bthompson06's Xanga

Much Prayers for My Wife

Sat, 09 Dec 2006 00:48:48 GMT

I am sad to announce that my wife Kristin has suffered a miscarriage. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers as this is a difficult time. Thanks.

Bryan

The Gospel According to Superman

Fri, 01 Dec 2006 15:44:02 GMT

I finally saw Superman Returns as it was released on DVD this week. While I didn’t find the superhero film revolutionary in any sort of way like its previously released sister film, Batman Begins, it was a treat for the eyes to see Superman fly around the world, rescue crashing planes, and lift entire continents out of the water. Brandon Routh comes on the scene looking eerily like his late super-predecessor Christopher Reeve. The film explored Superman’s return to Metropolis (and Earth for that matter) after a five year absence when he left to see what life was left in the universe from his home planet Krypton.

What I did find interesting was the stark spiritual references that were repeatedly made throughout the film. As someone in church ministry, I am of course always looking for neat spiritual clips and soundbites in movies or television shows to create discussion points or lesson illustrations. But I always find it interesting that if one simply opens his/her eyes and looks for it, one can find much of the supernatural hidden - and maybe not so hard - in the arts. And this is nothing new. Artists - painters, sculptors, poets, and songwriters - have been artistically describing the supernatural in their art since the beginning of civilization. Why should filmmakers be any different? (Despite the fact that the payscale has a huge impact on the major motion picture and television industry.)

In the film, Superman’s alter-ego Clark Kent returns to his job at The Daily Planet to find that his longtime crush Lois Lane (Kate Bosworth) has won a Pulitzer for her article, “Why The World Doesn’t Need Superman.” Obviously angry at Superman for leaving without saying goodbye, she tells him on the roof of the Daily Planet that “the world doesn’t need a savior, and neither do I.” Sounds a lot like the culture in which we live, doesn’t it?

Superman’s response? He takes her above the city to a mesmorizing view and asks her, “Do you hear anything?” When she says no, he replies, “I hear everything. You say that the world doesn’t need a savior, but everyday, I hear thousands of people crying out for one.” That line sent chills up my spine.

While I imagine director Bryan Singer (also the director of the first two X-Men films) thought of the line (though perhaps not) as simply good writing in a good superhero story, it’s not hard to see that Holy Spirit was deeply involved in the writing process - whether the writers realized it or not. God has a way of speaking to people and planting questions in the minds of people in ways most people wouldn’t expect - particularly in the arts.

I doubt Superman Returns will win much in the way of Academy Awards - it will probably rack up one or two in costume design or special effects (maybe cinematography) - but it’s worth checking out. And the film leaves us with the question: Does the world need a savior?

Rev. Robert Burke: Rest With the Angels Tonight

Fri, 01 Dec 2006 01:17:43 GMT

Today, the world lost one of its finest human beings, and the Christian faith lost one of its truest warriors. The Rev. Robert Burke passed away this morning after a sudden bout with advanced cancer. He was a true giant in the faith and did much to bring the Kingdom of God to earth. As the pastor of Inner City Assembly of God Church, Burke provided a safe haven to many in some of the most at-risk neighborhoods in the city, and helped many people experience God. I am proud to call him a friend. My heart and prayers go out to his wife Debra and his two young sons. Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers.

Robert, walk on into eternity and join with the angels tonight. May all who knew you know that the world is truly a better place because of you.

Bond...Is...BACK!!

Sun, 26 Nov 2006 11:36:20 GMT

...and Craig? Daniel Craig? Possibly the best Bond to date!

Seriously!

Technorati Tags: James+Bond, 007, Casino+Royale

Democrats and Republicans

Wed, 01 Nov 2006 22:28:42 GMT

I normally don't do political posts for two reasons:

1. People often become unbelievably irate when they feel like their political views aren't shared by someone of a different ideology (no matter which ideology it is).

2. I don't often see the relevancy of politics in our day-to-day lives. So much of it is a game that is done at the public's expense (just look at the U.S. Senate ads these days).

But, today, I became one of the "unbelievably irate" people when Sen. John Kerry made his now infamous statement, what he later referred to as "a botched joke," at a political rally in a group of college students. Kerry had made the comment that those who didn't do well in school would be forced to serve in Iraq.

In Kerry's defense - and it sure seems like he needs one - I don't think his intent was to bash the military. I think he was shooting for Bush, and it backfired because he either didn't think clearly about what he was saying (something he accused Bush for in the 2004 election) or didn't care at the time. What made me mad was how defensive he was about the statement. He called it "a botched joke" on Don Imus' nationally syndicated radio show. When Republicans blasted Kerry, he was quick to say that he wouldn't apologize for his "criticism of the President" or the administration. On Imus' show, he did apologize to the military, saying, "I'm sorry that that's happened." He then stood by his conviction that this was all a smear campaign used by the Republicans.

I'll be honest, I have had many concerns with the current administration, particularly on the issue of the War in Iraq (as well as issues of healthcare, education, and the death penalty). I also realize that at the end of the day, I know nothing about government. I also am aware that to immediately pull out of what we've started (whether a mistake or not), could be highly dangerous.

Still, even with my concerns, I was deeply offended at the notion that a U.S. Senator - particularly one who served his country in the military - would give the impression that those in our military might not be the brainiest people in our society. For one thing, it was highly, HIGHLY unprofessional (not to mention unpresidential) to say such a thing. For another thing, some of the most intelligent, intellectual, and book-smart people I have ever known are in the military - they keep in mind that the military service helps to pay for their college education.

On top of that, I also wonder what Kerry would think of our most prestigious military schools, such as West Point Military Academy. Schools like West Point do not deal with second-rate high school students and require some of the most highly academic records in the nation.

I think Kerry's comments have alienated a lot of his one-time voting constituency and a lot of his own party members. This has created a Republican outburst toward Democrats, particularly in a time when Democrats would like to take some of their seats back in the Senate and in Congress. This is especially unfortunate for Democrats who do not share Kerry's views or to those who have supported the war in Iraq.

It's all truly a sign that there truly is no middle ground in this growing civil "dispute" (let's not use "war" here) between red states and blue states.

I must say that I still relate so well to Jay Leno's quote in Details Magazine in 2004, "Everytime I think I'm a Republican, they go and do something really greedy, and everytime I think I'm a Democrat, they go and do something really stupid!"

Technorati Tags: Politics, War+In+Iraq, John+Kerry, Democrats, Republicans

Death to Daylight Savings Time

Wed, 01 Nov 2006 11:56:28 GMT

Whoever invented the concept of Daylight Savings Time never had small kids. 5:30 this morning my daughter woke me up. 5:15 yesterday morning. 5:20 the morning before.

And trying to talk to her about it doesn't do any good. Have you ever tried to reason with an eighteen month-old? Trying to explain the concept of daylight savings time to an eighteen-month-old is like trying to explain Einstein's Theory of Relativity to a duck.

Technorati Tags: Daylight+Savings+Time, Toddlers

Influences

Wed, 25 Oct 2006 02:44:37 GMT

I find it somewhat amusing how I create my own obsessions. Remember the whole celebrity rant I made a couple months ago? Well, I'm just as bad at it as anyone. I am deeply inspired by those who have cut their teeth at their craft and have made a name for themselves while doing it.

It seems like when someone's name gets in the paper or even just in my head somehow, I get on a whole kick of the particular person (musician, band, actor, politician, whatever). For instance, a few months ago, I was able to attend the Willow Creek Leadership Summit (via telecast at a local church), and one of the keynote speakers was Bono. Yes, that Bono. The one from the best rock band of all time. Bono was speaking out about The One Campaign and the need for churches to partner in this organization that is bringing life to AIDs and hunger victims in Africa. (This was before the "Red" phenomenon hit Oprah and thus spread to the ends of the nation)

For weeks, I was on a U2 high that I couldn't come down from. I played and replayed all my U2 albums over and over again. I probably made the rest of my office staff sick. Like I said, I do this in virtually every category (in some cases, it's the Cameron Crowe marathon of films; in some, it's the Beatles kick; you get the gist).

Now, it's back to Dylan. Dylan was a monumental impact in my songwriting and music several years ago. Being introduced to Bob Dylan at the tender age of 19 changed the way I would write and play music forever. Until that time, I had been sheltered under a rock of "only the most currently popular bands get the airplay for the people of this generation." Call it a pop-culture sheltering rock of mainstream radio and music that everybody else is always listening to. But, listening to the classic sounds and poetic rhythms of Bob Dylan began to mold an entirely new musical side for me. I looked at the songwriting process completely differently. (Not to mention that I had a six-degree-of-separation from him a few years back.)

Bob Dylan wrote a book last year, Chronicles, Volume One, and since I couldn't really afford a lot of luxuries like buying music and books, I spent a lot of time at the public library where I read part of it. I didn't really have much time to spend with it then, though. The other day, however, I discovered a hardcopy (good as new) at our local Borders and it was marked down on the clearance rack for less than $5. Never being one to pass up a bargain like that (and as a book junkie, I do this a lot), I picked it up and am spending some serious time with it. And now I'm listening to nonstop Dylan. It's crazy. And I notice it a lot more. I can feel the rhythms of "Like a Rolling Stone" and "Tombstone Blues."

This will probably last me until Clapton's autobiography comes out next year. Then I'll be all over every Clapton album again. The cycle is vicious.

Technorati Tags :: Bob Dylan, U2, celebrities

This Cracked Me Up!

Fri, 22 Sep 2006 04:38:11 GMT

Shalom

Mon, 11 Sep 2006 19:04:50 GMT

What do you think about when you hear the word Shalom?

Most of you are aware that I have decided to return to the books over the summer and complete my journey on what has turned into the Ten-Year College Plan. I have decided to finish through a degree completion cohort at Evangel University here in town. For those of you who may not be familiar with Evangel, it is a Christian university, so several of the courses deal with faith and how it relates to us in our career fields.

And so it goes that the class I just completed in this cohort (my major is in Communications) is called "Communicating Through the Eyes of Faith." In the course, the assigned reading was Communicating for Life , by Quentin J. Schultze. Although the book deals with communication in terms of media, I found it very insightful for life in general. I would highly recommend it, if you are looking to be challenged.

The book deals with a variety of topics, such as using our voices to help the voiceless and authenticity in our communication, but the word Schultze keeps coming back to is an ancient Hebrew word most of us have heard a thousand times: Shalom.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines Shalom as peace, but upon further study of the Hebrew definition, I discovered there was much more to Shalom than peace, although peace certainly is important. The actual word embodies a whole worldview that's wrapped up in what the New Testament calls the Fruit of the Spirit. Everything including love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, goodness, and self-control is wrapped up in this one powerful word that has sadly been lost on much of the Christian church.

In fact, this is the word (Shalom) that was said to embody all of Scripture, which is why the Jews called the Scriptures the "WORD" (Shalom) "of God." Get it? I think I confused myself for a minute. Powerful stuff. "Shalom" is God's word, or "God's CHOICE of words," you could say. I never really thought about the "Word of God" meaning that God has a favorite word.

As you think about the word and concept of Shalom, how does it relate to every aspect of your life? The question the book forced me to ask myself is, "How is what I'm doing demonstrating Shalom in the world I find myself in? Does what I do even matter? How do the words I use in everyday life help to spread all of the concepts wrapped up in the word Shalom? Do people see through my diplomacy and smiles? And if they do (and all of us have to put on the smiles once in a while), what is it that hides beneath? Is it shalom?"

These are probably simple questions to some of you, and perhaps you've long been asking yourself these questions, and it's made all the difference in your life. But, if you haven't asked these of yourself, I would encourage you to do so.

How does Shalom change you? I'd love to read (or hear) your thoughts.

Celebrity

Mon, 11 Sep 2006 04:34:45 GMT

The United States of America is a land of people all trying to know or be celebrities. Think about how easy we've made it in this country to be a celebrity: you can run and jump out in front of a bus at 99 mph and post a video clip of it to YouTube.com and suddenly, you're famous (assuming that Andy Warhol was right - "In the future, everyone will be world-famous for fifteen minutes.").

We have people in this country famous for singing...badly! There are American Idol rejects that are famous because of how horribly they sing or how funny they look. And the bad singer or funny looker? They're fine with it. Just ask William Hung. Hung knows he's no Sinatra, but he's made a killing off of his "Inspiration" CD that sold out in record stores after his Idol "debut."

I have no problem with celebrity. Truth is, I'd love to someday be recognized for the work I do (I think most of us would). My main problem is with how celebrities are idolized more than the actual work they do is. Don't believe me? Take a trip into any supermarket in North America (or any news stand in Western Europe will do fine). Count the magazine covers that feature none other than the personal life, death, and breakup stories of our favorite Western celebs Brad, Angelina, Jen, Jessica, Nick, Katie, Tom. And I'm not talking about the traditionally-known tabloids either; I'm talking about "legitimate news sources" like People, UsWeekly, and Good Housekeeping. Okay, maybe not Good Housekeeping. But you get my point.

Now, lest you call me Hypocrite, I will acknowledge that I do in fact have Zach Braff on my Top 16 (my MySpace) and no, I don't personally know Zach. Everyone is allowed to have one celebrity on their MySpace Top 4/8/12/16. These are my rules, okay?

See? I admit I'm a typical American. And nothing wows Americans more than the power of celebrity. Oprah knows the power of celebrity. She knows that if she believes in something, all she has to do is mention it on her show and every housewife in America will believe in it, too - which means, of course, that we men are doomed to wallow alone in our principles.

Religious people are notorious for relying on the power of celebrity as well. Not that there's anything wrong with celebrities who are religious. But, think about it: when The Passion of the Christ was released, many Christians all over America unofficially hailed Mel Gibson as their "spokesperson." Gibson was one of them and was their celeb of choice. Then, what does Gibson do? He goes and does something that's not in line with the teaching of Jesus. After receiving a DUI and mouthing off horribly offensive religious slurs, many of those Christians were devastated. Many conservative Christians have long soaked up every word from other religious "spokespersons" like Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson, and when they made statements that were deeply offensive, those Christians felt they had been alienated from their own spokespeople.

Remember the whole Tom Cruise fiasco last year? Tom was idolized by every woman in America and when he lashed out at a woman dealing with a real issue (Brooke Shields), women (my wife included) were appalled and even heartbroken.

I also realize there are many other avenues I could go with this thing. It's done in politics all the time as well, but for the sake of not boring you, my dear 5 readers, I will close with this thought:

We all enjoy the prominence of celebrity. But we should make sure we don't put celebrities up on a pedestal that makes them "infallible." They might just do something fallible and shock us to our very core. I'm preaching to myself here, too, lest Mr. Braff should go and hold up a liquor store or something and I'm left going, "It couldn't be! He's in my Top 16! I'm all alone in my principles!"