Day #8: What Can I Do About Terrorism? PT2

Witnessing the pain and heartache of so many around the world makes it difficult to express my thoughts about modern-day terrorism with both passion and sensitivity. When a friend responded to my most recent post with thought-provoking questions about the reality of what we're facing, I took some time to dig deeper into what I believe. The more questions I asked, the fewer irrevocable truths I found. Thankfully, fewer does not equal none.

Here is my friend's question: "How do we reconcile these realities in Scripture [God-mandated warfare] and the realities we are dealing with in the world with the reality of the love of God?"

The background noise of these questions dwell in the soul of every person. Indeed, the heartbeat of human existence is the epic struggle of realities and ideals. Entire faith systems are constructed around the hope of redeeming what is mortal, tainted, and evil with what is divine, pure, and good. The pursuit of truth has been embedded among every culture through every time period and in every corner of the earth. 

First, Scripture does not give us the full, detailed background of the warfare found in its pages. We see battlegrounds and conflicts through the eyes of one nation among many, so we are unable to quantify exactly why God made certain decisions. In many cases, however, we do see God using the Israelite people as an instrument of judgement for the evil behaviors of "heathen" nations, many behaviors we still condemn today.

But wait! Before you compare Israel to America as God's "judgement seat," read further and discover how God also uses these same heathen nations to discipline Israel when they follow the same immoral practices. America, do we have a more privileged seat at God's table than other nations? I think not.

Thankfully, barbaric justice is not the full story of God. As a Christian, I believe in the miracle of reconciliation. And while I believe my reconciliation with God to be both a priceless moment and a continual journey, this miracle is the gift that keeps on giving. I am alive to save lives. I am loved to show love. I have hope to share hope. And my hope is not salvation from the world; it is salvation for this world and the precious people here. 

That word "reconciliation" is both vertical and horizontal. As I am reconciled to God, the author of true love, I am enlivened and empowered to reconcile others to an foreign way of living. By foreign, I mean absolutely alien. The Kingdom (the literal King, government, and its citizens) is the furthest culture from our reality. Its currency of love buys peace, joy, and hope, but requires a spiritual "foreign exchange" (or translation) to be applied to our everyday transactions. As a Christian, I should be an ambassador of this foreign culture, waving its eternal flag, and conquering land for its King.

But remember, conquering territory for this Kingdom is a different paradigm than the use of military power and nuclear warfare. We don't depend on sophisticated weapons and strategic assaults to win battles. Instead, the King's "territory" is the heart of men and women, and the King's "tactic" is love.

In fact, this is why world peace seems hopeless in our current world circumstances. One side self-righteously fights for peace for its own good, causing retaliation from another side whose peace is destroyed by those same actions. We Americans even within one country and government are far from united in our ideas about healthcare and tax reform, so how can we hope for peaceful agreements with other nations, especially those whose extremist agenda is our downfall?

To answer the questions posed by my friend above, I believe there is at least one thing we all can do to bring peace to this world and reconcile the ideals of heaven with the realities of this planet: pray for forgiveness and justice. And let's be careful; by justice, I do not mean self-vindication or revenge, and I also do not wish for passive, pew prayers. Rather, let's pray and stand for true justice, the justice that convicts the wrong and defends what is right.

Unfortunately, most of the conversation you hear about our nation's stance against terrorism is laced with retaliation as the root motivation. But as a Christian, I believe justice has already been served in my place for my wrongdoing, so I therefore should not only be praying for justice, but forgiveness for us all.

While this may seem like a weak position at first, it's actually of the strongest kind. And if you think this way of faith is too idealistic for reality, you're getting close to the truth. Is it our current reality? No. Is it a potential dream come true? Absolutely. Welcome to faith.

Justice is not about ignoring wrongdoing; it is doing something right despite the wrong done. Don't misunderstand me: I do believe in holding people accountable to their actions. But as hard as it is to believe, murderers, rapists, and yes, even terrorists, are treasured people in this foreign Kingdom and are one decision away from miraculous redemption. Punishment for action does not equal condemnation for the soul. So Christians, let's represent the King's intentions with more care and humility.

What is the right thing to do? Forgive. And the individual, corresponding action will be different for us all. Yes, we have been wronged. We have been abused and attacked. But if we don't forgive, we will continue the vicious cycle of evil and promote death and revenge. Then, and only if we allow it to be so, will terror and evil win. We must change course.

Christians, what does your prayer for terrorists sound like? Are you praising God when you see their camps destroyed by missiles? And when is the last time we prayed for terrorists to find peace and love?

Justice is not about ignoring wrongdoing; it is doing something right despite the wrong done.

What do we have to lose that is not already being stolen from us? We actually have everything to gain on the high road. Let's advertise cheek turning, sacrificial, undeserved love. It's our only hope. 

Day #7: What Can I Do About Terrorism?

The images of that September day will be forever imprinted on my mind. As we sat in social studies class and our teacher reached for the TV remote, a somber hush hovered over us all. Every channel repeated the same horrific sight over and over again. Then, like a fatal knockout punch to our country, we witnessed the second plane crash into the tower. The eerie silence across America following 9/11 lasted for weeks, but the questions in my head screamed louder than the explosions I witnessed. 

Everything changed after that day in 2011. Americans grew suspicious of Middle Eastern countries and of anyone with a long, dark beard wearing a tunic. Airplane travel required extensive security checks with zero tolerance for leaving "bags unattended." Men and women filled church pews for months petitioning a previously irrelevant God for answers. Rumors of an impending draft for us young men left my friends and I scared of what could happen to us overseas.

I would have hoped our world would have found solutions by now, over a decade later. Haven't we learned the deadly cost of war and terror? Hasn't history proven time and time again how brutal retaliation only breeds more carnage? When will we realize that peace is never secured by war?

The bombings and shootings in Paris this past week break my heart. While I cannot know exactly how Parisians feel right now, I can guess what questions are going through their minds. How could this happen to us? Is my family safe? What is going to happen next?

Can't we all see the recurring, vicious cycle? Somehow, someway, we must stop this.

What irony: terrorists, as a demonstration of their core beliefs, plot the deaths of others, and in response, those who are terrorized, as a demonstration of their core beliefs, plot the death of terrorists.

America, our enemy is not ISIS or ISIL, even if they are to blame for terrorists acts against us and our international allies. Our guns and military strategies are not powerful enough to stop a trained army of soldiers willing to commit suicide for what they believe in. Our Homeland Security is not "secure" enough to ward off every foreign attack. In fact, our own domestic police officers are ill-equipped to end crime in our own cities! There has to be a better way. 

The better way is Love. And before you write me off as a illogical, insensitive, idealistic, conservative lunatic, hear me out. Love is not an ideal or a strategy. Love is not a conservative or a liberal viewpoint. Love is not passive or weak. Love is not a dictatorship or a democracy. Love is a Person. And Love is the only solution to overcome evil.

What does love look like when our loved ones are killed by extremists? How is true love shown when innocent children are slaughtered in our streets? I don't know all the answers, but I'm learning this: love is not retaliation. No matter how much pain and loss I experience, and no matter how hated or tortured I am, violence in response to violence only makes me as evil as the terrorists themselves. 

Many of you reading this blog are Christians. And if we Christians follow the pattern and lifestyle of Jesus, then we view terrorism differently than someone who does not subscribe to our faith. Check out these startling statements by Jesus Himself:

“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’  and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!' (Matthew 5:43-44)

“Put away your sword,” Jesus told him. “Those who use the sword will die by the sword." (Matthew 26:52)

At the end of the day, we cannot control the actions, beliefs, or choices of others, even if we know them to be evil. Such manipulation and domination only breeds more terror and actually exposes our own dark inclination towards the same evil. Neither can we standby and let our families, neighborhoods, cities, and nation be trampled by those who despise and hate us. But our response to terror cannot be terror. It must be Love.

Terrorists are willing to die for their faith, but are we willing to live by ours?

What would the world look like if we responded differently? As Christians we know the Way, and instead of fighting other people, we should enforce the victory already won against the forces of darkness. We love our enemies. Jesus' road to victory was one of humility and death. How do we follow His example today?

I realize I may have opened a controversial topic, even among Christians. Do you agree or disagree? What do you think we can do about terrorism, specifically as Christians? Please leave your response below.

Check out tomorrow's blog for specific things we can do to defeat our real enemies!

***(I'm not saying I don't respect and appreciate our soldiers who face danger daily to protect us. However, on a macro level, I do not believe this is the best method for longterm success.)

Day #6: What Is True Love? (Why I Married Laura), PT2

Looking at this photograph makes me smile and cry. I get overwhelmed with gratitude when reminiscing on our wedding day. To be showered with love and warm thoughts from family and friends was absolutely marvelous. But the joy felt in this snapshot is rooted in more than cake and gifts, and even more than in the vows Laura and I recited to each other. We encountered the joy of true love long before we knew each other.

One of the blessings I am most grateful for is my church family. While there was a time when I had little hope in finding an authentic, loving church community,  Nashville Life Church has proven over and over again to be a safe place full of passionate believers supporting each other in their faith. But I warn you: don't come to our church unless you want to be married!

My friends and I have affectionately renamed our church "Love Life" because so many of us have gotten married recently. I've witnessed at least fourteen people from our church get married in the last two years within a congregation size of only two hundred. That's unheard of! We don't have a church sponsorship with Christian Mingle, and we don't have monthly speed dating parties. What we do have, however, is a thriving atmosphere of God's extravagant love for us, and it is from this revelation of true Love that we supernaturally love others.

Like I mentioned in yesterday's post, I met my wife Laura at our church. I didn't take interest in her immediately because I had unrealistic expectations of what true love looked like. I had a grocery list of characteristics I "needed" in a woman and thought very little of what I could add to a relationship myself.

Then one day, it dawned on me: I shouldn't be waiting to love someone based on who I want her to be. I should be searching for a woman to love based on who God has already fashioned her to be.

And God sure showed me. One date night while Laura and I were eating dinner, I had the bright idea to flirt a little; you know, to have some fun. I asked her, "How would you describe me to other people?" My hidden agenda, when the question flipped back to me, was to pour a sea of compliments on her about her beauty, personality, and whatever else would make her blush. Well, I was set up.

When Laura asked me the same question, everything changed. Instead of saying the flirtatious words I planned, all I could think of was a parable from Jesus I'd read as a child:

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it. (Matthew 13:45-46)

Before I knew what I was saying, I told her, "Laura, you are a jewel worth everything."

Whoa man! That's something you say to your wife, or at least your fiancé when there's a ring in your pocket. I couldn't believe I let those words come out of my mouth. But I had to say it. It was like God pulled back a sheet from my eyes and showed me how much Laura was worth to Him: priceless.

From that moment on, I knew I had a choice to make. Did I want to be the man God would use to display His love for Laura? Whether I stepped up to the plate or not, someone would, because Laura was worth it. I knew I could not buy Laura's love, but I could choose the honor and privilege of showing the world how much God loves her. My love for her may come up short. But God's love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8).

To my single friends, especially guys: it is good to desire marriage. I highly recommend it. It is a beautiful opportunity for companionship, romance, and fun. But the greatest snapshot of love is this: to give your life for someone. And before you even think about loving someone else, take time to remember the love Jesus as proven by His own death for you.

The hope and prize of life is true love, not marriage.

God is Love.

To my married friends, especially guys, love and honor your spouse. I know it can be difficult at times, but your strength is not based on the amount of love you have for him/her, but in how much God loved you first. From the joy and a surplus of God's love, love your spouse.

Laura, you are a jewel worth everything. I love you.

"Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God . . ." (1 John 4:7a)

Check out my new song about Laura:

"Would You Be Mine" feat. Emoni

Day #5: What Is True Love? (Why I Married Laura), PT1

One year ago, I married my sweet wife, Laura. Surrounded by the love of our family and friends, we vowed to love, hold, and cherish each other for the rest of our lives. And we would do it all again (especially the honeymoon!). However, our love story was not Hollywood-scripted and did not start with "love at first sight." What began as a tentative attraction grew into a flower garden of devotion. Here's how.

You may have been expecting a more "romantic" story decorated with starry nights and long walks on the beach. It may even surprise you that less than a year before we were engaged, Laura and I both were interested in other people. Imagine that! So how did we go from barely knowing each other to proclaiming wedding vows in only 11 months? Well, it all comes down to choosing true love.

I cannot tell you how many people told Laura and I separately what a good match we would be. I disagreed. I "knew" the kind of woman I wanted to date, and though Laura was beautiful and kind, I mistakenly assumed she didn't fit the prototype I'd imagined.

I decided against just one date based on trivial presumptions, thinking I would one day automatically fall in love with someone else who fit my list of requirements perfectly.

Then one Sunday, I was rehearsing with the music team at church and could see Laura cleaning the men's bathroom outside the sanctuary. I thought, Wow! It takes a special kind of woman to volunteer for that job, probably a woman who can't smell. For the first time, something about this woman sparked my curiosity. 

Not long after, I asked her to join me on our first date to dinner in East Nashville followed by a Mike Hick's concert (thanks Mike!). We enjoyed our time together, and over the next couple of months, I realized Laura was absolutely incredible. She loved listening to records, enjoyed adventure, was always patient, humble, a great listener, artistic . . . and so much more.

How did I miss seeing this about her before?

The answer is simple: I had been expecting the perfect "someone" to appear out of nowhere, land in my life, and make me happy. No matter how amazing the person in front of me was, the fear of missing out on someone better "out there" crippled me. In short, I was trading the joy of finding true love for a limited, selfish expectation: riveting conversation to stimulate my own mind, companionship to ward off loneliness, and fun adventures to keep up with my other friends. While the desire for mutual satisfaction in a relationship comes naturally, such selfish prerequisites ironically create a dangerous recipe for dissatisfaction.

True love is not finding the best match to fulfill my needs. It's giving my best to fulfill hers. 

Let's be honest. We live in a self-centered, self-indulgent, self-loving society. We steep most of our desires in egocentricity. Even romantic relationships, which are supposed to be founded on devotion and sacrifice, end in bitter separation because of selfish statements like: "He/she doesn't meet my needs" or "I just don't love him/her anymore."

I slowly embraced the truth: to love a woman is to willingly give your life to her, demanding nothing in return. Yes, commitment made me nervous. Exclusivity seemed limiting. Yet, while I understood little about how to love Laura like a real man, I knew genuine intention was the minimum requirement. I needed to devote myself to knowing her, giving to her, and treasuring her. Only then could I honestly discover how much I truly loved her.

I slowly embraced the truth: to love a woman is to willingly give your life to her, demanding nothing in return.

Well, you know how it turned out. I do love Laura. Not because of fleeting feelings, Disney-like fantasies, or uncontrollable infatuation, but because I am willing to give up my life to see hers flourish. Some days I feel those butterflies when I see her (especially when she wears that afro!), and then other days are more challenging. But the daily choice is love, looking for new ways to make her life the best it can be. And to have someone love you in the same way is what marriage is all about. I love being married!

Tomorrow in "What Is True Love, PT2" I'll tell you more about how a few intentional steps toward Laura opened the floodgates for an amazing love story . . .

Suggested Reading: The Sacred Search, by Gary Thomas

Check out my new song about Laura:

"Would You Be Mine" feat. Emoni

Day #4: Who Has Seen The Ghost of Jesus?

Every now and then, I wonder what Christianity looks like from the outside. There's persistent talk of spirits, incarnation, miracles, and eternity among Christians, and rightfully so. If I believe a man's death on a Roman cross thousands of years ago has supernatural benefits on my life today, surely I should be open to the reality of the spiritual, unseen world. But, for some reason, it's not always easy to believe.

Shouldn't I, someone writing for the past three days about my faith in God, automatically live in a spiritual reality? Well, not necessarily, or at least consciously. Head knowledge is quite different from practical faith. I do believe in God, Jesus, and the seemingly bizarre stories written about them. But without hands-on, tactile application, these tales of God's miraculous participation with humanity might as well be fables and interesting bedtime stories.

Christianity is impossible to accept if only looking at the visible world. I wonder what my life would look like if I actually believed in what I could not see?  

Like I mentioned in my previous posts, the framework of invisible, spiritual realities is called revelation. Without revelation, I cannot hope to grasp incomprehensible truth, even if can feel, hear, or taste it. I need an interpreter, Someone who is both in this world and the "other" world at the same time.

In our modern society, ghosts are thought to be unstable bridges between what is seen and what is not seen. They are characterized as lost and wandering personalities, sometimes with malicious, or at least unfinished, business to accomplish. Imagine how confusing it can be when well-intended Christians talk about the importance of knowing the Holy Ghost, or Holy Spirit. In most circles, reference to a ghost as holy is oxymoronic. 

Christians believe Jesus rose from the dead; so, are Jesus and Casper the same type of ghost?

I've gathered three comparisons between modern-day conceptions of ghosts versus Biblical teaching of who the Holy Spirit is. These have not only shaped my relationship with the Holy Ghost/Spirit, but deepened my ability to passionately share it with others.

1. Alive or Dead

Jesus is not a ghost, or at least not the kind we see in Hollywood movies. His body is not in a grave separate from His Spirit and Person. We as Christians believe Jesus was fully resurrected and glorified and is alive forever. He is not trapped between this world and the next, but securely seated in ultimate authority and power. 

The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? 6 He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! (Luke 24:5-6a)

The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. (Romans 8:11)

2. Holy or Haunted

Jesus sent His Spirit (person, character, activator) to humanity not to haunt us but to make us holy. Just like Jesus was able to live here on the earth as a holy ambassador of faith, hope, and love, so we now as God's children, can be holy like our Father. 

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. (Colossians 3:12)

3. Empowered or Possessed

Instead of forcing His way into our decisions and will, Jesus invites us to experience power and freedom through His Spirit. While we are God's possession, we are not possessed by God (as compared to demonic bullying). By receiving the Spirit (the character, mind, and intentions) of Jesus, we share in His power and authority.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere . . . (Acts 1:8)

This the difference between a Hollywood ghost and the Holy Spirit: a ghost is what remains of a dead person who haunts those who are alive; the Spirit is the power of an alive Person who makes holy those who are dead.

Day #3: Who Does Jesus Think He Is?

Jesus. The simple mention of that name arouses tears of joy and pain. How can someone be so celebrated yet so vehemently cursed in the same conversation? Furthermore, should I even care about what Jesus said and did thousands of years ago? What's the big deal? 

Whether you subscribe to His teachings or not, Jesus' words and actions changed the game. Very few people would argue against the basics of what Jesus taught. Ideas like love, justice, and selfless service are interwoven into our Western morality, and one does not have to be a "disciple" of His to agree with their validity and impact.

Since two thousand years ago, however, people across the globe have incited fiery debates and even bloody battles against and about this unarmed, Jewish carpenter. Before His time on Earth and after, other teachers have propagated similar ideas without coming close to the magnitude and longevity of Jesus' influence. Jesus is famous not because what He said but because of who He said he was.

In yesterday's post, I briefly shared my views of God's existence, identity, and participation in my life. One of the building blocks in the foundation of my faith is the assurance of God's incomprehensibility. By definition, no human mind, spirit, or body can fully attain, let alone participate in, God's greatness without divine assistance. Or else, God would cease to be glorious, right? If I can reach God by way of my own reason or merit, then God is not very impressive. The truth, however, is all of my attempts to attain the fullness of God are like using step ladders to scale Mt. Everest. God Himself would have to help me. 

And this is where Jesus becomes quite appealing.

Jesus is famous not because what He said but because of who He said he was.

Jesus says of Himself, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me" (John). If you want a permanent reputation of being super-conservative and close-minded, quote that statement in your next coffee meeting. 

Christian Plurality is a popular religion today despite its glaring contradictions. But I understand the temptation. Surely God would not limit revelation of Love and Justice through a single person, people think. It would make more sense for God to open multiple windows and doorways to enter Truth, right? I ponder the same questions. Any god who requires heavenly flight and enlightenment from us without giving wings or superpowers to us must be villainous or at least really mean.

Personally, I love Jesus' words. They are seasoned with confidence and security in something/someone beyond this world. Despite the threat of hatred from friends and family, ridicule from respected teachers of the day, and an impending, agonizing, undeserved death at the hands of the Roman state, Jesus is unshakeable in His identity as not only God's life boat for humanity, but as God Himself. 

The glorious truth of Jesus Christ is not that I have found God but that God has found me.

Deep within my being I long for a perfect world: untainted beauty, virtuous justice, relief from turmoil and disease, and peaceable living for us all. I don't see this perfection here (yet) and can only hope the template exists somewhere above my head. So, instead of arguing about how many paths there should be, I will run hard on the path clearly marked and paved, the one that leads to a Good Father longing to welcome His children home again.

Check out my newest song "Would You Be Mine" feat. Emoni

Day #2: Who Is God?

Ask my family and friends, and they will tell you this about me: any time, any place, and any day is a good one for a conversation about God. Well, good for me at least. Though I always love to dig deep and ask the hard questions, I've learned that such discussions are not always welcomed at birthday parties and breakfast tables (unless you want awkward silences). But whether I verbalize my crazy thoughts or not, my wheel of contemplation is always spinning, and I suspect God thinks it's funny.

Let me state this clearly: I am a homemade, hand-spun theologian. I was not manufactured in the finest academic institution and cannot interpret ancient languages like many of my friends. And for some reading this post, my skills as a professional musician hardly qualify me to ask a question as lofty and far-reaching as "Who is God?" let alone answer it. And you're right. Theological scholars, monks, and tribal leaders from every generation and every religious tradition have embarked on a quest to provide good answers. I certainly will not try to compete with them here. But I'll add my two pennies for fun.

As a teenager, I remember driving to lunch from church each Sunday (usually to Luby's or Piccadilly's) and debriefing with my family about what the preacher presented. My dad would ask questions like, "What did you think of the sermon?" and "Did you agree with what was preached?" Dad, can't we just count how many blue cars we see drive by, like a normal family?

Now as an adult, I appreciate those early conversations. I discovered answers in asking the right questions. Why do people even want to know who God is? Where did the idea of God come from? And why hasn't anyone, for all time and in all arguments, answered these questions conclusively? Surely, if we as humans have the mental or spiritual capacity to satisfy all of these questions, we would have done so by now. Maybe the better way, instead of striving for perfect answers, is to discover which simple questions matter the most.

That's when I discovered a much better question that changed my life: Who is God to me? "To me" is a simple addition to the original question but changes everything. As a result, I'm no longer dancing around philosophical ideals; I'm diving into issues of the heart. I wonder, probably like you, why there is so much suffering and hatred in the world and in my life. Will we ever find the answers?

To avoid sinking into endless apologetics and get to the point, I'll assert here that if God is real, God is also, by definition, beyond me. (Whoa! I know that was a large leap. Read this to learn more). If God were on my level, it would be so much easier to quantify God's existence, character, and intentions. But if God is even one notch above me, I'll need help from someone on that level to fully grasp who and what God is. 

Over the last 30 years, I have asked "Who is God to me?" and found much peace and stability in these three statements:

1. It takes just as much faith to be believe God exists as it does to disbelieve.

2. If God is real, then God is higher than me by definition and must be revealed to me by God or someone on God's level

3. If God has intention and character traits, then God is a person to know, not an idea to study. 

These statements are not necessarily airtight conclusions or perfectly chronological; they are simply starting points for discussion. At this point, a few more questions should come up: How is God revealed? How do I receive that revelation? How can I be sure of what I believe?

Wow. We've just scratched the surface today. Tomorrow, we'll dive deeper into these questions and discover some exciting truths. Until then, hold on to this incredible promise: 

And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)

Check out my new song: "Would You Be Mine" feat. Emoni

Day #1: Who Am I?

I have no idea where to begin. In fact, if there are "10 Rules For Successful Blogging," I'm sure I just broke one of them by admitting to writer's block. So, instead of trying to impress you with a riveting introduction, let me start simply by telling you who I am and why I'm here. Here goes something . . .

One week ago, I woke up as a 30-year-old man.

Wow. I used to pity my friends celebrating their 30th birthday, thinking, "I wonder how it feels to be done with your life" and "It's all over now!" I'd often heard stories of people dreading the thought of getting old, insisting on having only 16 candles on their 40th birthday cake.

I love the classic Toys 'R Us jingle from the 90's where all of the kid actors from the original commercial return to sing, "I Don't Wanna Grow Up." What a fantastic way to capture a universal sentiment, and I forgot how much I love the song itself!

Hearing that song again stirred up wonderful childhood memories of Saturday morning cartoons, Fruity Pebbles, and too many action figures to count. When I got older, I remember Friday nights with my mom, dad, and brother gathering around our TV to watch the TGIF lineup on ABC. I loved watching Steve Urkel on Family Matters. And guess what? He and I both fell in love with a girl named Laura. Sorry Urkel, I got mine!

I wonder if I took too many naps in my twenties because they seem like a distant dream. Between traveling the world playing music, completing a Master's degree at Belmont University, and starting a business with my brother Marcus, I can barely believe it all actually happened. And now I've entered a new decade, and I can't help but reminisce on the past as well as envision what's next.

When I woke up on my 30th birthday, this phrase I heard as a kid came back to mind: "When I became a man, I put away childish things" (Paul). The words hit me like a freight train. I thought, "I am a man now." How did I get here? I then realized, maybe for the first time, that adulthood was not a dead end street to avoid but a glorious adventure to embrace.

For so long, I heard people advertise the impending, "big 3-0" as the crashing of an airplane or the sinking of a ship. Today, however, the truth inspires me: God grants me amazing journeys at every age, and I'm just now taking off on another exciting voyage!

TWEET: I realized, maybe for the first time, that adulthood was not a dead end street to avoid but an adventure to embrace. #heywiseguys http://ctt.ec/u3_hl+

Moments after this revelation, my wife Laura and I dived into an deep philosophical conversation (one of our love languages) about the difference between remaining childish and becoming childlike. We discussed how no one likes to be around someone who whines all the time or throws temper tantrums. One would expect such actions from a 3-year-old, but not from a grown man! To be childish is to be self-absorbed, needy, and fearful of what I'll lose; to be childlike is to be selfless, giving, and thankful for what I've been given.

Childlike people are humble, willing to grow and to learn. Faith is the mark of their lives. Hope encourages their steps. Love is the priority of their heart. Paul is correct, "When I was a child, I spoke, thought, and reasoned like a child." Now as a man, I willingly embrace the privilege and responsibility of manhood, accept my role as son, brother, and husband, and invite as many people as possible to join the fun!

TWEET: To be childish is to be fearful of what I'll lose; to be childlike is to be thankful for what I've been given. #heywiseguys http://ctt.ec/h87IM+

I'm very thankful for the fond memories of childhood and for the blessings I've been given. Today brings opportunity for new memories, and there's no better time to take a leap of faith than right now.

Who am I? I'm 30-year-old child of God.

Why am I here? To tell others about the Fountain of Life that makes us alive, free, and forever young.