Call me Big Grizz!

Sports. I have never dedicated to engaging in playing, watching or even caring about them. However, it is absolutely impossible to be a TRUE Memphian and not become overjoyed by the reality of the Grizzlies in the playoffs and the prospect of them going all the way. Memphis is aching for positive publicity and the way the city has rallied behind this team is tremendous. For the past 8 years, I’ve lived in foreign lands (foreign lands: outside of Memphis, yet on American soil) where I’ve been mocked for unashamedly claiming my home sweet home. Apparently the world believes only small things and people come out Memphis. I’ve been called names like lil’ North North and lil’ First 48. I’ve been accused of lying about my origins because I don’t have gold teeth and/or a jheri curl. I even met someone from DETROIT, of all places, who was afraid to come to Memphis. I’m not even sure that birds feel safe enough to fly in Detroit. I’m joking, but really, Memphis is not ‘the gutter’ as many would like to call it. There are great people in this city, cool things to do if you’re willing to find them, a ton of finger licking, leg shaking good places to gain weight (or, eat), and now, the relentless Memphis Grizzlies are becoming the al la mode to this city.

These games have had me all in! Maybe too much. I now see why some people have fasted from sports. While watching Game 3, I developed a pulsating headache when the Grizzlies lost hold of their 18 point lead over the Thunder. The gap made me calm. But, when the Thunder got just a one point lead a vein in my neck began to twitch. It continued if the Grizz did something silly. In contrast, when they did something fantastic, I leaped up and yelled, making this uncontrollable hardcore gansta-like sound, “Uugh,” followed by the words “Yea boi! Or a “That’s what I’m talkin’ bout baby!” These are definitely not normal responses for me. I was on an emotional rollercoaster and in the words of Vivian Green, “loving [the game] ain’t nothin’ healthy.”

However, in those moments of irrepressible reaction, I discovered the “big deal about Sports” that I have never understood. If you’re really serious, the team you hope to win is actually ‘your team.’ I have never understood why people who can’t run half a mile would include themselves in speaking about a sports team, they’d say, “We are going all the way.” In fact, it used to anger me. I’d say to myself, “Shut up FOOL, you ain’t on no team!” Intense inner monologue, I know. But now, I get it. I am a proud Memphian, which makes me a Grizzlie. I’m telling the world, “Never call me lil First 48 again! Call me Big Grizz!” Not really, please, no one do that. But I do enjoy this game and will be watching every last one of them. I will be using my new sports alter ego. And WE are going all the way! Go Grizzlies.

Spiritually Senile

"Hello," My grandfather (pictured) says feebly on the other end of the phone.

“It’s Erin granddaddy.”

“Erin? You say you my granddaughter?”

“Yes, your son Chauncey’s daughter, in Memphis.”

“You say, Chancey? In Memphis?”

“Yes, you remember, your oldest son. Granddaddy, It’s me, Erin!!”

Getting someone who should know you to remember you is a workout! If I find this frustrating with my slightly senile grandfather who has the excuse of 92 years  on his side, how much more frustrating was it for God when He constantly reminded Israel, His chosen people, who he was? I am not the final authority on this study, but I counted more than 180 instances in scripture where the Lord is almost explaining Himself, like an introduction to the one group of people who should know Him personally, the Israelites. He uses phrases like, “I am the Lord, your God” or “I, the Lord God of Israel.”

I think I would be annoyed if someone I know, I knew, constantly reminded me who they are, where we met, and what good friends we are, every time we talked. Imagine that, “Hey such and such, this is me, blank and blank, we met at the bus stop where we became great friends after I saved your life and pulled you out of oncoming traffic.” What?!

One of my favorite places we see this in scripture is in Isaiah 43. Take some time to read it because this blog will not suffice as a quiet time. But, essentially this is what God says to His people, in my own words, pay close attention to all the descriptive language:

“I God, your Creator, the one that formed you and redeemed you, have called you by name and you are mine. I will be with you when you go through deep and hard things and because I am with you, you will not be overtaken by deep and hard things. Do not be afraid because I, the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior, who brought you out of slavery and give cities in exchange for you, love you, you are precious to me.”

These are extremely personal words for one who has to explain who He is. I confess, I often forget who scripture clearly tells us God is and even who He has proven to be in my personal life. When I get in a mess or when my will seems ignored, as it is often, I easily forget the love of Christ and the sovereignty of His plan. But reading Isaiah 43 is a sobering reminder of how God, in His grace, made a practice of reminding those He loved how much He loved them.

 Would it not grieve your heart to have to tell those you sincerely love how much you love them, every single time you talk to them? Would you not wonder when will they stop doubting me? How much do I have to do for them to see?  

Here’s the deal, God loves the world deeply, so much so that He allowed the wrath that each of us deserved to be poured out on His son. Through Jesus, He has given us the opportunity of an eternity, knowing God personally! If you know God personally, I challenge you remember who is and His pure love for you, moment by moment. Allow your life to be a constant response to that reality. Man, that’s a process! If you do not know God personally, but want to, check out this link http://darealtruth.com/, and click on Meet God.

Thunderous Giving

“If your life doesn’t resound with the thunder of generosity, you haven’t been struck with the lightening of grace.” Randy Alcorn

Living in American culture almost makes us instant consumers. We are captivated by gossip, drama, and disaster. We call it News which implies that it encompasses new information that we need to know. The news moves from one story to the next, making no conclusion and calling forth little to no response. So, what is the difference between CNN and Jersey Shores? Reality? Entertainment? There is little difference.

I watched horrifying photos of the devastation in Japan after being shaken by a tsunami, earthquake, and the scare of a potential nuclear meltdown. To top it off Japan just came out of two decades of economic instability; Zimbabwe is the only other country with more debt than Japan. Recovery will be another challenge for this fragile nation.  Talk about kicking you while you’re down.

The newscast then moved from Japan to Libya where people are still experiencing violent political unrest.

Then to the US where Wisconsin union workers protest their rights singing with a live band, the Foo Fighters, “solidarity forever.” Farmers dressed as cows and rode their tractors through Madison undoubtedly serious, but with the freedom to have some fun, evidenced in the signpost pictured right. This is a stark contrast to those protesting against the real Mubarak and for rights and injustices in Libya, Yemen, Algeria, and Egypt.  http://opinionrepublic.wordpress.com/2011/01/19/riots-spreading-to-libya-algeria-egypt-yemen/

Instead of answering the question ‘how can we (regular, everyday people) help these countries like Libya, Japan, etc’ our news is answering the question, will the nuclear damage in Japan reach the U.S?”

The answer: “that is highly unlikely because the two countries are so far from each other.”

What in the world? Since we are literally far removed from disaster, are we invincible?  

We, as Americans are obese with awareness on the issues that exist across the globe but yet anemic in action.

I’m filled with fear for our country when I think of the quote by Randy Alcorn, “If your life doesn’t resound with the thunder of generosity, you haven’t been struck with the lightening of grace.” What will it take our nation to give thunderously?

I don’t desire bad things to happen in America, but it’s amazing how calamity, disaster, and being utterly helpless opens the heart to experience the fullness of grace. Japan, Middle Eastern countries in riot, and Haiti still need our prayers, our help, our hands and feet, if possible. Let us resolve to be gracious by definition, not waiting on the opportunity to get something in return. Let us do and give wildly in their time of need, especially since they have nothing or very little to give back to us.

Check out this link for ways you can help today. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/11/how-to-help-japan-earthquake-relief_n_834484.html, 

http://www.epm.org/