Two years ago yesterday I received a phone call from my brother at 6:45 a.m. informing me that the Lord had taken my cousin and friend, Binil Samuel. The details of that morning are so clear:
Just getting out of the shower when the phone rang.
Standing next to my loft in a cramped university apartment.
Responding, "really?" That is all I could say.
Calling my sister.
Seeing a friend, receiving a hug.
Waiting for the bus.
Riding in a daze, realizing that the rest of the world thinks today is a normal day.
That day was anything but normal. Each day since has continued to be abnormal in the lives of many. In closing, I wanted to share a few links and a few quotes.
Binil's brother, Bijoy, has blogged twice in the last few days. His thoughts are authentic, difficult, yet hopeful in the Gospel.
Last year, I posted a few times about Binil. Watch his testimony or read my thoughts on John 11.
For today, I end with a quote:
Life is not joy above sorrow; life is a battle for joy in the midst of sorrow. --John Piper
Friday, August 7, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
"All I Need"
My friend from undergrad wrote this song and shared it with me (so I wanted to share it with all of you, of course, with his permission). There are three reasons why I like this song:
1) It sings Scripture (Psalm 73 in this case).
2) It is simple, easy to remember, and easy to sing.
3) It leaves me at the Cross of Christ.
I quickly put the video together so you could hear the song (so please excuse the simplicity).
Lyrics:
V1:
When this world has proved, all it can do is lie and lead astray
When darkness comes, and all around my soul is giving way
Lord I’m prone to doubt, remind me how Your hand will not let go
I’m Yours forever more
Chorus:
Oh my heart and my flesh will fail me
But my God, You’re all, I ever need
You are my strength and my portion
You are everything, O Lord You carry me
My God You’re enough for me
V2:
When Satan speaks, and all I hear, is of my sin and shame
When all my thoughts, are telling me, the debt is mine to pay
I will lift my eyes, to look upon, the Lamb who died for me
He paid my penalty
Bridge:
It’s Your face I need to seek
To Your cross I need to cling
For You alone, You never change
And Your Word, it never fails
When all I know is fading away
By: Matthew Damico
1) It sings Scripture (Psalm 73 in this case).
2) It is simple, easy to remember, and easy to sing.
3) It leaves me at the Cross of Christ.
I quickly put the video together so you could hear the song (so please excuse the simplicity).
Lyrics:
V1:
When this world has proved, all it can do is lie and lead astray
When darkness comes, and all around my soul is giving way
Lord I’m prone to doubt, remind me how Your hand will not let go
I’m Yours forever more
Chorus:
Oh my heart and my flesh will fail me
But my God, You’re all, I ever need
You are my strength and my portion
You are everything, O Lord You carry me
My God You’re enough for me
V2:
When Satan speaks, and all I hear, is of my sin and shame
When all my thoughts, are telling me, the debt is mine to pay
I will lift my eyes, to look upon, the Lamb who died for me
He paid my penalty
Bridge:
It’s Your face I need to seek
To Your cross I need to cling
For You alone, You never change
And Your Word, it never fails
When all I know is fading away
By: Matthew Damico
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Diametrically Opposing Emotions
Although the 2008 Olympics are long over, I still am blown away by two things from the 4x100 Men's Swimming Relay. Watch the video of the race here.
First, it is probably the most excited I (and the majority of the country) have ever been about swimming. Watching Michael Phelps chase eight gold medals was gut-wrenching, inspirational, and riveting. The 4x100 relay was arguably one of the most dramatic finishes I have even seen in a sporting event.
Second, and more importantly, the end of the race caused incredible joy, patriotism, and excitement. However, at the same time, I felt embarrassed and understood why many other countries around the world consider the United States arrogant and cocky. Listen to the announcers at the very beginning of the race and around the 5:47 and 9:08 marks. I found it extremely unprofessional for an announcer to seemingly "talk trash" to the French competitors.
In closing, I think there are numerous events/moments in life that produce opposing thoughts and feelings. The cross of Jesus Christ is the ultimate example. On one hand, we see a man suffering a torturous, brutal, and gruesome death on the cross. On the other hand, we (as sinful human people) now have the opportunity to experience the perfect, holy, all-satisfying presence of God because of that very death.
(For another Michael Phelps exciting finish, see the video below of the 100 meter butterfly)
First, it is probably the most excited I (and the majority of the country) have ever been about swimming. Watching Michael Phelps chase eight gold medals was gut-wrenching, inspirational, and riveting. The 4x100 relay was arguably one of the most dramatic finishes I have even seen in a sporting event.
Second, and more importantly, the end of the race caused incredible joy, patriotism, and excitement. However, at the same time, I felt embarrassed and understood why many other countries around the world consider the United States arrogant and cocky. Listen to the announcers at the very beginning of the race and around the 5:47 and 9:08 marks. I found it extremely unprofessional for an announcer to seemingly "talk trash" to the French competitors.
In closing, I think there are numerous events/moments in life that produce opposing thoughts and feelings. The cross of Jesus Christ is the ultimate example. On one hand, we see a man suffering a torturous, brutal, and gruesome death on the cross. On the other hand, we (as sinful human people) now have the opportunity to experience the perfect, holy, all-satisfying presence of God because of that very death.
(For another Michael Phelps exciting finish, see the video below of the 100 meter butterfly)
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