Shawna R. B. Atteberry

The revelation of Ted Haggard’s double life and subsequent stepping down from the National Association of Evangelicals and as pastor of his church has left the evangelical movement reeling. There is a whole lot in the blogosphere, but I think that George McDonald and Jim Wallis have responded in a humble and Christlike way. I agree with both of these godly men, so here is what I think about this horrible and very sad situation.

The Haggard Truth by George McDonald.

We Are All Sinners by Jim Wallis.

When will evangelicalism realize that it can’t keep isolating its pastors and not providing any kind of support and accountability for them? There are those who say that it’s because his church is nondenominational, and there is no denominational oversight. But that’s not true. Those of us who belong to evangelical denominations are left on our own too. Isolation and loneliness are epidemics among evangelical pastors, pastoral staff, and their families. If you are evangelical, pray for your pastors. It is a very hard job with very little support. One of the most isolated times in my life was when I was on staff as an associate pastor, and college and seminary do not prepare for you for it. I was in no way prepared for the isolationsim and loneliness I was engulfed in. And pray for evangelical churches and denominations to start giving their pastors the support they need and the safe sanctuaries they need to confess sin and pursue accountability. The Christian life cannot be lived on one’s own: community is needed, and this is even more so for its leaders.

It helps, now and then, to step back and take the long view. The kingdom is not only beyond our efforts, it is beyond our vision. * We accomplish in our lifetime only a tiny fraction of the magnificent enterprise that is God’s work. Nothing we do is complete, which is another way of saying that the kingdom always lies beyond us. * No statement says all that could be said. No prayer fully expresses our faith. No confession brings perfection. No pastoral visit brings wholeness. No program accomplishes the church’s mission. No set of goals and objectives includes everything. * This is what we are about: We plant seeds that one day will grow. We water seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise. We lay foundations that will need further development. We provide yeast that produces effects beyond our capabilities. * We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that. This enables us to do something, and to do it very well. It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way, and opportunity for God’s grace to enter and do the rest. * We may never see the end results, but that is the difference between the master builder and the worker. We are workers, not master builders, ministers, not messiahs. We are prophets of a future not our own. * Amen *

Oscar Romero wrote this. If you don’t know who Bishop Romero was, then go here: Oscar Romero: Bishop of the Poor.

I think this is the biggest area American Christians fail in: it’s not about us. It’s about God–always has been, always will be. We are only one of part of his Kingdom–not the be all, end all. He is in control; this is his reign; and our responsibility is to obey him and do what we can where we are. God will use our little bit of yeast and continue to build his reign.

Sovereign God, Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

“Mythic Memories”

I have mythic memories.
An arrow let loose.
A foe defeated.
I remember seeing things I can’t see now.
I remember my senses heightened and much more attune.
I remember my heart sending powerful blood rushing through my veins as I tracked and could sense the presence of the enemy.
A warrior born out of time.

I have mythic memories.
Rose petals in water.
Flickering candlelight and rose-scented water.
Hair cascading down my back.
Silk falling off my shoulder, pearls around my throat.
I remember midnight breezes in moonlit gardens.
I remember nymphs dancing in streams and the feeling of grass and moss under my back.

In the place between sleeping and dreaming I remember.
I remember being
A warrior and a lady.
A fighter and a lover.
Strong and beautiful.
I remember a graceful strength I used wisely.
I remember when I held a tenuous balance with elegant poise between the worlds of love and war.

© 2004 Shawna Renee Bound

Today’s Friday Five is “Nothing but tooth,” inspired by Songbird putting braces on her youngest child.

Please share your thoughts on the following:

1) The Tooth Fairy–My first thought was it would be nice if I still got a visit or two, but then I realized that would mean losing my own teeth. I’m not sure her gifts would compensate for the dental bills.

2) Flossing–something I should do.

3) Toothpaste Brands–don’t care as long as it’s mint flavored.

4) Orthodontia for Adults–necessary evil. (Yes, I’m still bitter about my wisdom teeth.)

5) Whitening products–absolutely useless–now pass me the coffee!