Justin Brix

This is your reminder that when the world is falling apart, creating art is an act of rebellion. Pick up that paintbrush. Start writing that book. Put out that song you’ve been working on. The world needs your art.

Many critiques I see of online church are like “you can’t get everything you need through a screen.” This is true, but it still is such a consumeristic view of the gathering. The biggest limiting factor I see isn’t in what you can receive, but in what you can contribute.

This resonates deeply with me.

Why do churches always post things like “worship was awesome this morning” and then just show pictures of their band on stage? Isn’t the result of proper worship on Sundays more Christlike behaviour in their communities Monday to Saturday and not just a slick sounding set?

Is it just me or did Stranger Things really step it up with the horror in season 4?

The moment when your car blinker aligns with the beat of the song you’re listening to.

Does anyone else remember how satisfying the noises were that the iPod scroll wheel used to make?

@michael_krause @arbee_quin I was not emotionally prepared to watch this. So beautiful.

@CanningBrandon I know logically this makes sense but yet I’m still vehemently opposed.

@mjkasperado Like this:

“Get up in the morning and look at the world in a way that takes nothing for granted. Everything is phenomenal; everything is incredible; never treat life casually. To be spiritual is to be amazed.” - Abraham Heschel

I frequently listen to Hans Zimmer while I work. Everyone receiving emails I write while vibing to the Interstellar soundtrack:

@Cherie_Michels "surely, Jesus must be referring to our metaphorical enemies..."

What’s your favourite Jesus quote that is obviously literal but often gets interpreted as metaphorical? I’ll start. I love when Jesus tells the rich man to “metaphorically” sell everything he owns and give it to the poor.

@Cherie_Michels Any one of those adjectives could apply to the colonial mindset the Church has held historically. But, I think what the term does speak to is why you can attend two different churches in completely different parts of the world and the aesthetic feels almost exactly the same.

Mcdonaldization: The process by which the principles of the fast-food restaurant are coming to dominate more and more sectors of society. Efficiency, predictability, calculability and control. It's heartbreaking to think about how these values have crept into our churches.

@GregPaul58 Thank you 1) for the beauty tip and 2) for the encouragement and affirmation that SCC is a special place to call home.

@justinSbrix May I say two things in love (nervous yet?): 1. Brother, you’re wearing the wrong mascara. 2. SCC is my hero church - the one I most often reference as a “normal” church that has thoroughly embraced a kingdom ethic and praxis. Thanks, Mike, for being such a big part of that.

You’re the real deal, Mike. It’s been an honour to serve on a team with you. You taught me just as much when you were off stage than the moments you were on it. Loved the message, but let me tell you, it was hard getting on stage after with my mascara running down my face.

I'll raise my glass to the resurrection of Easter because it's where my hope is rooted, but in this moment, I'll give myself the grace to simply exist in the Holy Saturday of "not yet."

But to me, that's the importance of liturgy. To allow our story to intersect with the story God has/is writing. I can look backwards and know that countless others have walked the same paths that stretch before me.

Even with Easter happening yesterday, I don't *feel* resurrection today. Grief is heavy. Future is unknown. I am still weary.