We are born with perceptions of other people. Stumbling upon the weird and strange outside of our little worlds can be a scary thing to experience. We all fear the unknown…
I can understand that viewing this video through the lens of a parent might be a bit disturbing at first glance. If I had children, I’m sure I would probably be a bit averse to showing them this video. But if you’d take a chance and look past their tattoos and piercings you will likely hear the bigger message. You will note they are only advocating positivity, the spirit of inclusivity, and the gospel. These are all things we all hope to achieve as we stumble together under the banner of “mosaic” (a collection of UNIQUE, broken pieces, hoping to unite into something beautiful).
We are all different – but we should all learn to come together… Yes, even with the weirdos.
How could we ever possibly hope to help the beaten and battered, the elderly, mentally-ill, or the homeless if we are afraid of people who look different from us?
I reviewed the video three times and noted 17 actors. Seven of these actors I would classify as “weird “, based on first impressions (ie. Wearing tattoos, face-piercings, or wearing funny orange glasses). I wrote down the names of these seven people and researched if these people were just “actors”. I learned a valuable lesson – don’t judge a book by it’s cover. These actors were more than just weird faces selling a flashy new idea. They are pastors / spiritual leaders who were trained at reputable Christian colleges and universities with inspirational faith journeys to share (along with non-conservative fashion sense).
We ALL have a beautiful story to tell, no matter what we look like.
What I learned about the presenters in the video:
Julie Clawson (Nose-ring)
- Follower-of-Christ
- Writer, Activist & Mother of two beautiful young children
- Served as a childrens’ pastor, church planter, teacher
- http://julieclawson.com/
Makeesha Fisher (Nose-ring, tattoo)
- Follower-of-Christ
- Mother of two young children
- Executive Director of Generate & Get Born Magazine
- Co-Leader of Revolution Missional Faith Community in Fort Collins, Colorado
- 15+ years of service in ministry, preaching, church planting
- http://www.swingingfromthevine.com/
Jay Bakker (Lip-ring, tattoos)
- Follower-of-Christ
- American Christian Pastor at Revolution Church in Brooklyn, NYC
- Son of Jim and Tammy Faye, Minister-turned-TV-hosts who helped start both the Trinity Broadcasting Network and the 700 Club in the 1970’s … (his story is very interesting, with some dark turns, not-suburban perfect, but a life definitely worth learning from. Please read his biography in the “about” section from the link below.)
- http://www.revolutionnyc.com/
Mark Scandrette (Orange glasses, like Bono of U2)
- Follower-of-Christ
- Minister, Writer, and Spiritual Leader for 15 years
- BS in Applied Pyschology and studied Theology at Bethel Seminary in St.Paul, MN
- http://www.markscandrette.com/
Phil Shepherd (Big earrings, tattoos)
- Follower-of-Christ
- Bachelor of Science of Occupational Education in Religion – Wayland Baptist University
- Master of Divinity – Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor College, Waco TX
- Pastor and spiritual leader
- http://philshepherd.com/
Shane Claiborne (Earrings, Bees-wax hair)
- Follower-of-Christ
- Graduate of Eastern University, studied sociology and youth ministry
- Studied at Princeton Seminary, and studying at Alternative Seminary in Philadelphia
- Served with Mother Teresa in Calcutta, India
- Served Christians during armed conflict in Rutba, Iraq
- The Mosaic Baptist Church, North York Life Group – read his book “The Irrisistible Revolution” and shared it with the larger congregation, and are at the cusp of starting our own action inspired by his words
- http://www.thesimpleway.org/shane/
Nadia Bolz-Weber (Nose-ring, Tattoos)
We are all weird in our own ways. We all dress differently. Some of us wear funny glasses. Some of us wear nothing but black, grey and blue clothing. Some of us have pants that aren’t hemmed properly. Some of us do nothing but eat kraft dinner. Some of us have substance addictions. Some of us mumble when we speak. Some of us play too many video games. Some of us are fearful of the unknown. Some of us are over-confident…
Whatever we might be… it is certain we are all broken people.
That is why we need Christ. ALL of us.
