Cognitive Dissonance

COGNITIVE DISSONANCE
Sometimes as I am simply ‘doing life,’ I am aware of a dissonance, though not fully cognizant of just what I am seeing, until I mentally unpack it at a later time. Permit me to do that just now. . .

The first visual struck me late on a Thursday night, as my husband and I quickly strode past Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church in Manhattan. Within just a few feet on our left was the beautiful, historic church . . . her steps filled with homeless people, trying to sleep. Their bodies were stretched long-way on the steps, with pieces of cardboard atop them so they might keep warm, kinda’.
Now, contrast that to the glittery extravagance of the brightly-lit, glitzy windows of Saks Fifth Avenue and Cartier, just across the street. Opulence vs. poverty.

The next day, the subway station provided another interesting scenario . . .
Moving quickly toward our train that would take us toward Grand Central Terminal, there were several groups of people ahead of us, clad in red vests. When I got up to them, I saw they were young, fresh-faced collegiates, and their vests read, ‘Need Prayer?’ Of course, I approached them, and noted they were willing to say a word of prayer for any takers, and even put some Scripture in their hand! But then, juxtaposed to them, were huge poster-size Absolut vodka advertisements with scantily-clad women, suggesting a good time to be had when you drink Absolut. The contrast: a connection to hope in God vs. a good time to be had from a bottle.

Then, several weeks ago, a dear friend and a spiritual giant in my book, shared with me about a regular trip he takes to the “Basement Gathering” in Long Beach, where a lone ‘pastorman’ teaches the Word of God. Other nearby church folks come in to feed and clothe the homeless crowd, about 250 in number, several times a week. ‘Can I go?’ I inquired. ‘I want to see what you’re doing. . .’ With his blessing, I saddled up my horse. . . not really, I loaded up my car with what I could collect, grabbed a friend, and drove up there. Here’s what I saw up close and personal—‘down and outers’, being loved, given nourishment, and more importantly, hearing the life-changing message of the gospel. I understood what Jesus meant when he said, ‘For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick. . . ‘ When did we do that, Lord? “Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.” Matthew 25

But when I left the place, drove the several miles back through Long Beach, and down the highway into safe, mostly-upscale Orange County area, I couldn’t miss the contrast. Those who lacked ‘the basics’ vs. those who had no idea how many hurting people there are—right next door. I am drawn to the Basement Gathering, and to the selfless work of the pastor man who leads them, Fred. Since then, I have gone back up there with more folk, and I get to go again this week, to serve, to feed, to clothe. What a blessing.

The last vignette I will share came from this week’s sermon, given by my pastor man, Tod. The text was Psalm 136. It is quite beautiful, very meaningful, and absolutely foundational for the believer, and his everyday existence. David gives a historical record of God’s works and care for his people, and ends each stanza with, “His steadfast love endures forever. . .” You see, at best, our lives will fade away like a flower in the field; but the love of our great God endures forever! (That would be a good place to say, ‘hallelujah’ or ‘praise God’!) ‘Need to know a little more about that love? Give a listen to Darrell Evans’ song: “Your love is extravagant”~

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkb0Dmf0Ris&feature=related

In spite of our sinful default mode, God keeps us on loving us . . . and not selfishly, but extravagantly! To Him there is no dissonance in that at all. These other real-life snapshots are somewhat strange to ‘square’, but God’s love for us juxtaposed with our human-ness, could only be understood in God’s economy.

I pray that you will feel and experience the extravagant love of God, Friends.
Christine