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| charlie wear | "Timing is everything" |
They say "timing is everything."
Since we started Next-Wave, the timing of our "issues" has been monthly. We
published on the 15th of the month because, for some reason, we couldnt' get
an issue out on the 1st. We missed a couple of months in 1999 because our
editor didn't have computer access. We publish monthly, instead of daily, or
by the minute, because we have busy lives and the monthly cycle allows us
"time" in our busy lives to do the mundane work of editing and web
publishing...
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I read in
today's USA Today that Iyanla's syndicated talk show has been cancelled. In
her statement, the show's host referenced the events of September 11 may
have played a role in the demise of her program.
Have you noticed our human tendency to believe that coincidental events have a cause and effect relationship? The reason for this is probably philosophically complex, but whether complex or simple we can't deny that we do it. Next-Wave editor David Hopkins mentioned in a recent e-mail that it might be more convenient for his schedule to "publish" on the first Saturday of the month. I wrote back and said that it's fine with me to make the change...I'm talking about timing here, and I think I have a point to make in the middle of all of these meanderings, I'll get to it soon. Last month, in this spot I wrote about some of the various responses to the September 11 events. I mentioned that some Christian leaders have commented that Americans are more open to God as a result of those events. [Click here to read the entire essay]. I quoted a song written by Alan Jackson, that echoed some of the sentiment that I have experienced as a result of those events. This generated some discussion on the message boards about being patriotic, pro-war, etc. You see, I was noting that Bible sales had risen in the aftermath of the September 11 events. I have made the mental leap, as have others, that this is in response to those events. That it is a sign of a softening toward spiritual things. I quoted Bill Hybels quoting Franklin Graham stating that he sees Americans turning to God. Is this cause and effect? We tend to make sense of our lives by framing what has happened in a way that gives meaning. We usually do this in times of reflection, sometimes consciously, sometimes unconsciously. Depending on our beliefs, our paradigm, we see things a certain way. My mindset causes me to wonder if some good things can come out of the September 11 events. A turning to God on the part of secular Americans, that might be a good thing. I would not imply that war is one of those good things. War is a tragedy, whenever and for whatever reason it happens. I protested one war when I was in college, and did everything in my power to keep from having to fight it. I am not sure what the appropriate Christian response to terrorism is. What I am sure about is this. Some years from now, I will have framed the events of September 11 and their aftermath in a way that makes sense to me. Last month I asked, what is God doing? Perhaps, this month I might ask? What should we, as Christians, be doing? Oh, and about the time thing...Is timing really everything? |
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For a great article by editor David Hopkins that explores the mysteries contained in Chaos click here. My friends at Easum-Bandy are
facilitating discussions about missions to North America. More information
below.....
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