The Friar is Back!
I have been in a funk–a long, dark valley; hardly able to see or smell the table that the Lord has set for me–even right in the presence of my adversaries! I’ve been hungry, cold, and miserable (in a spiritual sense). My outcry has been, “Father, is this it? Am I fired? Having been called from childhood–am I now like a poorly released product being recalled? I’ve been so sad. I have come to the place where, like Socrates, I’ve made it my purpose to openly pronounce before God and everybody, “I know nothing!” And like Lot, not anxious to bring any charge against God, I have been surrounded by opinions and platitudes. I am worn out and tired and can’t do, think, or say anything more any longer.
It is at this time, of course, that I feel a power, a particular sense about my person with warm intonations, speaking gently into my spirit saying: you are not fired, silly sheep. Once a king or queen of Narnia always and so forth–even if you stink at it from time to time.
This vision of Integrative Orthodoxy fills my being from top to bottom. I love it. When I think of it, I feel like a child and that it is Christmas every day. Because it is a philosophic approach to Christianity and all Its –ologies (e.g. theology, ecclessiology, soteriology, etc-ology…) I can pretty much make myself at home in any church family and thrive to a great extent. I am super grateful for the Everett Vineyard here in Washington. Through my wife, God has landed us in this church family and we have really fallen in love with them–a gift we haven’t experienced in a long time. I think we shall enjoy a long and adventurous journey together.
At the same time, I feel tonight a prompting that says, “Child, take back up your collar and your broadcasts and perhaps tour your particular music around a bit, openly sharing this integrative vision. Most people will not snuggle up to it, but there are a great deal of folks (ranging from the artsy to the “leave me alone with my mountain lake-type” people) who will receive keys unto great comfort simply from the proclamation. “But Theo, there is no reason for you to be so downcast within and without! Pick up the mantle you were given–that Rock with your new name upon it–and celebrate and serve as this vision prompts you!”
This is the oracle that is within my heart. So the padre is back. Look for activity. I hope to broadcast lessons and music from my new apartment in Mukilteo. I hope to broadcast sessions with a full band from another studio a friend of mine owns. Just do it, I hear in my heart, and see what goodness the Lord God shall make of it all.
Will you bless this in prayer!? Those who are for it in any way are certainly not against it. It may not be “your thing” but that doesn’t mean you can’t laugh along with me and wave a blessing this-a-way.
The Friar, Fr. Theo, is back in the saddle. Be looking for broadcasts and blogs and more. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to THEE o’ Lord. Blessed are those who minister by night in the house of the Lord. Blessed be the name of the Lord!!
Fr. Theo