I’ve noticed lately that ‘Church Folk’ are fed up with artists like Jay Z and Kayne, more specifically Jay. Its like, we read the lyrics to his songs, and as soon as he says something that goes against our beliefs and morals, we’re so quick to make a fist, leave one finger out, and point it directly at him, inevitably making him the big bad wolf.

I understand why it’s easy for us to do this, I really do. I’ve heard the things he raps about, the stuff he represents, and most of it, if not all of it, promotes a bad message, but what about the other parts to our beliefs and morals? The ones that simply ask us to show grace and compassion for those who don’t know Jesus, or those who have decided to ‘live in the world’?

As believers, why do we get so shocked when people living in the world promote worldly things? Have we really become ‘Father Like’ with an ‘I expected so much more from you’ attitude?

Could it be possible that we’ve been hiding a judgmental and ‘I’m better than you are’ spirit behind our attempts to ‘let our light shine’ and be holy and righteous?

It’s a scary thought that sadly might have some truth to it.

On this album there’s a track titled New Day. It’s a track that you usually don’t expect guys like Jay Z and Kayne to rap about, yet it’s a brutally honest record with a somewhat somber tone to it, and if you really take a step back, and read beyond the lyrics, you would realize that maybe Jay Z and Kayne are people after all, people with hearts, people with problems, people who may just possibly have some regrets with a few of their life choices.

Sounds like a place we’ve all been to at one point or another in our own personal life, doesn’t it? The place we were at before we were rescued, forgiven, and released to live an abundant life with the hopes of leading others to have that same opportunity. Yet here we are, the church, the ones who are supposed to be reaching out to them, bashing them on our Twitter accounts and writing things like “How DARE he rap about that…ect…ect…” on our Facebook pages. Yes, we don’t have to agree or believe in everything a person may promote, but our desire to stand up for what we know to be right should never give us the power to write somebody off.

Do we really believe he needs us to sit here and remind him of his mistakes and everything he’s doing ‘wrong’ by unashamedly bashing him on our public internet accounts? Call me crazy, but at the end of the day, I actually believe a few genuine prayers for him in private will have a greater impact than all of our public rebukes.

Yes, he has 99 problems, and we shouldn’t be one.

Here’s to more grace and compassion,

JG

josephgaribay.tumblr.com

I know. I know. I’ve completely abandoned this blog, but I haven’t done it on purpose. I promise. I’ve just, been busy, and during that busyness, I’ve sadly neglected my love for writing. I love writing, I really do, I’m just on the final stretch of my college years at PBC and I’m giving it my best, because let’s face it, I REALLY want to finish strong and get that degree!

I have exactly 14 school days left, not including the weekends.

Please fellow readers, bare with me, because when the books are gone and I don’t have any more papers to write, I’m gonna have to get my thoughts out somewhere, and when I do, I’m gonna resurrect this blog.

Fourteen school days. Wow. Wow!

Let the countdown begin…

The Mission I’ve Chosen to Accept: Graduate from Portland Bible College in May.

I’m not gonna lie, it’s a pretty weird feeling to think I’m just about done with my time at Portland Bible College, but at the same time, it feels great to know what the next step is. The peace that comes with the next step? Priceless.

I’m just so overwhelmed by the grace of my Savior. Four and a half years ago, I would’ve NEVER thought I would end up transitioning my life to the good ole Northwest.

It’s exciting to say the least and I’m just enjoying it day by day.

I’m really excited for this next season of my life. As my last semester at PBC is already underway, it seems that the question everybody wants to know is, what’s next? Well, for me, it’s two things: the city of Portland and City Bible Church. Do I already have a job lined up? No. Do I have a place to stay? Pretty much. Will I fulfill my dream and start full-time ministry right away? I really don’t know, but I believe with all of my heart that the Lord has called me to stay here in this city and plant myself in this church. I’m torn with the reality of not going back to Antioch, but I find joy and peace in knowing that my steps have been ordered by the Lord and those closest to me have released me into the will of God.

As far as “life as I know it” goes now, I’m just taking it one day at a time. I’m still a student. I haven’t graduated quite yet, and I believe with all of my heart that the Lord is still working in my life through PBC. I have one semester left and I don’t want to take it for granted. I still want to press in. I still want to go higher. I still want to pursue God.

With that being said, let it begin…

Four months until another chapter of my life comes to an end.

Really wanting to keep my blog active,

• Joe

As I’m writing this, I’m twenty thousand plus feet in the air above the city of Tokyo. I’m on my way to Nagoya, Japan with my pastor, mentor, and friend Marc Estes. I still can’t believe I’m here! It’s my first trip out of America and so far it’s been pretty sweet. We were upgraded to first class from Portland to Tokyo and man oh man, it was SA…WEET!! I haven’t had that good of food in a while; the whole experience was great. I could definitely get used to traveling like that! This whole trip is truly a dream come true. Ever since I moved to Portland to attend PBC, I’ve been praying for a chance to go overseas for a ministry trip, and here I am, four years later, right in the will of God and living the dream.

It’s 6:30 pm Japan time, which means It’s 1:30 am back home, I think, but ya, this whole currency and time difference thing is definitely gonna take some time to get used to. I’m not tired yet, but jet lag may be kicking in soon. Anyway, all is well and I’m looking forward to a great time. I get the privilege to speak on Sunday morning, and Marc may have me do a few more things, but we’ll see. All I know is that I’m extremely glad I passed Pulpit Ministry this last semester, because now it’s time to get to work and preach the word of God! Till next time…