Betrayed by the Blue Bird…
Betrayed by the Blue Bird…
Nov 12
The other day I came to the realization that I had been woefully misrepresented by the little blue bird (Twitter). Yeah, I’m choosing to shift the blame from myself but, obviously, I know I’m responsible for the little 140 character bread crumbs that he drops into mobile devices, facebook pages and blog headings… IF all someone knows about me comes from those little blurbs, than I better be accurate… and NEVER assume they will see the bigger picture or give me the benefit of the doubt. I now realize that even some who are around me all the time seem to disconnect the small fragment with the entire context of my life & ministry. That kind of blows but I’m wiser & will be a lot more proactive & if need be, cautious, with those who jump to conclusions. So, I guess I need to be a little (or a lot) more careful about what I say or don’t say. Allow me to clarify a few things:
- YES, I do sleep. I don’t have insomnia but I do stay up late and also get up late (early) for prayer. My normal time w/ God is 3am… so, sometimes when you see my status in the middle of the night, it’s not because I never sleep. I get plenty of sleep!!
- NO, I’m not sick all the time. Throughout my life in ministry I’ve been attacked physically quite often – so, with this new form of media, I would share something I’m battling – others take it to mean I’m sick a lot. Ha! In 20 years of ministry I’ve only taken 2-3 sick days EVER! I’ve missed 1-2 speaking opportunities. I’ve never spent the night in the hospital & haven’t seen a doctor for illness for 9 years. Yeah, I think I’m hit w/ a ‘thorn in the flesh’ but it never wins! I only shared it to include others in the fight not seek pity or medication suggestions! Ha!
- NO, I don’t workout ALL the time! Hardly! Over the last year I’ve lost about 60lbs and started a daily exercise discipline. It’s a cheap elliptical in my basement w/ a few free weights & a sit-up bench. I eat less, drink more water & spend 30-45 minutes each day sweating in the basement. NO personal trainers or expensive club memberships that are occupying several hours of my day.
- YES, I do spend time w/ my wife & kids. I spend hours with them everyday. I have a great marriage and incredible relationship w/ my children.
- YES, I’m still planting a second church in Detroit… and then another one… and then another one… etc. It could happen this week, this month or next year; but it’s happening unless God says “No”. Stay tuned, you’ll see.
- NO, I’m not addicted to coffee (specifically Starbucks). I go without it often and usually only have 1-2 cups throughout my entire day. I’ve actually gone w/o it for weeks at a time. I DO love coffee shops and study in them almost everyday – I think I’m addicted to people, lost people and I love the culture I find in cafes.
- YES, I will keep blogging and twittering. But, it will be different. I won’t burden some of you w/ my struggles (physical, spiritual or otherwise) as some seem to revel in it rather than battle through it. Sorry for those I’ve burdened w/ my transparency. I’m happy, healthy and really trying to be holy & humble.
- NO, I’m not for everyone – I personally strive to be a blessing to anyone & everyone but I know that my style, personality and leadership is unique. I’m bold, honest and hopefully, REAL. I won’t be offended IF you unsubscribe or unfollow – go for it.
Part of me really wanted to quit Facebook & Twitter – I hate all the mindless junk & surveys, games, invitations, blah, blah, blah – but, wow is it powerful when you need to get out a prayer request and other information quickly. Like anything, it can be abused… so, I’m choosing to be much more deliberate.
I’ll keep the little blue bird alive… for now. But he knows the fire’s been started & I make a mean wing sauce!
…sweeping up the feathers, Chilly
P.S. A big thanks to all of you who love me… who ‘get me’… and read my LIFE (not just words) every day. I love you so much and pray I’m a blessing to you.
Love you, Pastor Chilly! As someone who actually did know you mostly via social media at first, knowing you now has really revealed someone even better than I thought. You are real and I am challenged to be deliberate too.
Captain. I love you and your LIFE has discipled me, not just your words – although your words have meant/mean a lot to me. Awhile back you challenged us to be more deliberate with Twitter and I appreciated it – it has changed the way I use it. I strive not to use it for sarcastic/silly/meaningless things, but to encourage or genuinely let people know what I’m up to.
I REALLY REALLY like getting (yours and others’) prayer requests via Twitter – maybe we need a “prayer request” Twitter user account where it’s more controlled with who subscribes to it? Just a thought…
Your transparency always encourages me and never burdens me (in a negative way).
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
I have never met you but am constantly challenged by your genuineness and love for the big D. Keep the faith
I’ve had some similar thoughts about “quitting” social media stuff, especially blogging and twitter. But, I came back from Story realizing that, somewhere along the way, I developed the wrong perspective.
I realize now that I mention when I’m feeling sick on twitter a lot. I do it to ask for prayer (I hope…), but I wonder if that’s sending the wrong message.
something for all of us to think about, who use social media outlets.
I am so totally there with wanting to quit Twitter, cuz like an email (or anything not in person really), you can’t always get the whole picture or the big picture. But you’re right. It is useful for some things. Funny, for a little while now I’ve been thinking about what I tweet more & I’ll start tweeting, then erase it, thinking, “who cares?” lol So I’ve been trying to be more deliberate as well. Anyways… I’m glad you’re not quitting it and I am glad I know the bigger picture of your life & ministry – not just in 140 characters. I agree w/the above ppl who said the way you live your life teaches & challenges me. Thanks!
ok…i have to admit…i LOVE your realness. thank you for being so real. it’s not everyday that you find someone that puts it all out there and knows how to handle it all. i must say, you’re amazing and i understand now if you wanna limit what you say. you’re still awesome.
~Kali~
Stay real!
Much love to you, Captain!
Thanks for showing this pastor it is ok to be real and authentic. That is something that I think is too often lost when one enters our “profession.”
Keep on keeping it real!
(and try not to stay up too late, drink too much coffee, and be sick all the time – I mean, come on man!)
Let’s be honest here…people who get lost in the the “Christian World” become judgemental, upety and forget what being a “Christian” REALLY means!!!! That being said…you are real. -Much Love- Boston
i really appreciate this post. my LIFE has been changed not just because of the words you typed or spoke but by your actions and the results of your REAL love for teenagers! i am encouraged all the time by your posts or ‘one liners’
thanks for being so upfront and honest…it’s a breath of fresh air in this world of people trying to cover their backs and make sure no one finds out they are HUMAN! 
Man…. I love you Captain! No… youre not for everyone…(altough I cant see why!) But you and youre family are for me! And I Thank God for that. I would not know God in the way that I know him now if it were not for you and youre obedience to Christ… and that is the truth. Thank You!
ha! i think it’s funny that you had to clarify some of these things! I’m super happy to know you and serve with you!