Conditioned

Posted on March 13, 2006 by Jason

Recently, I’ve become aware of the person I’ve been conditioned to be. My influences and experiences have helped shape me into the person I am and I’m so thankful for the individual influences God continues to place in my life. But after 30 years of living, I can finally see that the person I’ve been conditioned to be and the person I want to be are often two different people.

I was taught to defend myself, to stand up for myself. “Hit back harder,” I was told. “Show ’em you’re tough.” I learned quickly that if I didn’t stand up for myself, I shouldn’t expect anyone else to, either.

I was taught to never cry. “Crying’s for girls,” I was told. “Crying means you’re weak.” At some point, I learned the nuanced art of keeping others at arm’s length. I developed an aversion to intimacy, for intimacy necessitates making yourself vulnerable to another. Even to this day, admitting weakness is still difficult for me.

I was taught to be my own person. “Be confident,” I was told. “Believe in yourself.” For as long as I can remember, I’ve adhered to the principle of individualism as the code of my life. It’s as if there was no loftier goal than to be my own man, to have my own voice. As a result, I’m the world’s worst at asking for help.

I learned to play to win. I learned that competition proves what you’re made of. All my life, I’ve competed with myself. I’ve been driven by a compulsion to prove myself to myself.

I learned to be skeptical, to question, to doubt. I learned to play it close to the vest. I learned to keep my pain and fear to myself. Never trust, never disclose.

I’ve been conditioned to love conditionally.

But the more I see of Jesus, the more I realize that His way is the better way.

Instead of “Hit back harder”, he implores me: Turn the other cheek.
Rather than “Hide your weakness”, he bids me to embrace them, clinging to His promise: My power is made perfect in weakness.
He transforms “Believe in yourself” into: Believe in me and my ability to work in and through you, in spite of you.

Lord Jesus, may I be conformed to Your likeness. Grant that I would die to the person I’ve been conditioned to be. Send your Spirit, that I may become who You would have me be.

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

Posted in Devotional, Jesus, Theology | 3 Comments

This & That & Smooth Segues

Posted on March 10, 2006 by Jason

Haven’t had much time to write this week…just one of those weeks where I’ve had a lot to do and not a lot to say. Actually, I’v been prepping my thoughts for my sermon this Sunday. I’m preaching from 2 Samuel 7, one of my favorite texts in the OT. I really want to use that text as a springboard to amplify the greatness of our God. We’ll see how it goes.
_______________

Even though I haven’t had much time to write on my own blog, I have been consistently checking in on my other blogging buddies. I want to commend a few articles to you. If you’ve never stopped by Ocular Fusion, you’re missing out. My buddy Mike writes some of the most diverse, interesting and consistently good material out there. You need to check out his Rightful Owner article, a poignant reflection on his 18 year quest to recover his class ring. Great stuff.

Also, TH over at A Believer’s Blog is discussing what it means for us to live out our call to be “in the world but not of the world.” You should stop by and weigh in on the discussion.
_______________

I want to give a shout-out to my buddy JM from Lebanon, who I know visits the page from time to time. Were this a radio call-in show, he’d be a “long-time / first-time”. I’m still awaiting the day he leaves a comment. Maybe after the inagural game at the New Busch Stadium in St. Louis. I know you’re out there, man.
_______________

Speaking of radio programs (smooth segue), I made my FM radio debut yesterday on a station in Tuscaloosa. One of my former students has a morning radio program and he called me at 8:30am, asking me to call in to the show and weigh in on their discussion. The topic: Things that need to be invented. My idea? The Ice Visor, a contraption designed to keep shards of ice from flying into your eye as they’re being dislodged from the ice cube tray. Lame, I know. But we ran with it and got a few laughs. When you see the Ice Visor 3000 on display at an aisle kiosk at Wal-Mart, just remember you heard it here first.
_______________

Speaking of Wal-Mart (yet another smooth segue), thanks to the keen eye of my wife, I recently procured a copy of LOST: Season One on DVD at an extra-low price. Don’t know if it was mismarked or what, but my shopping-savvy girl grabbed a copy and talked her way to a great price. I know I talk about this show all the time, but I honestly think it may be the best show I’ve ever seen. All you 24 aficionados out there will disagree with me, but it’s the best show on the air today, hands down.
_______________

Wednesday night’s class was great. I enjoyed our study about dying for our beliefs. It’s a powerful moment when we realize that Christ was willing to die for what He believed in; He believes in each one of us. He values us, ascribes worth to us, by willfully enduring the cross on our behalf. You’re worth dying for. May each of us continue to embrace His call to come and die with Him. Have a great weekend.

Posted in Random | 1 Comment

Our Family

Posted on March 7, 2006 by Jason


The latest Bybee family picture, circa February 2006. (Man, I look sleepy…)

Posted in Blessings, Kids, Sunny | 4 Comments

Goodbye Kirby

Posted on March 7, 2006 by Jason

The baseball world was shocked yesterday at the passing of Kirby Puckett. Puckett, a 2001 Hall of Fame inductee, was the catalyst for the Minnesota Twins world championship clubs in 1987 and 1991. ESPN’s Tim Kukjian has a nice article about Puckett’s heroics in Game 6 of the 1991 World Series, which is still the most exciting World Series I’ve ever seen. Puckett’s infectious smile and style of play made him a favorite of fans and teammates alike. His career was short-circuited in 1995 when a Dennis Martinez fastball crushed his right eye. He was eventually diagnosed with glaucoma, forcing him into early retirement. Puckett was inducted in the Hall of Fame on his first appearance on the ballot, a testimony to his talent and his respect within the baseball community. At age 45, his life has ended much too soon. We’ll miss ya, Puck.

Posted in Baseball | 1 Comment

Favorite Stuff

Posted on March 6, 2006 by Jason

Another installment of my semi-regular “Favorites” posts.

*Crash wins Best Picture. I was pleasantly shocked last night when Crash was honored with the Academy Award for Best Picture. I must admit, it was the only Best Picture nominee I had the chance to see. But a powerful film. Disclaimer: the language and content of the film is NOT suited for a young audience. But the film’s poignant reflection on race relations in America make it a powerful and meaningful film. I thought Brokeback was a no-brainer.

*Third Day & Crowder in Memphis. The show was absolutely AWESOME. Crowder was in rare form and the boys from Third Day rocked the Fed Ex Forum. Crowder opened with his trademark energy and acerbic wit. “You Are My Joy” is probably my favorite song of their live set. Third Day played a 2 hour set, highlighted by a new version of “Thief” from their debut album. But the hands-down moment of the evening for me was the reappearance of Crowder during 3D’s acoustic set for a rousing rendition of “I Saw the Light”. An incredible moment.

* March sports. Conference basketball tourneys are getting cranked up this week. The NCAA’s aren’t far behind. Time to fill out those brackets and make your Cinderella picks. And of course, spring training is here (for non-WBC participants, that is). I guess I’ll watch tomorrow’s WBC game between Mexico and the USA. Hey, if it’s baseball, I’ll watch it. But I’m even more pumped that my fantasy baseball draft is just weeks away. The question is: Which knee highs will Cole don this year, red or blue striped?

* American Idol’s Chris Daughtry. This year’s crop of male singers is the weakest in recent memory, IMHO. With one exception. Daughtry has the vocal ability and style to distance himself from the pack of also-rans. If he’s not one of the final 3, it’ll be a travesty.

* Corey and Alisha’s baby blog. A great way to keep up with what’s going on with Corey and Alisha and Baby T. Click on the link and check it out!

* No more week-long grad classes this semester! And there was much rejoicing!

Posted in Television, What I'm Loving | 7 Comments

A God Like You

Posted on March 3, 2006 by Jason

How vast, how great is Your glory, O Lord
Your love reaching to the heavens
Who is like my God, in all the earth?
From time immemorial, you have loved me
Alpha, Omega, Everlasting One

My Rescuer, My Redeemer,
My Father and My Friend
Where can I find a God like You?

I am beholden to You for Your many great works
When none other is there, You give ear to my cry
In darkest night, You shine on me
At my weakest, You bid me come
And take shelter in Your wings

My Rescuer, My Redeemer,
My Father and My Friend
Where can I find a God like You?

Anointed by Your mercies, showered with Your grace
My soul sings Your salvation song
I call to You, Most Holy Lord
To be my God, even my God
Today, tomorrow and forevermore

My Rescuer, My Redeemer,
My Father and My Friend
Where can I find a God like You?

March 2nd, 2006, 6:02pm
For Father

Posted in Devotional, Theology | 1 Comment

Unmerited Claudia

Posted on March 2, 2006 by Jason

I was always taught that unmerited favor was called grace. But this week, I’ve learned to call her Claudia.

Claudia works in food services at Lipscomb University where I’m taking graduate classes. More specifically, she operates the cash register at the downstairs food court in the student center. She’s an African American, I’m guessing in her 50’s, with a sweet smile and an even sweeter spirit. I first met Claudia a few weeks ago when I was on campus for my class on the book of Samuel. Toward the end of that week, she struck up a conversation with me one afternoon at the check out line. I’d walked over during our mid-afternoon break, desperate for some caffeine to keep me awake for the stretch run of the day’s lecture. But I encountered a most amazing individual when I approached Miss Claudia to pay for my drink.

“Son, you look awfully tired,” she said with a wink.

“Yeah,” I said. “Been sitting in class all day.”

“All day?” she asked incredulously. “What kind of class you have to take all day?”

I explained to her I was a graduate student in the Bible program.

“You a preacher?” she asked.

“Kind of,” I replied. I think that won her over.

“Oh, sugar, you just hang in there. You’re here doing the LORD’s work, and He ain’t gonna let you down. He’ll give you what you need.” Her head nodded furiously as she spoke with deep conviction.

I’m starting to like this lady, I thought. You don’t always get theology at the check out counter.

I thanked her for her kind words and asked her what I owed her.

“Oh, baby, you don’t have to pay for that drink. You take it and go on back to class.” Taken aback, I offered to pay again but again I was rebuffed. Not one to look a gift horse in the mouth or eye or whatever, I thanked her and went on my way.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve developed something of a relationship with Miss Claudia. Granted, I’ll admit, I’ve saved quite a bit on my beverage budget since she came into my life. (It’s funny because I’ve been working on a term paper this week from 2 Samuel 24 where David, after Araunah offers him the oxen for the burnt offering, says, “I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” The irony of all this has not been lost on me.)

But it’s not just the bottomless fountain drinks that I’ve come to appreciate. I’m an introvert by nature, not prone to carrying on conversations with people I love, much less women at cash registers. But I’ve come to see Claudia for the gentle, nurturing spirit she is. Miss Claudia has become a part of the daily routine for Corey and me. In the morning, she’ll ask us about the previous day’s class. Yesterday, she asked us about our long term plans for ministry. We found out earlier in the week that Claudia is a vegetarian. She has grandkids. She is strong in her faith, one of those individuals with the ability to be conversational about her faith and her LORD without being showy. I don’t know why she’s so kind to us. Maybe she has a place in her heart for tired looking seminary students. I don’t know. But she’s reminded me of a simple truth: when I share my life with another, I open myself up to a joyous, grace-filled experience. Miss Claudia and I are about as different as two people can be, at least from a worldly perspective. But by the grace of our great God, we can celebrate that which we share in common: namely, Jesus Christ. I count her as a dear sweet sister. I don’t deserve to know her.

May He be good to you, Miss Claudia. I’m sure you put a smile on His face as surely as you put one on mine…

Posted in Blessings, Devotional, Jesus, Theology | 16 Comments

Back in the Saddle (or Why Procrastination Must Be Contagious)

Posted on March 2, 2006 by Jason

For those of you who read this often, you know that Corey and I are here at Lipscomb for yet another week of grad school. We’re on campus again, enjoying college life at it’s finest: community showers, cafeteria food and, perhaps the grandest of all collegiate traditions, procrastination.

Every day, we have a quiz over the previous day’s material. Every evening, I know I should study for this quiz. And yet, every night, I find something — anything — to delay my inevitable date poring over the minutiae of the Pastorals.

Procrastination must be contagious.

Case in point: I just finished clipping my toenails. At home, I clip my toenails about as often as I get an oil change. But here, this menial task becomes a critical hygienic issue that demands remedying NOW.

By the way, is there anything more annoying than someone clipping their fingernails in public? In the middle of class today, dude next to me whips out his clippers and starts whacking away. In the middle of the lecture. I mean, Dr. Moss is at the front, talking about the critical issues in 1 Timothy, and pieces of this guy’s fingernails are flying all over the place. For my money, nothing communicates disinterest more clearly than the sound of clipping your fingernails while someone else is talking. It’s just rude. (When I was a teacher, I once chastised a student of mine for clipping her fingernails during my lecture. Told her it was rude and very distracting, especially when you’re trying to make a presentation. I don’t think she understood. Or cared. Said she needed to push back her cuticles.)

Anything to keep from studying.

Including blogging about my toenails.

Tomorrow, I’m blogging about Lipscomb’s incarnation of “unmerited favor”. Stay tuned.

Posted in Grad School | 7 Comments

Brushback

Posted on February 28, 2006 by Jason

I came across this story today at ESPN.com. Roger Clemens, perhaps the greatest pitcher of our generation, has received special permission from the commissioner’s office to train at the Houston Astros minor league camp this spring as he prepares for the inaugural World Baseball Classic. The 43-year-old Clemens led the major leagues last season by posting a 1.87 Earned Run Average while pitching for the Astros. Amid cries of nepotism, the Astros drafted Roger’s oldest son, Koby, in the 8th round of the 2005 draft last summer. Koby enjoyed a meteoric rise through the Astro farm system, hitting .297 with 4 homers and a .477 slugging percentage in only 32 games of rookie league ball before being promoted to single A. Clearly, this apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree. This spring, father and son have been reunited as Dad gets in shape to headline Team USA’s pitching staff, while Jr. is continuing to prove his wares as a bona fide major league talent.

But yesterday, father and son took things to the next level.

Dad took the mound to throw to some of the club’s minor league prospects. A routine drill that every pitcher engages in at this time of the year. After some cursory warm up tosses, the screen was removed and Roger toed the rubber to throw to his first live batter of the spring.

The hitter? You guess it. Koby.

On the first pitch of the encounter, Clemens Senior reached back for some of his trademark high-octane velocity. What dad wouldn’t kill to have the opportunity to put Junior in his place here on the diamond, where there are no familial ties, only 60 ft. 6 inches of warzone between pitcher and batter. I can almost picture Clemens with his glove pulled high, hat pulled low, shaking off signs, smirking as he winds up to show his progeny what the game of baseball is all about.

Roger delivered a first pitch fastball that any mere mortal would be proud of. But again, this apple didn’t fall far.

Koby Clemens took his dad deep. Yard. Back, back, back, back…gone. Sayanora. Touch ’em all. Slamma-lamma ding dong. Koby Clemens, he of 143 professional at-bats, took Roger Clemens deep. Roger Clemens, winner of 341 major league games. The only man to win 7 Cy Young awards. Heck, he’s the only guy to win 6 Cy Youngs. Member of the All-Century Team. First ballot Hall of Famer. Taken deep. By his kid.

It gets better. After enjoying his moment of elation, Koby dug in his heels for his second at-bat against Dear Old Dad. But Koby, more than most, should’ve expected his Dad’s response.

Dad brushed him back.

A high and tight fastball, sent in the vicinity of Koby’s head, caused him to duck out of the batter’s box. It was a message pitch. Don’t get too comfortable, boy. Message delivered, no doubt. Koby smiled and promptly got back in the box, ready for up and in or down and away. The education of Koby Clemens was well under way.

Now, tell me baseball isn’t the greatest game in the world.
_______________

This story reminded me of the story of Bob Gibson. Gibson was known for his intimidating demeanor and his willingness to brush batters back. I love the story about Gibson from the Old Timer’s Game in 1992. Reggie Jackson homered off Gibson in a game that was part of the All Star Game festivities. When the ’93 Old Timer’s Game was played, the 57-year-old Gibson brushed back the 47-year-old Jackson. Even in his old age, Gibson owned the plate.

Posted in Baseball | 8 Comments

Great Read / Great Discussion

Posted on February 28, 2006 by Jason

I have some other things I plan on blogging about today, but until I get around to putting “pen to paper”, I commend to you a powerful article by Scott Freeman over at Free Thoughts on our charge to love others. If you’ve ever thought long about what it means to “speak the truth in love”, you should check it out.

Also, there’s a great discussion right now over at Whacking Brasco re: the death penalty. I encourage you to stop by and weigh in. I learn a lot from these kinds of discussions, which are par for the course at Brasco.

Posted in Social Issues | 1 Comment