"Going Global... Again"

Hey All,

On April thirteenth the Rocky Mountain Conference of the United Methodist hosted the 30th annual Up With Youth. A senior high youth conference focused on worship, spiritual growth, community, and fun, Up With Youth draws young people from all over Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming to the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, CO. The theme for this year's event was titled "Going Global With God" and with this theme in mind and heart, I type these words to you. But, the concept of going global with God's message is not a new one. In fact, Matthew 28:19, 20 details Jesus instructing the disciples, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." And Jesus wasn't the first person in history to imagine their preferred faith at the helm of the world - countless other religions that predate Christianity focused loads of energy on convincing everyone else they had it right.

But, as the dust settled from Up With Youth 2007 I began to reflect heavily on everything that I heard - and there was a lot. But, more than anything, I reflected on the remarkably diverse perspectives of the keynoters. We heard several different voices over the course of the weekend and some of the words that spilled forth caused discomfort, which despite its reputation, is often a good thing. When used as a noun, the term "discomfort" is typically defined as "an absence of comfort or ease; uneasiness, hardship, or mild pain". Admittedly, discomfort itself does not feel pleasant, that's why it's the opposite of comfort. However, that does not mean that ultimately, in some cases, it's not at all good for us. Many of the greatest satisfactions in life are found when we step outside our comfort zone, overcome our anxieties and preconceptions, and embrace the unexpected. It's simple why. If, every day of your life, you do the same thing, talk to the same people, listen to the same song, think the same thought, your life will be black and white. Your reality will be defined by the things you have already accepted as right or wrong, good or bad, do or do not. But, if you were to expose yourself to influences outside your every day means, your world begins to appear less formulaic, less distinct, and a gray area muddies the tidy line that separated black and white. And, it is within the uncertain haze of the gray that we actually grow.

As I sat, gazing thoughtfully, at a three-dimensional hand cupping a turning globe, the stage props for Up With Youth, I remembered how as a child I used to sing the line, "he's got the whole world in his hands". The world is a tremendous place, full of a million thoughts, and perspectives. Many of us are easily threatened; we take differing perspective as an affront, and set out, focusing our energy toward proving each other wrong. But, we don't typically stop to catch our breath. If we could slow down, we might discover that what actually binds us to one another rests in our ability to accept that our different beliefs are not the stagnant lines that separate black and white; but rather, a gray area, that can be used as a powerful medium to help us become more than we are. It is my belief that "Going Global With God" means embracing our diversity, making the most of our encounters with discomfort, and, through rational conversation, learn what each and everyone of us truly believes in our heart - not what we're told, not what we think we should; but more accurately, discover the educated belief in each and every one of us that can lend a voice to the world. "Going Global With God" means discovering what more we can all become, not what more we can tell everyone else to become. Because, if God is truly with us till the very end of the age - there's always going to be room for improvement.

Peace,

Ben

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