Bryan Sherwood

Eating By The Season

It rained last night in Lexington and made quite a difference in morning temperatures. I was happy about the rain – we need it. Things are getting pretty dry around here. I'm sure the local farmers appreciated the rain that fell overnight too.

Speaking of farmers . . . Heather and I joined a local CSA this year. Each week, we purchase a basket of fresh vegetables raised over in Beattyville, KY. I keep meaning to take a photo of the basket because it looks so great filled to the top with vegetables. I realize what it is like to eat as people did before the advent of commercial grocery stores. Each week, my basket is full of whatever vegetables happen to be "in season." So far, summer squash, zucchini, tomatoes, basil, pearl onions, green beans, green peppers, beets, and red potatoes have all been a part of our weekly vegetables. I'm looking forward to sweet corn and heirloom tomatoes.

The CSA has been interesting for us because it's forced us to cook things we may not usually fix (like zucchini!) and to be more aware of what is actually in season. Of course, we're pretty happy to help out a local farmer by buying his produce each week. It gives us a connection back to the earth and is by far a better and more fulfilling way to spend our money than by shopping at the local big chain grocery store. It's nice to know the farmer who grew my food!

Pax.

Romans 12 - A Lot To Think About

I've been meditating on a passage from Romans 12.  It was one of the lectionary readings for this week.  If you follow the BCP lectionary, you may remember reading these verses.

Let love be genuine.  Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.  Love one another with brotherly affection.  Outdo one another in showing honor.  Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.  Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.  Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.  (Romans 12:9-13 ESV).

One of the things I try to do each day is print out and take the lectionary readings to work with me.  I put them with my calendar and when I have a few minutes, I read over them and try to keep them on my mind throughout the day.  This passage from Romans 12 really has been on the forefront of my thoughts lately.  Perhaps it's because I need to pay close attention to what these verses say.

Let love be genuine.  That phrase really caught my attention.  I'm still thinking about and meditating on that one.  I looked it up in another translation (yes, I own a bunch).  Here's how the New Living Translation puts it:  Don't just pretend that you love others.  Really love them.  It seems that Paul is driving at something deeper than just a fake, surface kind of "love." You've experienced this and probably have done it:  pretending to be interested or show compassion to someone when you really aren't interested.  God is calling us to a deeper love than that.  The love of the Kingdom is real.  It's not two-faced.  It's not fake. It's the real deal.  Of course, that means for me, having to do a lot of heart work to extend myself like that. Real love cost.  It demands time.  It demands attention.  It moves the focus from me to someone else.

As I've thought about this more, I think if I "let love be genuine" that means I am going to have to have difficult conversations at times and see those as good, proper things in the context of Christian community. The truth is most people tend to avoid the hard conversations.  I don't think many of us like or enjoy conflict.  We'd rather steer clear of it.  Yet, can we truly love people and not be open and honest with those around us?

A couple of other phrases that I've been wrestling with include "be patient in tribulation" and "seek to show hospitality." Maybe I'll write more about those subjects in future posts.  That seems to be enough for today.

Pax.

Psalm 31:7-8

I will rejoice and be glad in your steadfast love, because you have seen my affliction; you have known the distress of my soul, and you have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy; you have set my feet in a broad place.

The Feast of St. Benedict

Today is the Feast of St. Benedict.  It's a special feast day for me and all those who follow the Rule of St. Benedict, including my friends at the Abbey of Gethsemani.  Today, instead of writing about Benedict, I'll refer you to other writings as the day wears on.  Check back and we'll see what other people are saying about this feast day.  Feel free to refer us to other blog posts about Benedict in the comments.

A prayer:

Almighty and everlasting God, whose precepts are the wisdom of a loving Father: Give us grace, following the teaching and example of your servant Benedict, to walk with loving and willing hearts in the school of the Lord's service; let your ears be open to our prayers; and prosper with your blessing the work of our hands; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.  (James Kiefer)

Check out:

• Brandon Fang:  Days in the Diocese
• Meg Funk:  For the Feast of St. Benedict  
• Alan Creech:  Benedict On My Desk 

Coffee Time and A Memorable Trip To My Opthamologist

I purchased $445 worth of coffee from Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee this week.  And no, it wasn't all for me.  It was our largest order we've ever placed at St. Patrick's which is encouraging.  Being the "coffee guy" does have its privileges.  For instance, whenever I show up at church packing coffee, everyone seems especially happy to see me!  Plus, I get to savor the aroma of all that coffee until I deliver it.  Of course, I also get to play a small role in helping the widows in Rwanda as well as coffee growers there.  As LOTH says, Drink Coffee and Do Good!

I went to the opthamologist today.  I've decided I don't like to go get my eyes checked.  I am not a very patient patient.  I waited over two hours before actually seeing the doctor.  He checked me over in less than ten minutes.  The hardest part was waiting after they dilated my eyes.  I was escorted to a nearby waiting room where other patients appeared to be reading magazines.  I say "appeared" because I don't see how they could see much of anything if their eyes were dilated like mine.  I tried reading a magazine to no avail.  Of course, I found it humorous that I had to provide payment once the doctor had finished with me.  There I stood, eyes dilated, blurry and sensitive to the light.  At this point, I'm expected to write a check or pay with a credit card (unless you happen to have $130 in cash).  Very funny.  Of course, let's not even talk about what it was like when I walked outside.  It's a good thing I chose not to drive home but to have Heather take me instead.

That's it for tonight.  Pax.

On Depression

I've thought about writing this post for several months.  Since I was diagnosed with depression and started speaking about it publicly, I soon realized that it can become the pink elephant in the room.  Many times people just don't know what to say or how to react to those who are struggling with depression.  Here I give a few thoughts that come from my personal experience.  Perhaps they hold true for others as well.

Depressed people aren't just having a "bad" day. Many people think that someone who says they are depressed means that they're simply having an off day emotionally.  No, that's not it.  Depression doesn't come and go that rapidly.  In the midst of depression, one can hardly get through the day.  Some simply can't find the energy to get out of bed.  Depression is much more serious and long lasting than a typical bad day would be.  It's a serious matter.  For example, did you know that almost 15 million Americans are affected by depression each year?  Here are a few more statistics that may surprise you:

• Of the 30,000 reported suicides in the U.S. each year, depression accounts for over 20,000 deaths.
• Depression is one of the top three workplace problems for employees. 
• Although depression can occur at any age, age 32 is the median age of onset. 
• Approximately six million elderly people are affected by depression. 
• The number one risk for suicides among youth is untreated depression.   

Depression has been and continues to be a serious illness that should not be ignored.

Depressed people aren't looking for pity. If you're a friend that I trust enough to tell you that I'm in a bad emotional place, the very last thing I'm looking for is pity. Instead, I'd prefer a listening ear. I would wager that churches have numerous people sitting in the church pews who are depressed and who feel quite isolated and alone with their struggle.  Feeling as though you must be alone with depression is perhaps the hardest and most difficult part.

Depression isn't solved with platitudes. If you have a friend or family member who is dealing with depression, please be aware of what you say.  Be careful not to spout off some platitude like "Oh, you're just having a tough week, things will be better next week." Or "Just pray about it more and God will take this away from you" or "We all have bad days." Platitudes aren't helpful. 

Depressed people may appear fairly normal on the "outside." This is one area I know about because I'm quite the expert. I never look shaken at work. I never appear sad in public. I can even laugh and tell a few jokes. I learned to do that a long time ago. Somehow, I believed if I were just to act okay, everything would feel okay. That doesn't really work and you can only keep up the façade for so long. I hit a wall in January of 2007. I could no longer pretend everything was okay. My insides felt like they were going to explode. I had no idea I was depressed or anxious until after doing some Google searches on the Internet one night.  All the while, I appeared fairly normal to those around me.

Depression strikes many people, including Christians. It seems that many in the Church incorrectly believe that if a person is REALLY a Christian, they won't struggle with depression or other forms of mental illness. After all, the old has gone and the new has come, right? As I mentioned before, many Christians are depressed and the very last thing they need communicated to them is that they're somehow second rate Christians. That very idea makes me want to become violent. Trust me, I will hit you with my Bible if you say such a thing. 

Don't expect quick fixes. I know in my case, it's not been a quick fix. Therapy helps. Friends help. Medication helps. Prayer certainly helps. BUT, that doesn't mean that I'll feel great in a few months and never have any more struggles with depression or anxiety. That's not too likely. At the very best, I'll probably always have "tender" places in my soul that will send all kinds of emotions rolling up when I encounter certain situations.

So, there ya go.  A few thoughts on depression that you may find helpful.  If you find yourself with a friend or family member struggling with major depressive disorder, don't be hesitant to ask how they are getting along.  It's nice to know someone else cares.

Pax.

Phos Hilaron: Hail Gladdening Light

From the Book of Common Prayer:

O gracious Light,
pure brightness of the everliving Father in heaven,
O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed!

Now as we come to the setting of the sun,
and our eyes behold the vesper light,
we sing your praises O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

You are worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices,

O Son of God, O Giver of life,

and to be glorified through all the worlds.

The Phos Hilaron became a part of my vespers liturgy some time ago when I started using the BCP for daily prayer.  I always found this hymn to be quite beautiful but never really knew the history behind it until recently. Phos Hilaron is an ancient hymn prayer, dating back to the 3rd century or perhaps even earlier. Some attribute it to St. Athenogenes (died c. 305). He was a bishop and ultimately a martyr that was killed under the reign of Emperor Diocletian. Some say Athenogenes sang the Phos HIlaron with joy as he entered the flames.

The Phos Hilaron is to be sung in the evening at the lighting of the lamps and is sometimes referred to as the "Lamp-lighting hymn." Wikipedia states that:

At that time in Jerusalem a lamp was kept perpetually burning in the empty tomb of Christ, its glow a symbol of the living light of Jesus. As Christians gathered to worship the hymn was sung and, in a tradition known as the lighting of the lamps, a candle lit from the lamp was brought forth from the tomb, its bright, solitary flame calling the church to celebrate the Risen Lord.

This ancient hymn has been a regular part of evening prayer for Anglicans, the Eastern Church and Lutherans, to name a few.  I continue to pray it in the evenings and in so doing, I feel connected to the ancient church through the words of this beautiful hymn.

I'm glad to know a bit more of its history.  I hope you've found it helplful too.  Pax.

I'm Still Here

Yes, I'm still here.  It's been a busy last couple of weeks.  I've been getting together paperwork to apply to Drexel University for their Masters of Library Science program.  I only lack one more document and I'll have a completed application for their review.  Hopefully, I'll get a letter of admission in the next few weeks.  I like what this program has to offer not to mention it's ranked #11 in the country compared to UK being ranked at #24.

I bought a new Bible.  I like it . . . a lot.

I noticed that an ad got published on my blog last night.  Have no idea how that happened.  Hmm . . . 

I guess that's it for now.  I need to go get in the shower or I'll never get to work!

Pax.

Global Food Crisis - A Day of Fasting & Prayer

As many of you know, there is a food crisis in our world today that has worsened recently due to several factors, including rising fuel costs.  Compassion International is asking for all of us to participate in a day of prayer and fasting on Wednesday, June 25.  I plan to participate and I hope you will too.  Go to Compassion's website if you'd like to learn more as well as to sign up if you plan to pray/fast on Wednesday.

From Compassion's website:

The global food crisis is forcing millions to go hungry. Please join us on June 25, 2008, for a day of prayer and fasting for those suffering.

What is the global food crisis?

The World Food Programme calls the global food crisis a phenomenon, a "silent tsunami," that is affecting families in every nation on every continent. Food prices for popular menu items like rice, wheat and beans have doubled in the last year. Though increases in food prices have hit all budgets, it's the poor who bear the brunt of price inflation. The higher prices are forcing people who survive on just $1 a day to spend upwards of 80 percent of their budgets just on food.  As a result, many people, including millions of children, are going hungry. The longer food prices rise, the more people will be plunged into hunger and poverty.

A Lesson On Love

I've been reading in the gospel of Luke this week.  I finished chapter 7 tonight.  I've also been reading Tom Wright's little book called Luke for Everyone.  Although it's a fairly compact book, it's packed full of great stuff.

In Luke 7, Jesus heals the centurion's servant and a few verses later, we read about Him raising the widow's son from the dead.  Healing a servant who is ill is one thing but raising someone from the dead, that is quite something else!  It would be a mistake, as Wright reminds us, to read these miracles of Jesus without considering Luke's larger narrative.  Just the chapter before, Luke tells us of Jesus spending the night in prayer and then calling the 12 apostles.  He gives a powerful sermon in the Beatitudes.  Jesus teaches about this new way of living which we quickly learn is a way of love.  It's not warm, mushy, flaky love - no, it's extravagant, outrageous love for others.  That's what the people of the Kingdom are like.  Jesus reminds them and us to love your enemies . . . to bless those who curse you . . . to give to everyone who begs from you . . . and to be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.  I can only imagine how strange those words must have sounded.  They seem backward or upside down.  Those same words must have been fresh on the minds of the disciples when Jesus heals the centurion's servant and raises the widow's son from the dead.  Jesus makes sure his disciples catch a glimpse of what this kind of love looks like on the ground.  As N.T. Wright puts it, "with God's love going out in new, unexpected healing generosity."  

I think there's a lot for all of us to learn from Jesus in Luke 6 and 7.  The mark of the Christian is love.  It's a love that permeates regular life.  It's a love that turns people's heads and makes them to want to know more about Jesus.  This passage in Luke begs the question:  Who am I loving?  How am I showing outrageous love to those in my day to day life?

I'm convinced that by loving others, we'll see more people become disciples of Jesus.  The way I see it, that's a pretty good thing.

Peace.