My blog comes with two warnings. The first one is the tagline: "Pushing the limits of the status quo." I was born with the conviction that change is good for people and the institutions around us. I like to think of myself as one of those celebrated by Steve Jobs, the co-founder and chairman of Apple Computer:
Here's to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes…the ones who see things differently—they're not fond of rules…. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can't do is ignore them because they change things…they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.
Now, I certainly don't claim to be a genius, but I sure fit the bill otherwise! I thrive in a culture of change and I try my best to create change wherever God plants me. In order to lead people toward the promised land, one must point out the disadvantages of staying in Eqypt. Can you imagine Moses saying to God, "You know, it's not so bad here. We have jobs, places to live, national security, an interesting cultural environment, and—apart from being slaves—Egypt's a great place to raise a family!" Someone's got to be willing to point their finger and say there's a better, more biblical way to do things. Why are we doing it this way?
The second warning regarding my blog can be found in the "About the writer" section, where it says, "Reading this blog may infuriate some, irritate others, stir your curiosity, or make you question my sanity or orthodoxy." Even though I have tried to make this extremely clear, a lot of people must think I'm kidding or something. It's not that I'm trying to justify being cruel, heartless, vindictive, sarcastic, and overly critical. Sometimes I am guilty of these things and so are you—it's just that my statements are out in the open for everyone to read (and comment on). If you want to enter into a dialog with me, please feel free. I don't mind and I never hold a grudge.
Misunderstanding, gossip, controversy, and sometimes even hostilities have always followed those who are willing to speak plainly, transparently, honestly, and boldly. Most people just want to be left alone and to leave others alone. When they say, "How are you?" they really don't want to know the answer. They would much prefer a polite, though perhaps dishonest, response like, "Oh, I'm fine, thank you! And how are you?" Such is the level of most relationships: superficial, chatty, and predictable. Deeper relationships require much more work.
So, please don't read my blog, unless you really want to get to know me: how I think, where my struggles lie, what's bugging me, and how I'm trying to make sense of the Christian journey. Some people…maybe even most people…will not find my blog appealing. That's fine. I'm not offended at all by that. But if you like hanging around, please don't be bashful. Let me know who you are and what you think. Maybe we can discover a few things together and encourage one another along the way.
Comments 3
It’s funny that you wrote this today because I am dealing with much persecution over this very subject. A conflict came about the other day between a friend and I and she said “I’m really busy, I can’t talk now. I have to go.” Later, in her blog, she wrote, “Oh yeah, and ‘I’m really busy, I can’t talk now’ is code for ‘I don’t want to talk to you!’” I don’t understand people that talk in “code”.
Perhaps one of my biggest character flaws is not understanding the fact that everyone doesn’t think like I do, but in my mind straightforward and honest is the way to go. Not always comfortable, but it saves a lot of time and a lot of confusion. In our day it seems people are more and more offended by this, and want everything gift wrapped or sugar-coated. I just can’t and won’t cater to such individuals, not because I don’t love them or care, but because I have to follow my own convictions.
So, write your gossipy blogs about me, and do everything but say my name, or talk to me face to face…if that’s what you have to do, then I hope it helps. Thanks, this was refreshing to realize I’m not the only one out there that’s feeling this same way.
Posted 20 Feb 2008 at 4:35 am ¶Sarah: I hear you. Saying or writing what you really think can have positive and negative consequences. I have the scars to prove it, inflicted primarily by people who say they’re followers of Jesus. I try to be the same person no matter what form of communication style I use, whether writing informally (like this blog), chatting over a cup of coffee, or giving a speech to a crowd of people gathered in a church building on Sunday morning.
There are certain types of people who seem hell-bent on being offended by others: I call them the “professional weaker brothers and sisters.” They want everyone to be “nice” and say pleasant things when they’re in the room; and, if you break their unspoken code of ethics, they get their nose out of joint. While I am always willing to accommodate a TRUE weaker brother/sister, I feel very little obligation toward those who would squelch authenticity and true community among God’s people.
Posted 20 Feb 2008 at 10:11 am ¶Good blog, Bill.
Posted 23 Feb 2008 at 10:37 am ¶Trackbacks & Pingbacks 1
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