A Proud Heritage

I just recently received a copy of the "2007 Book of Discipline" of the Free Methodist Church. Yes, I know...you're thinking "oooh, that sounds so exciting!" But, you know...it is. It is a good practice to revisit this wonderful manual that is 296 pages of our history, mission, doctrine and polity. It declares our identity of why we claim to be "Free" Methodists. I was particularly struck by some of the distinct principles of our Wesleyan-Armenian heritage that have guided us since August 23, 1860. Beyond the depth of our theological emphasis on entire sanctification, is the freedom and simplicity of just being committed to "raising up a holy people" and establishing worship that is "characterized by simplicity and freedom of the Spirit" that is "untrammeled by elaborate ritual." As Free Methodists we also focus on our "special obligation" to preach the gospel to the poor and to keep modesty at the forefront that commits itself to "the New Testament ideals of simplicity and modesty as a style of life." A whole lot of this mind-set is one that provides us freedom...freedom to do what is necessary to put all the attention on the Lord Jesus Christ and not upon ourselves. It isn't supposed to be "about us" anyway. It is taking the attitude that "the best way to keep worldliness from invading the church is for the church to invade the world with redemptive purpose." We are free...we are simple...we are focused...we are committed...to Jesus Christ and His redemptive love for all. A liberating way to live...in freedom.

Unity in Volunteering

There was a Veterans Day parade in Biloxi, Mississippi on Saturday, November 8, 2008. My wife took a picture of me marching along with fellow Airmen from Keesler Air Force Base. That's me in the second row and right in the middle of the photo. It took me a while, but I think it finally sunk in what took place on Veterans Day in downtown Biloxi, Mississippi. It was more than just a parade. It was more than just getting into my service dress uniform. It was more than just having something fun to do on a Saturday morning. It was a day of gathering in unity. It was a day of joining with other Airmen who share a love for their country, their branch of service, and their Air Force Base. Each one selflessly made a personal choice to march in the parade...a way of doing something that would instill pride and esprit de corps within themselves while at the same time giving them an avenue to express their gratefulness to all our veterans who redefined the definition of sacrifice. Nobody was forced to be there...the parade was not mandatory...a call went out for volunteers...and they came....and they marched. It was a joy to serve and I savored every step along the streets of Biloxi. To all who serve...I salute you.