...self care is never a selfish act- it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer to others. Anytime we can listen to true self and give it the care it requires, we do so not only for ourselves but for the many others whose lives we touch.

Parker J. Palmer, Let Your Life Speak

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Unorthodoxy

As I grew up in a musical family and a drummer, Buddy Rich was my idol. His single stroke roll was a work of God, at least as I witnessed his incredible performances. His record, A Different Drummer seemed to be a departure from so much of the jazz -rock that he had been doing in the preceding years. Rich's talent and precision differentiated him from drummers of all styles.

Which brings us to Mr. Tebow, a different kind of NFL QB. He has reemerged nationally as quarterback with the Denver Broncos. The renewed fame begins with leading his team to the playoffs and in the playoffs, but is fed by the criticism of some who may call themselves "experts" at the position he plays. For these folks, "just win, baby," isn't enough. For example Sir Charles declared earlier this week, after Denver's last win, "the national nightmare continues." I know he's not an expert so it must be comedian.

Tebow's technique is not prototypical, nor his frame, which allows him to run first, pass second. Such an approach is a problem for other, more frail quarterbacks, and their coaches. There's also the matter of speaking regularly and persistently of what are supposedly personal faith matters. That he shares his faith in the Lord publicly shouldn't by itself diminish his authenticity. But for many, it is just one more way he is different, and probably makes his interviewers a little uncomfortable.

If his season were long over, there would be few interviews and little interest. So winning has sparked the Tebow craze for sure. But I think there's more to it. In leadership theory, we hear about the self-differentiated leader. They are the ones who know and accept themselves for who they are- with all their limits, and their gifts. Self acceptance is more about accepting my true self as formed and loved by God. (Is. 43:1, 44:1) So that when the false statements that we tell ourselves cease, as well as the stuff we use to prop-up our lives, we are, bottom line, all very different and unique but equally loved by God, in an overflowing kind of way.

Love allows differences in us and in others. And those differences are what make our world beautiful, and exciting, not boring. "And I say to myself, what a wonderful world."








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Why Clergyspirit?

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Houston, Texas, United States
Welcome! I serve Chapelwood, a United Methodist Church in Houston, Texas. Clergy are frequently present for others. Thus, your own self care isn't an option. I hope that the links and posts you find here will give you ideas, humor, hope and encouragement. We cannot offer what we don't have.

Monday Moravian Prayer

When we are weary, you give us strength. When we are tired, you grant us rest. On those days when it feels hard to put one foot in front of the other, you keep us going. Your Spirit always calls us to life. Help us to press on toward the goal of living fully and abundantly.

Amen.


Prayer of Discernment

By our own reason and strength, Lord, we cannot find our way. There are too many paths and we do not know where they will lead us. Show us the way, Jesus. You know our path and our way home. Amen.

The Moravian Daily Texts 2011


Democracy Now!

The Purr Factor

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