I have to be honest, yesterday's events in England rattled me a little bit. They shook me and I remebered how I felt on September 11th. It's something that has been sitting with me for some time. My mind wandered to questions that revolved around this one: What do I do if we enter World War III?
I know many people think that we're already in it, and as many again think that statement is absurd. Whether we are or not seems beyond us to say since these things only really become clear in retrospect. Whether or not we already are isn't the point here either.
I don't mean to gloss over all of the enormous global implications of that kind of war. There are obviously horrible and overarching consequences of that reality. But to narrow my focus, what do I do if we enter WW3? How would a large-scale multinational war affect me? Will I still have my job? Will my job matter? Could I be drafted? What would I do about it? How can I prepare for any of that? Should I prepare?
Those are the questions that have been rattling around in my head. In particular I am contemplating the roles of work, the arts, and ministry in a time of turmoil like that. What will I do about work? Where will I work? Will anything change with my job? Will I want to change it or not? How will I run my business in the midst of war?
As for art, what will people want while under the threat of a nuclear holocaust or crushing economic depression? Will people want lighthearted distraction or bold visionary prophecy? My questions don't accept as a premise that people might not want art. I wonder if that's an incorrect assumption. I just believe that art is such a part of humanity that it has a role in any situation. As long as we are human we will need art.
What about ministry? I know there will be preachers banging war drums and others placing daisies in gun barrels. I'm not sure either extreme actually helps people. So what does help people? How do I preach a peace that doesn't just accept injustice for the sake of quieting guns? Should I not concern myself with results so long as guns are quiet? Will I have to oppose what my government does? Would I have that courage?
These are the questions. I know very few things. I know that I want to have a sense of direction in this. I know I don't want to be in debt to anyone for anything. I know I want to be involved in nourishing life and humanity in the midst of death and destruction.
So what does that look like? What do you think about this? Will your job matter? What will you do? Where will you be? Am I nuts for even thinking about it? I'll keep expanding some of my thoughts about work, art, and ministry in the midst of war on my supplemental blog. In the meantime, pray for peace and don't be caught unprepared.
|
8 Cachinnations
Matthew 6:34
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." NKJV :)
Posted on 8/11/2006
You're not crazy for thinking about it. You're a military brat. I'm sure you've thought it over many times. I've thought of it many times myself simply because some of my dearest friends are in the military. I keep thinking, how can I help them? How can I help those who are on the front lines? What can I do to bring them home? What can I do to promote peace?
From a birdseye view, does all the protesting and picketing really have any effect on the powers that be? They watch the news and see a mob of chanting people, marching with signs, but does that do anything to affect a congressional declaration of war?
The most effective ways to influence what happens in this potential world war is to write letters (not e-mails) to those in office, support those on the front lines, and PRAY. THAT is what determines the outcome.
I have a friend who recently did a 5 month tour in Afghanistan. He asked me to keep in touch with him. This was the best thing he could have to keep up his morale. Depression really hits hard to those who are out there fighting. They seriously need our support. They need to be encouraged because that affects their performance.
What my thought is, should your theatre dry up, think about doing the old-fashioned USO show, or something similar. Granted, they like to hire Mariah Carey to flaunt her charms, but that doesn't exactly boost long-term morale. They need comedy and they need ministry, two gifts that you have in abundance. This is something I've considered for some time simply because my job will probably be equally temporary.
Consider how you can help the individuals most actively involved to promote peace by using your talents.
I wouldn't worry about being drafted yet. The oldest they let you enlist is 27. Either that, or stay in school forever.
Posted on 8/11/2006
Yeah, I'm not seriously concerned about being drafted into enlisted service any time soon, I meant more along the lines of, "Will I be required to help materially?" In time of need, they'll expand guidelines. How would I be of service?
And Anne, I don't think this is a matter of worry in the sense that Jesus meant in his sermon on the mount. I don't have a single 'worry' about this. Quite the opposite; I'm seeking my response as an alternative to worry. Anyone who knows me knows that I'm not a worrier. I'm really not afraid of anything. I am very concerned, however, that wherever I am, I am useful in serving God and ministering to those around me.
Posted on 8/11/2006
"I am very concerned, however, that wherever I am, I am useful in serving God and ministering to those around me."
That is an excellent concern to have. Seeking and saving the lost.
Posted on 8/11/2006
you are a military brat? that explains a lot. i mean, in a good way. you are so versatile.
about art. YES, YES, YES, YES people will need it. i mean, we can't sing while guns are going off around us, but wait...can we? "it is well with my soul."
about ministry. an even bigger, YES, YES, YES, YES. for reasons that don't even need to be said.
and i must say, i worry about the same things. it's hard not to. in this case, worrying is sanity.
Posted on 8/11/2006
Yes, O-mo, it's true. I'm not a typical military brat, but I am one. I'm also not a typical middle child, (at least not when I'm away from my family), but I'm one of those too. How I became who I am is a complete mystery to me and everyone else who knows my situation. But here I am anyway, and I'm more concerned with what kind of man I'll become. But I have no doubt that moving all the time, living in the Middle East while a kid, and learning to make friends quickly and easily are among the things that have shaped me.
Posted on 8/11/2006
I believe that it was during the Nazi bombing campaign of England that a little known author began giving a series of radio shows that would come to be known as "Mere Christianity"
I think that it is durning these times that people need people who bring little shafts of truth, hope and beauty the most.
Keep on keepin' on brother.
Posted on 8/12/2006
My wife was/is a military brat. She brings a different perspective to discussing world events than a snot-nosed suburban kid like myself ever could. Interesting article.
Posted on 8/14/2006