Category: DOC Thoughts
Words to Ponder
Randy, a friend and peer in ministry, offered up a couple of quotes that are what I call, “words to ponder”. You’ve heard words that make you pause or make you go, “hmmm.” Well, here are two sets of words that do that for me which Randy shared during a meeting earlier this month with a group of our friends and peers.
“Those who do not have power over the story that dominates their lives, the power to retell it, rethink it, deconstruct it, joke about it and change it as times change, truly are powerless because they cannot think new thoughts.” Salman Rushdie
Lyrics from, “Head Full of Doubt / Road Full of Promise”
The Avette Brothers, 2009
There’s a darkness upon me that’s flooded in light
In the fine print they tell me what’s wrong and what’s right
And it comes in black and it comes in white
And I’m frightened by those that don’t see itWhen nothing is owed or deserved or expected
And your life doesn’t change by the man that’s elected
If you’re loved by someone, you’re never rejected
Decide what to be and go be it
A Prayer for the Senate
My path to ordained ministry is best described as switchback path. I was clear that I wanted to serve in youth ministry and that being ordained, called to ministry, was important obligation if I was to be a good steward of my own experiences and those that helped me along the way. Rev. Dr. Bob Schomp is one of the persons that guided me along the ordination path during the end of my seminary days. Dr. Bob, as he prefers to be called, was the chair of my interview committee that questioned me and as best they could, understood my desire to seek ordination. Dr. Bob trusted me with an internship at Lubbockview Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) the summer after I graduated from TCU and was preparing to begin at Brite Divinity School in the fall. I don’t remember the occasion for us being together, but I remember his words. “I am working on my DMin at Brite and this summer I need to be in Ft Worth during the weekdays for classes. Would you like to learn more about ministry by working at my church and keeping the place running while I am away during the week? It will be a good learning experience for you.” He was present for my ordination interview, the first to welcome me into ordained ministry when I was approved, and at my ordination service at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Lubbock, TX, back in 1991. Rev. Dr. Bob Schomp is an old school Disciple that I respect and trust. Yesterday, it was his honor to give the opening prayer for the United States Senate. I would have had a difficult time doing this, but Bob demonstrates a steady trust and willingness to politely remind power what the spirit and task leadership is about in the 21st century.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
The Reverend Dr. Robert K. SchompGod of many names and faiths, we praise you for the freedom of religious expression which allows us to worship you in the temples, mosques, synagogues, and churches of our nation: To you belong all realms, all power, and all glory. Yet in this nation of immigrants, the United States of America, you have given us the freedom to establish our own government in order to defend and oversee the rights and welfare of our citizens. Today, we pray for this august body, the United States Senate, whom we the people have chosen to share in the leadership of our country.
We pray for your assistance for these privileged women and men. Bless them with the stamina, the toughness, and the integrity to fight for what is right and honorable in your sight. Instill in them the desire for unity within diversity; the will to overcome racism and bigotry; the courage to break down dividing walls of hostility; the ability to hear and respect the voices of those who disagree with them; and the determination to work with each other for justice, freedom, and peace. Amen.