Friday, July 9, 2010

Reality Check: It's Just a Game, But It's One Man's Life -- and It's His

Just a note little to all the folks who are livid on the one hand, and those who are ecstatic, on the other hand.

  • If a team owner wants to get rid of a player, that player is simply put out on waivers, cut or traded.  The player has no say whatsoever in the team owner's decision as to the player's disposition.
  • Before free agency, professional athletes were like slaves.  They had no input regarding where they would play.  Hats off to Curt Flood, a long forgotten baseball who paid the ultimate sacrifice for professional athletes.  I seriously doubt if they even know who he is.
  • Where a person chooses to work, to the extent that the person has alternatives, is entirely up to him/her.   
  • Obviously everything is not about money.  Wouldn't you like to be in a position where your choice of employment does not hinge on the amount of your salary?  Evidently Mr. James aspires to win; most likely he can afford to pursue that goal. 
  • Lebron James, though he has generously bestowed upon himself the title of "King," is just one man, living his own life.  He should not be construed as a beacon of hope for anything or anyone other than himself and the persons he truly holds dear. That definitely does not include all of his many, misguided fans.
In closing, I wonder if the good folks in Cleveland would be half as upset if King James was really King Jesus, and he chose to set up his throne in Miami.  On the other hand, I cannot help but wonder if the good folks in Miami would try to send Him back while still in airspace, or tooling down Highway 95.

Monday, July 5, 2010

July 5: Remembering Glenn Edward Burleigh

On this day, not nearly enough years ago for him to have gone from labor to reward (perhaps for him, but not for us who are left behind and miss him dearly), a musical giant was born into a family of musicians and ministers.  I am not familiar with his folks, but am blessed for having known Glenn Edward Burleigh.  And even now, when his soul is at rest, I take great joy and comfort in visiting his music often. 

As powerful as it was, Glenn's music was not for everyone.  He did not write to be a commercial success.  He did not write for the crossover market.  He did not write jingles on demand.  He wrote for the Lord, to His glory.  

There were no national headlines when Glenn passed away -- typical, as society is only shocked into mourning those whose monied lives were sensational, tawdry, messes -- while those who went about the business of living lives worthy of the breath God gave them, fade away as unsung heroes. This cannot happen on my watch, nor the watch of anyone who is blessed by the singing or hearing of works like --

  • Order My Steps 
  • Well, the Savior is Born 
  • You Shall Be Free Indeed  
  • I'm Gonna Rise 
  • Just Because You're God 
  • What Does All This Mean 
  • You Must Be Like a Child 
  • I Know 
  • That My Redeemer Liveth
  • Spiritual Medley Jesus Doeth 
  • All Things Well 
  • Agnus Dei 
or any number of the many original compositions and hymn arrangements, the notes of which were poured out of the windows of heaven and into the soul of Glenn Edward Burleigh and of which he made a record so as to be preserved for the edifying of the body of Christ, the encouragement of the souls of believers, and the hearing of the Gospel set to music so as to witness to the lost.

I have said before, and say now, that Glenn's music transcends time, generations, races, cultures, denominations, ethnicities, worship styles, and any other barrier that humankind may use to divide us.  Rather than exclusionary, Glenn used music to bring us together, to include all at the table.  We dare not let it gather dust, go unplayed or unsung.  To do so would be to slap God in His face, and tell Him we do not want and we do not appreciate His gifts.  I dare not.  How about you?