Are You Afraid?
Andy Stanley is pastor of a very large and successful church near Atlanta. I’ve never met him, but heard him speak on a few occasions. Years ago I interviewed him about one of his books and was impressed by his insights. I have a lot of respect for this man. He wrote about the need to find some balance in life, and suggested that fear keeps us from making our family the priority. Yep, fear. Many men wouldn’t admit it, but they’re afraid of missing out on that promotion, for instance.
I think he’s right. I recall once working for a boss who put in excessive hours at his desk. He freely admitted that his work was his priority. I almost felt like I had to sneak past his door at night to avoid questions about this project or that deadline. I would put in a good day’s work but couldn’t ever fight off the fear that I’d be labeled a “slacker” because I didn’t stay until 7 or 8 every night. I also hoped to be considered for a management job that was about to open up. Afraid of being overlooked because I wasn’t as committed as others, I would often stay at work longer than needed. I had a wife and a couple of kids at home, and I knew they needed me. I wanted to go home to be their man, to play with the kids, but it was really hard to pull away.
Fear did that to me. I wonder if fear is holding you back in your life?
Overcoming Shame
Marilyn Hontz has a wrenching personal story of struggling with terrible shame, but also tells of escaping those paralyzing emotional wounds. Please share this conversation with anyone you know who experienced a childhood trauma that still deeply affects them today.
And remember that if you have a need to talk with someone about a troubling part of your life, Focus on the Family offers a consultation with a licensed, caring counselor. Call our toll free number (1-800-A-FAMILY) to get started on the road to healing.
Success, Tragedy and Faith
Here’s an incredible story of growing up with wealth and success, struggling through tragedy, and coming to find true peace through faith in God. This is the firsthand account of a fascinating journey through life by Adolph Coors IV, and over here he shares additional thoughts about our need to understand that being good isn’t enough to gain salvation.
Please Welcome The Plugged In Podcast!
My team is very excited about the new Plugged In podcast! It is a weekly audio program that delivers the kind of thoughtful insights about the world of media and entertainment that you’ve come to expect from the Plugged In staff. Be one of the first to subscribe (here) and let us know what you think.
Three Father’s Day Reminders
If you haven’t heard Dennis Swanberg’s touching - and humorous - tribute to his father, give it a listen here. Then be sure you tell your own dad on Sunday that you appreciate him!
Also, watch the recent pre-Father’s Day webcast with Carey Casey and be inspired to become a “championship father.”
Finally, read some thoughts from Dr. Dobson about the most important thing every parent can do for their children. You might be surprised!
Eureka! Daydreaming and Discovery
You’ll probably agree with the premise of this WSJ piece by Robert Lee Hotz. You know intuitively that this is right. And you may even yearn for what is described:
…Our brain is most actively engaged when our mind is wandering…
The article cites research that supports the benefits of daydreaming, and notes that those who have had historically significant “Aha!” moments discovered something important when they were allowing their minds to wander.
Now, don’t use this research as an excuse for being inattentive and lazy; rather, consider the need in your life for some downtime, some space. That means getting away from the phone/laptop/paperwork and the crush of the routine, and giving your mind permission to sort, ponder and discover.
Related: You might want to get this classic book, Margin, by Dr. Richard Swenson. He illustrates this same kind of principle by referring to ink on a page. Nobody can read a book that has text running from top to bottom, side to side, without any margin. That white space that every book (and indeed, every website) has surrounding the text allows the brain to process and understand. In the same way, we need “margins” in our lives, so we don’t overstimulate and overload.
And, in this audio discussion, Dr. Archibald Hart offers a scientific look at anhedonia, a condition in which an individual is addicted to overstimulation. It is a growing problem, especially amongst younger people who are constantly bombarded by sensory input.
Maybe today will mark the start of something different for you? Turn off the electronics, get away from the calendar and let your mind wander.
If you are a parent, this is especially important. You’ve got to model healthy choices in life, and the children are watching your use of technology and entertainment. Show them you can live without all that plugged in gear! Your kids will benefit when you encourage - even force, in some cases - them to step away from the TV or computer, turn off the radio, and let their lives have a little breathing space without external noise.
More on Vasco, The Malawi Orphan
An update to a recent post about Vasco, an orphan who was brought to the States for heart surgery, from USA Today. Short read, long impact.
Israel, Iran and Trust
Several weeks ago author Joel Rosenberg joined us for some fascinating conversation about current events, with an emphasis on what is happening in the Middle East. Here’s Joel’s blog, and some timely insights about Iran and the Friday elections there. For those who have read biblical prophecy, these elections are particularly significant.
Also, John Bolton writes in the Wall Street Journal about what could happen if Israel attacks Iran’s nuclear development sites.
As Yoda might have put it, “Ignore Middle East you cannot.”
All of this is scary stuff, but believers know the truth of Jeremiah 17:7.
Inside the White House
In case you missed it, here’s a fascinating insider’s perspective of how the Bush White House operated, and what really characterized the presidency of George W. Bush. Go about 16 minutes into the third day for a particularly powerful story of forgiveness and faith.
Touching: Malawi Orphan Comes To Chicago
This article about an AIDS orphan who comes to Chicago for life-saving surgery is my introduction to a very interesting writer. Cathleen Falsani seems to have a rather unique perspective about spiritual living, and this is a tender account of how little Vasco has touched her life.