Where are All the Mahatmas?

The Merriam Webster word of the day is "mahatma."  http://www.merriam-webster.com/word-of-the-day/2010/12/30/ --  a person to be revered for high-mindedness, wisdom and selflessness.    The moment I saw the word "revered" I thought about all the "reverends" I know.  And I thought of how that word is generally self-attributed and very much overused to the point of abuse.   


It really galls me when people say my name is 'reverend doe.  Sometimes my follow-up question is what did your mother name you?"  (Of course, this is no different from people who say my name is Doctor Doe or Attorney Doe or -- or Evangelist Doe -- or my all-time grating-on-my-nerves one -- Lady Minister Doe.   News flash folks:  Your name is not your title or what you do for a living.     


The one time I saw "Rev. Andrea Hoxie" in an article written by the late "Bud" Johnson, one of my dearest sparring partners (verbal, of course), I had to give him a call; we had a serious conversation, including a little discussion of Psalm 111:9.


Words are important.  They encourage, convict, condemn, support, dissappoint, exhort, admonish, and deify -- or at least, attempt to do so.  Sometimes they begin with a thought; sometimes not.  These words I write today began with a thought -- primarily the possibility of offending those whom I love and respect, some of whom are oftentimes referred to by that "R" word. And then, I thought of those folks, and remembered why I respect them.  They accept me as I am, including the sometimes radical and unconventional Andrea who goes against the grain.   Even when we agree to disagree, it is without condemnation.  


Some folks are probably thinking right now:  Why would she write something so offensive?  So inflammatory?  What difference does is make that we call our priests, preachers, pastors and ministers "Reverend"?   Well, consider this:  Does it make a difference when someone calls you a receptionist when you're a secretary?  A gal when you're an administrator?  A secretary when you're a paralegal?  A boy when you're a man?  A hooker, prostitute or whore when you have reserved your body exclusively for your spouse?  


Words do matter.   We speak them and they take life, become flesh.  How many children have taken paths uttered by mean-spirited, impatient, ignorant folks who told them they would never amount to anything?  Yes, words matter.  


So, now, a few questions:  

• Does that certificate of ordination, license to preach, divinity degree, or your spouse's call to the ministry justify use of the handle Rev.?   
• Do you preach and teach God's word with authority, and then live as if there is no God, or as if He is blind and deaf?
• Do your beliefs, thoughts, attitude, behavior, and actions reflect reverend?
• Do you try to justify extra privileges to accorded to you because you use the handle?
• Is your general comportment the same whether you are at or away from home?

In other words, are you truly  a mahatma?  Or do you just wear the mask?  Here is a hint if you have difficulty answering the question:  The one man most of us know as Mahatma was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.  It is said that he protested against the title Mahatma that was conferred on him by others.   This simple-living man seemingly cared nothing for the transient trappings that are coveted by others.   He was wise, selfless and high-minded.  Mahatma?  And because of his wisdom, selflessness and high-mindedness, he was revered.  Reverend?


Even while we have high regard for the wise, selfless, high-minded folks of this world, there is but One, Who is indeed Reverend.   And He is called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  And at His name, every knee shall bow and every tongue acknowledge and confess that He is Lord.  Jesus, the Christ.   Reverend.



  To Tell the Truth (V. Michael McKay)

Remembering Glenn and Charles

I have the best of both worlds. While I enjoy formally structured music, and am privileged to know a plethora of talented musicians (SMBC's Daryl Robinson, for one), who can properly execute the most intricate musical works and make such execution appear to be effortless, I also revel in the soul-stirring spontaneity of improvisational music, such as Glenn Burleigh's live rendition of one of my most favorite hymns.  This is a fitting time for me to find this recording, as it was just three years ago, around this time, that Glenn left this earth for a better life.  He is still missed by many, including me.  And even three years later, the gifts our God gave us through Glenn and his musical talent, are still giving; over, continuously we who love Glenn and his music are still reaping the benefits of those blessings.

On a similar note, just a few days ago, we celebrated the birthday of Charles Richards.  He, too, was a talented musician.  Unlike Glenn, he was not known nationwide.  He served same family of God here in Houston for more than 35 years.  He was the consummate gospel organist with a unique sound that I have never heard duplicated.   And he was much more than an organist.  Just as he blended his own sound on the Hammond organ, he trained and blended voices to sing God's praises.    It just so happens he really liked Glenn's music and incorporated it into his music ministry frequently.  Charles left this earth for a better life earlier this year.  He too is missed by many, including me.  

Now, about the link:  There may be one who listens to this recording and cannot understand what Glenn did with this lovely hymn.  Where did all that come from?  That's not the way it's supposed to go!  Why did he do that?  When is he going to resolve that phrase?  How could he do that?    Charles would understand.  It's just a thing that happens when the Spirit is like fire in your bones.   He leads you down paths you would not normally take -- many times well off the printed page; He pulls stuff out of you, the existence of which you are quite ignorant; and even while your heart pounds so hard you know it will soon explode, and you know for sure that you are soaring among the clouds, He keeps you from going off the deep end.  And when it's all over, He sets you down gently and safely.   And, you understand your feet are actually firmly planted -- on the ground.

Even while you're the same, you're not quite -- there's a little something different.  It may be a new perspective of an old issue, or a sense of peace that wasn't there before, or an urge to bridge the chasm of a derailed relationship.  It's kind of like something for which Pastor Steve prays when he asks God to speak to us through His Word, so that we will be less of what we used to be, and more of what we ought to be, through Christ Jesus.  What I'm saying is that the Word of God, even through a hymn, has transformative powers.  To one who cannot understand, I can only refer you to the words to this awesome hymn, which are themselves more than sufficient to make my heart soar.   And if those lyrics are not sufficient, feel free to go to the source:  Lamentations 3:23.  In the meantime, I believe I'll hobble upstairs and visit this hymn for myself -- just for a while.  As for you, the reader, visit Glenn's rendition here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UR2hoEN2t2M