If you’re like me, your work of advocacy on public, political issues began with a click. It was an easy beginning. I’d see something on Facebook, or in an e-mail or article, asking me to sign a petition that would change the world for the better. “Sure,” I’d think, “I agree with this!” CLICK. Add my name and zip code. Done! The trouble with what I call click-and-go advocacy is that it can give us the illusion of having done something when, really, we (pretty much) haven’t. I’m sure those e-gathered “signatures” get tallied and delivered to politicians, with all kinds of bluster about how … [Read more...] about Becoming an Advocate, Changing the World: How to Start (Part 3)
Uncategorized
Becoming an Advocate, Changing the World: Rooted in Relationship (Part 2)
This is Part 2 of a post that will span a few weeks. How do we make a difference in the world? How do we participate in the political process? What does that question have to do with Foolish Church? Stay tuned as we consider these questions. What I needed to know about becoming an advocate for people beyond my immediate family, I began to learn from my friend Bill Mefford. He taught me the core truth behind the best, most important, most effective, least destructive advocacy: it is rooted in relationship. Always, always, always. Sometimes there’s a disconnect. It’s not unusual … [Read more...] about Becoming an Advocate, Changing the World: Rooted in Relationship (Part 2)
Becoming an Advocate, Changing the World: It Starts Personal (Part 1)
This is Part 1 of a post that will span a few weeks. It feels timely, with the start of the Iowa’s legislative session this week. How do we participate in the political process? What does that question have to do with Foolish Church? Stay tuned as we consider these questions. Have you noticed? The people who spend the most energy getting things fixed in the world are the people who are most directly affected by what was wrong. One part of me thinks this is as it should be; those most directly affected should shape the fix. The other part thinks if we love—really love—our … [Read more...] about Becoming an Advocate, Changing the World: It Starts Personal (Part 1)
Why Foolish
One day, a forgetful friend referred to my book as “Silly Church.” It was an instructive blunder. It got me thinking about the questions the actual name—Foolish Church—might raise. Does it mean “silly”? (“C’mon, church! Let’s pull out our kazoos!”)Does it mean “messy,” as in paints and scissors? (There actually is a Messy Church movement that includes those things; check it out.) Does it mean “funny,” as in The-Marvelous-Mrs.-Maisel-in-the-pulpit?It could mean uninformed or misguided. Ridiculous. Goofy? Ugh! If you go down this path very far, you might ask what kind of a fool would write … [Read more...] about Why Foolish
A C&E Connection Primer
As Christmas Eve rushes toward us, it's a good time to brush off our collective plans and skills for an opportunity that will be literally within arm's reach: Making connections with the C&E folks who will sit down the row from us. C&E, as in "Christmas and Easter church-goers," used here as a helpful description and without judgment. Some of my best friends--and certainly some of my blog readers--would describe themselves as C&E-ers! Since connection--relationship--is at the core of the (desirable) foolishness I'm always talking about, Christmas Eve seems like a reasonable … [Read more...] about A C&E Connection Primer
Rethinking Merry Gentlemen and Other Carols
A few years ago I was listening to Christmas music when the traditional carol came on, "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen," and I found myself thinking, Who cares if the gentlemen are merry? I had probably had a conversation that day with a woman in prison who was abused from early childhood, or one whose six-year-old son had run away from home on Thanksgiving morning. Shouldn't we be singing about the children? I wondered. The gentlemen can surely take care of themselves. Questioning what we sing--especially in this season--is nothing new. The beloved Christmas song "O Holy Night," which … [Read more...] about Rethinking Merry Gentlemen and Other Carols