SAVED

I recently went and watched the movie, "Saved" starring Mandy Moore and Macauley Culkin. Wow. I was really impressed with the accuracy the depictions of Christian teenagers in America, and the Christian sub-cultures that they exist in. Many, many Christians will be shocked, insulted, outraged. That, in fact, is exactly what needs to happen. The outraged, insulted, angry viewers of this movie need to really examine what the movie is about. Those who are quick to judge, cast the first stone, will miss what this movie is really about and will miss some valuable lessons. First of all, the main point of the movie is about the impossible standards of righteousness that the church and many christians impose upon its believers. It shows how good we are at making rules, how good we are at masking our obedience to those rules, and how meagerly we do at achieving success in our righteousness. It shows some of the ridiculous things Christians do to make their faith more appealing to non-believers. What i think i really liked is how, in the end, Grace saves the day, lifts the fallen people out of the ashes and breathes refreshing life into the situations that they are in. All of the paradigms shift when grace moves. This movie is not for the feint-of-heart. It is not for spiritual weaklings. You have to boldy examine who you are, the church you belong to, and be ready to laugh at how ridiculous some of the things we do really are. The point of most comedy is to exploit problems with tongue-in-cheek. I believe the writers of this movie had to be christians, or it would not have made any sense. Again. Look close. At you.

Ode to a Cell Phone

I recently got a new cell phone. I haven't had one in a year and I'm pretty excited. On one hand, it was nice not being able to be reached at any second. I like my privacy. On the other hand, I missed a lot of connections and chances to speak with friends on the go. I really missed that. In honor of this momentous event in my life i give you this. WROTE A SONG 'BOUT IT. HE IT GO!

(chorus)
My cell phone is better than yours
Has a cure for AIDS and it ends all wars
Jam it in my ear or smash against my head
My cell phone's even really good in bed....

1. It has all these buttons that you can press
And all these functions that should impress you
It always works Never ever fails
Got a super network that never bails

(chorus)
My cell phone is better than yours
Has a cure for AIDS and it ends all wars
Jam it in my ear or smash against my head
My cell phone's even really good in bed....

2. My service plan is really really great
No overages or bad roaming rates
At home the movies or at the bar...
Insured for damage done by my car...(cuz i cant drive and talk at the same time)

(chorus)
My cell phone is better than yours
Has a cure for AIDS and it ends all wars
Jam it in my ear or smash against my head
My cell phone's even really good in bed....

3. So please dont get very mad at me
but if you are I'll message my apology
On sincere behalf of my cell phone and me,
(after 9 or weekends, cuz they're always free)
(bridge)
I wont ever talk to you face to face
My cell phone it saves me from the human race

(tag)
My cell phone is better than you
My cell phone is better than you
My cell phone is better than you
My cell phone is better than you

I know its corny. hahaha.

Something About Weddings

Last night I went to a wedding. It was the first wedding I had been to in a very long time. It brought to mind my wedding, the failure of my marriage and the wedding ceremonies I myself had the wicked pleasure of facilitating. The ceremony was simple, beautiful and remarkable. These two people were really in love. I, in my cuurrent state, was cynical and unmoved (really, me, cynical and unmoved--go figure). The reception was different. Again the bride and groom kissing and carrying on. Loved ones speaking up and saying lovelies for the guests to hear. When they asked if anyone else had anything to say I almost stood up and said "I'm drunk, I wet my pants, and my marriage went down in flames." But I caught myself. This wedding reminded me more than anything about how much pain I was in. I never had so much fun being so miserable. The company was incredible. I have never danced in my life, but i found myself (I was sober the drunk joke was just a joke) dancing with some beautiful women and just enjoying my moment. At one point I was dancing with two beautiful women at once (talk about fantasy island). So much of my life is coming to a head. It will result in great success or massive failure. I still cant get Jason's death out of my head. I cant escape it. It's everywhere. I wonder if I will ever outrun my grief. The loss of my brother is the worst event of my life. I will miss my marriage, but i will never feel it the way i do about my lost brother. I think dancing reminded me of Jason. I could feel him. I could imagine him there and how much fun he would have been. God, I miss him so much.