Your Type is:
ENFP
Extroverted Intuitive Feeling Perceiving
Strength of the preferences %
33 33 56 11
ENFPs have what some call a "silly switch." They can be intellectual, serious, all business for a while, but whenever they get the chance, they flip that switch and become CAPTAIN WILDCHILD, the scourge of the swimming pool, ticklers par excellence. Sometimes they may even appear intoxicated when the "switch" is flipped.
ENFPs hate bureaucracy, both in principle and in practice; they will always make a point of launching one of their crusades against some aspect of it.
The "Champion Idealists" (ENFP's) are abstract in thought and speech, cooperative in accomplishing their aims, and informative and extraverted when relating with others. For Champions, nothing occurs which does not have some deep ethical significance, and this, coupled with their uncanny sense of the motivations of others, gives them a talent for seeing life as an exciting drama, pregnant with possibilities for both good and evil. This type is found in only about 3 percent of the general population, but they have great influence because of their extraordinary impact on others. "Champions" are inclined to go everywhere and look into everything that has to do with the advance of good and the retreat of evil in the world. They can't bear to miss out on what is going on around them; they must experience, first hand, all the significant social events that affect our lives. And then they are eager to relate the stories they've uncovered, hoping to disclose the "truth" of people and issues, and to advocate causes. This strong drive to unveil current events can make them tireless in conversing with others, like fountains that bubble and splash, spilling over their own words to get it all out.
"Champions" consider intense emotional experiences as being vital to a full life, although they can never quite shake the feeling that a part of themselves is split off, uninvolved in the experience. Thus, while they strive for emotional congruency, they often see themselves in some danger of losing touch with their real feelings, which "Champions" possess in a wide range and variety. In the same vein, "Champions" strive toward a kind of spontaneous personal authenticity, and this intention always to "be themselves" is usually communicated nonverbally to others, who find it quite attractive. All too often, however, "Champions" fall short in their efforts to be authentic, and they tend to heap coals of fire on themselves, berating themselves for the slightest self-conscious role-playing.
Famous ENFP's:
Franz Joseph Haydn
Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain)
Will Rogers
Theodor "Dr." Seuss Geisel
Mickey Rooney
Andy Rooney
Carol Burnett
Paul Harvey
Bill Cosby
Dave Thomas
Martin Short
Meg Ryan
Robin Williams
Sandra Bullock
Robert Downey (Heart and Souls)
Alicia Silverstone (Clueless)
Sinbad
Andy Kaufman
Fictional:
Ariel (The Little Mermaid)
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Steve Irkle
“I have come to believe that by and large the human family all has the same secrets, which are both very telling and very important to tell. They are telling in the sense that they tell what is perhaps the central paradox of our condition - that what we hunger for perhaps more than anything else is to be known in our full humanness, and yet that is often just what we also fear more than anything else.” - Frederick Buechner
12.24.2004
Merry Christmas
There’s just something about Christmas. It’s magical, enchanting even. I’d have to say that it’s my favorite time of year. Everything about the season, the traditions, the decorations, the smells, the sounds, the mystery... it’s wonderful! We got our first touch of snow the other day here in Oklahoma and it finally feels like Christmas. I've survived my numerous trips to the mall, enjoyed the lights around town, absorbed the aroma of fresh goods being baked in the oven, and have even endured the massive amounts of wrapping that I have needed to get done for some time now. It's here. Christmas is upon us. Tonight with my friends and family I will partake in some of the many wonderful Christmas traditions that I have come to know and love.. our Candlelight service at church, the big party at my house afterwards complete with cheesecorn chowder and cider, cookies, tons of kids, the search for "the pickle' and of course, the "talent time." (which I could do without, but alas, traditions are traditions). After everyone leaves my family will then go into our separate spaces to wrap last minute gifts and stocking stuffers.. then I'll sneak out late and put cookies and coffee by the fireplace because even though I know "the truth", there's still a part of me that wishes I still believed in Santa. There is nothing like experiencing the "magic" of Christmas through the eyes of a child.
When I think about the Christmas story I think about peace, love, redemption and wonder... and yes, even it's "magic." But this year particularly I think about it's message of hope.
Going to school at Belmont has been an amazing experience for me thus far, everyone is so talented and it’s quite humbling to be a part of such an extraordinary group of people. But at the same time, being surrounded by stimulating talented individuals 24/7 can become a bit intimidating. You wouldn’t believe it, there are kids here who take the air out of the room when they get up and perform. It’s ridiculous. All you can say is “wow.’ This has been a hard thing for me to deal with because while I feel that God has given me some gifts in this area, I know that I don’t possess THAT kind of talent. I don’t have a “wow” factor. I’m not exceptionally smart, I don’t have a musical gift that will knock your socks off, and I’m certainly not a “knockout” beauty queen! I don’t say this out of self-pity or cynicism, in fact, I really don’t mean to sound negative either. I suppose that I say all of this to give encouragement to all the lonely people out there who think their lives are merely “ordinary.”
With the Christmass story in mind, perhaps this is why I love Mary. She was so.. normal. So everyday. So.. plain. As far as we know she didn’t have some amazing talent, she didn’t have an IQ that was off the charts, and she wasn’t a beauty queen either. She didn’t have a standout “wow” factor, and yet God used her in a spectacular way. God chose to bless her with a “wow-factor” that would forever be remembered. The best part is that she never saw it coming, and I highly doubt that any of her friends or family could have predicted what God had planned for her. She was common. Ordinary. In fact, when I look at the Christmas story it became obvious that all of the main characters were ordinary. From Mary and Joseph, to their parents, to the shepherds, God didn’t leave anyone out!
Some days I just can’t wrap my mind around it. When God sent his son into the world.. his only son.. he put him in the care of ordinary people. He didn’t choose the smartest, the most talented, or the most beautiful individuals in Israel to look after the world’s most precious gift, He didn’t even choose people with prior parenting skills! And the first people to hear the glorious news of Jesus’ birth were shepherds! Lower-middle class workers, doing the night shift no less, were the first to worship the newborn babe!
Christmas is a time of hope. A time of expectation. A time when we can go to God and not only thank Him for His precious gift, but to marvel at the very way He chose to come. Our God is the God of the unexpected, and I for one am tremendously glad that He is. The very fact that He chose ordinary people over kings and queens gives me great hope. So this Christmas I choose not to focus on my shortcomings, no matter what they may be, but rather, I choose to rest peacefully in the hope that if God used ordinary people in extraordinary ways some 2000 years ago, then chances are He’s still using ordinary people today.
And THAT my friends, is enchanting.
"Close my eyes and hold my heart
Cover me and make me something
Change this something normal
Into something beautiful "
In Christ it has all been done.
Merry Christmas.
When I think about the Christmas story I think about peace, love, redemption and wonder... and yes, even it's "magic." But this year particularly I think about it's message of hope.
Going to school at Belmont has been an amazing experience for me thus far, everyone is so talented and it’s quite humbling to be a part of such an extraordinary group of people. But at the same time, being surrounded by stimulating talented individuals 24/7 can become a bit intimidating. You wouldn’t believe it, there are kids here who take the air out of the room when they get up and perform. It’s ridiculous. All you can say is “wow.’ This has been a hard thing for me to deal with because while I feel that God has given me some gifts in this area, I know that I don’t possess THAT kind of talent. I don’t have a “wow” factor. I’m not exceptionally smart, I don’t have a musical gift that will knock your socks off, and I’m certainly not a “knockout” beauty queen! I don’t say this out of self-pity or cynicism, in fact, I really don’t mean to sound negative either. I suppose that I say all of this to give encouragement to all the lonely people out there who think their lives are merely “ordinary.”
With the Christmass story in mind, perhaps this is why I love Mary. She was so.. normal. So everyday. So.. plain. As far as we know she didn’t have some amazing talent, she didn’t have an IQ that was off the charts, and she wasn’t a beauty queen either. She didn’t have a standout “wow” factor, and yet God used her in a spectacular way. God chose to bless her with a “wow-factor” that would forever be remembered. The best part is that she never saw it coming, and I highly doubt that any of her friends or family could have predicted what God had planned for her. She was common. Ordinary. In fact, when I look at the Christmas story it became obvious that all of the main characters were ordinary. From Mary and Joseph, to their parents, to the shepherds, God didn’t leave anyone out!
Some days I just can’t wrap my mind around it. When God sent his son into the world.. his only son.. he put him in the care of ordinary people. He didn’t choose the smartest, the most talented, or the most beautiful individuals in Israel to look after the world’s most precious gift, He didn’t even choose people with prior parenting skills! And the first people to hear the glorious news of Jesus’ birth were shepherds! Lower-middle class workers, doing the night shift no less, were the first to worship the newborn babe!
Christmas is a time of hope. A time of expectation. A time when we can go to God and not only thank Him for His precious gift, but to marvel at the very way He chose to come. Our God is the God of the unexpected, and I for one am tremendously glad that He is. The very fact that He chose ordinary people over kings and queens gives me great hope. So this Christmas I choose not to focus on my shortcomings, no matter what they may be, but rather, I choose to rest peacefully in the hope that if God used ordinary people in extraordinary ways some 2000 years ago, then chances are He’s still using ordinary people today.
And THAT my friends, is enchanting.
"Close my eyes and hold my heart
Cover me and make me something
Change this something normal
Into something beautiful "
In Christ it has all been done.
Merry Christmas.
Labels:
Best of Danica,
deep thoughts,
faith,
holidays,
Jesus,
love
12.18.2004
And so it is.
Everytime I sit down to type something out, nothing comes. Which is odd, because I definitely have thiings to say, I guess I just don't have any good ways to say them. Now that I think about it, this is not so suprising.
I've decided that this semester has been my favorite thus far.
I passed all of my classes! For a while there I was worried that I might get a 'd' or two (which are considered failing if they are in a courses that are required for your major), but I didn't! I didn't even get any C's! Yay.
So much to say... but no way to say it.
I've decided that this semester has been my favorite thus far.
I passed all of my classes! For a while there I was worried that I might get a 'd' or two (which are considered failing if they are in a courses that are required for your major), but I didn't! I didn't even get any C's! Yay.
So much to say... but no way to say it.
12.17.2004
Do the world a favor: Stop shopping at Wal-Mart.
Ford vs. Wal-Mart: A Tale of Two Companies
by David Batstone and David Chandler
The AFL-CIO has launched a major campaign to draw attention to the business practices of Wal-Mart. "The biggest corporation in America today has a business plan that lowers standards, first among its own employees and ultimately for all Americans," says John Sweeney, president of the AFL-CIO.
Is Sweeney's assessment fair and accurate? Wal-Mart, with over $250 billion in annual sales, is more often praised for its streamlined business model. Its inventory system and distribution network are beyond compare in the retail industry.
Wal-Mart's recipe for success, however, does depend as well on squeezing labor costs. The majority of its hourly workers earn less than $8.50 an hour, which means that a full-time sales clerk at Wal-Mart falls under the official U.S. poverty level for a family of four.
Nearly a century ago, Henry Ford planned for his employees to be his best customers. Challenging the conventional wisdom that the best way to maximize profits was to tailor your product to the wealthiest segment of society, Ford decided to market his black Model T as "America's Everyman car."
For Ford, mass production went hand-in-hand with mass consumption. He established a simple benchmark for worker compensation: His workers should be able to buy the product they were making. Ford promised a $5-a-day minimum wage for all his workers - twice the prevailing automobile industry average.
Doing so, Ford created a virtuous circle. Workers flocked to his factory to apply for positions. If they managed to secure a coveted job, then in time they too would be able to afford one of his cars. The company flourished on these twin pillars - a desirable product and a highly motivated employee base. By the time production of the Model T ceased in 1927, Ford had sold more than 15 million cars - half the world's output.
Compare Ford's virtuous cycle with Wal-Mart's dual strategy of ruthless cost-cutting and "Everyday low prices." On the surface, the goal is the same - produce goods that consumers want and can afford to buy. The result in implementation, however, is vastly different.
While Ford's business model helped lay the foundation for a rising middle class in America, the Wal-Mart model reinforces downward mobility. Wal-Mart today is the largest commercial employer of labor in the United States. In 2002, 82 percent of American households bought something at Wal-Mart. Americans must love to shop at Wal-Mart; on the other hand, maybe they have no choice. A sizeable percentage of Wal-Mart's sales come from low-income households.
The effort to minimize production costs is a legitimate business strategy; no argument there. But does Wal-Mart realize that the employees whose wages they squeeze are often the customers upon whom they rely to fuel their business?
While Ford created demand and wealth with a new and innovative product, Wal-Mart displaces existing demand - siphoning consumption from elsewhere by under-cutting prices. Wal-Mart sets the pricing agenda in whichever market it enters. Suppliers and competitors are squeezed - forced either to push jobs overseas themselves, or forced out of business altogether. For every Wal-Mart supercenter that opens in the next five years, two other supermarkets will close.
Now that it has reached the bargain basement on domestic production costs, Wal-Mart is increasingly turning to overseas operations to stock its shelves. Wal-Mart's domination of the U.S. retail economy has ramifications beyond its own profit margin.
Many economists present Wal-Mart as a net-positive for the U.S. economy. The popular interpretation of anti-trust law today holds that large companies are only a threat to the community if their dominance results in rising prices for consumers. Hence, Wal-Mart escapes regulation because the company's domination of the retail sector delivers lower prices, across the board. Little long-term thought is given to the wider implications of the methods the company uses to produce those lower prices.
The single-minded pursuit of economic growth can exact a heavy toll on a community. Our economic goal of creating wealth should coincide with our ideals of human and societal development. In today's business environment dominated by Wal-Mart, Henry Ford's ideas would be as revolutionary as they were when they were first applied.
-David Batstone is author of Saving the Corporate Soul and Executive Editor of Sojourners magazine.
-David Chandler is the Associate Director of the Center for Non-Profit Management at the University of Miami (FL).
by David Batstone and David Chandler
The AFL-CIO has launched a major campaign to draw attention to the business practices of Wal-Mart. "The biggest corporation in America today has a business plan that lowers standards, first among its own employees and ultimately for all Americans," says John Sweeney, president of the AFL-CIO.
Is Sweeney's assessment fair and accurate? Wal-Mart, with over $250 billion in annual sales, is more often praised for its streamlined business model. Its inventory system and distribution network are beyond compare in the retail industry.
Wal-Mart's recipe for success, however, does depend as well on squeezing labor costs. The majority of its hourly workers earn less than $8.50 an hour, which means that a full-time sales clerk at Wal-Mart falls under the official U.S. poverty level for a family of four.
Nearly a century ago, Henry Ford planned for his employees to be his best customers. Challenging the conventional wisdom that the best way to maximize profits was to tailor your product to the wealthiest segment of society, Ford decided to market his black Model T as "America's Everyman car."
For Ford, mass production went hand-in-hand with mass consumption. He established a simple benchmark for worker compensation: His workers should be able to buy the product they were making. Ford promised a $5-a-day minimum wage for all his workers - twice the prevailing automobile industry average.
Doing so, Ford created a virtuous circle. Workers flocked to his factory to apply for positions. If they managed to secure a coveted job, then in time they too would be able to afford one of his cars. The company flourished on these twin pillars - a desirable product and a highly motivated employee base. By the time production of the Model T ceased in 1927, Ford had sold more than 15 million cars - half the world's output.
Compare Ford's virtuous cycle with Wal-Mart's dual strategy of ruthless cost-cutting and "Everyday low prices." On the surface, the goal is the same - produce goods that consumers want and can afford to buy. The result in implementation, however, is vastly different.
While Ford's business model helped lay the foundation for a rising middle class in America, the Wal-Mart model reinforces downward mobility. Wal-Mart today is the largest commercial employer of labor in the United States. In 2002, 82 percent of American households bought something at Wal-Mart. Americans must love to shop at Wal-Mart; on the other hand, maybe they have no choice. A sizeable percentage of Wal-Mart's sales come from low-income households.
The effort to minimize production costs is a legitimate business strategy; no argument there. But does Wal-Mart realize that the employees whose wages they squeeze are often the customers upon whom they rely to fuel their business?
While Ford created demand and wealth with a new and innovative product, Wal-Mart displaces existing demand - siphoning consumption from elsewhere by under-cutting prices. Wal-Mart sets the pricing agenda in whichever market it enters. Suppliers and competitors are squeezed - forced either to push jobs overseas themselves, or forced out of business altogether. For every Wal-Mart supercenter that opens in the next five years, two other supermarkets will close.
Now that it has reached the bargain basement on domestic production costs, Wal-Mart is increasingly turning to overseas operations to stock its shelves. Wal-Mart's domination of the U.S. retail economy has ramifications beyond its own profit margin.
Many economists present Wal-Mart as a net-positive for the U.S. economy. The popular interpretation of anti-trust law today holds that large companies are only a threat to the community if their dominance results in rising prices for consumers. Hence, Wal-Mart escapes regulation because the company's domination of the retail sector delivers lower prices, across the board. Little long-term thought is given to the wider implications of the methods the company uses to produce those lower prices.
The single-minded pursuit of economic growth can exact a heavy toll on a community. Our economic goal of creating wealth should coincide with our ideals of human and societal development. In today's business environment dominated by Wal-Mart, Henry Ford's ideas would be as revolutionary as they were when they were first applied.
-David Batstone is author of Saving the Corporate Soul and Executive Editor of Sojourners magazine.
-David Chandler is the Associate Director of the Center for Non-Profit Management at the University of Miami (FL).
12.14.2004
12.13.2004
12.11.2004
"How do you expect me to respond to this?"
The other night I made the mistake of watching “When Harry meet Sally.” Don’t get me wrong, I love that movie, but I needed to watch it just to see if I still believed in its truths, and sadly.. I do. Yes america. I am one of “those people” who believes that single men and women cannot be friends without one of them being attracted at some point. I hate that I believe in this.. but it’s true! Admit it! It is SO true. The sucky part about this theology is that, in my life, it seems I am always the one who is attracted. Ok, I take that back.. there have been a few times where certain friends of mine have been attracted and I haven’t returned the favor.. but it’s been a while since I have been in that position (which, for the record, I hate, because there have been times were I have really wished that I could have feelings for people that I don’t have feelings for) ok wait.. now that I think about it, there was a tiny situation about a month ago where this sort of thing happened so maybe it hasn’t been “a while”.. wow, maybe I should stop complaining.
Anyhow. My point is this, and I think I have illustrated it quite well by now: The attempt is futile. Try as you might to be a single person in a platonic relationship with a single person of the opposite sex, it will never work. ok, so yes, it can work.. but be prepared because eventually, at some point, one will become “attracted” to the other. Whether there are intense feelings or not, whether you admit or not, whether “emotions” are ever discussed or not, it will happen. It’s a law somewhere. I just know it. And good luck to you if you happen to be the sucker who falls first. Because then what do you do? Tell them? How could you? You are friends, you value the friendship, you don’t want to end things all together, you don’t want things to be “awkward” blah blah blah. Face it. You’re screwed.
Now I know what you’re thinking. “Now Danica.. I have TONS of single guy/girl friends, and there is nothing going on... etc.” Well of course there isn’t anything going on! We are kings and queens of deception, haven’t you noticed? We’ve become masters at hiding the truth when it comes to how we really feel.
I would love to end this little soliloquy on a happy note.. but alas, how can I, Miss “Independent woman, Single and strong for 4 years long” instill hope in anyone on this subject? What do I know? I guess I could say that best case scenario you could end up like Harry and Sally.. but even then.. it took them 12 years to figure things out! Who has that kind of time? I will say this... I don’t think that attraction in a platonic relationship means death, but it definitely complicates things. I have single guy friends whom I have “liked” or who have “liked” me at some point or another, and we have managed to remain friends. Granted, in the cases where I have been the one attracted, they’ve had no idea.. but the point is that I managed to keep the friendship intact. So, maybe I am contradicting myself, but yes.. platonic relationships are possible.. but I don’t think they are as platonic as we like to think they are.
Just watch ‘When Harry Met Sally”.. such a great movie...
Anyhow. My point is this, and I think I have illustrated it quite well by now: The attempt is futile. Try as you might to be a single person in a platonic relationship with a single person of the opposite sex, it will never work. ok, so yes, it can work.. but be prepared because eventually, at some point, one will become “attracted” to the other. Whether there are intense feelings or not, whether you admit or not, whether “emotions” are ever discussed or not, it will happen. It’s a law somewhere. I just know it. And good luck to you if you happen to be the sucker who falls first. Because then what do you do? Tell them? How could you? You are friends, you value the friendship, you don’t want to end things all together, you don’t want things to be “awkward” blah blah blah. Face it. You’re screwed.
Now I know what you’re thinking. “Now Danica.. I have TONS of single guy/girl friends, and there is nothing going on... etc.” Well of course there isn’t anything going on! We are kings and queens of deception, haven’t you noticed? We’ve become masters at hiding the truth when it comes to how we really feel.
I would love to end this little soliloquy on a happy note.. but alas, how can I, Miss “Independent woman, Single and strong for 4 years long” instill hope in anyone on this subject? What do I know? I guess I could say that best case scenario you could end up like Harry and Sally.. but even then.. it took them 12 years to figure things out! Who has that kind of time? I will say this... I don’t think that attraction in a platonic relationship means death, but it definitely complicates things. I have single guy friends whom I have “liked” or who have “liked” me at some point or another, and we have managed to remain friends. Granted, in the cases where I have been the one attracted, they’ve had no idea.. but the point is that I managed to keep the friendship intact. So, maybe I am contradicting myself, but yes.. platonic relationships are possible.. but I don’t think they are as platonic as we like to think they are.
Just watch ‘When Harry Met Sally”.. such a great movie...
12.09.2004
I'll take Relevance for $500.
Yay! I FINALLY found a way to "speak my mind" on an issue that I have been thinking about a lot lately..(ever since I read Henri Nouwen's chapter on Relevance in his book In The Name of Jesus)... This article (posted below) is from relevant's web page...
Everyone seems to be talking about being “relevant” these days, as you already know since you’re visiting this website. Relevance has become the new measure by which we judge everything Christian—music, churches, authors, etc. “Are they relevant?” we ask. I personally feel some dissatisfaction with this word. It seems our generation has defined relevance in terms of cultural relevance, which, for entertainment junkies like us, amounts to pop cultural relevance.
No one would ever say it this way, but the message I’m getting is that relevance is a matter of being up on the latest entertainment trends and being able to discuss them intelligently. On these terms, being a relevant Christian seems to amount to being able to express some aspect of your faith in a way that is in keeping with the best of the latest entertainment trends. So, being relevant means—being hip? Are you starting to see the problem?
Every generation has its cultural idols and blind spots. Our parents’ generation was heavily political, and Christians of our parents’ generation were convinced that if the Church was going to remain relevant to the culture, it needed to acquire political power. Jerry Falwell’s Moral Majority and other organizations were attempts by that generation of Christians to be “relevant” and “influential.”
Today, we laugh and perhaps even weep at the folly of an overly political agenda for Christianity. We have seen the effects of Christianity becoming another special interest group, just a wing of the Republican Party. We wonder how Christians could’ve gotten so off-track. We wonder because, frankly, ours is not a politically minded generation, and so we do not have the same blind spot our parents had. Ours is an entertainment-minded generation, which leads us down a different, but still very off-track, road.
If we dress the Gospel in the clothing of the latest pop culture trends in the name of “relevance,” we run the risk of making the same mistake of our parents’ generation and of countless other generations before us—of allowing society to set the agenda and push us into its mold. We will not have a politicized Gospel, as the previous generation created, but we may have an en-culturated Gospel. Instead of being political elites, mocking those who are out of touch with politics or who disagree with our brand of it, we may become cultural elitists, with the same arrogance and the same narrow mindset.
The Gospel isn’t about politics. America will not be saved by the election of a Republican president and a Republican Congress (as we are seeing right now). But the Gospel isn’t about the latest entertainment trends either, and America will not be saved just because Switchfoot and P.O.D. are hitting the top of the charts.
Christians of the last generation seemed to want the world to look at them and say, “Look how politically influential they are. We’d better respect them.” I’m afraid too many in our generation want the world to look at Christians and say, “Look how cool they are. They’re not that different than we are. Maybe we should like them and listen to them.” Yet Christians in the early Church didn’t strive for either of these things. The world looked at them and said, “Look how they love one another. They’re so different from the rest of us. How could this dead man named Jesus give them such hope?” Now, there’s real relevance.
Some of you will no doubt be thinking, “But music and movies and art are the language of our generation. It’s what our generation understands. We have to speak in that way.” Perhaps. Yet how different is that from saying, “But politics is the only language this culture understands. If we want to be heard, we need a political voice”? Jesus has given us a language to speak, a language that matches the Gospel better than either entertainment or politics—love.
In the last generation, while some were busy building a Moral Majority, others were in the streets loving the dropouts and deadbeats. These longhaired people-lovers were known simply as “Jesus People,” and some of them may have made good music, but that’s not what made them powerful in reaching a lost generation.
So, who wants to be relevant? Well, I do. I want to speak the truth of God in a way that my generation will understand. But I don’t think we’ll do that by capturing the White House or the music charts. I think we’ll only do that by loving one another and the world around us radically and sacrificially—just like Jesus.
[Jason Van Bemmel is a seminary student and freelance writer who works for New Covenant Christian School in Bel Air, Md.]
Everyone seems to be talking about being “relevant” these days, as you already know since you’re visiting this website. Relevance has become the new measure by which we judge everything Christian—music, churches, authors, etc. “Are they relevant?” we ask. I personally feel some dissatisfaction with this word. It seems our generation has defined relevance in terms of cultural relevance, which, for entertainment junkies like us, amounts to pop cultural relevance.
No one would ever say it this way, but the message I’m getting is that relevance is a matter of being up on the latest entertainment trends and being able to discuss them intelligently. On these terms, being a relevant Christian seems to amount to being able to express some aspect of your faith in a way that is in keeping with the best of the latest entertainment trends. So, being relevant means—being hip? Are you starting to see the problem?
Every generation has its cultural idols and blind spots. Our parents’ generation was heavily political, and Christians of our parents’ generation were convinced that if the Church was going to remain relevant to the culture, it needed to acquire political power. Jerry Falwell’s Moral Majority and other organizations were attempts by that generation of Christians to be “relevant” and “influential.”
Today, we laugh and perhaps even weep at the folly of an overly political agenda for Christianity. We have seen the effects of Christianity becoming another special interest group, just a wing of the Republican Party. We wonder how Christians could’ve gotten so off-track. We wonder because, frankly, ours is not a politically minded generation, and so we do not have the same blind spot our parents had. Ours is an entertainment-minded generation, which leads us down a different, but still very off-track, road.
If we dress the Gospel in the clothing of the latest pop culture trends in the name of “relevance,” we run the risk of making the same mistake of our parents’ generation and of countless other generations before us—of allowing society to set the agenda and push us into its mold. We will not have a politicized Gospel, as the previous generation created, but we may have an en-culturated Gospel. Instead of being political elites, mocking those who are out of touch with politics or who disagree with our brand of it, we may become cultural elitists, with the same arrogance and the same narrow mindset.
The Gospel isn’t about politics. America will not be saved by the election of a Republican president and a Republican Congress (as we are seeing right now). But the Gospel isn’t about the latest entertainment trends either, and America will not be saved just because Switchfoot and P.O.D. are hitting the top of the charts.
Christians of the last generation seemed to want the world to look at them and say, “Look how politically influential they are. We’d better respect them.” I’m afraid too many in our generation want the world to look at Christians and say, “Look how cool they are. They’re not that different than we are. Maybe we should like them and listen to them.” Yet Christians in the early Church didn’t strive for either of these things. The world looked at them and said, “Look how they love one another. They’re so different from the rest of us. How could this dead man named Jesus give them such hope?” Now, there’s real relevance.
Some of you will no doubt be thinking, “But music and movies and art are the language of our generation. It’s what our generation understands. We have to speak in that way.” Perhaps. Yet how different is that from saying, “But politics is the only language this culture understands. If we want to be heard, we need a political voice”? Jesus has given us a language to speak, a language that matches the Gospel better than either entertainment or politics—love.
In the last generation, while some were busy building a Moral Majority, others were in the streets loving the dropouts and deadbeats. These longhaired people-lovers were known simply as “Jesus People,” and some of them may have made good music, but that’s not what made them powerful in reaching a lost generation.
So, who wants to be relevant? Well, I do. I want to speak the truth of God in a way that my generation will understand. But I don’t think we’ll do that by capturing the White House or the music charts. I think we’ll only do that by loving one another and the world around us radically and sacrificially—just like Jesus.
[Jason Van Bemmel is a seminary student and freelance writer who works for New Covenant Christian School in Bel Air, Md.]
12.07.2004
fum. fum. fum. (and other nonsense)
Today was the last day of classes here at good ole Belmont U. I can't believe that this semester is already over. Where did all of the days go? Only 3 more semesters. The end is painfully close, and I am not at all prepared for it! Scary to think about, isn't it? Where will we be in 2 years? The horizon is completely dark before me. In all honesty, I have no idea what to expect, or how to plan and prepare. But then again, I suppose no amount of planning and preperation can truly prepare me for the unknown. What will be, will be, I just hope I'm ready to face it when it comes. I must say, when I think of these things I feel a twinge of jealousy toward my married friends.. I can't imagine dealing with the stresses of married life right now, but at the same time, at least they have the security of knowing that they won't be facing the future alone. (yes, yes.. none of us are truly alone, but you know what I mean..) There are benefits to both situations, I'm sure.
Anyhow.. it looks as though I will NOT fail Diction or Ear Training. 10 points for me! I might even manage to pull off a C in diction and a B in Ear Training.. but I don't want to jinx myself... 3 1/2 more tests, and a jury, and I'm done! Wohoo! I'll be here till Sunday the 19th though. (ahh the joys of being an RA)
Christmastime's a' commin'. I survived another "Christmas at Belmont" this weekend. Not too terrible, the scheduling was much better than last year, but the program wasn't as good. PBS will be airing last years program on Dec 22 @ 8pm CST.
Speaking of Christmas.. I am SO not ready! I haven't bought gifts for anyone yet! (with the exception of some of my brothers stuff) I'm still waiting on a few checks before I can really do some damage...
Alright.. that's my postable update.
Tchus.
Anyhow.. it looks as though I will NOT fail Diction or Ear Training. 10 points for me! I might even manage to pull off a C in diction and a B in Ear Training.. but I don't want to jinx myself... 3 1/2 more tests, and a jury, and I'm done! Wohoo! I'll be here till Sunday the 19th though. (ahh the joys of being an RA)
Christmastime's a' commin'. I survived another "Christmas at Belmont" this weekend. Not too terrible, the scheduling was much better than last year, but the program wasn't as good. PBS will be airing last years program on Dec 22 @ 8pm CST.
Speaking of Christmas.. I am SO not ready! I haven't bought gifts for anyone yet! (with the exception of some of my brothers stuff) I'm still waiting on a few checks before I can really do some damage...
Alright.. that's my postable update.
Tchus.
12.05.2004
People are talking...
"To him that you tell your secret you resign your liberty."
-Anonymous Proverb
-Anonymous Proverb
12.04.2004
12.02.2004
And once again, mediocrity prevails.
BRIEFING: Fighting AIDS and Global Poverty in the US 2005 Budget
FY2005 BUDGET AND THE IMPACT ON AIDS AND POVERTY
November 2004
Congress has finished work on the budget for fiscal year 2005, which increases the U.S. effort to fight poverty and disease in developing countries by $1 billion, to a total of $9.7 billion. This total includes a $400 million increase in new appropriations for HIV/AIDS, a $500m increase for the Millennium Challenge and a net increase of approximately $80 million for other key accounts that provide funding for debt relief, child and maternal health, water, and education.
HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria
The President requested $2.8b for global HIV/AIDS in FY2005 which included $200 million for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria. After deliberating between the House level of $2.8b and the Senate level of $3.1b, Congress has agreed to appropriate $2.8b for AIDS, TB, malaria and research in FY2005 but to use $88m in unobligated funds from FY2004 so that a total of $2.9b would be available for spending. The result is a $400m increase in appropriations in FY2005 but a $600m increase in funds available.
The Millennium Challenge
The Millennium Challenge is designed to reward democratic countries that are fighting corruption and investing in the health and education of their people while also creating an incentive for other countries to do so as well. In order to meet its goals of enabling qualified countries to make real progress in their development objectives while creating an incentive for other countries to make the reforms necessary to qualify, the Millennium Challenge must be robustly funded. Yet despite the President’s request to scale up from the FY2004 level of $1b to $2.5b in FY2005, the House and Senate allocations cut the program to $1.25b and $1.12b respectively. In the Conference, Congress added funding to increase the final allocation to $1.5b. This total marks a $500m increase over FY2004 levels but is $1b less than the President requested.
Other Key Accounts
In addition to the above, the Foreign Operations account provides education, clean water, debt relief and funding for child and maternal health for the poorest people of the world through a variety of key programs. As the need for such programs continues to rise, funding levels have remained largely stagnant. The total net increase in the FY2005 budget is $80m: this includes increases such as a $71m increase for Development Assistance, a $113m increase for disaster and famine funding, $18m in emergency disaster and famine relief for Sudan, and $15m for non-AIDS, TB or malaria related Child Survival and Health. Notable cuts were made to the International Development Association (IDA), the Asian Development Bank and the Global Environmental Facility.
FY2005 BUDGET AND THE IMPACT ON AIDS AND POVERTY
November 2004
Congress has finished work on the budget for fiscal year 2005, which increases the U.S. effort to fight poverty and disease in developing countries by $1 billion, to a total of $9.7 billion. This total includes a $400 million increase in new appropriations for HIV/AIDS, a $500m increase for the Millennium Challenge and a net increase of approximately $80 million for other key accounts that provide funding for debt relief, child and maternal health, water, and education.
HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria
The President requested $2.8b for global HIV/AIDS in FY2005 which included $200 million for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria. After deliberating between the House level of $2.8b and the Senate level of $3.1b, Congress has agreed to appropriate $2.8b for AIDS, TB, malaria and research in FY2005 but to use $88m in unobligated funds from FY2004 so that a total of $2.9b would be available for spending. The result is a $400m increase in appropriations in FY2005 but a $600m increase in funds available.
The Millennium Challenge
The Millennium Challenge is designed to reward democratic countries that are fighting corruption and investing in the health and education of their people while also creating an incentive for other countries to do so as well. In order to meet its goals of enabling qualified countries to make real progress in their development objectives while creating an incentive for other countries to make the reforms necessary to qualify, the Millennium Challenge must be robustly funded. Yet despite the President’s request to scale up from the FY2004 level of $1b to $2.5b in FY2005, the House and Senate allocations cut the program to $1.25b and $1.12b respectively. In the Conference, Congress added funding to increase the final allocation to $1.5b. This total marks a $500m increase over FY2004 levels but is $1b less than the President requested.
Other Key Accounts
In addition to the above, the Foreign Operations account provides education, clean water, debt relief and funding for child and maternal health for the poorest people of the world through a variety of key programs. As the need for such programs continues to rise, funding levels have remained largely stagnant. The total net increase in the FY2005 budget is $80m: this includes increases such as a $71m increase for Development Assistance, a $113m increase for disaster and famine funding, $18m in emergency disaster and famine relief for Sudan, and $15m for non-AIDS, TB or malaria related Child Survival and Health. Notable cuts were made to the International Development Association (IDA), the Asian Development Bank and the Global Environmental Facility.
12.01.2004
Today is World AIDS Day...
A project of the United Nations, World AIDS Day was conceived and adopted unanimously by 140 countries meeting at the World Summit of Ministers of Health on AIDS, London in January 1988. The day was envisaged as an opportunity for governments, national AIDS programs, non-governmental and local organizations, as well as individuals everywhere, to demonstrate both the importance they attached to the fight against AIDS and their solidarity in this effort.
Today HIV/AIDS is at it's climax across the globe...** Today there are 39.4 million people living with HIV/AIDS. 2.2 million are children under 15
** In 2004, there were 4.9 million new cases of HIV reported.
**In 2003 3.1 million people died from AIDS
**Total number of AIDS deaths between 1981 and the end of 2003: 20 million.
**In 2003, young people (15-24 years old) accounted for half of all new HIV infections worldwide, more than 6,000 became infected with HIV every day.
This years theme for World AIDS day is "Women and Girls & AIDS because, unfortunately, statistically, females have been hit the hardest by this disease...
**By December 2004 women accounted for 47% of all people living with HIV worldwide, and for 57% in sub-Saharan Africa.
Regionally speaking, Africa has suffered the most from this pandemic..**More than 25 million Africans have HIV. Today, 6,300 people in Africa will die of HIV/AIDS and another 8,500 will become infected with the virus. Tomorrow, the cycle will repeat itself. The African continent is losing an entire generation of teachers, nurses, farmers, mothers, and fathers, already leaving behind 12 million orphans.
However,regardless of location, AIDS is on the rise...
The disease is slowly spreading mass destruction across the globe.. thanks to blood sharks, China and the rest of Asia have already begun to see a dramatic increase in HIV/AIDS cases this year.
In addition, America now has over 1 million known AIDS cases.
It is important to remember that this disease involves far more than poor lifestyle choices. Education and medication are key. There is no cure for AIDS, but there are medications that prolong life and make it possible for HIV patients to live normal lives for as long as possible.
If you think AIDS is not an economic issue, think again. If you think that the world does not discriminate against AIDS.. think again...
**An estimated five million people in low and middle income countries do not have the AIDS drugs which could save their lives
We are truly blessed.
Make a difference, sign "THE ONE Campaign" today.
And watch this video...
Much love
(statistics taken from www.avert.com)
Today HIV/AIDS is at it's climax across the globe...** Today there are 39.4 million people living with HIV/AIDS. 2.2 million are children under 15
** In 2004, there were 4.9 million new cases of HIV reported.
**In 2003 3.1 million people died from AIDS
**Total number of AIDS deaths between 1981 and the end of 2003: 20 million.
**In 2003, young people (15-24 years old) accounted for half of all new HIV infections worldwide, more than 6,000 became infected with HIV every day.
This years theme for World AIDS day is "Women and Girls & AIDS because, unfortunately, statistically, females have been hit the hardest by this disease...
**By December 2004 women accounted for 47% of all people living with HIV worldwide, and for 57% in sub-Saharan Africa.
Regionally speaking, Africa has suffered the most from this pandemic..**More than 25 million Africans have HIV. Today, 6,300 people in Africa will die of HIV/AIDS and another 8,500 will become infected with the virus. Tomorrow, the cycle will repeat itself. The African continent is losing an entire generation of teachers, nurses, farmers, mothers, and fathers, already leaving behind 12 million orphans.
However,regardless of location, AIDS is on the rise...
The disease is slowly spreading mass destruction across the globe.. thanks to blood sharks, China and the rest of Asia have already begun to see a dramatic increase in HIV/AIDS cases this year.
In addition, America now has over 1 million known AIDS cases.
It is important to remember that this disease involves far more than poor lifestyle choices. Education and medication are key. There is no cure for AIDS, but there are medications that prolong life and make it possible for HIV patients to live normal lives for as long as possible.
If you think AIDS is not an economic issue, think again. If you think that the world does not discriminate against AIDS.. think again...
**An estimated five million people in low and middle income countries do not have the AIDS drugs which could save their lives
We are truly blessed.
Make a difference, sign "THE ONE Campaign" today.
And watch this video...
Much love
(statistics taken from www.avert.com)
11.30.2004
yeah.
Apparently monsoon season is upon us.
..and to add insult to injury, it looks as though I'll have a "d" in english diction.
That sucks.
And so does a lot of other stuff at the moment.
..and to add insult to injury, it looks as though I'll have a "d" in english diction.
That sucks.
And so does a lot of other stuff at the moment.
11.29.2004
When you wish upon a star.... not much happens.
How is it that I have grown so afraid of all the things I used to enjoy? I never used to be so inhibited. I used to love performing and flying and being the center of attention, but now these situations stress me out! There was a time when I knew nothing of nerves, and fear was something I only experienced when mom caught me in a lie, but it seems that lately fear and nervousness have taken residence in several areas of my life... and I really don’t like it.
I don’t really consider myself a shy person, just much more reserved than I used to be. I suppose that’s somewhat normal, but even so. Who’s faullt is this? How do these sorts of changes happen, and how was I unaware of them at the time they were taking place? Are they reversible? Can the past be undone? And would I really want to go back and change things if I could? After all, I don’t think I turned out all that bad... and I think some of my fearlessness as a child was slightly due in part to immaturity. Looking back, I was lucky that I was never abducted. I’d talk to anyone, about anything.. and good luck getting rid of me! (hmm, maybe some things haven’t changed all that much..)
I don’t mind being more reserved, but I do wish that I could salvage some of my childhood fearlessness. I wish I could honestly say that I don’t care about what others think of me. I wish that I could enjoy singing the way I used to instead of being overcome with fear of failure every time I have to perform. I wish that turbulence didn’t flood my mind with visions of death and set my heart racing. .. so many things I wish... in the words of Ms. Braxton.. “I wish I didn’t wish so hard..”
I don’t really consider myself a shy person, just much more reserved than I used to be. I suppose that’s somewhat normal, but even so. Who’s faullt is this? How do these sorts of changes happen, and how was I unaware of them at the time they were taking place? Are they reversible? Can the past be undone? And would I really want to go back and change things if I could? After all, I don’t think I turned out all that bad... and I think some of my fearlessness as a child was slightly due in part to immaturity. Looking back, I was lucky that I was never abducted. I’d talk to anyone, about anything.. and good luck getting rid of me! (hmm, maybe some things haven’t changed all that much..)
I don’t mind being more reserved, but I do wish that I could salvage some of my childhood fearlessness. I wish I could honestly say that I don’t care about what others think of me. I wish that I could enjoy singing the way I used to instead of being overcome with fear of failure every time I have to perform. I wish that turbulence didn’t flood my mind with visions of death and set my heart racing. .. so many things I wish... in the words of Ms. Braxton.. “I wish I didn’t wish so hard..”
It wouldn't be a Thanksgiving vist home without...
-too much food
- too much noise at grandmom’s house
-The sermonized prayer at the dinner table
-games
-The dreaded question. (and the dreaded answer)
- Thanksgiving morning preperation stress
- Football.
-being suprised by (even more) changes on the house
-The wednesday morning phone call asking me to sing on Sunday morning...
-A terrible performance at church
- Danica and Julie random movie night!
- Explaining (for the thousandth time) what I’m doing, and where I go to school
- Being teased for my “liberal” ideas
-mom feeling “ganged up” on
-listening to Josh play
-the chores list
-dinner at Gaillardia. (prime rib, shrimp, lobster, yum!)
- christmas decorating
-christmas movies
-christmas music
- everything Christmas
-Not enough sleep!!
- too much noise at grandmom’s house
-The sermonized prayer at the dinner table
-games
-The dreaded question. (and the dreaded answer)
- Thanksgiving morning preperation stress
- Football.
-being suprised by (even more) changes on the house
-The wednesday morning phone call asking me to sing on Sunday morning...
-A terrible performance at church
- Danica and Julie random movie night!
- Explaining (for the thousandth time) what I’m doing, and where I go to school
- Being teased for my “liberal” ideas
-mom feeling “ganged up” on
-listening to Josh play
-the chores list
-dinner at Gaillardia. (prime rib, shrimp, lobster, yum!)
- christmas decorating
-christmas movies
-christmas music
- everything Christmas
-Not enough sleep!!
11.22.2004
She's Thankful for...
So it’s almost Thanksgiving. The time where we sit around stuffing ourselves in the name of “tradition” (which could be debated) and tell each other that we are thankful to be the free American capitalists that we are... ahh good times.
Well I have no qualms with turkey, but the ‘proud to be an American’ bit lost it’s luster a few years ago.. SO, in an attempt to put thankfulness back into Thanksgiving I decided to post a list of things that I am thankful for... (side note: just so you know... in an effort to save time and space, this list does not contain the basic things I am thankful for, such as food, water, good health and shelter... yes, I am very thankful for all of these things too..)
Alrighty, here goes nothing...
I’m thankful...
1. ...for my newfound Christian friends. I was beginning to give up hope of ever finding any. They have, by far, been the greatest blessings in my life this year.
2. As much as I hate myself for it, I am thankful that I am an analytical person. Sure it’s annoying, and sure, sometimes it feels like my head never gets any rest.. but I’ve grown accustomed to this terrible habit, and now I can’t really imagine things any other way.
3....that I have a brother who calls me, and isn’t afraid to “discuss” issues with me. I’m thankful that he will let me disclose all the details of my life without judging me. Yay Josh, I love you!
4. ...for my church. While there are times that I feel like the black sheep in the crowd, I am thankful that I have a church to call home here in Nashville.
5. ...that my friends trust me enough to ask me for advice, even if it is difficult at times.
6. As much as it sucks, I’m glad that God is slowly opening my eyes to what I really want out of life.
7. I’m extremely thankful for all of the opportunities I have had this semester: being an RA, heading up H&H, volunteering, visiting politicians.. I am truly blessed to be in a position to do so many different things...
8. “...that I’m incapable of doing any good on my own.” =)
9. ...that God doesn’t give me everything I ask for
10. ...that my 2 mile is faster than Cadet Clark’s. (haha, sorry, it’s a “Vision” thing)
11. ...that the only religious persecution I have to endure consists of: the preconceived ideas of others, sarcasm, the occasional eye-roll, and Lifeway.
12....that I’m not right about everything.
13. ...for my family... Even if I disagree with them a lot, I am still blessed to have them.
14. ...that I have more confidence this year, I’m a little less of an emotional pushover. YAY!
15. ...that I can run 3.5 miles! Ahhh!
16. ...that God saved me from this summer... in more ways than one..
17. ..that I’m a tad bit more patient than I was when I arrived in August, though not by much.
18. ...that my car has made it through the semester without any trouble! (amen!)
19. ...that I’m actually in a good choir now. yay.
20. ...that God has kept me open-minded to new people, places, things, and ideas.
21. ...for my cat. 15 yrs and still going strong. wow.
and finally, (though there are so many more..)
22. ... for all of my friends, all over the world (literally!). I know it sounds cheesy, but you have all added a piece of your uniqueness to my life. Thanks.
Have a great holiday! Be safe!
Well I have no qualms with turkey, but the ‘proud to be an American’ bit lost it’s luster a few years ago.. SO, in an attempt to put thankfulness back into Thanksgiving I decided to post a list of things that I am thankful for... (side note: just so you know... in an effort to save time and space, this list does not contain the basic things I am thankful for, such as food, water, good health and shelter... yes, I am very thankful for all of these things too..)
Alrighty, here goes nothing...
I’m thankful...
1. ...for my newfound Christian friends. I was beginning to give up hope of ever finding any. They have, by far, been the greatest blessings in my life this year.
2. As much as I hate myself for it, I am thankful that I am an analytical person. Sure it’s annoying, and sure, sometimes it feels like my head never gets any rest.. but I’ve grown accustomed to this terrible habit, and now I can’t really imagine things any other way.
3....that I have a brother who calls me, and isn’t afraid to “discuss” issues with me. I’m thankful that he will let me disclose all the details of my life without judging me. Yay Josh, I love you!
4. ...for my church. While there are times that I feel like the black sheep in the crowd, I am thankful that I have a church to call home here in Nashville.
5. ...that my friends trust me enough to ask me for advice, even if it is difficult at times.
6. As much as it sucks, I’m glad that God is slowly opening my eyes to what I really want out of life.
7. I’m extremely thankful for all of the opportunities I have had this semester: being an RA, heading up H&H, volunteering, visiting politicians.. I am truly blessed to be in a position to do so many different things...
8. “...that I’m incapable of doing any good on my own.” =)
9. ...that God doesn’t give me everything I ask for
10. ...that my 2 mile is faster than Cadet Clark’s. (haha, sorry, it’s a “Vision” thing)
11. ...that the only religious persecution I have to endure consists of: the preconceived ideas of others, sarcasm, the occasional eye-roll, and Lifeway.
12....that I’m not right about everything.
13. ...for my family... Even if I disagree with them a lot, I am still blessed to have them.
14. ...that I have more confidence this year, I’m a little less of an emotional pushover. YAY!
15. ...that I can run 3.5 miles! Ahhh!
16. ...that God saved me from this summer... in more ways than one..
17. ..that I’m a tad bit more patient than I was when I arrived in August, though not by much.
18. ...that my car has made it through the semester without any trouble! (amen!)
19. ...that I’m actually in a good choir now. yay.
20. ...that God has kept me open-minded to new people, places, things, and ideas.
21. ...for my cat. 15 yrs and still going strong. wow.
and finally, (though there are so many more..)
22. ... for all of my friends, all over the world (literally!). I know it sounds cheesy, but you have all added a piece of your uniqueness to my life. Thanks.
Have a great holiday! Be safe!
11.18.2004
"...one vast substantial smile"
Today looks and feels like Dickens. Mom says that the trees are gorgeous back home. It was all she could talk about on the phone. The trees here are almost naked, but a few are holding out on us. There is a row of trees on campus that have all turned a deep red autumn shade, and it is quite beautiful if I do say so myself. There's also a tree by me that is really yellow and I get to walk under it everyday, and everyday I think, "If I could only take a picture and make it look exactly as I see it now, if I could take a picture by blinking my eyes or something..." but I know that a picture would seem anti-climatic after experiencing it for myself.. even if it is something as simple as a tree. Earlier today I saw a dark Honda Prelude drive by, and to my suprise I felt my stomach get all weird. How is it that some people move on more quickly than others? Not that I haven't moved on, because I definitely have, I just thought I had passed the point of "feeling" anything about the situation.. but now that I think about it, I suppose that's an unrealistic expectation to have.
"Why are you wearing that stupid human suit?"
I told you Sam Walton was satan. "With a lion like Wal-Mart on the loose, no store is ever safe.."
...But did I tell you that Dick Cheney is "Just like a Stepford Wife!"?
---------------------------------------------
I am so, so sad that Colin Powell is resigning! He was the best part of the Bush administration, in my opinion. And Condoleezza Rice? Don't get me started... Call me a pessimist, but the thought of the damage that this appointment will bring makes me ill!
---------------------------------------------
Sad day! The Belcourt is showing the directors cut of Donnie Darko.. but they're showing it on November 26th, when I won't be here! BUT, I won't have to miss their midnight showing of Dr. Strangelove on December 3rd!
---------------------------------------------
Saw Miss Saigon last night. So good. So sad. Poor Kim. =(
---------------------------------------------
I go home Tuesday... should be interesting.
---------------------------------------------
Well.. I've procrastinated my paper long enough... till next time..
Peace, Love, and cheese...
...But did I tell you that Dick Cheney is "Just like a Stepford Wife!"?
---------------------------------------------
I am so, so sad that Colin Powell is resigning! He was the best part of the Bush administration, in my opinion. And Condoleezza Rice? Don't get me started... Call me a pessimist, but the thought of the damage that this appointment will bring makes me ill!
---------------------------------------------
Sad day! The Belcourt is showing the directors cut of Donnie Darko.. but they're showing it on November 26th, when I won't be here! BUT, I won't have to miss their midnight showing of Dr. Strangelove on December 3rd!
---------------------------------------------
Saw Miss Saigon last night. So good. So sad. Poor Kim. =(
---------------------------------------------
I go home Tuesday... should be interesting.
---------------------------------------------
Well.. I've procrastinated my paper long enough... till next time..
Peace, Love, and cheese...
11.17.2004
11.14.2004
Pet Peeve #98745
Those who, either in word or in deed, subscribe to the philosophy that states that "romantic" love is a cure to loneliness.
This is not true.
I wasn't going to post about this... but it's too late now.
I'll be the first to admit that this is hard trap to avoid. After all, our culture has "Jerry-McGuired" us into believing that there are people out there who can "complete' us. But based on my experience (which, granted, is limited) "romantic" love is most definitely NOT a cure to loneliness. In fact, some of my loneliest moments were moments when I was dealing with "romantic" love.
I think that part of the problem here is our definition of "love." Sadly, the English language only has 1 word for love, whereas other languages have several. (Greek, for example, has 4) It is interesting to look at the implications this has made on our society. We throw the word “love” around as if it were any common noun or verb. We love chocolate, the color blue, the ocean, and sometimes we even love people! Because of our limited vocabulary options, we are forced to define love every time we use the term.
In my mind love is a choice. It’s a call to compassion, it’s a commitment to caring. A commitment that says, from now on, whether I “feel” like it or not, I choose to act in this persons best interest. Love is selfless, and therefore, is difficult. I think that this “version” of love is a cure to loneliness because it calls us into community and forces us into solidarity with others.
Unfortunately, we often confuse fondness and attraction with love. Granted, these are wonderful emotions, and often they are extremely powerful but they are not a “choice” as love is. You can’t control who you will or will not “like,” but you can control who you will or will not love. Attraction and fondness will not cure loneliness! They might subdue it for a while, but is only a matter of time before you’ll be faced with situations that call for commitment or conscious decisions rather than emotions.
In my opinion this is why so many marriages fail, because they are based on a love that is purely emotional: intense feelings of attraction and passion mixed in with an overall “caring” attitude. Now I’ve never been married, but I know for a fact that this kind of love has a limited shelf-life.
This should also explain why I don’t really believe in “love-at first-sight” either. (I know, I know.. what kind of a female am I?) I mean sure, I believe in attraction at first sight. I believe in that initial feeling of “Oh, my goodness..” or in some cases “Please God, not now..” but LOVE at first sight? I’m not so sure... after all, if you can “fall” IN love so quickly, who’s to say that you can’t “fall” OUT of love just as fast? (again, another example of how liberally we use the word “love”)
I don’t know when it happened but somewhere along the way I became aware of the fact that no one will ever complete me like God does... because in Him I am complete! Does this mean that I see no point in marriage? No, it doesn’t. I believe in marriage. I’m a fan. And I think that there are people that are meant to be together. There are people who, together, can do more for “the kingdom” together than they could on their own. So yes, yay marriage! This realization simply means that I am free from putting that expectation onto a mere human (who should never have to carry that kind of burden anyway!). It also means that, as much as I hate to admit it, deep down I know that I can handle being single for the rest of my life if that’s what God has planned. Wow I really hate saying that... but it’s true, and I also know that if that’s my “destiny” then God will change the way I feel about it. (because I’m not exactly “fond” of the idea...)
Anyhow, I say all of this because over the past month I have been confronted with several situations that revolved around this twisted way of thinking, around the idea that loneliness can be destroyed with a significant other. Multiple friends have come to me describing desires for fulfillment, and each time they summed up their wish by saying “I just want someone to love me. I just want to be satisfied.”
Let me just say that it kills me to hear my friends “longing” for such things, because I know what it is that they are really looking for. How can anyone argue that fact that God has placed something in us that makes us yearn for Him? Yes, we all want the “physical” something in the “here and now”, something tangible... but at the end of the day, whether we have the tangible or not, we all long for completion, for fulfillment, and there is only one who can meet that need.
This is not true.
I wasn't going to post about this... but it's too late now.
I'll be the first to admit that this is hard trap to avoid. After all, our culture has "Jerry-McGuired" us into believing that there are people out there who can "complete' us. But based on my experience (which, granted, is limited) "romantic" love is most definitely NOT a cure to loneliness. In fact, some of my loneliest moments were moments when I was dealing with "romantic" love.
I think that part of the problem here is our definition of "love." Sadly, the English language only has 1 word for love, whereas other languages have several. (Greek, for example, has 4) It is interesting to look at the implications this has made on our society. We throw the word “love” around as if it were any common noun or verb. We love chocolate, the color blue, the ocean, and sometimes we even love people! Because of our limited vocabulary options, we are forced to define love every time we use the term.
In my mind love is a choice. It’s a call to compassion, it’s a commitment to caring. A commitment that says, from now on, whether I “feel” like it or not, I choose to act in this persons best interest. Love is selfless, and therefore, is difficult. I think that this “version” of love is a cure to loneliness because it calls us into community and forces us into solidarity with others.
Unfortunately, we often confuse fondness and attraction with love. Granted, these are wonderful emotions, and often they are extremely powerful but they are not a “choice” as love is. You can’t control who you will or will not “like,” but you can control who you will or will not love. Attraction and fondness will not cure loneliness! They might subdue it for a while, but is only a matter of time before you’ll be faced with situations that call for commitment or conscious decisions rather than emotions.
In my opinion this is why so many marriages fail, because they are based on a love that is purely emotional: intense feelings of attraction and passion mixed in with an overall “caring” attitude. Now I’ve never been married, but I know for a fact that this kind of love has a limited shelf-life.
This should also explain why I don’t really believe in “love-at first-sight” either. (I know, I know.. what kind of a female am I?) I mean sure, I believe in attraction at first sight. I believe in that initial feeling of “Oh, my goodness..” or in some cases “Please God, not now..” but LOVE at first sight? I’m not so sure... after all, if you can “fall” IN love so quickly, who’s to say that you can’t “fall” OUT of love just as fast? (again, another example of how liberally we use the word “love”)
I don’t know when it happened but somewhere along the way I became aware of the fact that no one will ever complete me like God does... because in Him I am complete! Does this mean that I see no point in marriage? No, it doesn’t. I believe in marriage. I’m a fan. And I think that there are people that are meant to be together. There are people who, together, can do more for “the kingdom” together than they could on their own. So yes, yay marriage! This realization simply means that I am free from putting that expectation onto a mere human (who should never have to carry that kind of burden anyway!). It also means that, as much as I hate to admit it, deep down I know that I can handle being single for the rest of my life if that’s what God has planned. Wow I really hate saying that... but it’s true, and I also know that if that’s my “destiny” then God will change the way I feel about it. (because I’m not exactly “fond” of the idea...)
Anyhow, I say all of this because over the past month I have been confronted with several situations that revolved around this twisted way of thinking, around the idea that loneliness can be destroyed with a significant other. Multiple friends have come to me describing desires for fulfillment, and each time they summed up their wish by saying “I just want someone to love me. I just want to be satisfied.”
Let me just say that it kills me to hear my friends “longing” for such things, because I know what it is that they are really looking for. How can anyone argue that fact that God has placed something in us that makes us yearn for Him? Yes, we all want the “physical” something in the “here and now”, something tangible... but at the end of the day, whether we have the tangible or not, we all long for completion, for fulfillment, and there is only one who can meet that need.
Labels:
Best of Danica,
deep thoughts,
Jesus,
love,
marriage
11.13.2004
Patience: How's that for a Four-Letter Word?
I’ve thought a lot about patience these past few weeks. As many of you know, I have never considered myself to be a patient person. Some might say I’m impulsive.. I like to call it “pro-active.” So I’m not one who likes to wait around, but who is? Let’s face it, American culture has conditioned us to believe that patience means surviving the 3 minute holdup on your fries at McDonalds. No matter what “it” is, we want it now!
I constantly struggle with being patient. It’s irritating. I often find myself wondering why this particular discipline takes so long to master.. I often think, “Why is God taking so long to teach me something I am so willing to learn?” Oh the irony of patience. Like everything else, it’s a process, and when you are an impatient person, it’s not so fun.
So I was reading through parts of 2 Samuel the other day and I came across the passage in Chapter 7 where David toys with the idea of building a house for the ark of the covenant, but in the end, God says no. (because that’s Solomon’s job...) Well I got to thinking. Here’s David, wanting to do a “noble” thing, something beneficial, something “worthy” that one would think God would be pleased with.. and yet God says, “Thanks, but no. Not your responsibility. Patience, David, patience.”
Ok, so maybe he doesn’t put it in those specific terms, but essentially that’s what I see being said here. Interesting, isn’t it? Generally I tend to think of patience in selfish terms, in other words, “I want something I can’t have yet, so I have to be patient.” Or, “I want to achieve this, but it’s taking forever for me to get there, so I have to be patient.” But oddly enough, sometimes God calls us to be patient regarding things that, to us, seem God-ordained.
I just finished a book that addresses this specific issue here’s a bit of what its authors had to say:
“Often, what we want to do seems so unquestionably good- setting up a religious education program, helping with a soup kitchen, listening to people’s problems, visiting the sick, planning the liturgy, working with prisoners or mental patients- that it is hard to realize that even these things can be done with impatience and so become signs of our own needs rather than of God’s compassion... We tend to be so concerned with doing something worthwhile, bringing about changes, planning, organizing, structuring, and restructuring that we often seem to forget that it is not we who redeem, but God... Then even the Lord has become the victim of our impatience.” (for more where that came from, check out "Compassion: A Reflection on the Christian Life", by Henri Nouwen, Donald McNeil, and Douglas Morrison)
The authors point out the fact that the words “passion” and “patience” both find their roots in the Latin word ‘pati’ which means ‘suffering.’ Thus they state that compassion could be read ‘Com-patient.’ They claim that “If we cannot be patient, we cannot be ‘com-patient.’ If we ourselves are unable to suffer, we cannot suffer with others. If we lack the strength to carry the burden of our own lives, we cannot accept the burden of our neighbors.”
Obviously I’ve had patience on the brain these past few weeks. I’ve come to learn that patience is more than passivity, and that it is hardly the state of powerlessness that our society associates it with. Patience is just as much endurance as anything else. Patience requires prayer. (perhaps this is where David went wrong; caught up in his good intentions he failed to consult with God first) Patience involves a level of suffering and above all, patience requires faith. A faith that believes that what you are waiting for, or working through will one day be complete (in one way or another).
Bottom line: Patience is complicated and as a discipline it is extremely difficult to learn, but as Christians it is essential to our "fruitfulness." (is that a word?) I might struggle with patience, but I'm letting God work on me...and for now I take comfort in the fact that I am not alone in this struggle...at least I know that I have something in common with David... =)
I constantly struggle with being patient. It’s irritating. I often find myself wondering why this particular discipline takes so long to master.. I often think, “Why is God taking so long to teach me something I am so willing to learn?” Oh the irony of patience. Like everything else, it’s a process, and when you are an impatient person, it’s not so fun.
So I was reading through parts of 2 Samuel the other day and I came across the passage in Chapter 7 where David toys with the idea of building a house for the ark of the covenant, but in the end, God says no. (because that’s Solomon’s job...) Well I got to thinking. Here’s David, wanting to do a “noble” thing, something beneficial, something “worthy” that one would think God would be pleased with.. and yet God says, “Thanks, but no. Not your responsibility. Patience, David, patience.”
Ok, so maybe he doesn’t put it in those specific terms, but essentially that’s what I see being said here. Interesting, isn’t it? Generally I tend to think of patience in selfish terms, in other words, “I want something I can’t have yet, so I have to be patient.” Or, “I want to achieve this, but it’s taking forever for me to get there, so I have to be patient.” But oddly enough, sometimes God calls us to be patient regarding things that, to us, seem God-ordained.
I just finished a book that addresses this specific issue here’s a bit of what its authors had to say:
“Often, what we want to do seems so unquestionably good- setting up a religious education program, helping with a soup kitchen, listening to people’s problems, visiting the sick, planning the liturgy, working with prisoners or mental patients- that it is hard to realize that even these things can be done with impatience and so become signs of our own needs rather than of God’s compassion... We tend to be so concerned with doing something worthwhile, bringing about changes, planning, organizing, structuring, and restructuring that we often seem to forget that it is not we who redeem, but God... Then even the Lord has become the victim of our impatience.” (for more where that came from, check out "Compassion: A Reflection on the Christian Life", by Henri Nouwen, Donald McNeil, and Douglas Morrison)
The authors point out the fact that the words “passion” and “patience” both find their roots in the Latin word ‘pati’ which means ‘suffering.’ Thus they state that compassion could be read ‘Com-patient.’ They claim that “If we cannot be patient, we cannot be ‘com-patient.’ If we ourselves are unable to suffer, we cannot suffer with others. If we lack the strength to carry the burden of our own lives, we cannot accept the burden of our neighbors.”
Obviously I’ve had patience on the brain these past few weeks. I’ve come to learn that patience is more than passivity, and that it is hardly the state of powerlessness that our society associates it with. Patience is just as much endurance as anything else. Patience requires prayer. (perhaps this is where David went wrong; caught up in his good intentions he failed to consult with God first) Patience involves a level of suffering and above all, patience requires faith. A faith that believes that what you are waiting for, or working through will one day be complete (in one way or another).
Bottom line: Patience is complicated and as a discipline it is extremely difficult to learn, but as Christians it is essential to our "fruitfulness." (is that a word?) I might struggle with patience, but I'm letting God work on me...and for now I take comfort in the fact that I am not alone in this struggle...at least I know that I have something in common with David... =)
Normal is relative...
...it just doesn't happen to be a relative of mine.
Mom...
Chicago had cows, Nashville had catfish, Oklahoma has... Buffalo?
The Living Room Installation
Quoted on CNN?
The FECU Memorial Garden. Yup. She found time to design this too.
Wow. My mom is so much cooler than me.
Dad..
See, we're nothing like the family on 6 Feet Under..
Me...
My Frame..(oh wait.. mom did this too.. it's just named after me..)
But I am here! Scroll Down!
Josh...
I found a lot of weird "Josh Mercer" entries.. but none of them were the right Josh. =( I tried!
Mom...
Chicago had cows, Nashville had catfish, Oklahoma has... Buffalo?
The Living Room Installation
Quoted on CNN?
The FECU Memorial Garden. Yup. She found time to design this too.
Wow. My mom is so much cooler than me.
Dad..
See, we're nothing like the family on 6 Feet Under..
Me...
My Frame..(oh wait.. mom did this too.. it's just named after me..)
But I am here! Scroll Down!
Josh...
I found a lot of weird "Josh Mercer" entries.. but none of them were the right Josh. =( I tried!
11.11.2004
Happy Birthday to...
JULES!!
Yay. I love you and I miss you so much! Happy 21st. Congratulations, you're legal. (yeah yeah, wohoo.. we know, we know..) But seriously. Be happy!
I saw your post, and might I add:
A. You are NOT old!
B. News Flash, A LOT has changed since you were 15, and I have the pictures to prove it. We were weird. Trust me in this, you have surpassed that stage of your life.. (i'm still working on mine, but that's beside the point..) Don't believe me? remember Mrs. Thionnet? Hmm.. remember how the biggest stress in our lives was making those stupid masks, and "God so Loved the World," and Mrs. Rezek, and the Chili Supper, and not getting into Stu-Co, and should you do training or not, and how could Jordan date Megan, and yadda yadda yadda? Think of all the things we've dealt with since then, and now look at how miniscule all of those things are now in the light of the past 6 years. Plus you've learned to drive!
C. You do not have to have a plan for your life yet! I know I should take my own advice here, but enjoy the fact that you don't know where everything/anything is going! I'm slowly (ever so slowly) learning that this is a blessing in disguise that we often write off as this horrible state of imbalance. This way of thinking is dangerous! It keeps us slaving away to get to "the next step" or "the next big thing" so much so that it paralyzes us from living in the current moment. (you can feel free to make me eat all of this later because I'm sure I'll give you the opportunity)
D. I don't think anyone every really knows where their life is going. We simply try to convince ourselves and others that we do as a means of justification for the choices we make. Think about it. At the end of the day, how much control do you really have? We can stress over every detail of our lives, big or small.. but ultimately what will be, will be. Intimidating yes.. but oddly liberating at the same time.
and here's why..
E. God has a plan and a purpose for you. (and He loves you too.. which is nice.) So as hard as it is sometimes, "Be still and know that He is God.." He is God, and thankfully, we aren't. So we don't have to have it all figured out. Not at 15, 21, 41 or 91.
"The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever- do not abandon the works of your hands."
Ps. 138:8
Now go relax and have GREAT day!
Happy Birthday!! I will see you soon!!!!
Yay. I love you and I miss you so much! Happy 21st. Congratulations, you're legal. (yeah yeah, wohoo.. we know, we know..) But seriously. Be happy!
I saw your post, and might I add:
A. You are NOT old!
B. News Flash, A LOT has changed since you were 15, and I have the pictures to prove it. We were weird. Trust me in this, you have surpassed that stage of your life.. (i'm still working on mine, but that's beside the point..) Don't believe me? remember Mrs. Thionnet? Hmm.. remember how the biggest stress in our lives was making those stupid masks, and "God so Loved the World," and Mrs. Rezek, and the Chili Supper, and not getting into Stu-Co, and should you do training or not, and how could Jordan date Megan, and yadda yadda yadda? Think of all the things we've dealt with since then, and now look at how miniscule all of those things are now in the light of the past 6 years. Plus you've learned to drive!
C. You do not have to have a plan for your life yet! I know I should take my own advice here, but enjoy the fact that you don't know where everything/anything is going! I'm slowly (ever so slowly) learning that this is a blessing in disguise that we often write off as this horrible state of imbalance. This way of thinking is dangerous! It keeps us slaving away to get to "the next step" or "the next big thing" so much so that it paralyzes us from living in the current moment. (you can feel free to make me eat all of this later because I'm sure I'll give you the opportunity)
D. I don't think anyone every really knows where their life is going. We simply try to convince ourselves and others that we do as a means of justification for the choices we make. Think about it. At the end of the day, how much control do you really have? We can stress over every detail of our lives, big or small.. but ultimately what will be, will be. Intimidating yes.. but oddly liberating at the same time.
and here's why..
E. God has a plan and a purpose for you. (and He loves you too.. which is nice.) So as hard as it is sometimes, "Be still and know that He is God.." He is God, and thankfully, we aren't. So we don't have to have it all figured out. Not at 15, 21, 41 or 91.
"The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever- do not abandon the works of your hands."
Ps. 138:8
Now go relax and have GREAT day!
Happy Birthday!! I will see you soon!!!!
11.10.2004
Danica takes on "The Tennessean"
Since it probably won't make it into the paper, I thought someone should enjoy the fruits of my labor.. so here they are, for what they're worth.. my "Letter(s) to the Editor." (side note: you'll see 2 letters that are somewhat similar posted below... one is my origianl letter.. the other is the edited version that Bread For the World thought I should submit.. I'll let you figure out which is which..)
------------
As a twenty-year old college student, I am accustomed with the stereotype that America's younger generation is politically inactive. However, I would counter that many of us do care deeply about America's influence in the world, expecially when it comes to foreign affairs and terrorism. Terrorism exists and grows in many forms, poverty being one of them. By keeping our promises to the world and fully funding certain International Development Programs, we could not only help fight Global poverty, but help to stop terrorism before it starts.
Two new foreign assistance programs- The Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) and the Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief- promise to help alleviate suffering, keep disease at bay and to provide opportunities for hungry people in poor countries to care for their families. With hunger and poverty on the rise around the world, we need to strengthen these initiatives to move forward in the fight against poverty. Both the MCA and the AIDS initiative, as well as significant appropriations for Sudan are included in the Foreign Operations Bill that can potentially be brought to the floor during Congress' lame duck session beginning November 16th.
In the final funding decisions of this Congress, we need to urge our leaders to help reduce global hunger and disease by providing appropriate funds to both intiatives without making cuts to other crucial programs. As Tennesseans, we have been blessed with leadership such as that of Sen. Bill Frist. As a student who cares about America's political leadership, I can only hope that Senator Frist will use his voice to help fully fund these programs and to move the Foreign Operations Bill to the floor this month.
---------------
As a twenty-year old college student I have grown accustomed to dealing with the political stereotypes that America places on its younger generation, but I have yet to acclimate myself to the world's perception of America.
For example, as American's we are once again represented by an Administration that is self-proclaimed as antiterrorism. While this statement is certainly a worthy aspiration I'd like to take a moment to ponder the implications of this
dangerous generalization. If we are truly going to fight terrorism, then we must be consistent. Terrorism exists in many forms, poverty being one of them. We must keep our promises to the world by fully funding programs such as the Foreign Operations Bill which contains several key initiatives that would not only help fight poverty, but would also aid in
salvaging America's global reputation.
Two new foreign assistance programs- The Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) and the Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief- promise to help alleviate suffering, keep disease at bay and to provide opportunities for hungry people in poor countries to care for themselves and their families.
With hunger and poverty on the rise around the world, we need to strengthen these initiatives and move forward in the fight against poverty and oppressive social structures. Fortunately, as Americans we have to opportunity to make a direct contribution to this effort.
Both the MCA and the AIDS initiative, as well as significant appropriations for Sudan are included in the Foreign Operations Bill, which will brought to the floor during Congress' lame duck session beginning November 16th.
In the final funding decisions of this Congress, we need to urge our leaders to help reduce global hunger and disease by providing appropriate funds to these newly developed, bipartisan programs, (without making cuts to other development and poverty-focused assistance programs) by fully funding the Foreign Operations Bill.
As Tennesseans, we have been blessed with leadership such as that of Sen. Bill Frist, who cosponsored the addition of the Sudan Act into the Foreign Operations Bill. I can only hope that our congressmen will follow Sen. Frist's lead, by actively pursuing war on poverty as a key component in the fight against terrorism.
-------------
Wow.. it's scary how "political' I sound! In my defense I did a lot of "cutting and pasting" from Bread For the World's website... I swear I don't walk around talking like this everyday... well.. maybe some days... =)
------------
As a twenty-year old college student, I am accustomed with the stereotype that America's younger generation is politically inactive. However, I would counter that many of us do care deeply about America's influence in the world, expecially when it comes to foreign affairs and terrorism. Terrorism exists and grows in many forms, poverty being one of them. By keeping our promises to the world and fully funding certain International Development Programs, we could not only help fight Global poverty, but help to stop terrorism before it starts.
Two new foreign assistance programs- The Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) and the Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief- promise to help alleviate suffering, keep disease at bay and to provide opportunities for hungry people in poor countries to care for their families. With hunger and poverty on the rise around the world, we need to strengthen these initiatives to move forward in the fight against poverty. Both the MCA and the AIDS initiative, as well as significant appropriations for Sudan are included in the Foreign Operations Bill that can potentially be brought to the floor during Congress' lame duck session beginning November 16th.
In the final funding decisions of this Congress, we need to urge our leaders to help reduce global hunger and disease by providing appropriate funds to both intiatives without making cuts to other crucial programs. As Tennesseans, we have been blessed with leadership such as that of Sen. Bill Frist. As a student who cares about America's political leadership, I can only hope that Senator Frist will use his voice to help fully fund these programs and to move the Foreign Operations Bill to the floor this month.
---------------
As a twenty-year old college student I have grown accustomed to dealing with the political stereotypes that America places on its younger generation, but I have yet to acclimate myself to the world's perception of America.
For example, as American's we are once again represented by an Administration that is self-proclaimed as antiterrorism. While this statement is certainly a worthy aspiration I'd like to take a moment to ponder the implications of this
dangerous generalization. If we are truly going to fight terrorism, then we must be consistent. Terrorism exists in many forms, poverty being one of them. We must keep our promises to the world by fully funding programs such as the Foreign Operations Bill which contains several key initiatives that would not only help fight poverty, but would also aid in
salvaging America's global reputation.
Two new foreign assistance programs- The Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) and the Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief- promise to help alleviate suffering, keep disease at bay and to provide opportunities for hungry people in poor countries to care for themselves and their families.
With hunger and poverty on the rise around the world, we need to strengthen these initiatives and move forward in the fight against poverty and oppressive social structures. Fortunately, as Americans we have to opportunity to make a direct contribution to this effort.
Both the MCA and the AIDS initiative, as well as significant appropriations for Sudan are included in the Foreign Operations Bill, which will brought to the floor during Congress' lame duck session beginning November 16th.
In the final funding decisions of this Congress, we need to urge our leaders to help reduce global hunger and disease by providing appropriate funds to these newly developed, bipartisan programs, (without making cuts to other development and poverty-focused assistance programs) by fully funding the Foreign Operations Bill.
As Tennesseans, we have been blessed with leadership such as that of Sen. Bill Frist, who cosponsored the addition of the Sudan Act into the Foreign Operations Bill. I can only hope that our congressmen will follow Sen. Frist's lead, by actively pursuing war on poverty as a key component in the fight against terrorism.
-------------
Wow.. it's scary how "political' I sound! In my defense I did a lot of "cutting and pasting" from Bread For the World's website... I swear I don't walk around talking like this everyday... well.. maybe some days... =)
11.04.2004
Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered...
Life is so frustrating. Seriously. I don't know what my problem is, but I am pissing myself off. It seems as though everything I need is happeneing 10 minutes too late. Not to mention that currently I am sick and tired of being Miss Give give give all of the time. I'll admit it. I'm selfish... and I hate that part of myself, but at the same time, when is it my turn? I would like to be on the receiving end of some giving here. (haha God, very funny... right after I typed that last line a friend IMed me offering to take me to Las Paletas)
Ok, ok.. so yes it's been one of those days. I'm stressed. My head is tired of trying to work its way around issues that seem to be indefinite, and my body is tired from all of the running and lack of sleep. My bank account is tired of waiting on checks and my emotions are sick of being screwed around with. My apartment has become a pit, and yet it is nothing compared to state of disaster that I feel I am in.
I feel mediocre, as though everything I do is good, but not good enough. I feel like my thoughts and ideas are mundane and that they, like my art are merely exagerated replications of another's genius. I certainly don't feel original.
I find myself asking, "What's the point?"
I know I am not alone in how I feel, so please don't read this as an attempt to fish for compliments, or what have you.. because that's not what I'm getting at. I guess what I am trying to say is that once agian, I have been forced to realize my own humanity, and it sucks.. because I don't want to feel this way. I don't want to be selfish and controlling in terms of my life and where it is going. I don't want to be that person, and try as I might, at the end of the day, whether anyone notices or not... I am.
I suppose we really are helplessly flawed.
But there is hope. Despite the fact that this has been a rough day, there is a part of me that can take it with a grain of salt and interpret this mess of emotions as another simple reminder of how I need Jesus.
Nobody has it all together, thank God.
Ok, ok.. so yes it's been one of those days. I'm stressed. My head is tired of trying to work its way around issues that seem to be indefinite, and my body is tired from all of the running and lack of sleep. My bank account is tired of waiting on checks and my emotions are sick of being screwed around with. My apartment has become a pit, and yet it is nothing compared to state of disaster that I feel I am in.
I feel mediocre, as though everything I do is good, but not good enough. I feel like my thoughts and ideas are mundane and that they, like my art are merely exagerated replications of another's genius. I certainly don't feel original.
I find myself asking, "What's the point?"
I know I am not alone in how I feel, so please don't read this as an attempt to fish for compliments, or what have you.. because that's not what I'm getting at. I guess what I am trying to say is that once agian, I have been forced to realize my own humanity, and it sucks.. because I don't want to feel this way. I don't want to be selfish and controlling in terms of my life and where it is going. I don't want to be that person, and try as I might, at the end of the day, whether anyone notices or not... I am.
I suppose we really are helplessly flawed.
But there is hope. Despite the fact that this has been a rough day, there is a part of me that can take it with a grain of salt and interpret this mess of emotions as another simple reminder of how I need Jesus.
Nobody has it all together, thank God.
It's 1 am I must be lonely...
Or perhaps just wide-awake.
So we made it through elections and once again America proves that good or bad, life goes on.. and hopefully democracy goes with it. Life here is busy as usual and I find myself completely apathetic toward most everything at the moment, especially school. However, today I got my 2 mile down to 21:20... not light-speed of course, but fulfilling nonetheless.
The Hunger and Homelessness Conference went well. Plenty of info as always.. but Baltimore.. wow! You should have seen the leaves, unbelievable. So beautiful. I saved some.
I suppose there are several key things that I could talk about at the moment, but to be honest, my brain is tired. My head gave up on comprehension about 20 minutes ago, so I apologize for all of the rambling...
...time for bed.
So we made it through elections and once again America proves that good or bad, life goes on.. and hopefully democracy goes with it. Life here is busy as usual and I find myself completely apathetic toward most everything at the moment, especially school. However, today I got my 2 mile down to 21:20... not light-speed of course, but fulfilling nonetheless.
The Hunger and Homelessness Conference went well. Plenty of info as always.. but Baltimore.. wow! You should have seen the leaves, unbelievable. So beautiful. I saved some.
I suppose there are several key things that I could talk about at the moment, but to be honest, my brain is tired. My head gave up on comprehension about 20 minutes ago, so I apologize for all of the rambling...
...time for bed.
10.27.2004
Advocacy: The Good, the Bad, the Ugly
This past week has been crazy! And I can only assume that the craziness will continue, but that’s not such a bad thing. I’ve found that at times craziness is beneficial, even essential, to ones sanity. However, in the midst of all the activity, I’ve had to remind myself to slow down, breathe, sleep, eat. I’ve noticed that over these past few weeks I’ve been doing plenty of thinking but I’ve had very little time for reflection; and as past experience has proved, in my life this is generally a danger sign.
So the other day I spent some time reflecting over the past few weeks: the seminars, the convo’s, the programs, the conventions, even conversations that I have had with others, or God. I thought about the direction my life is heading (or better yet, my attempt to understand where my life is going) and the types of things that I have been involved with over these last few years.
Once again I was reminded of how strange God is. I think back to three years ago and to the person I was, and when I flash back to the future it is amazing to see how far God has taken me (and I’m not talking just miles either). If I had any idea then that I would be where I am today, doing the things that I am doing now, I’m not so sure what I would have thought! Seriously, Romans 12:2 has to have been God’s secret agenda for me over these past few years. And I never saw it coming! (which is good, because if I had.. things might have turned out differently...)
Alas, I digress..
So I bet you’re wondering what this post has to do with advocacy. Well.. as I was mulling things over the other day, my usual doubts and fears regarding my current “passions” came to visit me yet again..
The biggest struggle I’ve encountered since I became involved in social justice issues has been trying to find that fine balance between coming across as “advocating” or complaining. All too often it seems as though people who advocate are simply whining, (I blame part of this on the media, who are notorious for portraying activists in this light) and I don’t want to be seen that way. This has become a focal point for me these days. I’ve started forcing myself to ask those dangerous questions such as: “Am I creating a sense of community through this?” “Are these issues promoting unity, or are they keeping us in a state of division, arguing over legalities and petty differences?” “Does this issue divide those who should be in common accord?” (yes.. I just said ‘common accord’.. stop laughing) “Am I taking a particular stance on this issue simply becuase it’s not the majority opinion?” “Am I making political decisions based on what I’ve been conditioned to believe is politically correct?”
I’ll admit it... I really don’t enjoy answering most of those, but lately I have been taking a closer look at my motives in all of this. My biggest fear is that I will get so caught up in everything that I lose sight of the “Why?”. Or worse, that I will be completely ‘sold-out’ to one particular side of an issue to the point that I won’t recognize it’s path of destruction.
In addition, while I don’t base my decisions on the opinions of others, I think it’s safe to say that I haven’t passed the point of caring how others perceive me. I’m sure that to some I come off as a ‘radical,’ as some “hippie” who is always protesting something. Now I can live with the “radical” part (since it adds humor to my life, and well.. I’m really not!).. but I don’t want people to think that I am simply on some “kick” going through some “liberal college phase” where it’s cool to disagree with social norms and conservative ideals all of the time. I want people to take me seriously.
Spiritually speaking, I’ve been praying that God’s opinion remain what matters most in my life. Afterall, at the end of the day, the most important question I can answer is: “What is at the heart of my mission?” ...and the day my answer becomes anything other than Christ, is the day that I am headed for trouble.
Anyhow.. I’m sure you’ve had enough of my stream-of-consciousness musings..
Till next time..
So the other day I spent some time reflecting over the past few weeks: the seminars, the convo’s, the programs, the conventions, even conversations that I have had with others, or God. I thought about the direction my life is heading (or better yet, my attempt to understand where my life is going) and the types of things that I have been involved with over these last few years.
Once again I was reminded of how strange God is. I think back to three years ago and to the person I was, and when I flash back to the future it is amazing to see how far God has taken me (and I’m not talking just miles either). If I had any idea then that I would be where I am today, doing the things that I am doing now, I’m not so sure what I would have thought! Seriously, Romans 12:2 has to have been God’s secret agenda for me over these past few years. And I never saw it coming! (which is good, because if I had.. things might have turned out differently...)
Alas, I digress..
So I bet you’re wondering what this post has to do with advocacy. Well.. as I was mulling things over the other day, my usual doubts and fears regarding my current “passions” came to visit me yet again..
The biggest struggle I’ve encountered since I became involved in social justice issues has been trying to find that fine balance between coming across as “advocating” or complaining. All too often it seems as though people who advocate are simply whining, (I blame part of this on the media, who are notorious for portraying activists in this light) and I don’t want to be seen that way. This has become a focal point for me these days. I’ve started forcing myself to ask those dangerous questions such as: “Am I creating a sense of community through this?” “Are these issues promoting unity, or are they keeping us in a state of division, arguing over legalities and petty differences?” “Does this issue divide those who should be in common accord?” (yes.. I just said ‘common accord’.. stop laughing) “Am I taking a particular stance on this issue simply becuase it’s not the majority opinion?” “Am I making political decisions based on what I’ve been conditioned to believe is politically correct?”
I’ll admit it... I really don’t enjoy answering most of those, but lately I have been taking a closer look at my motives in all of this. My biggest fear is that I will get so caught up in everything that I lose sight of the “Why?”. Or worse, that I will be completely ‘sold-out’ to one particular side of an issue to the point that I won’t recognize it’s path of destruction.
In addition, while I don’t base my decisions on the opinions of others, I think it’s safe to say that I haven’t passed the point of caring how others perceive me. I’m sure that to some I come off as a ‘radical,’ as some “hippie” who is always protesting something. Now I can live with the “radical” part (since it adds humor to my life, and well.. I’m really not!).. but I don’t want people to think that I am simply on some “kick” going through some “liberal college phase” where it’s cool to disagree with social norms and conservative ideals all of the time. I want people to take me seriously.
Spiritually speaking, I’ve been praying that God’s opinion remain what matters most in my life. Afterall, at the end of the day, the most important question I can answer is: “What is at the heart of my mission?” ...and the day my answer becomes anything other than Christ, is the day that I am headed for trouble.
Anyhow.. I’m sure you’ve had enough of my stream-of-consciousness musings..
Till next time..
Labels:
advocacy,
Best of Danica,
deep thoughts,
missions
10.24.2004
Side note..
In response to all of the "fan mail" I've received over certain statements from 'Politically Speaking"... This is what I was trying to say.. I know, I didn't do such a great job at it the first time around...
"Being gay, in the respect that you have same-sex attraction, may be inborn and unavoidable for many. It’s the lifestyle that’s a choice."
This article further explains how I feel about the situation.. it's really good and the author does a better job explaining herself than I do...
To read click HERE
On other matters... I've decided that I am voting on Wednesday, so be sure to send in any last minute propaganda by then.
I've got 2 great posts comming... so stay tuned!
"Being gay, in the respect that you have same-sex attraction, may be inborn and unavoidable for many. It’s the lifestyle that’s a choice."
This article further explains how I feel about the situation.. it's really good and the author does a better job explaining herself than I do...
To read click HERE
On other matters... I've decided that I am voting on Wednesday, so be sure to send in any last minute propaganda by then.
I've got 2 great posts comming... so stay tuned!
10.21.2004
FYI
..I have a musical form of terets. I just know it.
..Sadly, it took me about 10 minutes to figure out how to spell "terets"
..While I was attempting to find the correct spelling I ran across all sorts of things. For example: Google "psychological disorders" and look at what the first entry is. (and what a sad commentary this is on modern day advertising techniques)
...I think I have eaten my weight in chips today while I've been working the desk.
...Now that I think of it, that's really gross... but they tasted really good.
...I have a really good post commming up! Yay. That's right, even BETTER than this one! (hard to imagine, isn't it)
...Lately I've been reminded of how impatient I am.
...Congratulations Nicole! See, I told you that being my friend would pay off! I think this is engagement #9 of my friends. Yay! (and another one bites the dust.. j/k)
...Those last 2 statements were not intended to have anything to do with each other, although, now that I think of it, they could...
...and I have to get back to "work"...
And a real post is coming! I promise! A good one! (I hope)
..Sadly, it took me about 10 minutes to figure out how to spell "terets"
..While I was attempting to find the correct spelling I ran across all sorts of things. For example: Google "psychological disorders" and look at what the first entry is. (and what a sad commentary this is on modern day advertising techniques)
...I think I have eaten my weight in chips today while I've been working the desk.
...Now that I think of it, that's really gross... but they tasted really good.
...I have a really good post commming up! Yay. That's right, even BETTER than this one! (hard to imagine, isn't it)
...Lately I've been reminded of how impatient I am.
...Congratulations Nicole! See, I told you that being my friend would pay off! I think this is engagement #9 of my friends. Yay! (and another one bites the dust.. j/k)
...Those last 2 statements were not intended to have anything to do with each other, although, now that I think of it, they could...
...and I have to get back to "work"...
And a real post is coming! I promise! A good one! (I hope)
10.19.2004
Top 9 Posts of 10/03-10/04
So I was reading through some of my old posts, and I decided that I should honor all of my faithful followers (all 5 of you) with a list of my favorite posts from the past year. That way, when you find yourself extremely bored and in need of quality entertainment, you can come read my opinion of my life, and now you know the best posts to read! (please, no applause..) haha Alrighhty, here they are ...
1. My all-time favorite post of this past year has to be "A Dissertaion over current Fine-Dining Myths, and the rules that should as such be applied." I was really really bitter when I wrote this, so it's especially funny now! To read, click HERE and it should be the second post on the page.
2. The next 3 pose as a sort of 3-way tie.. as is everything on this site.. these are all opinionated, so.. yeah, don't say I didn't warn you... anyhow, here they are: "Religiously Speaking"...
3. ..."Culturally Speaking"...
4. ...and "Politically Speaking" (FYI: Politically Speaking is on this page, just scroll down.. it's long! There should be a link to Religiously Speaking and Culturally Speaking, over on the right under "Previous Posts")
5. Next comes "Another Year Gone' my review of year 1 at Belmont.. to view click HERE and it should be the 3rd post...
6. 4-1-04 Scroll down to the list at the bottom...
7. 2-2-04 Hahaha, glad those days are over... scroll ALL the way down.. this is a short one..
8. Stalker IM conversation It's the 3rd post.. wow.. this one is too funny. And yet, very sad... because yes, it really did happen.
9. And finally What Girls are REALLY thinking.. This is on the same page as the last entry, just scroll down further... And let me jsut say, in my defense... the guy that this post is about.. turned out to be a "stalker" and some poor other girl had to move off campus and everything! See, my gut instinct was right! Ha!
Ok.. wow. I can't belive that I find times to do these things. Seriously.. I probably have homework somewhere or something... oh well... enjoy!
1. My all-time favorite post of this past year has to be "A Dissertaion over current Fine-Dining Myths, and the rules that should as such be applied." I was really really bitter when I wrote this, so it's especially funny now! To read, click HERE and it should be the second post on the page.
2. The next 3 pose as a sort of 3-way tie.. as is everything on this site.. these are all opinionated, so.. yeah, don't say I didn't warn you... anyhow, here they are: "Religiously Speaking"...
3. ..."Culturally Speaking"...
4. ...and "Politically Speaking" (FYI: Politically Speaking is on this page, just scroll down.. it's long! There should be a link to Religiously Speaking and Culturally Speaking, over on the right under "Previous Posts")
5. Next comes "Another Year Gone' my review of year 1 at Belmont.. to view click HERE and it should be the 3rd post...
6. 4-1-04 Scroll down to the list at the bottom...
7. 2-2-04 Hahaha, glad those days are over... scroll ALL the way down.. this is a short one..
8. Stalker IM conversation It's the 3rd post.. wow.. this one is too funny. And yet, very sad... because yes, it really did happen.
9. And finally What Girls are REALLY thinking.. This is on the same page as the last entry, just scroll down further... And let me jsut say, in my defense... the guy that this post is about.. turned out to be a "stalker" and some poor other girl had to move off campus and everything! See, my gut instinct was right! Ha!
Ok.. wow. I can't belive that I find times to do these things. Seriously.. I probably have homework somewhere or something... oh well... enjoy!
10.16.2004
Fall Break?
Current Mood: melancholy
So fall break is already coming to a close, and I find myself wondering, where did it go? Most everyone around here mangaed to find a way to get out of this place, but no, not I. I could have gone home to Asheville with April, but no, I decided to stick around here and work. Yay for work! Oh, well.. at least I'll be rich next month. Plus, it's not like I had to do much!
Despite the lonliness, the break has been nice. For the first time in a while, there really wasn't anything that I absolutely HAD to get done. With this in mind, I decided to catch up on my indie flicks. In the past 3 days I've watched "Gummo" "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind" "Rules of Attraction" "Dancer in the Dark" "Blow" and "Elephant." Go me!
Even better fo you is that, since this is my site, you get the benefit of hearing my opinion on each of them!
Ok, we'll start with the "not so sure's" and then work our way up ..so...
-"Rules of Attraction" hmmm... I'm not so sure what to say here... I'm sure some of you are appaled that I watched this, some of you are appaled that i didn't love it, and some of you have probably never even heard of it.. so, with that said.. I guess I have to be honest and say that I didn't really like it so much. Granted, I had some expectations of what I thought it was going to be.. and I know that I missed some things, so I may have to watch it again becasue honestly, I don't think I totally understood what they were trying to say... All that to say, I'm not sure I would recommend it to "most" of you simply for content reasons.. for those of you who can handle it (you know who you are) go right ahead. Then call me and we'll talk...
-"Gummo"... hmm.. again...not so sure what to say about this one, except for the fact that it was bizarre. It's from Harmony Korine, creator of KIDS, which I haven't seen (and now I wonder if I want to or not..) Very cool filming techniques, but extremely disturbing material. Not "Requiem for a Dream" disturbing... just "abnormal behavior" disturbing.. very odd.. but captivating nonetheless.
-"Dancer in the Dark"... finally, a film with a blatant storyline.. wohoo. Beautiful cinematography! Wow. a tad bit on the long side, and I wasn't a huge fan of the musical numbers, but other than that it was a nice film, (and it did very well at Cannes in 2000) I had no idea tha bjork could act. Scary thought... haha.. no, really, she was good!
-"Confessions of a Dangerous Mind"... Very interesting story.. based on the autobiography of Chuck Barris. the film style didn't really "grab" me, but the story was cool...
-"elephant"... wow. beautiful. very cool. this did well at Cannes in 2003. From director Gus Van Sant (Good Will Hunting). High school story... content nothing to ride home about..but wow the filming. Nice.
-"Blow".. now this one suprised me.. it was not at all what I expected it to be. Great story, nice film work... you should see it.
So there ya go, hopefully I've given you some film ideas! As for the rest of my "break" I'll be going to see "Jump, Little Children" at Exit/In tonight, and then my dad comes into town tomorrow!
ohh.. did I mention that I was offered a ticket to go see Bono speak on Monday in Memphis? He's receiving a Freedom Award at the Civil Rights Museum, and since I volunteer with DATA (his organization) and I know the guy in charge of the southern region, I get a ticket if I want one! Ahhh! I really really want to go, but I don't want to go alone, and I would have to miss all my classes, plus my first HIV vaccine educational session at Vanderbilt, plus my dad's here, so I want to have time with him... Sigh... one day....
So fall break is already coming to a close, and I find myself wondering, where did it go? Most everyone around here mangaed to find a way to get out of this place, but no, not I. I could have gone home to Asheville with April, but no, I decided to stick around here and work. Yay for work! Oh, well.. at least I'll be rich next month. Plus, it's not like I had to do much!
Despite the lonliness, the break has been nice. For the first time in a while, there really wasn't anything that I absolutely HAD to get done. With this in mind, I decided to catch up on my indie flicks. In the past 3 days I've watched "Gummo" "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind" "Rules of Attraction" "Dancer in the Dark" "Blow" and "Elephant." Go me!
Even better fo you is that, since this is my site, you get the benefit of hearing my opinion on each of them!
Ok, we'll start with the "not so sure's" and then work our way up ..so...
-"Rules of Attraction" hmmm... I'm not so sure what to say here... I'm sure some of you are appaled that I watched this, some of you are appaled that i didn't love it, and some of you have probably never even heard of it.. so, with that said.. I guess I have to be honest and say that I didn't really like it so much. Granted, I had some expectations of what I thought it was going to be.. and I know that I missed some things, so I may have to watch it again becasue honestly, I don't think I totally understood what they were trying to say... All that to say, I'm not sure I would recommend it to "most" of you simply for content reasons.. for those of you who can handle it (you know who you are) go right ahead. Then call me and we'll talk...
-"Gummo"... hmm.. again...not so sure what to say about this one, except for the fact that it was bizarre. It's from Harmony Korine, creator of KIDS, which I haven't seen (and now I wonder if I want to or not..) Very cool filming techniques, but extremely disturbing material. Not "Requiem for a Dream" disturbing... just "abnormal behavior" disturbing.. very odd.. but captivating nonetheless.
-"Dancer in the Dark"... finally, a film with a blatant storyline.. wohoo. Beautiful cinematography! Wow. a tad bit on the long side, and I wasn't a huge fan of the musical numbers, but other than that it was a nice film, (and it did very well at Cannes in 2000) I had no idea tha bjork could act. Scary thought... haha.. no, really, she was good!
-"Confessions of a Dangerous Mind"... Very interesting story.. based on the autobiography of Chuck Barris. the film style didn't really "grab" me, but the story was cool...
-"elephant"... wow. beautiful. very cool. this did well at Cannes in 2003. From director Gus Van Sant (Good Will Hunting). High school story... content nothing to ride home about..but wow the filming. Nice.
-"Blow".. now this one suprised me.. it was not at all what I expected it to be. Great story, nice film work... you should see it.
So there ya go, hopefully I've given you some film ideas! As for the rest of my "break" I'll be going to see "Jump, Little Children" at Exit/In tonight, and then my dad comes into town tomorrow!
ohh.. did I mention that I was offered a ticket to go see Bono speak on Monday in Memphis? He's receiving a Freedom Award at the Civil Rights Museum, and since I volunteer with DATA (his organization) and I know the guy in charge of the southern region, I get a ticket if I want one! Ahhh! I really really want to go, but I don't want to go alone, and I would have to miss all my classes, plus my first HIV vaccine educational session at Vanderbilt, plus my dad's here, so I want to have time with him... Sigh... one day....
10.13.2004
Politically speaking...
(stop groaning... you knew this was comming..)
So, the debates are finally over and elections are less than 3 weeks away. I have to admit, I am ready for this to be over! The arguing, the mudslinging, the on-campus haggling between the College Republicans and College Democrats. Seriously, I’ve had a growing headache for the past 2 months. Granted, I am extremely pleased to see so many students involved in the political process, but more often than not I’m finding that it is blind loyalty, and not research, that is leading students to decide who to vote for, and that’s just sad. If I hear the argument that “The Christians support Bush” one more time, I seriously think I will puke.
Many of you know how torn I am over this election... at times the answer seems so simple, but most of the time I find myself hating the both of them. So it comes to this... “Who is the lesser of two evils?” And I’m not sure that I have an answer to that. But in an attempt to explain myself to the masses, I offer the following thoughts...
...Yes,Kerry is prone to change his mind, and that’s dangerous, but on the other hand, Bush never changes his mind, and that’s dangerous too. Which is worse? It depends on how you look at it... as a leader, I want someone who is dependable, and yes, firm.. but I also want someone who is flexible, and willing to change direction if it is in the best interest of the people.
...I agree with Kerry in that I don’t think we can force our articles of faith on others.. I believe that to do so would go against everything the constitution says. Our country was founded on the basis of religious freedom, and it seems that we have forgotten that lately. But on the other hand... I believe that our sociology reflects our theology, and if that is the truth, then we find ourselves at a bit of a crossroads... for example, the gay marriage issue... personally, I am against it. I believe that it is wrong... but how can I legally justify denying them rights that are free to everyone else? I am all for preserving the sanctity of marriage, but I am against denying rights to a specific group of American citizens. (in my opinion, the solution to this problem is simple... come up with a new “term” for gay marriage... the equivalent of “marriage” with all of the benefits, but with a different name.. after all, at the end of the day, I have to wonder, is this just a linguistics argument?)
...Again, I agree with Kerry in that I think the role of a religious President is not to be a “Christian or Catholic President” but to be a President who happens to be Christian or Catholic. Call me crazy, but I think this relates directly to my post over the “Christian Industry” (to the right click on "Religiously Speaking..." to read more..) Yes, if our faith is “active” or “relevant” in our lives, then it should be apparent in all we do... but I get hesitant when I hear Christians label themselves, especially in politics. I mean, come on! At the end of the day, your legislation and the policies that you fund and support should give me an idea of where you stand. (but then again... with separation of church and state, and with the desire to not “legislate” our beliefs on others... sometimes the lines are blurry)
...I’ll just say it now, because I know someone will bring it up. Yes, I disagree with Kerry over his statement that homosexuality is not a choice. In other words, yes, I believe that homosexuality is a choice. I know I might be making some enemies by saying this, but honestly, you shouldn’t be surprised. I could go on here, but I think I will abstain for now...
...Monetarily speaking, I think that Bush is a little bit more realistic in how we go about funding everything. Let’s be honest, who is Kerry fooling? There is no way he can fund all of his initiatives without increasing the taxes. And he has promised not to raise taxes for those of us making less than $200,000? That’s just retarded. That’s more than half of America! Heaven help the wealthy, cause by the time they pay their taxes, they’ll be making less than the rest of us! And I’ll be honest, I don’t think it’s fair to make one tax bracket responsible for the rest of us. I don’t think there should be tax brackets at all. I think we should establish a percentage tax. Where everyone pays the same percentage to taxes, regardless of what you make.. that way, it’s based on your income, but at the end of the day you’re paying the same percentage as everyone else, even though the amount would of course be different. and no one can complain about being “overtaxed”
...As for where the money will be spent, I have to agree with Kerry. (big surprise) His initiatives are more in tune with what I would like to see happen. I think that healthcare is a basic right, and not a privilege, and that we should treat it as such. We are the only industrialized nation in the world that does not offer government-based healthcare to its citizens. Yes, I know that this would mean a tax increase, a very very big one. But if we could only rearrange the money we already have, then perhaps this could be a possibility. (After-all, we’re spending over $52 million a day on the war in Iraq.) Initiative-wise, I’m for Kerry... Money-wise I’m for Bush..
.. Wait, did I just mention Iraq? Wow, let me just tell you that I am sick of hearing that argument. Seriously, Iraq.. our nations new 4-letter word. Here’s my opinion in a nutshell.. we went into Iraq because we believed that there were WMD there. Even Kerry voted for that move. Then, low and behold, still no WMD.. turns out, we were misled. Oops. So should we not have gone at all, even though at the time we were “certain” that there was something going on? I think we did the right thing by going in.. i mean, when I was in High School and we had bomb threats, everyone had to leave. This happened about 6 times, and turns out that there never were any bombs, but you have to take those kinds of things seriously. Anyhow, I digress.. so we did the right thing by acting on the information that we had (that we assumed was true), but then we find out that we were misled.. so do we pull out? Hmm, I say no.. I say, let’s finish what we started, but let’s be quick about it. It kills me to hear all these people whining about how we weren’t supposed to go, and how we need to get out ASAP and blah blah blah. What did they expect us to do? Ignore the initial intelligence reports? And now what? They just expect us to drop everything and come home, when democracy is close to being established. We need to be thorough.. and we need to support our troops. Yeah, the whole situation is icky and contestable.. and yeah, it’s our own fault that things got so screwed up in the first place. But can we focus on some of the positive aspects that have come out of this? 1. Democracy is being established in a country that has been war-torn for decades. (the number of humanitarian benefits that have come out of this should be enough to satisfy people!) 2. Umm Sadam is out of power.. That being said, I don’t think this “mistake” turned out as bad as it could have. (side note.. yes I still consider myself a pacifist, I’d take negotiations over war anytime, any day.. but considering our options at the time... ) Bottom line, it’s stupid to argue whether we should have gone, or whether we should be there. We went. We’re there. Now let’s wrap things up, there are other things going on... believe it or not, terror does exist in many forms, and it is going on in other places... (but that’s a whole other post...)
I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s true.. indeed, ignorance is bliss. I mean, if I didn’t advocate for some specific things, then maybe I wouldn’t be entitled to care. But I do care, and that presents a problem for me. So, I know you’re all wondering... where does she stand?
First let me say that I hate answering that question because generally people have a formed opinion of you, and they expect you to vote a certain way... and I hate feeling as though I am being judged based on who I am voting for, especially in an election like this one, where I am really not a fan of either candidate...
So all that to say this: I will be honest, my gut says Bush. I don’t know what it is, but Kerry rubs me the wrong way. (yeah yeah, bush does too..but it’s different) I just see Bush as more genuine, and despite the fact that the Republican party manipulates the whole “christian right,” I do think that Bush makes his decisions based on some form of principle; whereas with Kerry I constantly feel as though I’m being “played,” Iand that he’s simply telling each group of people what they want to hear.
On another note, I have to question whether or not we are in a good place to bring in a new leader... let’s face it, we’re overextended, we’re in the middle of about 4 different campaigns (that we know of) and it would take Kerry twice as long to accomplish his goals because most of them involve moving us in a completely new direction... then there is the whole Supreme Court Justice issue.. for the first time ever, the next Supreme Court Judge that is chosen, is appointed for life... and undoubtedly the next President will have to choose at least one Supreme Court Justice before his term is up.. in essence, this means that whoever is elected next will be affecting our nations history for the next 40 years. Scary thought.
I still can’t believe that these are my choices. The thought depresses me. Everytime I think about voting for Bush, I get a little nauseated. I see a better economy for America as a whole.. but I also envision Super Wal-Marts erupting all over the place and globilization worsening. When I think of electing Kerry, I envision several great initiatives materializing, but I also forsee very small paychecks and a national debt that my great-great-grandchildren will be paying off...
Of all the people in America, this is what I have to work with? A multi-millionaire who made his dough in oil and is uncomfortably close to the powers that be at ClearChannel, and a billionaire who made his dough through marriage and appears to be making a lot of “unkeepable” promises... wow...tough choices...
(and don’t even get me started on their running-mates... geez...)
Ladies and gentlemen... choose your poison.
So, the debates are finally over and elections are less than 3 weeks away. I have to admit, I am ready for this to be over! The arguing, the mudslinging, the on-campus haggling between the College Republicans and College Democrats. Seriously, I’ve had a growing headache for the past 2 months. Granted, I am extremely pleased to see so many students involved in the political process, but more often than not I’m finding that it is blind loyalty, and not research, that is leading students to decide who to vote for, and that’s just sad. If I hear the argument that “The Christians support Bush” one more time, I seriously think I will puke.
Many of you know how torn I am over this election... at times the answer seems so simple, but most of the time I find myself hating the both of them. So it comes to this... “Who is the lesser of two evils?” And I’m not sure that I have an answer to that. But in an attempt to explain myself to the masses, I offer the following thoughts...
...Yes,Kerry is prone to change his mind, and that’s dangerous, but on the other hand, Bush never changes his mind, and that’s dangerous too. Which is worse? It depends on how you look at it... as a leader, I want someone who is dependable, and yes, firm.. but I also want someone who is flexible, and willing to change direction if it is in the best interest of the people.
...I agree with Kerry in that I don’t think we can force our articles of faith on others.. I believe that to do so would go against everything the constitution says. Our country was founded on the basis of religious freedom, and it seems that we have forgotten that lately. But on the other hand... I believe that our sociology reflects our theology, and if that is the truth, then we find ourselves at a bit of a crossroads... for example, the gay marriage issue... personally, I am against it. I believe that it is wrong... but how can I legally justify denying them rights that are free to everyone else? I am all for preserving the sanctity of marriage, but I am against denying rights to a specific group of American citizens. (in my opinion, the solution to this problem is simple... come up with a new “term” for gay marriage... the equivalent of “marriage” with all of the benefits, but with a different name.. after all, at the end of the day, I have to wonder, is this just a linguistics argument?)
...Again, I agree with Kerry in that I think the role of a religious President is not to be a “Christian or Catholic President” but to be a President who happens to be Christian or Catholic. Call me crazy, but I think this relates directly to my post over the “Christian Industry” (to the right click on "Religiously Speaking..." to read more..) Yes, if our faith is “active” or “relevant” in our lives, then it should be apparent in all we do... but I get hesitant when I hear Christians label themselves, especially in politics. I mean, come on! At the end of the day, your legislation and the policies that you fund and support should give me an idea of where you stand. (but then again... with separation of church and state, and with the desire to not “legislate” our beliefs on others... sometimes the lines are blurry)
...I’ll just say it now, because I know someone will bring it up. Yes, I disagree with Kerry over his statement that homosexuality is not a choice. In other words, yes, I believe that homosexuality is a choice. I know I might be making some enemies by saying this, but honestly, you shouldn’t be surprised. I could go on here, but I think I will abstain for now...
...Monetarily speaking, I think that Bush is a little bit more realistic in how we go about funding everything. Let’s be honest, who is Kerry fooling? There is no way he can fund all of his initiatives without increasing the taxes. And he has promised not to raise taxes for those of us making less than $200,000? That’s just retarded. That’s more than half of America! Heaven help the wealthy, cause by the time they pay their taxes, they’ll be making less than the rest of us! And I’ll be honest, I don’t think it’s fair to make one tax bracket responsible for the rest of us. I don’t think there should be tax brackets at all. I think we should establish a percentage tax. Where everyone pays the same percentage to taxes, regardless of what you make.. that way, it’s based on your income, but at the end of the day you’re paying the same percentage as everyone else, even though the amount would of course be different. and no one can complain about being “overtaxed”
...As for where the money will be spent, I have to agree with Kerry. (big surprise) His initiatives are more in tune with what I would like to see happen. I think that healthcare is a basic right, and not a privilege, and that we should treat it as such. We are the only industrialized nation in the world that does not offer government-based healthcare to its citizens. Yes, I know that this would mean a tax increase, a very very big one. But if we could only rearrange the money we already have, then perhaps this could be a possibility. (After-all, we’re spending over $52 million a day on the war in Iraq.) Initiative-wise, I’m for Kerry... Money-wise I’m for Bush..
.. Wait, did I just mention Iraq? Wow, let me just tell you that I am sick of hearing that argument. Seriously, Iraq.. our nations new 4-letter word. Here’s my opinion in a nutshell.. we went into Iraq because we believed that there were WMD there. Even Kerry voted for that move. Then, low and behold, still no WMD.. turns out, we were misled. Oops. So should we not have gone at all, even though at the time we were “certain” that there was something going on? I think we did the right thing by going in.. i mean, when I was in High School and we had bomb threats, everyone had to leave. This happened about 6 times, and turns out that there never were any bombs, but you have to take those kinds of things seriously. Anyhow, I digress.. so we did the right thing by acting on the information that we had (that we assumed was true), but then we find out that we were misled.. so do we pull out? Hmm, I say no.. I say, let’s finish what we started, but let’s be quick about it. It kills me to hear all these people whining about how we weren’t supposed to go, and how we need to get out ASAP and blah blah blah. What did they expect us to do? Ignore the initial intelligence reports? And now what? They just expect us to drop everything and come home, when democracy is close to being established. We need to be thorough.. and we need to support our troops. Yeah, the whole situation is icky and contestable.. and yeah, it’s our own fault that things got so screwed up in the first place. But can we focus on some of the positive aspects that have come out of this? 1. Democracy is being established in a country that has been war-torn for decades. (the number of humanitarian benefits that have come out of this should be enough to satisfy people!) 2. Umm Sadam is out of power.. That being said, I don’t think this “mistake” turned out as bad as it could have. (side note.. yes I still consider myself a pacifist, I’d take negotiations over war anytime, any day.. but considering our options at the time... ) Bottom line, it’s stupid to argue whether we should have gone, or whether we should be there. We went. We’re there. Now let’s wrap things up, there are other things going on... believe it or not, terror does exist in many forms, and it is going on in other places... (but that’s a whole other post...)
I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s true.. indeed, ignorance is bliss. I mean, if I didn’t advocate for some specific things, then maybe I wouldn’t be entitled to care. But I do care, and that presents a problem for me. So, I know you’re all wondering... where does she stand?
First let me say that I hate answering that question because generally people have a formed opinion of you, and they expect you to vote a certain way... and I hate feeling as though I am being judged based on who I am voting for, especially in an election like this one, where I am really not a fan of either candidate...
So all that to say this: I will be honest, my gut says Bush. I don’t know what it is, but Kerry rubs me the wrong way. (yeah yeah, bush does too..but it’s different) I just see Bush as more genuine, and despite the fact that the Republican party manipulates the whole “christian right,” I do think that Bush makes his decisions based on some form of principle; whereas with Kerry I constantly feel as though I’m being “played,” Iand that he’s simply telling each group of people what they want to hear.
On another note, I have to question whether or not we are in a good place to bring in a new leader... let’s face it, we’re overextended, we’re in the middle of about 4 different campaigns (that we know of) and it would take Kerry twice as long to accomplish his goals because most of them involve moving us in a completely new direction... then there is the whole Supreme Court Justice issue.. for the first time ever, the next Supreme Court Judge that is chosen, is appointed for life... and undoubtedly the next President will have to choose at least one Supreme Court Justice before his term is up.. in essence, this means that whoever is elected next will be affecting our nations history for the next 40 years. Scary thought.
I still can’t believe that these are my choices. The thought depresses me. Everytime I think about voting for Bush, I get a little nauseated. I see a better economy for America as a whole.. but I also envision Super Wal-Marts erupting all over the place and globilization worsening. When I think of electing Kerry, I envision several great initiatives materializing, but I also forsee very small paychecks and a national debt that my great-great-grandchildren will be paying off...
Of all the people in America, this is what I have to work with? A multi-millionaire who made his dough in oil and is uncomfortably close to the powers that be at ClearChannel, and a billionaire who made his dough through marriage and appears to be making a lot of “unkeepable” promises... wow...tough choices...
(and don’t even get me started on their running-mates... geez...)
Ladies and gentlemen... choose your poison.
10.12.2004
As time goes by...
I can hardly believe that we are at mid-semester already! Where has all the time gone? What's worse is that it is beginning to dawn on me that I only have 3 1/2 semesters of college left. Eventually I'm going to have to leave this place. Then what? I suppose that is the essential question that every college upperclassman asks themselves, but it's weird to think that I am at a point where I am allowed to ask myself that question now!
In anticipation of getting my iBook, I went browsing through some old documents that are saved on my current computer. As I was perusing (wait, does that word work there?) I ran across my Autobiography that I had written for my Psychology of Personal Development class at Point Loma my freshman year. Out of suprise I took a few moments to read over the 15 pages that contained a brief synopsis of my life up to the age of 18. Reading through it, I had to laugh a little.. I mean, looking back now, there is a lot of irony in what I had written; but at the same time I was immensly suprised at how open and honest I had been in generalizing some truths that I had discovered in myself.
To be completely honest, it was very strange to read the opinion that I had of my life at the age of 18. As I read my history it was weird to notice how several tiny events, that at the time I had considered isolated, or insignificant, have now become the focus of all that I do. To think that all this time I assumed that my current passions were "new developments" in my life. It's very interesting how well everything has wound together to take me to this place, to this point in my life, to make me who I am today. After reading it, I felt strangely happy, content, even slightly proud perhaps... and honestly, I think that's how everyone should feel after they read their life story...even if the story isn't over yet.
In anticipation of getting my iBook, I went browsing through some old documents that are saved on my current computer. As I was perusing (wait, does that word work there?) I ran across my Autobiography that I had written for my Psychology of Personal Development class at Point Loma my freshman year. Out of suprise I took a few moments to read over the 15 pages that contained a brief synopsis of my life up to the age of 18. Reading through it, I had to laugh a little.. I mean, looking back now, there is a lot of irony in what I had written; but at the same time I was immensly suprised at how open and honest I had been in generalizing some truths that I had discovered in myself.
To be completely honest, it was very strange to read the opinion that I had of my life at the age of 18. As I read my history it was weird to notice how several tiny events, that at the time I had considered isolated, or insignificant, have now become the focus of all that I do. To think that all this time I assumed that my current passions were "new developments" in my life. It's very interesting how well everything has wound together to take me to this place, to this point in my life, to make me who I am today. After reading it, I felt strangely happy, content, even slightly proud perhaps... and honestly, I think that's how everyone should feel after they read their life story...even if the story isn't over yet.
10.08.2004
the ever-pressing conflict..
Things that confuse me...
1. Males (a few in particular)
2. Pop/jazz harmony
3. People who are convinced that Texas will win tomorrow
4. Dick Cheney's admission to being "unaware that within the US african-american females have the highest HIV infection rate."
5. The Cell Cycle
6. Tritone substitution
7. Why we haven't done anything about Sudan when a: there's oil involved (isn't that a motive for anything?) and b: didn't we have a president who claimed that if we are truly against terrorism, then we are against it wherever it is found, and we have a responsibility to do something about it?
8. How my cousin, who isn't even 16, can be so cynical.
9. How gas can possibly cost $1.94 a gallon.
10. Aamcomp of Oklahoma City
11. The fact that I am a music major.
12. How an SUV can be a Weapon of Mass Destruction. (and why someone would go to the trouble to say so on a bumper sticker!)
13. Why people are afraid of the number 13.
14. Why xanga won't let you post a comment unless you become a member... (even though to do so is free!)
Current Addictions...
Las Paletas... best popsicles ever
Damien Rice "O"
1. Males (a few in particular)
2. Pop/jazz harmony
3. People who are convinced that Texas will win tomorrow
4. Dick Cheney's admission to being "unaware that within the US african-american females have the highest HIV infection rate."
5. The Cell Cycle
6. Tritone substitution
7. Why we haven't done anything about Sudan when a: there's oil involved (isn't that a motive for anything?) and b: didn't we have a president who claimed that if we are truly against terrorism, then we are against it wherever it is found, and we have a responsibility to do something about it?
8. How my cousin, who isn't even 16, can be so cynical.
9. How gas can possibly cost $1.94 a gallon.
10. Aamcomp of Oklahoma City
11. The fact that I am a music major.
12. How an SUV can be a Weapon of Mass Destruction. (and why someone would go to the trouble to say so on a bumper sticker!)
13. Why people are afraid of the number 13.
14. Why xanga won't let you post a comment unless you become a member... (even though to do so is free!)
Current Addictions...
Las Paletas... best popsicles ever
Damien Rice "O"
10.06.2004
Post #222
Yup, that's right. This is my 222nd post. Wow. I always knew I had a lot to say. (Even though there's rarely anyone listening) Speaking of which.. where are you guys? Seriously, I think it would take most of you several months to realize that I had disappeared, or died, or what have you. I'm getting tired of being the glue that holds it all together. I quit, I resign, someone else take over.
When is it my turn?
When is it my turn?
10.02.2004
Consistently Inconsistent...
The past few weeks have been amazing, insane, melancholy, thrilling, painful and everything else. There is so much that I would like to say, but I fear that saying anything would jinx everything, even if there isn't really anything to jinx. (if you could follow that, 10 points to you!)
Current mood: moderately content...
Current Music: Keane "Hopes and Fears"
I wrote 2 1/2 sets of lyrics this week.
Last week I tried out for our Commercial Music Showcase, and I didn't make call-backs or anything, but I felt really good about my audition, and for the first time in a long time, it was almost as though the rejection didn't phase me (in other words, very few tears were shed, and I managed to move through the 5 stages of grief briefly!)
Yes, I did watch the debate.. and I took 5 pages of notes; so never fear, you'll have my 2 cents soon enough.
I am volunteering to take the HIV vaccines at Vandy... I am nervous, but not for the reasons you would think.
I'm working at our NashvilleCARES AIDS Walk next Saturday, and word on the street is that Jars of Clay will be at the booth I'm working with. I've heard them speak a few times, so it will be cool to meet them.
Belmont Hunger & Homelessness is sponsoring 4 convocation events this month! Plus we will be serving dinner at the City Rescue Mission at the end of this month, and twice next month. Hopefully we will have students who are willing to come help. In case you were wondering, 2 of our convo's will be over the current Sudan crisis (1 is a lecture, 1 is a letter-writing campaign), Healthcare for the Homeless, and Faith & Advocacy.
Our Faith & Advocacy convo will feature a Belmont alum who now works for "Bread for the World" a non-profit, faith-based organization... the cool part is that while she is in town, she has assembled a group of people to do a lobby visit to Senator Frist's office. The majority leader! The even cooler part is that they have invited me to come! Yay! My first lobby visit, and it will be to the Majority leader! Ahh! (yeah yeah, I'm a dork, I know!)
God has been good to me, even though things have been difficult. I've been really busy, but it's been nice. It feels good to be involved and to feel needed. As hard as some things have been, they have forced me to rely on God more and more. I'm still extremely impatient, but even as I was reading through last month's "bloggings" I can tell that God has changed me.. even if it is only a little bit.
Current mood: moderately content...
Current Music: Keane "Hopes and Fears"
I wrote 2 1/2 sets of lyrics this week.
Last week I tried out for our Commercial Music Showcase, and I didn't make call-backs or anything, but I felt really good about my audition, and for the first time in a long time, it was almost as though the rejection didn't phase me (in other words, very few tears were shed, and I managed to move through the 5 stages of grief briefly!)
Yes, I did watch the debate.. and I took 5 pages of notes; so never fear, you'll have my 2 cents soon enough.
I am volunteering to take the HIV vaccines at Vandy... I am nervous, but not for the reasons you would think.
I'm working at our NashvilleCARES AIDS Walk next Saturday, and word on the street is that Jars of Clay will be at the booth I'm working with. I've heard them speak a few times, so it will be cool to meet them.
Belmont Hunger & Homelessness is sponsoring 4 convocation events this month! Plus we will be serving dinner at the City Rescue Mission at the end of this month, and twice next month. Hopefully we will have students who are willing to come help. In case you were wondering, 2 of our convo's will be over the current Sudan crisis (1 is a lecture, 1 is a letter-writing campaign), Healthcare for the Homeless, and Faith & Advocacy.
Our Faith & Advocacy convo will feature a Belmont alum who now works for "Bread for the World" a non-profit, faith-based organization... the cool part is that while she is in town, she has assembled a group of people to do a lobby visit to Senator Frist's office. The majority leader! The even cooler part is that they have invited me to come! Yay! My first lobby visit, and it will be to the Majority leader! Ahh! (yeah yeah, I'm a dork, I know!)
God has been good to me, even though things have been difficult. I've been really busy, but it's been nice. It feels good to be involved and to feel needed. As hard as some things have been, they have forced me to rely on God more and more. I'm still extremely impatient, but even as I was reading through last month's "bloggings" I can tell that God has changed me.. even if it is only a little bit.
9.28.2004
Culturally Speaking...
Just the other day, at yet another convo lecture, I caught my mind wandering off to an issue that has occupied my thoughts for some time now. I began to think about our culture and what it says about us, and in my pondering I found myself asking the foreboding question: “What does our culture say about us?”
What does our culture say about us? In a society where we pay more attention to a wardrobe malfunction than to a genocide that has killed upwards of 50,000 people; what does our culture say about us? In a world where Americans and Europeans spend $17 billion a year on pet food -- $4 billion more than the estimated annual additional total needed to provide basic health and nutrition for everyone in the world, what does our culture say about us?
Let’s face it, we are living in the days of fast food, one-stop shopping, homogenization, capitalism, globalization, instant gratification, conditioned responses, reality TV, and “infotainment”. We live in a society of people who will spend upwards of $300 on a tacky Luis Vuitton purse, but will throw a fit over minimal tax increases that would provide better education for their children. If, as a global community, we were to have a motto, it would certainly be: “What’s in it for me?”
Woody Allen believed in the power of distraction, C. S. Lewis said that we are far too easily pleased; but I think author Rebecca Pippert states it best by saying that “Our sociology reflects our theology.” Assuming this statement is true, what does our culture say about us? If the decisions we make as a culture truly reflect our value system, then I fear the message that we are portraying to others. I fear the legacy that we are leaving behind. How will we, as a generation be remembered? Which way will the pendulum swing next? Or is there even a pendulum at all? Could it be that we are merely sliding down a slow hill claiming “progress” in the name of being politically correct?
When most people think about the 60’s they think about war, pot, hippies, social reform, integration, assassinations, affirmative action..etc. Is our generation all that different? Have we really evolved , or will people simply think about our times and remember war, ecstasy, anti-war protestors, terrorism, scandals, etc?
I’ve grown used to being labeled as an idealist, a left-wing socialist who has no grasp on reality, in fact, often such remarks make me smile. (After all, I think Jesus was a liberal in his day.) Well I might be “liberal” and I am an idealist, but I haven’t completely lost touch with reality yet. Even Jesus admitted that as long as the world remained there would be suffering, and pain, and, from this one can only deduce that selfishness, and greed will always have a dominant place in society as well. However, this fact did not keep Jesus from being compassionate. Too often I hear people use the fact that suffering will always be around as an excuse to remain ignorant, or as a reason not to take action. Personally, I don’t think that Jesus believed in excuses, I know for a fact that he never used one. He simply came and said, this is how things are and this is how things will be, but this is how YOU are to be, this is the ideal…”be holy as I am holy.”
Our society is hardly “holy,” and it never will be, at least not 100%… but as Christians, we are called to holiness. We are to make a radical difference through our radical identification with the world. Some doubt the influence that we can have on a society as self-centered as ours, to these skeptics, I’d ask you to consider the gospels. Here were 12 men and leader whom many labeled as a heretic, and now more than 2000 years later, we are still studying their lives! Suppose they copped out with the excuse that the world would always be evil… where would we be today?
When we think about what our culture says about us, the conclusions that we come to are rarely pleasant. In fact, generally they are depressing, disheartening, and painful. But this should not keep us from being the example that God called us to be. Nor should it cause us to give up on the world all together. Imagine where we would be if God took that approach with us! His patience should be our example.
All of this to say that, at the end of the day, there is always hope. Just think…Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lived in a time when the thought of an integrated society seemed impossible, even foolish. But now, not even 40 years later, thanks to the hard work of thousands and the cooperation of many, we have managed to make the impossible dream come to life. Unfortunately, all too often we sell ourselves short. Stereotyping “hope” as some childhood dream, rather than claiming it with all we have.
“Remember, Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.”
~The Shawshank Redemption…
What does our culture say about us? In a society where we pay more attention to a wardrobe malfunction than to a genocide that has killed upwards of 50,000 people; what does our culture say about us? In a world where Americans and Europeans spend $17 billion a year on pet food -- $4 billion more than the estimated annual additional total needed to provide basic health and nutrition for everyone in the world, what does our culture say about us?
Let’s face it, we are living in the days of fast food, one-stop shopping, homogenization, capitalism, globalization, instant gratification, conditioned responses, reality TV, and “infotainment”. We live in a society of people who will spend upwards of $300 on a tacky Luis Vuitton purse, but will throw a fit over minimal tax increases that would provide better education for their children. If, as a global community, we were to have a motto, it would certainly be: “What’s in it for me?”
Woody Allen believed in the power of distraction, C. S. Lewis said that we are far too easily pleased; but I think author Rebecca Pippert states it best by saying that “Our sociology reflects our theology.” Assuming this statement is true, what does our culture say about us? If the decisions we make as a culture truly reflect our value system, then I fear the message that we are portraying to others. I fear the legacy that we are leaving behind. How will we, as a generation be remembered? Which way will the pendulum swing next? Or is there even a pendulum at all? Could it be that we are merely sliding down a slow hill claiming “progress” in the name of being politically correct?
When most people think about the 60’s they think about war, pot, hippies, social reform, integration, assassinations, affirmative action..etc. Is our generation all that different? Have we really evolved , or will people simply think about our times and remember war, ecstasy, anti-war protestors, terrorism, scandals, etc?
I’ve grown used to being labeled as an idealist, a left-wing socialist who has no grasp on reality, in fact, often such remarks make me smile. (After all, I think Jesus was a liberal in his day.) Well I might be “liberal” and I am an idealist, but I haven’t completely lost touch with reality yet. Even Jesus admitted that as long as the world remained there would be suffering, and pain, and, from this one can only deduce that selfishness, and greed will always have a dominant place in society as well. However, this fact did not keep Jesus from being compassionate. Too often I hear people use the fact that suffering will always be around as an excuse to remain ignorant, or as a reason not to take action. Personally, I don’t think that Jesus believed in excuses, I know for a fact that he never used one. He simply came and said, this is how things are and this is how things will be, but this is how YOU are to be, this is the ideal…”be holy as I am holy.”
Our society is hardly “holy,” and it never will be, at least not 100%… but as Christians, we are called to holiness. We are to make a radical difference through our radical identification with the world. Some doubt the influence that we can have on a society as self-centered as ours, to these skeptics, I’d ask you to consider the gospels. Here were 12 men and leader whom many labeled as a heretic, and now more than 2000 years later, we are still studying their lives! Suppose they copped out with the excuse that the world would always be evil… where would we be today?
When we think about what our culture says about us, the conclusions that we come to are rarely pleasant. In fact, generally they are depressing, disheartening, and painful. But this should not keep us from being the example that God called us to be. Nor should it cause us to give up on the world all together. Imagine where we would be if God took that approach with us! His patience should be our example.
All of this to say that, at the end of the day, there is always hope. Just think…Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lived in a time when the thought of an integrated society seemed impossible, even foolish. But now, not even 40 years later, thanks to the hard work of thousands and the cooperation of many, we have managed to make the impossible dream come to life. Unfortunately, all too often we sell ourselves short. Stereotyping “hope” as some childhood dream, rather than claiming it with all we have.
“Remember, Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.”
~The Shawshank Redemption…
9.19.2004
Why me?
So I went to see Wimbledon the other night, because for some reason I felt like torturing myself. Nonetheless, it was a cute movie.
But even cuter was when I was telling people that I had gone to see it, and their response was, "Wimbledon..hmm that's strange, so, is that like, the dude's last name?"
No joke. Not even kidding.
So anyhow, in other news... I got my computer back! Yay! After dropping it off on August 9th, my computer returned to me safely on September 15th. And for only $400. Wohoo!
One small problem... it's still BROKEN!
Oh yeah, not happy about this one. So I took the computer in BACK IN AUGUST, because there was major static/feedback/whatever and you couldn't hear anything, it wouldn't play music, dvd's or any other "thing" that involved sound. Now, after over a month of waiting/suffering/gnashing my teeth, i receive the computer, and lo and behold! there is no static, oh no...now there is no sound AT ALL! What did I pay these people for? I could have unplugged the speakers if I had wanted no sound! Geez! people these days. They put in a new motherboard, and I really don't knwo why they did this.. you would think that if they were going to go to all that trouble, that they would at least be sure to make sure that it had sound!
The worst part is that they aren't going to do anything about it. They suggested that I reinstall Windows XP, but I don't have the CD, which would mean that I would have to go buy one, and that I would have to back up my entire computer before attempting to fix things MYSELF! Shouldn't they have tested this out first? Did I mention that I paid $400 for NOTHING?Goodness. They finally agreed to install the software for me for free if I went out and bought it.. but that's just ridiculous! I know how to install software, and that's not the point. The point is.. THEY DIDN"T DO ANYTHING AND I PAID $400! AHHHHHHHHH
I HATE COMPUTERS.
AND I REALLY DON"T LIKE COMPUTER PEOPLE RIGHT NOW!
AamComp... YOU'RE GOING DOWN!
But even cuter was when I was telling people that I had gone to see it, and their response was, "Wimbledon..hmm that's strange, so, is that like, the dude's last name?"
No joke. Not even kidding.
So anyhow, in other news... I got my computer back! Yay! After dropping it off on August 9th, my computer returned to me safely on September 15th. And for only $400. Wohoo!
One small problem... it's still BROKEN!
Oh yeah, not happy about this one. So I took the computer in BACK IN AUGUST, because there was major static/feedback/whatever and you couldn't hear anything, it wouldn't play music, dvd's or any other "thing" that involved sound. Now, after over a month of waiting/suffering/gnashing my teeth, i receive the computer, and lo and behold! there is no static, oh no...now there is no sound AT ALL! What did I pay these people for? I could have unplugged the speakers if I had wanted no sound! Geez! people these days. They put in a new motherboard, and I really don't knwo why they did this.. you would think that if they were going to go to all that trouble, that they would at least be sure to make sure that it had sound!
The worst part is that they aren't going to do anything about it. They suggested that I reinstall Windows XP, but I don't have the CD, which would mean that I would have to go buy one, and that I would have to back up my entire computer before attempting to fix things MYSELF! Shouldn't they have tested this out first? Did I mention that I paid $400 for NOTHING?Goodness. They finally agreed to install the software for me for free if I went out and bought it.. but that's just ridiculous! I know how to install software, and that's not the point. The point is.. THEY DIDN"T DO ANYTHING AND I PAID $400! AHHHHHHHHH
I HATE COMPUTERS.
AND I REALLY DON"T LIKE COMPUTER PEOPLE RIGHT NOW!
AamComp... YOU'RE GOING DOWN!
9.16.2004
Religiously Speaking...
Last week during one of our Convocation hours, I had the priviledge of hearing Kevin Twit's (our campus RUF pastor) discourse on Theology and Pop culture. Unfortunately, having arrived late, I got to enjoy the lecture from the hallway. Despite the occasional missed word or two I left the session feeling oddly stimulated.
Now let me just take a moment to confess that I have always been a believer in the idea that Christians all too often segregate themselves, and this, in my opinion, was never God's intention. Disagree? Take a look at John 17:15. Call me crazy, but I have a feeling that God might be pro-integration.
Now don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking faith-based organizations or anything, I myself support several. But the idea of a "Christian Industry" or a "Christian Market" baffles me! I might be wrong (and I'm sure someone will let me know if I am) but I always assumed that industry is industry. Seriously, what's next? Christian fast food? Christian Roller Skating Rinks?
I will admit that part of the problem is that today's society is too quick to "label" things, be they people, ideas, or Fortune 500 companies. For example, if a large corporation had a brass that consisted entirely of Christian individuals, it would quickly become identified as a "Christian Company;" and sadly, in this day in age, it would probably be pigeon-holed as a conservative corporation too!
Think about it. Do we really need "Christian Bookstores?" Are Christian books and music too good to be sold in normal bookstores when the only thing that separates them from everything else is content? I've yet to see a chain of rap music stores.
Sadly, all too often it seems as though it is Christians who are stereotyping themselves! I have heard of Christians who have opened a "Christian Coffee House" and consider themselves to be part of the "Christian Market." But I have never heard of a group of Satanists who have opened a "Hell's Brewery" and go around advertising their business as part of the "Satanist Industy."
All of this in mind, I can't help but imagine what could be accomplished if Christians would stop relying on the false safety net of "Christian Industry." Just think, Jesus came to earth in human form, he walked around as one of us for 33 years! He didn't hide out in synagogues or open up his own little "Christian Carpentry Store." No, he went places very few others would go, he associated with the "unclean." I honestly believe that if Jesus came down for a visit today, we would be more likely to find Him hanging out in Greenwich village than in a LifeWay bookstore. But that's just me...
As Christians God has called us to be IN the world, but not of it. He did not call us to be out of the world, nor did he suggest that we attempt to create our own "Christian utopia." Therefore, as Christians we have the responsibility to transform the world from the inside out by sharing our LIVES with people... not our savvy business sense. We were called to serve others, and let's be honest. By segregating ourselves and refusing to join the rest of society, who are we serving? Ourselves... or others?
Now let me just take a moment to confess that I have always been a believer in the idea that Christians all too often segregate themselves, and this, in my opinion, was never God's intention. Disagree? Take a look at John 17:15. Call me crazy, but I have a feeling that God might be pro-integration.
Now don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking faith-based organizations or anything, I myself support several. But the idea of a "Christian Industry" or a "Christian Market" baffles me! I might be wrong (and I'm sure someone will let me know if I am) but I always assumed that industry is industry. Seriously, what's next? Christian fast food? Christian Roller Skating Rinks?
I will admit that part of the problem is that today's society is too quick to "label" things, be they people, ideas, or Fortune 500 companies. For example, if a large corporation had a brass that consisted entirely of Christian individuals, it would quickly become identified as a "Christian Company;" and sadly, in this day in age, it would probably be pigeon-holed as a conservative corporation too!
Think about it. Do we really need "Christian Bookstores?" Are Christian books and music too good to be sold in normal bookstores when the only thing that separates them from everything else is content? I've yet to see a chain of rap music stores.
Sadly, all too often it seems as though it is Christians who are stereotyping themselves! I have heard of Christians who have opened a "Christian Coffee House" and consider themselves to be part of the "Christian Market." But I have never heard of a group of Satanists who have opened a "Hell's Brewery" and go around advertising their business as part of the "Satanist Industy."
All of this in mind, I can't help but imagine what could be accomplished if Christians would stop relying on the false safety net of "Christian Industry." Just think, Jesus came to earth in human form, he walked around as one of us for 33 years! He didn't hide out in synagogues or open up his own little "Christian Carpentry Store." No, he went places very few others would go, he associated with the "unclean." I honestly believe that if Jesus came down for a visit today, we would be more likely to find Him hanging out in Greenwich village than in a LifeWay bookstore. But that's just me...
As Christians God has called us to be IN the world, but not of it. He did not call us to be out of the world, nor did he suggest that we attempt to create our own "Christian utopia." Therefore, as Christians we have the responsibility to transform the world from the inside out by sharing our LIVES with people... not our savvy business sense. We were called to serve others, and let's be honest. By segregating ourselves and refusing to join the rest of society, who are we serving? Ourselves... or others?
9.11.2004
...
Generally it's not making the right decision that is difficult, it's learning how to handle the consequences of doing the right thing that's painful.
~DFM
~DFM
9.08.2004
It's that time again!!
Yes folks, that's right, it's senioritis time! And this time, I've got it BAD! Seriously, I am COMPLETELY unmotivated! Too bad I'm only a junior and this is only the 2nd full week of school!! Geez!
I have been sick all weekend. Yuck! Of course, if I didn't stay out all night like I did Saturday, I might have gotten better quicker.
Recently I began to notice that I have turned into the "Rule Nazi." Sure, it's part of being an RA.. but still! I'm beginning to make enemies! This is not good! Did I mention that this is only the 2nd full week of school?
Oh, and for the record... if you call me after midnight on a school night because you locked yourself out of your apartment, I will probably be nice to you and tell you that it's no big deal.. but NEWS FLASH! I'm just being NICE! It IS a big deal! I was sleeping and I am sick, HELLO! Get a clue. And YES, you will be charged $5. End of story.
I've been thinking more and more about how I want to see the world and do everything before I die... and well, I came to a conclusion. Anyone who knows me knows that I don't want to live to be old. (gross!) SO, since a 1/4 of my life is already over, I've got to get BUSY! I'm running out of time! Here I am wasting away in college, when all I really want to do is go to Africa and China and Israel and Fiji and Cambodia and Cuba and Haiti and Japan and everywhere else. Sigh... there just simply isn't enough time. Story of my life.
As I was thinking about how I want to go to every 3rd world country, I was reminded of my sickness and how awful it has been for me lying around half-dead in my air conditioned apartment with pure (if you can call Nashville water pure) water and a working toilet.. and I thought to myself... "gee, I'm gonna have to toughen up if I ever wanna make it to Peace Corps."
Ahh.. somedays the thought of becoming a rock star seems so much easier. But then again, I'm not sure if I have the stomach for that yet either... =)
I came across an interesting situation this past Sunday... After staying out quite late on Saturday night, and waking up feeling quite ill on Sunday morning, I still managed to pull myslef together and make it to church. Yay! Sunday School and all! (granted, I ended up leaving after SS, but that's not the point) So there I am, half-dead, sitting in Sunday School with a room full of Trevecca kids who barely know me. Suddenly I look down, and what is that on my hands? Yup, that's right. 2 big black x's, one for each, left and right. As anyone who has ever lived in a city would know, this sign meant 1 thing: Someone underage went out last night. Granted, it's really no big deal, I mean, it's not illegal or anything but at the same time I felt as though everyone was staring at me and my big black faded X's that just wouldn't come off!! Let me just tell you, Hester Prynne had nothing on me. Then, sure enough someone had the audacity to ask me where I went! So I answer, feeling as though I had to explain, and the girl next to her says.. "oh it's a dancing place, hehe, we're telling"
WHAT? WHAT?
Yes, that's exactly what I was thinking!
I have been sick all weekend. Yuck! Of course, if I didn't stay out all night like I did Saturday, I might have gotten better quicker.
Recently I began to notice that I have turned into the "Rule Nazi." Sure, it's part of being an RA.. but still! I'm beginning to make enemies! This is not good! Did I mention that this is only the 2nd full week of school?
Oh, and for the record... if you call me after midnight on a school night because you locked yourself out of your apartment, I will probably be nice to you and tell you that it's no big deal.. but NEWS FLASH! I'm just being NICE! It IS a big deal! I was sleeping and I am sick, HELLO! Get a clue. And YES, you will be charged $5. End of story.
I've been thinking more and more about how I want to see the world and do everything before I die... and well, I came to a conclusion. Anyone who knows me knows that I don't want to live to be old. (gross!) SO, since a 1/4 of my life is already over, I've got to get BUSY! I'm running out of time! Here I am wasting away in college, when all I really want to do is go to Africa and China and Israel and Fiji and Cambodia and Cuba and Haiti and Japan and everywhere else. Sigh... there just simply isn't enough time. Story of my life.
As I was thinking about how I want to go to every 3rd world country, I was reminded of my sickness and how awful it has been for me lying around half-dead in my air conditioned apartment with pure (if you can call Nashville water pure) water and a working toilet.. and I thought to myself... "gee, I'm gonna have to toughen up if I ever wanna make it to Peace Corps."
Ahh.. somedays the thought of becoming a rock star seems so much easier. But then again, I'm not sure if I have the stomach for that yet either... =)
I came across an interesting situation this past Sunday... After staying out quite late on Saturday night, and waking up feeling quite ill on Sunday morning, I still managed to pull myslef together and make it to church. Yay! Sunday School and all! (granted, I ended up leaving after SS, but that's not the point) So there I am, half-dead, sitting in Sunday School with a room full of Trevecca kids who barely know me. Suddenly I look down, and what is that on my hands? Yup, that's right. 2 big black x's, one for each, left and right. As anyone who has ever lived in a city would know, this sign meant 1 thing: Someone underage went out last night. Granted, it's really no big deal, I mean, it's not illegal or anything but at the same time I felt as though everyone was staring at me and my big black faded X's that just wouldn't come off!! Let me just tell you, Hester Prynne had nothing on me. Then, sure enough someone had the audacity to ask me where I went! So I answer, feeling as though I had to explain, and the girl next to her says.. "oh it's a dancing place, hehe, we're telling"
WHAT? WHAT?
Yes, that's exactly what I was thinking!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)