Guardian of the Golden Gate Bridge

Guest post by John Poitevent

The Golden Gate Bridge has always been famous. It was the world’s longest suspension bridge when it was completed in 1937. Since then, it has become an iconic landmark of San Francisco and, tragically, one of the most popular places in the world to commit suicide. Few know this better than Kevin Briggs, a sergeant with the California Highway Patrol who has talked hundreds of people out of jumping. 

 

I recently saw this video, Guardian of the Golden Gate Bridge, and was profoundly impacted. Please take five minutes and watch it now.

As I listened to Sergeant Briggs share his story, I couldn't help but think about what it means to be faithful to the mission of the gospel. His dedication, determination and devotion to his calling convicted and inspired me. "How often am I living completely dedicated to the mission, the Great Commission, that I have been given?" "Am I on the lookout for people around me who need to be rescued?" "Am I unwaveringly committed, sacrificial and patient with them, unwilling to just let them go?"  

Some of the Sergeant's words particularly stood out to me:
"When I talk to someone, I try to dig into them and see whats going on."
"I try to get them to raise their head up."
"I actually went down on my knees and said, "Look, I got nothin'.""
"I tend to talk about my life, because I've been through a lot."
"Hey, I've been through some of this also."
"I like to lead them with dignity."
"That's what we do, that's why we're here."

"What was it, after all those hours, that you finally decided to come back?" 

"Kevin wouldn't give up."

"Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear - hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh." Jude 1:22-23

"To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some." 1 Corinthians 9:22

^"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers." 1 John 3:16

We don’t need your money. We will stick with the Word of God.

Guest post by Aaron Armstrong

Kevin DeYoung:

My dad, Lee DeYoung, just returned from a three week trip to South Sudan and Uganda. A highlight of that trip was his visit to the home of recently retired Church of Uganda Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi. Having stepped away from denominational administration, Archbishop Orombi is now focusing on Biblical preaching by radio through his weekly Words of Hope broadcasts in English and in his mother tongue Arur. 

My dad had an opportunity to videotape a wide-ranging 30-minute interview with Henry near Nebbi, Uganda. Here is a 7-minute clip of that interview.

The Demise of Guys: How video games and porn are ruining a generation

CNN:

Is the overuse of video games and pervasiveness of online porn causing the demise of guys?
Increasingly, researchers say yes, as young men become hooked on arousal, sacrificing their schoolwork and relationships in the pursuit of getting a tech-based buzz.

Every compulsive gambler, alcoholic or drug addict will tell you that they want increasingly more of a game or drink or drug in order to get the same quality of buzz.

Video game and porn addictions are different. They are "arousal addictions," where the attraction is in the novelty, the variety or the surprise factor of the content. Sameness is soon habituated; newness heightens excitement. In traditional drug arousal, conversely, addicts want more of the same cocaine or heroin or favorite food.

The consequences could be dramatic: The excessive use of video games and online porn in pursuit of the next thing is creating a generation of risk-averse guys who are unable (and unwilling) to navigate the complexities and risks inherent to real-life relationships, school and employment.

Read the rest.

(HT:  T-Wax)

Rhino vs Hippo

Guest Post by Carlos Griego




Moral of the story: Don't mess with Hippos!


Props: Tastefully Offensive

Is It March Yet??

I know that Z is a bit of a basketball nut, which is one reason we get along so well. His alma mater, the University of Northern Iowa, did have a great run including a great win over Kansas. I thought however, that the Vitamin Z blog needed to show a little love to the New Mexico Lobos who also had a great run. Steve Alford is the coach and the team went 30-5 this season, finishing in the top 10.

While Z is moving to Madison home of the Kohl Center and the Badger Ball, I bet he will miss The Pit.

Decide to Abandon Retirement as the Reward for Your Life

Piper: What should a married couple do after a spouse has cheated?

Guest Post by Los Griego

John Piper answers a question that is becoming sadly more and more common today, what to do after an affair? Notice how Piper does not talk about divorce, but instead emphasizes reconciliation and restoration. Plus I really appreciate Piper's description of the difference between forgiveness and regaining trust. It is realistic and not sugar coated, in other words healing will be hard, but the gospel redeems and restores us from even this dark sin.

For more John Piper resources click here

Check Out This Video

Here is a really cool video exposition of Colossians 1:15-23.