The Pinnacle of God's Creation

I (Jim) was recently asked to give the keynote address for the annual breakfast meeting of the Zambia Interfaith Networking Group (ZINGO, www.zingo.co.zm). The invitation to speak was actually given to the US Ambassador, who declined and passed it along. ZINGO is a group started in 1997 with the goal of bringing together all of the leaders of the various faith communities in Zambia to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The breakfast corresponded with a two day meeting that brought together the deans of the various theological training institutes in Zambia to begin designing ways to incorporate HIV education into the training of pastors.

It was an interesting time for me to explore one of my passions - weaving faith and medicine together. I think the organizers wanted an update on "The State of the Epidemic". They got something a little different.

I have always viewed Genesis 1:27 "So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." as an important verse for those of us who serve others through medicine. I have used it while teaching medical students at Rush - knowing that it is a sacred text for the majority of the world (Muslims, Jews, Christians). I emphasize our need to see each patient in front of us as created in the image of God (Imago Dei) and therefore of immense value, worthy of our compassion. But as I contemplated the HIV epidemic in Africa and re-read the verses I began to see something quite different. Amy helped me see it even more clearly, thank God for her, but more on that later.

In Zambia the group of people with the highest rate of acquisition of HIV is girls aged 15-24 years. It is actually a shockingly steep "epi-curve" - meaning there is a steep and rapid rate of increase in HIV infection, not seen in boys of the same age. Of course this is because young girls are preyed upon by older men, who are often HIV infected. A recent study found that slightly over 80% of secondary school girls in Zambia had experienced sexual abuse - often by male teachers, but also by fellow students. There are many reasons for this, but fundamentally it is an issue of the mistreatment of women which is driven by a misunderstanding of the relationship of men, women, and God. Keep in mind that 80% of Zambians attend a Christian worship service at least once a week.

So, in my lecture I discussed where we have been as a faith community (borrowed from Dr. Peter Okaalet, MAP International) - condemning apathy, helpless resignation, apprehensive involvement, wholehearted involvement. All somewhat self-explanatory. I did suggest (okay so really I stated) that some of these responses were sinful and likely to invoke the displeasure (wrath?) of God.

I concluded by challenging the participants to re-think their views of women. Only then will we stop the HIV epidemic. I explained that doctors and public health experts can speak to the science of HIV prevention, but they (the religious leaders) could speak to the moral issues. I told them that I saw Genesis as telling me that women were equally created in God's image - there was no room for the idea of subordination, at least as typically understood and practiced. If they mistreated women, they mocked God and risked invoking His wrath and condemnation. I told them they must practice and teach the honoring of their women. I said that we need to see that men and women are equal. Not really a radical conclusion for me, as I have always considered myself a bit of a feminist (Gal 3:28, Eph 5:25). It was actually well received and I have been asked to come teach in the Muslim Institute, the Baptist Seminary, and the Presbyterian Seminary.

But when I came home and talked to Amy about the lecture she pointed out something I should have noticed before. The sequence of creation ends with the woman, suggesting she is the pinnacle of God's creation. I read Genesis as a text that is inerrant in what it teaches - the theology of creation (not necessarily the science). So why did God tell us that He made man (the first time in the creation story He fails to say "it was good", rather He says it was not good [for man to be alone]), and then made woman? I have begun reading the Hebrew and digging a bit deeper. I would be curious to hear from any of our blog followers.

But, I am struck with several ideas - maybe women reflect a part of God that men do not - a spirituality? a relationality? Maybe Eve was attacked by Satan not so much because she was the most vulnerable (as is typically taught) but because she most reflected the image of God (relational, spiritual, one who bears life - and would someday bear God [Mary=Theotokos]). Lots of ideas that bear a bit more thought.

Anyway, lots to think about. I thank God for the opportunity to teach and share here in Zambia, but especially for a wife who helps me think more deeply.

Jim

PS - interesting article on the church and HIV:

http://www.firstthings.com/article/2008/03/002-aids-and-the-churches-getting-the-story-right-27

Be Thankful At All Times

Happy Thanksgiving! As our South African turkey roasts in the oven, the electricity cuts out and I turn the oven back on once again, I have time to remember these last months of God's provision, God's timing and God's sufficiency. I am grateful to be without constant pain. When I returned in September, I was tired most of the day; the result of a painful cervical spine injury, unresponsive to heat and medication and a lack of restorative sleep. I had enough energy to complete my physical therapy, read and pray. Driving to the store, shopping and making meals were arduous and exhausting. I read Nancy Guthrie's book Hearing Jesus Speak into Your Sorrow  twice and began Chip Ingrim's  Invisible War (on spiritual warfare). I felt I was under attack. I listened for God's still small voice hoping for victory, healing and understanding.

In Matthew 26:30 Jesus says, "Father, If it is possible let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine." I wanted to wake up one day completely healed. When this did not happen I prayed to be like Jesus who "learned obedience from the things he suffered." Hebrews 5:7-9. Ironically, for years I had Philippians 3:10 posted on the website at Lawndale as my favorite verse. (I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow to attain to the resurrection from the dead). I assumed fellowship of sharing in his sufferings might mean personal suffering (physical, emotional), engaging with those in the world who suffer (poverty, abuse, illness...) or spiritual persecution.

Unremitting pain and purposelessness took me back to the garden of Eden to be tempted by the Evil One. I asked the question Eve struggled with, Is God really good? Can he be trusted?  I was devastated to imagine if He really loved me He would withhold meaning and purpose from my life. But perhaps my understanding of meaning and significance were the problem. I realized I had lived and directed my life from the philosophy to whom much is given much is required. I assumed that since I had been given much (education; a Master's in International Health Education, special training in Christian Counseling, extra training in Community Health and an MD) that much would be required. I was ready to serve and minister but not ready to suffer, to be still and do nothing I valued.  After all my hard work and dedication I realized God didn't "owe me" anything. I had an attitude of entitlement, surely after all these years of study and training and preparation I would have something of significance to do for God.

These last few months have been a lesson in waiting. I heard God saying, "If I ask you to sit and praise me in your pain will you do that? If that's all I ever ask you to do, will you do that for Me?" I thought I could tolerate the pain and even remain thankful as long as I could still do something useful, something worthwhile, even when I had no energy to think of what that might be. As I have gotten better, I have continued to struggle when people ask me, "What do you do?" God asked me during this time of waiting, If you never get to use any of those skills and talents... will you worship me with joy not resignation? So like Abraham I have been trying to put it on the altar, tie it down and kill it.

 I still struggle to surrender to God in faithful obedience to the life/testing that He has given but believe that this is an important part of what it means to develop Christ likeness. To suffer well is to endure with confidence whatever God asks us to endure believing that even if we cannot see the purpose, He does. As Nancy Guthrie puts it "It takes great faith to say to God, 'Even if you don't heal me or the one I love, even if you don't change my circumstances, even if you allow me to lose what is most precious to me. I will still love you and obey you and believe that you are good.'" Becoming like him in his death (Phil 3:10)most significantly means "Your will, not mine" Surrender, obedience, submission.

When Miriam was in preschool we were driving in wintry weather and hit a pot hole and popped a tire. I exclaimed in frustration, "Miriam we have a flat tire and we have to pray" (I had never changed a tire and the slush and cold looked formidable) Miriam dutifully bowed her head and said, "Thank you God for the flat tire!" I was flabbergasted. No we were not thankful for the flat tire, what was she saying? But then I realized she was right we are told to be thankful all times. A lesson to remember for Thanksgiving!

Break a Leg

Right Ankle Day 2

Right Ankle Day 14

Well Chris has had an exciting few months. He has been a valuable setter for both the under 16 (JV) and under 19 (Varsity) American International School of Lusaka volleyball teams. This has meant twice the games and twice the tournaments. He has recently been to Johannesburg and Kampala. He likes setting but he does occasionally lament his genes - "Wish I was taller...". He thinks the fun of being a spiker is more appealing at times. I try to remind him - no sets, no spikes. He is now just a bit taller than me (Jim), so perhaps by senior year he will be a spiker. He really plays hard - during the last play of the last tournament (Kampala) he dove backwards, made a save (got the point) but really hurt his ankle.

They went right from the game to a closing dance, then the airport and two flights. No chance to elevate and ice properly. I have to say I have never seen a worse looking ankle that was not broken. We had some fun watching the many colors. Even the webbing between his toes turned many shades of blue-green-yellow. There is still some swelling 3 weeks later, but we are ready to move from the full 'boot' to a smaller ankle brace. 

Although there was no fracture on x-ray, we insisted he use crutches for the first three weeks, which led to some funny scenes during his role as Aaron Schultz in the AISL production of Legally Blonde. Of course it meant he could not participate in the group dance scenes but it is the price you pay for being such an intense athlete!  I have to say when I heard the play selection I was less than enthused and had somewhat low expectations. But the kids did a great job and it was quite entertaining.

He sang a fun song introducing himself as a freshman at Harvard Law, "I got a Fulbright and a Rhodes, I write financial software codes, but that is something I've outgrown, how many yachts can one man own?..."

Now back to focusing on school work - right dad.

Breaking the Silence

Well, upon reviewing our blog I realize we have not posted for over three months! Time to break the silence. Of course a lot has happened since the last post. I (Jim) flew back in mid-September to take John to Seattle Pacific College for the start of his freshman year. Although he has not communicated much, his debit card use, facebook posts (yes, I am actually a friend), and our spies all indicate he is doing well.

Christopher has started 10th grade and is busy - he is currently in Uganda for a volleyball tournament and was in South African two weeks ago for a tournament. He is the setter for the U-16 and U-19 (JV and Varsity) teams. He is also in the school musical. Academically he is also doing well. I do think he is struggling to find kindred spirits at school, although he has good friends through a youth group that he attends.

Miriam seems to be thriving in her independence - some of her emails have been absolutely delightful in their maturity and depth of understanding. She is clearly doing well on her own, with support from family and friends.

Ruth is working hard at the US Embassy here in Lusaka. I constantly hear praise for her work ethic and people skills. It is fun as a parent to see your child in the work force doing well. She keeps herself quite busy running children's birthday parties on weekends - making pinyatas, face painting, doing games. She continues to aim for Art School next fall.

Amy had a bit of a tough time with neck pain and cervical neuropathy but is slowly improving. She has been back to the US for her board meeting of the Medical Benevolence Foundation - last one as president of the board! Next week I think she may head out to the villages with some PC-USA missionaries and visitors.

My work has been busy - new tasks and responsibilities as our staff changes. Generally going well. I do miss more direct patient care but keep reminding myself that it is important to keep the programs and resources flowing. I need to spend some time thinking and writing about the whole culture around international assistance - I have been amazed, and saddened, by the ways in which various NGO's, Universities, and individuals use the system to build their own little kingdoms. Disappointing.

Amy and I will likely be teaching at Justo Mwale next term and she is considering another month at Nkhoma (I think she too misses direct patient care). We look forward to both John and Miriam returning for Christmas. We would appreciate prayers as we continue to engage in various ministry activities and find our way. We are also beginning to explore next summer and beyond - prayers appreciated.

Kinda glad to miss the intensity of the election. May the winner be directed by God. Jim