My thoughts on the election

I've gotten a lot of questions lately about the upcoming presidential election. So, I thought it was about time that I just set the record straight.

I'm not yet sure whether I will be voting for Gary Johnson or Barack Obama.

Now you're probably wondering why I am choosing between the two of them and not considering Mitt Romney. Frankly, he has not given a clear plan to actually fix or change anything as president (I know people will disagree, but prove me wrong). And he changes his mind so often I just can't manage to keep up with him.

As to why I favor President Obama, I think given the situation in to which he came he has done well. Also, he favors education spending, and I like education. As for my feelings on Obamacare, I really don't think it is so terrible. It requires physicians to be properly licensed and insured to practice, and as someone whose father was the victim of medical malpractice at the hands of a hospital-employed doctor who was not properly licensed or insured to practice that issue is VERY important to me.

As for Gov. Johnson he advocate a non-intrusive governing of the country, and has a great track record of economic success under his leadership. Also, I like that he wants to try to fix the U.S.'s problem, not go out and attack other countries until they turn into us (warring habits and all). We're not the greatest nation or the model/hope for the rest of the world.

But what about moral/social issues? I do not vote according to who will try to legislate against behavior to get people to adhere to the moral code I like, it doesn't work. You can't legislate someone's sexual orientation, or whether they will carry a baby to term. Even if you do it still happens. Hear me here I am pro-life, but I care about more than only whether a child is born or not. I want them to be cared for and educated after they are born. That's why I support free lunch programs, education funding, head start and after-school programs. To only want them born, but not to support their care afterward is foolishness. For conduct of others I am not given a commission to legislate, but to evangelize. To share the good news of Jesus. To effect the world in which I live for the better. To pray for Gospel transformation and new life, not behavioral modification and that people wouldn't sin. I say this mournfully for my fellow Christians that we focus so much on people's behavior, but not on their soul (I know this is true, it used to be me), and mournful for my fellow citizens of the U.S. and the world that we have come to be defined more by what we are against than what we are for. I am still hopeful though. I pray for a day that we will care for one another in spite of our differences and that the Gospel will be heard in spite of Christians like me, that people may be captivated by the love of Christ even though Christians like me don't exhibit it like we should.

-Prayerfully optimistic and painfully truthful,

Wesley Lawrence

P.S.: Please feel free to comment with your thoughts, questions, and comments (or attacks, I'm not that naïve). I'd love to continue the dialogue. Much love to you all.

Work (and all of life) as Worship

Greetings,
I have recently been greatly challenged by the idea of work (homework included) as worship. This comes of the heels of what so far has been one of the most difficult semesters of my academic career. I have more work to do than ever and am having the greatest amount of difficulty toward completion that I've ever had. All those things in mind, I find that the verse 1 Corinthians 10:31 is frequently brought to my heart, it says "Whether you eat, drink, or whatever you do, do it for the glory of God." That remembrance seeps into all aspects of my life, and while I fail at it often (very often) it has me wanting to try all the harder to make everything I do glory to God, to show Him well. I also find that it causes me to be more thoughtful of others. Lately, I've written more letters than usual and gone more out of my way to help those I love to know that I do love them. The balance of these things has me sleeping a bit less, but I welcome it all heartily, knowing that it is all more than worth it.

All things considered this has been one of the most confusing, most difficult, most uncertain, the most stressful, the happiest, the saddest, the angriest, and the most exciting chapters of my life. I greet the uncertain future with a great deal of optimism throwing caution to the wind trusting the God is in control and most certainly knows what He is doing, all the while trying to fully embrace the adventure that life and to God be the glory.

It is my solemn prayer that if you know Jesus that you would live always to make Him famous. If you don't I pray earnestly that you would one day know what it is like.

Thank you for reading and until next time keep reflecting the light.

-Blessings and much love,

Wesley

Book Review: A Severe Mercy by Sheldon Vanauken

This was, to say the least, a difficult book to read. Not difficult in terms of reading level, but in terms of subject matter. It deals heavily with issues of grief/bereavement, dealing with the death of a loved one, and absolute reliance on God's grace and mercy to get you through.

I approached this book apprehensively at first, being less than three months removed from the death of my dad. This deals with the death of a man's wife, but it nonetheless made me nervous. I in no way regret reading A Severe Mercy, in fact I am so thankful that I did read it. I strongly recommend this book to you, but understand that this is not a book to read flippantly or too quickly. It is a very taxing read, but so very worth it.

I will strive to review this book in a way that is complete, as I want it to be, but that does not give away too much.

A Severe Mercy begins with a walk down memory lane and the retelling of a truly incredible love story of Sheldon and Jean "Davy" Vanauken, beginning in their "pagan" youth and later conversion to Christianity, and the development of their close personal friendship with C. S. Lewis. All of this makes for most delightful read. As the book progresses Davy becomes very ill and is facing death.

Reading through this section of the book I was very struck by the double-image in my mind, looking back and forward. Looking back at the time my dad was in the hospital for the last time, feeling that ache of the imminence of death for someone so close. Looking forward in knowledge that I will likely be in the same position with my future wife, imagining the pain of the encroaching death of the one who would be my best friend, my beloved. This is where my reading of this book really slowed, going from reading nearly half the book in a day to only reading half a chapter a day. Maybe reading this book isn't so hard for most, but I was truly pulled into this book, I came to really love the people of this story. Another reason it was difficult is because Sheldon and Davy had marriage much like the one I aspire to have. They were best friends, he was a university professor, they often had students over to share Christ with them, all things that I aspire to. All of these factors made reading a bit taxing, feeling like, in small way, I was truly experiencing this with them.

But one must press on, as life always presses on. As expected, Davy dies. Sheldon withdraws for a time to mourn her death. In this time he begins a very long, arduous, but true remarkable mourning process, wishing to know the "whole" Davy, from beginning to end through all stages of life. I was personally inspired by his desire to do this, because often the reaction is to remove everything that reminds you of a lost loved one, but he did the opposite. Through this process he came to see the incredible mercy of God in this tragic event, helping me to better see the mercy and grace of God in my father's death. Helping me to understand that it was best for me and for my dad that he go, than that he remain here. This is an incredibly hard fact to accept, but, as I have come to see, so necessary.

I will conclude here for fear that I may have already given away too much of the book.

This has certainly been a very taxing few weeks in reading this book and writing this review for you, and, in some manner, re-mourning my dad's death. However, it has also been very cathartic to write this review and share this testimony from my life. I hope you enjoy this review. I wish you all the best and again encourage you to read this book for yourself.

-Living under the Mercy,

Wesley Lawrence

Stop, Breathe, Enjoy your life

In the last couple of weeks I have been reminded time after time how busy I am. I spend so many hours every week in class, doing homework, working, and trying to maintain all of my other appointments that I'm always going. I barely have time to sleep, let alone enjoy this precious gift of life I have been given.

Over the past two days I have been very challenged by these reminders, that maybe need to just stop for a little while. I encourage you to just stop every once in a while. Look around, reflect, enjoy this life you've been given. In slowing down I see the beauty that I'm always speeding past.

The beauty of a toothless smile,
From one of youth or great age or hard life,
The liberty in a tear,
Whether from joy or painful strife,

The joy in a sincere laugh,
The comfort in the love of a dear friend,
The breathtaking awe of colorful sunrise,
The great gift of serving,

In life, let the bad days blow away as chaff,
For the God of all carries you to the end.
His grace comes to us as a surprise
But in it He made and gives everything.

I wasn't really intending to write a poem for this, but those things just happen sometimes. There is something incredible to witness in even the seemingly mundane parts of life. Such as, how impactful a simple, but thought out song can be. Like this one that I can't stop listening to today.

In conclusion, I just want to encourage you to slow down. Stop, catch your breath, and enjoy your life.

Scriptures for this post:
Remembering everything good is from God
James 1:17 - "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."


Encouragement to enjoy your life
Ecclesiastes 9:7-9 - "Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do. Let your garments be always white. Let not oil be lacking on your head. Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun."
 That's what I call putting the "fun" back in "fundamentalism". Haha.


Wishing you well and until next time keep reflecting The Light.


PS: One last song for today.

Consumerism, Slavery, and the Super Bowl

This year in light of what God accomplished though Passion 2012, I felt very convicted while "watching" the Super Bowl. Deeply impacted at the knowledge of a 30-second commercial spot costing $3.5 million. At Passion 2012 $3,358,244 was raised for the cause of modern day slavery and sex-trafficking. In the world today there are at least 27 million victims of slavery and sex-trafficking, one is too many. The nearly $3.4 million raised at Passion 2012. See for yourself.

Fund a year-long prevention program that will reach 48,000 kids who are at-risk of being trafficked. Ukraine - $240,000 – A21 Campaign

Build and fund (8) border monitoring stations and (8) safe homes that will help intercept victims as they are being trafficked. Nepal - $108,480 – Tiny Hands International

Fund (23) rescue operations that will provide freedom for hundreds of forced labor slaves. Chennai, India - $116,955 – International Justice Mission 

Fund a 2-year aftercare program for 1,100 forced labor slaves that have been freed. Chennai, India - $115,500 – International Justice Mission

Fund holistic aftercare for (25) children rescued from horrific circumstances. Cambodia - $169,500 – Hagar International

Renovate (12) apartment homes for survivors of sexual exploitation as they experience healing and a new future. Atlanta, Georgia - $141,240 – Wellspring Living

Help fund a Child Exploitation and Online Protection Squad through training, education, and social services. Atlanta, Georgia - $110,000 – City of Atlanta

Establish a vocational training program for 100 people at a manufacturing unit that provides jobs to survivors of human trafficking. New Delhi, India - $56,500 – Not For Sale 

Establish and fund (for 1 year) a crisis center for rescued victims of human trafficking. Cape Town, South Africa - $56,500 – Not For Sale

Host (6) action-driven education conferences (for 300 people) on anti-trafficking for Traditional Healers, Police Officers, and Judges. Uganda - $40,680 – Restore International

Fund (2) Ugandan High Court Session to bring to trial Witch Doctors or others responsible for human trafficking. Uganda - $36,160 – Restore International

Purchase and renovate the Sari Bari building where women who have been exploited and trafficked can experience a new life through community and employment. Sonagachi, India - $129,950 – Word Made Flesh

Fund (6) certificate-training programs for 85 aftercare workers. These caregivers will serve 1,260 survivors of child slavery and exploitation over the next year. Asia - $47,460 – Love146

Restore and reconcile (18) rescued children to their families and communities. Philippines - $16,385 – Love146

Build a safe house for 16 young girls who have been recused from abusive situations of child slavery.  Port Salut, Haiti - $169,500 – Restavek Freedom Foundation

Build an Innovation Center for young girls born into brothels, but rescued before they were exploited. Ahmednagar, India - $239,560 – As Our Own

Provide alternative employment, training and care for (15) women who have been rescued from sexual exploitation. Bangkok, Thailand - $50,850 – NightLight International

Fund a restoration program for (50) women that includes housing, care, education, and employment for 1 year. Badlapur, India - $84,750 – Bombay Teen Challenge

Fund (15) rescue operations that will result in freedom for dozens of women and children. Mumbai, India - $76,275 – International Justice Mission

If all of this can be accomplished with less than $3.4 million, imagine with me for a moment what could be done with the money from only a few minutes of Super Bowl advertising. This Super Bowl has passed, but what does the future have in store? Together (by grace) we are a force for unimaginable good! We are the today's consumers, we are the tomorrow's officials, and tomorrow's CEOs. What will we do to stop slavery? What will we do to break the chains (literal and figurative) that hold our fellow man and woman in bondage? What will you do?

Visit for more information:
http://268generation.com/passion2012/#freedom
http://slaveryfootprint.org/
http://theresurgence.com/2012/02/02/sex-trafficking-at-the-super-bowl

I pray that this information will lead us to action. And until next time keep reflecting the Light.

God as Father

In the last couple of days I've been reflecting a lot about the idea of God as Father. Lately, I have been thinking of my dad, wanting to talk to him about the things in my life that have been troubling me; upcoming changes in my housing situation, difficulties with some friends, tough times in school, and if I should pursue a particular young woman that captivates (book reference. Anyone?) my heart and mind.

God has really been reminding me that He is my Heavenly Father and that I can go to Him with any and all problems. Looking at passages like Leviticus 26:12 God tells us "...I will walk among you and will be your God, and you shall be my people." The tone in this passage sounds very fatherly. It brings to mind times in my life when I feared mistakes I made and the response my dad would have. His response was always, "No matter what you do, you will still be my son and I will still be your dad." This thought is an incredible reminder to me that while my earthly father may no longer be here with/for me, my Heavenly Father is always there. Not only is God always there for me and for you, but He is also, like any good dad, approachable. Several times in the gospels Jesus calls God "Abba" an informal term for father, like "daddy" in our language. Paul use similar nomenclature in his epistles.

As events in my life occur I can rest in the knowledge that, while my earthly father may no longer be here, my Heavenly Father is. He is not distant and standoffish, but near and approachable. And perhaps most encouraging, He cares even about the small things. He even cares about the minutia of life.

I hope you too can rest in this knowledge. I know that many of you who will read this do have a dad in your life, but I know that many of you do not. Whether you are without a dad because he was a deadbeat and left, or your parents are divorced and he can't visit you, or if (like in my case) he passed away, whether months ago or years ago. It is my prayer that the idea of God as your Father will really soak in and that it will begin to affect you in your daily life.

Friends, may God bless you, keep you, and change you life. And remember to keep reflecting the Light.

Introduction

Greetings!

Thanks for checking out my first blog post. 

What to expect:

I've set a goal to read and write reviews for at 25 books this year, so that will show up here. In this blog I will periodically post book reviews for books I've read recently. Most of these books with be related to history or Christianity. However, there will also be some reviews over books on evolution, alternative spiritualities, fiction,  and a variety of other topics as I seek to grow my knowledge and better understand my fellow human beings. In addition to book reviews there will be occasional check-ins from my life, some discussions on current events, probably some expositions on scripture, and a plethora of other things.

About me: 

I am a Christian (as you might have already guessed). I am a senior history major at Washburn University with aspirations to go to graduate school (hopefully at Baylor University) and a final goal to teach history at a university.  I am, as of two months ago, the son of a widowed mother. I am an avid reader. I am insatiably curious, endlessly ponderous, and tirelessly investigative.

In my next blog I will review the books I've read in the last month. Which to this point include Sex isn't the Problem (Lust is) by Joshua Harris, A Severe Mercy by Sheldon Vanauken, Real Marriage: The Truth About Sex, Friendship, and Life Together by Mark Driscoll, and Doctor Faustus by Thomas Mann. Thanks for checking out my blog and embarking on this journey with me. And until next time keep reflecting the light.