the complex

jan 15th, the day i started living in alameda (aka- the east bay). it is now cinco de mayo and i feel like i am at the tip of the ice burg when it comes to discovering just how complex life is up here, especially for followers of Jesus. we are not numerous, visible, or loud and proud. our existence is minimized (if not ignored), marginalized, and mocked. the news stations and public voices takes on a whole new version of the "liberal media", and the intellectual establishments mock our naivety. yet the presence of God is not squelched, and his power and ability to move in peoples hearts is not diminished. But the incredible challenge of being a loving example of Jesus to those who mock him, while maintaining a biblical world view in this moral wasteland is daunting. i miss the ease of life in san diego, where the biggest dillema of the week is whether to go hear phil wickham lead worship at maranatha, go hear miles preach at the rock, attend a steller service at flood , or support one of a dozen up and coming church plants in the area. don't get me wrong, i know life is still dark down there... there are just a lot more lights. but god has brought me here, so here i am.