Irresistible Revolution

I'm on vacation in Tennessee this week and my aunt recommended the book Irresistible Revolution.  I bought the book last night and started reading it before going to bed.  That was a big mistake for two reasons:

1. This is a very thought provoking book that is really making me rethink the things I value.  Like all stuff I own. I have a feeling that if reading this book leads to me taking some action, it's going to cost me a lot more than the $2.99 for the book.
2. Reading thought provoking books before going to bed is just not a good decision to make.  Provoking thought and sleeping are mutually exclusive.  Thus, I was up until about 2am after reading the Introduction and the Forward.  Yeah - I didn't even start chapter 1.  Good thing I'm on vacation and can sleep in.

On the plus side, this book is hitting me in a deep place where I am right now.  Where I think a lot of Jesus' people are right now.  The religion I grew up with isn't cutting it.  I can't really square my beliefs with the politics of my nation.  I'm having trouble squaring the life of Jesus with the life I lead.  And I'm coming to a place where I'm going to have to make some hard decisions about how I live life going forward.  Am I going to continue making my own comfort and security the main goal of my life, or am I going to take on the big adventure of living life outside of that paradigm?

I really want to break out of my comfort zone and live in a new paradigm, but frankly, my stereo in my pickup is really going downhill.  A new one with bluetooth connectivity that would allow me to listen to the music on my iPhone wirelessly would be pretty kick ass.

Over a year ago I walked with a friend on the annual AIDS walk.  He works for a group who serves young men and women living with AIDS, many of whom are chronically homeless and struggling with various addictions.  We talked on the walk about some opportunities to teach life skills to his group.  I've practiced and coached improvisational theater for several years, and I think it might be a good jumping off place to talk about key life skills.  I haven't taken action on it yet, but beginning to read this book has encouraged me to take the first step.  I'm meeting with my friend next week to discuss how we might make this work.