Life needs aerating. It gets heavy; it settles down on us and needs to be lightened up. People should find inspiration and joy in the church, not just new layers of guilt and condemnation. Jesus said, "I have come that you might have joy." True, Christ came to convict of sin, but the Christian paradox is that in this chaotic, tragic world, we can enjoy a life of adventure and excitement.

Many people come to church with deep troubles. Someone estimated about six out of ten sit there with major hurt in their lives. Therefore, I appreciate those speakers, teachers, and pastors who lift people's spirits with inspiration and hope. Of course, spiritual aeration must be more than mere humanism. The "blessed hope" is not guilt but grace; we are forgiven, we are free, we have the fellowship of the body, and an inheritance immortal. We have talents and gifts. We count. Each of us can make a difference where we are.

If this is not true, then we are fakes. If it is true, then why not exult in it, breathe ...