Unashamedly Anglican

            Have you ever had those times of prayer and contemplation when you feel like you stepped into a boxing ring with God? And, much like any of our chances against a real heavy weight champion, we get, not only knocked down, but knocked out. Kierkegaard wrote about the Bible that it is not only speaking to me, it is speaking about me. This does not only happen reading the Bible. There are other books that bring the same response. They seem to just pummel us where God is concerned. It can be so convicting that our selfish, complacent faith is bruised and beaten. It is not that God wants to beat us into submission. That’s not his style or modus operandi. He loves us too much for that. But, there are times when what we encounter brings us to the point of feeling that we have been dropped into the ring with God.             This happened to me today in such a powerful way. It was overwhelming. These times are real and too often few and far between. I know it is my fault bec

           I was just on vacation visiting my son. He is a martial artist and he invited his mother and me to watch him test for his 4 th degree black belt in taekwondo. While we were there, we observed him as he trained in jujitsu. That’s what he does for fun. He teaches taekwondo and for recreation does jujitsu. I took taekwondo for several years so I know a little about it. We were taught to try to avoid being knocked to the ground. On the ground, you were in trouble. Jujitsu is a ground based martial art. So, I guess my son has both situations covered.             Taekwondo is graceful, fluid and well-choreographed. Each move is part of a patterned whole which is called a “form.” Each move is the result of a particular technique and designed with a purpose. All those moves are for more than just looking pretty. Taekwondo is flowing, powerful and graceful. When executed properly, it is beautiful to watch.             Jujitsu, on the other hand, seems more reactionary, more dow