I am.
Many have been assimilating the various news events as they effect all of us. There are abundant "consultants" and "experts" telling us how to think, feel and act. But what is the cumulative spiritual fallout? Adverse events can have a gift and a lesson if noticed and processed. If taken independently, all the recent problems are worth contemplating. Taken as items on a continuum, all the appearingly disjointed threads become a tapestry. The tapestry produced is not pretty. Both the individual events and the cumulative picture best be alarming to anyone interested in families and the survival of our culture.
Let me explain.....
A few of the many events I speak of are:
The Wall Street/ Corporate financial disasters have resulted in gross losses to a myriad of people. Our Government has authorized a bailout package that includes protecting foreign countries losses. Naturally, more continued to be added to the bill to assist favored legislator's desires.
Lehman Brothers CEO's "average" hourly wage (when adding compensations over his tenure there) of $17,000 per hour . No, this is not a typo, nor have you misread the number. He received this astronomical compensation while driving the previously successful 158 year old company into oblivion. On the (weekend)eve of the collapse, a very long line of stretch limos still utilized by the overpaid managers sat running with a driver present. The business agenda of these overpaid, incompetent business gurus seems to have been fed by their addiction to "OPM", that is "other people's money".
The attack on "Sarah" Palin to "choose" to deliver a Down's Syndrome child and who will take care of "her" children if elected has become a war cry. Those adverse to her right to accept this child also have bemoaned the "cost of his care" to the taxpayer. A new Pandora's box of controversial opinions on "choice" has been let loose with very little or any opposition.
Prince Phillip (of England)'s interview stating that the "food shortage" is because "people have too many children".
The Episcopal Church's House of Bishops' decision to depose dear Pittsburgh Bishop Robert Duncan. This action was taken despite the many deviations and illegal procedural items. And this, after the request heard at Lambeth to have a moratorium on these persecutions and civil lawsuits.
The continued evolution and celebration of a continuum of Lesbian, Gay, Transsexual and Bi-sexual (LGBT) civil rights and "Church/Marital" "rights". These demands go well beyond human rights. In the extreme, a transgendered (female to male) person, choosing to retain the uterus delivered a child through insemination. As the individual had a bilateral mastectomy for the "gender re-asignment", his/her female partner then took over the breastfeeding. The entire episode was recorded, discussed and largely celebrated as a model for alternative family formation.
More than one mainline religious bodies have begun to revise their denominational concept of God and salvation. These "revisions" include negating basic Christian foundational concepts as fundamental as the Resurrection, the validity and supremacy of the Bible and the sanctity of marriage and life.
Daily it becomes increasingly challenging for individual population groups to have affordable housing, medical care, stable income, or a quality education. Falling on hard times is seen as a personal flaw and not a societal issue. One need only look at the now plummeting housing market including foreclosures to see greed, unscrupulous lending procedures and the equivalent of the Golden Calf.
The Episcopal Bishop of Washington (DC) initiating a civil suit against a very successful, long standing downtown DC Mission. The Mission is in the process of "trading" buildings with the city. This trade will enable the Mission to expand necessary services. Bishop Chane, two others and the ACLU cite the Mission's mandate that clients attend religious services as problematic and a violation of the division of Church and State.
Unmarried theatrical couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are been cited as a "perfect family model". This judgement is due to their individual wealth, children (both biological and adopted), good looks and astronomical wealth. They and other similar individuals, couples and families are presented as role models to our children and youth.
No Child Left Behind continues to fling out unprepared children right and left as it spirals out of control. Competent, dedicated educators flee or retire as soon as possible in many communities. The Education Department of California has released a report with an absurd and embarrassing percentage of students not finishing high school. School teachers in one Texas School District are now allowed to be armed.
A recent report from the The Barma Group cites extremely troubling statistics. In addition to the many problematic behaviors, the document reports that 38% of those polled (under age 25) admitted to infidelities. Pornography use was reported in 19% in those polled over 25. In the under 25 population polled, 26% admitted to the use of pornography.
Barma doesn't delve into the new terminologies that include "friends with (sexual) benefits" or "hooking up" for indiscriminate sex. These two dangerous behaviors are rampant in our culture, especially among the young. The report leaves to other investigators to look at the veracity of the idea presented in many areas of our culture that all sexual behaviors, not including intercourse, keeps the young woman's chastity intact.
The continuing and seemingly epidemic increase of family and serial child abuse has been the profitable fodder of many new forensic entertainment series. Abuses seem to be escalating in severity, recidivism and often conclude in the death of a child. Known repetitive abusers as well as child homicide perpetrators are released after short prison sentences into an unknowing community in record numbers. And the age of these predators in diminishing to include young people having already offended in a serious physical assault prior adolescence.
In annotating these recent news events, does a picture begins to form?
While this laundry list of issues and events may resemble a child's "what doesn't belong" exercise, I would submit to you they all belong. It is by the synthesis of all these concomitant events that we are able to see a sharp focus on causation. This author views the world through a prism of Biblical values, Family systems, conflict resolution/reconciliation, and history. Marriage to a forest economics trained professional adds a dimension of natural and logical consequences when not adhering to environmental laws or mores.
In reviewing my old (and I am old) history lessons, if one forgets history, it will repeat. Only by learning old lessons and adapting them to current events do we avoid the same consequences. If not re-mediated, the lesson will come time and time again.
The first world is referred to as "postmodern". Is it? Current news manifests a very ancient thinking. While we have many modern "things", our lifestyle and mindset is quite ancient. Ponder the times the world has operated on a "if it feels good, do it" mentality. The "end justifies the means" thinking is a historical one. The "Rules" don't apply to those in power has been seen time and time again. Spinning the facts to justify one's one agenda is a re-occurring theme in history.
Historically, when rules, morality, procedures and the emphasis on quality of life for the vulnerable (children, elderly, ill,or disabled) was not important (or was even legislated against), culture deteriorated. And this mindset seems to have reared it's ugly head again. When were times when the "winner" or the idolized (yes, I did use that word) were the ones with the most "stuff", including power, possessions, strength or education?
If your answer includes the ancient Romans, the ancient Greeks, or other powerful entities that overtook others but literally crumbled and disappeared, we are beginning to see the same pattern. You see, systems unhealed will rotate again and again. Some even posit that the repeated patterns alters DNA. Surely this is the case with the fact the "weak" are factored out by annihilation.
The Good News tells us "in God, all things are possible". If we take our circumstances as an opportunity to learn, a gift appears. With God's grace, forgiveness and our conversion, we move from fear to love. This enables our worst weakness, sin, ill or disaster may be transformed to an asset.
For Bible based solutions, I am also reminded of the condition of the world when St. Benedict wrote his Rule for the Order of St. Benedict. The Benedictines, in some opinions, are credited with saving civilization during his time and the middle ages. It is applicable today. Benedict not only recognized the needs but cared for the abandoned, the young and elderly. Benedictine community leaders are held to a higher standard of behavior. Vows of Obedience to the Bible, the Rule and the Community; Stability to place and call; and Ongoing Conversion from fear to love certainly sound appropriate for inclusion in any reasonable spiritual formation.
Through the centuries, many wise, profound men and women acted out of care for their fellow man without thinking of themselves. Were these extraordinary people? Some surely were extraordinary. But most were common people who cared deeply about those God gave them to love.
What negative common variable resulted in the demise of most (if not all) the now dead empires? What came even before loss of the rules, mores and expectation of common decency toward one another developed? At what point did the "slippery slope" begin to gain momentum? At what nanosecond in time, did blinders go in place, thereby, making it common and permissible to trample those in the way of one's goal?
I would humbly submit to you that it was the fall of the family and the importance of children within it. This is whether one looks at an intact nuclear family, a single parent family, a blended family or a group functioning as a family "of choice" in the absence of a bonded family. When "things" got more important than God and His children, our society took a deliberate step into a crash course with trouble.
This is not a condemnation on differently configured families. It does mean that children and families must be intentional. They must be included in our process of making decisions. In Benedictine Communities, all have voice with vowed members having voice and vote. If we make decisions that shape quality character, a loving heart and sound decision making skills, we ensure our own future. If not, Malachi's prophetic words recycle into our century.
As said in the Old Testament ends with the Book of Malachi, our Father sends the Prophet Elijah. Elijah comes before the "great and dreadful day the Lord comes"(4;5) in judgement. Malachi goes on the tell us that in neglecting to teach the generations the spiritual desires of the Lord, we invoke natural consequences. I would submit to you that the consequences of this evil include failure, pain, addiction, short-sightedness, idolatry, insecurity and loss. And because we have returned to behave as in those ancient times, the consequences are the same.
When one reads Deuteronomy 6:1-9, we see the mind of the Father as to the teaching of our children and grandchildren that will alleviate the above stated problems. We need only seek the long term solution, not a quick fix that "feels good". Biblical road maps to sane, healthy living abound. We see many opportunities to God's urging that we tell the future generations of His wonderfulness. We are promised the fruits of the spirit for upright living.
Corrie Ten Boon, a Christian who survived Nazi concentration camps wrote, "is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?".
A recent Reuters article reported numerous Wall Streeters, Financial CEOs and the like were seen in the pews at a local Church. They were in varying states of coming apart at the spiritual, emotional and physical seams. The article appeared to be an example of using the Lord as a miraculous spare tire needed to "fix" the man made financial disaster.. . . quickly. This is reminiscent of the behaviors on and shortly after 9/11. Many then discussed changing priorities, putting family and friends above corporate agendas. Reports of highly paid executives re-thinking their hours away from significant relationships abounded. Churches reported record attendance....for a short period of time.
For my grandmother Katherine, who grew up in a very poor home, survived the "great" depression and buried most of her siblings, in laws, husband (of 49 yrs) and only child (my Mom), prayer wasn't an elective behavior. She prayed for every one of us, especially her grandchildren, every day. Not in that obnoxious way some do in restaurants loudly so that everyone knows how religious they are, but in her own quiet, determined and dedicated way. My entire life, I saw her prayer beads sitting next to her. At home, they sat on a small table next to her favorite chair. In the nursing home, her bedside table. We were a gift from the Father and she was intentional in her care, support, prayer and walking testimony. Before we were able to read The Holy Scripture, she was the Bible we saw. In that manner, she fulfilled God's declaration that "so you, your children and their children" will know Me. My children's children know I am a praying grandmother (Nana). They know examples of long term praying for the needs of the family. Was Gram perfect? Not by a long shot. Am I, not even in the ball park. But she showed us faithfulness. She showed us the value of family by sharing familial stories that taught biblical values. We continue to heal the (DNA) brokenness of our family. She and so many others showed/modeled how to make secular decisions based on short and long term biblical consequences and rewards. They passed on a vision that is disappearing in America.
I, would submit to the reader, that unless our culture turns to the Holy, we are doomed to repeat the problems of extinct cultures. It is our choice. Do we emulate behaviors that have a long term healthy outcome or continue to only look for quick fixes? Do we sleep in on Sundays or play golf rather than expose ourselves to meaningful worship and ongoing spiritual development? Are we committed to affirm and empower young families in the development of virtue alongside financial security? Do we expect all our children's spiritual development to be the responsibility of a 45 minute ministry someone else teaches? When picked up our children from a youth event or vacation Bible school, is our first and possible only question asked "Did you have fun" rather than "what did you learn today?" Do you have a spiritual vision of what you want for your children's future? It is not evil to want them to be financially successful, marry attractive people, drive a nice car and live in a well manicured neighborhood. But those are earthly goals. What are your eternal goals/expectations for them? How can God's design for multi-generational families be integrated into your plans, choices and decisions for your family, finances, housing, business, other earthly affairs and eternal reward?
It is up to us individually and collectively. Multi-generational family faithfulness is not a new fad concept. It isn't a new "designer" workshop. Multi-generational family faithfulness was the first centuries "school of the Lord's service" as St. Benedict wrote. The Great Commission to make believers of all nations began in the home. The Book of Matthew admonishes us to Seek the Lord first, and then all will be given. We have many incidents and formulas for reconciliation. We are also told to break with the unrepentant.
For me and my family, we choose to serve the Lord. And we attempt it in a multi-generational family faithfulness manner as the early Christian communities did. Are we religious zealots, not by any measure. Are we riddled with "human failings"? Oh yeah!!! Some more than others!! But we "do small things with great love" as Mother Theresa urged.
Is this simple, humble piece of pondering the entire answer? No, it is a jumping off point. It is a pondering of a grandmother that wants my 3 week old grandson and his six cousins to have a good life here and an eternal reward.
It is up to all of us how history remembers the 21st century. As for my family, we are taking Biblical driving lessons so as to maximize our steering of the generations.
To God be the Glory, Amen.
The Rev. Mtr. Katherine Mary Martin, OSA is a Third Order (disbursed) Benedictine with the Order of St. Alcuin, a Religious Order of CANA, an individual clergy member of the Anglican Communion Network, Southeastern Convocation and Canonically resident of the Anglican Province of Christ the Good Shepherd. Kate+ is a Licensed Certified Social Worker(LCSW) with Private Independent Practitioner certification in Administration, Casemanagement and Clinical Practice. In addition to being a wife, mother/stepmother of 6 adult sons, five daughters-in laws, and 7 grandchildren, she is active in ministry affirming and empowering multi-generational family faithfulness with Holy Family Ministries.
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