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Look, I get it. Almost everyone wants some version of the same thing—notoriety, attention, an illustrious career in the arts. I often feel pathetic over it. I question myself, Arvin, how vain are you? I grew up hearing, “God has big plan for your life. You’re going to do great things.” The disappointment that comes
I was mistakenly multi-tasking while my friend was talking. He could tell almost immediately. I bet you’ve found yourself here before—realizing mid-story that your friend is distracted. “Bro, are you even hearing me?” Busted. “I’m so sorry man—I’m looking for my phone.” Confessed. “Arvin, your phone’s in your hand. Arvin, you’re on the phone with
“The fame, the fame. I want to hear my name and I don’t care what for.” — Mø I have a God-sized appetite to be known and understood. Not unfortunately, though it has been misunderstood as such, God didn’t equip human beings with the capacity to understand one another completely. Relating is good and empathy
If you’re reading this on the day it’s posted, I’ve just finished up the first day of a week-long series of preaching in Amsterdam, Holland. You’re also reading this 10 days after I collaborated with fellow artists to create what may become your favorite music video. I appreciate you if you’re happy for me, but
If I had to identify my deepest source of shame, it’d be about something I don’t even think I was ever supposed to have—the ability to create a work of God out of thin air anytime I’d like. I hear an accusatory voice say to me every day, “If only you had the character you
Having spent the last 6.5 years watching God thwart almost every attempt of mine to serve him, I’m finally starting to see why God shakes our world before rebuilding it. It’s backwards enough to confuse readers and make me all but useless when asked, “What are you struggling with?” How do you articulate that? There
People are cities. Good and bad sections, yes. We ship/receive from others—we choose how much of their internal resources and energy will be devoted to the areas we want. I choose what I’m about, what imports and exports I’ll allow and produce. What does a city look like when negativity, the news cycle, and whatever else gets to roam
2018, as far as I’m concerned, should begin in that cozy space that is perfectly situated between “I know nothing!” and “I know everything!” Hyperbole among millennials isn’t something you run through like that goth/punk phase in high school. You don’t max it out until you’re balanced. On the other end, the Nihilism sits on
I’ll make you aware of two disclaimers: First, the temptation I face in reviewing “David The Great” is to dive deep into my appreciation for the author. It wouldn’t be long before my flattery robs from the legitimacy of what I’d like to tell you. Full disclosure: I love Dr. Mark Rutland, but not in
“You will not turn to me and let me heal you.” Anger. Bitterness. Fear. Boredom. Disappointment. Hatred. Woundedness. Rather than consecrating these damaged and stolen portions of myself to the Holy Spirit, allowing him to fill my heart with love by removing what doesn’t belong or properly steward my identity…rather than consecration, I escape. To