For those of you who are interested in following the blog I am suggesting one simple first step: read this book!  It is a quick easy read, and a resource you will come back to time and time again.  Here is a quick review of what you can look forward too.  Also here is a link to his blog.

Kester Brewin does an excellent job of setting up what is means to be engaged with the “Other.”  The book consists of four parts, which lead to his final conclusion.  Part 1 speaks to “Loving the Other Within the Self.”  Here Brewin speaks of walking the path of Jesus, and while the journey may be dark, complex and difficult we need to know that this path begins with affirmation.  God is pleased with us, and we must realize we are loved sons and daughters emerging into adulthood.  Part 2, speaks of “Loving the Other Within God.”  While we as Christians have formed churches where we are comfortable and like-minded, the life of Jesus calls us to be identified with the stranger.  Our lives are not meant for comfort, but embracing the other through separation and binding.  Part 3 covers “Loving the Other Within Society.”  Brewin gives a strong message on the verse ‘whoever loses his life for my sake will find it’ by stating that we are in the need to forget about our own salvation, and truly give everything and serve others.  Part 4 speaks of “Loving the Other in Praxis.”  While this task might seem overwhelming with all of the social conflicts throughout this world, we as Christians are called to bring peace, equality, and justice.  And if we truly believe in the message Jesus preached, then we need to preach that love can impact this world, both globally and locally.

This book overall has challenged me on how I engage with the Other, God, and myself.  And it has forced me to look at the movement I am having from childhood to adulthood.  I am certain that whatever task or goal we have in life, God is calling us to be AWARE, and Brewin speaks of this so eloquently in his book when he states “True love is involved: true love pursues, even into the darkest, dirtiest places.  What we will find there is the face of the other, and it is in the held gaze of that face that we will realize our interdependence: the fate of our lives and beyond are tied up together.”

After a year of processing my time in the hospital I feel it necessary to share my personal story of what is was like spending four weeks in the hospital. To understand my situation, I will offer a quick survey of my time as a patient.  I was hospitalized because of a large tumor constricting my mesenteric artery and threatening the →

You probably already know this, but for those who don't, Holly has a blog of her own that is pretty great.  Check it out here: Sits and Swings

If you are up-to-date on what this blog is trying to do or be, here is the first interview/sit-down with a fellow student at Fuller Seminary.  I admit that we are not the closest of friends, but have taken a class together where we were able to bond over the common theme of… “Is this over yet?”  But here is →

I was never a devoted fan of Oprah, but I think I need to give her props for her final show.  While I am usually cynical of her antics and big personality on TV, I was quite surprised by her down to earth, no “thrills and frills” last episode.  She covered several ideas that I think are worth repeating: To love →

In speaking about being aware I am reminded of my favorite story of Jesus where he heals a woman who has been bleeding for 12 years.  The story is not just about healing but encapsulated everything Jesus is about.  If you read or reread the story, which I suggest, Jesus is on his way to heal a girl who is →

It has been awhile, actually a year to date from the successful surgery at Clarian Hospital (now IU Medical Center).  Not that I can claim to be the mastermind behind previous posts since most were written by Holly.  She has her own blog, though, and I decided it was time I took some responsibility for the one that has my →

A documentary team shadowed Holly and me during one of my check-ups at Clarian, offering our story as a resource for surgeons around the country. Check it out HERE!

This is Nate, alive and well, writing for the first time on the blog!  To start things off, I can't begin to express my feelings toward you who prayed, wrote, stopped in, told a friend or spent time thinking about us.  It is all appreciated so so much and those memories will be held close to my heart for the rest →

...and making our way through Tulsa, OK this morning.