April 14, 2010

Kopp Disclosure
(John 3:19-21)

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The editor of my favorite biker magazine (www.thunderpress.net) and some techs at my favorite HD dealership (click on the icon just above this edition) have convinced me to check the air pressure in my mule's tires more regularly before something happens that will generate giddiness among mainline apostates, America's socialist sympathizers whose idolatry of BBPBHO is only matched by religionists who can't distinguish their navel-gazing from Godly revelations, and other assorted dolts longing for the way things never were or maybe were but are no more.

Most folks - even the ones who hate me in a Christian kinda way - don't pray for or dwell on my demise; which is why so many family members, friends, and congregants continue annoying me about wearing a helmet despite practical, rebellious, and ideological rationalizations that you can review when my book on biker culture as metaphor and challenge to authenticity - I Just Wanna Ride (FTW) - is picked up by a publisher who wants to make $ at my expense.

Parenthetically, just like helmet, seat belt, and smoking laws (weed and tobacco) without reference to IRS-enforced health care plans and the like, most Americans are really Libertarians at heart/heritage even if they can't articulate their politics/theologies; because most patriots are committed to the personal liberties opposed by Republicans and the socioeconomic liberties opposed by Democrats. It's not that we don't think it's prudent to take a few precautionary steps in our lives. It's just that we don't feel/believe/like the government dictating to us.

It's a freedom thing.

Most Americans recognize our nation was founded on Biblical principles of freedom; meaning we have an inalienable right to be who God created us to be which always honors Him and never inhibits the freedoms of others who are being who God created them to be because, well, uh, geez, sigh, God isn't as double-minded as mainliners, Democrats, and Republicans are about that kinda stuff.

So until I find a cheap air compressor for the barn, I'm paying about a buck a month to stay inflated.

Forget the helmet.

I appreciate your concern; but, uh, it's really none of your/their business.

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Speaking of not going flat, the last KD (4/12/10) sparked some interesting feedback.

A pastor in Florida wrote, "You said, or prayed, 'God, I hate to fly.' Amen! Amen! Amen! Surly airline employees, ignorant passengers, and a corporate jackal-like hunger for increasing fees. I mean, really, $45 to carry your computer on board? You ride your mule! I'll take my convertible!"

A pastor in Georgia listed the four Ps killing churches: "Pettiness. Politics. Power. Personal Preferences."

An elder/politician in Pennsylvania was encouraging: "You said, 'Only dumb dogs don't bark as danger approaches.' That's what the Confessing Church Movement was trying to tell the PCUSA. That's what those tea parties are trying to tell America. Interesting how church publications shy away from both. Thanks for barking; even if you don't like to bite!"

A hacker from somewhere was angry: "Why didn't you write anything about Phil winning the Masters? Didn't you catch the contrast between Phil the family man and Tiger's real faith: bootyism? And how about the graciousness of Westwood compared to the spoiled brat narcissism of Woods? You missed that one, KD!"

Pastor Search Committee in California: "Another pastor keeps forwarding your epistles to us. We like your style as well as substance. Though you sound content, would you consider relocation? You can play golf and ride your MC out here all year round. Seriously, let us know if you are interested. We've done some checking and think it would be a great match!"

Ecclesiastical bureaucrat in Florida: "I wish you'd just shut up! We don't need you upsetting people about what's going on in our denomination. Your job is to tell them to get involved in the process and support us even when they disagree. If people like you didn't tell people about our problems, we'd be a lot better off. Of course, I can see from your constant whining about nobody paying for subscriptions that like-minded friends are as sparse and few as your other friends in the evangelical wing of our denomination."

Church member at First: "Even if you don't hear it from others in our church who don't know how to thank you for being our pastor, I appreciate you and pray for our Lord's best in your life every day."

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Though I didn't like Jack (scroll down to the last KD), that was my fault and not his.

God loved/loves Jack no more nor no less than He loves me or anybody else.

That's the good news of Christianity.

Anyway, I thought about Jack during a memorial service for a woman on Monday who birthed, nurtured, and continues to inspire one of the most patriotic families that I've encountered in a while.

She wanted me to read a few paragraphs at her memorial service that were preached by Dr. John Gordon who was the pastor of Rockford, Illinois' Second Congregational Church for over 40 years ending about 50 years ago:

There is one basic fact about life which all of us need to remember over
and over again: that there is no life situation which is ideal. No human
being has a world which is exactly what he wants.

You and I tend to forget this fact; especially when we are tired, confused,
or upset by an unfortunate combination of little annoyances.

We feel that if we could only change places with someone else we know,
we would be happy and satisfied; or if we could locate another job in
another community , we would be contented; or if we could change our
home, or begin all over again with someone else, how ideal that would be.

But what are the real facts?

No one on earth has an ideal life situation. Every person you know...is
trying to find happiness and satisfaction in a partially unsatisfactory world.
Your problem of adjustment may seem unique. It isn't. It is universal.

If you and I want to make our lives useful and helpful, we must distinguish
between the parts of our life which we can control and the parts which we
cannot control. We must assume the responsibility for the first - that part
that is under our control. We must leave with God the responsibility for
the second - the part we cannot control.

It is a great lesson to learn - to do our part with the life situations we can
manage and then leave in the hands of a Higher Power the situations
we cannot manage.

That's probably why I have told my three favorite funeral directors that I'm always available to preside at memorial services.

Unlike so much of the other stuff in church and society, people really pay attention during memorial services and can't help themselves from distinguishing the important from the incidental.

They have a way of keeping our tires from going flat.

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Blessings and Love!