Cheshire Cat Theology ~ Moving Toward Transparency

Greetings Dear Reader,

My favorite musician of all the musicians that have ever mused is a very private person.  After his concerts, he will meet with others and sign autographs but he does not indulge in parties and once told me he prefers to be back in his hotel room by the time the late show is on.  He does not seek fame but, rather, seeks to create amazing music and perform it well.  He succeeds at both.

As a writer and as a Christ-follower, I prefer not to pursue attention or fame.  I would rather quietly sell thousands of books than sell millions and give up my privacy.  I like being in front of the room if I am teaching or presenting things that matter.  Elsewise, I would prefer to stand by the door.  I love greeting people and making them feel welcome and loved but I do not want the attention that fame delivers.

This lines up well with following Christ.  As I said covered in Slowly Disappearing, my goal is to fade away quietly so that Christ may increase.  What I have learned as well is that trying to build anything permanent here is futile.  Trying to obtain fame and power is senseless.  It may feel fulfilling but there are always those wanting to see you fall or take what you have. 

What we must do is embrace humility.  Do not think for a moment that I have mastered this.  There are also places where I am infamous rather than famous.  Being legendary for the wrong things is yet another problem with trying to make permanent things in this world.  It is our duty to employ moving toward transparency as part of our Cheshire Cat Theology. 

I must be open and honest.  I must be willing to share my failures and my successes, explaining how they point us to Christ.  Hypocrisy is not failing to do what you say you believe.  It is failing to own that you do not always do what you say you believe and working to become better, clearer.  It is realizing that if what you are doing is not good that you must change.  Here the difference in this statement: “You do what you believe; everything else is just talk.” (CFB)

Transparency forces us to be real about our failures and humble out the impact.  It makes us aware of the vital nature of guarding our thoughts, words, and actions so that they center on Christ and his love.  To disappear I must become transparent.  This is why you may ask your questions, Dear Reader.  This is why I value your thoughts as I work through what makes me a better follower.  I know that you have questions and I am honored when you ask them.  It is good talk by the fire or as we journey our way home. If you begin to have trouble seeing me because you see Jesus more clearly, do not worry.  That is what we are aiming for.  I have said a lot about questions this week.  Tomorrow we should discuss answers.

Lost in Crowds – Ian Anderson

I get lost in crowds: if I can, I remain invisible
To the hungry mouths, I stay unapproachable
I wear the landscape of the urban chameleon
Scarred by attention and quietly addicted to innocence

At starry parties where amongst the rich and the famous
I'm stuck for words: or worse, I blather with the best of them
I see their eyes glaze and they look for the drinks tray
Something in the drift of my conversation bothers them

So, who am I? Come on: ask me, I dare you
So, who am I? Come on: question me, if you care to
And why not try to interrogate this apparition?
I melt away to get lost in this quaint condition

In scary airports, in concourses over-filled
I am detached in serious observation
As a passenger, I become un-tethered when
I get lost in clouds: at home with my own quiet company

So, who am I? Come on: ask me, I dare you
So, who am I? Come on: question me, if you care to
And why not try to interrogate this apparition?
I melt away to get lost in this quaint condition

I get lost in crowds: if I can, I remain invisible
To the hungry mouths, I stay unapproachable
I wear the landscape of the urban chameleon
Scarred by attention and quietly addicted to innocence

So, who am I? Come on: ask me, I dare you
So, who am I? Come on: question me, if you care to
And why not try to interrogate this apparition?
I melt away to get lost in this quaint condition

Herald-Tribune or USA Today. Sauvignon Blanc or oaky Chardonnay
Asleep for the movie. Awake for the dawn
Dancing on England and hedgerows –
Embossed on a carpet of green. I descend and –
Forgive me – I mean to get lost in crowds

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn
Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a homeowner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”
(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Every human story is part of the great story that leads to the Father getting everything back to Good.

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So, who am I? Come on: ask me, I dare you
So, who am I? Come on: question me, if you care to
And why not try to interrogate this apparition?
I melt away to get lost in this quaint condition