I've done quite a lot of driving over the past week. As much as I enjoy driving, it can be ridiculously frustrating. Yesterday, as I-94W nearly turned into a parking lot in Indiana, I was struck by how glad I am that Jesus is coming back. I think if there's one thing we can learn from road construction it's that we human beings are absolutely hopeless on our own. We can't figure out how to efficiently merge when a lane closes or how to drive a reasonable speed once everybody has merged. I'm not even sure we've really figured how to build and repair roads properly. (Sidebar: Indiana, for all your arrogant billboards in Illinois about how you're a state that works, are you ever going to be finished doing construction on I-94? It's been going on for years, and I'm sick of it. I'm not sure I have the words to express how glad I am that I don't have to drive through Indiana to go home to my parents anymore.) Seriously, if we can't even drive on a highway without devolving into selfishness, rage, pettiness, and a host of other sins—to say nothing of sheer stupidity—what makes us think we have any real chance against things like climate change, poverty, or the threat of nuclear warfare? Spoiler alert: we don't. We can't save ourselves. We need to stop being surprised when we seem to take steps backwards as a society. That's what sinful, broken people do. Thankfully, our God is making everything new and perfect. Thankfully, He also brings goodness here and now and even uses our efforts as part of that. So let's be real, but let's not stop trying or give up hope. Come quickly, Lord Jesus. Have mercy, and save us from ourselves.
Grace and peace,
BMH
Monday, August 7, 2017
Monday, July 31, 2017
#47 The Cranky Mathematician
First, let me apologize for missing a couple weeks of blogging. Two Mondays ago we spent the day visiting a college friend, and the rest of the week filled up quickly on me. Last week I was busy being a counselor for Bible camp and didn't have time to blog. So here we are. Hopefully I'll be regular for a while now.
Being a math major makes me sensitive to some things that most people likely never pay attention to, so this week I'm beginning what will probably become a recurring segment: "The Cranky Mathematician." Let's talk about roads. In Hancock County, where I live, roads are generally a mile apart. East-west roads are numbered, while north-south roads begin with successive letters of the alphabet (e.g. James, Kent, and Ladd are roads near Kanawha.). The east-west roads begin with 100th, followed by 110th, 120th, etc. Homes after 100th are numbered 10xx, homes after 110th are numbered 11xx, and so on. This system, while well organized, drives me absolutely bonkers. First, I think it would make more sense for the roads to be 10th, 11th, 12th, etc. or 1000th, 1100th, 1200th, etc. I can mostly let that go, but I cannot for the life of me figure out why the numbered roads essentially start with 10. The county line should really be 0, but I would be okay with 1st (or 10th under this system). Now you might think that the county wants all the home numbers to have four digits, but, going the other way, homes after A are numbered in the 100s, homes after B in the 200s, and so on. So why do the numbered roads essentially start with 10? I can't explain it. It makes no sense to me. I wouldn't be surprised if no one else in the county has ever both noticed and cared, but I think about this almost every time I run. Such is the curse of being a (sometimes cranky) mathematician.
Grace and peace,
BMH
Being a math major makes me sensitive to some things that most people likely never pay attention to, so this week I'm beginning what will probably become a recurring segment: "The Cranky Mathematician." Let's talk about roads. In Hancock County, where I live, roads are generally a mile apart. East-west roads are numbered, while north-south roads begin with successive letters of the alphabet (e.g. James, Kent, and Ladd are roads near Kanawha.). The east-west roads begin with 100th, followed by 110th, 120th, etc. Homes after 100th are numbered 10xx, homes after 110th are numbered 11xx, and so on. This system, while well organized, drives me absolutely bonkers. First, I think it would make more sense for the roads to be 10th, 11th, 12th, etc. or 1000th, 1100th, 1200th, etc. I can mostly let that go, but I cannot for the life of me figure out why the numbered roads essentially start with 10. The county line should really be 0, but I would be okay with 1st (or 10th under this system). Now you might think that the county wants all the home numbers to have four digits, but, going the other way, homes after A are numbered in the 100s, homes after B in the 200s, and so on. So why do the numbered roads essentially start with 10? I can't explain it. It makes no sense to me. I wouldn't be surprised if no one else in the county has ever both noticed and cared, but I think about this almost every time I run. Such is the curse of being a (sometimes cranky) mathematician.
Grace and peace,
BMH
Monday, July 10, 2017
#46 You Are Not Alone
I'm the biggest Superman fan I know (unless one of my friends is holding out on me). This puts me in a sometimes frustrating position. I have all this interest and knowledge that very few of my acquaintances share or even care much about. Over the years I've had a couple of friends who enjoyed talking comics with me, and Tess—bless her heart—has patiently listened to me talk about way more Superman things than she probably even thought existed. One day in my quest for more Superman knowledge, I stumbled upon the Superman Homepage, which promised "Everything [I] ever wanted to know about the Man of Steel… and more!" Here was a whole world of Superman fans reviewing comics and movies and TV episodes, discussing Superman news, sharing opinions on favorite storylines and writers and artists. I was overjoyed. I wasn't alone. I read page after page. After a couple months I created an account using a picture from one of my favorite Superman comics:
After a couple more months, I stepped out on a limb and sheepishly commented on an article, even though many other members seem to know WAY more about Superman than I do. And the Superman community, though far from perfect, was gracious. So I've started commenting now and again. Sometimes others disagree with my opinions, but they've been respectful, and I always seem to find somebody else who shares my point of view. It's a lot of fun to be a part of this online community. It's such a blessing to share interests with others. And maybe, just maybe, this Superman community spares Tess from my ramblings once in a while. That would be the real victory. Until next time, up, up, and away!
Grace and peace,
BMH
After a couple more months, I stepped out on a limb and sheepishly commented on an article, even though many other members seem to know WAY more about Superman than I do. And the Superman community, though far from perfect, was gracious. So I've started commenting now and again. Sometimes others disagree with my opinions, but they've been respectful, and I always seem to find somebody else who shares my point of view. It's a lot of fun to be a part of this online community. It's such a blessing to share interests with others. And maybe, just maybe, this Superman community spares Tess from my ramblings once in a while. That would be the real victory. Until next time, up, up, and away!
Grace and peace,
BMH
Monday, June 26, 2017
#45 Trust Issues
It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans.
9 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.
- Psalm 118:8-9
Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save.
Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God.
- Psalm 146:3, 5
These verses (and others like them) have been running through my mind frequently over the past couple weeks. The U.S. is deep into health care debate for the second time in a decade, and I'm amazed by how familiar this new round seems. The minority party complains about a secretive writing process, about a wildly unpopular bill that they claim is being rushed through Congress, and about fellow politicians who are more concerned about their party than the American people. The Republicans seem to be doing all the things they complained about eight years ago, and the Democrats seem to be complaining about all the things they did eight years ago. (Now I would guess that members of each party would probably tell me that what they did was technically different from what the others did, but I say that if you need a technical argument to explain why your actions aren't as bad as someone else's, then you're almost certainly doing things you really shouldn't be doing. Good morals do not involve trying to get away with absolutely everything you can.)
As I watch the debates around the U.S. Senate's proposal unfold, I can't help but feel like many of us have been suckered. We've been led to believe that our leaders are going to get things right and take care of all of us. We've been told (whether directly or indirectly) that the politicians and party we support can give us what we need when it comes to health care and national security and civil liberties. But they can't. They won't. To me, the last ten years of health care debate show that there really isn't that big of a difference between the two parties. We're getting the same questionable processes; only the roles have reversed. At this point I believe I can confidently say that, whether or not the Republicans pass new health care legislation, the system is not going to be "fixed." Some people that aren't benefiting under the current system will benefit under the new system. Some people that do benefit under the current system won't benefit under the new one.
I don't have the answers when it comes to health care. Nor should you expect me to have the answers. I'm a pastor, not a doctor or an insurance provider or a legal expert. But to my fellow Americans (and really to people everywhere) I say, stop it! We need to stop trusting politicians to save us or protect us or watch out for us. Don't get me wrong: politics are important. Health care is important. We should pay attention and participate in the process where we can. But let's not be surprised when our fellow human beings let us down. That's what people do. Other people let us down and we let other people down. Let's not depend on our leaders to set our lives and our country straight. To my brothers and sisters in Christ, shame on us for trusting in politicians. We should know better than that. Only our Triune God is worthy of our trust. To those who don't believe in Christ, I urge you to put your trust in Jesus. I can't guarantee your health care will be great or your life will be easy. But Jesus is totally trustworthy. He offers peace and joy in the midst of turmoil and everlasting, resurrected life after death. And unlike human beings, He knows what we really need.
Grace and peace,
BMH
9 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.
- Psalm 118:8-9
Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save.
Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God.
- Psalm 146:3, 5
These verses (and others like them) have been running through my mind frequently over the past couple weeks. The U.S. is deep into health care debate for the second time in a decade, and I'm amazed by how familiar this new round seems. The minority party complains about a secretive writing process, about a wildly unpopular bill that they claim is being rushed through Congress, and about fellow politicians who are more concerned about their party than the American people. The Republicans seem to be doing all the things they complained about eight years ago, and the Democrats seem to be complaining about all the things they did eight years ago. (Now I would guess that members of each party would probably tell me that what they did was technically different from what the others did, but I say that if you need a technical argument to explain why your actions aren't as bad as someone else's, then you're almost certainly doing things you really shouldn't be doing. Good morals do not involve trying to get away with absolutely everything you can.)
As I watch the debates around the U.S. Senate's proposal unfold, I can't help but feel like many of us have been suckered. We've been led to believe that our leaders are going to get things right and take care of all of us. We've been told (whether directly or indirectly) that the politicians and party we support can give us what we need when it comes to health care and national security and civil liberties. But they can't. They won't. To me, the last ten years of health care debate show that there really isn't that big of a difference between the two parties. We're getting the same questionable processes; only the roles have reversed. At this point I believe I can confidently say that, whether or not the Republicans pass new health care legislation, the system is not going to be "fixed." Some people that aren't benefiting under the current system will benefit under the new system. Some people that do benefit under the current system won't benefit under the new one.
I don't have the answers when it comes to health care. Nor should you expect me to have the answers. I'm a pastor, not a doctor or an insurance provider or a legal expert. But to my fellow Americans (and really to people everywhere) I say, stop it! We need to stop trusting politicians to save us or protect us or watch out for us. Don't get me wrong: politics are important. Health care is important. We should pay attention and participate in the process where we can. But let's not be surprised when our fellow human beings let us down. That's what people do. Other people let us down and we let other people down. Let's not depend on our leaders to set our lives and our country straight. To my brothers and sisters in Christ, shame on us for trusting in politicians. We should know better than that. Only our Triune God is worthy of our trust. To those who don't believe in Christ, I urge you to put your trust in Jesus. I can't guarantee your health care will be great or your life will be easy. But Jesus is totally trustworthy. He offers peace and joy in the midst of turmoil and everlasting, resurrected life after death. And unlike human beings, He knows what we really need.
Grace and peace,
BMH
Thursday, June 22, 2017
#44 Babes on the Run
Late on Saturday afternoon I looked outside and decided that it was time for Lanie to go for a run. The weather was nice: overcast and not too hot. Lunch had been digesting long enough in my stomach that I didn't think it would be a problem. It was time to see what this so-called jogging stroller was made of. I double-knotted my Nikes and locked Lanie's car seat into the stroller. Then we were off, gliding past block after block. Adapting my running form proved a challenge: eventually I settled on pushing with one arm while swinging the other arm like normal. Additionally, whether from the unevenness of the road or my one-armed pushing, the stroller kept trying to drift to one side or the other. Beyond these new challenges, I'm not in good shape, so I worked through four miles. (Side note: I have this recurring fear that my college self is going to time travel to my current time and kick me in the back of the head for being so terrible at running regularly. Always beware your time-travelling self.) Lanie, however, didn't seem to notice my efforts. Freed from the blinding glare of the sun, she took full advantage of not being shaded and stared at the passing homes, cars, and fields. I tried talking to her a few times. She ignored me, as I'm sure she'll do more and more regularly as she ages. Finally, after four miles of stoic silence, Lanie started to babble and smile as I walked around to cool down. She liked the run! I guess I better get used to pushing a stroller around.
Grace and peace,
BMH
Monday, June 12, 2017
#43 Spittin' Image
Lately I've been having a strange recurring experience. Once in a while I'll look over at Lanie and get the feeling that I'm looking at one of my baby pictures come to life. I don't see it all the time, but sometimes—I don't know if it's the face she's making or the lighting or what—she looks a lot like me. Here's a side-by-side comparison for you folks at home:
(This is the only one of my baby pictures I have on hand. It's probably not perfect for this, but I think it does the trick.)
Now again, this isn't an all the time experience. However, I'm not sure I'm ever going to get used to it. It's bizarre to catch even a glimpse of my face in someone else's face, especially in a girl's face. Parenthood is weird, and it's also really cool. But for Lanie's sake, I hope she doesn't continue to look too much like me as she gets older.
Grace and peace,
BMH
Now again, this isn't an all the time experience. However, I'm not sure I'm ever going to get used to it. It's bizarre to catch even a glimpse of my face in someone else's face, especially in a girl's face. Parenthood is weird, and it's also really cool. But for Lanie's sake, I hope she doesn't continue to look too much like me as she gets older.
Grace and peace,
BMH
Thursday, June 8, 2017
#42 She's a Wonder
My blog is named in honor of both a Superman comic series and TV show, so I think it's only fair if I talk about something comic-related once in a while. Last weekend I went to see Wonder Woman. The movie absolutely captivated me. I thought the main characters were great and the plot was strong. The action sequences were jaw-droppingly cool, and the music was top-notch. (I judge movie scores based on whether or not there's a moment in the film where I consciously think that the music is great in a particular scene. I had a couple of those with Wonder Woman.) At the end of the day, I generally want a movie to hold my attention and make me feel good/excited/triumphant. Wonder Woman definitely did those things.
After seeing the movie, I thought about my daughter, Lanie, and I got really excited that she's growing up in a world where a movie like Wonder Woman exists. One of the seminary lectures I remember the best is a pastoral care class where a guest speaker told us she never really felt like the Bible's words were for her until she reread a passage with feminine words instead of masculine words. (e.g. Psalm 1:1-3 [NIV 1984]: Blessed is the woman who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But her delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law she meditates day and night. She is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields in fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever she does prospers.) As a man, I admit I had never thought of that before. Of course the Bible's words are for both women and men. But sometimes we need a change of perspective to help us see that. Now comic books are much less important than God's Word. But comic books and comic book movies can be pretty terrible to women. Women can easily be portrayed simply as damsels in distress, rather helpless people who need some strong man to come and rescue them. But Wonder Woman portrays a woman who is a hero and an inspiration, a woman who is compassionate, courageous, and self-confident. Of course both women and men can be strong and heroic. But I think a movie like Wonder Woman helps us understand that better. I'm sure it's not a perfect example, but I hope it helps Lanie and me and girls and boys and women and men better see the value and power and importance of women. That would be, well, wonderful.
Grace and peace,
BMH
After seeing the movie, I thought about my daughter, Lanie, and I got really excited that she's growing up in a world where a movie like Wonder Woman exists. One of the seminary lectures I remember the best is a pastoral care class where a guest speaker told us she never really felt like the Bible's words were for her until she reread a passage with feminine words instead of masculine words. (e.g. Psalm 1:1-3 [NIV 1984]: Blessed is the woman who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But her delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law she meditates day and night. She is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields in fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever she does prospers.) As a man, I admit I had never thought of that before. Of course the Bible's words are for both women and men. But sometimes we need a change of perspective to help us see that. Now comic books are much less important than God's Word. But comic books and comic book movies can be pretty terrible to women. Women can easily be portrayed simply as damsels in distress, rather helpless people who need some strong man to come and rescue them. But Wonder Woman portrays a woman who is a hero and an inspiration, a woman who is compassionate, courageous, and self-confident. Of course both women and men can be strong and heroic. But I think a movie like Wonder Woman helps us understand that better. I'm sure it's not a perfect example, but I hope it helps Lanie and me and girls and boys and women and men better see the value and power and importance of women. That would be, well, wonderful.
Grace and peace,
BMH
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