I dropped a counter on this blog at about the end of a year. It took two years to get the first million hits after that. The counter clicked 1,000,000 on June 24, 2006.
For the blog to hit 2,000,000 exactly one year later, it needs over 30,000 hits tonight and tomorrow.
So . . . knowing the history of the blog, who would like to suggest a topic so controversial, that the clicker would be spinning?
Oh, Please, No!!
Mike, do you really need our help?
How about, “Is capital punishment allowable for women who play instruments and pass communion in a church to which they’ve driven in their SUV while participating as combatants in the Iraq war?”
Mike, I am sure that you can come up with something. It could be something crazy and fun that would require participation.
Just offer a prize to the 2,000,000 hit…..like a book or free Zoe tickets or something…..
There’s always Hillary Clinton. She’s fun!
Well, though not a “Hot Topic” how about everybody give a shout out to PW and tell him to put down the Blackberry?
It was a lovely evening, cool weather after a much needed thunderstorm. We were sitting on our porch drinking iced tea, enjoying a few moments alone, when I noticed him in the familiar pose, looking downward at his open palm. He was reading his Blackberry, or as we like to call it around here, his Crackberry. So I said “Oh, did you get an e-mail?” And he said “No, I’m reading Mike’s Blog.” No kidding. Saturday night. No kids around. And he’s reading Mike’s blog.
Mike, can you help me?
I read your blog through an RSS reader so I’m sure there are many hits out there that aren’t even being counted. So just do some kind of estimated preacher’s count on those and I’m sure you hit 2 mil long ago.
I read it through RSS as well…, so I probably don’t count.
But I would recommend you first start with your math ;-). You need nearly 40K hits not just over 30!
Why do we send missionaries to Uganda instead Uganda sending missionaries to the US?
Is it because we are white, rich and healthy? What do we have to offer them that cannot be home grown?
Did the Canadian Martin Luther King Jr. realize the injustice in America, cross the border and go to work? No he lived in the US south, lived with racism and got tired of it.
He rose up from within his own community and changed America for the better. His first hand experience of being an oppressed black man in the south validated his struggle. He got bit by dogs, sprayed by fire hoses and fought a very tough up hill battle which still rages.
If we go to Uganda to tell people of Jesus. Many of Ugandans have heard of Jesus and can sustain this practice.
If we go to help them with their farming methods, these methods have been in existences for 7 million years. I would suspoect they are smart enough enough to dictate a change when rock botttom is hit.
If we go to suffer for the sake of others, my Mamaw did this 76 years and did not travel 30 miles from her house.
I want to know why Adam Langford had to die in Uganda? Why God couldn’t stop it and why Ugandans had to steal coffee and eventually money from him while he lay dead in his truck with Moses severely hurt?
Adam could have done way more good alive than dead and if you tell me different you jam that “pat answer” book right up your ass.
I want to know why after 76 years of suffering for the snake of others no one from her church could visit my mamaw during the last days (years) of her life.
Let me me tell you how she suffered: she stayed married to a an 63 years, never talked bad about him despite this man not talking to her for days at a time. She visited nursing homes (took my brother and I when we visited her) every week. She visited the people no one else cared about. In case you have not been in one lately, they smell like shit and piss and people are left in halls and all but forgotten in their wheel chairs. I’ll bet not more than 30 miles from your house.
Its a clear rant but that should put you over two million. But it will probably get ignored like every other serious question posed on this blog. Mike do even read these answers? GKB said you didn’t, please tell me its not true, seriously. Please don’t lead with WOW.
Women’s roles would be good…
Of course, a Yankees rant is good for a few comments.
Controversial subject? I remember the ‘political’ letters last year being pretty controversial … bring that up again! Surely get 30,000 real quick.
Leland,
I would respond to your comment, but I have no idea how to. I’m sorry for the loss of Adam Langford. Your comment here was not totally ignored. I pray you find what you are looking for.
Stephanie
Leland - It’s partially true. I don’t have the time to monitor and interact constantly on the blog. I try to start a discussion among a group of people, hoping that our ideas challenge and encourage each other. Especially hoping that we learn better how to listen to one another. Some are fun — family, coaching, food, sports, etc. — while others are a tad bit controversial.
Most days I try to come back at the end to read through the string of comments. But I don’t have the time or energy to try to respond to everyone. I’m assuming much of that is happening among the participants.
It’s just a time issue for me. And a commitment to not spend my evenings online instead of with my family.
Thanks for asking. Mike
By the way, I’m just being playful with this post. I don’t care about the number. Just going with the flow — that the largest number of hits come when the posts are more controversial. I guess that’s what one would expect.
How about the state of unity talks with the ICOC?
Leland, may your hurting heart find solace and balm in the love of those that read you here, especially from your God, Heavenly Father, who hears your cries and wants to comfort you. All you have to do is accept His love.
It breaks my heart to see how hurt and angry you are. Obviously you’ve been struck down many times and have not found anyone that will listen, just listen to your heart’s cries. But believe me, many here do. It would give such joy to know you have found comfort and release from your anger and pain. I’m praying for that release and the return of joy to your heart and soul in the light of God’s love, grace and mercy.
I think I have it:
“Should Yankee-supporting Calvanists worship with musical instruments played by women who read Brian McLaren books about the sexual orientation of new-earth creationists that oppose displaying the flag during chapel?”
Mike,
You need to name your blog The Stirring Pot.
I know you scroll down and read my comments…don’t you…Mike…Hello…anyone there.
Mike,
Thanks for responding and I agree you are a busy man with correct priorities.
My rant is misdirected any whrere it lands.
Clint,
“I know you scroll down and read my comments…don’t you…Mike…Hello…anyone there.”
Nice, I find comfort and solace in your sarcasm, no really I thought it was funny. Thanks.
Mike I would suggest this video on CNN. “Minister loses mega-church after backing gays” Just to to cnn and search ‘Gospel of inclusion’
I watched the video and WOW… I think you would like it.
Leland
I found the thought you stated about your grandma to be heartbreakingly true. When we work long hours and have families, we just don’t visit like we use too, and that is a shame. It would seem that many older women loose their mate, their train of thought and the visiting by their church members all about the same time. Many question why did they always find time to see the sick and bring flowers and they are left alone when they could really use visits. But as they always did, it is in silence.
Leland,
I know most of the people in Busoga Churches of Christ in Uganda,and I want to give a few thoughts about your references to Adam. Christians in Busoga thought of Adam as a co-worker (just as they thought of Moses Kimezi as a co-worker). They thought of Moses and Adam as members of the body along with them. They appreciated that Adam came from America to be with them in life and in death. Many of them have been Christians longer than Adam was alive. And, they’ve seen more death than most of us will see in a lifetime. So, they have been my teachers in this grief- they have shown me how to grieve for Adam and Moses and how to hang on to hope in God who for reasons we do not understand, allows suffering and pain in this life. The Ugandan people have been teachers to those of us who were/are missionaries in Uganda more than we have ever been teachers to them.
Philip Jenkins has written several books about how Chrisitanity’s center is now in the southern hemisphere, in places like Uganda. Check out his book New Faces of Christianity. I think we will, during our liftimes, begin to look to Christians such as our Busoga friends as our leaders in matters of faith and life and death (I already do). I would love to see the day when they send a missionary to us.
I would never trade my years in Uganda for what I learned from Ugandan people. And, from what I knew of Adam since he was a very young man, I don’t believe he would have traded his time there either. I also think that by being in Uganda, we were able to teach Ugandan people many good things. Was God and the message of the Gospel already in Uganda when we arrived, Yes! But, was it right for us to go anyway, in order to be with God’s people in the ways he had in store for us, Yes!
When my husband went to Uganda for Moses’ funeral, it was said again and again, “We have died together.” “We” means “all of us” and “all of you” to people who really understand community and body life. Although I grieve with you, I see hope in Adam and Moses’ deaths, mainly because Adam and Moses showed me that there is reason for hope in the way they lived their lives. And, they also helped me better define the word “we.” “We” are God’s people, and sometimes, for reasons we do or do not understand, God wants us to live “body life” together. That’s what Adam was doing in that truck with Moses. He was living life. He was working on a redemptive business that helps people understand better what redemption is, in holistic ways that make sense to them physically and spiritually. Adam understood that concept better than any other 28-year old I’ve met. And, he embodied it.
My husband went to the vehicle crash site only days after it happened, and while it is true that a few people stole things from Adam and Moses, it is not true that a majority of people did so. There are many more stories of those who helped, who brought peace, who prayed, who grieved, and who were deeply saddened. I hope that brings you a little bit of peace about that situation.
I don’t know if Mike’s blog is the place for this discussion (sorry to take up so much space; i thought of making it part a, b, and c so it would give Mike 3 more posts), but my heart goes out to you. Grief is burdensome, messy business. And, perhaps I’ve made it worse, but I wanted to let you know that I loved Adam and Moses, and I miss them too.
-sara
Who would win a fight between a lion and a tiger?…OR
If put in a raquetball court with an arangatan (sp?), with no weapons, do you think you (anyone) would win in a fight to the death?
Leland,
I don’t know when Mike lost control of this blog, or if he ever had it. Mike’s roll in this blog is to post his thoughts then we take over. Most of the time the end is nowhere near the beginning. That is why I keep coming back. Some times I laugh, some times I cry, some times I get so mad I say I am not coming back but here I am. Most ministers, I mean pastors, I know have control problems. It is nice Mike does not need his ego boost from his blog and allows it to flow free. Maybe just maybe the Spirit can lead and someone can see just a little clearer. I know it has help me.
Thanks for the laugh.
Asking for ALL the girls you hung out with in the Harding swings to identify themselves might get you another…….3 or 4 more hits.
Asking for all the HU alums who had their life impacted by you when you were preaching in Searcy to identify themselves probably would get you more than the 30,000 hits you need.
DU
Leland,
You cover lot of ground in your post, but I’d like to comment on a few:
Regarding a “Ugandan MLK”, e.g. a native Christian leader: Moses was certainly one, by all accounts. There are others, too - young ones who are still growing and developing, but who will absolutely impact their country and beyond someday. I hear stories of Latin Americans (from poor countries like Peru) who are going to Europe and the Middle East (they blend in easier than we Anglos) to preach Christ. Cost is certainly a factor - those in third world nations have fewer resources to spend on travel; I would posit that desire is not lacking in these Christians, but economic realites do hold them back.
I share your dislike of pat responses when bad things happen. “It was God’s will” is not true - God did not kill these men, nor did he wish for your Mamaw to end her days alone. I ask this question, too. I know, though, that God grieves when we suffer in a screwed-up, broken world.
I think often people want to say something comforting, but don’t know what to say. Dealing with death and pain is something our society does not do well. Like Sara said, we have a lot to learn from the Ugandans, who know a great deal about suffering. Sara, thank you also for elaborating further.
Here’s some other stuff I wrote about those events.
Re: The HU Swings: I cannot even remember those girls, now that I try! Maybe three or four. It didn’t matter in the end. I think I preferred sitting in them alone while studying (odd because I’m a social creature).
On controversy: I don’t read this blog enough to know, but throwing out politics would do it. I’ve found plenty of controversy with my circle of friends debating the religious politics of global warming (Conspiracy! Doomsday! Science!). I’ve found I shy away from such things on my blog, but my purpose is different.
Congrats on the milestone. If you read this, Mike, consider publishing your RSS feeds (how we read this site) through something trackable like FeedBurner. You’ll get all the pretty stats then.
Note: Off topic comment
Mike, per our conversation, apparently they were called holy fools. See here for St. Simeon as an example.
I used to ask the question, “who would win: Samurai or Ninjas?”. I saw “The Last Samurai“, but the Ninjas at AskANinja.com have more to say on that.
A csontroversial as they come, in my book.
I didn’t read all the responses so this could be a repeat, but how about, “Are Evangelicals handling the Gay Issue Wrong?” You can reference Campollo’s book, “Speaking My Mind”
That or, “If we know the good we ought to do, and do not do it, are we sinning?”
Either way have fun…those were just my thoughts from a 20 something church planter that I feel would attract quite a few hits/responses.
Thanks for all you do!
Forget politics or anything spiritual, talk about how a baseball player who has never tested positive for anything illegal has been deemed guilty by so many people simply because they a. are racist or b. do not like his personality.
Sara,
I heard of the sermon your husband gave at Moses’ funeral from Brent A. It was touching (understatement). Thanks for your words and taking time to write them. I have heard a lot of good things about you and enjoyed listening to Ida when she came to East County Church.
Brent A. is the finest man I know and he was a missionary to the Busoga people. I have great respect for Ben and Kym. But like many people I refuse to accept his death and anything good that would come from it (ie he is more useful alive than dead in God’s so called kingdom). And like many people I would like to hear him tell me something\anything again. I would like to watch Texas\ou football with him.
Like my mamaw who died 30 days earlier, I did not realize at all what they meant to me until they died. Maybe this blog is not the place to misdirect my anger but I guess I have nowhere else. I’m kinda like like a passenger on airplane talking to the person in the seat next to me.
Forgive my bagging on missionaries, Brent A. is testament enough for me to their usefulness.
How about a post called, Contemplating leaving the C of C?
over at the baldheaded-prophesying-lesbian-pianists-collecting-the-offering argument (http://preachermike.com/2007/06/20/avoiding-counternarratives), summer brought up an interesting question: why do successful semi/retired businessmen wind up elders, while the people (women) literally serving the church get passed over?
or a similar question: when will the CoC break with “the denominations” in running the churches like businesses?
World of Warcraft
Paris Hilton.
Leland,
I’m only trying to encourage, not disprove what you believe or to prove what you’ve lost faith in.
Thirty years ago, my brother knew he was dying. He had a rare disease which had no cure at the time. He began numbering his days beginning with 1 every day he woke up. He continued that pattern as long as he lived, which was about 600 more single days.
He was good friends with a minister and made friends with several of his doctors. I happen to know that the amazing story of my brother Bob’s life has gone far and wide across the earth. He has encouraged more in death than he could have ever encountered in life. His story is told in hospices and in med school classrooms. His story has been shared countless times in sermons and in Sunday school classes around the globe.
My brother would be 55 now. He died on my first wedding anniversary. I’m continually surprised by the people who hug me when they discover who I am.
All of this is to say, Adam’s kingdom work is just beginning. We will never know how many people he will minister to in ways we cannot imagine. Don’t give up on him because his physical body isn’t of any use anymore. His story may just be getting started.
I have been wanting to adress a topic ever since my visit to Abilene. A friend who preaches for a church there told us he no longer believes anyone is going to hell. He came to this position after some reading and doing a major word study on the subject. I would very much like to see this group consider the subject, Kent
If we are still looking for the magic topic by noon, surely GKB could throw out something. You know how his blog never deals with anything controversial.
How about the state of reconciliation within our own brotherhood? I say again, how can we reconcile with the Christian Church when the C of C’s attack each other.
Tomato - vegetable or fruit? Discuss.
You don’t need any of that. I will just personally hit refresh 30,000 times or until the counter at the bottom starts with a 2, whichever comes first.
If you are serious about conversation, I think you should tell us two things:
1) What do you think about the war in Iraq?
2) What should churches do in response to the war in Iraq?
I like the question of whether any are considering leaving the cofc. Why stay? The majority of posters have contempt for most doctrinal stances of the Church of Christ. So why not the Disciples of Christ? Instrumental music,prominent roles for women in leadership and and in the assembly.Is it easier to stay and eventually run off the more unenlightened folks? I’m genuinely curious and have been since visiting this blog. Most comments treat stances in the church with sarcasm and condacension so it leaves me wondering why stay? Would anyones positions of employment be in jeopardy perhaps in Abilene, Searcy or Nashville? I think I know the answer and I’ve already stated it.
You nailed it Ed.
Ed, posters?
Posters, commenters, whatever. Sorry for my lack of blog etiquette. Long time reader, first time participant.
BINGO ed
Ed,
“The majority of posters have contempt for most doctrinal stances of the Church of Christ. So why not the Disciples of Christ? Instrumental music,prominent roles for women in leadership and and in the assembly.Is it easier to stay and eventually run off the more unenlightened folks?”
I go to church and am an un-believer, because my friends who love me go there. I could give a crap what they believe about “Instrumental music,prominent roles for women in leadership and and in the assembly” only if they will love me as themselves. Some love me much better. They don’t think they are more enlightened at all, this makes them even more endearing.
What enrages me is that question is even posed. If you don’t think, look or act like me, why don’t you leave.
BTW: I am on vacation this week and next, That is why I find way too much time to post.
Leland,
Obviously some people do give a crap about these issues since the majority of the topics Mikes brings up have to do with these issues. So I think it’s a legitimate question. If you think those topics are unimportant take it up with Mike.
Ed,
I think its legitimate as well. I think they are important to discuss so we can arrive at their un-importance and move on to more relevant things.
Its like trying to figure out one way for all Christians to eat their dinner and none of them getting around to eating. But thats my opinion alone.
I love Bloglines. I’d never know all this extra chatting was going on otherwise.
I’m not sure that I completely agree that these types of issues are “unimportant”, Leland. But! I do agree that they are not the most important thing. The problem comes when we ignore the doing the really important stuff and spend our time talking exclusively of these things. It’s hard to know how much caring for the poor and ministering to others is being done by the people commenting. Hopefully it’s a lot more than the energy expended on these topics. But, it does help me to think things through to hear what others think on the subject. (Including you.) I wish we could discuss with everyone acknowledging that this is all just semantics and remembering that the very, very important stuff is in how we live out Christ’s message.
Hope you are enjoying your vacation. Grace and peace.