Rave On

I've been on vacation for the last 7 days enjoying time at the lake with my family and a lot of time to read, rest and be quiet and listen. One thing that brings me pleasure is staying up late at night when I know I can sleep in the next morning. After everyone else is in bed I can read without interruption or watch whatever I want on television.

A couple of nights ago I caught a documentary called Better Living Through Circuitry. It was shot in 2000 and delved into the underground culture of Raves. If you don't know what a Rave is, stop reading now because I'm not qualified to explain it. If you do have an idea about Raves, listen to what the Ravers said they find there and see if it sounds like something you might enjoy.

Ravers said they found unconditional acceptance, life changing love and peace in the Rave culture. One young man said he went from gang banger to loving friend because of what he experienced at Raves. Some Ravers dressed as children with pacifiers and back packs full of toys and talked about wanting to hold onto child-like qualities of freedom and imagination. Most mentioned the joy of being in a non-judgmental atmosphere where no one was made fun of because of how they dressed or how they danced.

I know there is some drug use at Raves and I'm not saying I want to join that community, but I sure would like for my community to take on some of those qualities. I would love for Jesus followers today to be described with words like, "unconditional acceptance, life changing love and peace", "child-like qualities of freedom and imagination" and "non-judgmental atmosphere where no one was made fun of because of how they dressed or how they danced."

Before I saw Better Living Through Circuitry, when I heard the word Rave I thought of the old Buddy Holly song Rave On. Actually, both point to the fact that there are a lot of lonely people out there who are searching for a better life. Where would you recommend they look?

Rave on, this crazy feelin'
And I know it's got me reelin'
I'm so glad that you're revealing
Your love for me
Rave on, rave on and tell me
Tell me not to be lonely
Tell me you love me only
Rave on to me
- Buddy Holly