"No one wants to hear Adam screaming in their ear."

hahah

She's so sweet!

Thanks for the kind words about my blog remarks, I try to respond in grace, and truth, so thank you!

And what a great truth – that Jesus wanted to hang out with "guys like us" Humbles me everyday. I'm so thankful that He found me, and He wanted me, when no one else did! What a great God we serve!

I may not have reflected that in my above comment. I just believe that sometimes in our non-"judging" mentality we become the biggest judgers of them all. (Not referring to your comment).

We all need to figure out how to Love ALL People.

I really don't think the fact that Kris is a Christian helped him win. In fact, almost everyone I have talked to didn't even know that Kris was a worship leader. I think he appealed more to the tween and teen girls that text, and he was able to pull off contemporary songs. He was talented and humble, and I think it was great that he represented Christ without making a big deal about it.

One last thing, I think we are being naive, if we think that Adam's lifestyle didn't play into the vote. Yes, I know that we are all sinners saved by grace, but if Adam had won the competition, I guarantee that his sexual preference would have played a major role in all the headlines about his victory. Winning the competition gives you a soapbox, and I am just thankful that it turned out the way it did. God is in control, and we can't forgot that.

This weekend in the bedroom next to mine my Father in Law died.

It really puts into perspective at what petty things some people want to believe and or argue about. Rick I totally respect how you handle yourself with your commenters. I enjoy your blog, tweets and Double Popped interviews.

As far as "not judging" Adam. I think that if Jesus was walking the earth now. It would be Adam's house that he would go to and have a meal and teach. Remember itsme,

Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” When Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” – Matthew 9:10-13 (New King James Version)

Asinine?

Influence can exist on many different levels… a good example of "3rd space influence" (coined by Erwin McManus) would be Blake Mycoskie, founder of tomsshoes. He did not go into the marketplace to "counter culture" – he made, designed, and marketed shoes to give to those in need. He began to gain influence, made a difference, and he is a Christian. Authentically Christian.
Influence can exist within our "Church Bubble" but when does it go into the world, the marketplace, to the people in need of Christ? He didn't make shoes that said "Tommy Hellfighter" or something that is a churchy spin on a brand, he uses his creativity to create a new brand… and now Blake is reaching the world with his story and his shoe giving awesomeness.

As far as Kris Allen, I think it is a WIN because he shows love toward Adam, despite his sexual preference. He lives out God's love in every interview and does it with humility. He has gained influence in the world with media and uses his gifts… that is awesome. We are all called to do this… love God and love His people.

Thanks for the dare, but I am curious- how much influence do you have?

Here is a little bit of explanation of 3 space:
Acts 17 :: Three Spaces

Space 1 :: Paul went to the space he was most comfortable. "Most of our churches are a reaffirmation of ourselves. Most don't even have room for our own children, we want people who fully agree with us and thus belong"

The church: create a first space. A space the world cannot provide, a space where everyone does not have to agree but where everyone belongs.

Space 2 :: Paul went to the marketplace. The place of ideas and the place of interaction outside the church. It's worth noting, if the church cannot communicate well on a Sunday, how can church members translate it on Monday… in their 'marketplace'…

Space 3 :: In the third space, the church and it's people are invited by the un-churched into their world. "They took him…" It's a space the church cannot influence unless it's invited into… "when you do anything great, you can say anything you want… what can the church do for the community to be asked into the third space…?"

Does this make sense? Would you like me to expound a little more?