God has not called His people to build a bridge between Him and the world; He has called them to be the bridge. While our human tendency is to erect monuments for posterity, God is far more interested in our personal involvement.
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This little article is the kind of self-indulgent thing that I generally try to avoid; after all, who besides me should really care that this is the 100th writing that I’ve posted on my website. But on some level it seemed momentous, so I thought I might as well say something about it.
With encouragement from my dear sister (Mary), my beautiful wife (Anita) was the one who set this whole blog site idea in motion. She wanted to create a way for people to access the things I write and she was confident that if she did, they would. I must admit that I didn’t necessarily share her confidence; not because I doubt my ability to write, but because I don’t really understand what makes a person visit the site of someone who isn’t famous, influential and that they don’t really know. As with many other things, she was right. In the almost eight months (we started in Feb 2010) since the site was born, we’ve garnered visits from complete strangers from around the world. In fact, this site was instrumental in connecting us with some wonderful new friends in Australia (Matthew & Shera Dahlitz), who asked to regularly feature some of my writings on their site (thissideofthecross.com) as well. That relationship has managed to connect us with even more people in all sorts of exotic locations. That has been a great experience and more than I could’ve hoped for. I am humbled by those opportunities and by the understanding of how God blessed me with a partner who is more interested in seeing my aspirations fulfilled, than in the fulfillment of her own.
Considering that I really didn’t start writing in earnest until I was almost forty years of age, it is amazing to me what a passion it has become. In the last six years I’ve written plays, songs, poems, stories, prayers, commentaries, tributes, skits… and I don’t feel as though I’ve even scratched the surface yet. I hope that as my children get a little older, I will be able to devote more of my attention to the writing, as opposed to the haphazard process I use now. And while I certainly don’t believe that my perspective is anymore valuable than anyone else’s, I have found great fulfillment in trying to find expression for the things that are closest to my heart; and in sharing those ideas with others. I hope that in some way it helps, even if it’s only to make people feel less alone in the their struggles.
Who’s to say where I’ll be 100 posts from now or even if there will be another 100 posts. Whatever the case, I’m grateful for making it this far and for those of you who’ve visited along the way. Thanks.
Posted in Personal | 3 Comments »
Because every persons experience and perspective is to some extent unique, unity is not likely to come about through total agreement. For human beings, unity only becomes possible when we are willing to commit to standing together in spite of our differences.
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In the deepest part of the valley, you encounter the river that carved it. Ultimately, I believe this is why God allows us to spend time there.
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A child of God should never truly feel at home in a fallen world. Our efforts to find comfort in the things of this world only serve to drive us away from the One Person who can actually provide it.
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1. It becomes easier to say “I don’t know”: I think that children often assume that adults have all the answers; so as young adults, they feel as though they should have an answer for every question. As we get older, it becomes painfully obvious that we don’t have all the answers and easier to admit that “I just don’t know”.
2. What we look for in a mate seems to change: As a young man, I seemed to lack a lot of the qualities (e.g. bodybuilder physique, cutting edge style, movie star good looks, a fat paycheck) that girls seemed to be looking for; but when I suddenly became single in my thirties, I found that what women (my age) seemed to be looking for had changed dramatically. At that point, being clean cut, friendly, respectful and dependable seemed to trump those other features (which I still lacked).
3. Peace becomes of greater value than excitement: I think that younger folks believe that older folks just lose their sense of excitement; but I’d submit that we simply come to recognize how much more precious and rare true peace is. I’ve found that life can often become a lot more exciting than I’d like and in those times its clear that excitement is generally overrated. Eventually most of us come to see that a quiet walk on the beach, with someone we genuinely care about, is a lot better than a house full of beer swilling friends and loud music.
4. We become more excited at the thought of our kids (or grandkids) having success than by visions of our own success: This may not be true for people who never have kids, but for those of us who do, it’s almost an absolute truth. As a dad who’s watched many a ballgame, dance recital, play, school program… I can testify that watching my kids shine is far more exhilarating than anything that I could accomplish at this point in my life.
5. It gets harder to use words like “always” and “never”: They say that life is a great teacher and one of the things that life tends to teach is to expect the unexpected. As such, it get’s harder to come up with examples of things that are “always” this or “never” that. While children seem to use these kinds of words frequently (e.g. he never has chores, I always have homework…), experience makes it harder to find a context for them.
6. Character tends to become more important than personality: I’ve noticed that younger people are often more engrossed in an individual’s personality than in what kind of person they might be; while older folks seem to reverse that pattern. I believe this is probably bore out of experiences like being deceived, disappointed and/or damaged by people who initially seemed highly attractive.
7. It becomes easier to be patient: Please note that I didn’t say it becomes “easy” to be patient, just “easier”. Learning patience is a long and painful process, but a reality of life is that it often makes us wait and after awhile, we know to expect some of that. Though the process doesn’t get any more pleasant, it does become easier to predict.
8. We realize that it’s easier to look 10 years younger than it is to feel 10 years younger: This is probably a no-brainer, but a fresh coat of paint doesn’t make the barn stand any straighter. While we can have things nipped, tucked, banded, suctioned, airbrushed… it doesn’t do anything to actually preserve our youth. Things like exercise and eating right are disciplines that have to be practiced regularly to have an effect; and ultimately, our overall well-being extends beyond the physical, to the emotional and spiritual aspects of our life as well.
9. Our concept of love tends to change: I think that young love tends to flow closer to the surface, where the waves make for an exhilarating and sometimes treacherous ride. While old love tends to move in the depths, where the winds of a passing storm are barely felt. Though some might see that as less exciting, many of us see it as being more substantial and meaningful.
10. It gets harder not to wonder about the meaning of this life and whether there is anything beyond it: As we get older, we inevitably face the passing of acquaintances, friends and family; and as we ponder the meaning of their lives (and/or deaths), it’s hard not to do the same for our own. In those times, the permanence of death naturally causes us to wonder about, and maybe even hope for, something beyond this life.
Posted in Lists, Opinions | 2 Comments »
“The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked;
who can know it?” (Jer 17:9)
I say that I’m one of Your sheep
But how well do I know Your voice
I say that everything that I have is Yours
But am I willing to take the test that You gave Job
I say that I am Your follower
But am I willing to wait for Your direction
I say that I am a new creation
But can there be a resurrection if there has been no death
I say that my hope is in You
But how is it then that I am so easily discouraged
I say that I trust You
But am I willing to put my Isaac (i.e. the fulfillment of Your promises, my hope for the future…) on the altar of sacrifice
I say that I’m in Your Army
But can I really be of service if I don’t know how to wield a sword
I say I want Your will to be done in my life
But am I really like the prodigal son, trying to demand and spend my inheritance on my own terms
I say that I want to see signs and wonders for Your glory
But how wicked and perverse can a generation become before no sign will be given
I say that You are my Savior
But is that possible if You are not also my Lord
I say that I want to be like You
But am I willing to be a man of no reputation or a man of sorrows who is acquainted with grief
“Search me O God and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.”
(Ps 139:23-24)
Posted in Free Verse / Poetry, Prayers | Leave a Comment »
This article is not intended to be a list of the “most distinctive voices of the rock era”, because with all due respect to folks like Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Axel Rose, Janis Joplin, Bjork… distinctive is not necessarily synonymous with high quality. This also isn’t a list of the best vocalists of the era, though a couple of these might qualify for that one as well. Instead it is meant to highlight some truly unique vocalists who made a mark on the music of their era.
1. Roy Orbison (solo, The Traveling Wilburys): Few could boast the vocal range of this rock pioneer, whose natural baritone was perfectly capable of reaching into the high tenor range. Though best known for his classic, “Oh, Pretty Woman”, hits like “Crying” and “Only the Lonely” were an even better showcase for this special vocal talent.
2. Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin, solo): Despite being known as a hard rock vocalist, Plant has shown himself to be equally adept at singing the blues (e.g. “Since I’ve Been Loving You”), folk (e.g. “That’s the Way”), pop standards (e.g. “Sea of Love” w/The Honeydrippers) and even bluegrass (e.g. the “Raising Sand” LP). Regardless of the genre, he makes every song uniquely his own.
3. David Gates (Bread, solo): Though the radio friendly pop ballads of his band “Bread” aren’t necessarily esteemed in rock circles, few would argue the tender, expressive quality of David Gates vocal delivery. Decades later, his body of work continues to find an audience through Oldies stations around the world.
4. John Fogerty (Creedence Clearwater Revival, solo): Though it’s tempting to group Fogerty’s raspy vocals with the likes of Bob Dylan and Neil Young, his voice actually had a sturdier and more musically credible quality to it. Undoubtedly, his unique delivery was a key element in creating some of the most memorable records of that era.
5. Steve Perry (Journey, solo): While the pop leanings of the rock band Journey were likely a turn off to some purists, they still managed to produce a string of highly listenable and memorable albums. Though the band boasted a roster of notable musicians (e.g. former Santana members Neal Schon & Gregg Rolie), it was Steve Perry’s pristine vocals that ultimately distinguished them from the rest of the pop rock pack.
6. Art Garfunkel (Simon & Garfunkel, solo): Blessed with one of the purist voices in pop music and partnered with the amazingly talented Paul Simon, Art Garfunkel was a part of several now classic performances. One listen to “Bridge Over Troubled Water” will tell you all that you need to know.
7. Brad Delp (Boston): Though (guitarist/keyboardist/producer) Tom Scholz’s often talked about studio wizardry was the basis for Boston’s unique brand on rock and roll, it was Brad Delp’s soaring vocal style that ultimately defined their sound. After more than 30 years, there is still nothing that’s come close to duplicating this combination.
8. Robin Gibb (The Bee Gees): Though all of the Gibb brothers possessed unique vocal talent, Robin’s quivering falsetto could at times be described as otherworldly. Early recordings like “I Started a Joke” or “Massachusetts” and later disco hits like “Staying Alive”, are prime examples of his one of a kind vocal delivery.
9. Annie Lennox (The Eurhythmics, solo): Though much of pop music from the 1980’s was set against a backdrop of synthesizers and outlandish fashion, it was the timeless quality of Annie Lennox’s vocals that elevated her work above the din. Incredibly versatile, her voice was at times deep and sultry (“Who’s That Girl”), at other times haunting (“Here Comes the Rain Again”); sometimes playful (“Would I Lie to You”), sometimes soulful (“Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves”) and even at times, emotionally raw (“Why”).
10. Michael McDonald (The Doobie Brothers, solo): After breaking into the music business as a backup singer with the band Steely Dan, McDonald had the good fortune of being asked to join the already popular Doobie Brothers. His arrival ushered in their most commercially successful years and set the stage for what has been a long and fruitful career as a solo artist. His distinctive brand of blue eyed soul has continued to resonate with audiences into the new millennium.
Posted in Entertainment/Music/Sports, Lists, Opinions | Tagged Annie Lennox, Art Garfunkel, Boston, Brad Delp, Bread, Creedence Clearwater Revivial, David Gates, John Fogerty, Journey, Led Zeppelin, Michael McDonald, Robert Plant, Robin Gibb, Roy Orbison, Simon & Garfunkel, Steve Perry, The Bee Gees, The Doobie Brothers, The Eurhythmics, The Traveling Wilburys | Leave a Comment »
Bjcorbin's Blog 
The Senseless Death of Tyler Clementi
September 30, 2010 by bjcorbin
As is often the case when I tune into the news, I was sickened by the report of the senseless death of Tyler Clementi; a freshman at New Jersey’s Rutgers University. According to sources, Tyler jumped to his death, after a video of his intimate encounter with another man, which had been secretly recorded by his room-mate, was posted on the internet.
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While the despicable act of the room-mate has been universally condemned, much of the reaction to this tragedy seems to be focused on the homosexual aspect of the story. And while I do understand why homosexual activists would want to use this as an example, I believe that the implications of this act extend beyond the issue of sexuality. From my perspective, it points to a fundamental lack of respect for the privacy and dignity of all human beings.
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Though nothing excuses this heinous invasion, it seems to be in keeping with the increasingly voyeuristic nature our society. Advances in technology and the popularity of outlets like MySpace, Facebook, Twitter and You-Tube, have given us unprecedented access into even the most private aspects of each others lives; and by all indications, we as a society can’t get enough of it. The entertainment industry continues to feed this frenzy with increasingly raw reality shows and artful explorations of the most twisted components of the human psyche. At some level, the general public seems to feel as though it is entitled to this unfettered access. For example, it’s not good enough that Tiger Woods would admit to cheating on his wife, we want to know the details and if someone has video, we want that too. But if we as a society demand that kind of access, aren’t we implicitly commissioning acts like that of the room-mate in this case. At 18 years of age, this young man has grown up in a time when little, if anything, has been off limits; and so what should we as a society have expected to stop him in this case? Someone of my generation may answer, “Common decency”, but is there a commonly held standard for decency anymore. Not surprisingly, lawyers for this young man simply describe him as “confused”.
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While many will point to this story as an example of why we need to be more “tolerant” of homosexuals; I think we’d be better to use it as an example of why we need to “respect” the dignity and privacy of all of our fellow human beings, regardless of their sexuality. As near as I can tell, Tyler was a fine young man and my heart breaks at the thought that he is gone.
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Posted in Commentaries, Opinions, Social / Political | 1 Comment »