This is a video for the MTV EXIT campaign. The EXIT campaign website claims the organization “aims to increase awareness and prevention of human trafficking through television programs, online content, live events, and partnerships with anti-trafficking organizations.” While human trafficking is a horrific reality and needs our attention and action, I don’t see how MTV’s current television programing (including shows such as 16 and pregnant, Paris Hilton’s my new BFF, Real World: Cancun, Bully Beatdown, etc.) accomplishes anything this organization says it stands for. Furthermore, if you go to MTV’s home page there is not one mention of this campaign or it’s importance. Instead there is celebrity gossip, “must see” video clips from the garbage they call television programing and a place for you to sign up if you want to be on their show 16 and pregnant. It all disgusts me to be quite honest about it. If you are seriously concerned about human trafficking and the devastation it creates, here are some real organizations to follow and become involved with.
Stop the Traffik: “a global movement of ordinary activists from around the world who believe that PEOPLE SHOULD NOT BE BOUGHT AND SOLD.” (taken from their website)
Not For Sale: “The Not For Sale Campaign equips and mobilizes Smart Activists to deploy innovative solutions to re-abolish slavery in their own backyards and across the globe.” (taken from their website)
While I’m sure that the MTV EXIT campaign does some positive work in our world, it feels more like a public relations stunt than anything else.
May you recognize in your life the presence,
power, and light of your soul.
May you realize that you are never alone,
that your soul in its brightness and belonging
connects you intimately with the rhythm of the universe.
May you have respect for your individuality and difference.
May you realize that the shape of your soul is unique,
that you have a special destiny here,
that behind the facade of your life
there is something beautiful and eternal happening.
May you learn to see your self
with the same delight,
pride, and expectation
with which God sees you in every moment.
- John O’Donohue
In my endless quest for spiritual pop-artifacts, I came across a collection of Christian comic books and comic strips in the 60’s and 70’s. Call it whatever you want; a form of evangelism to a younger generation, propaganda, indoctrination or even an honest attempt to counter the negative press the Christian faith. These comics captured an interesting perspective as our culture became more “secularized” and shows us that we haven’t come that far in terms of bridging the growing gap. Here are a few of the highlights that I have found:
There you go. I even found a more contemporary comic strip dealing with the Christian response to homosexuality but it was a little too racy to post here. I guess it isn’t a dead art form.
In my senior year of college my roommates and I were sitting around talking about things we wanted to do in the next 20 years and the conversation inevitably turned to music. We each made our list of the five bands we wanted to see in concert that were still touring (or had the chance of touring, so no dead people). My list of the top five bands to see back in 2004 were:
U2 (Vertigo tour 2006)
Pearl Jam (The forum 2006)
Prince (Musicology tour 2004)
The Police (Reunion tour 2007)
R.E.M (Accelerate tour 2008)
So now that I have seen all the bands on my top five list, it’s time to make a new one. After lots of thought and scouring my itunes I think I have decided on the next five bands I need to see:
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band: This is a no brianer. How I have missed Bruce and the band up until this point I have no idea.
The Arcade Fire: Even though they have only released two albums (and one EP), their music is complex, haunting and deep. Their Neon Bible album continually blows my mind.
Sigur Ros: this would be more of a life experience than a concert. Their eclectic orchestration and soaring melodies take me to special places.
The Flaming Lips: Again, this is one of the bands that I want to experience. Their shows are notorious for being a big party and celebration for all the weird parts of life.
Nine Inch Nails: I know it may be weird for a minister to want to go see NIN but they have produced some amazing music. Trent Reznor is one of the deepest and most honest writers out there and I have always appreciated his perspective.
So when Trent announced that NIN was retiring and would not be touring anymore I had to pull out all the stops to try and see them. Luckily they are playing four final shows in LA and I am going to be at the first one! So come September there will be an open spot on my list, time to go back and search my itunes.
I thought this was a very haunting photo. For those of you who don’t know who this is, his name is Kurt Cobain and he was the lead singer for the band Nirvana and then committed suicide in 1994. Nirvana is arguably the most influential band of the 90’s and were one of the pioneers in the grunge musical movement. Their music has a heavy emphasis on the reality and pain that comes with every day life. Most of the music of Nirvana does not show a lot of hope for the future let alone the possibility for salvation. It was obvious listening to Kurt that there was deep rooted pain and depression which in turn resonated with a lot of people.
I love this picture because it reminds me that no one is too far gone for the love of God. Kurt was obviously a troubled person, but he was also loved by his creator. We can find ourselves tied down with self pity, depression and loneliness, much like Kurt, but we can also know that we have a loving God who sees us as a perfect creation that is important and valuable. The photo is a perfect juxtaposition of the hurt and anguish that can come with life next to a commonly dismissed message of hope. When we find ourselves in dark times and doubting our purpose, may we never forget that God is right there with us affirming and encouraging our every step.
I am going to be back in Illinois for my grandma’s memorial service this weekend and so there will be no high school group at the 11 am service this Sunday, Jully 12. Please attend church with your family and say some prayers for my family as we celebrate my grandma this weekend. Thanks.
Let’s face it, we live in a culture that focuses on the individual. We can customize everything under the sun in order to distinguish ourselves from the crowd in an attempt to establish ourselves as an individual. The purpose of life for many people is reaching a certain point where they are “known” or “discovered” and anything less than celebrity status is seen as a falling short. Today’s happening with the Michael Jackson memorial service was an example of a life that had reached the pinnacle of celebrity and fame. As I was watching the memorial, I saw that he was remembered for so much more than his music or legal problems, but for his humanitarian work and dedication to making life better for those around him. Say what you will about the guy, but today was a testament to the positive influence he had on people.
One of the greatest spiritual revelations that I have had in my brief but meaningful search for God fits the mold that our culture has established for “success”, but not in the way that it has imagined. The truth I have come to realize is that I am “known” by God. I have been “discovered” by grace. My life has the potential for the incredible not because I am someone special by cultural standards but because I have been created as someone incredible by a loving maker. I am only able to accomplish the unbelievable by having a faith in what is beyond me and a trust in the God that makes the incredible a reality.
I try not to get too preachy but this is something I believe not only applies to my life but to yours as well. May The unbelievable love and grace of God take root in our lives so that we can be transformed into the agents of Christ in this world.
I needed to clear my head of some things after work today and so I decided to go the gym and listen to the new Mos Def album, The Ecstatic. His spot on social critique mixed with his political savvy makes for an incredibly deep listening experience as he makes his way through such issues as the overseas response to our most recent military excursions and the seemingly endless arms race of our own cities. The way he mixes in middle eastern sounds with his smooth brand of hip hop shows that this album is more than just another collection of songs waiting their turn in the top 40 but a comment about the world we are living in. It really helped me clear my head and see the world from his perspective. Here are some words from the song “Wahid”:
Get real or get back quit frontin and face facts
The old timers say we’re living in the final days
Gun smoke young folks living any kind of way
Gangster holiday greedy snakes and hideaways
Meanwhile soldiers take it straight through their armor plates
Crash hit the market gates marvels of the modern age
Access is instant and treachery is commonplace
I sense the dangers and I’m not afraid
Because when all is said and done there’s only ONE
