Introduction

I begin with a question.

Actually, first I must explain myself. I love the Old Testament. Most people don’t, but I’ve always been fascinated with the diversity and richness of the text. To me, the characters and the stories speak so clearly of what it means to be human. Their struggles, dreams, and triumphs contain elements that I feel resonate with all of us. I also believe that we cannot understand the New Testament in absence of the Old. It is comparable to watching only the second half of a feature film. You cannot appreciate the fullness of the story and the relationships of the characters without understanding their origins. In our Western Christianity, we have a tendency to neglect our history and the tradition of our faith. Not exempt from this neglect is our Jewish heritage.

I recently heard a comparison between Jewish and Western cultures. At the end of every day, a young student returns home where his parents greet him with the same questions. What did you do today? What did you accomplish? What did you learn today? Meanwhile, on the other side of the globe, a young Jewish son returns home to his family. He is welcomed home and is also greeted with by his inquiring family. His parents ask, “What good question did you ask today?”

In Jewish culture, it is said that the question is more important than the answer. This contrasts with our western mindset. We are a result based culture and we expect answers to our incessant questioning. Wikipedia, self help books, and Oprah, all testify to this truth. But this attitude is not restricted to pop culture; the Church also falls prey to these unreasonable expectations. Our Church leaders are expected to preach sermons and provide answers to us. Conversely, my Bible tells me that Jesus told parables and asked questions.

So I begin with a question.

Why?

That is the ultimate question. It transcends every topic and applies to every situation. It is the first thing a two year old learns to ask, and it can be the last thought someone has before death. But a better question might be why not?

Too often, I think we are reduced to think of the negative first, and then maybe the positive, if we have time. We are so quick to think of all the bad things that could happen, all the potential downsides, all of the risks and all of the threats. What drives us to this negative mindset? Is there something that says, “The worst WILL happen? Is it a primal fear that causes us to move so cautiously forward in our lives, even concerning daily decisions?

Too often, we are confined to the belief that change is bad and that progress is scary. This applies to EVERYTHING: relationships, politics, religion, and ultimately life. We are more content to live in the mundane, stuck in the ordinary rather than step outside our comfort box. The risk is too large and dangers loom to near in our mind. Why risk losing the safety and security we have in the ordinary, in the normal?

The answer? Why not?

Why not, when there is potential for the EXTRA-ordinary? When everything you have now could be that much better. When stepping outside of your comfort box means stepping into a new and better world. A world free of limitations where your only hindrance is the barrier you place on your creativity and imagination. Why not go further, soar higher, get closer, and ultimately, experience more?

You tell me.

[Chapter One coming soon]