Things I Believe, and Things I Love

Per Dr. Heather Cox Richarson, what are the things that I believe with all my heart?

There are theological things, for sure - the love of God, universal salvation, the final outworking of all things ... the reality of sin ... our common creation ... the cross as an image of sacrifice for others, and the empty tomb a vindication of such sacrifice.

There are political things, as well; all of them an outworking of my theological ideas (or is it the other way around? and likely a little of both) ... "one nation, under God," ... but not one religion, or one race ... we are one in our diversity, and diverse in our oneness. I believe in universal health care, the rights of women to choose for their own bodies, including abortion rights; the rights of LGBTQ persons, including marriage equality ... a government that works for the folks on the bottom of the heap (demand side) creates an economy strong for everyone ... because supply-side economics have never worked, except for the already rich.

And believing such things with all my heart gives birth to things that I love dearly:

Art, for example - museums ... a million different ways to capture the world - in paint, clay, marble, fabric, light, iron, plastic, plaster and wood.

Yes, for me, opera ... jazz ... heavy metal ... the blues ... and dance - from ballet to the jitterbug.

I love words - nothing pleases me more than a writer in command of the language - and so I love poetry (e.g. Carl Sandburg), novelists who can take me into another world, historians who probe the past to find the rest of the story, and give expression to the ceaseless yearnings of humanity for a share of life, and a place to call home.

I love things that make noise - thunder and lightening in a dark Oklahoma sky, high rpm engines at Road America, trains in Cajon Pass, and planes taking off from LAX.

And people ... who possess a sense of humor (and that comes in a lotta different forms) ... who can laugh at themselves easily ... and help others to laugh, too.

So, these are some of the things which I believe, and as a consequence, some of things I love.

For such things, I give my thanks, and to such ends, my devotion.

Merry Christmas ... or Happy Holidays

Merry Christmas … or is it Happy Holidays?

There was a time when I was reluctant to say Happy Holidays, but I’ve changed.

Sure, I love Christmas and all that it means … and Christ is very much a part of my life.

But I like the fact that we live in a huge country with lots of different peoples and religions, perspectives and philosophies … and a lot of holidays during this time of the year.

When it comes to language, it’s important for me to be thoughtful and make timely shifts.

Like when I shifted my race language: from Negro to Black, and now mostly to African American.

And when I shifted from “mankind” to humanity, from fireman to fire fighter (a lot more exciting) and policeman to police officer, and so on.

Language changes with the times, and thoughtful people try to get ahead of the times. 

Though we often said to Mr. Lowenstein, “Merry Christmas,” and Mr. Lowenstein said it back to us, we might well say now, “Happy Hanukah” or just “Happy Holidays.” I think it’s easier, and it’s more thoughtful!

I don’t need the world to remind me that Jesus is reason for the season. No, that’s up to me, and it’s up to you, if you’re a Christian. And just saying it because we can, I don’t think that accomplishes very much. I think for some it’s just a power play, and that never feels very good to me.

As for the world, it’s right and good for me to be mindful of my Muslim and Jewish neighbors, not to mention a host of others and likely some who are professed atheists. I bear witness, not by overbearing, but with gentleness and humility; not by saying “Merry Christmas,” but by living it every day of my life.

I think that’s what language is mostly about – whether it be race or gender, or thoughtfulness about other religions and perspectives – as Micah said, “Love kindness.”

Christians can rightly say to one another, Merry Christmas, but when it comes to the salesperson behind the counter, to our neighbor who’s a Muslim, to the stranger on the street, for me, it’s Happy Holidays.

So, dear friend, Happy Holidays, to you, and for this very large world of ours. And if you’re a Christian, a very Merry Christmas!