Leadership

I read an very insightful blog today. For me to paraphrase it would do it an injustice; therfore,I decided to post it in this blog (with full credit). I heard a speaker mention that Jesus never did a miracle the same way. However in the Christian world traditions that no one knows why it began in the first place, and after a few years become doctrine. I hope that this will give leaders some insight.

"At the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things we have done. We will be judged by 'I was hungry and you gave me to eat, I was naked and you clothed me, I was homeless and you took me in.' Hungry not only for bread - but hungry for love. Naked not only for clothing - but naked for human dignity and respect. Homeless not only for want of a room of bricks - but homeless because of rejection."
-Mother Teresa

Learn how you can be God's hands and feet in the city with CSM!

I was looking on facebook tonight like I usually do reading the statuses of everybody and trying to see what they were up to and I came across one from one of the group leaders whose group I hosted this summer at CSM in Los Angeles. Her status said that she was remembering the people of San Julian Street and the kids at Wyvernwood. My heart sunk for two seconds as I too began to remember those people and those kids.

Many things can (and will) be said about last night's historic election. Regardless if you felt it was an exciting victory or a crushing defeat, there is one thing we should all be able to agree on: our country has entered a multi-ethnic era. The election of our first African American president (who's biracial background embodies multi-ethnicity) is a powerful sign of how rapidly our society has changed and will change in the decades to come. The question on my mind..."Is the church ready?"

"Calcutta's are everywhere if only we have eyes to see. Find your Calcutta."
-Mother Theresa

What a beautiful quote...and so true. Pray for eyes to see the world as Christ does!

Check out an amazing sermon given at Mars Hill Bible Church (Grand Rapids, MI) by Shane Claiborne, author of Irresistible Revolution, entitled "Find Your Calcutta".

Clemmie Greenlee is a hero in Nashville. She stands up for injustice and gives a voice to the voiceless. Her son, Roderiquez, was murdered in 2003 and she has since pledged her life to making the community she calls home safer for those who live in it. USAToday recently posted a remarkable photo gallery of Clemmie as she does what she does best - love people. Check it out!

Learn how you can serve in Nashville with CSM!

At the end of every trip, we have groups fill out evaluations of their experience in the city.  We ask them to tell us something they’ve learned or a commitment they’ve made as a result of their trip.  Here are some of responses from participants at CSM Chicago:

“I learned that beyond the glitz and fun - Michigan Ave is a seemingly endless array of problems that can only end with understanding.” (Student from Rose Park Reformed Church)
“I’ve learned that homeless does not always equal lazy.” (Student from Lindsey Wilson College)

The time has come for us to show some radical love in our neighborhoods. There needs to be a call to action for us Christians to get out and start serving God's people. Dr. J. Howard Olds, former senior pastor of Brentwood United Methodist Church in Brentwood, TN, delivered an amazing sermon to kick us out of our seats and into the streets!

Learn how you can serve the city with CSM!

 Ok, yesterday I was shocked that the congress failed to pass a bailout bill. I was upset and angry. Today, I have tried to review some news and uncover why we failed to pass this bill. By the end of today, I could be back to angry depending on the market.