“Hey Chicago…”
The other night I had this dream.

I, for some odd reason, was given the divine opportunity to be in the starting lineup for the Chicago Cubs. I was extremely excited, but I knew I had to perform. I knew that this was the greatest opportunity of my lifetime and I had to do my best. I had to take advantage of this moment.

I thought I was playing left field but wasn’t sure. I knew I was towards the front of the batting lineup, but didn’t know who after. I just needed to go and check the lineup posted on the wall inside the dugout to be sure of where I was playing and when I was batting. As I was going to check, I saw that all my close friends and family were there for the game.

They called me over to where they were seating so that they could congratulate me. Everyone wanted a hug. Everyone wanted to shake my hand. Everyone wanted to pat me on the back because they were so proud. The game started, but I wasn’t in it. I heard the cracks of bats and cheers and I tried to leave, but I couldn’t seem to get away. They took so much of my attention that I missed my turn to bat. By the time I finally did get away, two innings were over.

I had missed it. My opportunity was over.

Kamakawiwo’ole
If Death came to my room tonight a slight look of anticipation would come across my face. I’ve spent a lot of time studying the afterlife. I’ve looked at this view and that view, but obviously no one really knows the answer. People have their beliefs, but no one really knows.

I’d like to.

I’m really looking forward to finding things out.

The idea of someone “leaving” makes me think about those who got left. If I left would people be affected? My mom would cry. At least I think she would. She’d deal with it though. So, would everyone else. I don’t have anyone leaning on me for anything. I have no responsibilities. Work would find someone else in a week. The church would find someone by Sunday and next Wednesday. It would take a little while for someone to move into my room. I’d think it would take as long as two to three months. Friends and family would transition very well I think. It would still spin.

When I was walking into the Manor tonight I was stopped by a thought. I realized that never before in my life, I have ever felt so numb.

Theology of Hope: Heresies
Our final hope is not:

Gnostic.

Gnosticism is the idea that the physical realm is bad and only the spiritual realm is good. Our bodies, the Earth, everything that is physical is evil. Why focus on relationships, environmental care, or those in need when true growth and revelation comes from prayer and meditation?

Platonic.

Platonism is the idea that the physical realm is but a mere shadow of true reality. Death is the soul’s release from this realm and true enlightenment comes from the realization of this. Caring for one’s body is but a mere waste. Why oil a wheel before you throw it over a cliff?

Disembodied.

We have both a body and a soul/spirit. When our bodies die our true selves/soul will continue on for all of eternity without a body to contain it. Both the righteous and unrighteous have an eternal soul in this view.

In another realm in space and time.

Leaving this evil world and floating up to heaven is what many mistaken people believe to be their final hope. God’s going to torch this realm because that’s what it really deserves. Meanwhile, they’ll sit in their mansion in heaven doing whatever they want to be doing. Roller coasters, basketball, it will all be there.

But these things our final hope is not…

Theology of Hope: Introduction
What are we all looking forward to?

What is your hope?

What is your final hope…?

I deeply believe the way you view the afterlife affects the way you live this life here and now.

So…

1) What are your views of the afterlife?

2) How is that currently affecting the way you live this life here and now?

Is your final hope to die and go to heaven? If so, shouldn’t death be celebrated? For when one dies they finally get to go “where they belong” to “a better place.” Shouldn’t we then be envious of those who have died and “gone home”? If one truly believes this to be, then funerals would be the utmost occasion for celebration. No, not celebrating the past life of the one deceased, but the celebration of their death. For death is the passage to one’s final hope.

It seems strange then to me why I’ve never toasted, danced to, or celebrated death at a funeral. I’ve never seen tears of joy at such gathers, only tears of grief and despair. Why? Why is that…?

I would argue it is because we all know in the very fiber of our being that death was never part of the plan. That no one should breathe their last breath. That death is not part of the way things are supposed to be…

So, what is your hope?

What are you looking forward to…?

If I’m Going to Be in Snow, I’d Rather Be in Hinnom
It’s official.

It’s that time of year.

Today I had to wear a scarf, brush snow off of my truck, and I have a cold.

Sigh…

It’s the time of year where I fantasize about sunshine, palm trees, and sandals. When I was at Bethel I’d work on my application of transfer to APU when I felt overwhelmed. Now, I have my Fuller application and essays to work on.

And there’s always…

…those Jerusalem bells.

Donkeys and Elephants
I believe in affordable healthcare…

I believe in the sanctity of life…

I believe in environmental care…

I believe in small government…

Three Letters (part three)

My Dearest Black Stallion,

We’ve had a lot of great times with each other. Our relationship has formed memories that I never want to forget. You have been there for me when I needed you most. Your four wheel drive and off road capabilities have comforted me through Indiana winters and your bench seat has sung me to sleep on many occasions.

I’ve enjoyed our times alone when I’ve changed your oil, rotated your tires, and bathed you in the sunshine. Indeed, you just past the one-hundred thousand mile mark, but time has only made you more beautiful.

With all of that said, my next thought will be so much harder to present. As I’ve said you have so much and have given it all to me, but I need something more and it’s something you don’t have…

…good gas mileage.

I need it now more than ever. I thought I could live without it, but now I know I can’t. I’m sorry things are this way. I truly wish they weren’t.

It pains me to say this, but I need to stop seeing you. I’m sorry.

Regrettably,
Chad A. Loucks

Three Letters (part two)
Lou-

We had a great season. Obviously neither of us wanted things to end the way they did, but hey it happens.

There’s always next year and I know it will be another good one…

Be encouraged and know that though my heart may be broken, it bleeds Cubbie Blue.

A Loyal Fan,
Chad A. Loucks