tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221522722024-03-07T00:26:52.851-06:00Quintessential Dave RaeAll you need to know and probably more than you want to know.David Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431824827638407843noreply@blogger.comBlogger215125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22152272.post-21400579740556799772021-01-06T11:58:00.003-06:002021-01-06T11:58:33.962-06:00An Atypically Typical Christmas<p><span style="font-family: times;"> <span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now that Christmas is done, I wanted to take a quick moment to reflect on it. For the previous two years, I would get together with a friend everyday of Christmas and hang out, and then I would post a picture and a little summary. This year, I still got together with a person most days online, but I didn't post about it because I figured a bunch of screen shots and a summary everyday saying "I had a video chat" would not be satisfying.</span></span></p><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="cvuoj" data-offset-key="9vit2-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9vit2-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="9vit2-0-0"><span style="font-family: times;">However, I did feel like I grew and came to a couple of realizations because of the experience. I didn't get together with as many people, one because I personally find a lot of phone calls and video chats to be a bit of a drag. I'd rather be with the person. But I also realized how much I haven't had a conversation with a lot of folks and it helped me feel better and less disconnected. I think I'm going to continue to actively reach out to people and have more of these kind of calls throughout the rest of the pandemic.</span></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="cvuoj" data-offset-key="87t8s-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="87t8s-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="87t8s-0-0"><span style="font-family: times;"><br data-text="true" /></span></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="cvuoj" data-offset-key="41qe4-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="41qe4-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="41qe4-0-0"><span style="font-family: times;">The other thing that was interesting to me this particular year (and I said it in every one of my phone calls) is that while most people were saying how this year's Christmas was strange and how for me it was one of the most "normal" Christmas' I've ever had. Some people were relieved to not have to be so busy while others were heart-broken that their tradition was broken or disappointed that it felt like any other day. Suddenly a lot of people I knew had a Christmas that I typically have.</span></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="cvuoj" data-offset-key="esi9r-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="esi9r-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="esi9r-0-0"><span style="font-family: times;"><br data-text="true" /></span></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="cvuoj" data-offset-key="b2fsg-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="b2fsg-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="b2fsg-0-0"><span style="font-family: times;">My roommate, our downstairs neighbours, and I all got together for a Christmas supper together in our apartment. I made mashed potatoes and gravy, sat at my own table, and was at a table of equals. Everyone of us were on the same footing because it not typical for any of us. And that's where I had the feeling that this was as close I've had in a long time to the typical Christmas experience.
Over the years, on Christmas, I have been invited to many homes by very gracious people. They want to make it hospitable to those who would be otherwise be alone on Christmas. And that's great. That should continue and I know many people appreciate that hospitality. As someone who is typically one of the outsiders coming to another's home, it typically feels like I get to observe someone else's Christmas and family and good life. Of course, observing other people's Christmases has become my typical Christmas and I've found things I appreciate about it. Such as getting a chance to see how different families interact and I've many things that I want to keep in mind if a family is in my future.
This Christmas, I didn't get to observe another's Christmas, I was fully a participant and it was honestly very nice. I hope to have more in the future without a pandemic being the cause for it.
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"</span></span><span style="color: #202124; font-size: 14px; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Here we are as in olden days</span></span></div><div class="ujudUb" jsname="U8S5sf" style="color: #202124; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 12px; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span jsname="YS01Ge">Happy golden days of yore</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">Faithful friends who are dear to us</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">Gather near to us once more</span></span></div><div class="ujudUb" jsname="U8S5sf" style="color: #202124; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 12px; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span jsname="YS01Ge">Through the years we all will be together</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">If the fates allow</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">Hang a shining star upon the highest bough</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">And have yourself a merry little Christmas now"<br /></span></span></div></div>David Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431824827638407843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22152272.post-19256100634244784332020-12-30T22:19:00.004-06:002020-12-30T22:19:57.349-06:00Good Things for Me in the Year 2020<p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Due to the suggestion of a social media expert, I wanted to share this post that I originally had on my Facebook. I am not one to question experts, so here it is:
My good friend, Laena, has done a thing at the end of the last few years of highlighting some of the good things in their life as "a way for me to remember and reflect on the good, and keep me hopeful and driven for the year ahead."</span></span></span></p><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">I appreciate that sentiment and would like to share some of the good things for me in 2020.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">1) Because I have not been able to perform as much this year, the flip side to that is that there has been more opportunity to rest and not have to be "on" all the time. I've gotten to do other things I like and not feel like I have to choose between as many really things. There's a weird blessing in that. (Although, I do look forward to performing again)</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">2) I left a job with the most toxic manager I've ever worked with and now work is not something actively harming my mental health.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">3) CERB was a godsend. It not only kept me financially steady during an uncertain time, but it distinctly helped reduce my debt. It also highlighted the benefits of a social safety net and hopefully Canadians remember that and continue to push away from the poison of unfettered capitalism.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">4) Odd Wednesday had such a fun show early in the year where many of the different sketch groups performed each other's sketches and added their unique flavour to sketches we had seen before. Watching Ms. Perfect Boy make an existential nightmare out of Girl Brain sketches was wonderful. I can't wait to do it again.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">5) I've been running a D&D campaign with two different groups that follows the tale of generations of heroes over the course of 500 years with different genres and scenarios throughout and because of various podcasts like Hook and Chance, Adventuring Academy with Brennan Lee Mulligan, and Matt Colville's YouTube channel, I have found and develop a dungeon master style that allows me to better lead a game that is open to player choice and influence. It's been a lot of fun and very rewarding. Plus it is with good friends.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">6) Sudokus with weird, kinky rules has lit up my brain over quarantine.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">7) I am happy with the Filliam Crowe videos I made over the year. I don't know how to market the character or the videos, but I still really liked spending time as the character who is unendingly positive and silly.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">8) I've taken distinct steps to try and address my mental health and I think it's been going well.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">9) "Soul" was the right kind of movie that has given me a renewed inspiration to be present and live life and not get caught up in this unhelpful idea that you need to accomplish something great or specific goals for your life to not be wasted. </div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">10) Funny enough, while everyone else's Christmas' seemed to be upended and "ruined" or not very traditional, mine on the other hand, was probably the most traditional one I've had in a long time. I made classic Christmas dishes and served it in my home and everyone else was on the same footing as me as opposed to other years where I feel like an outsider at someone else's traditional family gathering. It was great.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">11) I've come to appreciate the evil that is the owning class earning money off others simply because they own things. It has inspired me to have more compassion for those who Jesus favoured in this modern context. If we are to help the poor, the sick, and the oppressed, then we need to change the dynamic and this year has given me more to think about and identified the problem.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">12) Gus Johnson makes funny videos and I'm glad I discovered him this year.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">13) The video game Hades was a gift given to me and it has been a wonderfully unexpected boon to me.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">14) I've gotten to have many calls and video chats with people over the year and especially over the 12 days of Christmas as I seek to spend more time with people that mean a lot to me.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">15) This list was longer than I thought it was going to be.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">16) Finally, the fact that I got to spend time with Jim this year. Jim was the grandpa of my friends Jamie and Michelle and last November I started to go visit Jim and keep him company at his care home. I got to know him and had a good time connecting with this new friend. Obviously, that stopped when the quarantine rules came into play and sadly, he passed away recently. I won't be able to visit my buddy anymore, but I loved the chance to know him for a little while.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">There were still many good things in this year and I hope that there will be many more in the year to come.
<span jsname="YS01Ge" style="color: #202124; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: normal;">"Let me go</span><br style="color: #202124; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: normal;" /><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="color: #202124; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: normal;">I don't wanna be your hero</span><br style="color: #202124; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: normal;" /><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="color: #202124; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: normal;">I don't wanna be a big man</span><br style="color: #202124; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: normal;" /><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="color: #202124; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: normal;">I just wanna fight with everyone else"<br /></span>- "Hero" from the Family of the Year album "Our Songbook"
(This song was in my top 10 of Spotify tracks for the year)</div></div>David Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431824827638407843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22152272.post-62258669782875759522020-07-24T01:38:00.001-05:002020-07-24T01:38:47.665-05:00For The Enjoyment of Brennan Lee Mulligan<div style="font-family: inherit;">
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If you don't have any idea what this whole post is about, just know that there is an actual play show called Dimension 20. Each season is a different Dungeons and Dragons campaign set in a weird world. The current one is one that involves food people in the style of Game of Thrones. Makes sense? No? It's sounds like gibberish? Fair. But this is not for you, it's for me and Brennan Lee Mulligan.
I'm not nearly as talented with drawing as some of the other artists in the Dimension 20 fandom, but I wanted to submit just some of the members of the "Grand Slam" mercenary guild in Calorum, who will work for anyone if the price is right. They have no love for the Bulb or the Hungry One because they believe they have uncovered that there is a darker force out there that they have to fight in the end time known as the "Paar Kinglot".</div>
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The members are:</div>
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- Grilliam Sixstack the Seconds of the House of Pancakes. Ceresian fighter (formerly a Bulbian paladin). This oathbreaker has turned to holding an ancient variation of a trident made of an unknown substance. Grilliam claims that it a relic of the Hungry One and he has made it his weapon named "Last Meal" (or the Devil's Fork). He has maple-glazed plate amor, forgoing the helmet and instead wearing the fanciful hat of the artists from the Dairy Island known as a beurret. He also has burnt pancake shield. He is the face of the Grand Slam due to the House of Pancakes known across all the nations of Calorum for their exploits.</div>
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- Greasa Porcine of Carn. Carnian ranger. She is a thin waif of meat like her other siblings who are well loved across Calorum. They are frequently sent as diplomats on behalf of the Meatlands, because everybody wants to add bacon to everything. However, she has decided to use her skill with her hunting bow called "Fat Chance" (or the Grease Bow) along meat-arrows dipped in fat poison that slows down the victim.</div>
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- Laeth Tallglass of House Moo. Dairy Island barbarian. A large brute that you need to be aware of and you better be ready to run if you see his milk begin to bubble. He's one of the strongest Dairy islanders you can find, armed with a reinforced Carnian bone hammer called "Bone Chiller" (or the Milk Bone).</div>
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- L'oeuf Yolklund of Carton Isle. From a island just off the shores of the Meatlands. Rogue. L'oeuf is hard-boiled, hiding her face except for the crack in her shell so she can see. She is small and elusive and one of the most potent members of the guild. Armed with a bunch of shellrikens (or throwing shells) along with her signature lantana blade, "Yolkrunner" (or the Brittle Blade).</div>
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David Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431824827638407843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22152272.post-4367614755060836122020-07-19T19:25:00.000-05:002020-07-19T19:25:19.444-05:009 HOT Ideas to Improve Your Society that You Just Have to Try!In the last couple of weeks I posted a series of Facebook posts that were essentially decrying the landlord/tenant dynamic as we have it in Canada. At one point in the comments, I was asked, "If you were king for a day (or however long you need) what changes would you make to alter the current system/mindset?"<br /><br />I fully believe the question was genuine and not just asked so that it would turn into a "gotcha" question where my ideas are dismantled out of hand.<br /><br />I've been thinking on some ideas for a while and I thought that I would try something out of the ordinary where I would take the ideas I've heard about and put them into my pitch for how I would improve things.<br /><br />I'm going to try to keep my focus on Canada, although, I should note that I will comment on the American system as well, because they have such a prominent impact on the thinking in Canada and I believe that their system needs to be improved as well.<br /><br />Now, at the outset, the discussion that prompted this response was centred on rent and property ownership, but frankly, the system is such that everything is tied in with each other. I am going to pitch a variety of ideas and although I would love if all of them were brought together, I still believe that each of them individually would help Canadian society. Since this is a post for social media consumption, I will also not dive super deep into things but rather it is to paint a broad picture. There are nuances to any of the topics I bring up, but I am not a politician or political scientist or economist, but rather someone who has listened and observed these topics across my own lifetime.<br /><br />The undergirding for my philosophy and approach is based in this concept that I refer to as "divine imagination". There may be a different and better term for it, but essentially, I understand that the things I pitch will require Canadian society to be more generous than it is. This usually brings push back, but I am being informed by my understanding of the teachings of Jesus that calls for us to bring about the kingdom of God, which is at hand. Something so close to what we can do, we just need to have the will to do it.<br /><br />The other main idea that undergirds my thinking is that the economy is to serve society and that society is not there to serve the economy. The economy is a tool but as soon as it becomes more important than people, we have missed the whole point. We need to adjust the economy for the benefit of people.<br /><br />I will also remind you that I am a layman and I know that experts would need to refine or better explain these ideas. I don't have references ready at hand as I write this, because, let me just check my notes, I am also being overwhelmed by day to day life and I don't have the time to properly list my sources. I will give the synopsis in this post and if people doubt my idea, then I point them to sources later.<br /><br />Here are some of the changes I would like to see:<br /><br />1) Most importantly - housing for the homeless. It wouldn't have to be elaborate. People who have a place to a stay for free so they can get their feet underneath them. It is cheaper to give housing along with someone to help guide a homeless person than many of these shelters that only help day by day. With a permanent place, it would be easier to get a job, to avoid being exposed to the elements and thus reduce illness and strain on the healthcare system. Prevention is always cheaper than reacting to a problem. If someone is completely desperate for shelter and food in the current system, the best way to do it is to be sent to prison. That's messed up.<br /><br />2) Clean water to reserves. We are willing to build pipelines for oil to benefit the economy but not basics to benefit society. That's messed up.<br /><br />3) Universal basic income - the main argument against it is that it would make people lazy. I disagree. The one thing that the pandemic has proven to me is that I get supremely uncomfortable in doing nothing. The thing is, the stuff I want to produce or do may not be seen as profitable even though want it. They just don't want to pay for it. I am specifically talking about art. Many artists are okay with not making a million dollars, they just want to create. And many of those artists are what inspire and encourage others. And in the moments when a person is left to themselves, they frequently turn to the beauty of art. The pandemic has shown it to be so. If you had no books or movies or music or podcasts, your quarantine would be more hollow. If you have kids, where do you turn to? Art. Even if you don't show them a Disney movie or paid one cent for art, you, at the very least, told them stories or encouraged them to use their imaginations. That is tapping into artistic energy. People who use their lives to be artistic help you to feel, think, express, and reflect life. Just like I would turn to a mechanic to help me fix a practical problem with my car. But we don't pay them. And I get it. Paying for art feels weird. But I believe that it should feel weird that people who make art to not be paid.<br /><br />Also, a note on this, when UBI has been tested before, they found that people didn't just up and quit their jobs. The only people that worked less were people like single parents because they could spend more time with their kids. Or people could spend more time getting training to do a higher skilled job. It's happening for some Canadians who are receiving CERB right now.<br /><br />UBI helps people live the lives they are suited for and would be best for society.<br /><br />Now, the question is always, where does this money come from? How come we slow right down when it comes to helping the poor and yet corporations in Alberta can get a $4.7 billion tax cut and it is rushed through the Legislature.<br /><br />The theory of trickle down economics has never worked. You give to the cuts to the top, it never makes its way down. However, you give money to the lower socio-economic groups and suddenly the engine of the economy is running better because poorer people will use money and not just stash it away.<br /><br />Automation is coming into more and more fields and most jobs could potentially be unnecessary because of it. So when is the hard working lower and middle classes going to see the benefit of a society that is the most productive it has ever been?<br /><br />UBI is one of those things that give people a minimum structure to work from that is more than zero.<br /><br />Now, you may point out that this will just enable welfare queens. Which is not really a thing that exists. But sure, some people will take advantage of the system. You're right. And some people would be making money for doing little. You'd have some lazy guy make thousands of dollars for no work. But you should remember that the other way is much more catastrophic for society. On the other end, you have people taking advantage of the system and ripping away millions and billions and I guarantee you that they are not working so much harder than the average blue collar worker to earn it.<br /><br />4) Habitat for Humanity should be the standard way of getting a home - At least how it was originally designed to be. (In Edmonton, the local chapter has reneged on it's contracts and it is awful and wrong). You help build a home, you owe a certain amount of hours both in building your home and to the community, and you get the deed to the place. Your work earns you a house. It should not be your work plus a down payment that you may never be able to save up for because you barely afford to live.<br /><br />5) If you want a second house to own, it should be much more than the market price - I would astronomically more. The pandemic proves this point again. Remember how there were people who bought all of the toilet paper and you were lucky to get some? And those people then turned around and tried to sell it at a profit? Remember how furious you were about that because it was unfair and selfish? Guess what? Those people were capitalists through and through. They played the game right. Here's the thing. Life is not a game you can win. Specifically, our communal life is not a game where one person can win. Suddenly, there were restrictions on how much toilet paper you could have to make it fair and reasonable for people to have access to a basic necessity. Some places had increasing costs to buying more toilet paper. It made sense, right? It made people take what they needed and leave enough for others to also have. Well, you have companies and people buying up more houses than they personally need and then turning around and benefiting from a necessity for life which is shelter. Shelter is even more important than toilet paper but we are okay with the system because likely, if you're reading this, you have a place to stay. Some people are struggling to maintain a place to stay, even before this pandemic happened.<br /><br />6) Rent should not be used to earn profit. - Rent should be: Property taxes (which are designed to pay for local schools and infrastructure) + utilities + wear & tear + the smallest amount for convenience. That last fee would essentially be for paying the land lord for maintenance on the place. Acting almost as insurance. The alternative to this if the rent is to be higher is to be for the sake of selling the home to the tenant. If the tenant wants to pay more per month, they are building equity in the place. I know there is more to explain in this, but I am painting with a broad stroke right now. <br /><br />I know some of you may be thinking, "but renting out is one of the ways of getting a return on my investment!"<br /><br />Correct. And it's messed up. That's super messed up. That is making it so that people who have not been able to build up wealth will continue to not build up wealth under the arbitrary distinction that you "own the land". How can someone own land? What makes it yours?<br /><br />7) Defund the police and reimagine the role of the police - The police are the ones called in to solve far more problems than their scope really should be and they don't often receive training to handle beyond a limited scope. People trained in mental healthcare and deescalation would be better suited in dealing with someone who is having an episode and should be at the forefront dealing with a situation that involves mental health, not just cops that are trained to be react violently with efficiency. Let's divvy up the responsibilities of the cops (along with their budgets) to other individuals.<br /><br />8) Fund needs of the community - by addressing the underlying issues that lead to crime, you will have less need of police. Oh, and look, if you cut the funding to police (who often receive an inordinate amount of a city's budget to the point where Halifax spent half a million on a tank for it's police force. Halifax. For the police. A tank, in case you missed that. For Halifax. You know the one in Nova Scotia. The place is not a war zone.) you suddenly have more money.<br /><br />9) Corporations are taxed for profits made in the country - this is where funding would come from. You make money in Canada? You pay taxes in Canada because you have benefitted from Canada's infrastructure and your money will help keep that infrastructure strong. Close up tax loopholes that inordinately benefit multinational corporations. Now, I know that some may point out that corporations would avoid Canada because of restrictions put on them. Corporations are simply out to make as much money as you're willing to give them. Canada (and especially the States) have fallen for this. I chose I random country. McDonald's in Norway pays $15.98 (in American dollars) per hour for a new hire. After four months, it goes to $19.63. Now, it's not that McDonald's executives have more love for Norwegians because of lutefisk. If they could, they would pay them as little as possible. Even if that amount is not a survivable amount. Back to my point, Norway despite these restrictions, still have McDonalds. The cholesterol clown is still making money there. Politicians need to have more of a spine and a servant heart and make the corporations pay their share.<br /><br />Also, if you really hate the idea that someone would be a welfare queen as mentioned a few points ago, I should say, you know what. There are welfare queens. Too many. They take advantage of the system to the tune of millions and billions. It's corporations like McDonald's and Walmart that pay their workers so little, that the workers then turn to the government anyway to get financial aid. These kind of corporations are the ones benefitting the most. Get them to pay into the system. Heck make it so that if they want to avoid taxes, they have can pay their employees more.<br /><br /><br />Now, you've may have made your way through all those ideas and think to yourself, "but no one can become a billionaire in that kind of system.<br /><br />Yeah. That's a great point.<br /><br />That's the best point.<br /><br />If you think that it is our right to be able to gather up so many resources so that you can live an extravagant life because the system says its okay to do so while your fellow humans struggle to survive and in fact are heavily impeded from getting ahead, guess what? You're awful. You are either the dragon in their cave hoarding riches or you want to become the dragon.<br /><br />Yes, the world came from a place of survival of the fittest and a dog eat dog kind mentality, but it's actually been us working together that has been thing that helped us to survive as a species.<br /><br />You taking care of others is the thing that will help you live better. The pandemic is another great example. Want to protect yourself from getting Covid? Make sure your neighbour is able to get the health care and financial assistance they need so they don't have to come into work if they're sick and expose a bunch of others in order to pay rent.<br /><br />The ideas I presented demand that we have to be okay with not being as extravagant as we want to be.<br /><br />And that is a hard pill to swallow. It's uncomfortable.<br /><br />It would seem "impossible". It is a challenge, but I also believe that it is a better way.<br /><br />The alternative, where we can be rich and keep other humans back makes things tougher in a different way.<br /><br />"'I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.'" - Matthew 19:23-24<br /><br />Let us not serve the system, let us make sure the system serves us.<br /><br /><br />"I don't mind stealing bread<br />From the mouths of decadence<br />But I can't feed on the powerless<br />When my cup's already overfilled"<br />- 'Hunger Strike' by Temple of the Dog<br />David Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431824827638407843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22152272.post-21864004082614806272020-07-13T23:04:00.001-05:002020-07-13T23:04:35.670-05:00How to Win Friends and Influence People by Someone Who Never Read That Book<div style="color: #454545; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
A couple of days ago, I made a few posts that caused a lot of debate and discussion.</div>
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The noticeable element was how passionate people got. For some, to attack the idea of rental and tenancy was preposterous or perhaps a sign that I should look at buying my own place (oh to dream a dream!). Others agreed with the words I spoke and vehemently came into the discussion seeing the injustice in such a system.</div>
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The thing that has weighed on me since then has been the place that social media plays in the space of public discourse. I saw people from different realms of my life come into a discussion and hold passionate debate. For most people, this was a debate with a faceless opponent. The only connection to the people on the other side was me as a mutual Facebook friend.</div>
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However, for me, I saw people from across my life, whom I all appreciate and have held good memories of have an anonymous fight. Whether it was people from my hometown who knew me as the weird gangly keener kid, or it was people who went to college with me and knew me as the weird gangly slacker man-child, or it was people who went to the camp I was a leader at and knew me as the weird gangly child-man, or it was people from Edmonton who know me as the weird gangly old child comedian, you can all agree is that I’m weird, I’m gangly and I'm idealistic.</div>
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I wanted to take a moment to remind everyone who is a friend or an associate of myself, that everyone is a person. I mean, that’s a given. We fundamentally know that. However, in the midst of a debate that matters close to the heart, it can be easy to distill people down to a comment and a profile picture.</div>
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Also, before I get too far into this post, I want to say that as you read this, that I'm not saying anyone went too far or that they poisoned any conversation. I want to offer a reminder. A reminder for all of us to keep in mind as we deal with interactions on the internet. In fact, I think it was pretty civil. But I think a reminder in the midst of an issue of passion is important to keep people anchored.</div>
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Regardless of whether you fully agree with my sentiments of a few days ago or are dismayed by my thoughts on the status quo, I want to say that I appreciate that you are bringing your experience, understanding, and passion to the discussion. The people I saw that responded clearly care and I know that you genuine believe and stand by your words and want a fair world for people to have the ability to thrive.</div>
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I want to highlight for people on both sides, myself included, that when it comes to convincing people to your side, that you need to remember that it is really difficult for a person to see a perspective that is not their own. It can backfire on you especially if you do give the other person grace. On a visceral, human level, you are hurting a person. You are attacking a person’s identity. It is very difficult for a person to change their mind and if you’re not careful, you will only entrench the other person more in their position. Here is a clip of a show that delves into this human phenomena: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8NydsXl32s"><span style="color: #e4af09;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8NydsXl32s</span></a><span style="color: #e4af09; text-decoration: underline;"> </span></div>
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That’s why when I offer ideas or responses, I try to do it as gently as possible. I try to attack ideas, not people. I try to sympathize with people I do not agree with. Not to be weak or submissive or not to hold my position without conviction, but rather that I may actually win people to my side.</div>
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This also is echoed in the Bible itself. When Paul speaks about sharing the gospel (which means “good news”), he says this in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23: “Though I am free of obligation to anyone, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), to win those under the law. To those without the law I became like one without the law (though I am not outside the law of God but am under the law of Christ), to win those without the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings.”</div>
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A fantastic example of this is Daryl Davis, a black man who has convinced multiple members of the KKK to leave the white hoods behind. If you have not watched him speak, please do: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORp3q1Oaezw"><span style="color: #e4af09;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORp3q1Oaezw</span></a></div>
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Obviously, the topic my post was talking about is not nearly as drastic as that. But I wanted to highlight Daryl, because even in the most extreme example, the way he won people over was remembering to have empathy and to remember the humanity of the other person.</div>
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When someone sends a reply to my idea with a jokey tone, I respond with a jokey tone because I know they do not mean me harm. If someone is sincere, I respond with sincerity because I know they are being vulnerable with something they earnestly think and believe.</div>
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I don’t do this well all the time. It’s because I care and I get passionate and I might say or type something that is too much. It might be, in my mind, funny or “smart” or right, but when I cross the line it really communicates that I am willing to dehumanize the other person. And at that moment, I have lost. The idea I wanted the other person to embrace is rejected, not necessarily because I was wrong, but rather I was right in the wrong way.</div>
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What I am hoping is that if you’re reading this, regardless or whether you agreed or disagreed with my posts, you are considering your words you may have said to someone else. Maybe you said something that went beyond the ideas and it was meant to hurt the other person. If you think you may have, please consider reaching out to them in a private message and apologize even if you still stand by your position, whether it was on the posts I made or if it was on post completely unrelated to the ones I posted. Not only will this repair a basic connection with another human who has thoughts and feelings, but who knows? Maybe it will make the other person give your words a second read and consideration.</div>
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As an aside to specifically my fellow Christians who may have followed this link (but even if you’re a HEATHEN!!!?!?!?!!!!, perhaps you will find value in this thought), what I thought was interesting was that it was a lot of Christians that upheld and defended the status quo. That held to the common thought that if a person works hard and made wise decisions, that it was very possible to navigate the system in place. That one is rewarded if they behave under the system. This echoes the friends of Job who accused Job of some supposed wrong doing that must have put him in a place where God must punish him. In reality, Job had done nothing wrong. In fact, if you read the book of Job you find out that he went above and beyond what was required of him to be righteous and despite this, he lost his wealth, his kids, and his health.</div>
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Just because things are the way they are, doesn’t mean they are right and just. The prophets in the Bible attacked the status quo and those who thought they were holy when injustice and neglect of the poor abounded. Jesus was an enemy of the state and the religious authorities. Just because some Christians scoff and denounce generous ideas, remember that grace and forgiveness of sins is the utmost generous idea there is.</div>
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What Christians need to embrace is the idea of divine imagination. What of the Kingdom of God could we try to bring to earth? How can we participate in God’s work of making His will be done on earth as it is in Heaven?</div>
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The thing I see often lacking in the church is a lack of divine imagination. They are willing to embrace the status quo as opposed to challenging oneself to embrace the example of Christ and examine whether or not the status quo is actually unjust and broken.</div>
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As an aside to specifically to my fellow left-leaning friends who may have followed this link (but even if you’re a RELIGIOUS ZEALOT!!!!?!???!, perhaps you will find value in this thought), you can learn from the long tradition and admittedly uneven history of missionaries to understand that you need to have empathy for people if you want anyone to take your thoughts and consider them. If you want your brazen ideas to take hold in the heart of another individual, you need to remember that this an individual. Perhaps influenced by a system or several systems, but they are an individual, too. If you are quick to summarize a person in one word, you are in danger of viewing a person as not a person.</div>
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As an aside to specifically people who find themselves outside of both of those previous categories who may have followed this link (but even if you are A STEREOTYPE!?!?!??!!!??!!, perhaps you will find value in this thought), we need to remember that our survival is tied in with each other. Even if you think that everyone else is stupid and shortsighted, your well being is tied in with others. The reason humans have survived and thrived is because we work together. We learn from each other, we strengthen each other. </div>
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As an aside to specifically to myself (but even if you have PROPER PROPORTIONS!!!!?!??!?!?!, perhaps you will find value in this thought), you can’t summarize people too easily. Life is complex and you can’t assume that you have the answers. You’re likely wrong in the nuance and the specifics. The best you can do, is offer the little understanding you have and be willing to accept others and be willing to take on the hard task of examining yourself especially when challenged on your thoughts. Who do you think you are? And why are you not eating more?</div>
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In conclusion, some people may think that I’m a bleeding heart liberal and others may think that I’m a melted brain Christian and others may think that I’m simply a weird, gangly man-boy-child-guy that is earnestly taking his understanding and trying to make this world a better place (I think of myself more as the King of the Sega Genesis) but I truly believe that this world needs to be more creatively loving.</div>
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If you feel like I’ve wronged you or treated you poorly or you would like to continue a discussion with in regards to this or other things I have said, please reach out to me. </div>
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Now, may you go into the world and love others as yourself and may justice roll down like a river.</div>
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Or in other words: Remember, I’m pulling for ya, we’re all in this together. Keep your stick on the ice.</div>
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"<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">The road is long, with many of winding turns</span></div>
<div class="bbVIQb" jsname="Vinbg" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<div class="ujudUb" jsname="U8S5sf" style="line-height: 1.58; margin-bottom: 12px;">
<span jsname="YS01Ge">That lead us to (who knows) where, who knows where?</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">But I'm strong, strong enough to carry him - yeah</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">He ain't heavy - he's my brother</span></div>
<div class="ujudUb" jsname="U8S5sf" style="line-height: 1.58; margin-bottom: 12px;">
<span jsname="YS01Ge">So long we go, his welfare is my concern</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">No burdon is he to bear, we'll get there</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">But I know he would not encumber me</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">He ain't heavy - he's my brother</span></div>
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<div class="ujudUb u7wWjf" data-mh="-1" jsname="U8S5sf" style="line-height: 1.58; margin-bottom: 12px;">
<span jsname="YS01Ge">If I'm leaving at all, if I'm leaving with sadness</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">That everyone's heart isn't filled with the gladness</span><br /><span jsname="YS01Ge">Of love for one another.</span></div>
<div class="ujudUb u7wWjf" data-mh="-1" jsname="U8S5sf" style="line-height: 1.58; margin-bottom: 12px;">
<span jsname="YS01Ge" style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;">It's a long, long road, from which there is no return</span><br style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;" /><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;">While we're on the way to there, why not share?</span><br style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;" /><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;">And the long doesn't weigh me down at all</span><br style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;" /><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;">He ain't heavy - he's my brother."</span></div>
<div class="ujudUb u7wWjf" data-mh="-1" jsname="U8S5sf" style="line-height: 1.58; margin-bottom: 12px;">
<span jsname="YS01Ge" style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;">- "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" by Bobby Scott and Bob Russell</span></div>
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<span jsname="YS01Ge"></span></div>
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David Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431824827638407843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22152272.post-80627147603923210002019-12-27T03:58:00.001-06:002019-12-27T12:41:25.115-06:00A Thrill of HopeChristmas to me has been something I've been sort of fascinated with in the last few years, simply because Christmas has always been a weird, uncomfortable time for me despite the significant presence it had in the various communties I have been surrounded by.<br />
In the broad North American culture, I have observed three main portrayals of Christmas that filter through most North American lives. There are others, I know, but I cannot speak to those since I am only me. These are the ones I see and feel the most.<br />
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The most blatant portrayal is the vilified Commercial Christmas. The idea that there is an ideal Christmas where you have the perfect turkey dinner and Christmas tree and decorations and moments and presents for your loved ones. All of which that can be supplied with just the right tools and services for the right price. It's easy to see it's presence and to mock. Some people love the spectacle and bombast of the season because it highlights wonder and awe. Undoubtedly, the forced buying of presents for others does not really make sense in the religious context, but there is a sense of some kind of magic in the music and decorations that tries real hard to sell magic. Spoiler alert, it's just shiny noise.<br />
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Another prominent portrayal is the obvious religious context of Christmas. It's the story about the Son of God coming to earth to help show humanity the way to live a life that is fundamentally one that brings peace, justice, and love. That hope is not lost yet. For the wider North American culture, this time highlights the best aspects of the Christian philosophy where those who are in need are elevated and are to be cared for. However, it is obvious that as Christianity slowly loses it influence over North American culture, that this portrayal takes more of a backseat. Instead, it seems like the idea that declaring your affiliation with Christianity by demanding that "Merry Christmas" be said over "Happy Holidays" is the extent of the spiritual nature of the season.<br />
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The third portrayal of Christmas is the super popular family Christmas. This is the Christmas that is universally loved by North America. Even Christians soak their Christmas in the importance of family Christmas. Movies love family Christmas. The writers, directors, and performers love family Christmas because it highlights the best parts about being a human. They try to push their message through the noise of commercial Christmas. From a secular point of view, family Christmas is the ideal Christmas. Family Christmas highlights the idea that we should spend time, energy, and money on those we care about to show how much they matter to us.<br />
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This brings me back to my first paragraph. Christmas has always been a weird time for me throughout my life even though I have always wanted the best parts of the three kinds of Christmases.<br />
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In my younger days, Christmas was portrayed as religious day. It had to be. Our family could not afford Commercial Christmas. The house we rented we rented was too small to put up a tree in. So we had to put our gifts in a small pile and place one of our aloe vera plants (the pot of which was actually a used ice cream pail) on top. The presents were never in the realm of what the other kids from schoool got. They'd talk about getting the new video games or expensive sports equipment or whatever they as individuals treasured as I would get small gifts.<br />
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I knew Santa wasn't real because I never got a gift from him. Perhaps it stemmed from a belief system, but it makes much more sense that it was a financial reason that trumped any other consideration.<br />
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I remember that as a 10 year old, that I was aware of our financial situation to the degree that I braced myself going into Christmas Eve (when my family opened presents) by reminding myself that I was not likely to get what I wanted. That year really tested my resolve because out of my four gifts, three of them were clearly in boxes. The best gifts were always in boxes. If you picked up a package and it was soft, those were garbage gifts. What was I? A 36-year old man in need of socks? NO! I was kid that didn't have that awesome Legend of Zelda game.<br />
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With 3 boxed gifts, it was hard to not imagine that at least one would be something awesome.<br />
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I remember, though, thinking that I still needed to keep my expectations in line. I knew that we didn't have a lot of money. The evidence was everywhere.<br />
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However, the wonder that Commercial Christmas loves to draw out is hard to resist. I opened my Aunt Doris' gift first because she normally gave me shirts or socks and I figured that she might repeat herself. The worst kind of gifts for kids to be honest is shirts or socks. This year, though, she gave me a jigsaw puzzle. Honestly, for Aunt Doris, that was like her hitting a home run. Amazing Aunt Doris gift. I understand how a 70 year old woman would not know what to get a 10 year old. So a jigsaw puzzle for a kid that liked using his brain was a pretty alright gift. Arguably her best.<br />
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Then I moved to my mom. Mom and I never really vibed, so I also had low expectations. That's why I opened hers next. It was also a jigsaw puzzle. Now, you might think that that would be a disappointing gift after Aunt Doris. And it was. A little bit. But honestly, this was also a step up for mom.<br />
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Besides, next was dad's boxed gift. That had all the potential. Boxed gift? Dad? Those two factors greatly increased my chances of getting my filthy hands on that wondrous adventure of saving Princess Zelda.<br />
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Little did I realize that after I opened mom's gift, my dad was very concerned.<br />
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I opened dad's gift. It was another a jigsaw puzzle. I was shattered. I maintained my composure. But my wonder in the idea that maybe I would get the thing I wanted evaporated.<br />
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I would be remiss if I did not mention my brother in this story. His gift was the fourth one that Christmas. The reason I opened it last was not that I thought it would be the best, but rather that his wrapping job was something to be desired and it was clear that what he gave me was a thing that he made in industrial arts class that looks like it took its design philosophy from Homer Simpson's car design. If you have no idea what I am referring to, just know that I was bad.<br />
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After opening the presents, I gathered them up, feeling so guilty. Because I knew my family gave me the best presents they could. They just couldn't give me what Commercial Christmas was selling.<br />
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Before I move on to my next point, I should point out that I did receive my beloved Zelda game. In 1998, when the one of the most anticipated Zelda games of all time ("Legend Zelda: Ocarina of Time") came out in November, I opened it that Christmas. That was the first Christmas without dad, so mom really swung for the fences that year. To her credit, she got me what has been my most favourite gift of all time.<br />
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Also, I should point out that I am not good at giving presents. As much as I am complaining about others' gifts to me, my gifts have been usually lacklustre.<br />
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The point of this story is pointing to how the capitalist ideal of getting the perfect gift for yourself or for others soured those Christmases of my youth. And I had it good.<br />
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This is why quietly and slowly, my appreciation for the spiritual significance of Christmas grew. As a kid, spirituality takes time. It has to soak in. It has be realized on an individualized level. You don't pick up an appreciation because your parents tell you what you need to believe or why faith is beautiful.<br />
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However, as my family's financial situation disintegrated the falsehood and destructive nature of Commercial Christmas, my appreciation for the simplistic and vulnerable story of the nativity grew.<br />
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I liked getting up at 5am to go to the Christmas morning church service called "Julotta" (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julotta). It's the simple metaphor of the darkness of the world being overcome by hope as symbolized by the literal rising of the sun which is perfect for a young adult's brain to wrap around. We'd have a moment in the service that had us standing in a circle with lit candles and singing Christmas hymns. The only light we'd have would be the small flickers of flame and the slow, encompassing light of the dawn that would slowly, but inevitably, flood in through the eastern windows.<br />
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Those were some very good Christmases.<br />
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I'm going to pivot to talk about Family Christmas. Arguably the most sacred (from a North American culture perspective) kind of Christmas. You go to visit family and spend time with them and participate in those traditions as determined by the unique make up of the given family. This is a time to hopefully strengthen bonds within the family.<br />
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I have witnessed several different kinds of family Christmases. Aside from my own family, I have also seen the small collection of the various Christmases of my ex-wife's family, assorted families from different churches I've attended, and those of friends both Christian and atheist.<br />
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I know there are people out there who have witnessed more varieties of Christmas than me, but I also know that there are those who have witnessed less.<br />
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It is interesting to see so many improvisations on a core idea. There's a meal. There's family. There's gifts. Sometimes, there's prayers and Bible stories. Sometimes there's booze. Sometimes both. The order is different family to family. The rules are different family to family. <br />
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The thing that is universal?<br />
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Everyone is a little uncomfortable. At least to degrees.<br />
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For me, the family aspect of Christmas has been a bit of alienating factor.<br />
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In my own family, it was tied in with the gifts of trying to discern what an individual would want. Especially as I grew older and I realized it was essentially a series of contests testing how well you know them versus how well they know you. That's right, I just took another pot shot at Commercial Christmas in the midst of my critique of Family Christmas. Because although I am trying to offer a fresh take on Christmas, Commercial Christmas is, and always will be, the thing that actively destroys the spirit of Christmas. Scrooge is not the worst character in all of the Christmas stories, it is Kirk Cameron in "Saving Christmas".<br />
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Family Christmas is admittedly very nice.<br />
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If the circumstance happens to work.<br />
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If you happen to have a family to start. If you don't have one, Family Christmas hurts far more than Commercial Christmas. Many of you were probably expecting to hear that from the orphan.<br />
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It also expands and is worse for individuals whose families reject them for their sexuality or gender identity or mental health issues or addiction issues. Imagine being pushed away by those individuals who are supposed to be on your side during the time of year that culture declares louder than capitalist messages that "Family is the most important thing!"<br />
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I can't speak to those other issues.<br />
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But I can speak to being without my own physical family.<br />
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This was the first year where I was able to articulate to myself why I always feel uncomfortable at other families' Christmases. It's not that the families were not welcoming. It was never that. The people that have invited me over the years have made it very evident that they care for me and that they love me. I have never gotten the sense that they feel obligated.<br />
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I do sense the genuine desire of these families to share love with people. I will always be grateful and if I would be in their position, I would ideally be like them in bringing in people and share what I believe to be an important joy of the season.<br />
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I want to take a brief moment to underline how difficult this is for me to write about this topic. I never want people to think individuals in a position similar to mine are ungrateful or that it is better to not invite people like me to a Christmas gathering. This whole post is trying to dig into why Christmas is good. To tip the bit, I am saying that just like a Christmas that is centred around Commercialism is not good, neither is one that is centred around Family.<br />
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Where the ideallic Family Christmas fails is in the simple fact it cannot be universal. Even as I am welcomed into various spaces and given food and share in wonderful conversation, the feeling that that I am not a part of this family but rather an outsider that has been invited in is unavoidable.<br />
As I witness family interact in the most emotionally vulnerable and open event of the North American calendar, I can't help think about my family. Or lack thereof. Seeing kids gather at the feet of the family leader as they read them the Christmas story seems like a dream taunted in front of me. Seeing a father or mother selflessly make and serve food to their family is hard. It goes on as Family Christmas is a series of traditions held up by a group of people that I happen to visit.<br />
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These kind of Christmases are hard because I am outside of it.<br />
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The ideal of Family Christmas is great when you have a good, supportive family. If you don't for whatever reason, that ideal is particularly poisonous turning what I think is a potentially rejuvenating time into a hard punch to the spiritual gut.<br />
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Now, that I've attacked the other two, it would seem that Christian Christmas is clearly the winner especially for someone like myself who identifies as a Christian. I even had a foreshadow with the whole reference to Julotta!<br />
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Well, I'm going to go and turn full Last Jedi on this and dismiss your expectations. That last sentence is very nerdy in two very different ways (in regards to Christianity and Star Wars) and I will try to explain myself to those who don't understand what I'm getting at.<br />
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As I've grown older in and have witnessed the impact of American politics on North American Christianity in a broad sense, it hurts as someone who loves the words of Christ. Especially with the undying support of Donald Trump within the evangelical Christian community. This is not meant to be a political post and I won't spend much time here, but it is undeniable how much poison Trump has injected into the North American Christian worldview.<br />
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It is hard enough with the warhawk position that America holds throughout most presidencies, but Trump amps up so many disconcerting aspects of American culture that I feel the Christianity of Jesus is being lost in North America and many Christians may not realize it. It seems like if someone perfectly reiterated what Jesus would want, Evangelical Christians would be the first to crucify them.<br />
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Backing off the specificality of Trumpian Christianity and coming back to Christmas, the troubling example is the demand that we say "Merry Christmas" over "Happy Holidays" like "Happy Holidays" is blasphemous.<br />
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Why it troubles me, is because it seems to miss the heart of Christ. I can't see Jesus getting angry at some retail clerk for saying "Happy Holidays".<br />
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Two reasons. First is that Jesus is about inclusion, especially to those who intend good towards others regardless of their belief. The second being that Christmas doesn't happen until December 25th. Before the 25th is Advent, which is a different season of the Christian calendar from Christmas. It would be more appropriate to say "Happy Holidays" to someone before December 25th because it is not Christmas and "Holiday" literally means "Holy day". So regardless of whether you're an atheist or a believer in a different religion or a hardcore Christian, "Happy Holidays" before December 25th is totally appropriate and more accurate. Bonus for those Christians who want to take Jesus' words to heart, you are welcoming all people by saying "Happy Holidays".<br />
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To me, that small thing is the perfect example of how Christianity in North America is missing the point.<br />
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Christians don't seem to have a problem with a President claiming to be a Christian and yet separating children from their families.<br />
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There is so much more, but it would be ridiculous for me to list everthing that a Christian should probably have a problem with the crass, business elite that dominates North American politics but somehow the North American Christianity simply does not.<br />
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Boiled down, it seems like Christians have sided with Herod over Mary and Joseph.<br />
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At this point, I have cast down the three prominent portrayals of Christmas. The Commercial. The Family. The Christian.<br />
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Clearly, I must hate Christmas.<br />
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Right?<br />
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No.<br />
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In fact, I love Christmas more than any other time in my life.<br />
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And the main reason is Advent.<br />
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Advent is fundamentally important in appreciating Christmas.<br />
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Advent has saved Christmas and Christ for me. It definitely was not the moneychanger that is Kirk Cameron. (I know I'm dunking on him a lot and not explaining myself but look, I have to take the precious attention you've given to me and keep this post moving. Maybe I can explain later.)<br />
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Advent in the Christian calendar is the four Sundays before Christmas. Advent in the Northern Hemisphere literally takes place in the darkest time of the year. Both literally and figuratively, Advent contemplates the darkness of the world and how is seems to get darker but also how we are to have hope. We are to look towards the hope that the Messiah comes and makes things right.<br />
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That no matter how dark things get, all is not lost.<br />
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Advent emboldens us to resolutely hold onto the idea that hope, joy, peace, and love are not dead.<br />
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It may be dark, but we are not done.<br />
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Then, when Christmas Day arrives, which is a day of the week that shifts every year because it is unpredictable when things can change, the world does change. It is less dark than the day before. Days get brighter.<br />
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It's a beautiful metaphor.<br />
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The story of Christmas and the story of Christ reminds me that God is on the side of those who are less fortunate. The poor. The unfairly imprisoned. The underdogs.<br />
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All of this reflection has led me to this conclusion.<br />
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I reject the flashy consumerism of the Commercial Christmas. (Although that's an easy one to dunk on.)<br />
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I reject the priveleged idea that family is what is important at Christmas, as good of a thing as it maybe. (Also, by the way, go see your family while you have them! Of course, go visit them! Unless, they don't welcome you for who you are, then come look me up and we'll get Chinese food on Christmas day)<br />
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I reject the Christian imperialism that comforts the rich and the powerful and that has undermined the vital power of the upside down kingdom where the last shall be first and the first shall be last. Instead, I embrace the holy and welcoming statement of Christ found in Advent that is "Happy Holidays!"<br />
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This Christmas and every Christmas after, I look forward to the coming of the Christ that upsets the status quo which I see a little bit day by day. I look forward to the new heaven and the new earth where the words of Jesus remind us: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."<br />
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"How silently, how silently<br />
The wondrous Gift is given!<br />
So God imparts to human hearts<br />
The blessings of His heaven<br />
No ear may hear His coming<br />
But in this world of sin<br />
Where meek souls will receive Him still<br />
- "O Little Town of Bethlehem"David Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431824827638407843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22152272.post-10745201318847543002019-08-14T19:02:00.006-05:002019-08-14T19:02:22.111-05:00Filliam Crowe Does Not Fit In<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">As I am writing this, I have a Christian audience in mind, but I really do hope that those who do not ascribe to the Christian faith may find encouragement and support.<br />
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Filliam Crowe is a simple man. He is a man out of time, with a look that he thinks is nice, but is out of date. He doesn’t own a cell phone, likely still has dial up for a computer he thought was pretty snazzy desktop from a garage sale. Pentiums are pretty good computers, he hears. He is not the smartest man, but he tries his best to explore and be vulnerable in a world he doesn’t fit into that well.<br />
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He is kind and has good intentions, but his clumsy nature gets him into all sorts of troubles. Troubles that can mount far beyond what he can handle.<br />
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What I appreciate about the character of Filliam is that no matter how dire it gets, he pushes on and never stops trying to remedy the situation he finds himself in and in the process is never one who harms people along the way.<br />
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A lot of the quagmires of Filliam finds himself are ones where he creates them himself but they are never ones that aim to harm people. He is a good natured man that does his best to see the good, encourage the good, and share the good.<br />
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Distilled down, Filliam Crowe is a man I want to be. I would rather be a man that bumbles and fumbles his way through spectacular failure on his way to creating a world more lovely than it was.<br />
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However, the world is not for the Filliam Crowe’s of the world.<br />
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Life is messy, dark, hard, and complicated.<br />
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It rewards people who do not care about the consequences that their actions may have on others. Filliam Crowe is a man that is does not function well in the real world and that is what makes him a comedic character. However, if I were ever in the position where people ridicule me and think I am a joke but I get to choose what kind of joke I am, I choose the joke to be that I am Filliam Crowe.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">It only seems fitting that this is the Fringe where I introduce the world to the character of Filliam as I find myself in a position where it can feel like I am being overwhelmed in a manner not unlike Filliam. <br />
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This may very well be the most difficult Fringe I have ever walked into. Aside from a rough go financially at the Winnipeg Fringe and the fact that “The Splendiferous Quagmires of Mr Filliam Crowe” is one of the most challenging creative endeavours I have ever taken on (I mean, an improvised physical comedy with no talking and no props is a stacked challenge), I have to deal with a situation that is deeply troubling for me as both a performer and a Christian.<br />
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Before I get to that, I need to give you context. I feel like I am stuck between two worlds. Sometimes I feel like I’m religious for my theatre community and yet too heretical for my Christian community. I have thoughts and ideas that I have learned from my two communities that would be so beneficial for the other side, but I sometimes feel like I cannot offer them because they are not welcomed. Whether or not that it is true, I do not know, but that is how I feel.<br />
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For the last few years, I have been the president of Sorry, Not Sorry Productions, an improv theatre company that I am proud to be a part of and beyond that to be considered their leader is an immense honour.<br />
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My focus has been on creating community and care for each other in the company. It always hurts my heart to see a break down between people and I always seek to repair the situation. Even if it seems impossible. Even when it’s unpopular. However, what I’ve learned in this role, as well as being a leader in church situations that a situation may not be repaired immediately. Maybe not ever.<br />
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As a Christian, you should desire the best outcome for everyone, including those who would be considered your enemy. However, you must always ultimately side with those who are mistreated, abused, or downtrodden. The God of Heaven is a God of the Upside Down Kingdom. Where those who are mistreated in this world, are held up in the other.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The situation I have been presented with is one where a person of Edmonton convicted of possessing child pornography two years ago has written a show for the Edmonton Fringe Festival and a local church has supported him and produced this particular show. A festival that my company is a part of. The man’s conviction has been one that has distinctly impacted people who have survived sexual abuse, assault, exploitation. Some of my people had interactions with him before they knew of his transgressions who now have their positive memories (due to his presences as a role model in the theatre community) poisoned by the revelation.<br />
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So what is a person like myself to do in this situation?<br />
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I am the leader of this group with folks who are deeply (and rightfully) distressed that they are sharing a platform with a man who has distinctly violated the trust of the Edmonton theatre community. I am also a man who believes in the risen Christ who redeems and also makes things right.<br />
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What am I to do as a man who is a Christian in a position of leadership in a secular theatrical group?<br />
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The answer that was clear to me was that those who are the downtrodden, abused, and mistreated in this world, but yet are justified in the Upside Down kingdom, are the ones that I, as a follower of Christ, should support. They may be mistreated here, but they are protected, restored, and loved in the Upside Down kingdom.<br />
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I have been called sanctimonious, despicable and a proponent of McCarthy-like censorship due my response in defending Sorry, Not Sorry’s position that it believes that the man’s show should be not be allowed to be a part of the Edmonton Fringe Festival.<br />
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I would like to reiterate, like I did in my interview, that I do not claim to speak for the whole of the Edmonton theatre community or the Edmonton Fringe. I claim to speak on behalf of a group called “Sorry, Not Sorry” who is inside the wider community. It is our right to decry the idea of this show going forward under the banner of the wider Edmonton theatre community due to idea that it makes us, as a group, uncomfortable that one who is convicted of child pornography is sharing our platform. Whether or not others join us or the Edmonton Fringe agrees with us is their decisions. Survivors of sexual violence, abuse, and exploitation need to be supported more than one convicted of a crime that contributes to these violations.<br />
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So, what of the man? What do I believe, as a grace-forward Christian, do with a man such as this? A man who has apparently joined with a church who has supported and guided him? A man who may have repented of his ways? A man, and his community, that has pointed to his faith as an option for everyone else to forget his transgressions?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I now need to turn to my understanding of the Christian faith.<br />
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The answer for me personally, as a Christian, is that even a sin that may be forgiven by the Lord, does not necessarily mean it should be forgiven in the eyes of the people to the point that the transgressor gets to do everything they used to be able to do. King David was denied the privilege of building the holy temple of God due to the blood he shed in the wars he waged. The Lord proclaimed that it is not right that David should build the temple due to his actions. And David accepted this.<br />
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In the same way, maybe David Belke, like his first names’ sake, has to relinquish the idea that he is allowed a voice in the realm of the Edmonton theatre community.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">If the church that supports him wants to put on his play because they fully support his return to being a member that has influence on that community, that is their decision to make, but that is not enough to give him the capacity to speak into the wider Edmonton theatre community. This is of course the opinion of one man as a part of a theatre company that supports him inside the wider Edmonton theatre community. However, I know that I and Sorry, Not Sorry Productions are not the only ones. that feel that David Belke’s social debt is paid.<br />
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His debt according to the law may be paid, but his social debt to the Edmonton theatre community is not paid in my personal view and he should not be allowed back to the space yet.<br />
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So, when can David Belke pay back his social debt? I do not know. Honestly, it may never be paid back. However, if a specific community wants to support Belke’s show, then it will go forward with that support. As a member of the Edmonton theatre community, myself and Sorry, Not Sorry Productions do not, at this time, support Belke’s voice to one that is heard, especially when there are so many marginalized voices struggling to be heard who have not supported an industry such as child pornography.<br />
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And this is where, I, as David Rae, the human, wants to speak in a pastoral way. I really hope for redemption for Mr. Belke. I hope he is able to build up others. I hope he is able to be better. I pray for these things. But I fore mostly pray for the healing, restoration, and elevation of those who have been hurt and abused.<br />
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May the Upside Down kingdom of Christ be realized where those who are taken advantage of or abused are those who are given prominence and protection and find full restoration. May those who truly repent and leave behind their past and seek redemption find it even if it means they leave behind their prominence.<br />
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May those who seek to make this world better find strength.<br />
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May those who feel overwhelmed feel supported.<br />
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May those who feel like all hope is lost, find not hope but rather full restoration.<br />
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May those who hurt find healing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">May those wronged find justice.</span></div>
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May we open up the world to be a place where the Filliam Crowes of our world who live in awe, wonder, and love thrive, overcome and break down the awful traps that destroy people.<br />
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P.S. Sorry, Not Sorry Productions is facing an increase in angry rhetoric due to the words I have said in response to this situation in the theatre community and it would be appreciated if you show support by giving us a great review on Facebook or if you come out to our shows at the Edmonton Fringe. The three shows are “The Splendiferous Quagmires of Mr. Filliam Crowe”, “yegDND”, and “Agent Thunder”.</span></div>
David Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431824827638407843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22152272.post-63358800578625759092019-06-20T16:49:00.001-05:002019-06-20T16:49:21.102-05:00Reviews for the Edmonton Fringe Festival 2019Since the closure of Vue Weekly here in Edmonton, there has been a deficit in the critical analysis of local theatre. Where can Edmontonians turn to to receive such consistent reviews such as one show receiving both a 0 star review and a 4.5 star review from the same publication. Worry not, for we, here at djracespade.blogspot.com, are ready to give the best critical analysis of some of the acts that will be present at the 2019 Edmonton Fringe Festival.<br />
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Vue Weekly prided itself in producing reviews after the first show of a given Fringe production. djracespade.blogspot.com holds itself to a higher standard by producing reviews of shows based entirely on past experience and the subjective prejudiced perspective of the idea of a show in order to give you, the valued reader, the most immediate reviews possible.<br />
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These reviews have been chosen due to their presence on the June 19th, 2019 edition of Odd Wednesday.<br />
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<u>Nuiboi</u><br />
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Nuiboi pushes the boundaries of artistic expression, using delightful costumes, subversive messaging, and an expressive intention that seeks to touch you in the heart and evolve your mind. They encourage their fellow humans to be better and if you dare question their message about the importance of the finding a more humane humanity, I will fucking cut you. With a knife or a sword or a broken piece of my beer glass that I dropped as I openly sobbed over the hollow state of our humanity that Nuiboi succinctly critiques of our collective soul, unlike that hack of a band from the 90's. If you are unwilling to concede that Nuiboi's message should transform us into a more loving people, then you better start training at the gym, because I am loading up on steroids and hiding all sorts of illegal weapons on my being and formally challenging you to a duel to the death in the caged fighting pit I've set up in my backyard specifically designed to challenge, punish, and destroy critics of Nuiboi's brilliance and message of love.<br />
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7 Jesuses out of 7. Or Jesi if you have more of a background in Latin.<br />
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<u>Merk Deux Soleil</u><br />
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Rebecca Merkley is a modern day, less assholeish version of Andy Kaufman, upsetting the applecart of traditional comedy and she successfully points out the flaw in human pride. Merkley and her Merk Deux Soleil has cornered the market of joy. Always smiling and always laughing, she is a person that is explicitly and viciously happy. She exudes the best qualities of life. You can't be sad around her or Berk Deux Soleil because she is like a reverse vampire where she bites into the neck of negativity and drains the cynicism and drains negativity from the audience and instead infects them with a curse of abundant joy and the audience is now a thrall to her will. Rebecca Merkley is now the dictator that dismisses the hopelessness and fear of the future, replacing it with an unending thirst for life.<br />
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Plelve clowns out of 9 circus tents.<br />
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<u>Don't Not Talk to Strangers</u><br />
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What can I say? Don't tell people to not unavoid watching Don't Not Talk to Strangers because they will not be unimpressed. It is impossible to not overunderestimate their not unincredible talent because they don't not never fail to oversurpass your nigh impossible standards of comedy. Their style is very easily not inaccessible, very much not unlike this reviews fails to be. These are 7 strangers who do not feel like strangers but rather are more like the family I never visit ever since the fallout of them dying. (It's fine. I've gotten over it.)<br />
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15 candies out of 9 strangers.<br />
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<u>The Debutantes Present: My Mistake</u><br />
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Readers of my reviews would likely expect that I would give a series of glowing reviews to all the acts tonight and then give a hilariously, aggressively antagonistic review to my own group for the larfs because that's where you assume I would put the twist. Well, if that's the case, fuck you! I'm a professional. I give all shows the same fair judgment to all shows I review regardless of my presence in them.<br />
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The Debutantes have ascended above the realms of humanity and gods; even the God of Abraham and David. The Debutantes, sometimes known as "The Debs", have once again embraced the heavenly bliss of God's love and acceptance as His chosen comedians. They cannot do any wrong. Their writing, delivery, direction all have made the angels cum with desire and the devils piss their pants in fear of the comedy they invoke.<br />
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The only exception to this is David Rae, who was only in charge of saying two simple lines. You may think that since this is a comedic review that I would dunk on myself, but guess again, fucktoid! Because despite his faulty memory, crippling anxiety, and crushing depression, he was able to present the rawness and vulnerability of humanity that can only be found in barely doing the minimum to rehearse.<br />
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The Debutantes get 9 boners out of 9 boners.<br />
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- David Rae<br />
Reviewer for djracespade.blogspot.comDavid Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431824827638407843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22152272.post-89997238329256834602019-05-29T18:30:00.001-05:002019-05-29T18:30:55.361-05:00The Better Men<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">My life currently consists of a lot of shows. In particular, it was sketch and improv, which has me presenting a lot of characters. I’m always hoping to have a wide variety of characters so that it’s easier to cast me in all sorts of roles. However, I realized a curious happenstance as I reflected on three characters that I have been sharing to promote my current shows.<br />
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The three characters are strikingly similar. They share a lot of similarities and the small differences between them are also telling.<br />
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For me, when I am having to create a new character for a show or even something like playing Dungeons & Dragons, I may consider a few options, but the ones I feel strongest about and wind up doing are usually connected to thoughts, ideas, and reflections I’ve been chewing over in my life. They are characters that are not that far removed from me in ideals and even characters that I wish I was more like.<br />
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That’s why the similarities and shared traits of the characters struck me. Especially since I did not plan on them lining up to be scheduled in shows so closely together like this, but now that they have, it has me thinking about where I find myself right now. <br />
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This past year at yegDND, I’ve been playing a character named Clarence Smoot, a simple man who is based loosely on my brother and especially the traits I most admired about him. He is not really a capable adventurer, but rather out of a sense of duty to where needs are, he answers the call to step up. He’s almost like a biblical character in that he may be considered to be a weak choice by others but due to this faithfulness to doing what’s right, he may have an impact and make the world a better place. Maybe he’s overwhelmed by the situation, but the purity of his heart and his kindness in the face of it all, is what makes him admirable.<br />
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When we were working on doing a special marathon show for yegDND, it was offered that we could bring back a character from the past that we really enjoyed. I immediately thought of Ziggy. He’s a frost giant child who happens to be 6’4” and is strong as a bull, but naive like a child with wonder in his eyes. He wants to make the world better and become a hero. He has overly simplistic view of how the world works and has an undying hope in the idea that bad situations can be made better. He sees the good in things and loves discovering new things and believes that he can do anything. He is always welcoming to people even if they secretly mean to take advantage of his strength for their own means.<br />
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Finally, this summer, I am doing a one-person show where I will be doing a physical comedy that involves little to no talking of a character, named Filliam Crowe, who is wracked with social anxiety, but a desire to embrace life in its fullness and trying to do things to the best of his ability and fumbling and bumbling his way through it. The situation will get more and more out of hand as he tries to stay on top of it all until it turns into a full blown disaster. Throughout all of this, he is fuelled by an undying optimism no matter how much it gets out of hand. He may moments of defeat, but the idea that tomorrow is a new day keeps him from staying in defeat.<br />
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You can see why it struck me. It feels like I talked about the same character three different ways. They are different from each other in enough ways that makes watching the three characters a different experience.<br />
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Clarence has an awareness of his lack of talent as an adventurer, which makes his choice to be one who tries to be an adventurer admirable. He goes not because he believes that he will survive necessarily, but because someone has to do something about the woes of the world and maybe he can.<br />
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Ziggy is gullible and is simply unable to grasp the idea that people would lie to him. He trusts others implicitly and explicitly. He believes that the world can change.<br />
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Filliam is not trying to save the world, he just doesn’t want life to pass him by. He doesn’t want to miss opportunities to love, to experience, and to understand.<br />
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It’s that shared trait of eternal optimism that I desire the most. The idea that despite how bad things are (And they are. They are really bad in this world) that it is not over and regardless of how incapable that I may be to make things better, maybe my faithfulness to doing my best is rewarded. Not to me necessarily, (although if that is in the cards as well, awesome!) but rather this world is made better.<br />
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I feel like a lot of losses have come my way personally and I’ve done my best to do what is right but my optimism and drive to keep pushing for a better world is taking the hit. Especially when, in outside of my life, it seems like a callousness to other people continually seems to win. A leader can declare that the most vulnerable people are a threat and must be treated like animals or subhuman and they win elections or continued support.<br />
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It’s the thing that separates me from my three favourite characters that I’ve created is this knowledge that the worst parts of humanity currently have the upper hand and that I personally am playing short-handed. I am having a tough time maintaining optimism in the face of it.<br />
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I think that’s why the characters I’ve been drawn to to play are optimistic and the pinnacle of genuine hope and kind action. These characters are a part of my personal mythology that inspire me to still be as kind and hopeful as I can be. It is true that all the world’s problems are overwhelming and impossible to overcome by one individual, but at the very least, I have done my part to do the best an individual can in the face of it. Not inspired by the fear of hell, but rather by the love for this broken world.<br />
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This all brings me back to the world of Psalms. The Psalms are the poetry and song book of the Bible.<br />
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The idea that there are people who seem to go unstopped for their greed and vindictiveness was a thing that my own namesake raged against in these ancient texts. David was furious that people who abuse the poor and flagrantly flaunt their selfish ways go unpunished and it all boils him up.<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">David is often overwhelmed by the injustice of it all. He knows it because he has been on the run from the man who has power over the land and he wants to kill David.</span></div>
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David often feels like he is unable to stop it. And he was even king during some of these Psalms!</span></div>
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However, regardless of his position and social status, he came back to the idea that he would be faithful to what is right because that is what is required of us. We may not be able to stop the power of our enemies and those who do wrong to those most vulnerable, but we actually do not know for sure what could make the difference. It may be something small and because we are faithful, then those small moments may be what matters.<br />
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It should be pointed out that David was also, at times, a selfish man. He did things that were awful and shortsighted. He was willing to kill a man in order to preserve the perception of his righteousness. He is one of the best examples of a person who has high-minded ideals and can be a paragon of faithfulness and perseverance and yet is susceptible to making awful mistakes.</span></div>
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He is not Clarence or Ziggy or Filliam.<br />
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He is more selfish.<br />
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He is more realistic.<br />
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It makes sense that I am more like King David than those three characters I created. A man who was given so much by God and was one that made decisions that hurt people.<br />
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I will continue to pursue being more like Clarence, Ziggy, and Filliam, because it is people like that that love people more and make this world a better place. It is not the self-righteous who thinks they are morally better who necessarily make it better for others.<br />
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I should mention that one of the traits that I admire in the character of King David is his ability to realize his mistakes and his drive to make things right.<br />
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I would like to think I share that trait and it propels me to be more like those three characters and it will me to be remembered like Clarence or Ziggy or Filliam would be. An inspiring, kind optimist who loves unconditionally and truly makes the world better.<br />
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“I’ve heard there was a secret chord<br />
That David played and it pleased the Lord<br />
But you don’t really care for music, do you?<br />
Well it goes like this:<br />
The fourth, the fifth, the minor fall and the major lift<br />
The baffled king composing Hallelujah.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">- “Hallelujah” from the Leonard Cohen album “Various Positions”</span></div>
David Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431824827638407843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22152272.post-65800618064342135112018-02-19T15:21:00.002-06:002018-02-19T15:21:50.742-06:00Two Masters<div>
Admittedly, this post is meant more for those who believe in the words of the Bible, but I hope these words resonant outside of that.</div>
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I enjoy the Lord's Prayer. I appreciate the simplicity of it and there's a certain poetry to it. There's a certain comfort that comes from saying it, knowing that many of the great believers, theologians and heroes of faith have said that prayer when they found themselves in times of turmoil and also in times of epiphany. That even when things are at the bleakest, that I could say the same words Jesus prayed. Maybe even in the garden before he was turned over to the authorities.<div>
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I remember saying that prayer in school. To me, it didn't seem out of place. It was a continuation of how I understood the world. That God was a given. That we could pray to Him and know He was present.</div>
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I also remember when we stopped saying the Lord's Prayer in school. It didn't bother me either. My understanding was that God was everywhere. He was not some kind of divine vampire that was not allowed into school unless He was invited. He was bigger than that. My six hours a day being inside the confines of a school building did not disconnect me from God.</div>
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Now, I can think of when God may seem distant or even not present at all and in the middle of junior high would definitely qualify as one of those times. When people are picking on you and you may feel worthless or you feel like you have to take advantage of other people's weaknesses to ensure you're not the one who's ostracized. It was times when it felt like you were alone and the future is clouded by uncertainty. I would pray sometimes for help and it was a small comfort in those times.</div>
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But to be honest, those prayers would be like a little bit like getting a text from a good friend. It was nice to know God was not gone but it still was so far from what I needed.</div>
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The times that I could point to God showing up, almost always involved a person showing up. Maybe it was a classmate in a moment of courage that stood up for me. Maybe it was a person who I rarely talked to who I found a connection with, reminding that people are not really that different. It was a person that gives you a big hug or warm words or quiet solidarity in times of pain or generous gifts that you needed but couldn't ask for.</div>
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When I think about "Let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven", I think about those people, both Christian and not, who in those moments do good things. I believe that is God doing His will on earth. The answer to many prayers involve a person who is listening to what God wants to bring about in the world.</div>
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I don't believe that God has been kept out of schools as long as people continue to listen to His will. He didn't turn and sulk that we weren't praying to Him. He didn't "Well, they aren't praying publicly anymore, so let them have their fill of school shootings."</div>
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Funny enough, right before Jesus told his disciples the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13, Jesus said this in verses 5-6: "When you pray, don't be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you."</div>
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There's a sense that prayer is best done in times where there is quiet. Perhaps in a time where reflection can happen. I believe that the Lord's Prayer is supposed to inspire us to think about how we fit into this idea of "Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Praying the prayer in a school with others who may have a distaste for all things religious are not going to be changed. Prayer is for those who are seeking the Lord. If one believes in the power of prayer, they would also be the kind of person who would seek to the answer the prayers of others especially if you have been given the capability to help.</div>
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That all said, I admit that God has been replaced by many people to man-made idols that they believe will save them. Money is the most obvious one preachers will point to, but to me, the American idol is the gun. Although not specifically an American god, as I have seen many Canadians also believe that guns will save them, it is uniquely worshipped by the American society. So much has been sacrificed in the name of making sure no one removes high-powered, automatic weapons from the hands of anyone. For many, guns are sacred, they offer deliverance and security. They are considered holy, even.</div>
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But like all false gods, they also demand sacrifices for no return. And the sacrifices are mounting. The people are crying out. But who will answer their prayers? Perhaps people who are listening to the will of God.</div>
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In 2nd Kings, King Josiah realized that people had split their allegiance between God and Baal. They were praying to God, but they were also praying and sacrificing to Baal, believing they needed both. His decision was to rid the land of all idols from the lands in all their forms. King Josiah listened to the will of God.</div>
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Jesus himself said that no one can serve two masters. He will love one and hate the other. You may love God, but if you also love guns to the extent that no small measure of gun control is allowed, then you are serving two masters and you are choosing one over the other.</div>
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Jesus spoke about how if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It sometimes hurts to remove the thing that is causing you problems. Guns are beloved, but they are causing sin to be multiplied by several bullets a second.</div>
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Other countries face the same problems as America. Mental illness is everywhere. Violent media is everywhere. Angry vengeful men are everywhere. But there is only one country that faces the nonstop tragedy of mass shootings. It is the one that worships the gun.</div>
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Other countries have removed prayer from schools, but they don't face mass shootings on such a massive scale. Rather it is the one country who believes that guns are God-given.</div>
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I think it is appropriate to invoke the words of one of the prophets, Isaiah, who had hard words for those who believed they were doing the right things religiously while ignoring what the Lord wanted. Originally, it was more of a metaphor, but it is fittingly on the nose. Isaiah 1:15-17 says, "When you lift up your hands in prayer, I will not look. Though you offer many prayers, I will not listen, for your hands are covered with the blood of innocent victims. Wash yourselves and be clean! Get your sins out of my sight. Give up your evil ways. Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows."</div>
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Guns will not save you. They only know how to destroy.</div>
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This brings me back to where I started. Prayers are being offered all over America about the violence that it is flooded in, but who will be the ones who listens to the will of God in this case. Is there enough faith in the God of peace that America can let go of its worship of the gun? I hope so. May God bless America and may God's will be done on earth as it is in heaven.</div>
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Finally, for the NRA and their corporate friends:</div>
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"You fasten all the triggers</div>
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For the others to fire</div>
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Then you set back and watch</div>
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While the death count gets higher</div>
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You hide in your mansion</div>
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While the young people's blood</div>
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Flows out of their bodies</div>
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And is buried in the mud.</div>
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You've thrown the worst fear</div>
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That can ever be hurled</div>
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Fear to bring children into the world</div>
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For threatening my baby</div>
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Unborn and unnamed</div>
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You ain't worth the blood</div>
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That runs in your veins.</div>
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How much do I know</div>
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To talk out of turn</div>
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You might say that I'm young</div>
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You might say I'm unlearned</div>
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But there's one thing I know</div>
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Though I'm younger than you</div>
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Even Jesus would never</div>
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Forgive what you do."</div>
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- "Masters of War" from the Bob Dylan album "The Free Wheelin' Bob Dylan</div>
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David Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431824827638407843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22152272.post-74008196618038566552017-03-01T15:18:00.002-06:002017-03-01T15:18:20.145-06:00DadMarch 1st usually sneaks up on me. To be fair, any time it is a new month, it doesn't normally register anything for me. That's why I never have any good pranks for April Fool's Day. My brain doesn't grasp it is even April until halfway through the day and then it clicks after that that I could have pulled off some great trick on an idiot. But I need more than a mere few hours to get into a rubber suit. This has already gotten off the rails.<div>
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March 1st usually sneaks up on me. It's again, about halfway through the day that I realize it's March and then that's when it sinks in. My dad died on March 1st and so it has been a certain amount of years since he's been gone.</div>
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When I realize this anniversary, I don't give more than a few cursory thoughts about it. I think about how it's been so long since he's been gone. I've lived more of my life without him that I did with him. It's been many years since I can remember how his voice. In fact, it was not even that long after he died that it faded into the mists. It was surprising how quickly it happened. The best I can do is half imagine him shouting and the way he kind of did it. Don't get me wrong, he didn't yell very much at all, but that's all I can recall. I can't even tell you anything he told me specifically.</div>
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That's not entirely true. There is one phrase that I remember and I will always remember. When I was mischievous little rapscallion, he'd always call me a "turkey-faced sheep". He never varied that phrase. I don't even know how he came up with it. It wasn't from TV or movies or anything. Nonetheless, that was his go to identifier for me. I was used to it as anyone who grows up with a repeated phrase and I didn't reflect on it until one day after him calling me that for 11 years (I assume the first time he would've called me that was when I was a toddler and I straight up stole his glass of clamato juice and downed it right in front of him before he could react in an act where I tried to establish my dominance). One day, he called me a turkey-faced sheep, as was tradition, but then he paused and said, "A turkey-faced sheep would look pretty weird." WHAT?! He didn't even know what he was saying all these years? What farce is this? Yeah, Les, that is pretty weird. I don't know what about me specifically invoked the idea of a sheep with the face of the ugliest bird in the world.</div>
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I don't haven't really thought about my dad too much in the past several years. I mean my life is so vastly different than when I knew him. There's no context to bring about memories of him in my world.</div>
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The thing that has struck me though over the years is just how prominent my dad was in my life. He was retired by the time I was 5 and so it was like I had a grandpa that lived in my house. In the summers, we'd go on these hour long walks around the town in the morning a few times a week. He was the first person that I would talk about all sorts of things. He told me things I don't know if he told anybody else in the world. When people would ask me who my best friend was in high school, I would say one of my friends who I spent much of my time with. However, I've discovered in my reflection of my time in Minnedosa, that truly, it was my dad who was my best friend. I knew him and he knew me.</div>
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I've also become aware of how rare of a relationship I had with my dad. Some people never had a strong father figure in the life or if they did, they had a job and they would have limited time with their kids. For me, my dad gave me so much time. We'd watch tv together and talk and he'd tell me stories. He was still an authority figure and I still treated him that way, but I could reason with him and converse with him.</div>
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I have been asked in the past about what made my dad such a great dad and at first, I didn't have a great response. I wouldn't say that he had any special parenting tricks. It wasn't like he had amazing spiritual insight since he never really went to church until his late 40's. He had trouble connecting with my brother. I concluded that why I respected him so much was that time I had with him. That's the only tip I have for parenting. It's time.</div>
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I feel like I've done generally okay without him in my life since he died when I was 15. Like I have food and can pay rent on my own. Sure, it would've been nice for him to have been able to teach me how to drive standard or talk about how to avoid the financial pitfalls my parents fell into. I've had to essentially find out for myself.</div>
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That's why March 1st usually sneaks up on me. I've been able to operate without his help as an adult and so I am not missing that element in my life.</div>
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This March 1st was different. I knew it was coming. Not because my calendar is calibrated to do a morbid countdown. I knew it was coming because I've been thinking about dad a lot lately and how I need him right now. Every time I wish I could talk to him about something, I'm reminded about the loss March brought about in my life.</div>
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I currently find myself in one of the darkest places I've ever been in. I don't have great solutions. All my options are going to be awful. I've never had before. I've been in situations that are tough, but I knew it was something you walk through and you will come out the other end okay and perhaps even stronger as person. This time, I dread it.</div>
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This post is not supposed to be about that, but rather how I've never wanted so bad to have one more chance to walk past the lake, over the dam, past the bison compound, through downtown Minnedosa with dad and talk with him. Ask him for his thoughts. What would he do? Because I have no idea. Not one. I have nothing. I don't have things he has said to cross-reference. I was 15 when he unexpectedly died. I wasn't asking him about these things. I never got to really talk about dating or marriage or life choices or careers.</div>
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Great. I just cried in the middle of this Starbucks.</div>
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The best I can guess as to where he may point me is something like the tried and true Psalm 23.</div>
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"The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.</div>
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He makes me lie down in green pastures,</div>
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He leads me beside quiet waters,</div>
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He refreshes my soul.</div>
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He guides me along the right paths for His name's sake.</div>
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Even though I walk through the darkest valley,</div>
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I will fear no evil,</div>
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For you are with me;</div>
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Your rod and your staff,</div>
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They comfort me."</div>
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I know it was words like this that got my dad out of one the darkest times in his life. I trust that the words hold true of the Lord being my shepherd. Even if I'm a turkey-faced sheep.</div>
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To close this post, I am going to quote a song like I do every time, but this one is my dad's favourite hymn. It comforted him and it comforts me.</div>
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"I come to the garden alone,</div>
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While the dew is still on the roses,</div>
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And the voice I hear falling on my ear</div>
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The Son of God discloses.</div>
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And He walks with me, and He talks with me,</div>
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And He tells me I am His own;</div>
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And the joy we share as we tarry there,</div>
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None other has ever known.</div>
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He speaks, and the sound of His voice</div>
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Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,</div>
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And the melody that He gave to me</div>
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Within my heart is ringing.</div>
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And He walks with me, and He talks with me,</div>
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And He tells me I am His own;</div>
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And the joy we share as we tarry there,</div>
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None other has ever known.</div>
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I'd stay in the garden with Him,</div>
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Though the night around me be falling,</div>
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But He bids me go; through the voice of woe</div>
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His voice to me is calling.</div>
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And He walks with me, and He talks with me,</div>
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And He tells me I am His own;</div>
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And the joy we share as we tarry there,</div>
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None other has ever known."</div>
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- "In the Garden" by Charles A. Miles</div>
David Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431824827638407843noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22152272.post-28623432463580519602016-02-14T20:03:00.002-06:002016-02-14T20:03:55.585-06:00A Better Valentine's DayWhen David Bowie passed away not too long ago along with Alan Rickman within a couple of days of that, I was reminded again of the curious response of people pouring forth their sentiments of how these individuals impacted their lives and yet never mentioning it ever before that moment.<div>
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Bowie released his album on the Friday and not one person had mentioned in conversation or on Facebook anything about his new album. He dies and suddenly it's considered a masterpiece. I wonder if he hadn't died if that sentiment would come forth.</div>
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Hear me clearly, I think that people are sincere when they say they appreciate their heroes when they pass. I believe that people are not just fooling themselves when they say his final album was amazing. What is curious to me is how often you rarely hear about the impact a person has on one's life until that person is dead.</div>
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Now, I'm sure Mr. Bowie and Mr. Rickman were aware of how much people loved the work they produced and they had some idea of the impact they had. However, I want to bring it closer to home. Just like when the impact of faraway celebrities is rarely mentioned until their death, I see it the same with people in everyday life. It's not until the funeral when praise is lavished upon the individual for all their great qualities and accomplishments and impact. Does that person you admire for their honesty or hard work or kindness know that you hold them in such regard? I think it is often easy to neglect such a simple form of encouragement. We always believe that we will have time later. Or perhaps we don't believe it to be a worthwhile endeavour.</div>
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I think that's stupid. People are not going to benefit from your kind words once they're dead.</div>
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So what are we to do? How do you find a way to remind and push yourself to encourage another or to uphold people?</div>
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I believe the answer lies within what humans have done to help remind themselves. Use a reminder. Mark a special day to do it. Christmas reminds us of hope. New Year's reminds us that we can change. Remembrance Day reminds us of the depths of sacrifice. Thanksgiving reminds us of how we should be grateful for all that we have. I've heard the argument that these are attitudes and actions that we should do throughout the year and not relegate it to one day. I agree with that. However, life goes along and it is all too easy to forget these beautiful ideas and to raise it to the social consciousness to remind ourselves of the ideas that we hold important as a society.</div>
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I think encouragement for one another is a beautiful idea that is often forgotten.</div>
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My vote for a day to encourage people is Valentine's Day. Valentine's Day in North American tradition has been about expressing the depths of your love for another. It has always been about a romantic love which is nice, but hardly scratches the surface of the breadth of love. It also alienates many people who are not in a romantic relationship.</div>
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Wouldn't it be great if Valentine's Day was a day about expressing the depths of our love for one another but not just the romantic kind? What if it was also a day where you call or message or meet with two or three or twenty people that have impacted your life and inspire you? Wouldn't it be great to share your love of artists and heroes with people?</div>
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The best part is, that this day opens up for everyone. People without a romantic connection can be included. You can encourage people that maybe overlooked and would be overlooked for their whole lives.</div>
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Sure, it would be great if this happened all year, but it can hard to do that without a reminder.</div>
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So, my encouragement to you to contact a small selection of people in your life and express to them your care for them. Post on Facebook about artists and heroes that inspire you.</div>
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Make Valentine's Day about love.</div>
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"Look up here, I'm in heaven</div>
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I've got scars that can't be seen</div>
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I've got drama, can't be stolen</div>
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Everybody knows me now."</div>
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- "Lazarus" from the David Bowie album "Blackstar"</div>
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David Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431824827638407843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22152272.post-51108271075178059212015-11-11T20:23:00.001-06:002015-11-11T20:23:16.234-06:00Remember<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal;">
This Remembrance Day, it stands out to me how many people offer their thanks to the veterans and to those serving our country currently. What stood out to me was how vague many of the sentiments were. I thought about it more and realize that it makes sense. Especially, when the second World War (the last war that involved most of an entire generation) ended 70 years ago. I know that even for those who are my peers, some of their grandparents were too young to be a part of the war effort. Even if people do have grandparents who served in the war, many do not hear of their story. Perhaps it was too horrible or perhaps it simply doesn't come up. Many will hear stats such as that there were over 1,000,000 Canadian soldiers with over 42,000 of them dying during the war. Even though those numbers encapsulate many individual tragedies, they are just numbers. Humans have a hard time feeling bad for numbers.</div>
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That's why a personal story and a personal connection can turn one of those numbers into a someone we can identify with. It can bring the ideas of sacrifice and honour to a tangible picture.</div>
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I wonder if that many people lack that personal connection to someone from that era and although they intellectually understand the danger and sacrifice involved in such an event, maybe they feel detached from it all.</div>
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Growing up and going to Remembrance Day services at the school, I recall some of the other students and how disinterested they were in it. Now, I can understand it, but back then I could not.</div>
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That's because my own dad was a veteran of World War II. I was invested in those ceremonies because it involved my dad's own friends, classmates and even his other siblings. This was important to him and so it was important for me.</div>
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What I want to share with you today is what I can remember from what my dad told me about his experiences and my hope is that it will be a record for my own benefit, but also hopefully for those of you who feel so far away from the war. I want to take one of those numbers and make it real. I realize that I have a unique position of being closely related to someone involved in the war. I got to spend so much time with him because he was retired by the time I was 5. We would go for long walks around Minnedosa in the summer time. Sometimes we would talk about the war and his experiences and it's not until now that I realize how rare and beautiful a gift that was.</div>
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My dad, Les Rae, was born in 1925, which means he turned 18 in 1943. Four years of the war had already passed when he was enlisted and join the war effort. My uncle Frank was already over in Italy as artilleryman and my aunt Nina was a radar operator for the Navy. Dad told me about how there was a sense with his friends and peers that they needed to go and join. He told me that a few of the others who were too young would lie about their age and join. It was a sense of duty that drove them. Perhaps even the adventure of it.</div>
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He lived in a farming community west of Virden, Manitoba called Two Creeks. He told me about how throughout his teen years, the pilots who were training in their fighter planes would sometimes fly overhead and swoop down and fly right over your head with the roar of the engine blaring in your ear. My dad really wanted to join the air force. When he was old enough, he tried to join, but he was rejected because he failed his eye test. Not to be discouraged, he went to another place where the air force was recruiting and hoped to pass. To his chagrin, he got the same eye doctor and was once again rejected.</div>
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Enlisting in the army instead, my dad was sent to Kingston, Ontario which was the major army base of the Canadian Forces and went through basic training. He told me about the gruelling day long hikes with 80 pounds of gear on his back. One of the drills he had to do was to crawl through the mud underneath barbed wire as they shot live ammo over them to simulate what it was like to crawl through the battlefield. They'd have to make their beds perfect so that if a commanding officer checked, they could bounce a quarter off the perfectly tight bedsheets. To contrast, I take up to an hour to get out of bed in the mornings.</div>
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After basic, my dad was assigned to be a signalman, which means he <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">got to ride Harley Davidson motorcycles. Although it was not the same as flying a plane, it was still pretty exciting. The signalman’s job was to hand deliver messages when the officers did not want to use the radios to transmit secret plans. This also meant that the enemy would target the guys on motorcycles first to stop the messages from being delivered. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">My dad was sent to England for motorcycle training where they had learn how to expertly handle their machines. One of the tests was the riders would have to drive their bikes underneath a wire that was only a foot above the height of the bike and they’d have to duck.</span></div>
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<br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 11px;">Once done his training, my dad was sent to Germany to join the fight there. He was not there long when the German army surrendered. He was really fortunate given the dangerous role he had. Dad had told me about one signalman who he had met who had been involved at the battlefield. This other signalman was riding along when he stopped and looked around and </span><span style="font-size: 11px;">realized</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 11px;"> that he was in the middle of a mine field. The enemy was firing at him and the only thing he could take cover behind was his bike. As he took cover, he prayed for the first time in his life. He realized he needed to move. Slowly pushing his bike along, he carefully navigated the field. Once out of the minefield and to safety, the reality of how close he was to death hit him as he looked upon his shrapnel-ridden bike. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 11px;">Another one of the stories that stood out to me was about the night the Germans surrendered. He and some of the other signalmen took the local German kids for rides on their bikes. Many Germans hated the war and some of them were opposed to the monster at the top as much as anyone else and were relieved that it was over. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 11px;">It's also worth noting that no one really knew of the holocaust while the war was </span><span style="font-size: 11px;">going</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: 11px;"> on. Much of that information came out after the war. Many people were unsure whether to be involved. Especially the United States. The States were cautious and stayed out of it. The </span><span style="font-size: 11px;">presidential election taking place at the time had both candidates promising to not get involved because it was not the job of the United States of America to police the world. Funny how the times change.</span></span></div>
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Despite the German surrender, the war was not over. My dad was sent down to the southern United States to do some specialized jungle training so that they could send him to fight in Japan. While he training, the Americans dropped the two atomic bombs on Japan which lead to the surrender of the Japanese.</div>
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My dad was sent home. In the end, he never participated in any actual fighting. <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">He’d tell me that some of the men who had seen fighting avoided talking about the war and what they saw because it was such a scary memory for them. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">War for many was not the exciting, flashy action movies and comic book stories that you see. War meant people were putting their lives, their minds and their souls on the line for their country.</span></div>
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I realize that this story is not a flashy story of heroism and sacrifice. One of the things I take away from my dad's story is that there were others like him who didn't have such a happy ending. They shared his hope for adventure and the deep sense of duty for his community. I can see how it was resonate with me to be involved in a such a vital way. This was a way you could have a strong sense of purpose. These men and women would serve selflessly because it was right to help your fellow countrymen.</div>
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Another thing that has struck me over the years is the idea that some veterans would not share their experiences because of the emotional trauma of what they saw. It's another kind of wound that would follow them for the rest of the their lives. I never met my uncle Frank. My family always spoke very highly of him. How he was funny, smart and handsome. He died sometime after the war when he was hit by a train as he was walking in Virden. What's interesting is that my family claims that it was an accident. That he didn't hear the train coming because of the wind. It sounds like a comforting lie. I always wondered how the war impacted him. They said he changed after the war. He was one of those that would not speak of his experience. I suppose we'll never know for sure what happened.</div>
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It's one of the reasons that I am grateful that my dad didn't experience the horrible realities of war like others faced. Many didn't get that benefit. They either died or came back never the same. Perhaps even living with those memories and unable to purge the horrors from the cages of their mind. </div>
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I hope my dad's story is a reminder that the people who were involved in this war were like the rest of us. That war changes people. That war destroys people. That we must not take war lightly so as not to needlessly endanger those brave enough to defend us. That we push for peace. That we should live well so that the soldiers did not sacrifice themselves in vain.</div>
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I tell you this story in hopes that we do not forget and do not repeat.</div>
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"Kudos, my hero</div>
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Leaving all the best</div>
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You know my hero</div>
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The one that's on</div>
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There goes my hero</div>
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Watch him as he goes</div>
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There goes my hero</div>
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He's ordinary."</div>
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- "My Hero" from the Foo Fighters album "The Colour and the Shape"</div>
David Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431824827638407843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22152272.post-34982891727320191282015-05-15T20:16:00.000-05:002015-05-15T20:16:00.517-05:00Love Letter to the Edmonton Comedy Scene(This post is in regards to an article in Vue Weekly, which you can find here: http://www.vueweekly.com/edmontons-underground-comedy-scene-is-weird-inclusive-and-positive/)<br />
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I was recently quoted and interviewed for an article in one of Edmonton's local arts papers that has led to a bit of a stir in the Edmonton comedy scene. The article focused on a supposed "underground" comedy scene (I guess Whyte avenue is considered underground? I wonder if the writer had confused "underground" with "south of the river") and it was presented in such a way that it made it seem like these shows were inclusive while the big comedy clubs and other shows were not. Which is not true.<br />
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This has led to many to be upset at such an idea as they should be. The comics that are hard working in the clubs and other shows are not creating an exclusive environment.<br />
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Some of their responses have pointed out something to the effect that those interviewed have no authority speaking on comedy because they are so new and/or are bad comedians. Some have indicated that those interviewed are creating a divide or are unfairly insulting fellow comedians. I can't speak for the others in the article. So I won't. I will, however, respond for myself.<br />
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I have no idea if my comments were considered to be hurtful or divisive or if it was simply because my name appeared in the article and thus it seemed like I agreed with the content of the article. Perhaps I'm being vain to assume people misunderstood me or even cared what I said. I don't particularly think my opinion is one of any authority in the scene. Some dude asked me questions and I answered them. The problem for me is if people did misunderstand me and felt slighted, then I should clarify myself.<br />
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I do believe that what I actually said in the article but not necessarily anything else. I tried to mention in my conversation with the reporter as many of the rooms I could think of including the Druid which was one of the shows that preceded the existence of Dr. Jokes and all of their kin. The Druid and Rouge Lounge are different than the alternative rooms, but they are just as vital.<br />
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I like the weird, alternative comedy-leaning rooms because they allowed me to explore concepts and were willing to go with me on my longer story-telling style. As well, like I also said, a comedian needs to do all kinds of rooms. You need to be able to win over crowds that don't innately like you because you're weird and adorable. As Lars Callieou has pointed out to me before, referring to something that Jerry Seinfeld said: "Good crowds help you explore; tough crowds help you edit."<br />
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My start in stand up comedy in Edmonton entailed going to the Druid comedy night (hosted by Lars) where I got my emotional teeth kicked in for months. I struggled to write short jokes that got quickly to a punchline and my round about pseudo-Stuart Mclean story-telling style didn't work great with a 5-minute set when a crowd can easily get distracted.<br />
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That's when I discovered Dr. Jokes where I was given more time for sets and I could explore premises and stories. It would give me some of my favoured bits that I still enjoy doing.<br />
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I still continued to go to the Druid and if forced me to come up with quicker jokes and I'm so thankful for that.<br />
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In the end, I do all these shows so that way I can go into the clubs and on the road and bring the best I can there. I would love to work consistently at the clubs, but I want to be good enough that they want me there. As Jim Gaffigan has said, "be so good that you are undeniable". I appreciate the clubs because they bring comedy to all sorts of people. They are a vital part of the engine of giving comics a chance to live and survive doing what they love.<br />
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The best part of stand up to me is that if a person feels like they have a point of view that they'd like to share with a crowd (perhaps a crowd of people that would normally disagree with them) you can. You may even plant the seeds to change minds. The only requirement is that you be funny. And you can't become as funny as you can be holed up in the rooms that you feel safe in.<br />
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What I'd like to end off this post is something positive. I know this may be hard for some of you comics to swallow but I'm not responsible for your cynicism.<br />
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I am thankful for the Druid. It's the first stage I ever performed on after I decided to become a standup comic. It has taught me some critical writing skills that I still need to work on. It also helped prepare me for road shows.<br />
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I am thankful for Dr. Jokes for allowing me to explore and giving me a place to figure things out.<br />
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I am thankful for Rouge Lounge because it was my great challenge for a long time. My style is weird to them there. That room was my Moby Dick if you will. I still remember the first time I did well there and I am always happy when I do.<br />
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I am thankful for the Comic Strip and the opportunity it is in this city. Major headliners come through and you have a chance to perform in front a diverse crowd. When shows are full there, it is so exciting to perform. Plus their joke battle show has lead me to find some of my best bits.<br />
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I am thankful for the Empress comedy show and the Underdog comedy show because of the opportunity to play for an engaged audience. I don't have to fight the crowd and I can experiment with some really weird ideas.<br />
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I was about to write a list of people to thank. But I realized that that I would likely get me in trouble. Just know that I try to learn from all of you and I appreciate it. Whether its comedy stuff or otherwise. Maybe I'll even tell you in person something instead of some note on the internet.David Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431824827638407843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22152272.post-17143325689825665792015-04-15T17:12:00.002-05:002015-04-15T17:12:59.345-05:00Just JokesIt's weird to get a theatre degree and then wait 10 years before you actually start performing in a theatre. I mean, sure, I wrote sketches and videos for churches, camps and for kicks, but I haven't really had the experience of doing acting exercises and rehearsals since college. It has been a lot fun joining up with my improv troupe, Sorry Not Sorry. <div>
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Improv is not really my strength in regards to acting. Normally, I prefer prepared scripts and thought out monologues and I always figured I'm not fast enough on my feet to effectively do improv. Honestly, I'm not as quick as some of the folks in the troupe who seem to have minds that can spontaneously combust into quips and jokes and characters that are funny and entertaining. I will say that my strength lies in my character work. If I can conceive a character, I can make it come to life. I suppose it was all those years of doing monologues with weird characters.</div>
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Anyway, that's the background to something that happened that caught me and had me reflecting for the next couple of days. We had a rehearsal where we focused on a long form story and we took suggestions for a location to be used at some point and we went with "church".</div>
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What ensued was a story about a new priest who was trying to help out this town that had fallen into a terrible debauchery since the last priest left. There was a couple of brothers who wanted to sabotage the new priest because they feared their pickle empire would suffer (because when people are debaucherous, they eat pickles - improv is weird sometimes). The story was cartoonish as people would switch from bad to good at the mere reading of any phrase in the Bible (or "bibble" as it was called by the unknowing bad people). It was silly and fun and everything turns out well. It was a pretty standard improv story.</div>
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After the story, one of the actors felt really apprehensive about doing such a story involving religion. He was concerned that it may come off as offensive to Christians because of the way improv has a natural tendency to trivialize whatever topic is involved. It is true that improv tends to play fast and loose with topics because it has to. If you are stopping and editing yourself, it will lead to a stilted presentation. I could appreciate how he felt about the whole thing. You don't want to make light of someone else's beliefs or philosophies or culture.</div>
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Some of you may feel like it may have been inappropriate to take the suggestion of "church" in the first place because that is what would lead to such a potentially hurtful situation. Here's the thing. I was the one who accepted the suggestion of "church" from the crowd. It was one we hadn't done before and I figured that it might be interesting to do.</div>
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Now, I have no idea if any one else in the troupe would identify themselves as Christian as so I don't know if they would have taken offence at it. I haven't tried to do the secret handshake to discover the others and so we could conspire to turn the group into a troupe that only does Christian messages and quotes the Bible every scene. (To be clear to everyone, I don't plan on doing that. That would be stupid.)</div>
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Admittedly, the way the church and members of the clergy and were portrayed in the scenes were very inaccurate. No one would just turn from selfish ways at the mere mention of a line from Jesus. A town doesn't become a complete den of inequity because there's no priest around. The Bible is not magic in that way. (Funny enough to me, it could have been made into a movie and it would been celebrated as a wonderful Christian film celebrated by the church for it's positive portrayal of Christianity.)</div>
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I suppose I had the "right" to be offended. It had took a jokey approach to my faith and could have been construed as being dismissive to my beliefs. This is where I say I shouldn't be offended. It would be stupid of me to be offended. It would be immature of me to be offended. If I would be offended at someone making fun of my faith (especially one where the church were portrayed as the good guys. How often does that happen anymore?) then I would communicate something far more damaging about Christianity that anything joked about. I believe it would communicate that my faith and my God is not strong enough to overlook a joke. It seems to me that if you can't bear to hear a joke about your beliefs then you probably don't believe in that thing very much. Also, it shows that you either lack the intelligence or humility to differentiate when someone is joking and when someone is trying to harm you.</div>
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The more defensive you are about your beliefs, the more uncertain you are in those beliefs. If all you hear about my beliefs is how I'm offended at something, then I'm missing out on the opportunity to talk about what is good about my beliefs.</div>
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If you can't take a joke, then I can't take you seriously.</div>
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"Some people try to find the meaning in life but that's the craziest thing you can do,</div>
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Because the meaning behind something as f***ed up as life would have to be pretty f***ed up too.</div>
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Some people think a wizard lives up in the sky</div>
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And he looks after people after people die</div>
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And also there's a monster underneath the dirt</div>
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And his job is to trick us into being jerks</div>
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But other people think none of that exists</div>
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And if you try to argue they get really pissed</div>
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The only thing upon which they can all agree</div>
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Is at the end of the day there's nothing more crazy that Scientology</div>
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People's opinions are all stupid and bizarre</div>
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Believing in stuff is mostly crap"</div>
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- "Life" from the Success 5000 album "Laughcore"</div>
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David Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431824827638407843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22152272.post-26072509997663063612014-03-16T16:19:00.000-05:002014-03-16T16:19:29.299-05:00FerneI'll be honest. I don't know how to approach this post. I don't know how to present my reflections in a wonderfully worded way. Hey, alliteration! Maybe this will be alright.<br />
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I want to talk about some of my reflections on my mom's passing. For some, they may be interested in hearing how I'm doing. For others, perhaps my weird understanding of things might be interesting. For others, perhaps they'll have a connection to my experience and find some comfort there. Perhaps this is ultimately for myself to remember my thoughts. This is not for everybody. If you don't want to read, you can excuse yourself. By simply clicking on the link to this post, I've already got my view stat up. Yep, I just cracked a joke about my petty nature.</div>
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I should start off by stating that I did not have the best relationship with my mom. I really struggled to connect with her on a significant level. Conversations were simply passing information back and forth like we presented each other with headlines from the newspapers of our lives without actually talking about the content of the articles. </div>
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Even when it came to issues about faith, something important to both of us, our understanding and approach to faith were very different. When I hypothesized the idea that perhaps there is no real being commonly referred to as Satan, she responded the next day with every reference of Satan from the Bible. I sighed because I was aware that the name Satan was used. Even if I tried to engage in a conversation about it, she would just point to the word Satan written on the page.</div>
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She knew how everyone was connected through the family tree and genealogies. She pointed out that one of the girls on the Summer Ministry Tour team was actually my third cousin once removed. I had no idea. I didn't particularly care either. We would pass a random farmhouse in western Manitoba and tell me who lived there and how we were related. I would turn around and ask, "Could you tell me a story about them?" and she usually couldn't. We found different things interesting.</div>
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The idea of family was not that important to me because it seemed to be presented to me that how we were connected to others was more important than actually spending any time with them. We rarely saw the extended family for whatever reason and to me family seemed like an irrelevant concept. Unfortunately, that has stayed with me through these years and even now as I am married, I have a hard time not seeing family as obligation. That's probably going to make me a little unpopular. Admitting that the idea of family is not 100% necessary rarely goes well. I'll let it be an open end because that's not the point here.</div>
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When my mom died, it did not make me sad. My emotional reaction was more of mild surprise. The kind of surprise that sounds like, "Oh, today? I guess I'm going to Manitoba." I've never known my mom to be in good health. When the ambulance pulled up to my house 16 years ago, I was surprised that it was my 73 year old dad that they were there for and not my 51 year old mom.</div>
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Truth be told, my mom never did recover from my dad's death and the whole experience put a strain on our relationship. Dad was the diplomatic buffer that I didn't realize he was until he was not around for me to go to. If I something that was at all serious, I went to my dad. His passing left me to craft a kind of close relationship that my mom and I never had before then. Our disagreements would not go over well when I would try and make proposals to do something bringing in my history of compliance with laws of the land, my aversion to drugs and alcohol, my known associates to not be larcenous thugs and she would sometimes say 'no' with no rhyme or reason and make me sit at home and do nothing. If I would resist the request, the answer was a very frustrating and insulting, "You never listen to me." The grand generalizations did not sit well with my tendency to see a little more nuance in things. </div>
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Of course, I should make a point to say, that this is from my perspective. Perhaps if you had a third party observing, I would come off as more of a jackass and she was the saintly mother. Who knows? What I do know, is that our own subjective perspectives on those late years of my high school led to an ongoing stain in the relationship that would follow us until the end.</div>
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I remember in one of my drama classes in college when we were looking at the Tennessee Williams play "The Glass Menagerie". It is a play about a fatherless family where the demanding mother tries to get her son to help find a man for his sister who was socially awkward. Everyone else in the class was speaking ill of the son in the play as a callous jerk who avoided his family and how could someone be like that to their family? I was the one dissenting voice that said, "I know exactly how comes to be. I am that son."</div>
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Mom would call me almost daily when I was at college and even as I was out of school living in Winnipeg. Our calls did not amount much more to: "How are you?" and "So-and-so was asking about you." Sometimes I would try to reach out and try to dig a little, but it wouldn't really go anywhere.</div>
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It wasn't until I watched an episode of "Six Feet Under" that my perspective changed a little bit and I grew more sympathetic to my mom (Stories have the most impact on me I've come to realize and maybe that's why I love them so). That's a show about a family who lost their father and now run the funeral home. The characters are a domineering and demanding mother who alienates her children and her three adult children who to varying degrees try to love their mother and run the business. One episode ended where despite how frustrating she acts towards her children, her loneliness is made apparent and you sympathize with her. She doesn't know how to be some other way.</div>
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I decided that I would try to be less annoyed in conversations with her and remember that she is who she is and is not trying to frustrate me.</div>
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I should point out that my mom also was not nearly as extreme as the examples in the stories I just mentioned. There were similarities. My mom was sincere in her faith regardless of my dislike of her approach to it. It was due to her and dad that I went to church and through it all explored faith on my own. My mom was not domineering. She wanted the best for Darwin and I. It was just that she didn't know how to go about helping us do it. She was always supportive of my own life decisions.</div>
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The biggest lesson that I learned from her life is just how important it is to find a way to move on in a positive manner. My mom experienced difficulty in her relationship with her own mom. Her mom seemed to put far too many demands on her and had an unfair bias against her. (At least that's how it my mom explained it to me. I have no idea what grandma's perspective on it was. Wouldn't it be nice to know the other side of the story? That's why I want to remind myself and all of you reading this that this is a subjective perspective.) My mom felt she was a victim of her mom's actions. When my dad died, she wanted to find love with another person and could not get past dad's death. I haven't lost a spouse of my own, but I did lose dad at an early age and I try to not let that dictate what I do now.</div>
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The last thing I want to share in regards to this was when Darwin, Kyla and I were combing through mom's apartment looking for important paperwork that we would need to deal with all the legal stuff. We came across a binder that kept track of the people that she had helped with taxes. She used to work for H & R Block and after she continued to offer her services to those in Minnedosa and had done Darwin's and my own taxes. The binder started in 2007 and it had a sheet that had a table listed all of the people that were her customers for that year. It kept track of their names, numbers, addresses, etc. The sheet was hand made and carefully made. It was neat, clean, organized. And it had 20 names listed. With blank spaces for more customers. I didn't think much of it. I was looking for pertinent information that I would need for funeral arrangements and for estate management. Later in the binder, I found another sheet with a carefully made handcrafted table of her tax return customers. I noticed it was a couple of names shorter. I found 2009, 2010. Each made with the same perfect columns and rows. Each made with plenty of spaces in case of a growing customer base, but each year it retained fewer and fewer names. I found the 2011 table. Only 4 customers remained. My brother, myself and two others I didn't know. It was the first time in the whole process of Mom dying that I felt pain. Especially since I knew what to expect on the 2012 list.<br />
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The 2012 tax return customer list held only two names and the hope that 25 others would fill in the rest. It was brother's name and another person from Minnedosa. My name was not there. That's because she had messed up my taxes due to my moving around to other provinces and she didn't file it right. It wound up causing hassles and repayment to the government. I had trusted Mom to know all the dynamics of how to handle the nuances of tax returns, but she didn't. Perhaps it was because she had less and less practice over the years since leaving H & R so many years before alongside with the ever changing tax code.<br />
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Regardless, it bothered me that it she mishandled it and I decided it would just be easier for me to just figure it out on my own.<br />
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I had vacated my space on the tax return customer list. And it broke my heart in that moment sitting in the middle of her small apartment. It was the moment that encapsulated how our relationship was.<br />
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My mom was not (in my mind) a great mom with me. She wasn't horrible or in any way abusive. She just had characteristics that crawled under my skin and had issues that she did not deal with and it was alienating. However, on the other end, I did not know how to deal with her. Despite my own understanding that loving and caring for your family is important, I didn't know how to navigate an honest and loving relationship with her. In the end, if people would know what our relationship, it would look like I had removed my name from her list of people.<br />
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The truth is, I believe that death was a release for her. I have said before that she died when Dad did, it is just her physical body was still going. That's a little dramatic perhaps, but a little true.<br />
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Lydia Elizabeth Ferne Rae was a woman who did not want to be the harsh, demeaning mother hers was to her and never told me what I could not be. She wanted Darwin and I to do what we chose to do. That is a gift that some do not get. She spoke highly of us and hoped the best for us. She cared for us the best she could despite me.<br />
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What is the take away for you, the reader? I don't know. I suppose I encourage you to find ways to understand your own parents. Sympathize with them.<br />
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One idea that I've had comes from the Commandment from the Old Testament that says "Honour your father and your mother." The common understanding is that you should obey your parents. It does not say that though. People who get to the point that they rebel against their parents, they often simply avoid everything the parents hold dear. Especially if you come from a Bible-believing household where "Honour your father and your mother" is used as the argument to obey them. However, it may be reckless to toss everything. I think what "Honour your father and your mother" is touching on is that your remember them. Learn from them. Learn from the good, the bad. I believe that that is the best way to honour their legacy. Try and understand them. You have the advantage of knowing them better than most others. You do not get to see the good, the bad and ugly sides of a person like your parents and you would do well to learn from them regardless of whether they were close and loving or distant and apathetic or angry and violent.<br />
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I hope this post honours my mom in what I've learned from her, what I've learned about my own nature and perhaps insight for another.<br />
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"Now my curtain has been drawn<br />
And my heart can go<br />
Where my heart does belong<br />
I'm going home"<br />
- "Reunion" from Collective Soul's self-titled album</div>
David Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431824827638407843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22152272.post-27172795715891020012014-03-07T12:41:00.002-06:002014-03-07T12:41:23.458-06:00Seasons Change and So Did IWhy not an update, hey? It's been a thing I've been avoiding because I don't really need another creative avenue to express myself. I've been doing stand up and that's been enough when most of my week is just standing behind a counter in a Costco just hoping I don't look like I hate being there.<br />
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Perhaps some of you may be thinking that I'm going to talk about my mother's passing here, but not now. It will need it's own post to reflect upon and it's my blog and I'll write what I want. Sorry, that got snippy for no reason.</div>
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Comedy has been getting better. I've been finding myself get more confident on stage and being able to delve into some personal stories and ideas. Even exploring aspects about faith and my weird experiences with sexuality growing up in the church which I never really thought I would. However, as much fun as it is to do a silly dinosaur, I've found the most rewarding thing is to share something personal. One of my strengths in comedy is finding a way to be vulnerable and yet at the same time be entertaining enough to share those vulnerable thoughts. It's been nice to have people say afterwards that they've never heard anything like that before or that they have had a similar experience and they felt a connection.</div>
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At this point, comedy continues to draw me forward and I have a couple of opportunities that I'm looking into that would be real exciting, but I'm not going to say here in case it doesn't work out. Before I started to focus on this, I told myself that I'd give myself 2 years to completely suck at it before I would reconsider and now that I'm at the year and a half mark, I don't completely suck at it. And that was from a comic that used to think there was no hope for me. So, I'll stick it out a little longer at least.<br />
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Marriage is obviously the other major change in my life and goes along. I will say it is a little more difficult to fully express myself about the matter because although I am okay with sharing my personal thoughts, experiences and struggles, I now have to be considerate of my wife's privacy. One thing that has struck me about the whole thing so far is how much of introvert and solitary person I was and am. With another person around most of the time, I find myself trying to carve out time to be completely separated, not because I do not enjoy my time with Kyla, but rather my mind cannot wander and think and explore when it is also subconsciously checking in on her when she is nearby.<br />
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On the flip side, spending time with her has made me be more silly. Sillier that I've ever really been. Making stupid faces at each other and playfully teasing each other. Stuff that would make anyone sick to actually witness and so we hide that it happens just like the Tanners hid Alf or like I hide the fact that I play way too much Candy Crush on Facebook.<br />
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By the way, let me apologize if updates of me playing that appeared on your newsfeed. I have no idea how Facebook works anymore as I found out when it leaked out before I intended that Kyla and I were in a car accident.<br />
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Which is another thing that happened on my birthday. Between figuring out the legal stuff with mom's death, figuring out how taxes change when you're married and experiencing how insurance claims work, I now feel like an adult. Being a cog in the wheel of bureaucracy with no end to the stupidity of paperwork and obligations until it squeezes the last bit of life out of your soul. You know, an adult.<br />
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Don't read into that. I'm being silly.<br />
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Something I've noticed after all these major changes that I've had in my life is that the ever present low level of depression that followed me still continues to linger regardless of the changes. I understand when they say it's not a thing you can just will away with a better attitude. It's like a lens that colours everything just a little greyer.<br />
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"Hey, wait. Aren't you the idiot that does the stupid dinosaur thing? You of all people shouldn't be mopey. Maybe ashamed. But not mopey!"<br />
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The challenge I've found throughout my whole experience is not being silly and pointing out stupidity. The challenge is finding the things that are not silly and then allowing yourself to earnestly enjoy those things. It is common to see when people are being funny, they are tearing down something or someone or some idea and that can be so much fun. However, if everything is ripped apart then what is left to enjoy? It's easy to point out the ridiculousness of things. Whatever it may be. However, the people that can expertly rip things apart also seem to be the most miserable.<br />
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The folks I appreciate the most are the ones that take the less easy route of being genuine and kind. I try to model myself after that. Telling comedians specifically which jokes I like or giving them words that build them up. It feels weird to do it. I'm analyzing myself as I do it and I'm afraid I look like I'm just trying to butter them up so I can get something out of them later or I feel a sense of vulnerability at the hand of people that could turn around and perfectly eviscerate me with their words.<br />
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Being in Edmonton and starting a new life here has been strange. I feel especially disconnected from my friends in Winnipeg and it feels like a different dimension going back there. Many of them have kids and have been married for a while and in the middle of careers and the last time we talked in depth has been years. It's not anybody's fault because it is just how life goes. It gets busy and time is rare commodity.<br />
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This post doesn't have the same element of some significant reflection as some of my other ones, but that's because this is just to be a form of personal update for those curious. I hope to share more when I have time. Which may be a while...<br />
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"No time for a summer friend<br />
No time for the love you send<br />
Seasons change and so did I<br />
You need not wonder why<br />
You need not wonder why<br />
There's no time left for you<br />
No time left for you."<br />
- "No Time" from the The Guess Who album "American Woman"<br />
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David Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431824827638407843noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22152272.post-84643968518837859862013-04-10T14:45:00.002-05:002013-04-11T00:00:30.312-05:00Until I Can Exert My Will Telepathically, This Will Have to DoI remember having a sense of dread on the night Barack Obama was first elected in 2008. I saw all the people in Chicago celebrating and weeping as they watch Mr. Obama take to the podium and give a hope filled speech about what America could be. The dread was not because I believed that Obama was dooming America to a reign of terror for the next four years. In fact, Barack Obama was precisely the guy I wanted to take office. It would be a refreshing change from the previous eight years of a president that had profoundly disappointed me.<br />
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What I dreaded was not that Obama would be a bad president. It was that people expected him to be a perfect president. People had such high hopes in him that it was going to be impossible to fulfill it all. The president is only one piece of the American political machine. It's just as ridiculous to believe that Washington would all fall in line with Obama's hopes as it is ridiculous that every problem in America is because of Obama. I believe that for the most part, Obama has been a really good president. He's made decisions that haven't been the greatest, yes, but I admire the his push to bring about universal health care which I believe should be one of the least things that a Christian nation should have.</div>
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However, I knew on that election night how democracy works. Change happens slowly and often too slowly and the reason to blame always comes down to the guy trying to make the change. If Obama's vision of America would come true, I would be on board, but it won't happen.</div>
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I don't believe that government and laws really do much. Thinking that the world will right itself under the right leader or with the right law change and getting caught up in that too much is a waste of time frankly.</div>
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Right now in Manitoba, a bill is being presented that addresses the issue of bullying. It seeks to protect children from bullying and mandate that schools should allow for gay-straight alliances in the school. From my reading, it's not that they have to have it, but rather if people want to put together one in a school, the school has to allow it. This has caused a bit of a backlash in some conservative circles that fear that this is a step in taking away the authority of Christian schools. They claim the bill is too vague and that it could be used to attack religious schools. Some towns have rejected the bill and it has rallied the conservative Christians. In reaction to that, proponents of the bill have gone to defend the bill and has accused the opponents of being bigoted.<br />
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My perspective on the whole thing is that regardless of whether the bill gets passed or not, it won't really change anything. At best, it highlights the ongoing discussion of homosexuality and the progression of society towards being accepting of the GLBT community. However, there are many things in life that just because it's some rule, doesn't mean you should just turn off your thinking and go along with it blindly. Rather, it is important to know why or why not you do things you choose to do.<br />
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I was talking with someone at a church and they were lamenting that their church was no longer supporting the choir. She genuinely wished that the choir would still get together and have a place in her church. I felt for her and I know some people would love it, too. However, is it the church leadership's responsibility to make sure there is a choir? If you wish to have a choir, then why don't you start rallying people to get a choir together? If other people share the love of choir, then you can get together, practice and make a night of it. If others don't share it, then try and convince them to see the benefits. If it works out, great. Maybe you can make it a regular thing. My point is that I believe that many things you wish to see just need to go out and be done.<br />
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Whenever I wanted to do a comedy show, I asked the church to use their building and I did one. When I wanted to do a "24 day", I planned, recruited and did it. That's been my general philosophy. Don't expect to be helped and if you are helped, then be grateful for it. If the church did not want me to do one, then you look for a different venue. You determine how much a given action means to you.<br />
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If you will excuse the clumsy "stuck on an island" scenario: Let's say I was stranded on an island with the person I loved and it seemed like we may never leave and I knew this is the person I would marry. We then decide to exchange vows in front of the survivors (or failing that, various sporting equipment that happened to be on the plane that we've painted faces onto). Are we married or not? No government recognizes it. We've decided to stick by each other's side forever, but I don't have legal documents. Is it a "pretend" marriage?<br />
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Admittedly, once we get back to the mainland, we may want a "real" ceremony when we get back, but why? Isn't it so that our loved ones can join in the celebration? However, that "real" ceremony will not change the minds of the family on whether they support you as a couple or not. When things are "official" it doesn't really affect people's hearts in accepting it.<br />
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I may make it seem like I'm just ignorantly sweeping away the political process out of the way and that I don't want to participate in society. That's not what I'm saying, I'm saying that legislation and rules are not the things that change the hearts and minds of people and ultimately culture. If you force people to go to church every Sunday and make them declare that Jesus is Lord, that doesn't mean there is any change in those people. That is the kind of approach that the Roman Empire had and it didn't work. It was the Christians who didn't depend on legislation being in their favour and rather focused on living like Christians that led to a cultural impact.<br />
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It's nice when the law of the land is always in your favour, but that doesn't matter that much. If you believe that there should be gay-straight alliances allowed in schools, why are you waiting for the government to give you the go ahead? You may say, "But my school won't let me." How? How are they preventing you? Are they coming in a disrupting the meetings? Are people coming around to beat you up there? Are they tearing down the posters? Are they calling you names? It sucks, but do you really think the attitudes will change once you have the law on your side? They will still continue to berate you and belittle you. And if it's truly the cultural change you wish to see, you will continue to take it on the chin.<br />
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If you think that I unsympathetic to your cause, it's not that, but rather that is the reality of cultural change. It's the persecution that the Christians faced for a long time before it became accepted. It was (and still is in some places) the persecution that black people face in America as they fought (and still fight) for equality. One of the best examples of this comes from <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/story/2013/04/03/mb-gay-straight-alliance-fight-steinbach-manitoba.html" target="_blank">this kid</a> who would be affected by Bill 18. What I appreciate is that he initially started without the aid of the schools. He just did it. He's facing the consequences and it would suck to be in his position, but it's an approach like that that ultimately works. Legislation will not be the answer.<br />
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For those on the flip side of the argument, do you think rules are going to change anything? If you are opposed to what this bill because you believe that it will force the hand of the school, do you think that your Christian school is going to bring about the change you want to see from your fortress?<br />
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Cultural change has to start in the hearts and minds of folk and has little to do with government. I think one of the reasons that protesting to get the laws changed or not changed is because it is hands off. Yeah, protests might get you arrested or banged up or ridiculed, but it's also at a distance and you become a hero in your own camp, but it changes no minds. To see change in people it requires for us to have relationships with people. It requires for us to continue to be near people that maybe we disagree with.<br />
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The hard thing about changing the minds of folk in this day is that it's easier to find people who think like us and to block out the other side (except in anonymous pot shots across the internet where the enemy is a carefully chosen avatar of a sports team or movie character). When the person is summed up as faint-hearted liberal or fear-mongering conservative, then it is easy to dismiss their point of view, even if their journey to that point might be more nuanced that we'd like to believe.<br />
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Relationships demand for us to be present. Relationships require us to see each other as whole people. One of the reasons that racism is such a hard obstacle for society to get over is because for some individuals, they've never known a person of another race beyond his or her occupation. They see other races from an arm's length to keep them from attempting to understand what it's like to be the other race. If all people know of me as a Christian, they fill in all sorts of blanks without getting to know that perhaps I'm a little more complicated than that.<br />
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Fighting for or against laws and rules does have a place, but in the midst of it all, remember that it's really a tiny part. The hard part is in the actual living it out. The hard part is remembering that other side are human, too. The hard part is relationships and it's the only way anything will change.<br />
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"Come gather 'round people<br />
Wherever you roam<br />
And admit that the waters<br />
Around you have grown<br />
And accept it that soon<br />
You'll be drenched to the bone<br />
If your time to you<br />
Is worth savin'<br />
Then you better start swimmin'<br />
Or you'll sink like a stone<br />
For the times they are a-changin'."<br />
- Title track from Bob Dylan's "The Times They Are a-Changin'"</div>
David Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431824827638407843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22152272.post-65905631325454091972013-03-16T11:16:00.000-05:002013-03-16T11:16:09.194-05:00I Am Myself Like You SomehowToday is a the day that marks the moment where I have spent half my life with my dad and half my life without him. I figured I should write something in regards to it.<div>
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A month ago, Kyla and I went out to Manitoba and we visited a few people, but the main reason we went was so I could visit dad's gravesite. That was the true reason for the trip. I'm a proponent of the act of remembering and it's importance. If you don't take time to remember, you may forget what good things you have or had. You may repeat history that shouldn't be because you did not remember it. I believe it can help you stay humble and grateful.</div>
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You should stay in the present and not dwell in the past, but I believe you can find wisdom for your present situation in the past. Remembering the past is a part of reflection that can help refine us as long as we don't let our past define us. I did not intend to rhyme there.</div>
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However, when I finally got to the cemetery and stood in front of the simple Canadian military gravestone in foot deep snow, I couldn't remember. I couldn't recall what dad was like. I haven't been able to recall his voice for years. The image in my head of him is one of a quickly fading photograph. Quick glimpses. I can't recall his words to me, only ideas.</div>
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I was thinking about how he died as I was in grade 9 and how he would have been my source for advice for after the silliness of high school would be passed. I know there were things we could have talked about but didn't because I wasn't old enough to care or understand.</div>
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It feels like a treasure chest I had and then it fell overboard and is now lost to the sea.</div>
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That's all I could reflect on there. We left there and as we left, I couldn't help but feel like it was fleeting. It didn't feel like much. It is simply too long ago. The hurt is now not so much of the grief of the loss of his life, but the grief of the loss of my memory of him.</div>
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I don't want to forget him, but I am.</div>
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Recently, two youths I know have lost their dad. I didn't know how to reach out to them, to be truly honest. I remember when dad passed, a man from the church told me about how his dad died when he was young and although we were connected in that regard, it didn't necessarily help. I found a lot of the words said by people, Bible verses quoted by people, to be medication for the symptoms. </div>
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In the end, the best way to deal with the grief, is to not avoid it. The one thing that the guys in the story of Job did right was to sit with Job in mourning. Their misstep is when they tried to solve it when he didn't ask them to. It will pass. In the meantime, remember them and learn from them.</div>
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I've thought about the idea of "Honouring your father and your mother." One of the Ten Commandments that is frequently taken to mean, obey your parents or the wrath of God will be on your head. It's weird, because those are two different thoughts. If a parent is abusive or neglectful, it would be weird to demand that we demand that children be dominated by that.</div>
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Honestly, I think the best way to honour anyone, would be by learning from them. Learn from the good things they've done and the mistakes they've made and perhaps more importantly, why. Understand that your parents are people who are trying to take what they've been given and trying to figure out what to do with it. Some do it well and some do it terribly. If your dad was abusive, the way you can honour him is by trying to understand why he was. Was he abused when he was young and so the language taught to him was one of violence? Have you picked up the same kind of language yourself that you need to be aware of or address? The cycle of abuse I believe can be due in part to idea that people think that they think they won't be like their parents, but because it was the only way they know how to deal with things, then the only answer available is the one that was taught to them.</div>
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I know the one thing that stuck out for me about my dad was his perseverance. He worked hard even when it was difficult or was thankless. He never complained and did what needed to be done. Why did he do it? I think it was because he found motivation inside himself. He didn't need to be pushed to do something, but rather he intrinsically knew that if he didn't do it, no one would and so he would do it. I find that many people will look for any excuse to get out of doing things, but when I think of who my dad was, it's his character that pushes me to step forward.</div>
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Regardless of whether your parents were fantastic or terrible, the best thing for us is to honour them. Honouring them, requires us to remember them and learn from them.</div>
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I think what makes this whole thing difficult for me is that I haven't taken time to reflect in general, recently. Time is dwindling away now that I'm working full time and doing comedy part time and so when the break in the whirlwind comes and I have that moment in front of the grave, all I can hear is the noise of the wind that's coming.</div>
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That's why I tried to write this today. To stop and remember to slow down to reflect on where I am every once in a while and be grateful for the good things in my life and see where I'm going. I'm sorry, if this was a little scattered, but my thoughts on this tend to scatter.</div>
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"I see the world</div>
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Feel the chill</div>
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Which way to go</div>
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Windowsill</div>
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I see the words</div>
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On a rocking horse of time</div>
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I see the birds in the rain</div>
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Oh, dear dad</div>
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Can you see me now?</div>
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I am myself</div>
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Like you somehow</div>
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I'll ride the wave</div>
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Where it take me</div>
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I'll hold the pain</div>
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Release me"</div>
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- "Release" from the Pearl Jam album "Ten"</div>
David Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431824827638407843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22152272.post-46259630530641434892013-02-08T11:25:00.001-06:002013-02-08T21:13:43.764-06:00Why There Aren't Many Good Martian ComediansI've been trying my hand at stand up comedy for the last few months and one thing that stood out to me is that I have yet to see too many good Martian comedians on the Edmonton scene. You know, a comedian with a different perspective and approach to life in the old Milky Way galaxy and at the same time make me laugh. I look at the comedians around me and I think, "Man, us Earthlings really outnumber Martians." To be fair, maybe more of them are Martian, but sometimes it's hard to tell. The lighting, their choice of clothes and some are really good at hiding their methane-filtering blowhole. If you find that offensive, look it up. That's what is called.<br />
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</div><div>I sometimes hear the complaints that there should be more Martian comedians and that comedy is an "earthlings' club" and thus make it sound like that I, as a oxygen-breathing bi-pod, am somehow a part of the problem of denying Martians their shot at comedy. Thus I am contributing to denying human culture of some sort of sitcom that follows the day-to-day of a Martian clanpod as they deal with wacky situations that will get wackier (but not because of their Martianish) and then resolve in a feel-good lesson about life. Possible names for the show: "Martians with Children" or "The Robin Williams Show")</div><div><br />
</div><div>I mean, it makes sense to me that should be more Martian comedians in Edmonton. There are a lot of Martians out there and it seems logical that the folks who have discovered the secret to interplanetary travel and dryer sheets should have the capability to be funny. However, the handful of times I've seen an amateur Martian perform on stage, it has been lacklustre to say the least.</div><div><br />
</div><div>They have tended to go towards the cliched "Earthlings always eat their food like this/Martians always latch their tendrils into the skulls of their prey like this" jokes or talk about their plasma metamorphosis rituals. It is aggravating because I want the Martian to be funny, but they go for the hack (or shortcut) joke. For some of my fellow humanoid comedians, this is an indication that Martians are not funny or and the ones who are more widely regarded funny (such as Gorblarch C.K. or Demetri Martian) are the exceptions. Unfortunately, this is what ticks off the crowd who believe that Martians are very much funny and the whole thing turns ridiculous on both sides when there doesn't need to be sides.<br />
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</div><div>I believe that the reason that there are few good Martian comedians is simply that they're a minority and being a minority in a given situation makes the task tougher. Look, the bulk of Martian comedians suck. There is a 90% chance that you go and watch a rookie Martian comedian, they'll be nervous and use weak jokes and can't engage the audience. However, you need to remember that the bulk Earthling comedians suck too. I've seen so many Earthlings use terrible hack jokes too. I've heard so many "Isn't it weird how we breath oxygen with our mouths" jokes or jokes that always relate to the size of their nasal cavities. Unfortunately, Earthlings are such petty creatures that we will be more okay with our cliched jokes and yet roll our vision orbs at the Martians.<br />
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One reason why there aren't more great Martian comedians is that there aren't a lot of Martians even trying to do comedy. The shear vast number of Earthlings trying comedy means that statistically it makes sense that there are more well-known and talented humanoid comedians than those with glowing thoraxes even though the bulk of them stink all the way to Mercury.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Regardless of what gas you intake for life, what makes a comedian great is how they can connect with their audience and bring their personal experience to others in an engaging way. But that's bloody difficult and takes time. How do you get there? I'm still figuring it out and perhaps I never will.</div><div><br />
</div><div>The bigger problem for the Martian is not that they lack the ability to be as funny as the Earthling, but rather it can be difficult when there aren't others that empathize with you. If you're the only one of your kind doing comedy, it can seem daunting. It can seem like the others are keeping you out. Reality is that most of the comedians are not trying to exclude anybody. They just want to get their slice of the laughter pie (which is something like a flougaboo for my Martian readers but with laughs instead of crystallized argon). Most comics, whatever their stripe or carapace shape, will be excluded.<br />
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So how do we get more good Martian comedians? The same as how we get good Earthling comedians. They have got to keep going up and work on it and refine and fail and keep trying. We can't just move up Martian comedians due to them being Martian. They, just like every other comedian will have to overcome the barrier between them and the audience. Some audience that can be easier than others and hopefully you can overcome that. However, to blame other comedians or even the audiences for your inability to succeed in getting them to laugh is not going to make you a better comic. Comedy is one form of entertainment with a pure response. You as the performer, know if the audience finds it funny, thought-provoking, boring, silly or understandable. Did they laugh? Smile? If not, then they didn't find it funny.<br />
<br />
A Martian comedian will have to be a pioneer. A pioneer in the sense that it may feel like they're the only one. Which, I think that's what every comic kind of feels like anyway. If one wants to be a minority, then they will continue to see themselves as one. Instead of lowering the standards of Martian comedians, I would encourage the Martian comedian to push hard to not be the best Martian comedian they can be, but the best comedian they can be and know that they will essentially be doing it on their own.<br />
<br />
If you're not a comedian, then I encourage you to give the comedian on stage a chance to do his thing regardless of the amount of similarity to you. You don't have to bend your tastes just to say you like them. In fact you owe it to them to give them a fair shot one way or the other. If you don't think that the Martian on stage is funny, then let that be the reason, not your prejudice against their unfamiliar exoskeleton.<br />
<br />
You know why I have a hard time writing this. Because I'm an Earthling. I'm the majority. The world has given me all these advantages that I didn't ask for. Some say I can't fully understand the plight of the minority. Maybe they're right. Maybe I should just be quiet.<br />
<br />
Or maybe, just like the comics who have to be funny in order to be called funny, maybe my insight can be judged by the content of what I'm saying. Isn't that what every carbon-based being deserves?<br />
<br />
"You're a zero<br />
What's your name?<br />
No one's gonna ask you<br />
Try and hit the spot, get to know it in the dark<br />
Get to know it whether you're crying, crying, crying, oh, oh<br />
Can you climb, climb, climb higher?"<br />
- "Zero" from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs album "It's a Blitz"</div>David Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431824827638407843noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22152272.post-31493072063342431262012-09-12T14:19:00.001-05:002012-09-12T14:19:18.148-05:00No More ExcusesIt is about time that I write an update of my life. Especially since so much has changed. I am now a resident of the city of Edmonton. Frankly, I never expected to find myself here. It is not a city I would choose under typical circumstances.<br />
<br />
The reason it's Edmonton and not some other city is simply because the girl I'm engaged to is here. I would have gone back to Winnipeg or headed west to Vancouver. I've an aversion to Alberta in general probably because I see it as one of those "have" provinces and I have that thing where I cheer for the underdog. Big deal, you were successful because you were given everything? Who cares?<br />
<br />
This is where I show my hand. The fact is, I was afraid to really put myself on the line and go to a place where I would be gambling. When I was in Winnipeg and casually perform skits and present videos at camps or church when people asked me to, but I never actively pursue it, I would fall back on: "I don't have a safety net if the comedy thing doesn't work out so I have to be responsible and not take a chance." It wouldn't really be my fault if I didn't go anywhere in comedy it would be the situation I was in to blame.<br />
<br />
The fact is that I would never go anywhere with an attitude like that. If I said, "Oh, if only I lived in New York, then it would be a different story," then I would be lying. I would most likely find some other reason that I was not trying it.<br />
<br />
It really doesn't matter where I wound up, I needed to start putting myself on the line. I needed to get back to a city. It didn't really matter where. Edmonton was as good as any to attempt my run at comedy. I've been here close to a couple of weeks and I'm antsy to get onstage even though I'm not really sure how to do it. Stand up is a harsh thing to get into due to the fact that you can only refine your jokes in front of a crowd. I'm going to have to face failure and often.<br />
<br />
Last night, I was at a bar that had a comedy night and I was watching one of the worst crowds talking over the comedians. Some guys just left the stage halfway through there bit. I was talking to one of the comedians afterward and he said that this was actually one of the better nights there.<br />
<br />
You may ask, "Why are you even bothering to do this? It sounds terrible." I'll be honest with you. I don't know what else is going to give me drive in terms of something to do. Getting my self esteem kicked on stage nightly in the hopes of becoming a comedian seems better than anything else.<br />
<br />
I just got a job at a cell phone store in a mall. As I was filling out the paperwork, I was already wanting to quit. The ideals of a store like that make me cringe. I know that I can do it, but it will be doing the thing that disgusts me the most. I know I can do well at it, but it will eat at me everyday I'm there.<br />
<br />
I've had some people tell me that I should pursue ministry in a formal capacity and I wonder about that. I don't know if some of my thoughts on the spiritual journey would really be welcomed. I would have to say things up front with my fingers crossed behind my back. I have many thoughts that are right up the alley that Christians eat up and they are received well, but I know I'm coming at it from a different perspective in mind that many would not agree with and I would hide my thoughts. If I became a pastor in a formal sense, I would be less of a pastor in the true sense.<br />
<br />
I am currently able to speak into people's lives that challenge them and give a vital hope that only the gospel of Christ can offer, but it would disappear if I sat behind the desk. I would be in the same predicament as I am now at the cell phone store.<br />
<br />
So, if I can't be a pastor, then I should be with the people that I can speak to. I'm doing the cell phone thing until I can get my comedy up on its feet. People don't understand why I want to do comedy. I am simply looking for drive. I want something that is can fuel me and keep me going.<br />
<br />
For me, the struggle is not about finding the thing that will give me success and wealth and it's not about finding the thing that I can do well. The struggle has been to find that thing that will give me drive. I'm coming to realize that the thing that will give me drive requires me to do the toughest thing of all and be honest in all senses of the word.<br />
<br />
"In these bodies we will live,<br />
In these bodies we will die,<br />
Where you invest your love,<br />
you invest your life<br />
Awake my soul...<br />
Awake my soul...<br />
Awake my soul...<br />
For you were made to meet your maker"<br />
- "Awake My Soul" from the Mumford & Sons album "Sigh No More"David Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431824827638407843noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22152272.post-48445828726808081212012-06-23T01:33:00.001-05:002012-06-23T01:33:25.685-05:00More Than Happiness<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Last week, I wrote a second article on behalf of the Covenant Church and I have not gotten around to posting to this blog, so here it is.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br /></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">If you asked people, "What does a quality life look like?" a common response would be one full of happiness. It's what inspires people to get as much money as possible to get a comfortable lifestyle. It's what drives others to become a celebrity at all costs. For others it is to pass all their days staring at a screen and yet others to delve into lifestyles that can potentially hurt themselves or others for short term happiness.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Jesus, however, seems to indicate that happiness may not be the secret to a quality life. After all, if you need money or celebrity or video games, then that means the only people that can attain quality life are those who are rich or born in the right part of the world and it often is focused on the happiness of the individual at the cost of the strength of the community.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">In Luke 9:23, Jesus says, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me." According to Jesus, the best life lived is difficult. Why does it have to be this way?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">What I believe many people call a quality life is really just medicating yourself from fully living life. A quality life means enjoying the good things in life, but also not shying away from dealing with pain in our lives and not just sedating yourself with temporary happiness. It means looking to our fellow humanity and "be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those that weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don't be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people." (Romans 12:16) It means struggling against injustice for people crushed by an unfair world.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">It can be very easy to live a life where you medicate yourself from engaging in all of life, but by doing so, I believe you let life pass you by. Following Jesus is by no means easy, but it also means life is fully lived. As Jesus says in John 10:10, "The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is give them a rich and satisfying life."</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">A quality life is not defined by happiness, but rather by how much you live life fully, both the good and the bad, and living life with each other. Don't cling to temporary happiness while the thief robs you of a full life.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">"Do you want to hear something sad?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">We are but victims of desire</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I'm gonna shake this day</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I wanna shake this day before I retire"</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">- "Gonna See My Friend" from the Pearl Jam album "Backspacer"</span></span>David Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431824827638407843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22152272.post-21938663571453423852012-06-08T14:43:00.003-05:002012-06-08T14:51:35.447-05:00Heaven Beside YouThis is the article that was published in the Nelson Star on June 8th.<br />
<br />
If I were to be honest with you, one of the concepts that unnerves me the most is the idea of eternity. In my finite mind, I am unable to conceive an afterlife that I would want to never end. Even if I could do everything I ever wanted to do all day, it would seem to me that eventually I would like to simply stop.<br />
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I've never fully comprehended why some people are so desperate to get to heaven because I can't conceive of a heaven that would be eternally satisfying.<br />
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You may be wondering how in the world was this guy allowed to write in the faith section. Isn't it foundational to the Christian faith to have confidence in life in the hereafter? I'm not saying that heaven does not exist, but rather that I don't know what it looks like. This is what I do have confidence in: whatever the afterlife is, whether it is a heavenly city with roads paved with gold or it is a simple fading away into nothingness, it will be as it should be.<br />
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I point to Matthew 6 where Jesus says, "So don't worry about these things, saying, 'What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.<br />
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"So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today."<br />
<br />
Although this passage is speaking about the here and now, I believe it carries into the afterlife. I don't know what the afterlife holds. It might be so great that my mind would be blown away and I will think that I was silly to ever doubt it. However, it will be taken care of and its not my place to be responsible for it and for who is in and who is out.<br />
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What I am responsible for is the pool of resources entrusted to me, the sphere of influence I have and the opportunities to bring peace and love that are the hallmarks of the kingdom of heaven.<br />
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It is too easy to let this present world burn and dream about the perfection of a future heaven and forget that we can have heaven here and now, bringing it to our fellow humankind. Let God worry about the rest.<br />
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What is heaven like? I don't know. However, I do not believe the point of being a Christian is to go to heaven when you die. I think the point is to join God in bringing His kingdom of love, peace, justice and mercy (or in a word, heaven) to a world in desperate need of it.<br />
<br />
"Left to right,<br />
Up and down, love<br />
I push up love, love everyday,<br />
Jump in the mud, oh<br />
Get your hands dirty with<br />
Love it on everyday"<br />
- Title track from Dave Matthews Band's album "Everyday"David Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431824827638407843noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22152272.post-2302010883714115672012-04-14T22:19:00.002-05:002012-04-14T22:27:56.910-05:00Rico's Venn Diagram of The Elusive Profitable Audience<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj9Rmc-HfkfjB8T667vC0ETP7fw4ALWNr_gjb16w2vTNv5ysGdR0D1prsvrOT5befKfM3rdqZVXavWFb-InBcEq1YeuiONUl35f_jVM9urYRKSoS93LulfD7S0J71zm-iDSdT5/s1600/Rico's+Venn+Diagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj9Rmc-HfkfjB8T667vC0ETP7fw4ALWNr_gjb16w2vTNv5ysGdR0D1prsvrOT5befKfM3rdqZVXavWFb-InBcEq1YeuiONUl35f_jVM9urYRKSoS93LulfD7S0J71zm-iDSdT5/s320/Rico's+Venn+Diagram.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
If you're wondering what this is all about, it has to do with my friend Rico's video seen here:<br />
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdG2Rqt6ngADavid Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431824827638407843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22152272.post-67599673346964141812012-04-07T17:54:00.000-05:002012-04-07T17:54:26.397-05:00The End of the StoryIt is Easter weekend and I figured that it was time for another post about something. We had a Tenebrae service last night, which was quiet and sombre as we reflected on the death of Jesus. The thought that went around in my head last night was the idea of Jesus embodying Israel.<br />
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I got this idea from a lecture series that Chris had given me done by N.T. Wright that went through the book of Romans. Wright repeatedly came back to this idea of Jesus being the embodiment of Israel. Israel was seen as from the Jewish perspective of the time to be the saviour of the world and they had failed because of their consistent turning away from God's law and were in exile. Even though they had been returned to their land, they still viewed themselves to be in exile because they were under the control of Rome. They were looking to be reconciled with God through a Messiah and get their political independence back and thus return to their ordained place as the salvation of the world.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
The idea that I had never really heard before though was this idea that Jesus came to embody Israel and did what Israel was supposed to do but could not. He fulfilled the law and redeemed Israel and became the salvation of the world according to Christian theology.</div>
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The idea of Jesus being the embodiment of a whole society was an intriguing idea to me. Especially last night as I considered the idea of Israel rejecting Jesus and killing Jesus. I'll take a moment to also say, that the Roman Empire is more to blame for the death of Jesus and I am aware that there some of the anti-Jewish sentiment found in the Bible regarding Jesus may have been influenced by later generations when Rome took Christianity up as the religion of the empire. However, the rejection of Jesus by the Jews is still there.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
What I find intriguing is this interesting metaphor found in the story. If Jesus embodies the high ideals of the nation of Israel and Israel is at least partly responsible for the death of Jesus, then it is like the nation of Israel being it's own enemy.</div>
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In the past, I have had a hard time understanding how does this story about a man dying two thousand years ago makes me free. This law that was put in place long after the creation of humanity needed to be fulfilled and so it was, but I am still guilty under a law that has been fulfilled before I was born and that the act of forgiveness goes forward to events not done yet? How can you forgive something that hasn't happened yet?</div>
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If someone came up to me and told me that I'm breaking the laws of hockey when I raise a stick above my shoulders and that I have been penalized and should sit out for two minutes, then I would tell you that the rules of hockey don't apply outside the game of hockey. That's how Old Testament law felt to me. And then to tell me that you would be willing to forgive me and if I just accept the Euro Hockey League as my only source of hockey, then I would wonder how any of that has to do with me. And if I did accept the Euro Hockey League's offer of forgiveness for breaking a law outside of it's time and place and you then ordained me as a full-fledged hockey player. That was a very strange analogy, but strangely, very fitting to my point.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
My understanding of the story has changed and it rang true again for me. This story may not have as much to do with the law as it may seem. Yes, for the people of the time, it had everything to do with the law and the forgiveness of transgressions against the law. However, there is a more substantial story going forward. If Jesus embodied the Self of the nation of Israel, then one of Israel's biggest enemies was itself. The Self rejected the heroic version of the Self. The Self was one of the instruments that led to the very death of the Heroic Self because it refused to embrace him and his new law of ridiculous love.</div>
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<br /></div>
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As I have stated briefly before in a <a href="http://djracespade.blogspot.ca/2010/03/your-will-be-done.html" target="_blank">post</a>, I do not believe that there is a Satan and even if there is one, he ultimately holds no power because we are the one who make the choices in our life. However, I will say that there is a devil that holds dominion over you. One that will continually lead you to usurp your actions. One that forces you to make decisions that you know your Heroic Self would not. One that makes you foolishly defiant to the face of God and will even kill the Son of God. If you know my writing by now, you know the answer is You. The heart-breaking realization that you are not what you want to be morally or otherwise because it is your Profane Self that holds you prisoner. It is your Profane Self that keeps the record of your sins and transgressions and failings as evidence that you cannot possibly be the Daughter or Son of God.<br />
<br />
It is indeed the devil that holds us in hell and we are condemned there forever as long as we reject the story of Christ. We will continue to make our home in the grave and it will be the Christ-like nature that hold you there and it will be the longest Saturday in the grave.<br />
<br />
Are you going to let the story end there? Many do. They will not rise above it and let the easy road of the pursuit of comfort to medicate, alleviate and suppress the pain of this mortal life. They may even lead just fine lives, but they may never address the thing that separates them from the Divine.<br />
<br />
Or are you going to finish the story and to embrace Jesus as the saviour and redeemer, the embodiment of Israel who broke the hold of the grave and the chains of hell. He who lives evermore at the right hand of God the Father? The death of Jesus was also the death of the old religion of the letter of the law. However, the spirit of Jesus could not be kept down. He rose again to bring the spirit of the law of love.<br />
<br />
I really love the beauty of the act of baptism. It admits that we are dead, but that with Christ, we rise back up out of the watery grave and now we carry on the mission of Christ. We go to the ends of the earth and make disciples and healing the sick of the heart and mind, bring the dead back to life and bring the kingdom of God. Our hearts should break for those in chains of the grave or hell. Maybe they're still trapped there because Christ has not freed them yet. So what are you waiting for?<br />
<br />
We all realize that we fall short of the perfect ideals of God, but the hope of Christ and the hope of Easter is that we are not forced to stay in exile if we are willing to follow Jesus back to where we belong.<br />
<br />
"I wear the black for the poor and the beaten down,<br />
Livin' in the hopeless, hungry side of town,<br />
I wear it for the prisoner who has long paid for his crime,<br />
But is there because he's a victim of the times.<br />
I wear the black for those who never read<br />
Or listened to the words that Jesus said,<br />
About the road to happiness through love and charity,<br />
Why, you'd think He's talking straight to you and me.<br />
Well, we're doing mighty fine, I do suppose,<br />
In our streak of lightnin' cars and fancy clothes,<br />
But just so we're reminded of the ones who are held back,<br />
Up front there ought to be a man in black."<br />
- The title track from Johnny Cash's album "Man in Black"</div>David Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431824827638407843noreply@blogger.com1