Where are you going?

Where are you going?  To be quite honest with you, I can't answer that.  Last night, I had an opportunity to speak with a guru and mentor in the higher education arena, he also happens to be a friend of my brother, Kelvin.  "Stan the Man," as I call him is a wealth of information, and an overall really cool guy, from Eastern North Carolina.  As I often do from time to time, Stan quoted his grandfather by saying, "The worst place in life to be, is to already be where you are going."  Wow!  What a prolific statement.  It makes one think.  "The worst place in life to be, is to already be where you are going."  I could end the blog entry now and bid you peace, but I will share how that statement really blessed me.

This past Sunday was the 169th Commencement Exercises at my job.  The seniors donned white caps and gowns and listened to salutatory and valedictory remarks, as well as a keynote speaker and words of encouragement from our school's president.  Needless to say that these young graduates and newest alumnae of Saint Mary's are college bound and in a quest for independence transitioning into early adulthood.  I am reminded of Dr. Seuss's story "Oh the places you'll go!"  But for those of us, who have not gone through recent pomp and circumstance, with  sashes, honor cords and all the rights and privileges thereunto appertaining, where are we going?  "The worst place in life to be, is to already be where you are going."  How many opportunities have we not pursued out of complacency and the fear of starting over.  Has contentment with our current stop on the destination caused us to miss our connecting flights?

I am reminded of my officemate Ellie, a brilliant Davidson alum with lots of potential.  She is such an inspiration to me and may not even know it.  Ellie has taken the lemons of life and made the best lemonade on the planet.  Her new journey is calling her to pursue her Masters of Spanish Literature at my alma mater, North Carolina State University. GO PACK!  This year in particular, it has been a blessing working with Ellie both inside and outside of the classroom.  Clearly Ellie, in my eyes is pushing herself beyond her current situations in order to arrive to her successful latter end, and for that I have the utmost respect and admiration for her. Whatever your situation, be it personal, professional, spiritual or relational; ask yourself:  Where am I going?  In asking yourself this, remember the words of Stan's grandfather, "The worst place in life to be, is to already be where you are going."  Thanks Stan and Ellie.

Peace,
Karsten

If you don't stand for something...

It has been said that "If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything."  Have you stood in the face of opposition lately?  Have you had to put yourself out there in a way in which others may not be manipulated or abused?  Have you raised your voice against societal injustice lately, or was it more convenient to cower in silence?  Betty Ray McCain was the keynote oratrix at the 169th Commencement Exercises of Saint Mary's School yesterday.  I don't remember ever laughing so hard during any other commencement speech, and as a teacher and student, I've heard quite a few.  Ms. McCain offered so many comical nuggets of advise that were touching and indelibly funny.  She shared with the audience, that ignorance and apathy are two BFFs (best friends for life) that we should avoid like the plague.  If you are ignorant of things that are going awry around you, it is very easy to adopt an "I don't care" attitude.  Which goes on to say, If you don't stand for something, you fall for anything.  I know that we have to pick our battles and dates with Goliath wisely.  However there comes a time in life, when enough is enough.

I am faced with a situation in which I have to stand up for myself.  In the words of my mother, Beverly, "Right is right and wrong is wrong."  It leaves me no choice.  In Ephesians 6:10, we are reminded by the Apostle Paul to "Be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might."  I have to confront this Goliath, clad in the armor of God.  Later in that same chapter, Paul admonishes us put on the armor of God.  "Stand firm then , with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."  now that may be a bit dramatic for the situation in which I have to address.  But I am comforted knowing that I am on the side of truth.  In my act of standing, not only am I standing for my own personal rights, but the rights of others that are with me in the struggle and others that are yet to come.  If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything.  Be strong in the Lord.

Peace,
Karsten

HE shepherds me!

While sitting in church yesterday and in eucharist on Friday, I was so excited.  Within the liturgy there was so much talk of sheep and shepherds.  There was singing about sheep and shepherds with hymns like "Shepherd of souls, Savior like a shepherd lead us, and My Shepherd will supply my need."  Needless to say that there was more than a bit of excitement within me when I realized that Psalm 23 was the appointed psalm for the day.  I think that outside of the Lord's Prayer, that was the first thing out of the Bible that I truly remember having to memorize as a child and it just stuck with me throughout the years.

I remember that hot summer afternoon when my grandmother Annie sat me down and told me to "learn Psalm 23 by heart."  She opened her big black family bible, turned to the Psalm, left me, and there I sat for what seemed to have been an eternity.  Later that evening before my mom got off work, she called me to the kitchen table and made me recite it.  My grandmother told me "Baby, whenever you're in trouble no matter what you've done, or when you feel overwhelmed, pray that psalm to yourself.  I actually did earlier today.  Now, with me growing up in the fiery Baptist household that I did, my favorite version of Psalm 23 is the King James Version.

However, many people do not share my love for Psalm 23.  I was in a conversation with a friend today and she said, "not one of my favorites, that's the funeral psalm."  Many do associate psalm 23 with death and funerals as it tends to be read at funerals and there's that line about the valley of the shadow of death and not fearing evil.  But if we look at the gospel reading appointed for yesterday (John 10:), Jesus basically assures his disciples that he is the Good Shepherd, and that he has come not give us life, not just a random, pathetic, jacklegged life, but life more abundantly and life to the fullest.  When you have a chance, read John 10:1-18 coupled with Psalm 23, it will bless you.

Yesterday in church, as my priest was preaching on my favorite psalm and probably one of my top five favorite gospel readings, she explained to us what the abundant life is.  I know that when I hear abundant life, I think of a life that is overflowing with all good things, no drama, worries or concerns.  Let me tell you, I am dead wrong.  In the words of my priest and rector, Kimberly Lucas:  "Abundant life does not mean that one will have a life devoid of pain and suffering.  Abundant life is life that is lived in Christ and full of things that money cannot buy.  Even as we suffer through our afflictions, in abundant life, we find ways to serve God joyfully."

Knowing that no matter what comes or goes, Christ the Good Shepherd will never have you be in want, while resting in the green pastures.  He will continue to guide you in the right path, even if you feel as though you are at death's doorstep, he is with you.  When your enemies taunt you, they will see his glory upon you and the anointing that you have on our life will overflow into the lives of others.  His goodness and mercy will follow you forever and we shall live in a house not built by hands but of heavenly splendor.  What an assurance!  Wait on the Lord and be of good courage, knowing that HE shepherds you and me.

Peace,
Karsten

So, send I you

One of the things I love about the gospel readings from the lectionary after Easter, is that many of the gospels are about the resurrected Jesus appearing to those who followed him during his earthly ministry.  John 20:19 - 23 states "On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said "Peace be with you!"  After he said this, he showed them his hands and side the disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.  Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you!"  As the Father has sent me, I am sending you."  And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit.  If you forgive anyone their sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven."

A couple things that I find interesting about this text is that Jesus bids the disciples "peace" twice.  He also breathes on them and tells them to receive the Holy Spirit, and his message was simple, as the Father has sent me, I am sending you.  The KJV text reads:  "As the father hath sent me, so send I you."  Friends, Jesus was sent here a couple thousand years ago to reconcile us back to the Father.  He came from heavenly glory through forty-two generations to live, suffer and die like one of us.  The charge that Jesus gave to his disciples in the absence of Thomas was simply this.  My Father has sent me, but you must continue the work.  I echo the words of Jesus and remind you that you are on a mission.

As an ambassador of the Kingdom, you are empowered by the Holy Spirit to spread the gospel of love and inclusivity to all who will hear and receive it.  Everyone will not receive what you have to say, but don't let that deter you.  Remember that many times, it's not what you say, but what you do that people will remember.  As a minister, whether lay or ordained, your greatest sermon will most likely be a silent sermon, in which you minister to someone through compassionate acts of kindness or the mere fact that you are there.  The world is waiting and hurting, but there is an ever present help in the form of YOU.  So, send I you!

Check out the first two verses of the hymn -- "So, send I you!"


So send I you to labour unrewarded
To serve unpaid, unloved, unsought, unknown
To bear rebuke, ot suffer scorn and scoffing
So send I you to toil for Me alone.

So send I you to bind the bruised and broken
Over wandering souls to work, to weep, to wake
To bear the burdens of a world a-weary
So send I you to suffer for My sake.

Peace,
Karsten

Mom

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers and mothers in proxy, both female and male!  Ah, motherhood...they say it's the toughest job you'll ever love.  The Bible has several examples of mothers, some good and some not-so-good.  Let's see there's Eve, the mother of humanity, Sarah, the wife of Father Abraham, Leah and Rachel, the mother from whom the twelve tribes of Israel would originate, Hannah, the mother of Samuel, Herodias the mother of the dancer to whom King Herod delivered the head of John the Baptist, and Mary, the mother of Jesus.  In the New Testament, the church is metaphorically referenced as a mother because from her we have the disciples of Christ.

Lord knows you can't pick your family, you just make the best of the one that God assigned you to.  My mother, Beverly Jane Parker Tyson is such an inspiration to meet and has in many ways shaped me into the adult that I am today.  Although sometimes we don't see eye to eye, I truly realize that ultimately love makes her say and do some of the things that she says and does as it relates to me.  Through my eyes and the eyes of my siblings we all have different accounts of my mother even though she is the same person.  My sister Pamela and brother Kelvin remember my mom early on before the baby (me) came and life with my dad.  I, on the other hand, remember seeing my mom raise three children as a single mom after my father passed away.  The sacrifices she made were clearly out of love, often placing our needs above those of her own.  Now that's love.

Whether your mom is here today, or crossed the sands into eternal glory, it is important that you celebrate her and let her know how much you love and appreciate her.  Sure, she may have been able to do things differently when it comes to raising you, but bear in mind, that she probably did the best she could with what she had.  I just want to take time to recognize the women in my life whose maternal love have impacted me in immeasurable ways.  These sisters come from all areas of my life; home, church, friends and colleagues.  Annie Laura Carr Tyson, Mary Gilbert Parker Jenkins (grandmothers), Beverly Parker Tyson (mother), Marjorie Person (godmother), Pamela Tyson-Tillery (sister), The Revs. Andrea L. Wigodsky, Ann Bonner-Stewart and Kimberly Lucas (Spiritual mothers in the gospel), Lisa Grabarek and Joan Williams (my work mommies), Bree Elzy (friend and colleague), Dr. Jane Bowers Paige (mentor), Andreadease Mallette (newly adopted church mom) and Felicia Monique Rousseau (college friend).  Thank so you much for all that you have given me.  To God be the Glory!

"Faith of our mothers, living still
In cradle song and bedtime prayer;
In nursery lore and fireside love,
Thy presence still pervades the air:
Faith of our mothers, living faith!
We will be true to thee to death."

Peace,
Karsten

The power of a praying wife and mother

Happy Feast of Saint Monica!  I know you're like bruh what?  In the Episcopal Church we celebrate the lives of those in the communion of saints who lives served as a model as to how we as 21st  century Christians or saints in the making should live.  We do not worship the saints, we venerate them, that is to say that we hold them in a very high, reverential regard.

In the spirit of Mother's day, allow me to tell you the story of St. Monica.  Monica was born around 331 AD to a very devout and influential family in North Africa.  St. Monica is said to be the patron saint of abuse victims, alcoholics, difficult marriages and wayward children.  It is even said that as a child Monica had a bit of a drinking problem because one of her chores was to draw wine for the family meals.  After being outed as a slight drunkie by a family slave, Monica, covered with guilt and shame, gave up the sauce and soon became baptized to lead a life of virtue and servitude to God.

Upon reaching the age of marriage, Monica's parents found a husband for her, as was the custom of that time.  Monica married this pagan dude named Patricius.  Patricius is described as a man of a violent temperment.  I am sure that their house was not a happy home.  Monica and Patricius had three children, two sons, Navigius, Augustine and a daughter Perpetua.  Eventually after years of prayers and supplications, Patricius finally accepted Monica's faith and became a Christian, when Augustine was about 17 years old.  Although Augustine was brilliant, he proved to have been a very difficult child.  He was sent to Carthage, so that he might develop his talents and become a man of culture.  Needless to say that after all the years
of praying for an abusive husband and a wayward and semi-prodigal son, Monica had her hands full.

When Augustine was in his late 20's, he duped his mother into thinking that he relocated to Rome, but had actually gone to Milan.  While in Milan, Augustine came under the influence of Ambrose, the Bishop of Milan.  Eventually Monica reunited with her son Augustine, and became a very cherished friend of Bishop Ambrose.  One Easter, Ambrose baptized Augustine, much to Monica's pleasure.  Not very long after Augustine's baptism, Monica's health began to decline and she died knowing that her life served as a witness to win over both her husband and wayward son over to the kingdom.

What I find to be particularly interesting is that in the city of Raleigh, NC,there are three historic institutions which honor the lives and connections of these saints.  Monica, the praying wife and mother, Augustine the wayward son and,  Ambrose, the Bishop of Milan.  The historically black St. Monica's School was a Catholic school that educated hundreds of students during the time of segregation in Raleigh.  The school is no longer in operation, but many of its alumni stand as a testament of the education they received from there.  As a product of a Roman Catholic education, I too appreciate the value of the Catholic traditions and approaches to learning.  Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, located in Raleigh operates the St. Monica Center as a part of its urban ministry.  St. Augustine's College, also located in Raleigh, is one of three black Episcopal  colleges in the nation.  The Falcons of St. Augustine are a proud group of people who continually celebrate their legacy and alma mater.  Finally, St. Ambrose Episcopal Church, my home church was established in 1868 by alumni of St. Augustine's College.  St. Ambrose Church has a strong and vibrant legacy and is the spiritual home to politicians, educators, doctors, entrepreneurs and the list continues.

I am not suggesting that if Monica never would have prayed, that these institutions would not be here today.  The challenge for today is to live your life as Monica did and NEVER underestimate the power of your prayers.  The task ahead of you is never greater than the prayer behind you.

Peace,
Karsten

A letter from the Rector

The following letter is from the Rev. Canon Robert Wright, Pastor and Rector of St. Paul Episcopal Church in Atlanta, Georgia.  It is something to ponder, as I share similar sentiments.

Brothers and Sisters, I greet you in the name of Jesus Christ. 

I write in response to the report that Osama Bin Laden and others have been killed.  While some will, understandably, rejoice at this news, I do not.  I believe many others around the world do not.  Something other than celebration is required here.  A human being is dead, killed by other human beings.  To say nothing of the many human beings killed over the nearly ten years since the war and manhunt began.

   

            While it is reported that Osama Bin Laden was a killer himself-and I have every reason to believe that- yet, even killers are human beings made in the image of God.  Some say that justice has been done in ridding the world of Osama Bin Laden, and other "high priority targets," but this is not the justice that Jesus himself lived and taught.  At His arrest the night before his Crucifixion Jesus told His disciples, "...those who live by the sword will die by the sword."  There is no real justice or victory in the killing of Osama Bin Laden, or in any terrorist attack, or in any war, or with the execution of any criminal, only a tragic continuation of violence as a false solution passed on from one generation to the next.

Please do not think me naïve; I was in New York City when hijacked airplanes toppled the Twin Towers.  I was at Ground Zero while the buildings were still on fire ministering to First Responders.  I saw first hand what hate and murder produced, and that emboldens me to say these things to you now:  murder in all its forms is a moral failure, and a confession of our lack of creativity and civility.

Today I ask you to join with me and other people around the world, Muslim and Christian alike in praying for the souls of all those killed: Osama Bin Laden; the men and women of our armed forces; all the families that have an empty seat at their dinner tables; the nameless faceless people in Iraq, Afghanistan Pakistan and finally for ourselves, our nation and our President, that we would recommit ourselves to the justice that Jesus actually taught, " to love enemy, to bless those that curse you; to pray for those who despitefully use you."

Alleluia Christ is Risen!

Rob+