I have not had
words
lately.
Or
ever,
in my most
honest
moments.
I still
don’t.
I know
I am
regrouping.
Author Archives: Michael D. Bobo
Courage
Gian Lorenzo Bernini, David c.1623
The story of David and Goliath is a bit of a paradox. David’s courage to face the giant was not merely the triumph of a shepherd boy over a well trained Philistine warrior. His courage lies in something so much more subjective, personal and befuddling. In the name of his God, he fought. Courage, perhaps, means willingness to appear the fool for a God who does not rely upon logical solutions to extremely difficult problems. Even more, I’m surprised David won. That’s not the way of the people of God most of the time. Samson’s suicide. Job’s catastrophic losses. The temple in Jerusalem destroyed twice. Loss after loss. But David speaks to the absurdity that sometimes this God is invoked in victory. Sometimes winning happens. Crazy courage. I don’t know that I have that caliber of profession. But Bernini’s David epitomizes this bizarre narrative.
Love this Ehrman Quote
There are few things more dangerous than inbred religious certainty.
–Bart Ehrman
Visual Timeline of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Life
On this Martin Luther King, Jr. day, I appreciate Allison Morris at Online College Courses for notifying me about this wonderful visual review of one of the 20th century’s great individuals. We are all better Americans for his life and legacy. Let’s remember his words to press on until we achieve the dream together.
Adulthood
To be an adult is to be alone.
–Jean Rostand
Calling all Poets
The Winter poetry theme is posted on Burnside’s website. I welcome submissions for the theme of transience. As we enter a new year, I believe it’s a healthy meditation. Please submit your poetry on Burnside Writers website through the Hey Publisher form. Poems submitted with this theme will be given priority over others.
Thanks and Happy New Year.
The Mark of Confidence
Confidence, like art, never comes from having all the answers; it comes from being open to all the questions.
–Earl Gray Stevens
Now on Burnside:”On Sanctification”
In this meditation, I consider how Picasso’s cubism represents life and sanctification. Please read and comment on Burnside.
Now on Sojourners: “Waiting for your 2013″
A New Year evokes so many emotions in us. For some a wonder of potential opportunities. Others, the hope of change. Still others, the fear of uncertainty. In each case there lies a moment of suspense. A pause. And yet our resolutions are spoken, written and relayed far before the time has been taken to contemplate what we feel and how we feel.
This year my challenge is to start with the place of inaction and pause to consider what we in fact feel. To each of us we have to slow down after the Christmas season high of purchasing, giving, praying, lighting candles, waiting in Advent, hoping for the Christ Child to know what kind of year we need to encounter.
Resolve to be irresolute until the time of knowing appears.
Resolve to sit silent and listen.
Resolve to move slower until weary legs be refreshed.
Resolve to know loved ones as they are right now.
Resolve to build, to grow, to transform those parts that 2012 has damaged or left broken.
