The Indians and fanatics like me

Well, the Cleveland Indians did not make it to the World Series. They made it all the way to game 7 of the ACLS. They did well. I am examining myself and thinking about how crazy the last month has been. Staying up late to watch wins and worse, losses. Being so determined that they would win it all. Being obsessed...
Why do people like me get so consumed with the team, especially when they are winning?
It's interesting how we don't play, we don't train, we do nothing but watch and cheer and jeer. Yet, we use phrases such as "our team" and "we" did this and "we" did that. We manage the game from our living room. We whine and complain when things don't go well. We pat ourselves on the back when they go our way.
I think sometimes we live our Christian lives this way - as a fan, rather than a player.

Well, in the long run, life needs to go on, or in some cases life needs to begin again (after we put it on hold for the playoffs).
Cleveland Indians first baseman Ryan Garko says this:
"This is baseball. It comes after your family’s health and well-being. There are more important things in life."
(from Ryan Garko's Playoff Blog)

Yes there are more important things in life. But it sure was fun while we were in the playoffs and winning!
Well, maybe next year. Until then, I'm going to try to live as more than a spectator.

Christian profiling

How do we deal with those that are different from us?
Do we as Christian practice profiling...
Let's see - that person looks like a pagan... don't want to get too close... it might rub off... in the world but not of it you know.
Where did Jesus spend his time?
If I am honest, I rarely spend time getting to know unbelievers.
Jesus did it so much he got criticized for it. (Matt. 9:11)
I am afraid that my gut response to the shooting in Cleveland reveals my true attitude...
"Someone needs to do something about these kids"
Yet, Jesus would say, "I want to do something... I will be their friend, call them to me without any strings attached and watch God work in their lives."
How will I become involved in reaching those who are far from God this week?

Indians and School Shootings: Cleveland in the news

Go tribe!
As the Cleveland Indians head to the ACLS to beat Boston, Cleveland finally has something to be proud of... and then CNN has c-town as the lead with a school shooting.
Once again the story involves a young person involved in Goth. Again we are cautioned not to stereotype no racial profiling here. Just like the police were not to look at Muslims from Saudi any different even though almost all the 911 terrorists were Muslims from Saudi. When it comes to children (and yes, these are children) we need to be pro active and be aware of the dangers of the Goth culture. We must protect our children. We need to profile these kids and let them know that if they insist on wearing all black and being extremely moody and have an interest in weaponry then they will be watched more carefully than their peers.