Tensegrities

Instead of “for future reference” this is “from past reference” — some links from a class last fall that I don’t want to lose:

• Clay Shirky’s TED video from June 2009
• Part one of the Clay Shirky webibliography
• Part two of the webiblography
  

There’s growing evidence that the gridlock in Congress is not making people very happy with Congress. There’s also clear evidence that a majority of Americans support universal health care, and a substantial percentage of doctors would even go as far as supporting single payer health care. So what can we do? Markos at dailyKos argues for getting rid of the filibuster. Maybe. But in the meantime, why not use the majority the Dems already have in Congress to at least RISK a filibuster? As the t-shirts that my partner made say, “51 is a majority: Use it or lose it!“

It’s no secret that we are living through some difficult times at Luther these days. Given that reality, it was a blessing to be reminded by my brother-in-law that there’s a difference between being “responsive” and “responsible” — with the emphasis on “responsive” meaning that you can engage directly without taking responsibility for STUFF that belongs to other people. Christopher quotes a therapist making these distinctions:

• When I feel responsible for others…I fix, protect, rescue, control, carry their feelings and generally don’t listen.
• When I am responsive to others…I listen, show empathy, encourage, confront, share and am sensitive.
• When being responsible I feel…tired, anxious, fearful, and liable.
• When being responsive I feel…relaxed, free, and self-aware.
• When being responsible I care about…circumstances, solutions, answers, and being right.
• When being responsive I care about…feelings, relating one to one,and the (other) person making it on her own.
• When being responsible I expect…the (other) person to live up to my expectations.
• When being responsive I expect…the (other) person to be responsible for themselves.
• When being responsible I am…a manipulator.
• When being responsive I am…a helpful guide.

I’m working on being responsive. It’s not easy.

The celebration of the centenary of the Edinburgh meetings that launched a more ecumenical approach to Christianity is fast approaching, and the website for the celebration is chock full of resources (including prayers, logos, leaflets, photos, videos, historical documents, etc.)

Cynthia Weems reflects eloquently on the challenges of leadership and transparency. I couldn’t agree more, particularly given my immediate context. A taste:

Many in our congregations are coming head-to-head with betrayal every day. They feel betrayed by an employer who lays them off after years of service. They feel betrayed by children who are hurting their families. They feel betrayed by a city that has not done enough to stop crime and reduce poverty. They feel betrayed by a church that doesn’t look, sound or feel like it used to. Most of these things are far beyond our control as pastors. But they are very much a part of the stories of our parishioners.

As leaders, it is important to examine the potential for our adding to this sense of betrayal before we act. Some pain is inevitable in our lives and in our organizations. How can we create systems that allow people to have a voice in the changes that affect them? “Voice” may not mean approval or permission. Just like a vaccination at four, some things are required of our churches in order to grow. “Voice” may simply be the conversation held in advance that warns something painful is on the way. Like the one I will have to have at next year’s annual checkup.

When Jesus spoke of his impending death, he did not ask the disciples how they felt about it. He certainly didn’t take a vote. He did, however, share with them over and over again where his ministry was leading. He invited their constant participation as the journey to the cross advanced. They didn’t understand his words. Yet he continued to offer them metaphors, parables and stories. It was only after the stinging pain of death that his words became clear to them.

And, ultimately, the disciples did not experience Jesus’ death as betrayal but as a promise fulfilled.