This I believe.....

Here's a great opportunity for you Eagle and Child readers.

Since April 2005, National Public Radio has been airing the "This I Believe" feature -- it consists of essays written by people from all walks of life. These essays are stories and rememberances of their deepest held core values. In NPR's own words "This I Believe is a national media project engaging people in writing, sharing, and discussing the core values and beliefs that guide their daily lives."

Based on the popular 1950's show hosted by Edward R. Murrow, This I Believe has garnered quite a bit of attention. The NPR site hosts over 17,000 essays, from both the 50's and today -- you can search through them. They provide a list of the top 20 most viewed essays. At the top is Penn Jillette's atheist manifesto. However, also in the top 20 is this charming essay about comfort through prayer.

One might wonder about the relevance of such a project today -- in the 1950's, the "common person" didn't have much of a voice; whereas today, a vast swath of our society has the capacity to create and distribute statements about life, meaning and personal interests. Indeed, so much content is being generated that many of us are living on information overload.

Even so, it seems that this is a realm where we as Christians are being asked for input, and it is a fine opportunity for us to respond. I'm encouraging Eagle and Child readers to work on a "this I believe" essay (and you bloggers -- pass the challenge along to your readers as well). Go read the tips on the NPR website and craft a statement. Also realize that your local NPR station might be doing the project locally (as is our WVXU here in Cincinnati).

When you've submitted your essay -- email me and let me know so that I can read your work. I'll get cracking on mine. Let's bear witness to our faith -- because we're being invited to tell our stories. As Peter tells us "...in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame." (I Pet 3:15-16). Let us not miss out on the call to do this with gentleness and respect. We've seen too much vilification and name calling during this political season -- let our words be seasoned with salt and abounding in light.

Looking forward to seeing what you write.
Soli Deo Gloria
Russell