Second Class Citizens: Rise Up!!!

I had a very morbid dream the other night.  I dreamt of a man who was stranded in the middle of a desert.  The wind was gusty and the sky dark.  On his knees, the man writhed in pain as his chest suddenly ripped open, exposing his beating heart.  Out of nowhere, pin pricks began appearing on his arms and he slowly bled from each new opening.  As he cried to God in agony, his face grew desperate and his eyes bloodied with tears.

For some strange reason, as the dreamer, I could feel his pain.  It was the pain of this world.  The pain of never having been good enough.  The pain of always feeling inferior.  The pain of longing for approval from the one person from his past who made him feel insignificant and worthless.  The pain of being a second-class citizen.

A pain that every one of us has felt at some point on our journey.

It was heartbreaking . . . and familiar.

When I woke I was greeted by my laptop with a rundown of the weekly news, which included:  more victims coming forward in the Penn State scandal,  a church banning an interracial couple from its walls and new women surfacing in the Herman Cain scandal.  So I clicked over to facebook for a little mindless trolling. . .only to find my childhood church in similar disrepair.

What's happening to us?

Children are being raped and abused (by priests, coaches, teachers and family members) and no one speaks up to protect them.  Children are being bullied so severely that suicide seems like a better option than suffering through even one more day of school.  Women are being sexually harassed by lustful politicians, only to have the media take aim at them.  Humans are deciding who is and who is not good enough to kneel at the throne of God.  Entire groups of people are demanding Christian/Muslim/Jewish monuments be taken down because religious symbols are too offensive to them.   Gay folks are being treated like outcasts.  Mothers are killing their children.  Fathers are killing their pregnant wives.    Our government is using faith as a ploy to control our votes.

Millions of people are bleeding in the desert, made to feel like second-class citizens by cowards.

Enough is enough.

When is this mayhem going to stop?

When we rise up, open our mouths and quit turning a blind eye to the sorrows of our neighbor.  When we accept the fact that we are all precious and valued in the eyes of God.  When we bravely fight for what’s right, hopeful and just - and not just for ourselves, but for one another.  When we base our moral compass on love and common decency.  When we quit searching for heroes on the TV.  When we openly question our government, our churches, our rhetoric and our convictions.    When we choose to base our politics, our religions and our families on the love and mercy of our Creator, rather than the love of ego, money, party politics and antiquated traditions.

When we look up, rather than down.

Cowards perpetuate hate and fear, heroes open their mouths and bravely stand (often alone) for what’s right.

I only hope to be half the hero that this kid is. . .

Thanks, Anne Rice for the link to this video.

Please Watch "Not My Life" - Let's End Human Slavery!

 

Director: We can change the world

A powerful, new documentary film depicting the horrifying and dangerous practices of human trafficking and modern slavery on a global scale airs this weekend on CNN.

Oscar-nominated director Robert Bilheimer says the movie could be key to unlocking public awareness and calls for action.

"People do not recoil from this. They are angered by it and horrified by it. I think it's genuinely possible that we can move the dime on this, that we can put this in the forefront of the public consciousness. That's all you need," he said.

Filmed on five continents over four years, "Not My Life" shows survivors and anti-traffickers with dignity and compassion, and depicts the unspeakable practices of traffickers.

"Not My Life" features inspiring testimony from survivors; depictions of trafficking, exploitation, and slavery in all parts of the world including forced labor in Africa, street begging and garbage picking in India, sexual trafficking in the United States and Southeast Asia, and various forms of child enslavement and abuse in both North and South America.

Bilheimer said: "The potential of "Not My Life" is in its timing – in that it's a time when all these anti-traffickers and law enforcement and government people are coming together, and then there are things like the CNN Freedom Project.

"I think the ground is fertile, and I think "Not My Life" really does have an exceptional opportunity to push to that proverbial tipping point.

"If we are successful in getting this film before the eyes of the millions we are trying for, and if we do make it accessible, then it can become viral, and that may be this one time we can create an example of how a film, literally can change the world."

CLICK HERE FOR THE REST OF THE STORY. . .

President Obama's 3rd Annual Back To School Speech

 

President Obama delivered his 3rd annual back to school speech today, which was broadcast throughout classrooms nationwide.  Many parents were unaware of this tradition, so I am posting the speech it its entirety in order to encourage a fruitful discussion with our kids on the political, social and familial issues inherent within his speech.  Have fun!     

"Anti-faith? Anti-profits." By: Steven Ivey

As a new father, it will surprise few people when I say that I no longer have much time for extra-curricular activities.  My wife and I don’t get out to eat very often, we haven’t hit a premiere in ages and in the last year we’ve seen precisely three movies in an actual movie theater.  Movies “on demand” are our new normal.

Last Saturday, we finally managed to watch a movie that we had been sorry that we missed in the theaters:  “Paul”.  A movie about two British comic-book geeks who encounter a real-life alien outside of area 51.  Written by and starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead) and directed by Greg Mottola (Superbad), we figured this movie was a sure-fire belly-laugh session.

Sadly, we were mistaken.  The premise wore thin rather quickly.  The jokes were obvious and forced.  And about a third of the way through this unfunny film we were also blindsided by an escalating series of anti-Christian and anti-Conservative rhetoric.  (To be fair, as the alien character points out, it’s rhetoric not just against Christianity, but against Judaism and Islam as well).  I don’t have time go into detail, but suffice it to say that the movie smugly insinuated that religion would be wiped away in an instant by simply giving imparting some “advanced knowledge” on the poor hillbillies who just weren’t as “educated” as our heroes….

Hmmm…..The problem is that the majority of people in the United States, the largest single theatrical film market, identify themselves as religious.  Funny how Hollywood markets a film to approximately 300 million potential filmgoers, then slaps 80% of them in the face when they actually purchase a ticket. 

Here are some basic statistics, based on data from a 2008 large-scale nationwide survey:

US population who consider themselves “Christian” (Protestant, Catholic and “Other Christian” denominations):  76%

US population who consider themselves Jewish:  1.2%

US population who consider themselves Muslim:  .6%

US population who label themselves as Buddhist, Hindu or other religions:  2.0%

US population who do label themselves as Atheist/Agnostic/no religion:  15%

US population who were undecided or did not reply:  5.2%

So when a movie espouses that anyone who believes in an Abrahamic religion is deluded, it is potentially alienating (no pun intended) almost 78% of the domestic US market.  Not the smartest way to attract business.  Smart business leaders cater their product to suit their core market.  When McDonald’s set up shop in India, it eliminated beef from its menu.  Instead of offending the largest segment of India’s population, it made provisions by only having chicken, fish and veggie items on its menu.  Voila!  Profits.

So how did “Paul” do?  In the USA, it was a resounding thud.  The $40M film opened in 5^th place, losing the box-office race to Limitless, the 2^nd week of the lackluster Battle L.A., the 3^rd week of Rango and the under-performing Lincoln Lawyer.  I’m sure pundits will point out that with $96M in worldwide gross it still managed to eke out a little money from the theatrical release, and even more when accounting for ancillary markets.  But let me hit you with some other numbers:

The Blind Side:  Pro-Christian themes.  $29M budget.  USA Gross:  $256M.  Worldwide gross:  $294M.  On an international level, Paul made more than The Blind Side.  But if you’re a studio head, which movie would you rather have on your books?

“That’s not a fair comparison!”, you say.  “The Blind Side was a good film and Paul was just kind of lame!”  Too true.  Let’s look at some more equal examples, then:

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe:  Wide release.  Very Pro-religious themes.  Only one viable movie star (Liam Neeson, who only provided a voice). Based on a best-selling series of books.  Budget:  $180M.  USA Gross:  $291M.  Worldwide Gross:  $738M

The Golden Compass:  Wide release.  Very anti-religious themes.  Two bankable movie stars (Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig), plus an all-star supporting cast including Ian McKellen, Eva Green, Ian McShane, Derek Jacobi, Sam Elliott, Kristin Scott Thomas, Christopher Lee and Kathy Bates.  Also based on a best-selling series of books.  Budget:  $180M.  USA Gross:  $70M.  Worldwide Gross:  $364M.

Question to all studio execs:  Which of the above would you rather have on your balance sheets?

Saved!:  Scathing satire of Christian fundamentalists.  Released on less than 1,000 screens.  Starring Mandy Moore, who had somewhat of a following because of her music and acting career.  Budget: $5M.  USA Gross: $8.7M.  Worldwide Gross: $9.1M

Fireproof:  Low-budget movie with strong Christian themes.  Released on less than 1,000 screens.  Starring Kirk Cameron, who is only remembered for being on “Growing Pains”.  Budget:  $1/2M.  USA Gross:  $33.5M.  The most profitable independent film of 2008.

Question to all independent film producers:  Which of the above would you rather have produced?

Question:  Adjusting for inflation, how many of the top 20 all-time highest-grossing films feature religious themes/characters?  Answer:  6    Question:  How many films with anti-religious themes made the list?  Answer:  0

So, Hollywood producers:  Next time you find yourself pressured to come up with a viable hit, sift through your stack of scripts….and remind yourself that maybe you just need a little faith.

Stephen Ivey is a political independent who holds a MFA from UC-Irvine, a Bachelor's degree in Business/Economics from Westminster College and has been a guest lecturer at Colleges and Universities across the United States.  He currently represents actors and writers at Kramer Management in Los Angeles, with a client roster that includes an Emmy Award-winning writer and a Golden Globe Award-Winning actor. 

9/11: Forgive, But Never Forget.

"Forgiveness is the name of love practiced among people who love poorly. The hard truth is that all people love poorly. We need to forgive and be forgiven every day, every hour increasingly. That is the great work of love among the fellowship of the weak that is the human family." - Henri J.M. Nouwen

May God restore our world and heal our hearts. 

Where were you on 9-11?

On this ten year anniversary of September 11, 2001 - we honor those we've lost:

Where were you on 9/11/01 when the Twin Towers fell, when the Pentagon was attacked, and when Flight 93 heroically crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania?

I was holed up for the night in a desert motel with my then-boyfriend, Bryan John, as we were driving from Texas to California.  Our hearts broke as we watched the towers crumble one by one through the static of a cheap TV.  "Wait a minute!  I know people there!" was my first response.  Only three months prior I was working as a journalist for a financial publication in Manhattan that had since moved to the South Tower.  I left my beloved NYC when I was accepted into graduate school at UC-Irvine; my decision to move West protected me from being part of the 9-11 death toll.  The sober realization that I was one of the lucky ones is still bittersweet. 

I would love to hear your stories:  Where were you?  Did you lose anyone?  Feel free to tell your story on facebook or below. . .

May God Bless the families, friends, responders, co-workers and distant mourners of the fallen.   

RIP Todd Brown

There is nothing more tragic, confusing and heart-wrenching than the untimely, unexpected death of someone who is at the beginning of his/her life.  Someone who represents the best that is in all of us.  Someone like Todd Brown.

On September 3, 2011 the world lost a very loyal, loving and funny 34 year old son, brother, husband, father of three and soldier named, Todd Brown.  Todd tragically passed on the banks of the Platte River in an ATV accident.  Originally from Schertz, Texas - he was stationed at Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue, Nebraska.

Todd was a friend of mine from high school who I have watched grow from afar via Facebook.  I cannot think of Todd without a huge smile creeping across my face – his spirit was just that pure, that loyal and that infectious.  This site has allowed me to keep in contact with many of the folks from our high school, many of whom have emailed me regarding Todd’s funeral.  While I have not spoken to Todd (beyond the wires of the internet) in years, I did want post his funeral arrangements - which can be found below.

After losing my brother, Jon, I am well aware of how valuable memories and stories from others can be during the life-long process of grieving.  So, I want to encourage you to share your memories of Todd in the comments sections below, on Facebook or through the funeral home's obituary site. 

Funeral Service:

When:  Monday,  September 12, 2011

Time: 10am

Where:  Schertz Funeral Home
2217 FM 3009

Schertz, TX 78154
Ph:  210.658.9224

Website:  http://www.schertzfuneralhome.com/fh/home/home.cfm?&fh_id=10825

Burial Service (With Air Force Honors):

When:  Monday, September 12, 2011

Time:  12pm

Where:  Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery

1520 Harry Wurzbach Road
San Antonio, TX 78209

Ph:  210.820.3891
(The exact location of the burial will be available on Friday.)

Reception:
(Friends and Family)
When:  Monday, September 12, 2011
Time:  2pm
Where:   VFW Post 8315
1000 FM 78
Schertz, Texas 78154
Ph;  210.658.6325

**In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, 2224 Walsh Tarlton Lane, Suite 200, Austin, Texas 78746, and (800)880-9474.**



CLICK HERE for Todd's Obituary.

Rest in Peace, Sweet Todd.

Common Ground: Why do/should people fear God?

COMMON GROUND is a column dedicated to encouraging respectful dialogue by posing a monthly question that is open to people from every religious/non-religious/political background.  If you would like to post a response, please email smjivey@gmail.com for details.

The question for August is "Why do/should people fear God?"  

Pastor Greg

Pastor Greg Ronning, the campus minister for Texas Lutheran University, details his perspective to this month's question below.  If you are interested in Pastor Greg's writing, CLICK HERE to link to his beautiful blog.

Fear and God

By:  Greg Ronning

In the Lutheran Baptismal liturgy there is a prayer that has always bothered me.  After baptizing the candidate we pray, “Pour out your Holy Spirit upon (name), the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord, the spirit of joy in your presence.”  It always seems strange to ask that the person just baptized and proclaimed “the beloved of God” should now live in some kind of fear of the Lord.  Of course the best way to understand this is to unpack the word fear, and begin to understand that by fear we actually mean respect.  Sometimes I wonder why we don’t just say what we mean, say respect instead of fear.  It seems like that would be a simple solution.

However this problem of fear and God is not just a language problem, I believe there is a larger problem, and it has to do with how we understand God.  As Marcus Borg says, “How we understand God matters!”

Over the years humanity has learned to personalize God as one way of connecting to and understanding God.  Yet God is not human, God is God!  And while at times it might be helpful to understand God as a kind and protective father, or a caring nurturing Mother, God is actually none of these things.  And if we get stuck in one of these, or any other human metaphor, as our only and primary way of understanding God it gets real complicated especially when you attach the word fear to this humanized God.  All of the sudden God is to be feared like an abusive Father or Mother, the bully down the street, or a stranger tempting us with candy.  Suddenly God becomes angry and distorted, and in very a personalized way.

Over the years I have met many people who live in fear of this God, in fear of a judge who is out to get them, in fear of a vengeful Christ who is coming back to destroy the world, in fear of God who looks and acts like a person who is angry and to be feared.

Yet there is another way of talking about God, a simple and truthful way, a way in which it is very hard to attach the word, the feelings, and the outcomes of fear.  The author of First John writes, “God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them.” (1 John 4:16b)  Ultimately I believe God is love, a power, an energy, a positive force; and not some old man up in heaven looking down in judgment.  And this understanding of God sets me from fear.  

The most cited command in the bible is, “Be not afraid.”  The greatest commandment in the bible is, “Love one another as I have loved you.”  These words had their human moments in Jesus, the revelation of God’s love, the one who loved unconditionally even unto the cross, for God so loved the world.