Paradoxology

'Light' of the World

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I feel safe now.

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"Mom, Why is Pastor Chris a Princess?"

It seems like every time I wear my robes, I get kidded (explanation: it's only been over the past year that I've begun wearing my robes for special services and occasions).  I've been called a 'gigantic marshmallow', the 'Michelin Man', 'really pretty', and a number of other things .  But what happened yesterday afternoon took the cake!

Following our final worship service yesterday, we held a special service in order to consecrate one of our leaders as a lay pastor in our congregation.  As I stepped forward to begin the service, one of the children turned to his mother and asked, "Why is Pastor Chris a Princess?"

Pretty funny, huh?  Kinda cute, don't you think?  But the comment was also innocently honest, and reminded me that SO OFTEN, I take the simple things, the little things, the common things for granted as I seek to minister and serve God's people.  All too often I let teachable moments slip past me.  And yesterday, the Lord used a precious, pure, and honest child to point out that often there are probably adults in our congregation who may also be wondering 'why' the pastor is dressed like a princess!

Ours is a post-Christian culture, and many of our people grew up never having been exposed to church stuff (like robes!).  It's not that they don't like robes -- it's actually quite the contrary (really!). Surprizingly, I'm noticing that the wearing of robes seems to 'lift' the significance of what we're doing -- whether it's baptizing/dedicating an infant, performing a wedding, or conducting a special service like yesterday's. Maybe it's because robes seem to accentuate the fact that a sacrament or ritual is being performed (i.e. something considered holy).  Yet despite all this, I can't forget the likelihood that many people (and children!) remain clueless about the symbols, vocabulary, and practices of our faith.

I guess Princess Chris had better get busy.

Who's the Real Chris Monroe?

Ever since I was about 7 years old, I've been aware of other people named Chris Monroe.  And it's been a real hassle every now and then -- you know, like, creditors hounding me for deliquent payments on credit accounts I never had (and stuff like that).  I guess my parents wanted me to have a common name.  Well, anyway -- here are some of the Chris Monroe's I'm aware of:

1) Chris Monroe, the drummer and studio/session musician.

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2) Chris Monroe, the Secretary of UNLV's Association of Computing Machinery.

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3) Chris Monroe, the basketball player (2002 Colonials of Geo. Wash. Univ.)

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4) Chris Monroe, the traffic reporter for WSB radio.

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5) Chris Monroe, Director of Budget and Finance at Marquette University.

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6) Chris Monroe, Music Minister at Vinton Baptist Church in Virginia

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7)  Chris Monroe, played by Cheryl Ladd on Charlie's Angels.

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8) Chris Monroe, aka Desert Pastor (that's me!)

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*credit to Dwight Friesen for inspiring the idea behind this post.

Lost Dog

Lost Dog in Your Neighborhood

There is a lost dog in your neighborhood who has strayed away from her owner.

The dog is a dark brown Chihuahua with a white stomach.

The owner is heartbroken and is willing to pay a generous reward for the dog's safe return She is currently putting up posters in your area.

Please be on the lookout for this dog whose name is "LUCKY".

Harvest Moon (re-post)