After seeing a YouTube clip of the the memorable crane-kick scene of the original Karate Kid, my five-year-old son begged me to watch the entire movie. While I immediately broke out my checkered Vans, stone-washed jeans, loaded up the "You're the Best" theme song, and prepared to enjoy the movie with my son; my wife was hesitant. "They're not going to get it, our boys will just end up doing karate on each other." After a month of my wife getting sad eyes from my sons and persuasive arguments from me about the positive themes of the film, she caved. We rented the 2010 version and watched the movie together. If anyone hasn't seen the movie (and I can't imagine a scenario where someone could not have seen any film in the Karate Kid series), the premise is that work causes a single mom to move to China and her young son finds himself scared, confused, and in a place of experiencing great weakness. He turns to Kung Fu, taught to him by a maintenance man master. The boy finds life lessons and strength through his relationship with the master. After a week of time outs for the boys doing karate on each other, we had a family discussion about the lessons of the movie. First, as Mr. Han said, "The best fights are the ones we avoid." Next, an important lesson was that the boy found a strength in someone else that he couldn't have found in himself. He found strength beyond anything that he could possess on his own through another person.
I recently read a blog authored by a friend, John Ulsh. John was living the American Dream with a wonderful family and a successful career when on December, 2007, John and his family were hit head-on while driving home from a swim meet. John was flown to Hershey Medical Center with little chance of survival. His family had serious, but less threatening injuries. John now maintains a blog (http://remotivate.wordpress.com/) where he discusses his recovery from a variety of aspects. It's powerful and motivational. I particularly enjoyed this excerpt from a recent post: "Trust is always easier when things are going well or when things are so bad that you are unable to do things for yourself. Trust becomes a completely different thing when it is blind or when you could just do it yourself, but instead put your faith in another person or process. I trust God has a plan. I believe my calling is to live each day with passion and conviction and to be open to His plan in every experience." His blog reflects a self-reliant, successful man forced to depend on others in ways that he might never have imagined. Yet, through the process he finds strength beyond anything he could possess on his own.
The same storyline appears in Scripture. In 2 Corinthians 12 (NLT), the apostle Paul talks of a struggle that he is having, a weakness he is experiencing, a "thorn in his flesh." Paul writes, "Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, 'My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.' So now I am glad to boast about my weakness, so that the power of Christ can work through me." This revelation was a perspective-changer for Paul to say the least. Instead of asking God to relieve him of his weakness, he embraced the weakness because he knew a greater power was found in something other than himself.
This storyline unfolds daily at places like the Carlisle Family YMCA. Someone can purchase a workout DVD and will themselves to exercise in their living room. Some are successful. Many are not. Conversely, when people enter into community, their will and motivation is increased as it is pulled from others during times of weakness. This is easily identified in pursuit of a physical goal (Don't feel like running today? It's much more likely you won't bail if you are supposed to do it with a friend). However, the idea of finding emotional and spiritual strength in our own weakness flourishes in communities like the Y as well. (Just see the uncertain child gaining confidence from participating in a team sport or the teen increasing their faith from a corporate outing with their peers at camp or the notes of encouragement pulled together by friends when someone from their group has been absent for a time) These moments are wrapped in humility, respect, and a maturity to recognize that this life isn't about you. It's about something more. And as you experience that, you find a different kind of strength - a strength that can only be found in weakness.
Showing posts with label community. Show all posts
Showing posts with label community. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Friday, August 6, 2010
Dog Days of Summer
When my wife brought up the idea of getting a dog, I was quick to respond.
"Not a chance," I said. "We have two boys under 6 years old, home repairs, volunteer at our church, and both hold jobs. We're too busy for a dog... can't afford a dog... can't take on more responsibility right now..." At this point, she was no longer listening but, my point was still going to be made. Sure, our boys said they'd help take care of the dog, but I know how that goes. Everyone would cozy up to the pup until it's 10 degrees in February. Then who would be outside chiseling the ice hardened doggie doo off of the walk? It would be me, while the rest of the dog lovers sit inside and sip hot chocolate. No dog.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released the results of a survey that says more than 30% of people are obese in 9 states. In 2007 only 3 states reported obesity levels that high. Mississippi reported the highest levels with 34.4% of the folks obese (USA Today, August 3, 2010). Must be that southern-fried goodness.
Overall, the data suggests that approximately 27% of adults in America are obese. We know that the obesity rate is growing as is the associated health issues which include increased risks of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and other diseases.
"Obesity is common, serious and costly and affects virtually every system in the adult body," says William Dietz, director of the CDC's Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity.
We know the disease (obesity is defined as being 30 pounds over a healthy weight) and we understand the remedy (healthy eating and increased activity). Yet, we just can't put down the cookies. Why?
I thought my wife was appeasing the kids who had been pining for a dog when she asked if we could go visit a dog living with a foster family nearby that she found through Furry Friends Network.
"Let's just visit." She said with pitiful eyes.
"OK with me," I said obligingly, "but, we're still not getting a dog."
Food has become an opiate for the masses in our country. However, we know that it's not really about the food. Food simply becomes something that we shove in our face to try and fill whatever void we have in our lives. Similar to any other addiction, food becomes our crutch. Author Tim Keller calls these things idols that are our functional saviors, the things that we use to save us on a daily basis.
A pastor friend of mine often asks, "what's the thing beneath the thing?" Food is just the thing. It's not obesity, that's a symptom. The disease is rooted much deeper in our own social and emotional issues for which we turn to food to dull the pain - this is the thing beneath the thing.
On the ride home from the foster family, my wife and our two boys were talking delightfully of how Sophie the dog, was just the perfect fit for our family.
"A dog would be great for the boys." My wife said, now turning up the pressure. "It would teach them responsibility. And would cause us to slow down, stay at home more often, spend more time together."
I started to crack, "I don't know..."
Social networks and healthy personal relationships help us find the thing beneath the thing. We need human interaction for encouragement. We seek connectedness for understanding. We require friendships that hold us accountable and challenge us to grow and move forward. We long for relationship with something bigger than ourselves for purpose and meaning. When these relationships are lost in the business of our lives, other things like hopelessness and loss of identity can take root. Too often we feed these unhealthy emotions with fast food and fried chicken to numb ourselves from feeling anything at all.
Any healthy relationship, even those with pets help us become healthier. There are many studies (Can Owning a Pet Help You Live Longer? Mgrath, Jane) that show pet owners are less likely to die from heart disease and other ailments. Why? Even an inhuman relationship helps us deal with our stuff which helps us reduce our stress.
If weight is an issue for you, start with a healthier diet and add more physical activity to your day. But, don't stop there. Find the thing beneath the thing. Dig up the roots of what's causing you to use food as your daily savior. Do it with others. Share your struggle with an old friend. Engage in a healthy community like the Y and meet new friends. Connect with someone in a deeper way to cultivate a new relationship. Join a support group. Or, adopt a pet.
Sophie has thrown up on our carpet twice. The doggie doo doesn't get picked up everyday. There is dog hair on the couch. But, our family rescured a pet together and became closer through the process. Our boys have become more responsible. We stay home more often. The dog has allowed us to just be together more and that's a healthy thing for all of us.
If you see me on a dreary, wet, and cold February morning walking a dog, know that it is worth it. I'll be returning soon to a smiling familiy making hot chocolate who know through experience that relationships matter.
"Not a chance," I said. "We have two boys under 6 years old, home repairs, volunteer at our church, and both hold jobs. We're too busy for a dog... can't afford a dog... can't take on more responsibility right now..." At this point, she was no longer listening but, my point was still going to be made. Sure, our boys said they'd help take care of the dog, but I know how that goes. Everyone would cozy up to the pup until it's 10 degrees in February. Then who would be outside chiseling the ice hardened doggie doo off of the walk? It would be me, while the rest of the dog lovers sit inside and sip hot chocolate. No dog.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released the results of a survey that says more than 30% of people are obese in 9 states. In 2007 only 3 states reported obesity levels that high. Mississippi reported the highest levels with 34.4% of the folks obese (USA Today, August 3, 2010). Must be that southern-fried goodness.
Overall, the data suggests that approximately 27% of adults in America are obese. We know that the obesity rate is growing as is the associated health issues which include increased risks of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and other diseases.
"Obesity is common, serious and costly and affects virtually every system in the adult body," says William Dietz, director of the CDC's Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity.
We know the disease (obesity is defined as being 30 pounds over a healthy weight) and we understand the remedy (healthy eating and increased activity). Yet, we just can't put down the cookies. Why?
I thought my wife was appeasing the kids who had been pining for a dog when she asked if we could go visit a dog living with a foster family nearby that she found through Furry Friends Network.
"Let's just visit." She said with pitiful eyes.
"OK with me," I said obligingly, "but, we're still not getting a dog."
Food has become an opiate for the masses in our country. However, we know that it's not really about the food. Food simply becomes something that we shove in our face to try and fill whatever void we have in our lives. Similar to any other addiction, food becomes our crutch. Author Tim Keller calls these things idols that are our functional saviors, the things that we use to save us on a daily basis.
A pastor friend of mine often asks, "what's the thing beneath the thing?" Food is just the thing. It's not obesity, that's a symptom. The disease is rooted much deeper in our own social and emotional issues for which we turn to food to dull the pain - this is the thing beneath the thing.
On the ride home from the foster family, my wife and our two boys were talking delightfully of how Sophie the dog, was just the perfect fit for our family.
"A dog would be great for the boys." My wife said, now turning up the pressure. "It would teach them responsibility. And would cause us to slow down, stay at home more often, spend more time together."
I started to crack, "I don't know..."
Social networks and healthy personal relationships help us find the thing beneath the thing. We need human interaction for encouragement. We seek connectedness for understanding. We require friendships that hold us accountable and challenge us to grow and move forward. We long for relationship with something bigger than ourselves for purpose and meaning. When these relationships are lost in the business of our lives, other things like hopelessness and loss of identity can take root. Too often we feed these unhealthy emotions with fast food and fried chicken to numb ourselves from feeling anything at all.
Any healthy relationship, even those with pets help us become healthier. There are many studies (Can Owning a Pet Help You Live Longer? Mgrath, Jane) that show pet owners are less likely to die from heart disease and other ailments. Why? Even an inhuman relationship helps us deal with our stuff which helps us reduce our stress.
If weight is an issue for you, start with a healthier diet and add more physical activity to your day. But, don't stop there. Find the thing beneath the thing. Dig up the roots of what's causing you to use food as your daily savior. Do it with others. Share your struggle with an old friend. Engage in a healthy community like the Y and meet new friends. Connect with someone in a deeper way to cultivate a new relationship. Join a support group. Or, adopt a pet.
Sophie has thrown up on our carpet twice. The doggie doo doesn't get picked up everyday. There is dog hair on the couch. But, our family rescured a pet together and became closer through the process. Our boys have become more responsible. We stay home more often. The dog has allowed us to just be together more and that's a healthy thing for all of us.
If you see me on a dreary, wet, and cold February morning walking a dog, know that it is worth it. I'll be returning soon to a smiling familiy making hot chocolate who know through experience that relationships matter.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Does Community Matter?
In his book, Outliers, Malcom Gladwell theorizes that culture, community, and context play a significantly greater determining factor in success than we typically imagine. Most often, we focus on the direct parallel between achievement and individual talent or work ethic.
In the early pages of the book, Gladwell looks at a town of early 20th century immigrants from a village in Italy who avoided the high rates of heart disease that many Americans over age 65 face. It wasn't behavioral trends or genetics that made the difference. Rather it was a "powerful, protective social structure capable of insulating them from the pressures of the modern world."
This is fascinating. A community of healthy personal interactions, strong relationships, and a deep sense of connectedness created a group of people that defied one of the most prominent dieseases in our country.
Does community matter? Apparently, it does.
I like that story and the overall theme of Outliers as I think it's a great illustration of the work that we're trying to do at the YMCA. Individual physical, social, emotional, and spiritual growth is important and we try to create programs and services that provide opportunities for that. However, there is a deeper theme of community that's interwoven throughout what the YMCA offers. It's about families sharing experiences together at Family Camp. It's about the early bird group of seniors enjoying coffee together after their workout and talking about life. It's about preschoolers learning the importance of being active while being exposed to other cultures and languages - and doing this with their parents. It's about buidling a stronger community through fostering healthy relationships.
I'd like to think that at the YMCA we work to provide an environment that builds strong kids and strong families through a community that offers a bit of a "powerful, protective social structure capable of insulating [us] from the pressures of the modern world."
In the early pages of the book, Gladwell looks at a town of early 20th century immigrants from a village in Italy who avoided the high rates of heart disease that many Americans over age 65 face. It wasn't behavioral trends or genetics that made the difference. Rather it was a "powerful, protective social structure capable of insulating them from the pressures of the modern world."
This is fascinating. A community of healthy personal interactions, strong relationships, and a deep sense of connectedness created a group of people that defied one of the most prominent dieseases in our country.
Does community matter? Apparently, it does.
I like that story and the overall theme of Outliers as I think it's a great illustration of the work that we're trying to do at the YMCA. Individual physical, social, emotional, and spiritual growth is important and we try to create programs and services that provide opportunities for that. However, there is a deeper theme of community that's interwoven throughout what the YMCA offers. It's about families sharing experiences together at Family Camp. It's about the early bird group of seniors enjoying coffee together after their workout and talking about life. It's about preschoolers learning the importance of being active while being exposed to other cultures and languages - and doing this with their parents. It's about buidling a stronger community through fostering healthy relationships.
I'd like to think that at the YMCA we work to provide an environment that builds strong kids and strong families through a community that offers a bit of a "powerful, protective social structure capable of insulating [us] from the pressures of the modern world."
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Wellness Resolutions
At the Carlisle Family YMCA, we talk often about wellness. We promote it, we facilitate it, we embody it. But, what do we really mean? According to Dictionary.com, wellness is defined as, "the quality or state of being healthy in body and mind, esp. as the result of deliberate effort." I like this particular definition because it highlights the correlation between a healthy body and mind. Again, we feel that this synergy between a healthy mind, healthy body, and a healthy spirit is best cultivated in community.
In 2010, you'll see even more opportunities to participate in programming that weaves together a focus on developing the body while also developing the mind and spirit. For example, the Mom's Night Out program partners a sampling of group fitness classes with discussion time led by local professionals relating to issues that moms face (relationships, family, finances). Our Healthy Family Home Program allows for families to participate in group activities (Family Double Dare Challenge) while also providing tips and resources for families to make their homes healthier in practical ways. The Motherwell series offers physical fitness activities that include opportunities for new moms to connect and even BYOB (bring your own baby)!
This isn't a commercial for programs. Instead, it's a reflection of how important community becomes in many aspects of our lives. During this New Year, take advantage of the many opportunities at the Y to make new friends, serve others, build up someone else, and receive support and encouragement from your Y community.
In 2010, you'll see even more opportunities to participate in programming that weaves together a focus on developing the body while also developing the mind and spirit. For example, the Mom's Night Out program partners a sampling of group fitness classes with discussion time led by local professionals relating to issues that moms face (relationships, family, finances). Our Healthy Family Home Program allows for families to participate in group activities (Family Double Dare Challenge) while also providing tips and resources for families to make their homes healthier in practical ways. The Motherwell series offers physical fitness activities that include opportunities for new moms to connect and even BYOB (bring your own baby)!
This isn't a commercial for programs. Instead, it's a reflection of how important community becomes in many aspects of our lives. During this New Year, take advantage of the many opportunities at the Y to make new friends, serve others, build up someone else, and receive support and encouragement from your Y community.
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