#5 Because of Compassion

25 Reasons Why I’m Going Silent on April 25

Today I simply give you a quote from the first lady of broadcast news, Barbara Walters.

"It would be nice to feel that we are a better world, a world of more compassion and a world of more humanity, and to believe in the basic goodness of man."

There is a note at the beginning of my April 1^st post to give a tiny bit of background to this series.

If you would like to find out more about Invisible Children and the “25” campaign, go to www.invisiblechildren.com. You can CLICK HERE to go to my fundraising page.

#4 Because of a Few Ordinary Guys with Extraordinary Passion

25 Reasons Why I’m Going Silent on April 25 

There is a note at the beginning of my April 1st post to give a tiny bit of background to this series.

Jason Russell. Laren Poole. Bobby Bailey. In 2003, they were three guys (who fancied themselves “filmmakers”) fresh out of college, looking for a story and an adventure. They found both. And it lasted much longer than they expected. In fact, the story is still unfolding and the adventure develops and changes all the time. If these three ordinary guys had not taken on the unknown as they traveled to Africa in 2003—the same day as the start of our war with Iraq; two days before I traveled to Europe with a friend of mine—I would probably still know nothing and do nothing for the people of Northern Uganda, D.R. Congo and other parts of Africa that live in constant fear of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). It is because of their passion to share the atrocities they witnessed and their determination to bring an end to the terror Joseph Kony (leader of the LRA) is inflicting, that thousands (perhaps hundreds of thousands or more—I haven’t checked the numbers) who would otherwise be ignorant of this, know and care. Their passion and determination is contagious. The creativity that they, and their staff, and their supporters display is inspiring. Who knew there were so many ways to bring attention, to raise money and to respond to something that just yanks on your heartstrings? Their passion led them so far as to stand in the office of the President as he signed a bill into law, promising support from the U.S. government to end the terror of the LRA. (Their goal, now, is to see that resolution come to fruition, as necessary.) I know they will not stop until the terror and the fear ends. And I fully support them. I trust that they won’t give up, just as their friends in Africa trust the same thing. I am inspired by their commitment, their drive and their unfailing love for a people so far away.

If you would like to find out more about Invisible Children and the “25” campaign, go to www.invisiblechildren.com. You can CLICK HERE to go to my fundraising page.

#3 Because Their Story Must Be Told

25 Reasons Why I’m Going Silent on April 25

There is a note at the beginning of my April 1st post to give a tiny bit of background to this series. 

I know, people being silent, doesn’t seem like a very good way to spread the word. In fact, it actually seems quite apathetic. But the power behind 25 hours of silence isn’t only in the actual silence. It’s in the before and after. It’s in the unspoken interactions. As a participant of Invisible Children’s “25” campaign on April 25, I am not only committing to spend 25 hours without speaking. I am committing to tell everyone I know what I am doing and why I think it is important. Hence, these blog posts. One thing Invisible Children has resourced participants with is a set of little cards to give out the day of the event to help explain to people what we are doing.

I don’t recall if the organizers have made this comparison, but I think one of the reasons we will go silent, is in solidarity with those who are silenced by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) and those whose pleas for help are not heard by the world. I wonder how many of you had ever even heard about the LRA before you read this? Western media has failed to give this tragedy much attention. It is only by the efforts of those passionate to make change that any of their stories are shared.

One of my favorite things about Invisible Children is that they strive to make the issue personal and relevant. Each face in their movies and videos has a story. Each child in their educational programs has a story. Each person who has been victimized and killed by the LRA has a story. It’s the stories that allow us to feel like we can and should do something.

One of their earlier campaigns is called the “Bracelet Campaign.” Through the Bracelet Campaign, you can help fuel the Ugandan economy and support Invisible Children by purchasing handmade Acholi bracelets in a variety of colors. Each different color represents a person with a story. And their story is told on a dvd that accompanies your bracelet.

Invisible Children is devoted to stories. And the story isn’t over. We can be a part of their story. We can help bring hope and redemption to their stories, by supporting Invisible Children in their efforts to end the terror created by the LRA. I hope you will join me. 

If you would like to find out more about Invisible Children and the “25” campaign, go to www.invisiblechildren.com. You can CLICK HERE to go to my fundraising page.

#2 Because Children Should Not Fear Sleeping in Their Own Home

25 Reasons Why I’m Going Silent on April 25 

There is a note at the beginning of my previous post to give a tiny bit of background to this series. 

#1 Because I Am Blessed

25 Reasons Why I’m Going Silent on April 25

NOTE: My hope is to, over the next 25 days, share with you some of the reasons I feel moved to support Invisible Children in their “25” campaign. On April 25, for 25 hours thousands of people around the world are committing to be silent in an effort to bring awareness to their cause—stopping the 25-year war against Joseph Kony and the Lord’s Resistance Army (or “LRA”—a force that rapes and destroys villages; abducts, tortures and trains children to be murderous soldiers in their force; and has left a wake of terror and trauma wherever they go). Second, I am committing to help raise funds for Invisible Children’s Protection Plan, which will help bring rehabilitation to those who have escaped from the LRA. If you would like to find out more about Invisible Children and the “25” campaign, go to www.invisiblechildren.com. You can CLICK HERE to go to my fundraising page.

"Jesus Was a Common Criminal" or "Bound in Chains" (Good Friday Musings)

I work at a church, which I love, but sometimes the details (date, time, location, ads, etc) make me forget about how important ministries are. Since Easter is coming this weekend, I was thinking of announcements and how since Easter is more highly attended, those announcements get greater visibility. (Side note: I think announcements are the bane of most pastors' existence...that's another post though.)

For some reason, our prison ministry came to mind and it got me thinking that prisoners have a special kinship with Christ. I think it's especially clear because today is Good Friday--the day where we (Christians) remember the crucifixion of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Although he was without sin, scripture tells us that he was tempted like us and suffered like us. Not only that, he expressed anger and frustration and boldly stood up against the laws and customs of his culture.

I think that so often we like to believe Jesus was this gentle, peaceful man who was wrongfully accused, convicted and punished to a much greater degree than the crime he was charged with. We're only part right. We say "Bad Pharisees! Bad Pilate! Couldn't you see he was the Messiah here to save you...and the whole world?!!!" When the fact of the matter is they were just tools in God's great plan to save the world. This was what was supposed to happen. Jesus died on that cross because I sinned and you sinned and the criminals sinned and the little old church ladies sinned. This punishment was not against Christ, but against the world.
Back to my point--prisoners share a special kinship with Christ because they know what it is like to be arrested, tried, convicted, living in fear, isolated and some in expectation of death. But do enough of them know that the Creator if this universe knows what they feel? Do they know that the punishment He endured can save them from eternal punishment?

I've realized in a few minutes of musing how important the Prison Ministry is and how grateful I am to the people who serve in this ministry.

TODAY IS GOOD!

My Letter to the Editor

I wrote a letter to the Editor?!!! 

Prior to reading my letter to the editor of the Press Democrat, you should visit the following links (all of them):

Parent Seeks to Remove Book From School Reading List

Inappropriate Book (warning! graphic content!)  (there is content here directly from the book that is R-rated--since I don't promote students reading it in class, I don't suggest students read this link)

School Board Votes to Keep Disputed Book

Parent Not Convinced "Tortilla Curtain"Belongs in Class

I think the School Board's decision is unfortunate and was urged to write a letter to the editor.

I hesitate to post this, because I know that many people (friends whom I respect very much) will disagree with me. But, if I am bold enough to share my opinion with all of Sonoma County, I should be bold enough to share my opinion with my friends. I hold additional arguments regarding this situation, yet the following words were most important to share in the 200-word limit the Press Democrat imposes. 

Please understand that I do not believe student access to this book should be denied. I do, however, believe that this book should not be  REQUIRED reading.

My letter reads as follows:

Dear Editor:

Close the Curtain

I am greatly disappointed in the Santa Rosa City School District's refusal to change policy regarding the teaching of the book "Tortilla Curtain" in local high schools. This book should not be REQUIRED reading for high school students. It includes a graphic rape scene, extreme racism and is riddled with profanity. I see a blatant double standard. Viewing an R-rated film in the classroom requires a signed permission slip from a parent, yet this book (which would receive an R-rating as a film) is given to the student without express permission from their parent. Students are disciplined for using profanity, while this book spews pages of profanity directly into their young, impressionable minds. Teachers and parents express concern over the inappropriate, oversexualized dancing at school dances, yet they find it appropriate for students to be "exposed to these issues" through this book. The school board maintains that students "need to be exposed to these issues and they need to discuss them." Is this the only book that addresses these issues? If the school district refuses to remove this book from the list, at the very least they should require written parental permission prior to assigning this R-rated reading to a student.

roots to branches

Two of my favorite non-profits (Invisible Children (IC) & To Write Love On Her Arms (TWLOHA)) were up against each other this week for $1Million from Chase. Both organizations were top five. Facebook members voted for their favorite charity over 3 rounds. I didn't enter the voting until the final round. Voting ended at midnight (EST) tonight. I would have been stoked if either won. During the last hour or so, TWLOHA (which was going steady in third place) began soliciting votes (via twitter and facebook) for IC. It was a truly selfless act. They even went so far as to change their profile pictures to a image that read "I voted for Invisible Children."

IC graciously thanked and applauded TWLOHA as the voting wound up and Invisible Children was revealed as the $1Million winner. TWLOHA (as a top five contender) won $100,000 in the competition. What's really remarkable to me is that these two organizations were up against some pretty big hitters (as far as charities go). I think the difference for them is that the venue (facebook) mirrors the way these two organizations have grown since their beginnings.

IC, in the beginning, was just a couple of guys who filmed some crazy stuff in Uganda and started sharing the video with anyone who would listen. They had no intention of starting a non-profit organization, but were compelled to help the (invisible) children and people of Uganda. It's always been promoted by word of mouth. I heard about it from a friend. We watched their documentary and couldn't help but want to help and inform others of the atrocities happening in Uganda. Anytime I wear the shirt I own that says "Invisible Children" I am questioned about it and I get to spread the message even further.

TWLOHA started as a group of young people showing compassion, friendship and support to a young girl who suffered from addiction and self-mutilation. The story of this experience spread from person to person and was eventually built into an organization that raises awareness and provides help to those who struggle with addiction, depression and other issues. Many indie bands took up the cause and began wearing shirts that said "To Write Love On Her Arms" and passionately promote the cause at their concerts and on their websites, blogs and twitters. Additionally (mostly) young people from all over the country and around the world tirelessly promote and support this organization by wearing their apparel and talking about it on myspace and facebook.

Both IC and TWLOHA were started and mostly supported/promoted by younger people. It's amazing to see the youth of our nation be passionate and compassionate. The youth are speaking up and thankfully they are being heard!

These organizations may have started with grass roots, but it seems they have grown into strong oak trees with wildly magnificent branches reaching in many directions.

On Twitter

I just set up a twitter account and linked to this blog. Maybe I should update more often. I've been thinking about being more blog-centric. Maybe sharing about my adventures in graphic design or my new commitment to read through the Bible this year (thanks to a handy-app on my BlackBerry Storm). I hope to be here more often.

Peace out.

Untitled Generation

Ugen-kickoff-poster
Originally uploaded by bhepler425

When I first glanced at this poster, I thought it said "Untitled Generation" and I was kind of amazed and inspired. We are an untitled generation. There may be many, many titles given to our generation, but none can fully encompass it. The generation I am a part of and the generations following will not be easily defined by one word. We are varied. We revel in our uniqueness, yet we still strive to be like the people around us. I doubt I can accurately describe it. I think it would be fantastic to be known as the "Untitled Generation." What do you think?

It's Been A While

I cried a lot today. This afternoon mostly. I'm frustrated and felt like I should write the stuff that I'm thinking down. I don't know if it will even help or make sense. It might just make me cry more, but I need some sort of order, even if it's in the form of sentences--grammatically correct or not.

Several months ago, my parents told me that my grandma (my Dad's mom) has been depressed and his brothers and sister (who live near her) were concerned and decided to visit the doctor with her. A few weeks ago the doctors were able to determine that she has ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). I don't know much about the disease just that it breaks down your muscle function and is a possible cause of her depression. It's really hard to think of my grandmother as weak. She has always been very strong. I recall not more than five years ago seeing her chase a stray calf back into the pasture (did I mention she lives on a Dairy farm). Also within the past five years her doctor told her she had some of the strongest bones he'd seen (I don't recall if he said "ever" or in a woman her age). This was when she broke her neck! I wasn't scared. She's always been strong. She worked in the garden regularly, always doing something. She was a local librarian for 30 years (more I think). And now she has difficulty swallowing and has a chair with a lift because it's hard for her to get up.

My parents went to visit this last week and when they returned they strongly suggested that my sisters and brother and I try to visit as soon as possible. My mom offered to help with expenses which is going to make it possible. Sunday and Monday I had tentatively planned to go with my sister, her husband and their four kids in late November or early December (they wanted to wait for their newborn to have her first immunizations). But my other sister was frustrated because she could either go right away or wait until January because she is nearing the end of her pregnancy. Well, today they both decided to go in two weeks. The week that my photography class ends, my auto class begins and over the weekend that I am moving. So, I called my brother to see if he might want to come at a later time with me. He's considering going the same time as them (they didn't plan it, it's just what works best). Plus, it would be less inconvenient at work for me to wait until November to take the time off.

So, I'm struggling with the fact that I may have to go do this alone. I don't get to spend time with all three of my siblings and their kids (it's been 3 years since we've all been in one place at one time). And I'm worried that I'm being selfish. I'm trying to stick with my class even if it is an elective. Follow through with the Auto class, even if it is offered in the spring. Keep my original moving plans because that's what I committed to. I'm frustrated and disappointed and feel selfish. And I don't blame anybody. Well, maybe me. But I don't know how else to respond. Right now I'm hoping that somebody else will be able to travel with me. I've wanted to visit my family in Kansas for quite some time now but have not made it a priority. I know that I am blessed to still have all four of my grandparents living and I know that that won't be true for always. I want to relish the time that I do have with them.

I think I've run out of things to say. Please pray that I get to go to Kansas at the right time.
Thanks.

Love.

"I can't help..."

The following was posted on a Virginia Tech website set-up to receive condolences for the tragedy that befell them on April 16th:

..I don’t believe in any religion, but in this tragedy I can’t help saying “God bless”.

God bless you all and rest in peace.

And to all the victim’s families,
I am deeply sorry and sadden by your losses.

Nuri

April 20, 2007, 12:06pm • Pa-ju city, South Korea

I was truly struck by this person's opening sentence. "I don't believe in any religion, but in this tragedy I can't help saying 'God bless.' " Even without the background of religion, this person senses and asks for God to bless. I know He will.

This person can't help saying "God bless." I just can't get over that phrase. It is powerful. God is powerful.

God shows himself in tragedy, in sorrow, in sympathy, in hope, in love, in nature, in literature, in art, in blogs, in music, in smiles, in tears, in phone calls and text messages, in weddings and funerals. I can't help but notice Him and recognize Him in every facet of my life. He is ever-present. Even if we don't say "God bless," He blesses. Even if we don't say His name, He listens. He knows our names and planned our lives to the final breath. He has given us purpose and direction. We just have to listen to His "still, small voice." He will lead us. He is faithful.

I can't help but think about the students, faculty, alumni, friends and family of Virginia Tech. I can't help but cry for the loss of life. I can't help but pray to God that He would send comfort and hope and Truth and love to those who grieve and recover from their loss. I can't help, but I know Someone who can.

"I can't help saying 'God Bless.' "

Today, we are ALL Hokies.

Remember That Time We Got Tear-Gassed In Nicaragua?

I was visiting my friend, Jana, in Nicaragua (Nick too...but he was taking a nap). So, Jana and I go to the market to get some fruit. As we're about to leave...me carrying a watermelon and her carrying a backpack and canvas bag full of fruit...my eyes start stinging, and I get the taste of fireworks (you know when you can taste sparklers in the air) in my mouth. And at first I think "Oh we're passing a barbecue," or something weird. But then I notice everybody around is walking, or running, away. So...we try to get away from it. First we walk into a little salon place at the market. But it's all more or less open air, so they are trying to get away from this stinging feeling too (I'm crying and spitting). Worst thing, was seeing a little kid crying--not understanding (not that the rest of us understood). So, we kept walking. Bear in mind, I'm still carrying a big watermelon. And just walk, hoping to get away from this substance...whatever it was. We finally get to some back exit of the market and are away from the "horror." But we still don't necessarily know what it is. And I spit the whole way back, and we just hope it wasn't some sort of chemical agent and worry about how far it spread and we worry about poor Nick, locked in the house, cause it's gated and we took the keys. Finally we make it back, Nick's fine (still asleep, I think) and we turn on the radio and call Jana's boss, who has a tv, to see if we can find out anything. Later Jana's boss calls back and tells us two guys were arrested for throwing cans of tear gas into the market. Oh and I just remembered, that right before this happened at the market, we witnessed an altercation between a drunk guy and his girlfriend...we were trying to walk around this situation. Big sigh---we're not going to die. Still spitting (like a camel).

I See You

I see you in a girl who hugs her friend so long it seems they haven't seen each other in years,
when it's been less than a day.
I see you in a boy who makes his mom a gift that's not amazing,
but they both love it just the same.

I see you in a tree--it's silhouette;
I hear you in the breeze, rustling the leaves;
I know you in the quiet moments--in the words I read, the words you breathe.

I hear you in a friend who calls each day just to say, "Hey"--or stops by unannounced on a rainy day.
I hear you in a song and then another and another and in words spoken in prayer.

I see you in a tree--it's silhouette;
I hear you in the breeze, rustling the leaves;
I know you in the quiet moments--in the words I read, the words you breathe.

I long to know you better--you know me best.
I know you because you are always with me--you're the only one who never leaves--you're always right next to me, in front & behind me.

I see you in a tree--it's silhouette;
I hear you in the breeze, rustling the leaves;
I know you in the quiet moments--in the words I read, the words you breathe.

I see you.

Hundreds and HUNDREDS of Candles

So, last Sunday (the 5th), I turned the big 2-5! It was kind of low-key. I was in L.A. for a conference, so I got together with a few friends for dinner the night before and had lunch and dinner with some new friends on my actual birthday. It was great. I'd really been looking forward to 25. I just KNOW it's going to be wonderful. Well, the day before my b-day, I come to find out that one of the presenters at the conference, informed his audience that you are no longer cool after 24 (to teenagers). I was mortified (not really--I found it kind of amusing, and have since been told that this does not apply to me)! The second blow came when my 5 year-old nephew was reminiscing (this weekend) about helping me blow out my "hundreds and hundreds of candles!!!!" I have to face it, I'm getting old. And I LIKE IT!!!!

Cambodia 2006 -- in pictures

Need a Job?

I had some circumstances, today, that required me to drive my mom to work this morning. As I drove back to the main street, I noticed a few gatherings of hispanic men along the road. It was a normal occurrence, but I had totally forgotten about it.
These men weren't causing trouble, but they were talking to each other and looked expectantly at EVERY car that passed them.
I used to drive down this street fairly often, and sometimes you would see some waiting into the afternoon. These men simply wait for somebody to hire them for the day, or even for a few hours. I've always wished I had a job to give them. I expect they are hard workers.
Today, I prayed as I passed them that God would provide for them and their families. And I thanked God for the desire they had in their hearts. As I continued on my way, I thought about a scene from Cinderella Man, set during the depression, where James Braddock (played by Russell Crowe), must stand and wait, every morning, to be picked (or not picked) to work that day. Every man standing there needed work, desired worked, and tried, how they could, to find work. But unfortunately, there weren't enough jobs to go around.
I feel a bit like I'm babbling, but felt like writing some of my thoughts from my head.
Thank you Jesus, for day laborers, for those who give them work and for the patient attitude they have in waiting on your provisions. May you bless them immensely. Amen.

Out of the Mouths of Babes

Yesterday, I went to my parents' house for dinner with my sisters and their families. My sister, Heidi, and her family just arrived back into the area after a couple years in Alaska, a couple years in Oregon and the last year in Alabama (just across the border from Florida). Her husband's in the Coast Guard. Following is a conversation I heard between my niece, Cheyanne, who is six and her cousin--my nephew--Samuel, who is almost five.

Samuel: I'm almost done, Madison--I mean Cheyanne.

Cheyanne: Who's Madison?

Samuel: Madison is my friend from Alabama.

Cheyanne: What's Alabama?

Samuel: Alabama's the city I used to live in, but now we're moving to California--Actually I'm in California.

Cheyanne: Oh. OK!

I loved it.

This reminded me of an entry my mom showed me from her journal from when we moved out to California from Illinois. I was almost three. On the way here, we visited my grandparents in Kansas, my grandma asked me if I was moving to California. I said, "Yeah, but we're moving to Petaluma first." (Obviously because we were moving to Petaluma, California)

Fun stuff. Kids are great!

I Know You, Do You Know Me?

I feel like I make a great effort to get to know, and REALLY know the people I am around regularly. And even, some I only see from time to time. But I came to a realization tonight. I don't think they know me as well as I know them. I'm trying to figure out if it is because they don't want to work at or try to get to know me, or if I just put on that good of a front. I wonder. I think I NEED somebody to know me.

Just another way God uses Starbucks!

No matter how evil you or I think Starbucks is, God uses it for AMAZING things!

Tonight, my Girls Bible Study girls and I were set to head to the Claire's Outlet, but called and found that it was closed. So, I suggested we go to Starbucks and use the giftcard I just received.

Well, the first thing God does is makes the total for 5 drinks EXACTLY $15--exactly the amount of the giftcard. How likely is that? For the next 20-30 minutes we just hung out, chatted, played checkers, spelled words we will never use in regular life (you know Starbucks is promoting a movie about the National Spelling Bee). Just before we were going to leave, the girl who had been sitting behind us, apparently doing schoolwork--a girl who smiled at me on our way in--said hello and asked me if she knew me from somewhere. I didn't recognize her right away, but she asked me if I had worked at Mt. Gilead. I told her "No, but I've been there." She then asked me my name and I asked her hers. Upon hearing her name, I knew immediately where we knew each other from. We had attended Vacation Bible School at Hessel Church in Sebastopol in junior high. That was over 10 YEARS AGO and she recognized me.

I am certain God was a part of this. She asked if we were a Bible Study and then asked where we go to church. She said she had just returned (two weeks ago) to her walk with Christ and was looking for a church in Petaluma. She will be coming next Sunday. God puts us exactly where he wants us, when he wants us to be there. I never ever expected him to use me/us in Starbucks today how he did. Honestly, I felt a little guilty about going to Starbucks instead of holding Bible Study and discussing the Bible. Instead, God had us living like Christ in Starbucks for one girl who needed to make a connection to a local church. God is ALWAYS in control (even when I think I am).

Thank you, Jesus, for using me in your timing and not mine.