Christmas Story Remix - Take a Closer Look!

Based on Luke 2:1-20

Christmas Remix – Christmas has become so sterile that its symbol has become the perfectly wrapped gift, topped with the perfect bow in its center.  Christmas like the beautifully written and often sung song, has become thought of as a Silent Night.  Now, I know Jesus is the Messiah but he was fully human, so until he gets acclimated to his surroundings, could Christmas in the first century have been a truly silent night? Anyone with children knows until a routine is established silence and peacefulness aren't the first experiences with babies.

We all have seen nativity scenes sitting neatly near the Christmas tree.  Again providing this serene and perfect image of Christmas. Yet, I don’t think we can envision Jesus’ first Christmas through such a squeaky clean view. After all, there were animals all around him – have you ever been near farm animals? The air isn't filled with fragrant aromas nor is quiet a feature; someone will always be hemming and hawing or squawking right? That’s what farm animals do.

It seems to me we haven’t fully thought of the reality of Christmas. It can’t be perfect, because the Perfect One has yet to take the stage.  The truth of the matter Christmas is lacking something…Millions upon millions of people know the dramas of life but haven’t experienced the unfolding drama in the Christmas story.  In commercializing Christmas the stage has been narrowed, excluding the poor, the oppressed, and the marginalized from full participation in this amazing event.  People are denied access to privilege, prestige and power. Instead of the doors of opportunity; of access; and/or of equality swinging wide open for all; they are closing leaving many suffering in the silence of the night. Only to dream of perfectly wrapped gifts with perfect bows in their center.

People all over the world are singing Christmas songs and celebrating the day of Jesus birth without taking a closer look; perhaps we need to reread it. In fact, the story of Jesus’ birth by present day standards would never have been told because our society and culture doesn't value the underclass and the poor. The main characters in the Christmas story aren't perfectly wrapped people with perfect bows in their center:

•             Mary a poor lowly know nothing teenage girl

•             Joseph an insignificant blue collar carpenter

•             The neighborhood of Jesus’ birth – Bethlehem a small rural village, 

               pop.  less than a 1,000 - home of poor folks

•             Shepherds were uneducated, considered unclean, dishonest, 

               lower-class persons

•             Joseph and Mary’s first apt was a room where the animals were kept

•             The Manger – Jesus’ first bed was a feeding trough used by the animals

What is God doing? Doesn't God realize that such a watershed moment; in the history of the world, deserves an A-list cast? After all if Jesus is the King shouldn't his birth have all the accoutrements of royalty?

Why does Mary a poor, an unknown teenager get the starring role? Why does Joseph, a man without wealth or political clout become a King’s surrogate father? Why Bethlehem, a remote village meaning House of Bread”? Why are unclean men chosen to announce the birth of the Messiah, meaning Anointed One? Why is a King’s first bed, an animal salivated trough? There’s no perfection in this scene, there’s no hope, there’s no salvation in this story.

Or is there? Luke's gospel is conveying an overlooked message of Jesus’ birth. Luke emphasizes the poor in this text, what does “poor” mean? Professor Miguel de La Torre explains – “it does not just refer to lack of financial resources but encompasses the inequality and injustice that accompany the lack of access to opportunities that the dominant culture takes for granted as a privileged right”.

Could it be in 2013 we still haven’t grasped the crux of the Christmas story. Listen to the message the angel gives the shepherds vss. 10-11, “but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said, “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior – yes, the Messiah, the Lord has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David”.

The angels pronounces the Good News of the Christmas story, the promised hope; the Messiah’s birth brings salvation and great joy to all people. In other words, the doors are wide open for all people especially those whom the Church; the Privileged; the Powerful and those with Prestige wish to keep out. God welcomes the poor, the uneducated, people from small villages, all sexual orientations, the marginalized, the oppressed, all racial and ethnic groups, women and men, the insignificant, all who the dominant culture dismisses.  The Christmas story is one of inclusion. The love of Jesus is open to all and will not be defined or contained by a perfectly wrapped box. Jesus enters the scene reversing wrongs making them right, restoring dignity to the hurting and helpless; pronouncing justice and redefining love.

Love is not limited to the privilege. Love isn't limited to the ones perceived as perfect and worthy. But the love offered by Christ and his disciples will bring great joy to all people. If we are striving for perfect, let it be perfect love, because perfect love casts out fear and enables us to love like God loves – “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”

The Christmas story isn't about a day or a season, but it is about 365 day living; valuing the human worth of every person that God created; it’s not about things – “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal”Matthew 6:19-21.

The birth of Jesus is about seeing the world through God’s heart and sight; it’s about love, it’s about community and the sacred worth of every human being. It’s about a world of Ubuntu which Kenyan Theologian John Mbiti coined meaning “We are, therefore I am” – living in the spirit of Ubuntu is to focus on community rather than individual rights.  That’s what the Christmas story is – swinging every door open and pronouncing and extending the love of Christ to every human being! Remember none of the characters in the Christmas story are perfect, none of the conditions in the story are perfect but through the birth of “the Savior – yes, the Messiah – perfect love, will bring great joy to all people”.

Merry Christmas!

--

Inspired By Love,

Marcus J. Singleton

Lead Pastor

Living Faith Community

Hoover, AL

Our Vision: “A diverse community of faith; inspired by the love of Jesus, committed to becoming and making disciples”.

The Greatest Gift Is An Introduction

Today December 6^th, I fondly remember my mother who would have been eighty-two. There are so many memories that I could recall; but as a disciple, parent and pastor I choose to focus on my mother’s commitment to sharing and teaching me her faith because I realize the import of her decision.  Scripture instructs parents to: “Teach your children to choose the right path, and when they are older, they will remain upon it.”

While I might not have fully agreed with her methods; I am grateful for her unwavering resolve to ensure my awareness of the One whom she called Savior. In our post-modern world where nothing is sacred; where truth has many names; where frivolity is valued over substance, my mother’s introduction to her Savior has proven her greatest contribution to my life.  

Whether; through days of joy or years of pain, my anchor continues to be my mom’s Savior, Jesus; whom I too now, refer to as my Savior. Disciples, parents and pastors have the same responsibility of training, teaching and preparing others to live in an unforgiving world.  My mother instilled within me that this awesome task is not to be approached with cowardice. She never vacillated in her beliefs; she didn’t merely say what she believed; she lived it. I’m not suggesting mom was without fault/sin but her life’s purpose was faithfulness to her God. Her life’s focus was the Great Commandment – "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and. . .Love your neighbor as yourself.”

No one ever had to wonder what she believed or the depths of my mom’s caring. She actively served in her church; her community; and frequently reminded the stranger of God’s love through her kindness. Her life was an embodiment of being: “strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord's work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless”. My eldest brother said it best, “mom taught us how to live and how to die” signifying the consistency of her spirit and faithfulness to whom she believed.

Each year as I commemorate my mother’s birthday and celebrate her life, I pray I grow in what she always encouraged me, holy boldness!  I pray that like my mom the love and grace of Jesus is so evident in me that I too am compelled to unapologetically share and teach my faith to my children, family and friends, parishioners, enemies and strangers.  I pray that like mom I too will have lived in such a way that the preacher will not have to eulogize me; rather, she or he will only need to recall my life.  I pray too that like my mom I will die having fully-lived my faith.

As a disciple, parent and pastor I have discovered the greatest gift we can offer someone is an introduction to a Savior that shapes our lives into that which is redemptive; selfless; meaningful; and worth dying for.

Thank you Mommy!  I will always love you!!

Marcus

Don’t Hope, Decide!!

By Michael D. Hargrove and

Bottom Line Underwriters, Inc.

"While waiting to pick up a friend at the airport in Portland, Oregon, I had one of those life-changing experiences that you hear other people talk about — the kind that sneaks up on you unexpectedly. This one occurred a mere two feet away from me.

Straining to locate my friend among the passengers deplaning through the jet way, I noticed a man coming toward me carrying two light bags. He stopped right next to me to greet his family.

First he motioned to his youngest son (maybe six years old) as he laid down his bags. They gave each other a long, loving hug. As they separated enough to look in each other’s face, I heard the father say, “It’s so good to see you, son. I missed you so much!” His son smiled somewhat shyly, averted his eyes and replied softly, “Me, too, Dad!”  Then the man stood up, gazed in the eyes of his oldest son (maybe nine or ten) and while cupping his son’s face in his hands said, “You’re already quite the young man. I love you very much, Zach!” They too hugged a most loving, tender hug.

While this was happening, a baby girl (perhaps one or one-and-a-half) was squirming excitedly in her mother’s arms, never once taking her little eyes off the wonderful sight of her returning father. The man said, “Hi, baby girl!” as he gently took the child from her mother. He quickly kissed her face all over and then held her close to his chest while rocking her from side to side. The little girl instantly relaxed and simply laid her head on his shoulder, motionless in pure contentment.

After several moments, he handed his daughter to his oldest son and declared, “I’ve saved the best for last!” and proceeded to give his wife the longest, most passionate kiss I ever remember seeing. He gazed into her eyes for several seconds and then silently mouthed. “I love you so much!” They stared at each other’s eyes, beaming big smiles at one another, while holding both hands.

For an instant they reminded me of newlyweds, but I knew by the age of their kids that they couldn’t possibly be. I puzzled about it for a moment then realized how totally engrossed I was in the wonderful display of unconditional love not more than an arm’s length away from me. I suddenly felt uncomfortable, as if I was invading something sacred, but was amazed to hear my own voice nervously ask, “Wow! How long have you two been married?

“Been together fourteen years total, married twelve of those.” he replied, without breaking his gaze from his lovely wife’s face. “Well then, how long have you been away?” I asked. The man finally turned and looked at me, still beaming his joyous smile. “Two whole days!”

Two days? I was stunned. By the intensity of the greeting, I had assumed he’d been gone for at least several weeks – if not months. I know my expression betrayed me.  I said almost offhandedly, hoping to end my intrusion with some semblance of grace (and to get back to searching for my friend), “I hope my marriage is still that passionate after twelve years!”

The man suddenly stopped smiling.  He looked me straight in the eye, and with forcefulness that burned right into my soul, he told me something that left me a different person. He told me; my friend, “Don’t hope, decide!” Then he flashed me his wonderful smile again, shook my hand and said, “God bless!”"

-- 

Inspired By Love,

Marcus J. Singleton
Lead Pastor
Living Faith Community 

Hoover, AL

 

Our Vision: "A diverse community of faith; inspired by the love of Jesus, committed to becoming and making disciples".

"Might, Power and Strength?"

Do you have an intense workout regimen? vein-ripped muscles? Do you have a financial portfolio Warren Buffet would approve? Is your position; at your job, so esteemed people bow or stand when you enter a room?

Most of us only dream of answering “yes” to these questions.  Hence we probably long for some sort of “might, power, or strength”! And more than likely have been unsuccessful because of our perception of might, power and strength.

From where or whom, does might, power and strength come?

We tend to associate money, position and prestige with might, power and strength. Over the years, I have discovered pursuit of these perceived trophies is completely meaningless (Ecclesiastes 1:2b). Think about the energy and effort you've expended or witnessed others expending, only to discover a remaining void. However; everyone can attain might, power and strength but not through yeses to the above questions. Quite paradoxically we can all become powerful beyond our dreaming if we are willing to become weak.

Strength, Power and Might = Weakness?

Power is not present when I am raising my voice at someone; when expressing a curt word of rebuke; or conveying dominance toward someone with whom I disagree. Conversely, power bursts forth when I am kneeling with full attention on my kindergartner - gently listening to his explanation of the intricacies and focus required for he and his brother to build a thingmajig in the Legos universe. The radiance of his eyes and the confidence in his voice imbue unfettered joy – Now that’s Power!

My strength is not measured by the amount of weights I can lift or the number of Zumba classes I complete. However, I am Army Strong when my family is happy and contented. As I care for my family; cook our family meals; or clean the house – giving my wife opportunity to relax and have some her time – I am strengthened because I recognize she is joyful and worry free. Have you ever seen a stressed out and over worked person have a moment to themselves? The phrase Priceless resonates as I witness the Strength (of Family Love).

I am mighty and important not because I am able to meet with dignitaries and other people held in high esteem. But might and importance flow through me:

as I serve those who are despised;

as I speak to and recognize the humanity of the outcast; 

as I share physical nourishment; hope; and the love of Jesus with people                         on the margins

How mighty we are when doing what Jesus commanded! In these moments we discover what Jesus meant, and even greater works will you do. Following Jesus unveils our true Might!

Our might, strength nor power stems from our definitions or perceptions! We discover these attributes in surrender and submission to God, not of ourselves but of our Godselves. Listening, caring, serving and sharing normally associated with weakness are gateways to strength, power and might.

God through Jeremiah invites the Israelites and each of us to realize our faulty perceptions and definitions of might, power and strength. These reminders help us to reassess our choices and practices, enabling us to redirect our actions: 

“This is what the Lord says:

“Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom,

or the powerful boast in their power,

or the rich boast in their riches.

But those who wish to boast

should boast in this alone;

that they truly know me and understand that 

I am the Lord

who demonstrates unfailing love

and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth,

and that I delight in these things, I the Lord, have spoken!””

(Jeremiah 9:23–24)

May we delight in the things of God; not our own power, strength and might!

-- 

Inspired By Love,

Marcus J. Singleton
Lead Pastor
Living Faith Community 

Hoover, AL

Our Vision: "A diverse community of faith; inspired by the love of Jesus,

                    committed to becoming and making disciples".

G

The Center is the Way

If you witnessed me playing little league football, you “too” would have believed I was destined for the League or at least a starter and impact player in high school. I say “too” because I believed; I was on my way to becoming the next star NFL running back, like Tony Dorsett; or a punishing defender, like safety Ronnie Lott. I loved football and had the skills of a game changer whether on offense or defense (this is my story, ha!).

I had a passion for and a good understanding of the game. And I felt the positions I played were the most pivotal.  However; while running backs are important in the offensive scheme, success for the offensive unit depends upon the less glamorous position of center.

Everything begins with the center. 

In our faith journey; we can become distracted by our position sometimes thinking too highly of ourselves; and conversely, too often devaluing our position as believers. In Romans 12:3, Paul reminds us of our need for balance:

“Because of the grace allotted to me, I can respectfully tell you not to think of yourselves

as being more important than you are; devote your minds to sound judgment

 since God has assigned to each of us a measure of faith”.

In our pursuit of becoming game changers for the kingdom of God; we are to avoid the "greatness" glamour trap; of which, the disciples succumbed: “Then they began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them” (Luke 22:24). Rather, making our goal to become more like a center; focused on our assignment with sound judgment, recognizing the importance of fulfilling our roles.

Thinking about the position name center; by it we know its nature, location and significance. When we hear the word center, we know where to look and where to focus. Going to the huddle or toward the line of scrimmage, the center often yells:  On Me, or Line Up on Me!

Everything begins with the center.  

The huddle where the quarterback gives instruction for the play revolves around the center. As the players go to the line of scrimmage, the players line up on the center. To begin a play, the center must release the ball to the quarterback.

When we are centered, we have singular focus and know where we are going. Taking our cues from the center offers valuable lessons to guide and ground us in our relationship with Jesus and others.  Consider the following three attributes of a center:

1. Alignment – the center ensures that everyone; particular himself is properly aligned. Meaning he is in the correct position and everyone else can trust his judgment. This is important because his teammates rely on him being in the right place enabling them to be correctly positioned. As believers; our goal is to live a life in alignment with the teachings of Jesus; so that, others can know and trust the truth of the Gospel.
2. Always Releases the Ball – the center recognizes the quarterback’s job is to get the ball to the right player; whether to a running back, a receiver or himself.  The center doesn't keep the ball just because he can hold onto it. He releases it to the quarterback to execute the play. As believers; we too, are to always release the ball (our challenges, dreams, hopes, our troubles, etc.) to Jesus our quarterback, because only He can make the right and best decisions for us.
3. Forward-Focused – the center looks forward focusing on the mission-field in front of him.  Although there are challenges and threats before him the center remains undeterred. The center is determined to utilize his skills and strengths to accomplish the best results. As believers; we face challenges and threats, and our goal is to remain forward-focused to fulfill the Great Commission of Jesus (making disciples of all nations-people).

Practicing ways of a center; we become effective believers/followers of Jesus, as we embrace that “God has assigned to each of us a measure of faith”.

In full disclosure, I never made it to the League nor did I become an impact player in high school. But I am striving and learning to become a center; with the realization, it is the most critical position for an effective offense and for a follower of Jesus.

-- 

Inspired By Love,

Marcus J. Singleton
Lead Pastor
Living Faith Community 

Hoover, AL

Our Vision: "A diverse community of faith; inspired by the love of Jesus,

                    committed to becoming and making disciples".

The Search Is On!

(From Jeff Wilson, Market Place Impact)

“Three military recruiters accepted an invitation to address the senior class of a local high school. Graduation was only a few months away, and the principal wanted his three hundred young people to hear of the options available in the military. 

The assembly was to be forty-five minutes in length. It was agreed that each recruiter would have fifteen minutes to make his pitch and then have another twenty minutes in the cafeteria to meet with interested young people. The Army recruiter went first and got so excited about his speech that he went five minutes over. The Navy recruiter, not to be outdone, stood up and also spoke for twenty minutes.

The Marine recruiter, realizing that his fifteen minute speech had been cut to five, walked up to the podium and spent the first sixty seconds in silence.  Wordlessly, he gazed over the group of high school seniors.  They knew he was sizing them up.  After what seemed to be an eternity, the recruiter said, “I doubt whether there are two or three of you in this room who could cut it as Marines.  I want to see those three individuals as soon as this assembly is dismissed.”  He then turned on his heel and sat down.  

Predictably, he was mobbed by a herd of interested recruits 

when he arrived in the cafeteria.

The Marine Corps is always on the lookout for a "few good people".  So is God!

"For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that

He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.”

2 Chronicles 16:9

God is searching throughout the earth.

God is searching for those whose heart is completely (not partially) His.

God desires to strongly support those rare individuals.

Do you want the strong support of God?  (What a dumb question!)  Of course we all do.  The real question we must ask is, “Am I all-in with God?”  The first disciples and early followers of Christ were radically committed to follow Jesus.  

Matt 7:13-14 reads, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.  But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."

The right "few" can change the world.

All in,

Jeff Wilson

-- 

Inspired By Love,

Marcus J. Singleton
Lead Pastor
Living Faith Community 

Hoover, AL

Our Vision: "A diverse community of faith; inspired by the love of Jesus,

                               committed to becoming and making disciples".

"Time Stand Still: Embalming Us in Love"

Bombs exploding, tick-tock, tick-tock, for one moment  
Time still stood, matter scattered, lives, hopes shattered

Tick-tick, Tick-tick, memories stand still a wake in hearing, seeing, feeling:

hatred,

segregation,

jim crow,

Till(ed) Emmett tormented,

terror ridden streets,

negro Hostages

sipping water from ‘for colored only’ fountains,

                                                          blood pouring, tears falling. . . 

Memories stand still unable to shatter:

the signs, the scars, nor the

minds set on separate AND unequal!

  50 Years Move On?

Move on? – “No!" pause to remember.

Bombs exploding, vitriolic jim, crowing bull

connoring – wallace chanting,

governing:

“Segregation now, Segregation tomorrow, Segregation forever”

Barking dogs biting, human flesh
Scathing water – viciously hosing
all who dared trod

     Toward Freedom

all who dared trod

     Toward Freedom

I Am A Man! – “No” you's a n_ _ _ _!

Ceaseless echoes; Repeating like a reel-to-real symphony

dissonance;

agitating psyches,

warring against souls.

Makes one want to Holler!!

In the distance, drawing nigh:

Marching feet, voices of Unity;

cadenced shoes tramping;

young and old;

bellowing soul-stirring Pro songs test

hailing Hope; compelling Courage,

signaling the Victory already won!

     amid the fragments of chaos,

Triumphant proclamations arising:

“Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me 'Round!...

Gonna Keep On Marchin' down to Freedom’s Land!"

 Vision dawning. . .

        unveiling the knitting together of a "dream"

Nightmarish fervor; hate-filled people

determined to undermine;

savagely never minding all humanity;

now bear witness to the Timeless Truth (of acts of terror):

“You intended harm, but God intended it for good

             to accomplish what is now being done,

                                       the saving of many lives”.

Four Little Girls; many, many nameless Freedom soldiers

lives were not in vain. . .

Fragmented glass, blasted mortar; singed wood;

seared flesh; and memories of the valiant

Pieced together through love 
to Re-form; to Re-store; "us in His Image"
to Re-imagine a "dream":

                        Our Lives in Community – Common Unity

                                                   Quilted in love.

Love is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

The Creator of Love

diffuses bombs;

invokes peace;

demands justice;

embraces all,

forgives all,
loves all,

rights wrongs.

As we remember 9-15, 1-9-6-3,

make  Love be our seeing eye

may     Love be our healing balm

let        Love be our pursuing aim.

Only love can bury hate beneath its own rubble.

Every day with pierced hearts,

may we eulogize the hate within;

may we become like Addie Mae, Carole, Cynthia, and Denise:

                "...unoffending, innocent, and beautiful."

May time stand still again

This time embalming us all 
                 in love!

-- 

Inspired By Love,

Marcus J. Singleton
Lead Pastor
Living Faith Community 

Hoover, AL

Our Vision: "A diverse community of faith; inspired by the love of Jesus, committed to becoming and making disciples". 

"Let Freedom Ring!"

As we reflect on the climate creating a need for the 1963 "March on Washington" and as we consider "where do we go from here?" with our challenges in 2013; let us remember – when we discriminate or allow discrimination; we deny ourselves irreplaceable threads in the tapestry of humanity! 

Each day we should ask ourselves, are my actions and interactions

 creating a network of mutuality or silos of exclusivity?

There is but one King and He left us with a clear call to action: "Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friend". We spend the bulk of our days thinking, desiring, dreaming, planning and implementing – as I sit here thinking and writing; I dream too, of a more perfect union for my children. I believe this new reality is attainable only if we spend the bulk of our time applying our gifts, skills, talents and resources to fulfilling Jesus' command to: "Love each other"!

What changes might we wrought; if our soul's sole focus centered on love, not love as sentimentality but a sacrificial love? We live in a "what's in it for me", a "me first" or "I" culture and even the most devout amongst us have succumb to its tenets. Either circumspectly or unknowingly; the "good" within us; the God in us, is capsizing in the tumult of our self absorption. Our vacuous view of love can only render an anemic reflection; whether seeing ourselves in the mirror; or from assessing the jangling discords of our hearts. The gauges of our sacrificial love tanks read, low to empty. 

Think about it, how often do we act on behalf of others (strangers, the least in society, etc.)

 or how often do we act on behalf of family, friends, co-workers, or constituents

without expectation of benefit for ourselves?

The love of which Jesus desires our mastery is sacrificial love. Jesus asks:

"If you love only those who love you,

why should you receive credit for that?

Even sinners love those who love them". Luke 6:32

"And if you do good only to those who do good to you,

why should you get credit for that?

Even sinners do that much!" Luke 6:33

"And if you lend money only to those who can repay you,

why should you get credit?

Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return". Luke 6:34

Practicing sacrificial love is akin to speaking a foreign language; unless someone is fluent in the language, they are unable to effectively communicate. Mastery of a foreign language is best achieved through immersing one's self in the culture and in the language. Hence, the only way we can become fluent in sacrificial love is through studying and putting into practice the teachings of Jesus.

While our culture celebrates and promotes all things self-gratifying; those who desire to follow Christ are invited to embrace an unpopular message. We are challenged to live counter intuitively rejecting the messages of "me, me, me, me"!  Jesus makes this clear by his admonishment and command of:

"Love your enemies! Do good to them.

Lend to them without expecting to be repaid." Luke 6:35

The best way toward grasping sacrificial love is: (1) through realization there is no earthly guarantee of return on our investment; (2) to accept that love is not about your feelings; (3) to understand that sometimes as you practice loving (for Christ's sake) you will experience hurt and pain; (4) to recognize that all your actions should honor God; (5) to know you aren't the focal point; and (6) having awareness that your ultimate goal is becoming more like Jesus.

As we become practitioners of sacrificial love we begin seeing through the eyes and heart of Jesus. We begin understanding people as Jesus understands people. We develop compassion and empathy for all of God's creation. We take courageous steps in defense of the voiceless, the working poor, the incarcerated, the homeless, the orphan (young and old), the poor, the sick, and of all those designated by our culture, our politicians, and by our history as the least.

We were moved and inspired by the March on Washington and the Civil Rights Movement because we witnessed (read about, heard or watched) sacrificial love in action.  Those men, women, boys and girls marched, protested, gathered and stood together hoping to create a network of mutuality and to overturn systems of evil and hatred. In his now infamous “I Have A Dream” speech Martin Luther King, Jr. demonstrated how we are to practice sacrificial love:

"We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline.     

We must not allow our creative protests to degenerate into physical violence.

Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force."

Sacrificial love is demanding requiring discipline, creativity, and suffering but it's not without reward. Jesus concludes in Luke 6:35b-36:

"Then your reward from heaven will be very great,

and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High,

for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked.

You must be compassionate just as your father is compassionate". 

Freedom is the ultimate reward; could it be that sacrificial love leads to freedom? Is it possible that we aren't free until we love sacrificially? Jesus commands us to: "Love each other", perhaps Jesus was instructing us to "free each other"!

As you remember the travails and triumphs of the past; looking to the present and the future, will you have the courage to immerse yourself in the culture, the language and practice of sacrificial love? When you do, I know freedom will ring wherever you march, wherever your feet and sacrificial acts of love tread!

Let Freedom Ring!

Inspired By Love,

Marcus J. Singleton

Lead Pastor

Living Faith Community

Hoover, AL

Our Vision: "A diverse community of faith; inspired by the love of Jesus, 

committed to becoming and making disciples".

"4 Little Girls" - Racism, Terrorism and Hope

In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the church bombing that murdered four innocent girls, the city of Birmingham and the Sidewalk Festival invited churches across the Greater Birmingham area to host screenings of Spike Lee's documentary "4 Little Girls".  Of which, our church participated.

First, I give thanks to all who attended the "4 Little Girls" screening with Living Faith Community and throughout the city. I am grateful for the opportunity and encouraged by the response. Here are my thoughts:

We need to realize that racism, injustice, inequality; terrorism, etc. are all means of distorting one's humanity. Our challenge; especially for those of us who believe we are made in the image of God, is continuing naming these evils and fighting toward their defeat.

Even more simply; as we did on Wednesday, each day we are to continue risking having conversations with people who aren't of our same – ethnicity, social economic status, religion, sexual orientation, political party, etc. – thereby defusing these barriers which have become divisive and destructive.

The TRUTH is; our American history has forever etched DIFFERENCE in our collective memory – "whether we choose to" or "choose not to" have these conversations, the reality is RACE has an unconscious and/or conscious influence in our daily lives. Spoken or unspoken our history has made RACE the elephant in every room and our every encounter.

We must remember; it requires courage and vulnerability to address our (all people – black, brown, red, yellow, white) own biases, bigotries, ignorance, privilege, etc. Our silence breeds contention and amnesia. The more we ignore the elephant, the bigger it becomes; the more divided we remain; the deeper the roots of hatred grip and entangle our hearts and minds in distortion and inhumanity!

I am thankful for the people that gathered with us to view this film. I am appreciative of their choosing to engage in meaningful conversation; honestly sharing their experiences of racism – naming the evil, the terror AND looking forward with hopeful eyes toward God's love foiling the unconscionable practice of racism. 

Isolation inculcates the status quo!

While shared experiences promotes transformative action.

As we heard perspectives from African-Americans, Latinos/as, and Caucasians; I believe sutures began forming around our broken hearts, broken dreams and broken hopes. Some shared being denied their humanity and some shared intimately knowing people who actively sought to desecrate the humanity of others.  Sharing produces community; and shedding light on secrets, diffuses the power of darkness.

One evening of honesty;

of remembering man's inhumanity to (wo)man;

became a balm toward healing;

authentic conversation can heal sin-sick souls.

I invite, challenge and encourage each of us to look forward with hope; hope that God's children continue from mountaintops and valleys; churches, mosques, schools and synagogues; cities, countryside’s and suburbs – and everywhere we go – to decry racism and trumpet to everyone Love God and your neighbor:

With all your heart; with all your soul;

with all your strength, and with all your mind!

Inspired By Love,

Marcus J. Singleton

Lead Pastor

Living Faith Community

Hoover, AL

Our Vision: "A diverse community of faith; inspired by the love of Jesus, 

committed to becoming and making disciples".