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A Mission From God

“One of the most important spiritual disciplines is to develop the knowledge that the years of our lives are years on a mission.” ~ Henri J. M. NouwenA favorite movie of mine is ‘The Blues Brothers’ (1980) with Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi (written by Aykroyd and John Landis). There is great music, plenty of action and lots of laughs. One of the exchanges between the brothers, Joliet Jake and Elwood Blues, result in the adventure of their lives.  They unwittingly find a purpose and seek redemption by saving a Chicago orphanage from foreclosure.  The guys are challenged by the police and Neo-Nazi thugs along the road but ultimately overcome all obstacles.  Their mission cannot be foiled.This is the famous exchange that sets them on the path;Joliet Jake:  Me and the Lord, we got an understanding.Elwood:  We’re on a mission from God.Elwood: It's a hundred and six miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it’s dark, and we're wearing sunglasses.Joliet Jake: Hit it.Jake and Elwood become radically available.  In order to accomplish their mission, they must set aside rules, fight the good fight, connect with community, make amends and redefine who they are.  Redemption is not an easy process.  When we engage in something greater than ourselves, there are sacrifices that must be made.  Then there will be nothing that can stand between our dream and its realization.  We make ourselves completely available without compromise.  We join with others, keep our eye on the prize and get it done.  We ‘Go for Life’ in a very big way.  No more half measures.  No more putting it off until later.  The time is now.  We are on a mission from God.