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Poker Night

So I really thought about what gives me energy and what takes energy. What takes energy from me is being in the Pastor Jared role. Not that that's really my title at all any more but it used to be and just the fact that I work at the church puts me in that role in the eyes of many of the people that attend Hope.
I feel like there's a real distance that happens socially when people relate to me in that way. It's all about "great song, or great set, or how about those old songs." Which is fine. I mean I know that it's part of the territory but if given an option of being in an environment where I am in that role or just known as myself, Jared, guy who is just trying to be a good husband, dad, responsible citizen and thinking critically about my faith, beliefs and politics, I will always choose the latter.

So in response to this I'm thinking of putting together a group of guys who would be ok with sitting across the card table from me, having some snacks, drinks and maybe a cigar or whatever and getting to know each other. I'm super interested in getting more people out of the bubble that social media creates and interacting with differing ideas and constructs, and living in community with that tension because the relationships matter more than winning and being right.

I really believe that that's what we need more of and so to live that out even in a small way could set up a ripple effect of people comfortable with living outside the bubble and doing more listening and less posting. I know I need that. I really need that. I say I'm good at it, but I'm not really that skilled at it. At least I don't think I am, or maybe I'm too cautious because I'm afraid to communicate to most people because it could get back to the wrong people and jeopardize my standing or at least bring on some tough work conversations that I'm not really prepared to have. Either way, there's some fear happening on my part and I want to figure out how to make that not happen.


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