Post-Racial?

2 posts in one day! (I felt this one was THAT important)

Chris Matthews of MSNBC made a comment about the President’s State of the Union the other night.  You might have read about it or seen it replayed on TV.  In his comment he cited Obama as ‘post racial’ and said ‘I forgot he was black tonight for an hour.’

I hope to not get political here- but rather- I would like to unpack a bit about what “post-racial’ means.

Now to be fair to Matthews, he did clarify his statment later in the evening. (You can read about it here: LINK )

The term ‘post-racial’ has been flying around the internet and the news shows for awhile now but there is still no clear definition about what it means.  To my best understanding, I take it to refer to a society that has moved past race- perhaps even a society where race no longer matters.  The idea of racial harmony and everyone being the same can be deceiving though.

What strikes me about Matthews’ statement is if he forgot that the President was black than how did he view him?  In a room full of white politicians in a long legacy and rich history of white politicians has the President melted into the mold of those around him and those who came before him?

Sometimes a person of color will hear a comment like “I don’t see you as Chinese’ or ‘I think of you as one of my white friends’ (I have at times been told things like these).  These comments are usually meant as a compliment but they cut across a person’s identity.  Being considered white is not the equivalent of being considered the same.  Comments like this ignore our cultural worth and to ignore it is to degrade it.

When I hear the term ‘post-racial’ I take the sameness to mean ‘the same as us.’  As an Asian American, for me to strive for this version of ‘post-racial’ would mean removing myself from everything culturally Asian about me.  But the Asian influences in my life have shaped me and bring diversity to who I am.  To remove the Asian parts of my life would be to remove who I am.  (Removing cultural identity is not the same as assimilation)

But does post-racial have to mean same?  What if post-racial had less to do about how well people align to a norm and more to do about how people are valued?  What if post-racial acknowledged that there are deep hurts in our country rather than ignoring them?  What if post-racial sought to bridge some of the divides?  What if  post-racial stopped ignoring race and saw it as something that gives people identity?  What if post-racial saw people as diverse and unique and encouraged us to share our differences rather than erasing them?

That would be a post-racial America that I hope and pray for.

Travel

I will be traveling for the next two weeks.

First- to Penn State for my former housemate’s wedding.  I will also be staying in State College for a week to hang out and also meet up with some folks to share about the ministry.

Second- I will returning to Texas!  This time to Dallas for the Epic staff conference- where all of the Epic staff from around the country (about 70 staff) will be coming together for fellowship, vision, training, and hopefully some great food!

I might not be able update the blog much during my travels- But when I return I plan on updating more frequently.  I am planning on adding a new topic of discussion to this blog- “what does it mean to be Asian American.”  I will be sharing some observations and stories on the subject.

An Epic Conference

Well The Epic East Coast Conference is now over.

There were about 100 students at this years conference in Philadelphia.  The conference is a great chance to meet students from other Epic Movements across the east coast.  It is also a chance to capture the larger vision for what The Epic Movement is about and to hear about some opportunities that Epic provides for students to serve God’s kingdom.

We stayed at a really nice hotel right in the heart of downtown Philly.  I think the hotel knew that Epic was an Asian American conference because on the floor below us there was a chess tournament and when I got to my room a local Chinese restaurant had slipped a take out menu under the door.

For me personally, the conference was a great chance to connect with students and staff from around the East coast who I have met over the past few years in the Epic Family.  It was also great to serve along side and hang out with the New York team that I will be joining.

It was a blessing to witness God work in the lives of students and I pray that this weekend would be an experience that sticks with them as a time when God revealed something deep into their hearts.

Dear Old State

I  spent roughly 5 and a half years at Penn State.  Most of that was involved with the Epic Movement at Penn State.

My sister pointed me to a recent radio podcast that explored the culture of the #1 party school.

http://www.thisamericanlife.org/Radio_Episode.aspx?episode=396

This is a one hour Public Radio broadcast by the program “This American Life”

If you have never been to Pen State, the program gives a great illustration of the party culture.  If you went to Penn State you might enjoy the refernces to Canyon Pizza, McLanahans, and even an interview with Graham Spanier himself.

The program gives a great objective look at the partying, and more specifically the (underage) drinking culture, at Penn State.  I enjoyed listening to the program, much of it seemed familiar.  Most of the time when I see students who may have had to many drinks that evening I try to just keep from starting trouble and continue on my way.  But my heart was tugged by this program in a way that really moved me.  This radio program shows the deep spiritual need of the Penn State students that no amount of alcohol can fill.

Please pray with me for the students of Penn State.  Pray for their safety.  Pray for them to realize they are searching for something deeper.  Pray that God would be made real for them.

How To Be A Hero

The Epic Conference is an annual event where we gather students from Epic Movements around the country to share in worship, vision, and fellowship.  More information about the Epic conference can be found on the website: http://epicconference.epicmovement.com/

The theme for the Epic Conference this year is “Hero.”  This conference will be about how we can boldly be heroes and be used by God.  Ever since I was young I have had a deep love for comic book super heroes.  Part of me still wishes I could be a super hero.  But in the Christian life, being a hero is much different than the way it is defined in the comics.

I would like to take a look at five super hero origins and how they illustrate some misconceptions of the Christian life.

The Flash: When a lightning bolt hit some chemicals in a police lab Barry Allen became The Flash. Sometimes in the Christian life it can be tempting to ask God for an easy fix. With the power and suddenness of a bolt of lightning God could change my situation.  He could make life better for me.  He could take away the issues in my life.  But the Christian life is not found in instant fixes.  Though God can change a situation in an instant, in his sovereignty He chooses to refine us over time instead.

Green Lantern: Hal Jordan was chosen as one worthy to be a member of the Green Lantern Corps. Sometimes in the Christian life it can be tempting to think that God has chosen me because of my abilities or character. But it is not based on anything of my own.  Because it is grace that saves not works (Eph 2:8-9).  But beyond salvation it is God’s will and His mercy for Him choosing me to serve, not my qualifications of ability or character.

Wonder Woman: Wonder Woman competed and won a competition of strength and intellect against the other Amazonian women to become an ambassador to mankind. Sometimes in the Christian life it can be tempting to try to compete for God’s favor or even compete to be the best. Often our competitive nature can creep back into our Christian lives.  There is danger in comparing ourselves to others.  It is God who gifts us according to His will.

Superman: Superman gains his power from the yellow sun but is guided by the morals of his upbringing. Sometimes in the Christian life it can be tempting to try to become morally perfect. Just as Superman is often labeled a ‘Boy Scout” Christians are often labeled for their choices on morality.  But a Christian should never think that a firm stance on morals can set them right with God.  For it is only in Christ that we are made right before God.

Batman: Years of training, devotion, and dedication made Bruce Wayne into Batman.  Sometimes in the Christian life it can be tempting to try to make it all about hard work and dedication. Christianity can turn into legalism as faith becomes external and performance driven.  God’s desire is for us to bring our whole heart to Him, not hide it behind a wall of performance.

So, how then shall we live to become a Hero for God?  The power for a Christian does not come from lightning, a green ring, Greek mythology, the sun, or even years of dedication.  The power for a Christian comes from the Holy Spirit.  God’s presence in the believer to comfort us in hard times, to refine us and mold our character, to empower us to use our gifts for the kingdom, to convict us of sin and lead us to repentance, to guide us in how to live, and to call us to come closer to Him.

Back in Rochester/ Visiting Toronto

Well I have moved back up to Rochester NY for several months in hopes of meeting with folks here and sharing about the ministry.  I guess you could say that I have reverse-migrated.  I have moved north for the winter to a colder climate with more snow.  But I am glad to be back, despite the weather.  In related news, my diet has seen the return of vegetables.

This past weekend I took a brief trip to Toronto to visit PC, a PSU Epic alum and share with some contacts he has up there.  It was fun being in Toronto again.  But some things took some translation.  I was excited that the speed limit there was 100 until I realized that 100 Km/hr is around 60 mph which is slower than I was driving before I crossed the border.  I was also excited to see that gas was only 98 cents.  Until I realized that gas was sold by the liter so Iwas paying about $3.70 for gas.

But there were some upsides I got to visit the Toronto Chinese Baptist Church, eat at one of the best Chinese grocery stores in Toronto, and go for all you can eat sushi lunch (my highlights usually center around food!)  Thanks again to PC and family for hosting me and keeping me in your prayers.

 

I can’t believe it’s been a month since I last posted!

Well, it’s been some month.  Been meeting with people in 4 different states on 3 separate week long trips.  Sadly though, in the business of travel blogging is one of the things that is easily neglected.  I will attempt to remedy my absence from the blog scene by posting one big update about my three most recent trips.

Texas

Last month I got to attend my friend Jackie’s wedding in Texas.  She’s the first of us who graduated from PSU Epic in 2008 to tie the knot.  It was a blessing to be able to celebrate the new live of Jackie and Martin.  Congratulations again!

I also got to spend some time after the wedding with some of the Epic PSU alums exploring Texas and eating some great BBQ.  Some highlights: Go kart racing, eating breakfast burritos, being let into ‘Black’s Barbecue’ by the owner even though the restaurant was closed, and driving off into the sunset on a Texas Highway.

For the final leg of my Texas trip I stayed with Epic PSU alums Kent and Angela.  They graciously hosted me at their apartment and introduced me to friends of theirs in the area.  Some Highlights: Eating an open faced burger covered in fries and cheese sauce, leaving my rental car window open all night in the rain, having to dry out the rental car in the sun for 3 days, not getting charged for damage by the rental car company, eating at ‘Mighty Fine’ burgers.  It was great spending time with Kent and Angela.

Mt. Bethal PA

After getting back from Texas I repacked my bags and headed off to Mt. Bethal PA for a Campus Crusade follow up conference for New Staff.  This conference was a mix of sessions on additional support raising skills, Biblical financial stewardship, and just relaxing at a quiet campsite.  I learned plenty of new things about stewardship and budgeting and hope to be able to continue to apply some of the skills learned to my daily life and spending.  It was also good to hang out with friends from the summer who I met at new staff training.  I roomed at the conference with the same guy I roomed with this summer at training.  It was a great time to encourage each other and share some common experiences.

Washington DC

Two days before leaving for DC  I had maybe one appointment set and scheduled.  The day before I left I had 4  appointments set.  I knew that going to DC I would have to trust God’s timing and provision to set up appointments beyond my control.  By the end of my stay in DC I had met with 8 people and talked to a handful of other folks as well.  God provided beyond my means and it was a privilege to share with folks about all that God is doing to reach Asian American students in New York City.  I even had the chance to stop in Maryland on my way to DC to catch up with Alan, an Epic PSU alum.  Some Highlights: Watching the Ohio State/ Penn State game with some PSU alums even though we lost it was still fun to see everyone and spend time together.  Staying at Kezhen’s apartment, watching TV with the guys and eating together- thanks for letting me stay over.  Worshiping with and seeing God work through the young adults at Ambassador Bible Church.  I also got the chance to check out McLean Bible Church, it was my first time at a Mega-church (Check back soon for a blog post about that experience).

So that’s what I have been up to this past month.  Looks like it’s almost time to pack my bag again and hit the road.

Visiting D.C.

Last week I had the opportunity to visit Washington D.C. to talk with people about becoming financial partners in my ministry.    There are over a dozen Alumni of the Penn State Epic in the D.C. area and it was great catching up with them and enjoying the city.  I also met a handful of folks who were interested in the Epic Movement who I hope to follow up with in the next few weeks.

Here are some highlights from my trip:

-Eating noodles with a dozen Alums

-Figuring out the bus and metro system (prepared me a little for the city life!)

-Meeting the wonderful folks at Ambassador Bible Church

-Eating perhaps the best burger of my life: Link

-Staying with Gary and Steve- Thanks Guys!

-Watching Kezhen eat 3 of these

(most of my highlights are related to food……)

No Turning Back

The theme verse for my life is Luke 9:62.  This was the verse that inspired the name for a small group Bible study that I led for two years at Penn State.  We called ourselves “The Plowmen” with the motto “No Turning Back.”  I will post a more detailed description of why that is my life verse some other time.  But for now I want to share a little story that shows that I am still learning what it means to be a Plowman.

I was on the way to the PSU/GMU Epic fall retreat.  The retreat center was about 45 minutes from my apartment and I had driven there for the past 2 years so I thought I knew where I was going.  It was rainy, dark, I was driving by myself, and I was coming to the retreat several hours late.  So there I was on the back roads of PA.  As I was driving I couldn’t clearly remember where to make the turn off the main road.  So after awhile of driving and not having passed through any towns for several miles I pulled over and turned around, thinking I must have missed the turn.  I drove about 10 miles back and still didn’t see the turn.  I kept going back until I found a gas station.  Swallowing my pride I went in and asked for directions.  The clerk there was really helpful and told me I was about 20 miles and 2 towns away from where I needed to make a left.  The point where I turned back was only 10 miles away from where I needed to be!  (So by turning back I added extra miles and time to my trip).

It goes to show you.  Sometimes worry can lead us to doubt where we are heading and turn around.  The same is true with our walk with God.  Sometimes worry and doubt can sneak into our hearts and keep us from following and trusting in God (See the Plowmen verse in context).  He knows the path.  He knows how far the next turn is.  I pray for a faith that refuses to give in to worry and doubt. No Turning Back!

In his heart a man plans his course,
but the LORD determines his steps.

(Proverbs 16:9)

“Dude, you can Acts 17 that”

This past weekend was spent playing karaoke with friends (and by weekend I mean the WHOLE weekend).

I wonder what it is about karaoke that appeals to Asians, and Asian Americans so much.  My friend Simon thinks that the quest for perfection and a need to attain a higher score might be a factor….

Somewhere in the evening of loud singing and laughter we came across the song “I’m with you” by Avril Lavigne.  I will withhold my personal opinion on the song but just know that this is not a track that I carry around on my iPod.

I had never really given this song much of a listen before.  Perhaps it was because the lyrics were right in front of me, but I began to think about the song with a bit more interest.

I have copied a portion of the song lyrics here (with select lyrics emphasized):

Isn’t anyone tryin’ to find me?
Won’t somebody come take me home?

(Chorus)
It’s a damn cold night
Trying to figure out this life
Won’t you take me by the hand
Take me somewhere new
I don’t know who you are
But I… I’m with you
I’m with you

This is a song about searching for something more out of this thing called life.  I turned to a buddy of mine as the song was playing and said to him “Dude, you could totally Acts 17 that.”  At the time I meant it as a joke, but I have been giving it some thought since then.  The singer is crying out to be known, to be comforted, to be found.  In the book of Acts ch 17 Paul speaks to the people of Athens, referencing their alter ‘to an unknown God.’  He uses their cultural alter to find a spiritual need that is crying out and uses it as a launching point to share the gospel.  The same can be done with this song- as the singer is crying out for someone to know her and find her- what better time to tell her about the God who made her and knows her deeply and is seeking after her like a shepherd does a lost lamb.  What better time to tell her about the God who has been seeking her before she knew Him.

Thinking about this video makes me wonder- I almost missed the real spiritual need and cry in this song because I was closed off to it musically.  I missed the heart of the lyrics because I was not listening.   How many times do I miss the real spiritual need in people around me because I am closed off or not listening?

Lord God, open my ears to hear the songs that are written on the hearts of those around me.  Show me how to hear their spiritual needs and cries.

Here is a link to the music video for the song.

LINK

visually, the video fits the song well- it switches between shots of the singer walking alone on an empty road and the singer being alone while in a crowd.