Six degrees of Separation….a true friendship model (Part 1 of 2)

This is Part 1 of a 2 part Blog

For years people have said there are 6 degrees of separation between all the people in the world. With the advent of WEB 2.0 and Social networking sites like Facebook are proving that concept to be true. However, what’s the big deal if I can connect to everyone else in the world. Who cares if you know everyone in the world if you can’t care for anyone in the world. Who cares if you can connect to everyone in the world if you can’t make a heart to heart connection with them. What does it profit you if you know everyone and they cant learn from you and you from them. Its not about the size of your network its about the effectiveness of the relationships within your network.

Ok so that is the backdrop to this story I am going to tell you about a new TRUE friend of mine.

I met Dave about a week ago, he is from Upstate NY (not my favorite place in the world). [Dave is a friend of Darren Plummer who I met through Joy Riley whom I’ve known since University of Maryland. So there were 4 degrees of separation between Dave and I.] Sometime last week for some reason GOD prompted Dave to add me as a friend on Facebook and I figured any friend of Daren Plummer is OK with ME. Dave and I then started a conversation and quickly realized the kindred nature of our spirits…it was like finding a brother. Sure our backgrounds are vastly different, age wise we are different (not sure exactly how old Dave is but he has been in ministry about 20 yrs and 20yrs ago I could barely spell ministry), lived in different areas. So on the surface we were different…but a little digggin we started to see how very similar we are…how the stories of our lives were different but the processes we went through were similar…how we are both working on the same dream in what would appear to be vastly different worlds but are going through some of the same things and can learn and share with each other. Dave and I now have share with each other, made tentative plans to attend a conference together. Thanks Dave for being real.

The point is simple…don’t just make connections BUT connect with people. You crossed paths with them deliberately so be deliberate in your connecting with them.

I would be remiss however if I did not take this out of the Web 2.0 & social networking model and remind you that you must be this deliberate with every cashier, every casual conversation, and ever passing glance. Be honest in these communications and share a little of yourself with your glance, your words, or your smile.

It was because of being deliberate about being deliberate with their actions that the early apostles spread the good news of The Way (that’s Part 2)….

Have you made any true friends recently?

Are you a good storyteller?

Have you heard a good story lately? Stop for a moment and think about the story: wasn’t there a beginning part that introduced the characters and built the tension of the story. Then there was the big moment where everything came to a head and major decision or action had to be made…then there was the ending (sometimes happy, sometimes not).

Usually during the set up of the story you were able to identify with a the main character personally or you know someone who reminds you of the main character. By the time the story got to the climatic moment you were in deep because you identified with something in the set up and your mind was racing about how you would resolve the major issue of the story. All of this keeps you in suspense and enthralled with the story. Then the storyteller ends the story in a way that leaves you ‘changed’ or wanting a sequel (the good stories at least).

We all know a good story when we hear/see it. However, most of us tell Hellacious stories about how we came into a relationship with Christ. Some of us talk way to long (anything over 90 seconds). Some of us give too many details (no one needs to know what you were wearing or all the extraneous things that were going on). Some of us have become so Christian that we cant tell our story without religious terms (yes Amen, halleluiah, Praise GOD count as religious terms) . Some of us had a genuine encounter with GOD and think it makes a great story to people who don’t know GOD. And others just confuse people with unclear and nebulous statements (I really wanted to believe in something). And some of us have ascended to the Right hand of the Father already and talk like it.

We all tell BAD stories or have Told BAD stories…its OK…lets just learn to be better.

First though let me share this…

Paul says that the unbeliever cannot understand spiritual things and it does not make sense to them…So the use of religious words or encounters with GOD must GO.

A great story leaves you wanting more so when you tell yours BE BRIEF.

Finally…can anyone find a single parable of Jesus’ that takes longer than 2 minutes to read. Jesus was the worlds greatest storyteller…so if HE was brief…why should we be long winded and boring.

SO…what should you do…

RE-Write your story (I mean on paper)

Here is what to do:

1. Write ten adjectives that describe you before you came to Christ
2. Chose the one adjective that best describes who you were
3. In 2 sentences write the circumstances that lead you to Christ
4. Complete this statement…’Since inviting Christ into my life, I’ve become….’

Once you are complete take these 4-5 sentences and practice delivering your story because the Bible reminds us that we must always be prepared to give an answer for the joy and hope that we have (1 Peter 3:15b).

I’d love to hear some of your stories…so please post them as comments

When Ancient meet the technology of the future....

As we grow older we reach a point where we realize there are some things we should do NOW before we just can’t anymore. Well, I did not set out to do that but a trip to Toys R Us can really really bring out the kid in you. For me, this time, the kid in me came out in the bike section. Yes I know bikes aren’t childish or youthful BUT I did not say I got on a bike. NOPE….I got on a skateboard. Its been over 20 years since I was last on a skateboard but I figured I should show TJ because he keeps asking for one. TJ got a show all right….

So here is the story….

First I got the only skateboard they had out one display, the size for a 9 yr old kid. Then the sales guy comes over and we start talking about the Rip Stick and he decides to be a nice guy and take one out of its box. The Rip Stick is the NEW GENERATION of skateboard. You just stand on it and rock your feet back and forth and it moves (for most people).

So here I am in Toys R US trying and falling off this RIP STICK and then it hits me….I just had an Ancient Future experience. Skateboards are ancient but the fun of the device is timeless. The Rip Stick it futuristic…really Jetson like….but it accomplishes the fun of the skateboard….then I thought some more….

The bible is ancient but its truths are timeless. The Rip stick made me ask though…if the can re-invent the skateboard and keep the fun why cant we re-invent the church and keep the truth.

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Didn't your Mama tell you to mind your own business?

So, as its our custom on most days that I am home Nikki and I went for a walk today around Arundel Mills. To be honest I did not want to walk today...but most days we wake up and I ask/prod/force her to go walking and today she woke up ready to walk. When we get there she usually gets the kids out and I'll get the stroller...well today in the process of taking the Destiny out Nikki slammed her finger in the door of the truck. At this point I was on the side walk with TJ and look around and see Nikki drop Destiny and the diaper bag next to the vehicle. She then screaming walks into the street and doubles over. I have no clue what in the world is the problem at this point and realize I needed to rescue destiny then deal with Nikki. I finally was able to get Nikki out of the street and onto the side walk but she was still screaming (don't tell her...she thought she handled it well) and crying.

So By now you are wondering why am I telling you about my wife's pain....So here it is: Several people walked by and NOT ONE stopped or even looked remotely concerned that this woman was on teh side walk crying. A few gave me the look of 'you abuser' other hurried by and tried not to look. BUT no one found it in their heart to even glance sympathetically...one lady even saw us in teh mall later and still gave me the evil eye.

So here is my question: Why is it so easy to MIND our OWN Business and pass judgement....BUT so hard to ask if someone is truly ok. Suppose there were right and I was beating my wife...is it OK to see that and not try to help? Let me know what you think.

PS. Nikki (the big baby) is OK now. She finally realizes that there is no way she could have been a football player (her life's dream).

Giants WIN?

Wow...I'm baffled and blown.

The Giants desireve to win the superbowl. They played a fantastic game and gave the Patriots all and more than they could imagine. Its vindication for Tom Coughlin and Manning (still dont like them).

We witnessed history.

Tiki barber left the Giants last year and everyone wrote them off. Strayhan almost retired. Everybody wrote Eli off (I did). the Giants quietly had a great season and beat the greatest team in the history of football.

Congrats to the Giants and shame on the Patriots for a pathetic display of sportsmanship leaving the field early.