Life In Greencastle

I have no idea what is going on in Kanye's head and heart.  You probably already knew that, but if you follow the mercurial antics of Kanye West, you know there's a lot of discussion on that topic right now. Do you think it's legit? Is it for real?    After years of self-proclaimation and launching who knows how many companies and tweeting who knows how many tweets, Kanye West has apparently given up that whole empire of "self" and has come home to the Church and to Jesus.  His latest album is a mishmash of Sunday morning church music, drum circles, and lines that only Kanye can rap ( Closed on Sunday / You're my Chick-fil-a / You're my #1 / You're my lemonade ).  But, it's all aimed at one mission, stark as the royal blue of the album logo and as bold as the title:  Jesus Is King . Who knows where it will go from here?  But, here's what I know, and here's what I think Kanye has found. It's in that picture up at...

"Of the imitation of Christ, and of contempt of the world and all its vanities ..." So begins a little book that has been read and used by Christians for over 600 years now.  Many people have heard of Thomas a Kempis' The Imitation of Christ , but it's one of those books you don't really stumble upon unless you're looking for it.  Still, if you are looking for a way to get yourself back on track spiritually, there might not be a better book.  It's easy to pick it up and read just a few sentences or a few paragraphs as you start your day.  It's written as a book of wisdom, aimed at helping us see the big picture and to focus in on the little habits that build up a life of peace and patience and kindness and endurance:  things like humility and kindness towards our neighbor, things like releasing our need to control our lives or acheive some form of success. But, what I love about it is its focus and simple clarity.  That opening line is a great exam...