The concept of Sabbath is introduced in the Biblical creation narrative, when God rests on the seventh day after completing all of His work of creating the world.

“Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.” Genesis 2:1-3 ESV

But God does not rest because he was tired, exhausted from His work of creating.  He creates the Sabbath for His creation by establishing this pattern of rest for everything.  He composed a rhythm to life and He continues to reinforce this with his instructions for collecting the manna during Israel’s exodus from Egypt and when the Law is handed down to Israel through Moses on Mount Sinai.  God even embeds this rhythm in the land.

“Six days you shall gather it, but on the seventh day, which is a Sabbath, there will be none.” Exodus 16:26 ESV

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.” Exodus 20:8-11 ESV

“Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When you come into the land that I give you, the land shall keep a Sabbath to the LORD. Leviticus 25:2 ESV

I know this.  It is ingrained into my being…BUT…I resist.  Most times not intentionally.  I often get caught up with doing, producing and become a slave to my work, to creating and to my schedule.  They own me and there is no rhythm to my life.

How do I correct this?  The first step is recognizing the need for Sabbath.  The next step is mastering the art of the pause.

Last weekend I attended a retreat at the Jesuit Center in Wernersville, Pennsylvania.  My dear friend Tim organized the retreat.  He has a long-standing relationship with a spiritual director there, one of the Jesuit priests.  I admit that I was a little anxious and confused about what the experience would be like, not knowing what to expect.  I found it to be a wonderful respite, a refuge in a busy world.  The Jesuit Center has morphed from a training grounds for Jesuit priests to a place of refuge and contemplation where spiritual directors conduct retreats based on the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola.  There was another retreat in silence while we were there so we were asked to only speak when we were in our meeting and dining room.  By the time we left, we learned to appreciate the quiet, the silence and speaking only when necessary.

The facility itself is a gorgeous piece of design and architecture.  Designed by McGinnis and Walsh in the English Renaissance style, it sits on 250 acres of rolling land outside of Reading.  We approached the site from busy Route 422 at rush hour and turned onto the meandering Church Road that led to the gates of the facility.  Pulling into the driveway, we were first greeted by the impressive “house” building as it is affectionately called.  The ground level is lined by a cloister of arches guiding you to the main entrance.

Lisa and I parked our car, braved the windy cold approach on foot and checked in Friday evening.  We found our rooms first.  Each was the size of a modest dorm type room equipped with a small twin bed, a dresser, a desk, and  a comfortable chair.  There were separate bathrooms and shower rooms for men and women.  Each room of the facility was designed with impressive, thick stained woodwork trims and baseboards.  A large window afforded a view to the landscaped grounds and a radiator produced an impressive amount of heat.  I was struck by the beautiful simplicity.

Despite the fact that we were asked to respect the other retreat group meeting in silence, something about the design of the facility just drew you into a silent, reflective and reverent attitude.  We witnessed a beautiful sunset on the way to the Jesuit Center, so once we arrived it was dark adding even more to the ambiance.  For a large facility constructed in 1928 with most of the amenities original, energy conservation was clearly in place.  Only necessary lights were left on creating the mysterious, cavernous, laire-like feel of the facility.

We dined together and had a time of devotion and centering.  Tim gave us a brief tour of the facility including the impressive chapel.  All seven of us walked inside and literally stood for about 2 minutes without saying a single word.  It was not necessary.  The power of design and lighting to usher you into worship was not lost on me.

We then split up to wander the facility on our own, read, pray and prepare for bed.  I got settled in my room, read, journaled for a bit, and then walked the “house” a bit more.  By the end of the night the only sound I heard was the squeaking of my sneakers as they pressed into the travertine floors.  The sound echoed off the cavernous walls.

I spent some time in prayer in the Chapel and then went back to my room, read and journaled some more and then turned in for the night.  I slept pretty soundly, woke just before 6:00am, showered, got dressed, read and journaled some more and spent some time in the Chapel again before breakfast.  After breakfast, I worked up enough courage to venture out into the wind and cold for a brisk walk of the facility.

I intentionally did not bring my camera along because I did not want it to distract me or others from the peace and serenity of the our time there.  I was forced to pull out my iPhone and snap some shots to capture the inspiration along my quick walk around the “house.”  These are displayed throughout the post.

We met as a group in the morning for a brief devotion.  Following this time, we had the opportunity to meet with one of the spiritual directors.  I chose to meet with Father Joe Currie, based on his biography detailing his time in India which I found interesting.  This was a great time of conversation.  Spiritual directors are trained in listening and working with you to remove obstacles in your life that separate you from a more intimate relationship with God.  After hearing about my busy schedule and my desperate attempt to balance everything, he referred me to Jesus’ frequent habit of pulling aside and spending time in prayer despite the demands of people on him.  He also drew my attention to all the amazing blessings in my life and asked a simple question.  ”Do you spend time at the end of the day processing what happened?”    He challenged me to practice this.  The process does not take long but it becomes an act of worship, giving thanks to God for all the opportunities to partner with Him during that day.  In the context of our conversation, Father Joe shared this great quote with me: “For all that has been, Thank you. For all that is to come, Yes!” ― Dag Hammarskjöld

I spent the rest of the day holed up in the library reading Merton’s Thoughts in Solitude, the Bible, journaling and praying.  It was a wonderfully restful and peaceful time.  I was really able to reconnect with God and refocus my life on his plan and purpose for it.  I longed for more time when it came time to leave.  But as Father Joe told me, the goal is to be able to take what I learned and practically apply it to the rhythm of my life.  And so I am savoring each moment of my life and learning to master the art of the pause, as I reclaim the rhythm of Sabbath.  

ground in between
no middle found

chasing dreams
forming miracles
crazy blessings
awe-struck

friendships built
partnerships forged

the unexpected
being unleashed

Growing up, I felt awkward often. Most times I felt like I didn’t quite fit, so I heard labels thrown around a lot. They were thrown around by others: not tall enough, not enough money, not strong enough, not athletic enough, not tough enough. I even threw them at myself: not good enough, not smart enough, not cool enough. I spent my childhood trying to be like everyone else for the sake of being accepted and liked. I was a people-pleaser. In fact, there were times I tried to please people so much, I was considered two-faced. I told people what they wanted to hear. My own identity was caught up in popularity, trends and acceptance.

The problem is labels lie.

Good, bad, indifferent. They do an awful job of defining who we are. We are more than a label, more than someone’s (or our own) judgmental reaction.

Weathering life experiences and growing in maturity go a long way toward demolishing labels. I don’t find my security in the same place anymore. I used to look for it in the approval, acceptance, and affirmation of others. Earlier in the People of the Second Chance Labels Lie campaign, Mohan Karulkar blogged about finding his identity. That really resonated with me.

Identity.

Identity is what I have found. And my identity is found in Jesus. That does not mean I am a brainwashed clone; far from it. I’ve begun to discover my unique talents, abilities and gifts looking through the lens of Jesus. My lens was pretty distorted before. I couldn’t see clearly. I was searching for myself in all the wrong places. I was looking to others; trying to be like others. Now, I’m beginning to find myself. I’m finally becoming comfortable in my own skin. I’m finding my voice. I know who I am. And more importantly, I know who I am not.

For too long I stifled my artistic creativity for the sake of fitting the mold. For too long I was ashamed of my faith, because it wasn’t my faith, it was someone else’s. I am no longer a people-pleaser. I am Mike Lehr. Sometimes I please people. Sometimes I don’t. And I’m ok with that.

Labels? They bring chains and imprisonment. Why? Because they can never adequately define you.

Identity? It brings freedom, confidence and peace. I will choose that path every time.

This post was inspired by Labels Lie: A People of the Second Chance Campaign.  Find out more about it here.

Once or twice a year, I try to take a day or two and do something refreshing and inspiring.

Monday I had the privilege to attend Jeremy Cowart’s LifeFinder tour in New York City. When I heard he was doing this event, I jumped at the chance to attend, talking my wife into getting it for me as my Christmas gift. It was close, a chance to get to NYC for a few days and the price was right. I discovered Jeremy and his work a little over a year ago on Twitter and have been following him there. Jeremy is a professional photographer and “respected artistic voice in the industry. As his list of clients continues to grow, so does Jeremy’s desire to improve, share, teach, and give back to those around him.” His work is exceptional and it inspires me. I love his creative expression and his drive to create unique pieces of art. What lies beneath all of that is what is most unique; his humble heart and desire to use his skill to bless others.

My flame of passion for photography was stoked when I took a black and white photography class at Drexel University. My favorite part of photography has always been the way pictures impact us. I fell away from it while in school (my major was architecture after all), but that passion always dwelt deep down waiting to be awakened again. Last year, my wife bought me a Nikon D3100 DSLR for my birthday (she’s very supportive of my habit) and this wonderful surprise gift did just that. You can read more about it here.

As an architect, I have nowhere near the skill, background or training most of the other photographers have attending this tour. But what struck me most was Jeremy’s effort to tailor this session to his audience. He personally introduced himself to each attendee and asked a little about her/his background. When I thanked him afterward, he even followed up to ask if I felt it was still helpful to me as an architect. It was an amazing and inspiring day and even though some of the material discussed was more advanced than my skill level, I never felt I was in over my head or out of place. This is a real credit to Jeremy’s personality, attitude and teaching ability.

The session focused on a number of topics including Jeremy’s background and story, lighting, production and post-production, review and critique of attendees websites, originality and inspiration, the hustle, how he uses Evernote, and giving back, which covered his humanitarian work and Help-Portrait. He ended with a Q&A and welcomed any and all questions and hung around afterward to talk with everyone.

Highlights of the day:

1.) Jeremy’s stories of how he took the initiative to get a shoot and how this led to other things

2.) His commitment to trying to do new and innovative things despite the old adage : ‘it’s all been done before’

3.) His own continuous pursuit of inspiration by other artists/photographers

4.) Giving back: his projects in Haiti, Rwanda and his work with Help-Portrait are very inspiring and admirable

I highly recommend attending if you are near either of the last two stops of his tour: Nashville and Atlanta.

formed

notes

played

soul

moved

power

shifted

deep

feeling

heart

warmed

tears

welling

gratitude

given

Now I am excited to announce the launch of a new People of the Second Chance campaign called Labels Lie.  POTSC has already compiled a number of powerful images that will hopefully help to shatter the labels we use to define ourselves and others.

Labels can be used to hurt others (intentionally or unintentionally) but they can also be used with good intentions.  Over the next few months I think we will find that labels will always fall short regardless of their intent.  A label does not define who I am or who you are.  You are more than any label you give yourself.  You are bigger than any label someone gives you.

What are some labels that need to be destroyed?  Slut, junkie and ex-con are just a few of those featured on POTSC first images for this campaign shown below.

I hope you will join me in this new campaign as we wade into the deep, muddy waters of labels that bring us down and limit us.  Along the way, I hope we will be able to break free from our past and current labels and live fully into the freedom we find as a result.  Go HERE to see how you can participate.

I grew up watching the Muppet Show. I owned a vinyl copy of John Denver and The Muppets: A Christmas Together. I saw all The Muppet movies as a kid. I was humming “Mahna Mahna” all last night. I am taking my daughter to see the premier of the new Muppets movie tonight. So of course I was beyond excited when People of the Second Chance revealed this week’s poster for the Never Beyond Campaign.

The poster above depicts Animal. Animal is an easily recognizable, notorious Muppet because of his wild antics offset by his stellar drum skills. POTSC is using Animal’s mug to start a dialogue about EGR people.

Extra

Grace

Required

We all have a mental picture of someone when we hear that phrase; whether it’s someone we have to deal with at work, at school, or in our family. This is the person you most frequently complain about on your Facebook or Twitter account.

If you can’t think of anyone, that person is most likely YOU.

But, in all seriousness, how exactly are we to handle these people? Aren’t we justified in our complaints and frustration by their ridiculous actions.

I have learned after 15 years of working with people on a that in most cases beneath every perceived quirky personality trait, flaw or idiosyncrasy is a root. The root is usually an event or a person that/who has caused some damage. We all have them. Over time we overcompensate. Our personality and actions bend to account for this damage.

We can hide it, deny it and overcompensate for it…or we can admit it, address it, and move past it.

At some point, we ALL require a little extra grace. So let’s be the first ones to offer grace and maybe we’ll get a little more ourselves in response.

POTSC is launching the NEVER BEYOND Poster Series: 25 posters representing well known historical, current and fictional characters who are believed to have harmed society. This campaign consists of digital and print posters and the full collection will eventually be displayed as a touring art exhibit.

The campaign draws out themes of forgiveness, grace and what a pathway to a second chance looks like.

Check out the POTSC site to read and join some of the other great conversations going on about grace, forgiveness and second chances.

It took me a week, but I am now prepared to enter into this conversation at the prompting of People of the Second Chance and in light of their latest Never Beyond Campaign poster above of Joe Paterno.

I guess I have somewhat of a localized perspective living in Pennsylvania and knowing many people who went to Penn State and friends who live and work in State College. Along with the rest of the world I heard the unimaginable news last week and read the Grand Jury Indictment of Jerry Sandusky.

This news is shocking. It is outrageous. The stories told in the indictment are both horrifying and heart-breaking. What’s worse, it took this long for the prospect of justice to finally come but justice has still not yet arrived for the victims. They will have to deal with far more difficulty now, having gone public with their accusations.  Not only are they forced to relive their nightmares each day as the stories are rehashed in national media outlets, but the trial will most likely put them face to face with their molester again.

I do not want to get into speculation or dispute about who knew what or what was said to whom. We can only hope that in time the whole truth will come out. But at the end of the day, legally it seems Joe Paterno did what he was supposed to.  Yet for the victims, it was not enough.  Unfortunately, Sandusky’s conduct and behavior seemed to continued for years after the reported incident on campus.  

But the focus of my post is not on Sandusky’s actions, it’s on Paterno’s legacy.  Where does Joe Paterno factor into this? His coaching status is beyond elite, he is idolized by his adoring Penn State fans.  How many coaches do you know who are flattered with a sculpture of their likeness on the campus of the University he/she coached for WHILE he/she is still coaching? It is an unfortunate end to his esteemed coaching career.  This does not completely overshadow all of his accolades, but it certainly tarnishes them.  In fact, earlier this week, the Big Ten removed his name from the championship trophy.

Will the rest of the reminders of him be hastily scrubbed away from the campus and NCAA history? Should his lapse of judgment or morality be the only thing we ever remember about Joe Paterno?  Should one poor decision wipe away any good done?

Absolutely not.

We all make mistakes, we all have errors in judgment.  What is more at issue now is how those mistakes are handled in the aftermath.  Is there a swift apology, expression of remorse and regret?

Joe Paterno really has more to say about the way he will be remembered than we all may think. He now has to opportunity to claim his second chance.

So while this may be the darkest week in Penn State history and in Joe Paterno’s career, one thing I know is that God brings beauty out of brokenness and pain. He brings healing to the hurting. He brings light out of darkness. He resurrects the fallen.

So how will this story end? Who knows. But I for one will not be part of the vulture-culture that piles on, criticizes, speculates and accuses. We owe it to each other to thoughtfully enter into productive discussion, attempting to see from each perspective. I will continue to stand on the side of the victims and cry for justice but I will also continue to advocate for grace and second chances. God knows we each need an abundance of them.

What do you think? Join the conversation…

POTSC is launching the NEVER BEYOND Poster Series: 25 posters representing well known historical, current and fictional characters who are believed to have harmed society. This campaign consists of digital and print posters and the full collection will eventually be displayed as a touring art exhibit.

The campaign draws out themes of forgiveness, grace and what a pathway to a second chance looks like.

Check out the POTSC site to read and join some of the other great conversations going on about grace, forgiveness and second chances.

In some ways, each of these posts in the Never Beyond Campaign for People of the Second Chance have been building, all leading up to a poster like this.  The unimaginable…Osama bin Laden.  The one whose death was celebrated…or was it?  Did we celebrate his death or the death of something more, something bigger than one man?  A mass murderer.  A mastermind of evil.  An orchestrator of terrorism.  Striking fear into the lives of millions.  We hated him.  We could not understand him.  Why did he do the things he did?  What motivated him?  Can we not understand or do we just not want to?

I’m not even close to justifying what he did.  I was appalled with everyone else that day (see my previous 10 years after 9/11 post).

But sometimes it’s easier to call someone evil or crazy.  That way we don’t have try to understand them or see their humanity beneath the surface of their actions.

Grace recognizes that beneath the outrageous behavior and incomprehensible deeds is a broken human being.  Does that mean that we turn a blind eye to the evil deeds and not hold the person accountable?  Absolutely not!  But what I keep learning is that grace does not make sense.

Jeremy Cowart, a fellow POTSCer, had his work in Rwanda featured on CNN’s photo blog earlier this week.  Each photograph tells a powerful story of forgiveness, transformation and grace. You can check it out here.  It falls in line very well with this theme of radical grace.  The fact of the matter is that most people don’t get radical grace.  I don’t get it!  Why on earth would the family of the victim of brutal murder be willing to not only forgive the murderer but become friends with them? The answer is beyond this earth, it is supernatural, because in reality, it is actually a little glimpse of heaven on earth.  This is the type of radical grace that turns “right” and “normal” on its head.  John Mark McMillan wrote a line in his song, “How He Loves”, that goes, “heaven meets earth like a sloppy wet kiss.”  That’s grace.  It’s messy.  It’s confusing.  It doesn’t make sense.  But while grace holds us in that tension, it gives us a glimpse of the tension between heaven and earth.

Jesus was a revolutionary radical grace-giver.  Not only by what he taught, but what he did to display grace.  He taught us to love our enemies and to pray for those who persecute us.  Why?  He knew that when we pray for our enemy,  it slowly reveals their humanity and we begin to see them like us, on the same terms.  And by doing this, by living this way, each day we would see a little more heaven on earth.  Jesus taught us, “Pray then like this: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.  Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”  May it be so…

What do you think?  Is Osama bin Laden going too far?  Why?

POTSC is launching the NEVER BEYOND Poster Series: 25 posters representing well known historical, current and fictional characters who are believed to have harmed society. This campaign consists of digital and print posters and the full collection will eventually be displayed as a touring art exhibit.

The campaign draws out themes of forgiveness, grace and what a pathway to a second chance looks like.

Check out the POTSC site to read and join some of the other great conversations going on about grace, forgiveness and second chances.