Still Crazy After All These Years

Recent events in our community have highlighted the insidious escalation of the persecution of Christians in our country.

I have to admit, I do hesitate to call it persecution. In the face of the kind of persecution the New Testament Church, the Church in China today, and in other countries such as Saudi Arabia and Iran, it seems almost ludicrous to even call it persecution. Frankly, Christians are not being imprisoned or killed here. Sometimes I think that when Christians in this country cry “persecution,” we look like whiners. In my research on the web on this topic, I have come across such viewpoints frequently. How can we say we are persecuted when we compare our freedoms here to the lack of freedom countless Christians in other countries are undergoing? Are we merely guilty of demanding our rights and holding onto our entitlements? Are we just like other spoiled Americans who think we deserve to be treated right?

To be honest, I believe that this IS often the case. We are so offended that, as Americans, we could possibly have some of our freedoms trampled on or revoked. And instead of behaving like the “little Christs” that we are, we behave like outraged, entitled Americans. Instead of seeing it as an opportunity to share the good news of the freedom that comes only from Christ and testifying to His power in our life, we react like spoiled little kids that didn’t get what they wanted for their birthday. We scream and cry to have our freedoms returned to us as if that is the point. It’s more about being an American than about being a Christian. At least, that’s what it often looks like. And that’s what it often is.

On the other hand, the marginalizing of Christians and the Christian message is in full swing in this country. Let us not be naïve. Our freedoms as Christians in this country are shrinking. Look at some of the things going on, particularly on high school and college campuses.

At Southeast Louisiana University, a Christian speaker was denied the right to hand out tracts, display banners, and share the gospel in an area reserved for outside speakers. The police claimed he needed a permit. However, other outside speakers were allowed to speak and hand out literature with out a permit. http://www.alliancedefensefund.org/news/pressrelease.aspx?cid=4739

In Philadelphia, a school district denied Child Evangelism Fellowship access to a flier distribution program. In this program, organizations are permitted to send fliers home with children from school. While other organizations were permitted this right, Child Evangelism Fellowship was not permitted to participate due to the religious nature of the literature and “separation of church and state.” http://www.alliancedefensefund.org/news/pressrelease.aspx?cid=4718

And how about this story from Yuba Community College in Marysville, CA.

“Ryan Dozier, for instance, is a student at Yuba College in Marysville, California. He is also a Christian who has a strong desire to share the love of Christ with his fellow students. One day, earlier this year, this outspoken young man arrived on campus for class and began sharing his faith with others in a common area. Ryan held a sign that read, “Repent and Believe the Gospel” on one side and “Peace With God Only In Jesus Christ” on the other. He stood in one spot, handed tracts to people who passed by, and if anyone stopped to talk, Ryan calmly answered their questions and told them about the love of Christ.

A campus police officer was one of those who stopped to chat with Ryan, but he was not interested in hearing about the Gospel. The officer told Ryan he needed a permit for such activity. He explained that Ryan would be arrested and face expulsion if he continued. Ryan learned that the college policy only allowed “free speech” on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 12 and 1 p.m. – and then only with permission obtained at least two weeks in advance.

Less than three weeks after his conversation with that campus police officer, Ryan received a certified letter from the college accusing him of assembling without a permit and violating school policy. The letter informed Ryan that his activity was the subject of a district police department crime report and that further violation would incur more discipline, including expulsion from college.” http://www.alliancedefensefund.org/issues/religiousfreedom/default.aspx?cid=4707

Sun Prairie Area School District in Madison, Wisconsin charges Christian organizations and churches a fee to use their facilities while allowing all other groups free access. http://www.alliancedefensefund.org/news/pressrelease.aspx?cid=4674

A fifth grade student in Handley School District in Saginaw, Michigan was not allowed to attach a religious message to one of his school projects. http://www.alliancedefensefund.org/news/pressrelease.aspx?cid=4642

At Shippensburg University in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the student organization Christian Fellowship was stripped of its rights and privileges because “it required members to honor a statement of faith and because it selected its leaders according to its interpretation of Biblical teaching.” http://www.alliancedefensefund.org/news/pressrelease.aspx?cid=4720

One thing to take note of is that universities are instituting “speech codes” which define what kind of speech is permitted on campus. These speech codes are written in such a way that anything that is “annoying” to others qualifies as harassment and violation of the code. Students can be dismissed from a university merely because they are “annoying.” It is interesting how often it is the Christian students who are charged with violating these codes.

Persecution such as this is not limited to public schools and universities. City governments all across the country are denying free speech and freedom to assemble to countless Christian groups. Often the “violators” are threatened with arrest if they persist. And frequently they are actually arrested.

But it is particularly disturbing that much of this persecution is occurring within the education system. It is here that children’s minds and opinions are shaped. It makes perfect sense that Satan would concentrate here. If he can capture the minds of our developing children while marginalizing Christians by threats of arrest and other forms of persecution, he can insure whole generations of kids never come to Christ.

My concern is, are we prepared to respond to what is going on? Do we even know how to respond? Are we going to cower from the authorities so we can be left alone or are we going to “arm ourselves to suffer?”

I do not think that our response should be one of “demanding our rights.” I do think we can use our constitutional rights to get our message out. Our focus should not be temper tantrums, whining, and foot-stamping. Our focus should be “go ahead and bring it on so I can tell you about Christ.”

Jesus, Peter, John, Paul, and others were not interested in changing the laws of their particular empire. Their interest was in getting the good news of Christ delivered to the lost of their culture. Their goal was to see the hearts of the individuals changed. This is what Paul said.

“And when I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God. For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling, and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God. 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (NASB)

Paul did invoke his Roman citizenship credentials when called before Festus after he was arrested in Jerusalem for inciting a riot. (He was not the one to incite the riot, but was arrested anyway.) But his goal was to remain alive along enough to present the Gospel to more and more people. He did not set it as his goal to change the existing laws. He knew the power of the Holy Spirit would actually use his persecutions and the persecution of other believers as a way to get the message out.

And I believe we need to use our situations in much the same way. When denied our rights, we can use the constitution for the purpose of getting the Gospel out. When denied our rights, we speak out by telling them what the message is. But we should not expend all of our energy by becoming a political entity. If school officials are accusing us of being a cult or try to prevent us from speaking freely, we should use our existing rights by telling them what we are about, what and why we believe what we do. If the police become involved, we should engage them by telling them, “Here’s the message we are telling people. Here’s what God has done for those of us in our church. Here is how Jesus saved us.”

And we should never respond in anger to those who oppose us. We respond by telling the truth, sharing the gospel, and then taking what comes with grace.

Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,
so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.
For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries.
In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you;
but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
For the gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God.
The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.
Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.
Be hospitable to one another without complaint.
As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you;
but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.
If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler;
but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.
For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner?
Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.
1 Peter 4:1-19 (NASB)

There is something quite humbling about being a mom. I mean, before you have kids, there are things you think you have figured out. I mean, I’d gotten a college degree, snuck in a couple of years of graduate school, learned to develop love relationships, held down a job, paid my bills, got married. Really, I felt grown up! Not fully mature, I knew, but I thought, “Hey, I can do this!”

Then, I had kids. And my whole perception of myself changed. Where did that competent, confident woman go? I mean, really, how does a degree in biology/chemistry help you when your child is sick, crying, spitting up, pooping, crying, screaming, crying, pooping…you get the picture. And that’s just the first few years. Then the real work starts. The degree still doesn’t help. Trust me on this.

I guess I’m thinking about this because a young friend of mine had her first baby today. And another one of my young friends is expecting her first baby in October. I am so happy for them. Since my kids are older now, I am looking forward to having babies around again, watching their excitement about being parents for the first time, watching as they fall in love with their kids for no other reason than they are their kids. It’s exciting. It’s poignant. It’s…also a little heartbreaking. Because things in your life change so much, you’ll never see yourself the same way again. Your life will never, ever be the same again.

To tell you the truth, being a mom is the most difficult thing I’ve ever done. College, grad school, jobs, ministry, marriage…just didn’t prepare me for it. Maybe I’m unique in this way. Maybe other women move easily into that role. Not me. I thought that since I’d been a kid once myself, that the whole parent thing would just come. After all, I’d watched my parents parent. If they could do it, well…certainly I could, too. Boy, was I naive!

With a job, you may start out not knowing too much about what you’re doing, but as time goes by, you learn what you’re doing, and you just keep doing it. The rules are pretty clear, the expectations are written down in a job description. You get an annual review so you know, clearly, what has to change so you can do a better job next year. You receive a salary that is compensatory with your abilities. If you do well, you get a raise. If you don’t, you don’t, but you understand what must be done to get a raise the next year. You can look at your coworkers and gage your performance based on theirs. Then, when your work day is done, you go home.

I love my boys. I think all three of them are the coolest people. Each unique, each uniquely gifted. They are fun, bright, and endlessly fascinating. I wouldn’t give up being a mom for all the money in the world. It’s been the most rewarding thing in the world. But…it’s also been hard. And you know what? I think it’s supposed to be.

Because here’s the thing. We live in a fallen and depraved world. Our kids, like us, are born fallen and depraved. As Christians, our job is to love our kids sacrificially (that means it costs us a great deal and not just money.) It also means we don’t have the right to demand anything back for ourselves. It’s raising them so they can go out and love other people sacrificially, whether or not they ever love us back in the same way. It’s raising them to leave us.

That’s what makes it so difficult. In our selfish American culture, there’s this idea that our kids exist for us. That you have kids so someone will love you back. So we love them to death, thinking that, “Hey, I’ve loved them so much, they are obligated to love me back.” However, it all backfired. Instead of getting kids who love us back, we get kids who think the world revolves around them, that love is owed them. It never occurs to them that since they were so loved, their response should be both gratitude to their parents and a sacrificial love for others.

Parenting is the ultimate challenge. We have to, on one hand, love our kids, be incredibly significant in their lives. We have to let them know that they are significant individuals and we love them no matter what. On the other hand, we must demand that our kids give love, too. And because they are fallen, they will not want to do this. We have to train them, discipline them to do this. That’s why it’s so hard. It’s not just making sure they can go to school and succeed, play sports and succeed, or go to work and succeed. It’s amazingly deeper than that. We have to make sure they know how to love, and love with commitment and sacrifice.

My husband and I find ourselves on the eve of sending our boys out into the world for good. My time as a “mom” with them is almost over. Now we will see, do they know how to love even a little? Do they know how to sacrificially serve other people? Have we done our job? Remember, no do-overs.

I also know they have a lot of growing up to do yet. Just like us, they will have to be sanctified and disciplined by the Lord. They’ll have to fail like we did. They’ll have to get smacked around by the world. But we have hopefully given them the foundation they need so they understand what God is doing in their lives. We pray the press on despite the sufferings and trials they will face.

Frankly, I have been extremely blessed. I have a secret weapon - my husband, Keith. He was born to be a dad. That coupled with his love for the Lord has been instrumental in helping me be a better mom. He’s both firm and fun, adult and child-like. He knows when to let things roll off his back and when to take things seriously. He knows when to push, and when to let things ride. I couldn’t have done it without him.

If you’re not married, choose wisely. Choose a man or woman of God. Choose someone who understands God’s type of love. Because once you’re married, no do-overs. I hope I’ve made wise decisions. But one wise decision I know I’ve made is my decision to marry Keith.

If you’re married, but no kids yet- think it through! Get your priorities straight. What are your goals for your kids? What kind of people do you want them to be? The answers to those questions are crucial. Don’t settle for what the world system says your kids should be. Talk to parents who have done it well. Talk to the kids of those parents and get their perspective. Don’t go into it blind. Because once they’re grown, no do-overs.

And to my two young friends - God bless. You’ll never do anything more significant in your life. But remember, you’re raising them to let them go. They are not yours to keep. They are yours for a short time, to teach them how to love. Teach them how to be significant. Because the next thing you know, they’re gone.

No do-overs.

It’s that time of year again - spring break, Florida, adventure…raccoons, armadillos, lizards, swamp oaks, crabs, dolphins, pelicans, whales, alligators, the path of doom. And various and sundry other things that come with this annual trip.

Fort Clinch State Park

I love this trip. There’s something that’s almost magical about it. I’m not sure exactly why it feels this way to me, but it does. It’s unusual for me to be so sentimental about things like this. I mean, frankly, because we always camp when we go there, it’s really a lot of work - packing, setting up, cooking outdoors, unpredictable weather, sand, bugs, and a lot of other inconveniences. But nevertheless, it is a truly magical time for me.

My son, Sean, actually discovered this Florida State Park back in 1998. My husband was taking the whole family along on a business trip to Orlando. We decided to camp to cut down on costs. We were taking our time getting down there, enjoying some much needed family time. Sean found a brochure on this state park. Since Fort Clinch is an old pre-Civil War site, it held great interest for him as he’s a Civil War buff. We’ve been going there ever since.

Fort Clinch Fishing Pier

Fort Clinch

In the beginning, it was just our family - my husband Keith and I and our three sons, Sean, Kyle, and Connor. This may have been the “magical feeling” beginning. The two years before had been quite traumatic for us. We had moved to Northeastern Ohio, leaving behind family and friends. My husband was diagnosed with hepatitus C a year after that while I was pregnant with my third son, a big surprise. We were unsettled, frantically busy, and dealing with several-times-a-week treatment for the Hep C. Our oldest son was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome and our youngest son was showing signs of a similar disorder. Keith had also just started his own business. Frankly, we needed a break.

The first year was truly a wonderful time with our boys. We discovered the “path of doom” - a mysterious path that wound its way through the swamp oaks and spanish moss - and only traveled at night by Dad and his boys. It was wonderful and terrifying. One of those precious family memories. The boys saw their first dolphins and hunted for crabs on the beach. We caught lizards, saw alligators on the alligator walk, went into town every night for ice cream. We spent several afternoons at the beach. We built a fire every night, and Keith told scary stories. The boys, in return, made up ones of their own, giving their first efforts to storytelling in the McCallum tradition. The boys were still young enough that they still went to bed at a decent hour. Keith and I would then spend the rest of the evening reading and talking. It was wonderful.

Path of Doom

All three of the boys, to this day, have a special connection to Fort Clinch. Being with them there once a year is like taking a snapshot - a visual sound bite - of their lives. I find myself remembering previous years and what they were like, what they talked about, what they were interested in. And then comparing it to what I see in the present. It has been fascinating.

I remember Sean as on 8-year-old, with his curly hair, his fascination with anything having to do with the civil war, his heavy interest in marine life. But he loves Fort Clinch not only for these things, but for the sense of tradition is now represents to him. He loves to revisit the same places we have in the past, do the same things we’ve done before, and spends a lot of time reliving previous visits. “Remember in 2001, Mom, when we…?” “Remember in 2004 when Dad…?” Sean has an incredible memory.

Sean

When I feel like time is moving so rapidly I can’t slow down, Sean has that ability to bring history and tradition to bear. He is an anchor, profoundly loyal, and increasingly precious. I’ve watched him grow from this fearful, rigid, and even bitter boy to a grateful and loving adult. I remember my fears and concerns for him as a young adolescent. I have watched him struggle and battle through things that the average boy doesn’t have to deal with and come out on the other side with a strong faith in God and a real concern for others. I am looking forward to seeing what God will do with this unique guy.

Fort Clinch battlements

I remember Kyle as a bright-eyed, funny 7-year-old, speaking with a southern accent, pretending to be a captured Confederate soldier. He and Sean would run around the Fort, pretending they were fighting a battle, trying to stay in character. Then I remember him as a 12-year-old, just barely into adolescence. The “coolness” factor had just begun to matter to him. And yet, at Fort Clinch, that younger boy would peek out of his eyes, show himself in little ways. It was in Fort Clinch that I got the first glimpses of his strong personality, his need to lead, and his desire for a loyal group of friends. But mostly I began to see the man he would become. It was breathtaking. Still is. Of my three boys, he’s the most independent.

Kyle

Next year at this time, he’ll be a college freshman, an adult, the first to leave home. This is our last year with our family all together. It’s both sad and joyous.

And then there’s our Connor - our gift from God. He was just 2-years-old the first year. But from the get-go, he has been our special light. Warm, funny, emotional, and loquacious. He’s so much younger than the other two that at times he’s been almost like a pet to them. He’s our emotional one - he holds relationships to be of primary importance. I offered to pay him $5.00 once if he would stop talking for 5 minutes.

He

Connor

said, “I’d rather talk.” That’s our Connor. He and Sean are best friends. If Connor could become Sean, I think he would. They are such a provision for one another. I see it most in Fort Clinch. There’s Sean out investigating, appreciating nature, commenting on pollution and global warming, and who’s tagging along right at his heels? Connor. Who quotes Sean like he’s some sort of wise old sage? Connor. They look so much alike, we often call them Me and Mini-Me, although their personalities are polar opposites. But at heart, they are soul brothers.

This will be Connor’s last year as a little boy. Next year, he’ll be a teenager. I can’t believe it. And the thing I am concerned with most is - will his heart stay tender? Or will the world batter him into callousness? I don’t know, but I pray about it a lot. God has done amazing things with the other two and I trust He will do the same for Connor. But one thing I do know. This trip to Florida every year helps cement the memories and solidifies relationships.

Bird's eye view Fort Clinch

Several years ago (I can’t remember the exact year) we began to take friends with us to Florida. The first time we did this, we took one of Kyle’s friends with us. The next year, a few more families joined us from NEOXenos. Since then, we’ve grown to almost 40 people camping out at the River Campground at Fort Clinch. It’s become a highlight of our year. It’s time for us to bond as friends, build memories together, pray together, and just have a riot. I can’t wait.

I have to admit - the thought of getting ready to go is daunting. It is so much work! The packing, planning, getting the van and camper ready to go. Whew! But…once we are all in that van heading to Florida on I-77 - it’s an adventure. One I wouldn’t miss for anything. I wonder what memories we’ll bring back with us?

Hebrews 12:1,2

1Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

This has been my favorite passage since I came around to Xenos back in 1982. It had such a profound affect on me, coming first from a fundamentalist childhood full of legalism, through my rebellion, and then finally coming home for the first time to an incredible Body of Christ. It affected so profoundly because as I looked around my new home church, I saw direct evidence of people living out this passage. They were radical, full of integrity and passion, not hiding their sin, but freely confessing it.

It occurred to me then that THE reason they were so effective in at bringing people to Christ and discipling them is was not because they were good people, but because they were redeemed people. They knew they were sinners and were frankly surprised that God decided to use them at all. Their salvation was not just salvation from hell, but salvation from themselves.

It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.

Remember, too, that Hebrews 12 is in context with Hebrews 11 - the hall of fame of faith. When I read about how these great saints (though as screwed up and broken as anyone) were able to lead their lives for the Kingdom of God even though they knew they themselves would not receive the promise of God. As Hebrews 11 says,

3All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. 15And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.

I became convinced that this was the type of life I wanted to live.

I’m not really sure how well I’m doing on that. I guess I quickly discovered that being able to lay aside all the sin that so easily entangles me is not that easy. My flesh cried out in pain to have to put aside all those things that I had previously relied on to give me comfort. I can say, though, that in the 27 years since making that decision to be a devoted follower of Christ, He took me at my word and began to change me - from the inside out - to use a popular cliche.

Several years ago, my fabulous mother-in-law (and yes, there is such a thing as a wonderful mother-in-law) used a picture to describe this walk of faith that we have in this world. She said to imagine that you are walking down a city street, carrying your suitcases on your way to a wonderful destination at the end of the street. At the end of the street is heaven, a breathing-taking sight, with Jesus standing there with open arms waiting for me to walk into them. However, I am not there yet. In the meantime, I am on the mean city streets. On both sides are buildings full of all kinds of worldly pleasures. The owners of these shops are calling out to me. “Please, stop, come into my store.: Here I can provide you with all the comforts you will ever need. Entertainment, pleasure, food. You will never feel any pain.”

At another shop, the owner calls out, “See. Look. Here’s an education for you that will put you at the top of your field. You will have prestige and fame if you come here. I can turn you into someone of value.”

And another shop, “I know you burdens are great and you are tired. Just stop here for awhile. Take a little spiritual vacation. It won’t hurt you. You can be on your way in a short while.”

And in ever shop you acquire more and more suitcases. More and more baggage to weigh you down, slow you down, or even make you stop.

All the distractions of world. But what they never tell you is your real destination lies not within these shops, not with what they have to offer you, but at the end of the street in Jesus’ arms. In fact, their job is to purposefully keep you away from Him.

And that is what Hebrews 12:1,2 is warning us about. Lay down those suitcases. They only slow you down, take away your joy, make your walk down the street burdensome rather than joyful. God provides all you need. And he DOES make you joyful, content. The kind that lasts.

The fact of the matter is for me, it’s been a wonderful life with Jesus. And I am looking forward to that “country of my own.” I’m looking forward to walking into His arms.

And I’m looking forward to seeing all my brothers and sisters in Christ there with me.

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