:: Psi ::

:: Tuesday, October 23, 2001 ::

This weekend of sharing Christ with some old and new friends was outstanding. I don't think there's anything more exciting than telling someone about Jesus.

Friday night, I went out to Rip Tides in St. Augustine Beach to see the return of the Fenwicks. Was good seeing Ed and catching up with him (played with him for 4 years in the Camels, he's the Fenwicks' bass player). He started telling me how the events of 9/11 had effected him, how he used to be a devoted pacifist, but now he's gung ho on WW3 and how did I feel about it and I told him I really wasn't sure but what the whole thing has done for me is cause me to want to share Christ's love with as many people as possible, particularly friends. I told him that we could kill all the terrorists in Afghanistan, then move onto the rest of the world and kill them. And when they're all dead, you wake up and go for a walk and a guy sticks a gun in your face and kills you because he wants $10 and you only have $5. So we're no farther along with "ridding the world of evildoers" than we were before. I told him that down the line, I felt that what I'm doing (sharing Christ's love) might help end terrorism AND help the guy who originally was going to blow your head off. This made sense to him and he says he wants to talk to me more about it. But of course it doesn't sound very patriotic to some. However, I've noticed that alot of those people already feel like God's right there with them because they've started waving the flag around and have a blood lust in their hearts and they don't want to discuss it.

After the show, I went to talk to Steven, the leader of the band. He is very into Objectivism and uses the band as a vehicle for broadcasting that philosophy. Objectivist, by definition, are atheist and believe that nothing exist outside of what we can detect with our five senses. Everything must have a reasonble and logical basis. I had e-mailed him prior to the show that I had some problems with Objectivism that I wanted to talk to him about. So after the show I started talking to him and told him I'm a member of the Libertarian party which he was excited about. He's also registered Libertarian and we agreed that we were both in the same boat as far as politics and economics go. (It was exciting for me too, as it is rare to meet someone who's actually heard of the LP, let alone a member. One can safely say that about all Objectivist are Libertarians, but not all Libertarians are Objectivists).

Anyway, he asked what my problem was with Objectivism. I asked him if he would agree that in looking around at nature, one could observe that it is perfectly balanced and organized; that it has perpetuated itself for eons and if left alone, could go on indefinitely. He agreed with this observation. So I said, "Then couldn't one reasonably infer that such order and perfection could only come from an orderly and perfect Creator; after all it would be illogical to say that order descended from chaos unless there was some intelligence to create the order". He thought about this for a minute, then said, "You know, I'm a little drunk right now and very tired. Could you e-mail me and I'll send you my phone number because I really want to talk about this".

Then at their show Sunday night, he told the audience, "You know, I'm a devout atheist, but I just feel like I have to say 'God bless each and every one of you, and God bless America'". I know it doesn't sound like much, but he's pretty much made a career of mocking everyone who believes in any sort of religion or higher power. So perhaps a seed was planted. He reminded me again Sunday to call him.

Steven is just the opposite of the character he portrays on stage. He's actually sort of shy and standoffish, also very gracious and friendly when you talk to him. Says objectivism is his life's passion (eek).

Also Sunday, I was able to get together with Paul W. (guitarist from the Camels). He and I had parted on pretty bad terms about six months ago and I decided it was time to get over that so I went up and gave him a big hug. Boy was he suprised. We talked for awhile and he apologized profusely for his actions. I told him not to worry about it, that the important thing is that we're still friends.

The Musicians Against Terrorism show itself at Freebirds Sunday night was a big success. Over $15,000 was raised for the Red Cross. I got to see Mr. Beam, The Fenwicks, & The Camels & Friends which were all in great form. Paul & Matt were joined by Derick Trucks on guitar, Buddy Miles (formerly of Jimi Hendrix' Band of Gypsys) on drums, and Derick's bass player for a few songs. Then Ed came in and played (Ed was working overtime). Brian was on pedal steel. Also, guys on fiddle and mandolin who's names I should know but can't recall right off. After awhile, Kevin King came in and played "Hey Joe". They did lots of blues and Meters stuff. Plus a Phish ending.

I guess the only downside was when I woke up Monday morning and heard on the radio that 3 blocks south of there, a guy wanted on terroism charges in New Jersey blew himself up while trying to arm a pipe bomb Sunday night. He's in Shand's trauma unit now. One can only speculate why a guy wanted on terrorism charges would be arming a pipe bomb 3 blocks away from the Musicians Against Terrorism benefit with hundreds in attendance.

Praise the Lord, life goes on (Ob-La-Di) :-)

I was real nervous about talking to people about Christ. But it's like once I actually say the name of Jesus, the words just start tumbling out and alot of times I don't remember what I've said. It's like Satan is trying real hard to hold you back but once you say the name of Jesus, he's gone. I seem to be connecting with my friends and it's such a beautiful feeling because when it's done you know that you're giving them the best gift that you ever could. There is real power in the name of Jesus. It's like people have to recon with it one way or another.

Amen
:: Charlie 10:26 PM [+] ::
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