Author: Jason Morris

Are You Groovy?

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My favorite line from the U2 article in the latest Rolling Stone is a quote from Bono:

“Look, sometimes our audience isn’t as groovy as we’d like. “

As I read that line, I found myself thinking, “Yeah, I understand.” From my days playing with various ensembles, bands, and artists to my days in the realm of speaking & preaching, I’ve had my fair share of times feeling that the “audience isn’t as groovy” as I’d like.

Sometimes that is an indicator of the audience’s lack of ability to groove. Sometimes it is an indication that the performer just isn’t connecting with the audience. So, who needs to take the responsibility when the groove isn’t there? Can one place the blame on the other…or do we all share the blame?

I believe the groove is important because that is where the performer connects with the audience. There is something transcendent when the performer and the audience find the groove. There is a unity between the artist and the observer that goes beyond explanation. The lines of distance between the performer and the audience begin to disappear. The performer and the audience mold into one.

If you’ve ever experienced the groove, you know what I’m writing about. In the midst of experiencing the groove, one attempts to hold on…to lock-into the moment. After one experiences the groove, he or she begins to once again search for another encounter with the groove. You may have experienced the groove at a concert, a spoken word event, a worship gathering, a drum circle, a dance recital, a conversation. The groove is happening..the groove is out there…waiting for others to participate.

The article goes on to point out that American audiences tend to be a little “less groovy” compared to others.

Are you in the groove? Are you a hinderance to the groove (if you clap on 1 & 3, you probably aren’t in the groove)? Are you seeking to participate in the groove? Or are you simply “less groovy” and have given up all hope of experiencing the groove?

8 or 9 days

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The day of our new daughter’s arrival is drawing closer. October 12th is quickly approaching. We are excited, anxious, hopeful, nervous, joy-filled, and all of the various feelings and emotions that come with bringing a new life into the world. This pregnancy has been a bit more difficult for Emily. The journey has been more eventful than our first. However, Samantha’s delivery was pretty nerve-racking. We’re praying that all will go well with number two!

The past few weeks, we have been trying to spend special time with Samantha…these are the last days of our family being three humans and one cat. We have had some pretty awesome moments with Sammie. These are some “precious moments” for our current family structure. We’re doing some small things to help Sammie feel special.

Today, we took her to the ridiculously disappointing Ball State homecoming football game. However, she had a blast. This was her first football game…and she loved it. She cheered. She danced. She ate hot dogs, pretzels, and a rice krispie treat from a not-so-random tailgating crew (thanks Cooper family! Sammie devoured the thing when we got into the stadium). When we decided to leave (for some reason, the pregnant lady was not comfortable), Sammie was greatly disappointed…not to the point where she threw a fit…but she just kept saying, “I don’t want to go.” Sammie and I will probably hit one of the next home games.

For those of you who are of the praying-kind, we would greatly appreciate your prayers for Emily and the baby. If you’re not the praying-kind, and in all seriousness, your positive thoughts and energy are greatly appreciated. The next 8-9 days are going to be pretty crazy. Not only are we getting things ready at the house, Emily is wrapping things up at school (she will be staying home through the end of the school year…and potentially beyond). I have a week full of meetings, Bible studies, roasts, rehearsals, and a couple of days in Delaware, OH for a class. We eagerly anticipate the arrival of our new daughter (we do have a first name…no middle name…I’ll reveal the name soon).

Twitter???

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I just don’t know about twitter. I’m going to give it a shot…follow some friends…maybe post some tweets from time to time.

Maybe I’m showing my age, but…do I really care to post what I’m doing all the time throughout the day? Do I truly care to find out what others are doing all the time throughout the day?

This is a new technology that many are utilizing to stay connected.

After listening to Mark Beeson talk about the importance of connecting with people (after all, that’s the business we’re in), I decided to give it shot. We’ll see…maybe it will last a week or a lifetime.

So, I’m up…follow me if you’d like…Jason Morris on Twitter.

Something to Think About

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This morning, I received the daily verse and voice from Sojourners. I believe this verse to be one that might spark some prayer-filled thought and conversation.

While listening to the healthcare debates, I’ve found that one of the great concerns for many has been health coverage for illegal immigrants. I believe there has been a great deal of mis-information in this area of the debate. I believe this verse might inspire some to think of this portion of the debate differently.

You shall not oppress a resident alien; you know the heart of an alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt.– Exodus 23:9

I am one who truly believes that quality healthcare should be available to everyone…regardless of race, sex, socio-economic status, citizenship, etc. I understand some of the concerns. Yet, I believe that if we truly see every person as created and loved by God, we would not want to withhold healthcare from them. Jesus call is for us to care for the “least of these”. I’m pretty sure he did not imply to put limitations on who qualifies as “the least of these.”