Inappropriate Conversations

195: Telling Your Stories (before it's too late)

When you don't know the rest of the story, it can be challenging to tell the part that you do know.

 

"Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal."

 

The Ungame.

 

Different Drummer: Alain Robbe-Grillet

194: No Pharisee Shopping Spree

Dubious as I am of boycotts, I'm already refusing to do business with Pharisees. Let's face it: most boycotts publicly proclaimed by the "religious right" are refusals to shop at stores or watch TV shows that those same people have previously refused to frequent multiple times before. It's an adulterous understanding of the concept. In a more personal but dedicated way, though, I have made good on past promises to withdraw my support from companies that treated me like a second-class citizen. In an era where our last remaining vote may be our pocketbooks, I may have to increase my resolve to avoid any dealings with companies that would shun customers or fire employees because of who they are or whom they love.

Different Drummer: Gregg Popovich

193: One-ders 3

Sometimes a retreat is in order, to circle the wagons and refresh the spirit. Often as not, my happy place is full of music. That doesn't mean that all the music is upbeat or positive, though. The rain falls there, too. 
(References are in the comments section of the website.)

Different Drummer: Experiment 626 (Stitch)

192: 100 Ways

I recall an exercise that I found unexpectedly challenging: making 100 clear and simple statements about myself that were true and affirming, in the sense of not being negative. I've been sharing parts of this throughout Inappropriate Conversations and Walk The Earth podcasts. This time, I revist that list. 

Different Drummer: John Pavlovitz

 

Walk The Earth 43

Whether following Jesus collectively is still possible when up to 80% of evangelical Christians no longer think "character is all that matters" in leadership decisions?

191: False Political Prophecies

When you understand the persecution a group thinks they will suffer, whether based on rational conclusions or not, it provides great insight into what they would do if given ultimate and absolute power. We are wise to be wary. The people who predicted Obama would "round up" both Christians and guns might just pose a similar dire threat to their perceived political enemies. We haven't done a sufficient job of denouncing false prophecies in recent years, and now we must deal with the political consequences.
I apologize, President Obama, on behalf of all Christians for the false and hateful things said about you during the past 8 years from the pulpit and over the airwaves by self-proclaimed Christians. They were as wrong as their predictions have turned out to be.

Different Drummer: Bette Midler

Walk The Earth 42

Whether Jesus accomplished a micro-personal goal or macro-theological purpose through his crucifixion?