Frame Grab – Respect Virtue Video
(This post was written by Chris Clark)
This is a frame grab from our newest video that will be out this weekend. If you are from another church and plan on using this, it will be available late friday afternoon for download. 
The Art of Avoiding a Fight
(this post was written by Drew Cook)
While reading Proverbs a few days ago, I came across this verse:
Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling. Proverbs 20:3 NLT
Growing up, I learned two things about fighting from two different groups:
Group 1: My parents, teachers, most adults taught me that you shouldn’t fight. If you do fight, you will get in trouble. Their advice was often to ALWAYS avoid a fight.
Group 2: My peers, brothers, teammates, etc. If someone pushes you, push back harder. If someone hits you, hit them back harder. If someone comes after a brother, sister, friend, teammate, you BETTER have their back.
While both groups seem to have differing opinions on fighting, I think both agree to a small extent. The Bible never teaches us that it is wrong or a sin to fight. If that were the case, than God would have never instructed his people to go to war. There is a time for fighting (Ecclesiastes 3:8b), but God also asks us to live peaceably among each other. The Bible says in Proverbs 12:20 that there is “joy for those who promote peace.” Psalm 34:14 asks us to “seek peace and pursue it.” God wants us to “live in harmony with one another” (Romans 12:16; I Peter 3:8)
So what is Proverbs 20:3 talking about? This verse talks about our actions BEFORE a fight begins. It encourages us to “avoid” a fight. If we really look at the big fights in our lives (the ones that we often remember CLEARLY), and put all the events through a mental strainer. We can often see how easily the fight may have been avoided. Proverbs 15:1 is a verse that I believe would solve many fights in our lives:
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
I truly believe we could “avoid” most fights in our lives if we just controlled our tongue. Our lives could be filled with “marks of honor”, if we would control what we say. When others speak to us harshly, we could return with our own harsh words, or perhaps a soft response could help us “avoid” the fight all together.
Perhaps walking away from a potential fight, or unfairly giving away what is rightfully ours can help us live Proverbs 20:3. Jesus commands us in Matthew 5:40, “If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too.” Sometimes the best thing we can do to is to give up more than our fair share to avoid a fight. As a child, I was ALWAYS fighting over toys. I grew up as a lower middle class ministers child, but I wasn’t hurting for toys. Often times the toy was mine, but giving up what was rightfully mine often led to peace and even allowed me to be honored by others for my peaceful action.
The bottom line of Proverbs 20:3 is that we can be one of two people. We can “avoid” a fight by returning kind words, walking away from a fight before it begins, and/or sacrificing what is ours for the sake of peace. The other person we can be is the one that always wants our way, and wants to be right. One person receives honor, the other is often branded a fool.
Look for opportunities to show your kids peace this week. Perhaps it is ending a petty argument with your husband or wife before it really begins (i.e. a soft word). Maybe you have a dispute with a neighbor that is unfairly critical of you and your property. Maybe it is when you are driving and another driver unfairly cuts you off. I’m sure if we look in our lives, we can find instances EVERY day where a fight can be avoided. Remember, your kids are watching you and YOU are the best teacher in their lives. Show them how to achieve “marks of honor” instead of how to be a “fool”.
Volunteer Spotlight: Al Pekny
(This post was written by Chris Clark)
Meet Al. Ever since Fusion began Al has been our awesome comic host. What would Fusion be like without Al? The answer to that question is not NEAR as much fun! He makes the kids laugh. He makes the parents laugh. He makes himself laugh. The great thing about Al is that while he is acting all goofy and confused on stage he really isn’t acting at all. If you know Al then you know he is goofy and genuinely confused most of the time.
Working with Al is interesting but priceless. He can humor you, frustrate you, annoy you, and encourage you all in the same morning. To say there is never a dull moment with Al is an enormous understatement. With all of that being said I cannot say how thankful I am for Al being a part of our ministry. Whatever happens during the production he is always smiling and encouraging backstage. If something doesn’t go right in the tech booth he is the first person to come see me after the show and encourage me. So, I would love for everyone to meet Al.
Volunteering Since: 2003
Originally From: Chicago, IL
Reason for joining the Fusion team: Where else in church can I act like this and get away with it. Oh, and the food.
Favorite thing about serving: The food.
Occupation: Back-up to Animal of the Muppets (And Computer Technician)
Favorite TV Show: Monk
Favorite Movie: The Hunt for Red October or Horton Hears a Who
Favorite food: All except tomatoes
Favorite toy growing up: Ones that explode
Hobbies: Chess, electronics, computers — all things geek
Pet Peeve: Questionnaires
Our goal is to create content that will create conversations in your home about God, family, and the church. 
