The World As It Is and The World As It Should Be

You’ve probably been hearing this language quite often recently. It’s made its way into the political arena of late and was again repeated by Michelle Obama this evening at the Democratic National Convention.

But let me make this clear: this is “lifted” language.

Whether you want to believe it or not, the fact is that this Gospel of the “way it is and the way it should be” is not new language. I heard this language in church long before it came in vogue as a slick, smarmy slogan in the political circle and, frankly, it is much more compelling in the biblical context. So while the Obamas are setting up our American hopes for a coming Savior, the good news is it’s not Barack Obama…but neither is it John McCain.

I believe the world is broken and yes, there is a way that can be or should be, but trusting that to come in in a political figure or system will always leave you wanting.

Stolen My Heart?

“You’ve stolen my heart,
Yes, You have.
You’ve stolen my heart,
Yes, You have.
You’ve wiped away the stains,
And broke away the chains,
Yes, You have.”
-Leeland

When I first heard this song, I began to ask questions about it lyrically and theologically. For example, is it possible for God to “steal”? Is this really the best description of the work of God in a person’s life…you know, to steal a heart? Does God come and “take” a person or is it that God draws them? Is this a theologically sound lyric or is it careless language that will incorrectly communicate the work of Christ?

Then, I stopped myself. You see, I now had to wrestle with another conflicting thought. Had I become so sensitive to language that I could no longer see the beauty in hyperbole or metaphor? Had I forgotten or even possibly abandoned the romantic use of language? Had I become afraid to paint pictures or turn artful phrases in communicating God’s beauty? Had I devalued or even left no room for “poetic license” in the role of art that reflects the Creator?

So I thought about one of the most prolific artists whose work fills the pages of Scripture, King David. In Psalm 42 did David’s soul truly pant and thirst (Psalm 42:1-2)? Or was he trying to capture a longing that was difficult to convey without using the creative brush strokes of language? Or must I believe he was truly eating his tears as “food day and night” (Psalm 42:3)?

And so I have come to the conclusion that I need to lighten up a little bit. I think I need to be more gracious in allowing artistry to speak with passion and poetry a little bit more, both by others and myself. There is a distinct difference between communicating untruth and representing the beauty of God’s grand story and our individual stories poetically. Our imaginations need this kindling if we are truly to find meaning in Truth. And so I need to re-imagine (carefully and responsibly, of course) my own story and God’s truth with fresh, creative, artistic eyes, ears and words. “Stolen my heart”? Yes, in a beautiful way…I think He has.

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Randy Bonifield
www.randybonifield.com/blog

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Randy Bonifield Announces He Will NOT Be Entering 2008 NBA Draft

At a press conference in his hometown of Overland Park, Kansas, Randy Bonifield announced today he will not be entering the draft along with University of Kansas players Darrell Arthur, Brandon Rush, Mario Chalmers, Sasha Kaun, Darnell Jackson, Rodrick Stewart, and Russell Robinson.  Instead, Bonifield vowed to focus on improving his game and preparing for the next level when “the time is right”.

“I just don’t feel I’m ready at this point,” he announced to the press in his prepared statement.  “I feel I have a lot more to accomplish and improve on before I take it to the next level.”  Citing previous early entry mistakes by such major stars as Jaron Rush, Kelenna Azubuike, and Winston Kennedy, Bonifield gave good reason for his waiting.

“I still have four years of eligibility and I think it’s better to use that eligibility, improve my game, and enjoy this time of my life before moving on to the ‘big time’.  Additionally, I enjoy the attention I am getting at this level.  The NBA and its millions can wait.  I’ve got to think about what’s best and not give in to the pressure of the financial windfall.  It’s pretty cool being the ‘Big Man On Campus’.  I figure, you know, why give that up?”

On legends, mentors and stories…

A little over a week ago, I had the opportunity to sit in with Phil Keaggy and Paul Clark at their Reunion concert here in KC. It’s not everyday you get to play with a couple legends, so it was a bit humbling but also quite fun.

Recently, I’ve had the opportunity to start sitting in with another legend, but of a different sort. I just came back from a recording session with Eugene Smiley and I’m still a bit wired (maybe I shouldn’t have had that coffee…). Smiley’s a Kansas Citian through and through, but he’s been around and played with some of the greats in blues and R&B music (BB King, Alberta King, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin). I’m finding it quite enjoyable to kick around with him, hear his stories and just play great music. We start gigging in January, so I’ll keep you up to date with the shows.

In the meantime, I thought I’d just remind you to think about those people around you who you’ve been learning from. I don’t know who they are for you, but have you ever stopped to think about how awesome it’s been to have their story providentially fit into yours? Have you taken the time to appreciate it? I’d love to hear what you think…

In which Randy sees through a lens, but very dimly…

So today I had an eye appointment. I needed new glasses and had to have my eyes dilated. I didn’t realize how adversely this would affect my day. I had a lunch with some friends and had to wear sunglasses throughout. mostly because I didn’t want to gross everybody out with my enlarged pupils. It was difficult to drive and through most of my day I felt like I was watching an old black and white film shot through a star filter. I accused the doctor of giving me a hallucinogen - to which the other optometrists nervously laughed.  On the drive home, I was mesmerized at the number of purple ponies with horns that frolicked so freely along 103rd Street.