Organized religion is a strongly palpable presence in rural Georgia ...

and I've "been there and done that" through several different churches and denominations. I am a Christian but outside of my belief in our Saviour and that he is the Way, the Truth and the Life, I believe myself to be remarkably indifferent to custom, theology, manner of worship, etc. I say 'remarkably' because perhaps I should feel more strongly about tradition and the pomp and circumstance which almost always accompany Protestant church services. Our Catholic brethren don't have to endure the sideshow element of worship as often, but their penchant for royally digressing from the true focus of church, Jesus Christ, is certainly on a par with the myriad Protestant denominations.

It's interesting to me to watch the dynamic that arises in rural churches. Perhaps metropolitan-area churches are the same or worse, but I am often amazed at the bureacracy that is allowed to persist, and is actually relied upon in the day-to-day operation of the church. Do certain families always end up running the show, believing without saying - or actually opining out loud - that they are more fit to do so? Some people are natural born leaders and most of us can tell these individuals almost immediately because their demeanor and the way they interact with others sets them apart almost immediately. Others strive to be recognized as leaders, perhaps attempting to earn respect or position or authority, or to usurp it by force of will. I find those seeking power in a church...and when we're discussing Christianity, could anything be more inopposite to the teachings of Christ that the meek shall inherit the earth...are too often in the latter category. They take a moral justification for their actions based upon self-aggrandizement and tenure, as if membership in the church for many years somehow imbues them with a greater sense for recognizing the common good.

Why do the natural leaders among us tend to stay out of positions of authority in the church? Perhaps they are following the advice of James when they remain silent, speak only infrequently and tend to remain even-keeled during the most spirited of arguments. If only all of us were so fortunate to have the self-control to realize what blessings those virtues can be. I know patience has never been a trait I've possessed. I am quick to make my opinion known (if you couldn't tell since I'm a blogger) and I'd rather talk than listen. That's the lawyer in me coming out. Even so, I've accepted positions within the church only after the most careful consideration. I worry that I am not apt to be a calming force, one who simply provides direction without actually commanding that he be followed. This shall be my albatross.

When your church life begins to revolve around administration, I think it's time to take a step back and reclaim the simple pleasures that gathering as Christians can bestow. Where two or more are gathered in My Name...I shall be with them. It is too easy to forget this and to focus on the quite human tasks of the day to day operation of the church. We should strive to never lose our wonder at the Divine, and to never take our eyes off the Cross.

On the eve of perhaps the most significant inauguration ...

in the history of the United States since that of our First President, I can't help but wonder if President Obama isn't missing a wonderful opportunity to lead by example.

We are in the worst recession in decades. I hear of new plant closings almost daily, and several of my friends are out job hunting after having had longstanding, well-paying positions seemingly snatched out from under them without warning. Even our immigrant working populus is struggling to find work. A court interpreter rents office space from me, and she is deluged with walk in clients hoping she might suggest new work for them.

In this day and time, excess just seems, well, excessive. I'll never be known as a spendthrift, but even I've been wary of going out and making the big purchase these days, even things we arguably need.

I voted for Barak Hussein Obama. I truly believe he is the breath of fresh air that can carry us into a new era of cooperation and amity, and that he will do what is necessary to correct the wrong-minded financial and international policies of the overlong Bush administration. I also know that the celebrations of this week will be cathartic for so many, beyond my understanding perhaps. To deny the magnitude of the inauguration on any level is somehow distasteful and disappointing.

But what a statement could have been made by President Obama if he had simply said "My fellow Americans, in light of the struggles felt by so many in our great Nation, I am going to forego the pomp and circumstance of my forebears and have a simple swearing in ceremony to which all are invited. Afterwards, I'm going to work. No balls, no late night celebrations. We have too much to accomplish to revel so in the moment."