Francis Times Three
Notice a theme here?
I've been pretty into St. Francis lately. I know that's kind of a weird thing to say. I'm into a dead Saint known for his lifetime pursuit of poverty and those wounded by it, and his connection to nature. I'm just fascinated by a rich kid who would chose to be poor. It goes against all the American consumerism that swells within me. If I could wake up every day, and see things like St. Francis:
Be praised, my Lord, through all your creatures, especially through my lord Brother Sun, who brings the day; and you give light through him. And he is beautiful and radiant in all his splendor! Of you, Most High, he bears the likeness.
Well, I don't think I would have been so angry on the phone. Or annoyed at having to change schedules, or schedule meetings and finding babysitters. Or stressed out about the paycheck that comes tomorrow was already spent. I think I'd be much happier. That's why I like him.
You know who I don't like, however, is Francis Chan. Now, before you get all over me about how his work has spoken truth into your life and so on and so forth, I'm not knocking the dude. I think he loves Jesus, and I think he reaches people. If that's you, awesome. It's so, so not me. I've tried a hundred times to finish Crazy Love, and I'd be a liar if I told you anything other than I found it more painful to get through than the Twilight Series. (Yes, I read them. I taught high school. Don't judge me.) I felt like he was yelling at me the whole time. ( See God's beautiful creation that you didn't deserve? See it? SEE IT NOW?????? Ahhhhh. It gives me anxiety.) Like I said, if you dig him, awesome. But, it's my blog. Just keeping it real. :)
So, what have I read that I loved, you asked internally as you rolled your eyes through my last paragraph? I thought you'd ask. Here's the list of stuff I've read through the last two months that really moved me, and had a profound impact on my faith:
Love Does, Bob Goff
Love is An Orientation, Andrew Marin
God's Economy, Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove
Book of Common Prayer (Rich and I have been using for months now), complied by Shane Claiborne, among others
Nothing is Impossible With God, Rose Marie Miller
The Red Letter Revolution, Tony Campolo and Shane Claiborne ( though I've read it a few times in the last few years, I've found it to be really helpful for those with questions)
Which brings me to the last Francis. The iguana. Ellie and I went to visit Francis every week at Petco for months. It seems that no one wanted him, and for months, Ellie would stick her little tongue out at him in solidarity. He was her first request visit. But this week, we discovered he was missing. Someone had taking him home to fill his day with bugs and strawberries (both he and Ellie's favorites). Ellie was sad, but understood when I explained to her that he has a Mama and Papa now who will love him. At which she replied, " I love you too, Mama." Oh, Francis, we will miss you but are so happy for your new adopted home!
Next blog post: How to avoid the SAHM trap of getting attached to pet store animals that do not belong to you; or, how to stop thinking that Petco is a decent outing for you and your child.