SUCH A HONOR...

Not too long ago I was watching TV. It was a talk show where some young, talented and aspiring actress was being interviewed. She was being asked to comment about the recent news that she had been approached by Playboy to do a full spread (excuse the pun) in one of their upcoming issues. She mentioned that she hadn't yet reached a decision about the invitation, but that regardless of her choice, it was just such a honor to be approached by this Pornography Mogul to pose nude for them. Such a honor...

I casual flip through prime-time television these days will reveal anything from a bunch of young people occupying a house...vying for the opportunity to win the acceptance of a bisexual exotic dancer and soft core porn model...to the daily ins and outs of life in the Playboy mansion...to documentaries and interviews with hard core porn stars. What a greased pole we've embraced (excuse that pun too). Our society's downward spiral into immorality and self-indulgence seems to show no signs of abating any time soon. And in the process, impressionable minds of young and old alike, desperate for something or someone to affix their passions to, lose or forfeit their God given identity and worth in exchange for superficiality and deceptive promises of happiness and excitement. Such a honor...

Either we will anchor souls to the unshakable, immutable goodness of God, or we are doomed to drift aimlessly in an ocean of vice and venom...ultimately to be capsized and drowned by the storm of sin, self and sickness. We would all do well to relearn and reclaim the meaning and implications of words like honor. God help us all.

CONNECTING...

Happy New Year everybody! OK...so traditionally, I'm not into the whole new year's resolution thing. However, I do sense a need in my life to inject focus, intent, effort, discipline, passion and stewardship into a number of areas that for so long have been neglected and ignored. Procrastination and laziness aren't exactly the mothers of a sense of self worth, achievement and purpose. I also sense, as I have for some time now, that genuine sustained progress in any of these areas will be more of a testament to the grace of God at work in my life than my own diligence and self-discipline. So, perhaps the most important thing I can do is commit to aligning my heart with God's will for me, and draw close to His heart for me as best I can...to allow Him (as incredible a concept as that is) to infuse into the gifts He's committed to me, His energy...His creativity...His self-control. Oh...that I may see the image of who He's created me to be increasingly revealed as the Master sculptor ever gently, yet persistently, chips from the rough block of Grant all the selfish and destructive things that cloak my true identity. That I may truly find myself in the mystery of losing myself in Him. By His grace...songwriting, writing, musicianship, health, godly stewardship, teaching, self-control...here I come!

Dear Lord...for the glory of your Name and your Will, grant me the wits to discern it...the grace to accept it...and the strength to pursue it. I'm in dire need of connecting with You. You are, and always will be...my Way.