LaughingSeven

There is no doubt that in revealing the fundamental fragility of the human condition, the disabled person becomes an expression of the tragedy of pain. In this world of ours that approves hedonism as is charmed by ephemeral and deceptive beauty, the difficulties of the disabled are often perceived as a shame or provocation are their problem as burdens to be removed or resolved as quickly as possible. Disabled people are instead icons of the crucified Son. They reveal the mysterious beauty of the One who emptied himself obedient unto death. Show they us over and above all appearances that they ultimate foundation of human existence is Jesus Christ.  – John Paul II

 

Kudos Matt

“Because sex is more than just a physical act of pleasure. It strips us, if just for a moment, of all of our social masks, and bares our physical desires (and some might argue, our souls) to the other person. While men may deny that happens, I can’t help but believe it does. Maybe not in everyone, but I think in more men than research shows.”

via: PsychCentral / John M. Grohol, Psy.D.

Awesome. You can buy this shirt here

I generally don’t engage in political discussions because it’s an area that I have historically had very little interest in (for a number of reasons I won’t go into here) nor have I had much understanding or knowledge of how government/politics works (Sorry Ms. Smith, your 9th grade Social Studies class wasn’t THAT bad). But this morning is different. I’m going to briefly offer a few thoughts on Obama for president given that he was on primetime last night. Much of these thoughts are the result of questions I have been asking myself, even though I’m unsure of what specifically those questions are in written form. I digress.

As a matter of theological/philosophical standing, I love Obama’s offering of hope. This blog, though not maintained on a regular basis, was founded with the idea that there is more; more hope. From an emotional standpoint, Obama speaks clearly to me that America, ahem the United States, can and should offer more to the world. And it is promised that he can deliver this change, this hope. And I agree … there is plenty more that we as a country can and should be doing. 

Watching his speech last night at the DNC in Denver, I kept wondering who this man was. My wife and I talked about the emotions on people’s faces as they watched and listened to Obama speak, both noting that on many occasions there seemed to be an air of awe and worship as those in attendance literally screamed, wept, and facially bowed at him and his offerings of hope. Being a therapist, I realize that hope does some crazy shit to people (not to mention me personally). It’ll make folks angry (as I saw on the faces of Hillary Clinton and Al Gore as they each took the podium at the DNC), it’ll make others sad for what should be, and it’ll make others so giddy with excitement that their serotonin levels are probably through the roof. All this to say that Obama creates a lot of buzz (captain obvious, here).

This morning, I am wondering what to do with Obama. My story and theology tell me that I cannot place my hope in humanity. Personally there is danger to believe in the promise and offering of hope in someone, anyone, I have never personally met, let alone someone I do know. But ultimately what scares me about Obama is the god-like status that he seems to command and get from people. Is his god-like status about the message or the man? My guess is that there is some of both … and I realize that my personal hermeneutic comes into play here, so perhaps this entire brain dump is all for naught (though I hope not). But as I watched him speak last night, I couldn’t get away from the faces of those watching/listening to him. There is/was a strange sense of fear mixed with relief that finally, finally we have a person/place/idea to put our (collective) hope. And again, that scares the hell out of me. 

It feels premature to end my thoughts now, but I’m unsure of where else to go. 

In 2002, there was a story posted at USA Today about a beer-selling contest gone wrong at Hooters. Evidently, the waitress who won the event thought she was going to win a Toyota. Instead, she won a toy Yoda character. See the  newspaper clipping below…

- A couple sitting outside, very intently engaged. She has a quizzical look on her face often changing between compassion and confusion. She isn’t talking very much, just listening. He is drinking from a travel coffee mug adorned with a rox shox sticker and a carabeener. On his backpack is a bike lock with the brake handles from a mountain bike hanging beneath the lock. At one point, he gently pulls the hair back on her head and whispers something into her ear. She smiles.

- Two women sitting next to me, one with papers and folders. She’s intent on making sure that her counterpart knows that she is being honest and is shooting things straight. She has said at least 5 times in the past 5 minutes “I’m going to be as honest as I can be.” The other lady is shaking her head in agreement, yet is very timid and anxious.

- A guy sitting outside, reading a large book (like a coffee table book), drinking coffee, and stroking his beard. He occasionally looks up to see what is going on around him, but not for long. He just put his yellow rain jacket on, and is getting up to leave. His pace is quick and with a goal in mind.

- A dad with three girls who all appear to be 2-3 years old. Prior to sitting down, the dad pointed very sternly at one of the girls, whom I am assuming is his daughter, and in a raised voice said “I’m going to get a straw, listen to me, I’m going to get a straw.”

Me. Sitting at a table, a cup of water, a half-full americano, an empty cookie plate, a computer, bag, and phone. I’m reading and writing about people outside this cafe when I’d much rather put my things away and sit with each of the people I’ve described here, and listen to their stories. I’d rather fantasize about them, their conversations, their longings and why they are here. What is it that they are looking for

Yeah, Seattle is a grey city. Lots of clouds, lots of rain, and lots of everything relating to hiding the sun. Well, you know that you live in Seattle when one day you are walking through your house and every 5 feet on the walls there is a blue stickey-note with a yellow-highlighter-drawn sun on the note. I guess this is how Peterson is telling us that he misses the sun. 

Did I mention that it’s June, and the sun is still veiled? 

One of my favorite things about coming downtown to school … Rounding the corner and seeing the giant cruise ships parked just a block away from our school. They take my breath away. 

I’m a big fan of Improv Everywhere . They do stunts all over the world such as getting 200 people to ‘freeze’ in grand central station all at the same time, fake U2 concerts on a rooftop in downtown NYC, and many many other awesome improvs. In any case, the below improv is absolutely amazing. It’s a must watch.