I talk to and meet a lot of people who are wanting to start movements. It seems to be the buzz word of the day. In fact, I hope to start a few myself.

The problem is you can’t create or start movements. Movements just happen.

I was in a meeting last week and I compared it to creating a wave in a wave pool vs. the ocean.

An ocean wave you simply get on and ride. You get your surfboard, you wake up early in the morning and ride. You have a responsibility to show up and do your part but you don’t create the wave.

However, a wave in a wave pool requires a bunch of work. You have to build a big wave creating machine, have engineers draw up plans, have lawyers discuss liability, have a business plan so you don’t go bankrupt, and countless other items to make the wave (or movement) happen. Btw, you still have to bring your surfboard.

So let us be clear about something. You DON’T create or start movements. That’s a dream, not a strategy. Movements just happen like ocean waves. And sometimes they are 3 footers and other times they are tidal waves. Both are valuable and important.

As people who want to make the world a better place, our only comittment is to get on our surfboards, be in the ocean, and enjoy the ride.

I see a lot of “Not of This World” bumper stickers and tee shirts where I live. I’m not even sure what it is. My guess it is a Christian clothing company. But I’m not totally sure. (Update: It is a Christian clothing line located in Southern California)

So here is my humble opinion about this particular statement/brand/company.

I think “Not of this World” is a horrific/disastrous message. What is even a greater tragedy is for Christians to be getting excited about these 4 words. And let me tell you, people are excited about “Not Of This World” because I see it EVERYWHERE!!!

I would prefer for people get excited about the message “Be In The World!” Yes, BE IN THE WORLD. Slap that on your bumper!

That “other” message…we’ve got that one down already. How do I know this? It is demonstrated by our tragic lack of influence on the culture at large and our rather “clean” hands these days.

Let’s jump into the world. It’s where the action is.

Just submitted the title of my talk and a summary paragraph for Ministry Com. I’m excited to present there September 18. MinistryCOM is the only national conference dedicated to church communications professionals.

SHAMU AND THE UNFORTUNATE TAMING OF THE WILD

Artists, communicators, and the dreamers of the world have bought into the lie of living safely. Often the ideas that could make the most impact for the kingdom are left to die a lonely death. Through discouragement, critics, and the lack of personal courage, we have accepted a life of safety and have allowed the maverick spirit of creativity be tamed. In this session, Mike Foster will unpack the true story of living on the edge and encourage all of us to dream a little bigger and live a little wilder.

These people were at Wimbledon Championships at the All England Club last week. Apparently, they are really into tennis. And freakin people out.

Whatever is going on here is pretty clever and certainly interesting. These pics are not altered. The people actually look like that while they were watching the tennis match.

I think it is creepy and cool all at the same time.

So is the truly the evolution of man?

What they need to show is Man maximizing influence, goodness, and the beautiful. All this has come with the help of technology.

It is forward progress, not backwards.

We just launched a new campaign over at Deadly Viper called People of the Second Chance.

The People of the Second Chance is a community of individuals who advocate radical grace and second chances. We champion lost causes and think that a second chance is a human right.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE.

It is truly a free new world. First Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails blew up the paid model. Now Coldplay.

In their first week, it looks like Coldplay will go on to SELL almost 700,000 copies of their new album “Viva La Vida.”

However, they started with a free download of “Violet Hill.” They then announced a free show at Madison Square Garden in New York to promote their new album.

Even though the music industry is down 11% from last year, Coldplay is not.

Consider the free option and find new wins.

I’m really looking forward to seeing Wall-E. I’m planning on taking my kids this weekend while we are in San Diego.

In my mind, Pixar can do no wrong.

Also, I love the retro movie posters that they have created for the marketing of the film.

Controversial and throught provoking. I will miss George Carlin and statements like this.

“If there’s ever a golden age of mankind, it will not include men over two hundred pounds beating children who are less than one hundred pounds, and it will not include the deliberate killing of people in a formal setting.”

You can stream the new Sigur Ros album “Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust” over at their website.

Or you can buy it in Itunes this coming Tuesday, June 24.

I’m a HUGE fan so this is a great summer treat!

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN.

And yes, if you were wondering, those are naked men running through a field.