God of Another World

Faith and Tebow

2011-11-06T07:37:00.000-06:00

I am a huge fan of the Denver Broncos. I have followed them since Craig Morton and Steve DeBerg were the quarterbacks. I felt the rush and held my breath through the Elway he's-sacked no! he's-thrown-a-touchdown years. I suffered through the Brian Griese lack of leadership years, the Jake Plummer beard, and the Jay Cutler he is/he isn't our future. I've supported all of our quarterbacks with the exception of Kyle Orton. I've never been a fan of his, and I couldn't wait to see Tim Tebow hit the field.

Now Tebow is our starting quarterback going into his sixth start. His play has been nothing short of atrocious, easily the worst display of NFL quarterbacking I have ever witnessed. Merill Hodge, and others, are right to criticize his play on the field. But any conversation about Tebow also includes a discussion about Tim Tebow the man and his faith. Why? Reggie White shared similar beliefs, but his story never polarized the public. What is the difference? Reggie had a hall of fame career that provided him with an opportunity to highlight his faith. In effect, he proved he belonged in the NFL, thus he earned the opportunity to share his story. Tim Tebow, if you actually listen to the man vs. what you hear in the media, is attempting to do the same thing. He is focused on his job as an NFL quarterback. He only mentions his faith when a reporter asks, or after a game when he thanks Jesus Christ - like hundreds of other athletes. His future in the league has yet to be determined, and he knows he has a lot of work to do, but he has yet to turn this into a faith thing. I wish other people, both supporter and critic, would follow his example.

Children's Art

2011-06-26T10:20:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, the family and I went to the Art Festival, a new tradition we started four years ago. The weather was perfect, overcast to block out the sun without a drenching downpour that would have kept us indoors, and the display of artwork was much better than last year, which my wife and I agree was the worst of the past four years. We even made a purchase - and wanted to make two more, but the price was too steep for a still-growing family. Then it was time to hit the "big tent" where they display kid's artwork.

This tent has quickly become our favorite portion of the Festival, because our young children can best relate with, and be inspired by, these young artists. It struck me this year, however, that this display is similar to every display I have ever seen of kid's artwork. Why? In a world full of technological advances, why do we continue to display the Crayola and Macaroni art that every child has been doing since the 1950's? My own 2-year old can tear through Angry Birds levels on my Droid phone with as much ease as he can build with Lincoln Logs, so why are we limiting the art form for our children? Just imagine what they could do if we actually gave them the opportunity to explore the creative potential of technology. One day soon, I want to go to a kid's artwork display that makes use of iPads, iPhones, Video, and Photoshop. Now that would be inspiring!

Random thought of the day

2011-05-30T18:52:00.000-05:00

What a man says is not important, he is judged by what he does.

A woman is judged no matter what she does.

- C. Michael Cox

The Story of It All

2011-03-17T15:45:00.000-05:00

We individualize our stories, and present them as unique. But have you ever thought about the uniqueness of our stories? How many times have you shared a story with someone, only to have them say something like, "I know what you mean" or "that reminds me of the time..." or "I had a similar experience." I once had a poetry professor tell me to "try coming up with something new" to which he concluded, "you can't do it." King Solomon wrote "there is nothing new under the sun." (Ecc. 1:9) We study history with the understanding that history repeats itself. Fiction writers are known to use a story model. Painters use life models. It seems every invention has its roots in something else - see the sun inspiring light bulbs, the human brain inspiring the computer, etc. I echo my professors comments. Just try to come up with something "new."

On one hand this could be discouraging. Especially if you're committed to being an individual. On the other hand, this is incredibly encouraging to me. It means I'm not alone in this journey. It means I can share a story, and other people will truly understand - because they've lived a similar story. Where would we be without the story of it all?

Generally Speaking

2011-02-27T10:42:00.000-06:00

This past weekend I attended a conference with a friend of mine. The speaker was LTG (Ret.) William G. Boykin. This interested me because I have never had the opportunity to listen to the perspective of a General. I was excited...and then I was horrified. To say that I had entered what amounted to a meeting of the Klu-Klux-Klan would not be an understatement. He told everyone how America is being converted to Islam. He painted a picture which pitted Americans against Muslims. And then he stated that "we need to lead the Muslims to God, in order to save this country." It reminded me of what the American Christians said about the Native Tribes and the African Slaves: "Save the Savages."

It would be easy to blame Christians for antagonizing world events, but Muslims have demonstrated their own hatred toward Isreal and America. There is intense judgement on both sides. It is an issue that goes beyond race - it challenges core beliefs and culture. There is no easy answer. Our World Leaders continue to seek solutions. Some reference the Bible. Others point to the Quran.

Me? I am heartbroken.

Check out: House of Sand and Fog by Andre Dubus III

An Incredible Artist

2011-02-19T01:04:00.000-06:00

First and foremost, I have to thank Scott Black for the amazing artwork which now graces the God of Another World website and blog. Check out his portfolio here. If anyone is looking for an artist who is professional, timely, and easy to work with - then Scott is your mate!

may the sphere be with you, and keep you in his light - Michael