I am convicted that the way believers relate to the world is as important as anything they do in life. We must realize that there are times when how we view the ancient world of our faith is not the same thing as the modern world we live in. The roles of gender, sexuality, religion should adapt within a spiritual context. God moves and never stands still. The key thing for people of faith is to acknowledge that God loves all his children, Jesus lived for his people before he died for them and that perhaps there will be a surprise for many of us when we join the other saints who have gone on before. To keep anyone from heaven because of who they choose to love is not what the faith of today should be about. God’s love is bigger than that.
Tag Archives: People
Memorial Eucharist At St. Peter’s Episcopal Church For Those In Orlando
Tonight my church gathered to remember and to pray for those who were lost in Saturday’s mass shooting at an Orlando nightclub. In the service our priest said that prayers are being heard and God is with those who are suffering. I have a problem with the thoughts and prayers platitude some say but you know after his homily we can’t discount the power of prayer, because it can do a lot of good if we have the patience. In the context of those who perished their families and friends will need lots of prayer for comfort. For those who are injured they will need prayer to help them recover. In both cases there is a lot of healing and understanding that will be done in the foreseeable future.
I am glad to be a part of a parish that cares about those who they don’t even know and answers the call to keep others in their minds as they suffer.
Music Monday – Foo Fighters – Times Like These – #prayfororlando #ripchristinagrimmie #orlando
I came upon this song and the lyrics of it just seem appropriate today in light of what as a nation and community went through this past weekend. I dedicate this to Orlando, a city I like a lot and have fond memories. This is also in memory and honor of the Pulse Nightclub victims both survivors and those lost. It also goes out to the family friends and fans of Christina Grimmie of “The Voice” who was murdered in Orlando on Friday night.
“Times Like These”
I am a one way motorway
I’m the road that drives away
then follows you back home
I am a street light shining
I’m a white light blinding bright
burning off and on
it’s times like these you learn to live again
it’s times like these you give and give again
it’s times like these you learn to love again
it’s times like these time and time again
I am a new day rising
I’m a brand new sky
to hang the stars upon tonight
I am a little divided
do I stay or run away
and leave it all behind?
it’s times like these you learn to live again
it’s times like these you give and give again
it’s times like these you learn to love again
it’s times like these time and time again
A Reflection On The Last Couple Of Days In Orlando, Florida #prayfororlando #ripchristina #orlando
Much is still being learned about what happened in Orlando last night in the night club shooting. Until the facts are known then may cooler heads prevail. As a person who is both LGBTQ and Muslim friendly this concerns me about the greater fallout from this situation. There are extremists of every faith and you won’t find God on the fringes there. It’s in the middle where people build bridges, not walls in all faiths.
As a believer in Jesus I am called to love my neighbor as I love myself. In another note I am saddened for the family, friends and superfans of Christina Grimmie of The Voice who was murdered in Orlando on Friday night after performing a show at another nightclub. The land of hospitality and welcome featuring places like Universal and Disney and SeaWorld has had it rough the last few days. Grace, peace and comfort to them all in the coming days. Let justice prevail for all concerned.
Humans of The Riverbend Festival #rbfestival
The human condition in all its wonder is found on display at a music festival like Riverbend. All types are represented bere. People of all sizes are dressed in interesting fashions. They are in varied states of consciousness and sobriety. People watching at its very best in a place like this. Diversity is the rule not the exception.
Chances are that you will run into someone you know from some part of your life. It is not a place for an introvert who isn’t good in a crowd. For some who thrive in this environment It’s all in the fun.
The Riverbend Festival – Chattanooga’s Music Festival
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Chattanooga’s family reunion as we call The Riverbend Festival happens each June on the 21st Century Riverfront. There are 5 stages of acts of all kinds performing music of all kinds. Of course there is food, merchandise and community organizations making this a special time of year.
This year the highlights of the festival is Heart, REO Speedwagon, Blood Sweat and Tears, Salt and Peppa, 38 Special and Here Comes The Mummies will appear on The Coca Cola Stage which is pictured above.
There are some indie acts who will be found on the smaller stages.
Tonight I will be posting some pictures and sharing what I experience there. Stay tuned!
The Tony Burgess Blog 