Christmas Devotional Reading

Happy December 1! Twenty-five days 'til Christmas.

Members of the Dallas Seminary faculty teamed up with our Advancement, Creative Services, and Web Development departments to provide Christmas devotionals that direct our worship of and reflection on the King of Kings. You can find a new one each day at http://advent.dts.edu/ (and you'll find my contribution on December 11).

Disinherit the Wind

Recently we watched a review copy of “Alleged,” a romantic drama based on events that occurred behind the scenes of the famous Scopes “Monkey Trial” of 1925.

In this flick Charles Anderson (Nathan West) is a talented young reporter who feels trapped in Dayton, Tennessee, at a time of decline. The trial happens in his town (actually the trial's created to infuse some income into the place), and he can’t resist when he lands a once-in-a-lifetime chance to break into the journalistic big leagues as the protégé of influential Baltimore Sun editor H.L Mencken (Colm Meaney).At the "Trial of the Century," the great Clarence Darrow (Brian Dennehy) defends evolution against the popular statesman William Jennings Bryan (Fred Thompson), whose beliefs were actually not all that fundamentalist. (For example, he believed the six days of creation were six geological periods.) Charles finds himself torn between his love for Rose (Ashley Johnson—“What a Girl Wants”) and the ethical compromises Mencken expects him to make. “Alleged” uses the fictional Charles and Rose to present actual conflicts that boiled over in 1925 and continue to simmer today — evolution and creation in the public schools, the role of science in society, and media sensationalism motivated by religious and political biases on both sides. “Alleged” is not a retelling of the famous Monkey Trial, yet the trial provides a real-life backdrop to reveal biases, controversial issues, and character flaws. The film is less about the trial and more about honesty in journalism and telling the truth. Oh, and a romance. "Alleged" has some A-list actors and decent production values. But the plot is disjointed in places, making it difficult always to follow what’s going on and who believes what. A number of characters seem more like caricatures than real humans. But the film raises important issues and it's worth overlooking some flaws. Here are a few facts I found when digging around after I saw it:. . More than 60,000 Americans were sterilized in America against their will in the name of eugenics. . Stanley Kramer's classic film, Inherit the Wind (1960, with Spencer Tracy, Fredric March, and Gene Kelly), was loosely based on the events of the Scopes Monkey Trial, but names were changed and other modifications made such that the movie didn’t adhere reliably to the facts of the trial. While “Alleged” is not a remake of Inherit the Wind, Kramer's film fits the premise of "Alleged" to the extent that certain political and religious biases held by the writers of Inherit the Wind motivated them to modify the actual events into an alternative story that is now largely believed. . Various "lies" about the actual Scopes Trail that are largely believed to be true include:The State of TN outlawed the teaching of evolution in 1925. (It permitted the teaching of 99.999% of Darwinian theory.) The textbook used by Scopes in 1925 was a "Christian" version of biology and excluded evolution. (It was 100% evolutionary.)Clarence Darrow performed brilliantly in Dayton. (The ACLU sought to have him removed from the case on appeal due to his strategies and conduct at the trial.) Bryan feared allowing evolutionary scientists at the trial. (It was Darrow who kept the scientists off the stand when the Judge determined that they could be cross-examined on the stand.) For a comparison of the movie Inherit the Wind with the facts of the actual Scopes trial, you can see www.themonkeytrial.com. But first watch Alleged. It'll make you think. And isn't that the point?

I Like Oak Cliff Restaurants

I made another trek today down to the South Dallas suburb of Oak Cliff at the invitation of Sharifa, who finds the best indy places to eat. If I lived near her, my nickname would be “dirigible,” for sure.

Sha wanted me to meet a friend who is exploring role-of-women issues, and since that happens to be one of my passions, it was a natch. Only problem was, I set up the appointment more than a month ago, delaying till I had my dissertation finished. Or so I thought. Oops.

We met at Oddfellows. I couldn’t find it at first because I remembered the name as Goodfellows. So that was tough on the confused GPS, which also missed a major turn because it’s outdated. Note to self: Update the GPS if you dislike getting lost. Once I got that little name detail corrected, I found Oddfellows without any trouble, though the noon traffic in Dallas was a bear.

The place is known for brunch. I had the grilled chicken club sandwich, which came with hardboiled egg, bacon, tomato and avocado inside. Oh. My. Goodness. Sha ordered buffalo mac and cheese, which she liked a lot, but I think I said, “mm-m-m” over my lunch way more than she did. I wish I could remember what her friend had, because she said she orders it every time.

Prices were reasonable and the wait for food was short. Also the wait staff was fun and friendly. If you live near Dallas, check it out.

Art and Thought

Near the end of every semester of my Creative Writing class at DTS, I take my students down to the Dallas Museum of Art (DMA). During our time there, they write about one piece they encounter.

The DMA is kind enough to let us in an hour before opening—when it’s quieter and we can congregate more easily around specific pieces without disturbing anyone. They also let us in free, let us park free, and give us free entrance to special exhibits.

This year one of the art preparers, Mike, has led our private tours, and he does much more than show us around. He plans ahead and introduces us to specific pieces that raise issues we should think about. And he's never in a hurry for us to answer, giving us time to consider. (He also always gives me a good TV or movie recommendation along the way—last time it was the Foyle’s War BBC series. This time it was “The Tree of Life” movie. But I digress.)

This semester Mike led us in a tour that he called, "Sacred or Profane?" He had us consider three works in which ostensibly secular artists have appropriated biblical stories or imagery. We began with a piece titled "Mexican Adam and Eve" by Alfredo Ramos Martinez. We considered how the artist’s version focused on the loss of innocence and suggested an accusation against Western powers for destroying their “garden.” And we talked about how that “take” on the story differs from the biblical account in which humanity sins against their creator.

Next we looked briefly at a beautiful, traditional 16th-century depiction of the Virgin, probably an altar piece. This we compared with a photograph of pop tart Kylie Minogue as "The Virgin with Serpents" in the Jean Paul Gaultier show, here till Feb 12 ("The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk"--if you don’t know his name, you might recognize him as the designer of Madonna’s cone-breast bodice). We also looked at some of the dresses and gowns in Gaultier's "Virgins" collection that incorporate Roman Catholic imagery.

We finished with "Detail," Mark Bradford's monumental steel and wooden ark, and a related video (here's a DMA time-lapse sequence, which took about five days: http://youtu.be/gIDIEfi5VnQ) describing the construction of the original piece in New Orleans following hurricane Katrina. (Notice in this video how the artist explicitly links the work to the story of Noah's ark: http://www.dmovies.net/prospect1/index.html )

Some of the questions our guide had us consider were, “In a secular age, is it even possible to successfully appropriate biblical or religious imagery, stories, and symbols?” and “What happens when this imagery is being derived second- or third-hand via pop culture, as opposed to direct engagement with the Bible or theological reflection?” And “What happens when artists attempt to critique or subvert this type of imagery? Is that possible, or do the symbols and stories carry so much weight that they in turn end up as a critique of the artist?”

We considered whether Gaultier's use of Christian imagery in his clothes is any different from or less reverent than any number of items we could find in a "Christian" book or gift shop.

Between the tour and lunch, we wandered for an hour. I checked out the entire Gaultier show, which was fascinating. (But it’s R-rated, so don’t take your kiddies. Some of the school children there today caught a glimpse of some naked full-grown female angels depicted on dress fabric, and they were giggling and gawking—and that was in the room with the tame stuff.) The DMA also had a good exhibit on African head wear that I checked out, in addition to the rest of the Bradford exhibit.

We finished our time with lively discussions over lunch at the Museum café, which always has good food. DMA, we love you!

Keep Christ in Christmas: Ten Steps to a Saner Season

Today's Tapestry post...

It doesn’t have to happen again—the insane pace, the big-dollar debt, and the no-time-for-the-main-thing rush in the hustle and bustle. With a little forethought, about 30 minutes today, you can get it right over the twenty-six days between now and Christmas. Here are some suggestions.

. Make a spiritual reading plan. Think ahead about what you plan to read, when you’ll read it, and why it’s important to carve out some quiet time. If you want specifically Christmas-related content, you can find numerous options online for holiday-themed meditations, many of which you can have sent to your in-box daily.

. Be intentional in your giving. First, there’s the charitable giving. Over the next month worthy causes will bombard you with requests. Rather than grumbling, be grateful so many good organizations exist. Pray about how much and to whom you can give. Then there’s the personal giving. For the people on your Christmas list, look for ways to give of yourself. For example, a family member might appreciate receiving Grama's holiday recipe in a basket full of all the ingredients. Also, give to benefit others. Purchase fair-trade jewelry. Or donate a goat to an impoverished family and give it in honor of someone who doesn’t need another necktie. Give books that inspire, CDs that lift the heart, and even cooking, knitting, or art classes instead of expensive junk. If you have no money, consider how to offer the gift of your time—redeemable in January. Or perhaps you can sell some used books or that old bike in the garage? Take ten minutes now to plan ahead. One friend wrote me, “We are skipping Christmas gifts this year and saving our money to take a family trip. I feel so free from all the glitzy Christmas marketing. It's liberating, I tell ya. (And wait until the kids find out where we're going. It's totally gonna be worth it.)”

. Write to encourage. If you sponsor a child, write him or her a letter and tuck inside a bookmark or Christmas stickers. Send a card to a member of the military who’s far from home this year: Holiday Mail for Heroes, P.O. Box 5456, Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456. If you teach a Sunday school class or Girl Scout troop, write a group letter. As for cards or letters to your own friends, do you really want to send those this year? If so, think about how to keep them simple, warm, and humble.

. Embrace a free tradition. Consider adding a practice that deepens the season’s meaning. For example, you could place your crèche in a central location, but leave the cradle empty until Christmas morning, when you make a grand celebration of the baby’s arrival. Or read one chapter of Dickens’s A Christmas Carol at the dinner table every night. “God bless us, every one!” (Last time I checked, that story was available as a free Kindle download. But I’m sure your public library has a copy or two, also.) Or schedule a family night of popcorn, root-beer floats, and “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

. Fill your life with pleasant sounds. Christmas brings a great opportunity to publicly and privately listen to inspiring music. Pull out the Handel’s “Messiah” CD. Select your own faves and carry a few out to the car. Replace the droning TV and the sound of honking horns with melodies of the season.

. Think about who needs you to listen. It’s been said that “listening is the new apologetic.” In the craziness of the season, some deeply hurting people get overlooked. Consider who would appreciate one phone call or an invitation to an event you’re already attending, such as your church’s musical. Joy energizes, and there’s joy in serving.

. Lower your expectations, or “prune your perfectionism.” Make your holiday party a dessert thing and forget cooking a full dinner. Promise yourself you’ll focus on time with loved ones, not clean bathrooms or presents.

. De-clutter and donate. Take a load out of your purse and go prepared to encourage that Salvation Army bell ringer with lots of pennies clinking. Send your stack of extra Bibles to Bibledonate.org, 601 S Washington, Suite 200, Stillwater, OK, 74074. Collect your extra bedding, pillowcases, and coats, and set them aside to deliver to a women’s shelter—in January.

. Decide what you want for Christmas. When people ask, “What can I get you?” provide them with the name of your favorite charity. Or direct them to your Amazon gift list (you can create one for free, for yourself and every member of your family—and include on your lists items requested by charities). If you think ahead, you’re more likely to receive what you can really use, instead of one more fruitcake.

. Cut back. Really do it. Defy commercialization and give of yourself. Start with scheduling “down” time in the same way you would schedule cooking and football time—go ahead and mark off those days today. (Maybe this would be a good time to find out when the church parties, office parties, kids’ concerts, and musicals will take place, so that I-need-a-costume demand doesn’t catch you by surprise.) De-stress with prayer, stretching exercises, hot peppermint tea, and sticking to your boundaries.

One factor that will help significantly in making this holiday season less insane is allowing yourself some quiet think-time so you can be intentional. To think further (more than the 30 minutes I promised) about this important topic, you can find lots of great ideas at adventconspiracy.org.

Prepare for Advent

This coming Sunday is the first of the Advent season--when we prepare our hearts to celebrate the coming of Christ. Consider following the lectionary this year. For more information, you can go here, to the Transforming Center site.

Give Thanks

Today I'm thanking God for God. Where would we be without the Eternal Presence walking with us through the ups and downs? How can an infinitely holy God deal justly with our selfishness while also showing infinite love? I'm grateful that an infinitely creative God made a way...

I'm thankful for my loving husband and our fun girl. For my family of origin and so many I love who have known and loved me for decade upon decade.

I'm thankful for my friends who have carried us through seasons of "gives and takes away," made us laugh, cried with us when it hurt, and even occasionally sent chocolate.

I'm thankful for a body that fully recovered from a fall that left me in a wheelchair six years ago--for a shoulder that works great, a hip that works fine, and the ability to walk and swim. Not to mention that I can see, hear, smell, feel, and taste.

I'm thankful for our church, where people love and serve one another and our community.

I'm thankful for meaningful work and great administrators, colleagues, and students who make it a joy to do my job. I'm grateful for employee benefits that provide health insurance and health-club access for this recovered body of mine.

I'm thankful for the faith of friends and family exercised in the midst of trauma. It inspires me to do the same.

I'm thankful for my city, my county, my country and those who work to make it a safer, more just place.

I'm thankful for a full pantry, for the bounty of a full refrigerator, for the fact that we have so much abundance that we need a word like "leftovers" in our language.

I'm thankful for the beauty I have seen this year in Venice and Vicenza and Rome; and that I got to see it with my little family.

I'm thankful for an education system that allows women to study alongside with men.

There's so much more I could say! And I know you're thankful, too, aren't you? We are so rich! Can you add something to the list?

Wordless Wednesday

November 22

Today is the anniversary of the assassination of John F. Kennedy, the event for which Dallas is probably best known. A fascinating mini-series took a scientific look at the evidence, and The History Channel followed up. But the info implicated LBJ, and the episodes were never allowed to air, thanks to the intervention of some powerful people (like past presidents Carter and Ford). You can still watch them on Youtube.

Black Friday's Coming

Are you thinking yet about Christmas shopping? Maybe, like one of my friends, you've already finished. (Must be nice, huh?)

This year if you plan to make any purchases from Amazon (including Kindles, clothing, and toys), please consider swinging by here and going to Amazon through the special Amazon link on the right column of this site. It costs you nothing extra, and our work in Africa benefits from affiliate commissions. No, Amazon doesn't donate the money to East-West. They give us a gift certificate. And we have committed to using that certificate to benefit the work. So far we've been able to order free backpacks for school kids, a digital camera to photograph orphans needing sponsors, office supplies, and English-Swahili dictionaries for our African partners.

Spread the word!

Documentary Storm

Love documentaries? Now you can watch thousands of them--like "Born into Brothels" and "Around the World in 90 Minutes"--for free online. Check out the possibilities at Documentary Storm.

National Book Awards 2011

The 62nd National Book Awards were held in New York City last night, with awards going to Thanhha Lai for Inside Out and Back Again (Young People's Literature), Nikky Finney for Head Off and Split (Poetry), Stephen Greenblatt for The Swerve: How the World Became Modern (Nonfiction), and Jesmyn Ward for Salvage the Bones (Fiction). In Inside Out & Back Again (Harper) a 10-year-old Ha, whose young life is changed when the Vietnam War comes to her home of Saigon, flees when Saigon falls, and starts a new life with her family in Alabama. Salvage the Bones is about a looming hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico, and the twelve-day framework around it.

The Flame Project

Check out East-West's new humanitarian aid initiative in Kenya, over which Gary is now field director.

The Flame Project from Tim Miller on Vimeo.

Social Networking Video

From yesterday's technology panel:

Like to Think?

For a great library of podcasts on topics such as Nazism, violence, genetics, check out the "Unbelievable?" site.

Stats about Women

Created by: Educational Leadership

Wedding Memories

It was the coolest day.

It began with me hanging out with the bride, mother of the bride, and bridesmaids as we got hair and make-up done. I met up with my family at the church, and my handsome hubby was decked out in a tux. (No photos of him or us yet—he was taking all of the few pictures we do have.) While our daughter stood by the guest book, we had about 20 quiet minutes before the ceremony in a private room. Carlos slipped in and spent his last few moments alone with us. We received his gratitude, and prayed over him. Then we told him to go have a blast celebrating and enjoying the fact that he was surrounded by people who loved him and wished him well. He escorted his biological sister and then Mrs. Mabry, the “grandmother of the groom,” then me down the aisle. And as we walked, I had some special words prepared for him about the love of his late mother and grandmother (whom I did have chance to know). Dr. Charles Swindoll officiated. He began by telling the couple's story. The father gave away the bride, and the couple exchanged vows they had prepared—breathtaking. Carlos washed Karla’s feet to symbolize his commitment to serve her. They also did a Mexican “Lasso Ceremony.” In such a ceremony, a special couple place a large lasso (in this case, a silver cord with a cross hanging down) in a figure-eight shape around the shoulders of the couple after they have exchanged their vows. Carlos and Karla were kneeling in prayer as they received the loop, symbolic of God’s love, which will bind them together every day.At 7:28, Dr. Swindoll pronounced them husband and wife, and Carlos kissed the bride enthusiastically, adding a tender kiss on the forehead.The reception (Mexican food, of course!) included a bride-and-groom dance that ended with a Tango-flair including a big dip. Then from nowhere, a flash mob appeared, performed by Carlos’s coworkers at Insight for Living as the live orchestra rocked to “Everlasting Love.” Carlos was front and center for that. (It reminded me that he once led one of our teams in similar choreography to The Macarena at the Culicán zoo. It made the lions roar at us!) I was seated next to Dr. Swindoll during the reception, and he denied any knowledge of a flash-mob rehearsal on company time. Sparkling grape juice was delivered to each table and toasts were made. Carlos’s biological brother expressed his wonder that sixteen years ago Carlos volunteered to translate for a bunch of American missionaries, when he hardly even knew English. (At this point, the groom looked at me and sheepishly shrugged with a big smile on his face.) A mariachi band followed. The whole day was a beautiful mix of cultures, languages, and traditions, and such a picture of "exceedingly abundantly," when I consider that it all started when “Dr. Bill,” our then-pastor, had a heart condition that required him to change the church's first mission-team destination from Ecuador to somewhere at sea level—which turned out to be Culicán. Many members of our original team were able to be present for the ceremony, including Dr. Bill, who was picked up at the airport by Kelly Wagoner, one of those members, and whisked through traffic to arrive on time. Kelly said the look on Carlos’s face when he saw Dr. Bill was priceless. We sent off bride and groom through an arch of sparklers on a warm November night. Today they should land in Malta.

11-11-11 Was a Great Day!

We didn't shoot a ton of photos--we were too busy partying! But Gary shot a few. What a wonderful, joy-filled day!

Here, while our daughter looks on (me, too, in blue from the back), the bride and groom greet the beloved Mary Mabry, "grandmother" of the groom. We provided short-term (summer school) housing, but when Carlos needed long-term housing upon his arrival to attend seminary full-time, "Miss Mary" opened her home.

Eleven Eleven Eleven

Today is one of those days you spend years praying and waiting to see. Carlos Zazueta and Karla Brand are getting married, and Gary and I are the mother and father of the groom. To hear part of the amazing story, you can watch my DTS chapel message.

"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it!" (Psa. 118:24).

Moody Radio on "Sumatra with the 7" Airing Today

A Moody Radio feature I pre-recorded about Sumatra with the Seven Churches is scheduled to air today on Moody Radio’s 36 stations. I'm told the segment will run twice, once around 5:43 AM CST, and then again at around 8:43 AM CST – give or take ten minutes).

Here is the link to listen to the show online: http://www.mbn.org/GenMoody/listenlive.asp?station=WMBI&rate=32

If that doesn’t work, you can Google Moody Radio or Mark Elfstrand and you’ll find the show.