BEFORE I FORMED YOU IN THE WOMB

This painting by Ron DiCianni, renowned painter of images that tell biblical and Christian stories, is entitled, “Before I Formed You in the Womb.” When you look closely, you can see the faint image of a baby in mother’s body. Ron has placed the hand of Jesus on mother’s abdomen, unmistakably his hand with the hint of the nail print in his wrist. The shadow of his hand on mother’s body casts a cross and at the point of contact where the baby’s hand reaches to touch Jesus’ hand, DiCianni has placed a dazzling starburst. DiCianni’s artistry has entranced me for a long time. Mom wears no ring here which is the artist’s statement that regardless of how the child arrives it is a precious life.This is a fitting image at this Christmas season, and Ron tells a story that his mother was in an abortion clinic when she had second thoughts and walked out and within months gave birth to him.

an advent prayer THE TIME IS NOW

It is the Advent Season 2015. I found a stimulating collection of video presentations speak to Christians themes. These may interest you. I’ll out one up here. They all come from the Zacharias Trust RZIM, the Ravi Zacharias archives. This particular piece is presented by Amy Orr-Ewing, the Director of Programmes for the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics (OCCA) and UK Director for RZIM Zacharias Trust. 

THE TIME IS NOW

The questions you are asked to consider at the conclusion of the 5 min video are these:

1. Do you take credit for successes in your life and ministry or do you point to Jesus?

2. Do you draw security from your usefulness to God or are you able to be ‘laid aside’ for Christ?

3. Are there people around you who you envy? How can you turn away from this? 

At the conclusion of the video, Ms. Orr-Ewing quotes a prayer written by John Wesley (1703-1792) which has in some traditions been recited annually by Christians. You will find this a humbling and suitable prayer.

GAY & STRAIGHT MARRIAGE - NOT THE SAME

Advocates for gay marriage have persuaded tens of millions of North Americans that gay marriage is the same as straight marriage. That uniformity now appears incontestable to our society, compelling law societies, educators, social ethicists, clergy and religious leaders and politicians to conclude that the institution of marriage is not compromised if gays are permitted to marry. In fact, the syllogism suggests that the definition of marriage must be expanded because gays deserve the right to marry. So the definition has been stretched. After all, there are no negative consequences for society, so the argument goes and this persuasion has prospered within a very short period of years.

CHARACTER & ACCOMPLISHMENT

Career achievement and inner moral character are ideally in partnership. Both must be nurtured. What was suggested in the last entry called 'résumé virtues and eulogy virtues’ is that we concentrate  sometimes on the first and experience little about moral and spiritual accomplishments that make us truly wonderful people rather than merely successful.

When we explore further the difference between résumé virtues and eulogy virtues, and delve into the treasury of qualities that make for resounding inner character we discover these kinds of assets.

An Inspiring Humility that moves from a candid self-awareness that admits personal shortcomings and moves to a focus upon other people.

A Confrontation with Personal Weakness that admits and addresses a principal fault in order to become strong and mature in temperament and attitude that is winsome to others.
A Life Deeply Rooted with Others intentionally moves away from the notion that a whole life can be managed and enjoyed individualistically or autonomously. This is a person who understands that authentic high-end character requires dependence upon others in order to convincingly overcome egotism, greed, and self-deception.  

RÉSUMÉ VIRTUES AND EULOGY VIRTUES

I am struck this morning by a distinction between résumé virtues and eulogy virtues. One has to do with career and the other relates to character. Your résumé virtues are the proficiencies and skills you tout in the marketplace. At your funeral, your family and friends will appreciate your eulogy virtues, your gentleness, loyalty and love. Our systems, educational and cultural, are dedicated to developing career success whereas we intuitively know our inner character qualities are most imperative. We may be better informed about how to enhance our careers than how to build inner character. It is possible to live for external achievement yet be disconnected from life's deepest moral joys and satisfactions. (thanks to New York times columnist David Brooks for the idea)