Author: Wick

Popular books and authors generally cause me to be a bit cynical. Even by authors whose works I’ve enjoyed in the past. But even more so, when they plan on rolling out a new book in more than one language, along with gift book and condensed versions, video curriculum, a worship album, and all the advertising that says “we know this will be a smash hit, and make us much more money than we’re spending on all this advertising”. Of course, in their minds they probably think “this book could be used by God in many lives, so let’s get it out there in as many ways as possible!”. Who knows.But after finishing Max Lucado’s newest book “Fearless“, I would have to say it’s worth picking up. The advertising itself speaks the truth. We live in a world and a culture where fear is everywhere. It’s used to entertain. It’s used to prod people into action. It’s byproduct of worry is used to bait and hook us into drooling over news for the latest updates on any given story. But it’s also just happening on it’s own. We live in a world where economies become unbalanced, along with everything latched to them. Uncertainty about ourselves, our futures, etc.

It can be a prison.

In Lucado’s book, he confronts some of the most common fears chapter by chapter. It’s not a deep theological discourse with exegesis to back it up. It’s quite an easy, and fast read. But I would recommend taking your time, especially when reading the chapter that contains the fear you most identify with.

For me? It was chapter five. The fear of not protecting my kids. I’m a pretty laid back guy, and have had a lot of practice in giving issues/fears/unknowns to God. I’ve grown because of it. But I admit, the one thing in my life that tempts me back into worry on occasion is my ability to provide for, protect, and otherwise meet the needs of my family. Or the fact that even with all my efforts, something could spontaneously happen to any of them, and the loss or damage would tear me apart.

Do I dwell on this? Nope. Am I imprisoned by it? Nope. But his words in this, and many of the other chapters are great reminders that we must consciously and resolutely stand in the name of Christ against unhealthy fears and responses to them.

You may even find, as I did….that there are aspects of many of the other fears I didn’t even realize until reading it have been impacting my life. Even in slight ways. This book offers to be a breath of fresh air, and a reminder to be living without fear – which may make us look quite odd as the body of Christ in today’s world. That’s probably a good thing.

This past Saturday we had a few hours in the evening open, and wanted to do something different as a family. No television. No pile of princess toys. Not even dressing up and dancing to the Cinderella soundtrack. But also – free.

So we went to the park. A couple blankets, a few books for the girls, a few crackers and a drink. We were a little worried as parents, I’ll admit. Are we bringing enough for our daughters to be entertained?

Would we set out the blanket, get all prepared for a time of relaxation, and all of a sudden have a three year old with a tantrum, a 1.5 year old that wants 100% of our attention, and a 12 week old that wants to eat?

For a bit of reinforcements, we brought Aunt Mary with us…and set out.

Move over McLaren. Look out Derek Webb. Make room Mr. Barna. Heads up Campolo. Check it out Tony Jones.

You’ve probably noticed it’s popular to be critical of the bride of Christ these days. Some do it well, and lead towards encouragement, growth, and maturity. Some have helped us make great steps towards doing “church” better as the Church. And then…some have just simply slammed the church, and left her beaten in the street….convinced she can’t possibly be the Church.

As it turns out, those doing it currently are echoing sentiments that have been out there for quite sometime. As I mentioned recently, I read “The Grand Inquisitor” last week. As a standalone section in the book, I can understand why people think it’s important. It is quite deep, and can be read over and over again, and lead to some very helpful prayers.

But over the weekend, I continued reading finally. I have to say, I’m disappointed. Disappointed that “The Grand Inquisitor” got all the hype, most likely due to the same reason it’s becoming a fad to diss the church still today. The section immediately following is quite a few pages dedicated to the great monk in the story, Zosima. These pages contain very challenging/encouraging words, and sentences that can pack a lot of seeds for growth. If I had to choose a section of “The Brothers Karamazov” that I could read over and over again, it’d be those pages for sure. I’ll leave you with a brief example:

“He accumulates wealth in solitude, thinking: how strong, how secure I am now; and does not see, madman as he is, that the more he accumulates, the more he sinks into suicidal impotence. For he is accustomed to relying only on himself, he has separated his unit from the whole, he has accustomed his soul to not believing in people’s help, in people or mankind, and now only trembles lest his money and his acquired privileges perish.” Page 303, Brothers Karamazov

“Be glad as children, as birds in the sky. And let man’s sin not disturb you in your efforts….do not say, “Sin is strong, impiety is strong, the bad environment is strong, and we are lonely and powerless…Flee from such despondency, my children!” Page 320, Brothers Karamazov