Faith

Where Do You Find Encouragement?

/ Jason Morris / Leave a comment

Today, I was doing a bit of reading and “encouragement” seems to have been an underlying theme. As I thought about the idea of encouragement, I began to think about the sources of encouragement in my life.

When I am discouraged, there are certain people who just seem to “show up” and offer their support, their presence, and their words that become a source of encouragement. Whether it’s a timely e-mail, a phone call or a visit from a friend or family member, I have continually found sources of encouragement right when I need it. Sometimes, there are days when someone unknowingly offers a word or caring gesture that makes the biggest difference in the world (you know, one of those, “You don’t know how much that means to me” kind of things).

I also find encouragement through music. There are certain artists who have created incredible music that encourages me…whether it’s through meaningful lyrics or beautiful melodies and harmonies…music has the power to encourage me. When I am down, there are certain records I can play that will lift my spirit…that will change the course of my thinking…my attitude. There is great power in music.

Literature has often been a source of encouragement. Works of fiction and non-fiction…classic pieces…new works…religious…non-religious…blogs…newspapers…journals…It’s amazing how the written words of others can encourage the discouraged. There are certain books I can pick up and just read a few passages and find myself laughing in the midst of the most difficult of circumstances.

My wife is probably the greatest encourager in my life. She knows what to say, what not to say, and how to continually be “for” me. She has stepped in and offered encouragement when I’ve been discouraged by those I look to for encouragement. She goes “all out” in her love for me…and that is deeply encouraging.

After taking some time to think about my sources of encouragement, I began to consider if I am doing my part to encourage others…Am I offering encouraging words to others? Do I reach out through e-mail and phone calls to offer just a bit of encouragement? Do I take the time to encourage someone through the simple act of listening…of being available? Am I someone’s encourager?

In some ways, I think I probably offer some encouragement. But, I know that I have a lot of work to do. Today, I have come to realize that I need to be intentional about encouraging others…when it’s obvious they need encouragement…but, maybe more importantly…at times when it’s not so obvious.

I have two questions:

1. Where do you find encouragement?

2. How do you offer encouragement?

“So continue encouraging each other and building each other up, just like you are doing already.” ~ I Thessalonians 5:11

Old Style Hospitality

/ Jason Morris / 1 Comment

DT Kirby’s is pretty much my favorite place in the Greater Lafayette area.

It’s a humble joint…just a small bar, a handful of tables, a tiny kitchen, a ton of TV’s, and some Cubs and Bears memorabilia.

However, it’s in this humble pub that I continually experience examples of radical hospitality.

As soon as you set foot inside the door, you are warmly greeted…especially if Don is in the bar…and Don is usually in the bar! I kid you not…it’s very much like Cheers. You walk in and your presence is recognized…in a positive manner (unlike some places when you walk in and the staff looks annoyed that they will have to actually work)…I continually wait for someone to yell out, “Norm!”

The DT Kirby’s staff wants to make sure that you have a positive experience. Whenever I’m there, someone continually checks in…seeing if everything is to my liking, if I need anything, etc. They go out of their way to do all they can to make your visit great!

And, I’m far from a regular. I can only imagine that I’d be treated like royalty if I were on a first name basis with the staff (sort of like when I would walk into the Heorot on a Friday and the bartender would start pouring a Guinness and put in an order for a mushroom pizza before I even sat down).

I’ve been in DT Kirby’s when there is not a seat available. This is when Don and his staff truly work their magic. He notices the order people come in…he entertains them and tells them that if they’ll just give him a little time, he’ll get them a seat…he gets them menu’s and drinks while they wait. Then, when something opens up, you get a seat…and he won’t let anyone snake you!

But, he has his limits…for example…don’t ask for a Jameson and Coke. He’ll simply look at you in disgust and say, “We don’t do that here. I can sell you a Jameson. And I can sell you a Coke. But, I won’t put them in the same glass!” I like that. It sort of feels like High Fidelity when Jack Black says, “Do we look like the kind of record store that has ‘I Just Called to Say I Love You’? Go to the mall!” The man has principles! I also get the impression that he won’t let you treat his staff poorly.

The folks at DT Kirby’s go out of their way to make sure you have a positive experience. And, if you are not having a positive experience, they will work hard to fix that. Of course, if your poor experience is because you order drinks like a teenage girl, well, that’s your own problem! Como hombre!

I’m continually amazed at how the staff makes each person feel like they are welcome…that they are important…and that they are highly valued. Don has a way of talking to people that makes you feel like you’re long-lost friends. He makes you feel like you are his most important customer.

To top it all off…it’s genuine. I’ve never felt like someone is just working for their tip. I’ve always felt like when I’m asked how I’m doing…the person asking actually cares…to the point that they stop and take the time to actually listen. I know, it’s crazy!

Then, your food comes out and there is so much of it that you could feed a small village. That’s the kind of hospitality that says…”we don’t want you to go hungry!”

In all honesty, every time I go to DT Kirby’s, I find myself thinking about how we can make the church feel as warm and inviting as this little pub. How can we make people feel welcome? How can we make people feel at home? How can we make them feel like they are surrounded by long-lost friends? How can we make people feel that we truly do care about them? How can we make people feel like we are concerned that they have a positive experience?

It all starts within, of course. We need to have a heart of hospitality. We have to possess a desire to look beyond ourselves…beyond our own experience…beyond our own comfort…and truly have a concern for the other.

It’s my prayer that I might be able to get out of my comfort zone and practice the kind of old style hospitality that I have experienced firsthand at DT Kirby’s.

If you’re in the Greater Lafayette area, I suggest you experience the old style hospitality at DT Kirby’s. Order a tasty sandwich (like the Uncle or the Triple Hog) or an amazing hot dog (my favorites are the Sonoma and the Sweet Carolina) and, of course, an Old Style! By the way…it’s a bar…21 and over!

Romans 12:13- “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”

Hebrews 13:2– “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”

1 Peter 4:9- “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.”

3 John 1:8– “We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth.”

Back to Reality

/ Jason Morris / 1 Comment

One of the quickest ways I have been brought back to reality upon my return from Guatemala is the overall lack of friendliness among folks in the states.

Now, don’t get me wrong…No one has been overly rude and unkind to me. It’s just that, overall, it seems that we are only truly nice and interested in those we already know.

Walking through the cities of Guatemala, complete strangers would smile, wave, and say “hola”, accompanied by the “buenos dias”, “buenos tardes”, or “buenos noches” appropriate for the time of day.

At first, it was a bit overwhelming. I mean, every person you would pass would kindly greet you. Entire groups of teenagers, yes even teenagers, would individually greet those walking by.

By the end of my time in Guatemala, it was an old habit. A smile, a “hola”, a “buenos” whatever…

And, somehow…mysteriously, I guess, I found myself feeling more connected with my surroundings. In a simple, “hello” accompanied by a smile, there was an unexplainable sense of unity…of community. It gave me an overwhelming feeling that I was welcome.

As soon as we landed in Atlanta, I could feel that this unity was left behind…it was obvious that I was back to the American reality. That American reality is seemingly focused on individuality…in the idea that we do not need one another.

Walking through the airport, even smiling at those passing by made me feel like an idiot. Rather than receiving smiles in return, I would get those looks of “something must be wrong with that guy” or the “that’s creepy” look. And, when the smile is accompanied by a “hello”…9 times out of 10 the hello is not returned. In fact, even when walking through our neighborhood, our attempts to greet our neighbors are often ignored…a simple “hello” is ignored…or a simple dirty look is quickly flashed. Of course, I often cast my judgment upon those who ignore my friendly gestures…I make comments like, “well, aren’t you just filled with personality” or “what the heck is wrong with that person”.

And, I don’t blame anyone for this kind of reaction. Prior to my experience in Guatemala, I was the same way. When in public, I would often keep my head down…doing my best to avoid having to interact with people. Or I would try to look so busy…in such a rush…that people would somehow realize that I just couldn’t be bothered. If someone I did not know smiled and said “hello”, I might have returned the “hello”…but I would have walked away thinking “boy, that person sure is a piece of work.”

I now better understand what it feels like to be a greeter at Walmart who is often ignored while people speed past in order to buy a case of Mountain Dew and a family size bag of nacho cheese Doritos.

I now better understand what it feels like to be one of those friendly old farmers driving around in his 30-year-old pickup waving at everyone he passes…only to be ignored or given dirty looks.

So, I guess my desire is to help bring about some change in this area.

Wouldn’t it be awesome if we would say “hello” and “good morning”, “good afternoon”, or “good evening” to the people we encounter? Wouldn’t it be awesome if we were intentional about being kind to those around us? Wouldn’t it be awesome if we responded more positively to those who attempt to be friendly to us?

You see, a simple smile and “hello” might be a bigger deal than you think…

Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

Matthew 5:43-47 “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that.

Cheap Imitations

/ Jason Morris / Leave a comment

This morning, I was reading an article about pilsner beers in the latest issue of All About Beer magazine. It’s actually a fascinating read on the incredible history of this beverage.

It appears that when the pilsner first hit the scene, it truly captivated the world. It was something new, something refreshing, something different, something wonderful.

Then, as one would almost expect, the pilsner had its name dragged through the mud as numerous sub-standard, cheap imitations began to hit the scene.

These cheap imitations had an almost disastrous impact on the few true and noteworthy pilsners in existence.

Brewing experts talked about how people were slapping the pilsner name on just about anything that remotely fit the specifications of the genre. This resulted in thousands of variations…most of them an insult to the original.

However, the future looks bright for the return of the true pilsner. There are some powerhouse pilsner brewers who have stayed true to form for a long time. Today, there are new breeds of brewers rising on the scene who take their brewing seriously and are doing their best to craft pilsners that rival the real thing. And, there are conscious consumers who understand that not all brews that claim to be “pilsners” are truly pilsners.

As I read the article, I found myself thinking about the Christian faith.

We have this beautifully rich faith that calls believers to a certain way of living and interacting in this world. When Christians attempt to get it right, it can be an amazing, transforming, awesome thing.

However, when Christians get it wrong, it simply becomes a cheap imitation.

There are many cheap imitations of the Christian faith out there. These cheap imitations drag the name of Christianity through the mud. These cheap imitations take something beautiful and turn it into something hideous.

And, it’s not just Fred Phelps and the Westboro Baptist Church. It’s not just the Christians who think the most effective way to promote their agenda is to blow up abortion clinics and murder doctors who perform abortions. It’s not just the extremists who are dragging the name of Christianity through the mud. It’s also yours truly.

You see, every time I settle for less than what God would intend, I’m just another cheap imitation. Every time I fail to help out a neighbor in need, I’m just another cheap imitation. Every time I make a snap judgment based on one’s outer appearance, I’m just another cheap imitation. Every time I fail to speak on behalf of those who cannot, I’m just another cheap imitation. Every time I fail to work for justice in the face of injustice, I’m just another cheap imitation. Every time I make the choice to “fit in”, I’m just another cheap imitation.

The truly disgusting part is that sometimes I’m okay with being a cheap imitation. I mean, on paper, I’d deny it. But, my actions (or lack of actions) seem to say that I’m okay with it…And, I do my best to justify my role as a cheap imitation. I’m like the brewer who puts a “pilsner” label on my beer in order to help move more product, knowing I’m settling for less than the real thing…less than the best. I’m like the Pharisee who prays, “God, I thank you that I am not like other men – robbers, evildoers, adulterers – or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get” (Luke 18:11-12).

However, like the new breed of brew masters who are emerging on the scene attempting to do their best to brew a worthy variety of pilsners, I long to become more than a cheap imitation. I long to become a high quality imitation, a clear reflection of the One I claim to follow. I desire to get it right!

What kind of imitation are you? High quality or a cheap knock-off?

3 John 1:11- “Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.”

Romans 12:2 (MSG)- Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

The Practice of Radical Hospitality

/ Jason Morris / 1 Comment

As I’ve been at the Indiana United Methodist Church Annual Conference at Ball State University this week, I have noticed some displays of radical hospitality. At the same time, I have noticed some displays of radical rudeness.

When I arrived at the registration tables, I was warmly welcomed and given clear instructions on where to go and what to do. The friendly nature of those working the various tables helped me relax and feel a bit more comfortable being at this conference.

When I came into Emens Auditorium, I was greeted by name by one of the Ball State employed ushers. He took time to ask how I was doing, to ask about my family, and to show genuine care and concern. Of course, he also had to do his job and gently remind me that I had to finish my coffee in the lobby! Come on, Ball State, the carpet and chairs in Emens are so out-dated…they are older than me…let us bring in some freaking coffee!

This morning, I was greeted like a long-lost friend at a coffee shop when the barista said, “Hey, how are you doing? We haven’t seen you around here for a while.” So, it made it a bit easier to forgive the fact that they prepared my blueberry bagel in a manner that made it taste like an onion bagel.

At the same time, I have experienced some acts of radical rudeness.

I recall the way observing a pastor talking down to a BSU dining services employee at a dinner.

I recall the way a colleague (within ministry, not at my specific church) continually treats me as a second class citizen.

I recall the way a layperson spoke to me before she found out that I was here as a part of the annual conference and not as a Ball State student (however, I was flattered that she actually thought I could have been a student). It was odd, she was rude…sort of spoke in a demeaning manner, and I’m not sure why. Then, when she asked if I was student and I explained that I was here for the Annual Conference, she pulled one of those, “Oh, I’m so glad to have met you.”

Then, I recall all the ways I have failed to show hospitality to those around me. I recall all the ways in which I have ignored those who just need a simple act of kindness…a smile…a door held…a kind word. I recall the ways I have overlooked people in order to get to those who “really matter.”

I recall the fact that I need to not simply point the finger at others…I need to do more than grow indignant when I see others treated poorly…I need to make sure I grow and practice hospitality.

May we all grow in and practice hospitality. May we become known for the way we love, care, and treat others…in a positive way!

Romans 12:13- “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”

Hebrews 13:2– “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”

1 Peter 4:9- “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.”

3 John 1:8– “We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth.”