Achuckallen

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Dangerous Dualistic Church and Politics

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Ever wonder how we became a dualistic society? Do you know what I mean? Dualistic thinking assumes a universe where there are only two contrasting, mutually exclusive choices or realities. This thinking is either/or, bad/good, negative/positive, and has a powerful effect on our belief system and actions. Dualistic thinking blocks our progress and dumbs down our society. The simple fact is that almost every situation in America today seems to be presented with only a two-position solution. We became a dualistic society by allowing small-minded leaders to convince us that it had to be an all one or all the other option only. And then we doubled down on the dumbing down by parking our brain and continuing to select politicians with that worldview, and pastors with that mindset, or follow superstar entertainers with that perspective.

Why is that? What is it that drives this within us? We are a people that love a good story. And every good story requires a villain. You cannot have a villain without sides. It’s much like when you played red-rover as a kid at vacation bible school. Red-rover, red-rover, send Johnny right over. Before you played, you picked sides. Nobody ever thought about playing with four teams in a square. We love an us versus them world.

In politics it is essential in America. We need a villain. In our dualistic system, you get to pick sides. You get to say that I am either red or blue, elephant or donkey. If you dare think outside those lines, you might never be elected. Worse, your brain might never grow beyond only one of two solutions to the problems we face.

How about this; let us seek women and men with both character and competence to hold our elected offices, regardless of their party affiliation. Let us elect women and men with an urgent desire to seek heaven-sent wisdom, act on personal conviction, and display a backbone to do one thing – that which is honorable, decent, and courageous. It doesn’t have to be a dualistic perspective. To put it plainly…it doesn’t have to be a far wing liberal, or a far winged conservative. Our world is dying from a lack of leadership. It is under great stress from a lack of godly leaders.

How does that play out in the church? Well, if you don’t believe what we believe, then you are wrong and we of course are right. If you do not think the way we do, you are eliminated from our gathering, or worse, membership. If you are simply trying to determine truth, but lack our understanding, you are unworthy of our certainty. That doesn’t sound like the Jesus I follow. Jesus taught many great lessons, but when challenged on the one that matters most he put it in this order. 1) Love God, 2) Love others, and 3) Love others as you love yourself. If Christ is not in the proper priority in your life, then none of those most important essentials can happen. They cannot happen in you, and YOU ARE THE CHURCH!

I’ll bet that many of my readers grew up in dualistic minded churches. I sure did. I was preached at, not prepared to think deeply and determine a conviction. I am convinced that the “us versus them” theology is Satan’s greatest weapon against the church that Jesus formed.

Please hear me. I believe Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. I also believe that Jesus is far bigger, more compassionate, more worthy than our humanity can comprehend. I do not believe Jesus saw the world, or sees the world, as Him versus the rest of the world. I feel strongly that He saw and sees the world in a mess and offers a solution grounded in love. Yes, He is exclusive in that He is the way, the truth, and the life. But He is also wildly inclusive. His entire presence screams inclusion. Zacchaeus is a wonderful example. Despised by his countryman. Hated by his employer. A thief, liar, and scoundrel. And then Jesus…

Luke 19:5-9 (New Living Translation)
“When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.” [6] Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. [7] But the people were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled. [8] Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!” [9] Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today…”

Many of us think that Jesus should have clarified the political party of Zacchaeus before helping him. We might have wanted to grill him on his position on abortion, immigration, guns, or global warming. Then, once sides have been declared, we might offer assistance. More often than not, we might tell a pastor or social worker that some dude in a tree is looking for help, and you need to do something about that. But what if you are in the tree? You need more options than stay up there, or come down. Jesus offered a far better solution. Come down, let’s go to your house have dinner and a glass of wine and chat. There it is. Loving God, and loving others as we love our selves doesn’t happen in a vortex. It happens in relationship, and relationships do not happen when we draw human battle lines like political party and denominations.

There is much to learn and experience from losing our small-minded dualistic mentality. , including life’s two greatest commodities – Peace and Freedom!

Peace, Chuck

4forFRIDAY 05.14.2021

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SELECTED READS, LISTENS, LEARNINGS, AND REVIEWS f
or May 14, 2021

May 14, 2021

I love to share good reads, learnings, listens, and reviews with friends and followers. So, thanks for joining me on my 4forFRIDAY BLOG. Each week, the 4forFRIDAYoffers recommended Reads, Listens, Learnings,
and Reviews, for your enjoyment. Thanks Again!

A Fantastic New Gadget: Anker Magnetic Wireless Portable Charger

This is a very cool gadget. Just charge overnight and attach it magnetically to charge your phone. It can also use wired charge for your computer or tablet, but its superpower is wireless charging. I absolutely love throwing this in my pocket knowing I’m good for 3 days, if necessary

A Interesting and Fascinatingly Entertaining Documentary/Series on Netflix: ROTTEN

Ever wonder how the food industry can sustain the mass quantities of food and beverage that worldwide consumerism demands? Things like bottled water, sugar, avocados, etc. For instance, did you know that most of the bottled water that we purchase is tap water that adds a small number of chemicals to give it a minimal taste? I didn’t. Or how the Mexican Cartels are heavily investing in avocado farming?
I find this to be a fascinating series.

A Flashback Reminder of a Great Movie: The Sum of All Fears

It had been several years since I first watched The Sum of All Fears. This early Jack Ryan film, based on Tom Clancy’s book is a great film starring Ben Affleck and Morgan Freeman. If you like a little intrigue or spy storyline, you will love this film.

My New Favorite Italian Restaurant: ROMA in Duluth, GA (PIB & Pleasant Hill)

Many of you know that Jenny and I are foodies. And you might know that I am a fan of good Italian food. I took a shot on a late dinner with Jenny at ROMA and discovered a real gem. The lasagna was so fresh and light. The garlic rolls were by far the best I’ve ever eaten, and the whole vibe was super chill. It felt like I was eating in a family joint in Little Italy in Boston. The service was superb and the owner stopped by to check on the food and greet us. On a 1-10 scale, I’ll give ROMA a solid 12!

An Amazing Quote from James Clear

“The way someone else perceives what you do is a result of their own experiences (which you can’t control), their own preferences (which you can’t predict), and their own expectations (which you don’t set). If your choices don’t match their expectations that is their concern, not yours.”

The Weekday Podcast is a 5 minutes/day, 5 days/week Cup of Encouragement, straight from the Scriptures.
New episodes are available Monday – Friday on the Sugar Hill Church APP or at WeekdayPodcast.com

Go in Peace, Chuck

Four Thoughts on MASKS

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May 13, 2021

I know, what could possibly be left unsaid about wearing a mask? Well, he are four thoughts for you to ponder over, as we still hear the battle from all sides.

1. Like almost anything in America, we found a way to politicize a face covering. Just spelling that phrase annoys me. I’m pretty sure that anybody can find research to support their personal preference. To argue this point seems pointless. To predetermine someone’s value, worth or intelligence based on if they are wearing a mask is just wrong. Especially in my state where you most likely have been vaccinated if you want to be.

2. Consider where people live. I live in the great state of Georgia. In this state, the governor and legislative leaders have declared that we are “100% open.” As a result, unless the establishment you wish to enter requires you to mask up, be an adult and choose wisely. If you’ve been vaccinated, encourage others to do the same. But please, don’t be a militant jerk about it.

3. According to every data source, just this week, you should not wear a mask outside. But hear me – if you want to wear a mask outside or alone in your car, knock yourself out. But if so, please do not throw shade at someone that isn’t wearing a mask.

4. At the risk of sounding like an anti-masker, it really feels like much of our mask wearing has been driven by optics more than science. In the early days of the pandemic, we were fearful of surfaces. It took an entire year for people to calm down from that scare. Much of the same has been proven true about masks. But honestly, much of that science is new data collected over the past fourteen months. I have been onboard with masks, but can we not allow people to make their own health choices in May, 2021? I read earlier today that even Governor Newsome, in California is dropping masks in June. Wearing masks to make a point or for the optics to prove you are looking more vigilant than others seems a bit silly.

At the end of the pandemic day, we know so much more than we did in March 2020. We must address at least five more pressing issues. 1) Rapidly Increasing Inflation. 2) The Humanitarian Crises on Our Southern Border. 3) The Tension and Attacks in Israel. America must find its backbone again in support of Israel. 4) Reopening America’s Largest and Most Critical Cities and Economic Centers. 5) Rebuild and Restore America’s Educational Systems. Many of our best and brightest citizens chose to be educators . Let’s give them a chance to teach our children skills and lessons that will allow them the opportunity to better the world, not civic lessons established on personal preference.

Why yes, I did “mask that covert message” inside an article on wearing masks. Proving once again that masks mask the more significant issues.

Peace, Chuck

Anxiety and Frustration

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May 12, 2021

I thought I might try a small social experiment last week. I specifically asked one hundred people the same question; “if you are being completely honest, how are you doing?” Here are the results of this little experiment:

  1. The demographics included 31 White men, 22 White women, 11 Black men, 10 Black women, 8 Latino men, 10 Latino women, and 8 High Schoolers.
  2. Three broad categories came from this mix of people I chatted briefly with. 1) I’m tired. 2) I feel like everything in my life is a mess. 3) I feel stuck and feel anxious, all the time.

I realize that this wasn’t a scientific study, nor did it meet the requirements of a real data-gathering poll. It did give me a snapshot of what America feels like right now. America feels exhausted, frustrated and anxious. It’s epidemic in proportion. Nobody is immune to it. If you are wealthy, you are still struggling. If you are poor, you are really struggling. If you are in the messy middle, you are anxious and tired of living in the ambiguity of this somewhat post-COVID world. Friends, you are not alone!

Here are three things I’ve learned from my conversations with these gracious people.

  1. Everybody needs someone to listen to them. It’s not always easy to stop and listen. Sometimes it’s almost impossible. But we all need to be heard. Maybe you think you aren’t that person right now. Well, friend, your time is coming. I can guarantee you that every single human needs to know that they are heard. It is hard-wired in our brains that we need to be heard. When others stop to hear us, we are affirmed, and we are valued. When we are valued, we feel loved. And when we feel loved, we are better humans. Somewhere in our treadmill lifestyles, we must stop to hear others. We especially need to learn to listen to those we love most! Author and leadership expert once said, “The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn’t said.”
  2. Everybody needs a safe place to confide in. More than ever before, we need safe relationships. I would define safe relationships as relationships that are grounded in authenticity, truth, and confidence. That’s a mouthful. I cannot fill up one hand of my fingers with the number of those relationships in my life, and I have a great group of friends and family. Imagine what the world would be like without them? When you find that kind of friend, treasure them. I’ve learned this about relationships, give more to the relationship than you take away, and hold them as dear as they are. C.S. Lewis once said that “Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.”
  3. Everybody needs to be encouraged. This world seems to point out what is wrong with us continually. Once that is accomplished, that same world desires and drives us to become consumers of something we can purchase to “fix” our broken lives. Here’s a thought…what if that is what is broken in our weird world, not us? I’m not suggesting that we create some tree-hugging commune filled with Pollyanna-like false encouragement. I am suggesting that the world we strive to succeed in could use many more encouragers than criticism. I’ll bet you qualify for a little encouragement as well. Author Stephen Covey once said, “Treat a man as he is, and he will remain as he is. Treat a man as he can and should be, and he will become as he can and should be.”

I hope that leaves you with the contemplation of these three questions:

  1. Who should I listen to today? Someone in your daily path needs someone to listen to them. Who might that be?
  2. Who is the person that is my safe place? And, Who am I a safe place for? It would help if you had both.
  3. Who can I encourage today? It might be a simple as attempting to be kind to people today. Kindness is scarce these days.

May the Lord go before you this day and make your crooked path straight. May He go within you and provide you with peace, joy, fulfillment, and contentment. And may you find hope in those that offer you a listening ear, a safe relationship, and a word of encouragement.

Peace, Chuck

GUTS

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I feel like the kind of people that display guts get destroyed in our 21st-century world. I’m not sure that I possess guts anymore. I stop and wonder if what I am saying will hurt my career, wound the church, scare the donors, or cause a firestorm of controversy on social media.

How pathetic is that? I’ll bet you wonder about that at times, as well. But dang it, that’s enough! We can be gracious and gutsy at the same time. We don’t have to be reckless to be courageous. We do not have to whimper into a truthful statement or sneak into a bold, brave decision.

This great land that we live in was founded and grounded on the backs of gutsy men and women of every color, faith, and background. We know this melting pot of humanity is in no way ready for wimpy, gutless leadership. These United States are in desperate need of women and men to step into courageous leadership, now! Gutsy leadership costs you something, though. It might cost you some “friends.” It will definitely cost you some “followers.” And fame, well kiss it good-bye. Courageous leadership in our world will be met by a great host of anger, opposition, and heaps of criticism.

But, should we remain afraid of everyone and everything, let’s roll over and call it a great 244 years. I get it. If Mr. Potato Head has been canceled, surely you can be as well. If the social media clowns that troll for someone to bash behind their keyboards can destroy some of the most powerful people on the planet, what hope do you have? That all depends on what kind of guts you want to display.

It’s been said that “leadership equals influence.” I know that is a correct term, but it is also an incomplete statement. Based on that definition, Adolf Hitler was a great leader. But we know that he was a madman, with murder and wickedness awash in his cold, dead heart.

We need the kind of gutsy leaders that will step away from the typical model of power, platform, and prestige. We are crying out for someone to speak with a voice of truth, reason, and wisdom. The world isn’t clamoring for leadership. They are dying for godly leadership! The kind of leadership that has heaven-sent wisdom and God-honoring decisions. We require leaders that know that their past isn’t perfect but that they are fueled by the power of God’s Spirit and directed by His Word – DAILY.

I’m not suggesting that we could somehow find a perfect leader, but could we find a leader that has been forgiven so that they can forgive? How about a leader that is imperfect and admits their need for wise counsel? Try this one on – How about a leader with enough humility to know how to work with people to get something done? I know. Now I’m getting crazy with it.

But folks, we cannot allow the established foolishness that seems so rampant in our society to rule the day! Somehow, in elected offices across our municipalities, counties, states, and federal offices, women and men must discover the courage to get in the arena of leading this nation…at every level.

Dan Gable once said, “Gold medals aren’t really made of gold. They’re made of sweat, determination, and a hard-to-find alloy called guts.” America must stop the endless pursuit of gold long enough to get her guts back. We need to recruit leaders to run for office that will serve either party but serve with conviction, not protection. We must run on principle, not a party. We must run and run some more. It’s time to stop criticizing those that are running and get in the race!

I am not sure that I’ve got that kind of guts today, but I’m trying to find them. I know they are there, somewhere.
I need to discover them, sharpen them, challenge them, and trust the God of all creation to strengthen them. But at some point, we ALL have to get in the game of leading this land into the greatness she can experience. You can no longer wait for someone else; you’ve got to make a choice. It’s fourth-down and goal. It’s the bottom of the ninth, two outs, and the bases loaded. It’s the last of ninety minutes on the pitch. It’s past time for women and men, filled with a passion for God and Country, to RUN!

How about you? Are you tired of watching the news and thinking, “why doesn’t somebody do something?” I am. Let’s get in the arena and lead. But let’s lead with a God-given grace, fueled by Guts! I think Bear Bryant was right when he said, “There is a lot of blood, sweat, and guts between dreams and success.” This American Dream is more than a house and an income.

We live in an age with more knowledge than ever before. And yet, we make ridiculous decisions. Why sit back and critique, whine and complain? It takes knowledge to know something. It takes guts to do what you know! Let’s find our guts and get it done.

More to come…

–Chuck

4forFRIDAY 05.07.2021

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SELECTED READS, LISTENS, LEARNINGS, AND REVIEWS for May 7, 2021

I love to share good reads, learnings, listens, and reviews with friends and followers. So, thanks for joining me on my 4forFRIDAY BLOG. Each week, the 4forFRIDAYoffers recommended Reads, Listens, Learnings,
and Reviews, for your enjoyment. Thanks Again!

A Really Great Movie on Amazon Prime Video: The Courier

I really enjoyed this film starring Benjamin Cumberbatch. This average salesman becomes an active spy in the ’60s. This Cold War film is really so much fun. It is also based on a true story.
Grab some popcorn and enjoy!

A Really Solid Book: The Bullet Journal Method

I am constantly on the hunt for a better way to be more productive and manage my time. I was so engaged with this book and the pdf files that help introduce the Bullett Journal System are incredibly helpful!

A Great Movie on Amazon Prime: A Call to Spy

Another “based on a true story” film from World War II. I was amazed that I was not aware of the spies that were equipped to do some amazing tradecraft inside OCCUPIED FRANCE. The women in the true story are pretty incredible, including the story of a spy with
one leg and a wooden prosthesis.

An Amazing Personal Bible Study: What Does It Mean to Be Chosen?
An Interactive Bible Study (Volume 1)

I blew through this study, just I did the series, THE CHOSEN. Watch THE CHOSEN, and then walk your way through the character studies and the big question – What is it to be CHOSEN?
I promise you that you’ll love this study!

My Favorite Go-To Grill: BLUETOP RESTAURANT & BAR

This joint Is so quaint and hipster, I almost didn’t stick with it. But it’s so stinking good. I’ve been there at least ten times and I’ve never been disappointed. My favorite thing? The Sloppy Joe.
Best Dessert? Funnel Cake Fries!

An Amazing Quote from N.T. Wright

“Our whole culture is so fixated on dying and going to heaven when the
whole Scripture is about heaven coming down to earth.”

The Weekday Podcast is a 5 minutes/day, 5 days/week Cup of Encouragement, straight from the Scriptures.
New episodes are available Monday – Friday on the Sugar Hill Church APP or at WeekdayPodcast.com

Go in Peace, Chuck