexual abuse we say we hate. Then you add the alcohol and all hell breaks loose. This is the picture of darkness for me. These kids come stumbling out of there sick, hurt, or about to engage in other behaviors and actions that they will eventually come to regret. All because deep down is the longing to be loved and valued-and entertained. I just fear how we have defined and limited entertainment.
If my thinking and reflection stayed in that place, I too might be overcome with darkness and cynicism. But, I trust in the Lord of light and must be the reflection of His light. The call to prayer is essential. Living on the lawn of a campus ministry is poignant for the brokenness I witness. What if all the destructive energy in the bars was diverted to serving others? What if those students found true and authentic love, meaning, and community when they were with others who also needed a friend. Serving heals us. It moves us from our bent towards taking care of ourselves to growing our heart when we help others.
There is great need out there. More than the physical poverty is a deep need for authentic friendship and relationship. And everyone can serve. Light shines when we love and serve others and it pushes out the darkness. What if the culture of our family was less on entertainment and more on serving together? What a difference that might make.
Thoughts from the shack on a quiet, bright Sunday…
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