Tell me about yourself

Hello Jesus Followers,

I've had the opportunity to meet a lot of folks for the first time over the past couple of months in the Houston area, at church, and in Europe.  I remember reading a book a number of years ago about some of the cultural differences between Americans and Europeans---and there are many. 

One, however, really became apparent these past couple of months.  Simply put, in Europe one when greeting you will ask the question, "tell me about yourself."  In American, it's usually "what do you do" or "where do you live."  Europeans would feel that they insulted another by "checking them out--status or job wise."  Now...before you scribble me a note in haste, let me add that I also often fall into the same mode while in Houston.

Last week I attended a men's conference called "Men at the Cross."  It was terrific and I'm glad I was able to attend.  Lofters own Brandon Health was the guest worship artist on Friday evening.  It was pretty neat when we TWUMC'ers gave a shout out when he asked from the stage if anyone there was from The Woodlands.  During the event, I bought a Stephen Artherburn book titled Midlife Manual for Men.  I'm always interested in reading new perspectives about finishing strong (for obvious reasons if you know me).

Artherburn wrote about the same European/American cultural difference.  In Chapter 5, called Provider, he details a conversations he had with a guy from France who said, "You know, in Europe, when you begin a conversation with someone yhou've just met, you ask them how they are doing, how they are feeling, or what is going on just then in their lives.  But here in America, you ask each other something entirely different...what you do for a living.  In Europe, a person is defined by who there are.  In America, a person is defined by what they do."

Artherburn goes on to challenge us Jesus Followers  to rid outselves of "defining yourself by whatever's written on your business card."  I want us to drill down a little on this thought for a moment.
First, consider who Jesus hung out with....generally not a very impressive lot with hope for senior level management in the empire. Second, think of your own personal relationships...both with Jesus Fellowers and in the community as a whole and not just your "close friends."  Are most of those you hang with all cut from the same mold---socially, economically, interests, education, etc.?   Third, take some time to muse about what you really know about those you call friend.  Is it only what they do or where they live.  When was the last time you asked themselves what is going on just then in their lives?  (ouch)

Gordon MacDonald has written that he and his wife meet regularly with a small group of friends (every month or so) just to catch up.  They don't talk business, ministry or church life;  they just meet to find out what is really going on in their lives.  He often writes that these are the people that he wants at his memorial/celebration service because they knew him best.

Sage advice from Arthurburn and MacDonald.  Let's practice it.  Don't be concerned when I see you again and just ask what's going on in your life, or how you are really feeling, or how are they feeling....I'm very European and, as Martha Stewart says, that's a good thing...come to think about it a little more...it's a Jesus thing.


Just some scribbles for thought---I've got to go and call a friend.

Selah

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