| Truett Seminary and Walter Brueggemann |
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Monday, February 15, 2010 Over the past four weeks, I've been writing on this website about the big idea that our lives not be governed by fear. Inspired by James Hollis' book WHAT MATTERS MOST: LIVING A MORE CONSIDERED LIFE, I've taken this first idea from his book and meandered around it, attempting to integrate the truth of that idea into my own life. Last weekend, I remembered that one of the ways to counter fear is to be around people of great courage, generosity and humility. When I was a child my mother taught me that who you listen to -- who you spend your time with -- what you put in your mind --matters, and I am encouraged and revived from a weekend conference at Truett Seminary where Walter Brueggemann spoke on prophetic preaching. There is something inspiring and thrilling about listening to a Master Teacher who is so at-one with his work that there is a seamlessness between the message and the messenger. To be in the presence of a person who has devoted his life to the study of the Old Testament out of passion and love for the scriptures, and to listen to someone whose breadth of knowledge, depth of wisdom and insight and skill in imparting what he knows is life-giving. I was so energized and inspired by Dr. Brueggemann's lectures that it is like they have taken up residence in my head and heart. I was blessed by his gracious and generous spirit. As I have gone back over my notes from this conference, turning them over in my mind with the theme about which I've been writing on this website, that our lives not be governed by fear, I was struck with how true it is that being with Light-bearers who have great courage and deep wisdom is one of the ways to relinquish a life governed by fear and receive a life filled with hope and promise. The deep truths conveyed by Dr. Brueggemann do have the power to counteract fear. Wading in the deep waters of profound wisdom, contemplating the vibrant realities of life-giving principles and reflecting deeply on the possibilities that authentic, bold and unembroidered honesty open up in my imagination, I was reminded again that knowing the truth -- that is, accepting it, engaging with it, wrestling with it and attempting to live it -- really can set you free. Just being in the presence of persons who dare to live and speak the wisdom that matters made me feel less afraid and anxious and more empowered to live with courage. Being with people of bold courage activates my own courage. My mother was right. We must choose our friends and teachers carefully. My friends in A.A. know this truth, as well. "Stick with the winners," they say. "The losers will get you drunk." Sometimes I think that we live in a culture drunk on fear. I am profoundly grateful for the bold courage of Walter Brueggemann. I'm so grateful for Hulitt Gloer's leadership in making this converence happen. I am deeply thankful for the powerful gifts of Kyle Matthews, Al Staggs and Todd Still, all of whom brought excellence and passion to the conference. I'm so grateful to the parents of Kyle Lake for their generosity, a generosity that not only inspires and touches me deeply, but reminds me of the ways in which great courage and generosity are intertwined. I'm so proud of the people at Truett Seminary for making teachers and prophets like Walter Brueggemann available for those of us who need to hear deep truths and be encouraged by them. What about you? Who inspires you to rise above your fears? Whose life gives you courage? Who calls forth the best in you? Who gives you grace? And to whom do you extend grace? On this Monday, grace.....to you -- Jeanie (Saturday's column for the San Angelo Standard Time can be found here: http://www.gosanangelo.com/news/2010/feb/12/love-is-best-gift-to-give-a-valentine/)
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Comments (5)
Just Returns
written by Renae C, February 15, 2010
I'm glad you were able to receive what you so freely give. Indeed, being in the presence of Light-Bearers is Life giving.
Monday morning chuckle
written by Lex, February 15, 2010
Starting a rainy Monday with inspiration AND a laugh. Priceless....
> "Stick with the winners," they say. "The losers will get you drunk."
"Stick with the winners"?
written by John King, February 15, 2010
I appreciate the idea that you are trying to present and I think it is a valid perspective. But some take your perspective and try to make Christianity a "faith of winners". "Believe in Jesus, and you will be healthy, wealthy, and wise" Please also think about the life of Christ and how he associated with what many of whom the "winners" of his day would consider the poor, outcast, sick, prostitutes, lost, possessed, the reviled tax collector, and even the racially impure.
Re: "Stick with the winners"?
written by Lex, February 15, 2010
I understand where you are coming from John, but by "winners" I think Jeanie is talking about people who make good decisions; the kind of people we all hope our children will befriend and become. And I don't think this implies that just because someone hasn't made good decisions in life they aren't worthy of our time, love, or friendship.
Sticking with the winners written by John King, February 16, 2010
Lex, I agree with you entirely. Just trying to warn that some take the idea of "winning" and use it to pervert Christianity
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