My ex-wife had a thing for “haunted stuff” and once upon a time I had an interest in this as well. I still believe there are many things in this world we do not understand, and I have taken the position that we are not meant to until the Lord decides it to be. But that is not the point to this blog post. The reason for the “Haunted” background has to to with the certificate you see with this post. The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Assylum is a historical location that uses ghost tours as a mean of revenue to fund the restoration of the buildings. Even if you are not into ghost stuff the main building is a beautiful hand-cut stone building for those who like that kind of thing, and a big testament to the improvements in medical care and mental health.. http://trans-alleghenylunaticasylum.com/.

Among the certificates and other items, I have hanging on my wall I keep this hanging as well. Now I know what you are asking yourself, why would a Pastor keep something so questionable hanging on his wall with his other credentials of education and training? As I hope you have read in the caption under the photo, this certificate is part of a tour gimmick. The Reason of Commital “Egotism” in this case is drawn from actual diagnosis records from the records of this historical acility. I honestly found it quite comical when I received it. The reason that I keep it on my wall today is a reminder to not take myself too seriously.f

I also like to see who is actually paying attention when they look at the stuff I have on display, only a few have picked up on it and had the courage to ask about it. But overall the core purpose is an everyday reminder that what I do is not for my benefit, or to take any glory for myself. It is about glorifying the Lord, spreading his word, the lessons of Jesus Christ, and strengthening the Kingdom of God. I believe a healthy sense of humor is relevant to ministry within certain limits of course. I see this today as one of those little reminders that the Lord throws in to keep you centered, so it has become a centerpiece to that lesson in my basement office space.

Don’t take your self too seriously as well, we are but servants to God, his children of faith, and as such should give all glory to him.


5 In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for


“God opposes the proud


but gives grace to the humble.”