Communicating Truth in Our Work and World
Here are my comments I shared with the Baptist Communicators Association.

Intro: Our common mission – communicating truth in our work and world

3 Losses That Are Challenges To Our Mission

1. Loss of Responsibility - lost of accountability because of our invisibility
2. Loss of Reflection – we are media-blitzed and have no margin
3. Loss of Roots and Realism – we live in urban tribes and bowl alone; values have replaced virtues and celebrity has replaced character

2 Cultural Responses to These Losses

1. Nihilism - “Nothing means anything” – the age of “Whatever”; George Barna conversation
2. Narcissism - we love ourselves - I am everything (perverted stewardship) – our marketing celebrates this and encourages this

6 Christian Responses to These Losses
Let’s examine a few practical Christian responses to these 3 losses that might point the way forward

1. View Others In The Imago Dei - We need to remember everyone we interact with in the office is made in the image of God.
2. Be a Truth-teller - How can I be strategic and honest, without being transparent? Compromising the truth may the easiest sins to commit. We follow the One who is Truth and must be marked by truth. Be a Servant - We all want to be a servant until we are treated like one – but being a servant is our call to answer and our duty to fulfill.
3. Be a Good Steward - What kind of steward are you of your opportunities? Do you realize that being a good steward of our opportunities is harder in modern times? We have so many choices - economic, geographical, educational. Luke 12:48:“To whom much is given, much is required” – Pray about, discuss, and wrestle with how to leverage our gifts, experience, personality, time, energies, and opportunities for His glory and others’ good.
4. Be Excellent - We must be excellent in all we do. St. Francis of Assisi said “Preach the Gospel at all times; when necessary use words.” Of course it is necessary to use words to share the Gospel. But people will hear our words and see our works. The witness of our lips and lives should be consistent and excellent.
5. Ask Questions – We learn as we listen and it helps others learn. Jesus and Paul both used questions effectively to challenge assumptions and instruct other. Questions are revealing. If they are situation-specific and fit the audience, they can clarify reality and provide space for people to decide. How you answer specific questions is telling about you and your organization and your view of life. What would you learn about your perception by looking at your answers? What would your colleagues learn about you or the organization?
   

Who Gave Steve Miller Moore?

I thought I'd pass on some great news via our uulxa blog. Today, my wife Cassie got her results and passed the Tennessee Bar exam on her first try! I'm incredibly proud of her, and grateful for those of you who were praying. Cassie had an overwhelming sense of peace as we anticipated the results, and we are both thankful. She hopes to work for the state and defend children who have been neglected or abused. We are trusting the Lord.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Gratefully,
Steve Miller Moore

The Bunny Diaries
I will spare you many of the details, but suffice it to say that the person portraying the costumed critter pictured above is well known to you - yes, yours truly. Amazing opportunity to stand on the South Lawn of the White House and wave to thousands of kids while standing behind the President and First Lady as the President kicked-off the egg roll festivities yesterday. The suit was terribly hot and it was hard to see where I was going, but it kept off the drizzle. (Thanks for your help Tim).

More Mooney....or should I say.....Mini Mooney?

From B Mooney: "I wanted to let you know that last Tuesday, April 4th, Rach had a big fat healthy baby boy [William Bradley] at 3:20 in the afternoon. He weighed in at 8 pounds and is 22 and 1/4 inches long. He is great, keeps us up all night, but is really wonderful. Its more work for sure, and extra hard to make it to class, but well worth it. There is nothing like it in the world and its true that it will make you see the world in a whole new way. We are both excited ....."

Tornadoes in Tennessee: Tragedy and Trying Times

April 7th 2006 is a day that will be remembered in Tennessee for years to come. Friday’s tornadoes caused 12 deaths, 167 injuries and left as many as 3,000 buildings damaged in their wake. This storm came days after twisters touched down in West Tennessee — making it the deadliest weather system to whip Middle Tennessee since 1974, when 22 people died in Lincoln County and more than 50 were killed statewide. (from www.tennessean.com)

Chad Cossiboom's parent's home in Gallatin was heavily damaged.

Charles and Naomi Yewell's house was damaged in Gallatin. Chuck says that everyone is ok, but that it will be a while before they get back in their house.

Just wanted to let you all know so that you could keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

B-Ball Brackets
Did anyone predict the final head-to-head match-up of University of Flordia and UCLA? I bet even Neal Rager did not call this one. Who would have guessed LSU would upset Duke? Who are you rooting for? Share your thoughts here.