Kazoo Mike

This is Mike.

Mike is a professional kazoo player. He makes a living playing his kazoo for others.

While playing his kazoo, Mike also happens to collect tickets at the movie theater from those going to see the latest blockbuster film.

Some might say that Mike's job is merely to ensure no one gets into the theater without paying. But don't tell this to Mike.

Mike understands that his role at the movie theater is really a platform to give others a gift. When people unexpectedly hear the song, "When the Saints Go Marching In" flawlessly played on the tiny plastic instrument, smiles and laughter can't help but materialize. A culture of fun and silliness is being created not because Mike loves his "job" but because he loves his art.

Every one of us has a platform. Circles of influence where we can either get by doing only what is expected, or give something that cultivates the kind of culture we want to be a part of.

Maybe it's time you became a professional kazoo player too.

The Mobility God (Mobility pt. 1)

Our Western culture prides itself in its capacity for movement and mobility. From the telling of our history, which includes the “discovery” of the West, to the speed at which we communicate with one another via social networking sites on the internet, our movement oriented culture thrives on conquest, achievement, and efficiency (just think about the names of the cars we produce in America: “Expedition”, “Explorer”, “Mustang”, “Voyager”).

The notion of “Upward Mobility” is hard-wired into us as individuals. Upward mobility suggests value in a movement towards something more; it fuels those who have “little” to achieve “more”, encouraging them on with progress, speed, and efficiency. An example of our desire for a life of upward mobility can be reflected when a young couple finds there first place to live.

Often a “starter home” (even this term suggests the need for progress towards something “better”) is smaller, modest. Possibly one’s first home, because of funds, is not purchased but rented; maybe even in an area of town that is viewed as less desirable because of crime, schools, etc. As the couple grows older, presumably makes more income, their ability to afford more by way of a house (as well as standard of living) increases. This causes them to leave their first home/apt and purchase something bigger and better (possibly leaving the area all together for a more “stable” community). The goal for the family is one of upward mobility (the hope that one day they will have the “house of their dreams”) and is made possible by an individual’s (or in this case, a couple’s) wealth, privilege, and power.

The philosophy of upward mobility also values speed and efficiency and can be seen in the way we communicate and process information. Telephones no longer exist to merely make connections from one household to another, instead each person has their own personal mobile phone that processes information (emails, web-surfing, news feeds, Facebook updates, etc) at lightning fast speed; yes, they still make phone calls as well. Further, the cost of the devices that make our fast exchange of information possible (iPhones, LCD TV’s, computers, etc) as well as the cost to manage/power our devices (mobile phone plans, internet plans, cable bills, etc) require a great deal of financial prosperity.

In short: our fascination with the mobile lifestyle is one that reflects a great deal of wealth, prosperity, and privilege.

Mobility as a value in our culture is not inherently bad, but I am wondering if there are any unwanted side effects of a mobile lifestyle.

Where else do you see our culture’s desire for “upward mobility”?
If a life of “upward mobility” is afforded by wealth, prosperity, and privilege what does this mean for the poor among us (are they able to live a life of “meaning”)?

Carrotmob

What if we could leverage our influence and buying power to make a difference in our communities? Carrotmobs are doing just that. A Carrotmob is a group of eco-minded consumers that organizes to make purchases at a local business (convenient store, record store, etc), getting the business owner to commit a percentage of that days revenue to making their store more environmentally friendly (think of them as a "reverse boycott" or "friendly activism").

With a Carrotmob there are no angry protesters, no one boycotting the lively-hood of a local business person. The consumer is able to purchase what they need and the store owner is able to see an increase in business thus making in possible to make eco-friendly changes to their store (new lighting, more efficient refrigeration, etc.). A Carrotmob is a "win-win" for everyone. Even more, one of the great things about a Carrotmob is that it doesn't rely on slick marketing campaigns, but on word of mouth...people getting the word out that something transformative and life-giving is taking place.

As kingdom people it is our call to leverage our influence and power (wealth, education, talents, time, and voice) to make a difference in our communities and in our world. Imagine if we as the church could be known for helping people transform their businesses, their relationships, and their lives. Imagine if the church spent its organization to serving the systematic needs of our communities. Imagine if the church was best known by what it is "for" rather than boycotting what it is against.

Imagine if the church (like the Carrotmob) attracted people to participate because word got out all around that something life-giving and hopeful for all people was happening.