So it’s Friday and I’m in love. I’m also coming to the end of a full week brain-racking, trying to think of a good way to celebrate the third anniversary of this blog.
Without much of anything you’d call success.
After my first year on this site I presented a blog of the state address, complete with pictures, so that infants, lesser primates, and personal injury attorneys could join in the fun.
After my second year at the Comma, in a feat of overconfidence I continue to regret, I resurrected Doctor Harold Toboggans – psychiatrist, windbag, professional arroganaut.
This year I find more and more of my humor, not to mention my time, being siphoned off to fuel Dr. Toboggans’ increasingly numerous activities. I don’t know how I ended up as his chaperon, but it doesn’t look like I’ll be making parole any time soon.
What I have been making, at least on this site, are more serious posts. Articles that put into print the ideas and conversations that I have been developing with several friends over the last few years about faith and action and changing the world one person at a time.
To that end I recently made a video about the word “christian” and what it might mean outside of the marketing channels it has grown to represent.
I didn’t think I was ready to share it, but my friend Debbie sent me a link to a parallel post by Brain Jones that reminded me that I wasn’t alone in this approach to faith. Strange how quickly I seem to forget that. Anyway here it is.
This site has always featured idiocy in advertising rather prominently, but it’s not nearly as funny when it lands this close to home.
Hopefully this time someone is listening.
It’s time to stop the hype.
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
Brent, I’ll be honest what first brought me to your blog was the humor, because of our common connection in Humor-Blogs. However, that is not what I have stayed, and it’s not for Dr. Toboggans either, although the doctor is beginning to grow on me. So what is it? It’s the posts like this, which combine the serious and not-so-serious thoughts into one and is something I’m aiming for myself as I look to combine all of my blogs into one. I’m building that spaceship with you, but I want both to fly and to stay grounded. I don’t know if it’s possible to do both, but I’m going to continue to try, and judging by your example, it can be done.
Thank you. I was a little reluctant to start out on this new and (slightly) more serious path, but I am enjoying it and it seems that others are too.
Besides I get tired of being silly. (I don’t expect my wife to believe that)
I guess breaking with the status quo while not flying off into the clouds is the real trick. I do believe another world is possible, but it requires letting go of stubborn little bits of this one.
…And as Toboggans growing on you, you should a cream for that. It really ugly when he starts to spread.
Christians and rubiks cubes: always a dodgy combination!
That really depends on how good thier aim is…
Happy Anniversary Ominous Comma!
I’m laughing a little bit right now when I think of my “change in perspective” on the many subjects you’ve tackled then when I first commented on your blog years ago. No one commented as much as I did (with the exception of that Lynn person…where did she go anyway? I liked her).
So about that shift in perspective; it can often hit hard, and reveal truths that you didn’t really want to think about but with your words as a guide I can honestly say I’m a better person.
I like the video. Very effective. I’m like a little sponge when you elaborate on Christianity. Everything you’ve said is true and it’s why I’ve never embraced Christianity all these years. I’ve a long way too go and it is sometimes overwhelming to think about. So if you don’t mind I’ll stick around a bit longer.
Thank you to the OC and all your readers for another year of laughs, learning, & love.
Oh and who is this Debbie person? She sounds kind of pushy to me. :)
I think we’re all learning here, I for one haven’t “arrived” at any mountain top of spiritual knowledge. And I’m happy to be learning with you…and that pushy Debbie person too.
The truth is that Jesus has had some bad representation. (Maybe that’s why so many TV evangelists look like greasy politicians, I dunno.)
As far as I can see, there is no need to water down the story or to be smug in telling it.
…Just to live it.
On a lighter note, I’m not sure what happened to Lynn, she might have been carried off by Doctor Toboggans or eaten by her squirrel or something.
The internet is full of strange people.
Great work, Brent. Just keep telling it like it is. That’s what Jesus would do!
Congrats on 3 years in cyberspace, my friend.
Thank you Roann, great to hear from you…and to see your work around the internet.
Happy Anniversary – hmmm, that must have been mine in December then…You are so more consistent than I am! Great Job!
Try fiber, it works for me. Thanks RJ.
Happy Three!
Truly, that was science fiction, but the kind that could come true.
Thank you Mark, best wishes to you and your new book.
Like some people here, I’ve been reading you since the early humor-blog days and rest assured that the good writers can always manage the change up.
I guess I picked a good time to get active again – I’m not entirely sure that I hug the message entirely, but you did a hell of a job on the delivery.
Happy third.
Welcome back Your Sinisterness, and thank you for all your kind words.
Although I have hope, there is no obligation for anyone to embrace my message.
The christianity that I practice, although occasionally subversive, is never coercive. If there is any conquering required, it will be through kindness.
Thanks again.
Nice Post, I have bookmarked your site and will return again
thanks
Lily
Come again anytime.