david hayward. artist. cartoonist. teacher.

If you want to be free you must:

1. no longer worry about money
2. no longer worry about attendance
3. speak only what you know to be the truth
4. be yourself always without apologies
5. allow others the freedom to make their own choices
6. do not exclude anyone; include everyone
7. call bulls**t when you see or hear it
8. coerce no one ever for anything, no matter how important
9. do not cling to anything or anyone
10. trust God for the future in all things

The fine art photograph is the creation of my friend Mark Hemmings, and is from his mannequin series.

Lisa and I went to the grocery store this morning. Here’s a conversation I had with someone we met there:

Him: “Hi! I know I said I was going to come to your church. But I went and tried XYZ church, and I really like it. It’s nice and big!”

Me: “It is nice and big!”

Him: “Well, it’s just so… big. I liked it.”

Me: “Good. I’m glad you found somewhere you like.”

Him: “Oh, well. I like your church too. I like them both. It’s just that, it’s just that that one is so nice and big!”

Me: “It sure is! Listen, you don’t have to explain it to me. Whatever turns your crank. I’m glad you’re happy there.”

Him: “No, I don’t mean that. I love your teaching, but that other church is just so nice and big. I liked it.”

Me: “I’m glad you liked it. You don’t need to explain to me. I understand.”

Him: “Well, maybe I’ll come to both. You know, your’s one week and the other the next week.”

Me: “Sure. Whatever you want to do. We don’t take attendance. You’re free to come and go.”

Him: “Ya. It’s just that the other one was so… so… nice… and so big!”

Me: “It sure is. See ya.”

Him: “Yup. Bye!”

The fine art photo is the creation of my friend Mark Hemmings.