She dreams she’ll be the girl in the corner no one knows but everyone wants to meet
With quiet and mysterious air she haunts everyone’s memory…
Like a shot of straight whiskey or a breath of cold air
She’ll make you intoxicated with the flip of her hair
You’ll be begging for more when she glances your way
But once she was covered in pain
She was hated and disgraced in a world far away
Unaccepted and left out, she felt like a tree in a drought
Slowly dying and fading while the cactuses would sprout
But once she escaped from the climate of shame
She grew until she became beauty and fame
A weeping willow, the epitome of broken grace
As the girl in the corner, and no one knows her name
Yea, no one knows her beautiful name
A captivating mess, with eyes like the sun
She’ll make you wish you had a chance at her love
But she draws herself away with the pain of mistakes
Of a boy in a land long ago still in her brain
A broken heart once, never again will she make
As unsteady a step towards something so vague
Sometimes when you listen you can still hear the cry
Of the lonely beauty all alone in the night
In a beachside confined to the cabin of the night
Till the sun glances on the waves of time
Maybe one day someone will win her heart
Guarded by iron wall nearly 100 feet high
A symbol of sorrow unaffected by the winds of time
Only to be scaled by a lover committed to find
The treasure that lies beneath the walls greased in turpentine
If you ask her kindly she’ll start to resist
Then in silence she’ll muster her breath
To sing of lost love and the tears that she shed
Of beautiful love songs cast on her smile
Of a boy long ago with the sincerest guile
And the lies that he shared tasted so bittersweet
Reality sank with its harsh memory
And though he said he loved her more than everything
He abandoned her at the first sight of controversy
She sings with a mix of laughter and sighs
With eyes sparkling at the memories
Heartbroken tears in her eyes
“She loved him,” they say, “She was always true.”
“But to that point of adversity she was forever blue.”
And to think, once, long ago
This all started with just a little show
Of emotions and love, it was just a slight glow
Shattered by lies and devastated hopes
“Why could he not love me?” she wonders every night
Amidst anguish and a tired heart from the fight
Was she not worth it? Was she not good enough?
Would the problems with her make him seek other love?
And if you would watch her, you’d see those golden eyes
Sparkle with sadness as a tear slips from her eye
True love shows no bounds, if it does it’s not true
She’d repeat this to herself even in the saddest of moods.
But in the dark, late at night, a tear would slip from her eye
And travel down to a heart broken fronm time
Who would be so harsh to break such a heart?
Will she ever love again, and have healing to such a scar?
Only time will tell if she forgets about the part
She played in a romance that hit her right in the heart.
mon cœur est brisé
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Literacy Analysis: "Everyday Use" by Alice Walker
Christina Boothe
Ms. Nguyen
English 1301
November 10th, 2011
Literacy Analysis: “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker
Alice Walker was born on February 9th, 1944 in Eatonton, Georgia. She was the youngest of eight children in a family of poor black sharecroppers. Upon reaching adulthood, she worked to become a social worker, teacher, and lecturer. However, she is best known for her literature. Although most famous for her best-selling novel, “The Color Purple,” she is more involved in poems and essays than actual novel-writing. As a young person, she took part in several 1960’s civil rights movements, which suggests that she is a very passionate, justice-oriented woman. Being a black southerner herself, the majority of her stories are centered on black individuals or families in the south. This is the theme that “Everyday Use” takes. Through her signature setting, Walker uses personality differences to show that animosity brews in most, if not all, families, especially when one family member is selfish and gives no room for others to have any attention.
An obvious way to search for explanations of animosity between siblings is to look at each person’s childhood. In “Everyday Use,” Walker introduces two sisters: Dee and Maggie. Dee was blessed with an education, the only person clearly literate in her immediate family. She often read to her mother and sister and is portrayed to have had a domineering sense of literary pride over them. She was also a very attractive young woman, described to have a “full figure, light skin, and nice hair” and to be “very light” (375). Among these gifts, she was also popular with her friends. They all looked up to her, the text tells us, and worshipped her because she was so… perfect. Maggie, unfortunately, was not blessed with such skills. An unintelligent girl with poor eyesight, Maggie struggled to read and only attended school briefly, if ever. As a young girl, she was caught in a house fire with her mother and as a result has burn scars up and down her arms and legs; causing her to be shameful about her appearance and to walk around in the manner of a “lame animal… perhaps a dog run over by some careless person… (375).” She was a very quiet person, with few friends, and stayed close to home; always satisfied with what was given to her and willing to help. But, Dee’s dominate personality often caused her to be in the shadows. This causes Maggie to be afraid, in awe of, and in the least bit bitter, with her sister. Such drastic differences in upbringing and appearance often brew bitterness between the less fortunate and the fortunate. While it may not show at first, the former may grow up with a sense of injustice and anger, feeling as if they were cheating by Providence, their parents, and even by their sibling.
Walker goes on to portray the two sister’s differences in an even more elaborate way. She describes Dee’s personality as very demeaning, confrontational, selfish, and yet somehow endearing to some. She mentions in her introduction that Maggie views Dee as the kind of person “…that ‘no’ was a word the world never learned to say to her.” Dee was an elaborate show girl, in a way; always dressing to have attention put upon her and always acting in a way that would criticize and yet draw people to her. In a word, Dee’s personality could be described as “extroverted,” because of her social, talkative, domineering personality. Maggie, on the other hand, was very introverted. She desired to stay at home with her mother and help out around the house. In the story, she was engaged to a nice young man named John Thomas who was nothing special; but was someone who would love her and take care of her. She could be described as one who “settled,” always thankful to be given anything and eager to expel conflict in her family. While Maggie never showed frustration with her sister, one cannot help to think that she was thankful when Dee left her home after what probably seemed like an excruciatingly long visit. Peace seemed to be established when the troublemaker left the residence. Surely, this was how Maggie felt about Dee’s visit when it was over. These personality differences provide a source of sympathy towards Maggie, an emotion that Walker clearly attempts to stir up in readers. But that’s not the only emotion that Walker attempts to tug at; she also manipulates the reader’s anger by presenting Dee’s personality as such a drastic opposition, almost bully-like to an introverted personality such as Maggie’s.
As a final comparison, Walker discusses the differences between Dee’s and Maggie’s demands and attitudes about their heritage. Nearly from the moment Dee arrives at her mother’s home, she begins to demand that certain things be given to her. “I knew there was something I wanted to ask you if I could have” (377). She declares before her mother can reply. She goes on to ask for several household items, convinced that her heritage would remain true if only she could have the items that reminded her of it. While she was too busy collecting “museum pieces” that represented her heritage, Maggie was in the midst of actually living out her heritage. Maggie didn’t need symbolism to remind her of her history; she lived her heritage from day to day and was constantly reminded through her lifestyle of who she was. When Dee demands the quilts that were made from her grandmother’s dresses, which were promised to Maggie; Maggie attempted to give them to her to disperse the conflict that was developing. I imagine we’re all thankful when the story ends with their mother’s refusal to take the quilts away from Maggie and give them to Dee. However, it is saddening to see that Dee is so caught up in the symbolic heritage of certain items that she can’t incorporate them into her life, for everyday use. This is the most focused upon difference between her and Maggie. Walker attempts to portray that the differences between Dee and Maggie do not only result in character flaws, but also in the irreplaceable lack of the true meaning of a person’s heritage. Because of Dee’s self-absorbed lifestyle and personality, she took no time to invest in her heritage. As a result, she is obsessed with the material value of her heritage rather than the emotions and memories associated with it. This is largely the result of her refusal to invest time in her family. Walker proves through this example of Dee’s estrangement that in order to understand your heritage and where you come from, you must put aside your own life for a while and take the time to invest in your family and history.
The story “Everyday Use” discusses many differences between sisters Maggie and Dee, including their looks, personality, intelligence, and social popularity. Through the differences between the sisters, Walker conveys the inner fact that families often struggle with an unbalanced family, where one member has significantly more gifts and talents than the others. Unfortunately, this often results in a domineering personality by that individual, which in turn results in the acrimony between that person and their fellow family members. It can also result in the more gifted member missing out on the important things in life because of their obsession with themselves, their obsession with their perspective of life. They don’t take enough time to really consider the important things, and are thus trained only by their own knowledge. This malevolence between siblings and lack of understanding by the gifted child are important points that Walker emphasizes throughout her text through differences between Dee and Maggie. Walker’s creative use of title significance along with her valid points about sibling animosity and misunderstanding induced by self-consumption makes this article a very thought-provoking, interesting article; one well worth reading.
Works Cited
- Alice Walker. “Everyday Use.” In Love and Trouble. Mariner Books. 19 May 2003.
- “Alice Walker.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation Inc. 10 November 2011. Web. 10 November 2011.
- No authors listed. “Alice Walker biography.” Biography.com. A&E Television Networks. 2011. Web. 10 November 2011. < http://www.biography.com/people/alice-walker-9521939>
Ms. Nguyen
English 1301
November 10th, 2011
Literacy Analysis: “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker
Alice Walker was born on February 9th, 1944 in Eatonton, Georgia. She was the youngest of eight children in a family of poor black sharecroppers. Upon reaching adulthood, she worked to become a social worker, teacher, and lecturer. However, she is best known for her literature. Although most famous for her best-selling novel, “The Color Purple,” she is more involved in poems and essays than actual novel-writing. As a young person, she took part in several 1960’s civil rights movements, which suggests that she is a very passionate, justice-oriented woman. Being a black southerner herself, the majority of her stories are centered on black individuals or families in the south. This is the theme that “Everyday Use” takes. Through her signature setting, Walker uses personality differences to show that animosity brews in most, if not all, families, especially when one family member is selfish and gives no room for others to have any attention.
An obvious way to search for explanations of animosity between siblings is to look at each person’s childhood. In “Everyday Use,” Walker introduces two sisters: Dee and Maggie. Dee was blessed with an education, the only person clearly literate in her immediate family. She often read to her mother and sister and is portrayed to have had a domineering sense of literary pride over them. She was also a very attractive young woman, described to have a “full figure, light skin, and nice hair” and to be “very light” (375). Among these gifts, she was also popular with her friends. They all looked up to her, the text tells us, and worshipped her because she was so… perfect. Maggie, unfortunately, was not blessed with such skills. An unintelligent girl with poor eyesight, Maggie struggled to read and only attended school briefly, if ever. As a young girl, she was caught in a house fire with her mother and as a result has burn scars up and down her arms and legs; causing her to be shameful about her appearance and to walk around in the manner of a “lame animal… perhaps a dog run over by some careless person… (375).” She was a very quiet person, with few friends, and stayed close to home; always satisfied with what was given to her and willing to help. But, Dee’s dominate personality often caused her to be in the shadows. This causes Maggie to be afraid, in awe of, and in the least bit bitter, with her sister. Such drastic differences in upbringing and appearance often brew bitterness between the less fortunate and the fortunate. While it may not show at first, the former may grow up with a sense of injustice and anger, feeling as if they were cheating by Providence, their parents, and even by their sibling.
Walker goes on to portray the two sister’s differences in an even more elaborate way. She describes Dee’s personality as very demeaning, confrontational, selfish, and yet somehow endearing to some. She mentions in her introduction that Maggie views Dee as the kind of person “…that ‘no’ was a word the world never learned to say to her.” Dee was an elaborate show girl, in a way; always dressing to have attention put upon her and always acting in a way that would criticize and yet draw people to her. In a word, Dee’s personality could be described as “extroverted,” because of her social, talkative, domineering personality. Maggie, on the other hand, was very introverted. She desired to stay at home with her mother and help out around the house. In the story, she was engaged to a nice young man named John Thomas who was nothing special; but was someone who would love her and take care of her. She could be described as one who “settled,” always thankful to be given anything and eager to expel conflict in her family. While Maggie never showed frustration with her sister, one cannot help to think that she was thankful when Dee left her home after what probably seemed like an excruciatingly long visit. Peace seemed to be established when the troublemaker left the residence. Surely, this was how Maggie felt about Dee’s visit when it was over. These personality differences provide a source of sympathy towards Maggie, an emotion that Walker clearly attempts to stir up in readers. But that’s not the only emotion that Walker attempts to tug at; she also manipulates the reader’s anger by presenting Dee’s personality as such a drastic opposition, almost bully-like to an introverted personality such as Maggie’s.
As a final comparison, Walker discusses the differences between Dee’s and Maggie’s demands and attitudes about their heritage. Nearly from the moment Dee arrives at her mother’s home, she begins to demand that certain things be given to her. “I knew there was something I wanted to ask you if I could have” (377). She declares before her mother can reply. She goes on to ask for several household items, convinced that her heritage would remain true if only she could have the items that reminded her of it. While she was too busy collecting “museum pieces” that represented her heritage, Maggie was in the midst of actually living out her heritage. Maggie didn’t need symbolism to remind her of her history; she lived her heritage from day to day and was constantly reminded through her lifestyle of who she was. When Dee demands the quilts that were made from her grandmother’s dresses, which were promised to Maggie; Maggie attempted to give them to her to disperse the conflict that was developing. I imagine we’re all thankful when the story ends with their mother’s refusal to take the quilts away from Maggie and give them to Dee. However, it is saddening to see that Dee is so caught up in the symbolic heritage of certain items that she can’t incorporate them into her life, for everyday use. This is the most focused upon difference between her and Maggie. Walker attempts to portray that the differences between Dee and Maggie do not only result in character flaws, but also in the irreplaceable lack of the true meaning of a person’s heritage. Because of Dee’s self-absorbed lifestyle and personality, she took no time to invest in her heritage. As a result, she is obsessed with the material value of her heritage rather than the emotions and memories associated with it. This is largely the result of her refusal to invest time in her family. Walker proves through this example of Dee’s estrangement that in order to understand your heritage and where you come from, you must put aside your own life for a while and take the time to invest in your family and history.
The story “Everyday Use” discusses many differences between sisters Maggie and Dee, including their looks, personality, intelligence, and social popularity. Through the differences between the sisters, Walker conveys the inner fact that families often struggle with an unbalanced family, where one member has significantly more gifts and talents than the others. Unfortunately, this often results in a domineering personality by that individual, which in turn results in the acrimony between that person and their fellow family members. It can also result in the more gifted member missing out on the important things in life because of their obsession with themselves, their obsession with their perspective of life. They don’t take enough time to really consider the important things, and are thus trained only by their own knowledge. This malevolence between siblings and lack of understanding by the gifted child are important points that Walker emphasizes throughout her text through differences between Dee and Maggie. Walker’s creative use of title significance along with her valid points about sibling animosity and misunderstanding induced by self-consumption makes this article a very thought-provoking, interesting article; one well worth reading.
Works Cited
- Alice Walker. “Everyday Use.” In Love and Trouble. Mariner Books. 19 May 2003.
- “Alice Walker.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation Inc. 10 November 2011. Web. 10 November 2011.
- No authors listed. “Alice Walker biography.” Biography.com. A&E Television Networks. 2011. Web. 10 November 2011. < http://www.biography.com/people/alice-walker-9521939>
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Confrontation...
...Is the hardest thing. And, as much as I seem like the kind of person that can easily handle confrontation, I'm not. It takes all the courage I can possibly muster up to confront someone. It's so hard! Especially when you don't know what to say, there's so much to say. But the situation needs confrontation.
I just confronted someone recently. It was one of the hardest, most nerve-wracking things I've ever done, but I had to do it. I had to be set free from this situation. Does anyone else ever feel like that? Where the only way out is, like, guarded by vicious dogs and razor sharp blades slicing with immaculate accuracy and alarming speed? *sigh*. Why can't anything be easy?
Reminds me of that country song by Reba: "what do you say in a moment like this? When you can't find the words to tell it like it is. Just bite your tongue and let your heart lead the way..."
But the truth is, that the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked, who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9) So, I think I'd prefer to listen to my Jesus. I think I'd prefer to let my Jesus lead the way. In a world of Godlessness, I am going to be beloved. I want to be beloved of God, like David was. What a wonderful treasure! And I want to be God's beloved at all costs. Even if it means not listening to my desperatley wicked but wrecklessly persuasive heart and listening to my Jesus instead.
Will you take the challenge with me? You may have some confrontation to take care of. Whether it's with your job, your parents, friend, boyfriend or even ex; if you feel like the Lord's telling you to confront, take courage. You're not alone. And listen to your Jesus for guidance. If He died for you, I'm pretty sure He could give you some great advice. He must know you better than anyone else, including yourself. After all, He did DIE for you. That's not to be taken lightly, you know!
Let's let God take control of our confrontation issues. Let's let God take control of our fear. Because we need to have courage! The Bible uses courage as a word of praise. Both Esther and Joseph of Arimathea are praised for courage for standing up to authority at great risk to themselves when they could have sat in physical comfort, but mental anguish, by remaining silent (Yahoo Groups contributor direct quote). So let's be courageous! Let's confront! Stand up to those who you need to confront.
May God bless you and your battle towards courageousness.
Lord, bless those who have courage, the few who truly fight for the right thing. You.
I just confronted someone recently. It was one of the hardest, most nerve-wracking things I've ever done, but I had to do it. I had to be set free from this situation. Does anyone else ever feel like that? Where the only way out is, like, guarded by vicious dogs and razor sharp blades slicing with immaculate accuracy and alarming speed? *sigh*. Why can't anything be easy?
Reminds me of that country song by Reba: "what do you say in a moment like this? When you can't find the words to tell it like it is. Just bite your tongue and let your heart lead the way..."
But the truth is, that the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked, who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9) So, I think I'd prefer to listen to my Jesus. I think I'd prefer to let my Jesus lead the way. In a world of Godlessness, I am going to be beloved. I want to be beloved of God, like David was. What a wonderful treasure! And I want to be God's beloved at all costs. Even if it means not listening to my desperatley wicked but wrecklessly persuasive heart and listening to my Jesus instead.
Will you take the challenge with me? You may have some confrontation to take care of. Whether it's with your job, your parents, friend, boyfriend or even ex; if you feel like the Lord's telling you to confront, take courage. You're not alone. And listen to your Jesus for guidance. If He died for you, I'm pretty sure He could give you some great advice. He must know you better than anyone else, including yourself. After all, He did DIE for you. That's not to be taken lightly, you know!
Let's let God take control of our confrontation issues. Let's let God take control of our fear. Because we need to have courage! The Bible uses courage as a word of praise. Both Esther and Joseph of Arimathea are praised for courage for standing up to authority at great risk to themselves when they could have sat in physical comfort, but mental anguish, by remaining silent (Yahoo Groups contributor direct quote). So let's be courageous! Let's confront! Stand up to those who you need to confront.
May God bless you and your battle towards courageousness.
Lord, bless those who have courage, the few who truly fight for the right thing. You.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Summary and Strong Response
Here's my second English paper, a Summary and Strong Response. I got a 95 on it! :) Tell me what you think!
"In Suburb, Battle goes Public on Bullying of Gay Students” Summary and Strong Response
In the article “In Suburb, Battle Goes Public on Bullying of Gay Students”, written by Erik Eckholm and published in the New York Times on October 1st, 2011, Eckholm discusses the lawsuit against the bullying of gay students in Anoka, Minnesota. Eckholm points out that there have been years of harsh conflict between advocates for gay students and Christian conservatives. He also points out that the lawsuit, filed in July on behalf of six current and former students in the Anoka Minnesota school district by the Southern Poverty Center and the National Center for Lesbian Rights, is attempting to end the demands of the school district that all staff should remain neutral on matters regarding sexual orientation and that teaching about sexual orientation is not a part of the district-adopted curriculum. They claim these demands are a “district gag order” that have undercut anti –bullying and –suicide efforts. Eckholm suggests the irony of the fact that most of these schools are in Michele Bachmann’s, a Republican presidential candidate for the 2012 races, Congressional district. He also mentions that Bachmann is a member of the Minnesota Family Council, a Christian conservative group who lobbies that the school district should not change. Tom Prichard, president of the Minnesota Family Council, believes that “Accepting two moms as a family is advocacy. . . No tolerance for bullying, but these groups are using the issue to press their agenda.” However, Eckholm includes, others beg to differ. “This policy clearly sends a message to LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) kids that there is something shameful about who they are and that they are not valid people in history,” states Jefferson Fietek, a drama teacher at Anoka Middle School for the Arts. As an advisor for the Gay-Straight Alliance, he reveals that he knew several gay or lesbian students who attempted or seriously considered suicide. Eckholm concludes his article by quoting the Minnesota Family Council’s website, which says that depression among gay teenagers is often the fault of gay rights advocates who create helplessness – “when a child is deliberately misinformed about causes of homosexuality and told homosexual acts are normal and natural, all hope for recovery is taken away.”
Although I don’t endorse homosexuality at all, I do agree that bullying, regardless of the case, is wrong. However, demanding that Christians accept homosexuality takes away our freedom of religion. I believe that Eckholm insinuates that Christians are the main reason for homosexual suicide, and he does not elaborate fairly on the reasoning of Christian conservatives as to why they refuse to endorse homosexuality.
Bullying is wrong; there is no excuse for anyone to partake in it, let alone Christians. The Bible commands us as Christians to love our neighbor: “…'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' (Mark 12:31a).” When Christians bully, they are not obeying this commandment. Sadly, suicide can be the result of bullying. This is not to be tolerated, regardless of the sexual orientation of the victim. However, we as Christians should not be expected to accept the homosexual lifestyle. The Bible – which is the Christian’s standard of reference - states that homosexuality is an abomination to the Lord – “You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination. (Leviticus 18:22).” Forcing us to accept homosexuality is forcing us to give up our freedom of religion. Forcing us to not speak against homosexuality is taking away our freedom of speech. Forcing us to not write about our view of homosexuality is taking away our freedom of press. We have just as much a right to freedom of religion, speech, and press as do homosexuals. Eckholm also fails to mention the Christian’s view of homosexuality, which is that homosexuality is neither normal nor natural. The Bible teaches that God created the anatomies of males and females differently for the purpose of marriage between the two. Sexual relations were created by God to be between a man and his wife. We must think about the effect of AIDS, a deadly disease that often results from homosexual intercourse. We must also consider the fact that heterosexual relations enable reproduction, while homosexual relations do not. What does this insinuate? I believe these facts confirm that homosexual relations are not natural and not according to God’s design. Schools should not risk the innocence and safety of other students by allowing homosexuality to be flaunted in their systems for many reasons; which Eckholm does not elaborate on. For one, many children are sheltered and unaware of this unnatural affection. Parents purposefully shelter these children to preserve their innocence. Allowing them to be subjected to homosexual affection is dangerous to their innocence and mindset. Homosexual affection, if allowed to be openly shown in the halls, will cause extreme discomfort for many children, either to witness or to be pressured to participate. Because of this, the policy enforced by the Anoka, Minnesota school district is wise in regards to protection of their heterosexual students. However, I do think that Eckholm did an acceptable job presenting the need for bullying policies. Those who are exposed to bullying should be adequately protected. It is unfair to be picked on because of one’s sexual orientation, regardless of the views of the other person. The Anoka, Minnesota school district could and should do a better job protecting their students from bullying by having more adults available in halls throughout the day and during extra-curricular activities; adults with strong views against bullying and strong personalities that demand respect, such as coaches. Those who are caught bullying should be subjected to detention for the first offense, detention with extra-curricular suspension for the second, and the risk of being expelled for the third.
Eckholm falsely portrays Christians by only representing that they are fighting against the homosexual agenda. It seems he attempts to portray the illusion that Christians do not love “outcasts” or those who are different. He couldn’t be further from the truth! Jesus Christ, the Author and Perfector of the Christian Faith, showed love to everyone, not just Christians. He was friends with hookers and tax collectors. He did not bully these people for their lifestyles, rather they changed because they wanted so badly to follow Jesus and be just like Him. He is the example that Christians are compelled by the Bible to follow. If we, as Christians, truly love our neighbors as ourselves, we would not bully them, but with our quiet, Christ-like attitude, we would minister to them and show them Christ’s love. It is not up to us to change their lifestyle – we are only expected to exhibit the love of Christ to them. The truth is that many Christians I know of completely accept the homosexuals in their lives without endorsing their behavior. My great aunt and uncle have a son, my second cousin, who is a homosexual and has three children with his partner. Although my great aunt and uncle do not encourage the behavior of their son at all and are grieved at his choice in sexual orientation, they accept him, his partner, and their children and love them very much. They do not harass him for his sexual orientation; they do not make fun of his decisions. They simply love and accept him as he is. That being said, I do believe that the phrase “love the sinner, hate the sin” applies here. Just because we love our homosexual friends and admire homosexual artists does not mean that we accept their sinful lifestyle. I admire Elton John and Lady Gaga immensely as musicians; however, I am not supportive of their lifestyle or views and boycott their songs that endorse their lifestyles and views that I believe are contrary to the Bible.
In conclusion, I believe that Eckholm did a very poor job demonstrating the true beliefs of Christians towards homosexuality, and a very biased job of distributing the blame of homosexual suicide mostly to them. While we believe that homosexuality is sinful, we should follow the example of Jesus Christ by loving our neighbors, even if they are homosexuals. This does not mean that we should be expected to endorse their lifestyle. We have the right to speak against their lifestyle and protect our children from being subjected to homosexuality.
Works Cited
The Holy Bible: New American Standard Bible. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 1984, 1990, 2008.
Erik Eckholm. “In Suburb, Battle Goes Public on Bullying of Gay Students.” The New York Times 14 September 2011.
"In Suburb, Battle goes Public on Bullying of Gay Students” Summary and Strong Response
In the article “In Suburb, Battle Goes Public on Bullying of Gay Students”, written by Erik Eckholm and published in the New York Times on October 1st, 2011, Eckholm discusses the lawsuit against the bullying of gay students in Anoka, Minnesota. Eckholm points out that there have been years of harsh conflict between advocates for gay students and Christian conservatives. He also points out that the lawsuit, filed in July on behalf of six current and former students in the Anoka Minnesota school district by the Southern Poverty Center and the National Center for Lesbian Rights, is attempting to end the demands of the school district that all staff should remain neutral on matters regarding sexual orientation and that teaching about sexual orientation is not a part of the district-adopted curriculum. They claim these demands are a “district gag order” that have undercut anti –bullying and –suicide efforts. Eckholm suggests the irony of the fact that most of these schools are in Michele Bachmann’s, a Republican presidential candidate for the 2012 races, Congressional district. He also mentions that Bachmann is a member of the Minnesota Family Council, a Christian conservative group who lobbies that the school district should not change. Tom Prichard, president of the Minnesota Family Council, believes that “Accepting two moms as a family is advocacy. . . No tolerance for bullying, but these groups are using the issue to press their agenda.” However, Eckholm includes, others beg to differ. “This policy clearly sends a message to LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) kids that there is something shameful about who they are and that they are not valid people in history,” states Jefferson Fietek, a drama teacher at Anoka Middle School for the Arts. As an advisor for the Gay-Straight Alliance, he reveals that he knew several gay or lesbian students who attempted or seriously considered suicide. Eckholm concludes his article by quoting the Minnesota Family Council’s website, which says that depression among gay teenagers is often the fault of gay rights advocates who create helplessness – “when a child is deliberately misinformed about causes of homosexuality and told homosexual acts are normal and natural, all hope for recovery is taken away.”
Although I don’t endorse homosexuality at all, I do agree that bullying, regardless of the case, is wrong. However, demanding that Christians accept homosexuality takes away our freedom of religion. I believe that Eckholm insinuates that Christians are the main reason for homosexual suicide, and he does not elaborate fairly on the reasoning of Christian conservatives as to why they refuse to endorse homosexuality.
Bullying is wrong; there is no excuse for anyone to partake in it, let alone Christians. The Bible commands us as Christians to love our neighbor: “…'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' (Mark 12:31a).” When Christians bully, they are not obeying this commandment. Sadly, suicide can be the result of bullying. This is not to be tolerated, regardless of the sexual orientation of the victim. However, we as Christians should not be expected to accept the homosexual lifestyle. The Bible – which is the Christian’s standard of reference - states that homosexuality is an abomination to the Lord – “You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination. (Leviticus 18:22).” Forcing us to accept homosexuality is forcing us to give up our freedom of religion. Forcing us to not speak against homosexuality is taking away our freedom of speech. Forcing us to not write about our view of homosexuality is taking away our freedom of press. We have just as much a right to freedom of religion, speech, and press as do homosexuals. Eckholm also fails to mention the Christian’s view of homosexuality, which is that homosexuality is neither normal nor natural. The Bible teaches that God created the anatomies of males and females differently for the purpose of marriage between the two. Sexual relations were created by God to be between a man and his wife. We must think about the effect of AIDS, a deadly disease that often results from homosexual intercourse. We must also consider the fact that heterosexual relations enable reproduction, while homosexual relations do not. What does this insinuate? I believe these facts confirm that homosexual relations are not natural and not according to God’s design. Schools should not risk the innocence and safety of other students by allowing homosexuality to be flaunted in their systems for many reasons; which Eckholm does not elaborate on. For one, many children are sheltered and unaware of this unnatural affection. Parents purposefully shelter these children to preserve their innocence. Allowing them to be subjected to homosexual affection is dangerous to their innocence and mindset. Homosexual affection, if allowed to be openly shown in the halls, will cause extreme discomfort for many children, either to witness or to be pressured to participate. Because of this, the policy enforced by the Anoka, Minnesota school district is wise in regards to protection of their heterosexual students. However, I do think that Eckholm did an acceptable job presenting the need for bullying policies. Those who are exposed to bullying should be adequately protected. It is unfair to be picked on because of one’s sexual orientation, regardless of the views of the other person. The Anoka, Minnesota school district could and should do a better job protecting their students from bullying by having more adults available in halls throughout the day and during extra-curricular activities; adults with strong views against bullying and strong personalities that demand respect, such as coaches. Those who are caught bullying should be subjected to detention for the first offense, detention with extra-curricular suspension for the second, and the risk of being expelled for the third.
Eckholm falsely portrays Christians by only representing that they are fighting against the homosexual agenda. It seems he attempts to portray the illusion that Christians do not love “outcasts” or those who are different. He couldn’t be further from the truth! Jesus Christ, the Author and Perfector of the Christian Faith, showed love to everyone, not just Christians. He was friends with hookers and tax collectors. He did not bully these people for their lifestyles, rather they changed because they wanted so badly to follow Jesus and be just like Him. He is the example that Christians are compelled by the Bible to follow. If we, as Christians, truly love our neighbors as ourselves, we would not bully them, but with our quiet, Christ-like attitude, we would minister to them and show them Christ’s love. It is not up to us to change their lifestyle – we are only expected to exhibit the love of Christ to them. The truth is that many Christians I know of completely accept the homosexuals in their lives without endorsing their behavior. My great aunt and uncle have a son, my second cousin, who is a homosexual and has three children with his partner. Although my great aunt and uncle do not encourage the behavior of their son at all and are grieved at his choice in sexual orientation, they accept him, his partner, and their children and love them very much. They do not harass him for his sexual orientation; they do not make fun of his decisions. They simply love and accept him as he is. That being said, I do believe that the phrase “love the sinner, hate the sin” applies here. Just because we love our homosexual friends and admire homosexual artists does not mean that we accept their sinful lifestyle. I admire Elton John and Lady Gaga immensely as musicians; however, I am not supportive of their lifestyle or views and boycott their songs that endorse their lifestyles and views that I believe are contrary to the Bible.
In conclusion, I believe that Eckholm did a very poor job demonstrating the true beliefs of Christians towards homosexuality, and a very biased job of distributing the blame of homosexual suicide mostly to them. While we believe that homosexuality is sinful, we should follow the example of Jesus Christ by loving our neighbors, even if they are homosexuals. This does not mean that we should be expected to endorse their lifestyle. We have the right to speak against their lifestyle and protect our children from being subjected to homosexuality.
Works Cited
The Holy Bible: New American Standard Bible. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 1984, 1990, 2008.
Erik Eckholm. “In Suburb, Battle Goes Public on Bullying of Gay Students.” The New York Times 14 September 2011.
-sigh-
It's November 2nd.
Well, technically, November 3rd at 12:19AM, but still.
And on October 31st, instead of partying, my family is typically packing up our big conversion van to make the 10 hour drive due east to Destin, Florida -- home of my heart. Typically, on November 1st, my family is awakening at 4AM to get a bright and early start on that wonderful drive. And typically, on November 2nd, my sister celebrates her birthday by picking out a cake at Wal-Mart and eating it with the family on the condo balcony, listening to the waves and watching the sun slowly sink below the horizon.
So I guess you could say that this November is anything but typical.
Because on October 31st, my family atypically attended a Reformation Day party.
My family atypically celebrated my sister's birthday surrounding our kitchen table.
My family atypically left our conversion van in the garage...empty. We atypically slept in on November 1st. I atypically went to youth group on November 2nd.
I'm usually at peace this time of year. Peace, meaning relaxed. Nothing does it like the taste of salt water, the smell of that salty breeze, the feel of the sand between my toes, and the feeling you get when you're wondering if what you just did was create a successful tan or excruciating sunburn.
But instead of peace, I'm sitting in my room, in my home miles away from any form of wave-making water. And, I'm depressed about it. I just love the beach. It's my true home, it's where I feel most relaxed and accepted. My only worry is if that tide is going to get me wet. And it's not even a worry, it's just a lightweighted thought. Oh, haha, ooops... It got me wet. :)
But who cares? Go up and get changed, then come back down here and get sand in all cracks and crevaces, and get buried alive, and get God's pedicure while you're at it. After all, it is the beach, right?
I'm convinced God smiled on some places more than others. Because the beach is vibrant, absolutely glowing, with joy. Just like me when I'm on it.
I just want an ice cold virgin margarita, a reclining beach chair, and a beach. Maybe some music, but not loud enough to distract me from the sound of the crashing...crashing...crash...crash...crashhh...
find your inner beach, and chill for a while.
Peace out.
Well, technically, November 3rd at 12:19AM, but still.
And on October 31st, instead of partying, my family is typically packing up our big conversion van to make the 10 hour drive due east to Destin, Florida -- home of my heart. Typically, on November 1st, my family is awakening at 4AM to get a bright and early start on that wonderful drive. And typically, on November 2nd, my sister celebrates her birthday by picking out a cake at Wal-Mart and eating it with the family on the condo balcony, listening to the waves and watching the sun slowly sink below the horizon.
So I guess you could say that this November is anything but typical.
Because on October 31st, my family atypically attended a Reformation Day party.
My family atypically celebrated my sister's birthday surrounding our kitchen table.
My family atypically left our conversion van in the garage...empty. We atypically slept in on November 1st. I atypically went to youth group on November 2nd.
I'm usually at peace this time of year. Peace, meaning relaxed. Nothing does it like the taste of salt water, the smell of that salty breeze, the feel of the sand between my toes, and the feeling you get when you're wondering if what you just did was create a successful tan or excruciating sunburn.
But instead of peace, I'm sitting in my room, in my home miles away from any form of wave-making water. And, I'm depressed about it. I just love the beach. It's my true home, it's where I feel most relaxed and accepted. My only worry is if that tide is going to get me wet. And it's not even a worry, it's just a lightweighted thought. Oh, haha, ooops... It got me wet. :)
But who cares? Go up and get changed, then come back down here and get sand in all cracks and crevaces, and get buried alive, and get God's pedicure while you're at it. After all, it is the beach, right?
I'm convinced God smiled on some places more than others. Because the beach is vibrant, absolutely glowing, with joy. Just like me when I'm on it.
I just want an ice cold virgin margarita, a reclining beach chair, and a beach. Maybe some music, but not loud enough to distract me from the sound of the crashing...crashing...crash...crash...crashhh...
find your inner beach, and chill for a while.
Peace out.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Writer's Block! :(
I have hit a writer's block. I cannot think of anything to write, and I don't want to start a long story because clearly (As Forbidden Love has proven) I can't finish them. So, comment and tell me what you think I should write on. And I will! :)
Muchas amor! ~ Chrissy
Muchas amor! ~ Chrissy
Friday, September 23, 2011
Well, I asked for it....
Does this sound familiar?
"I'd rather take bad times with You by my side
Then nothing at all with You gone from my life"
Haha, Our God is so ironic. Be careful what you wish for, cuz you just might get it! Well, I got it. Praying and praying for redemption, and I get totally ignored yet AGAIN by someone I really care about and just want to be reconciled and redeemed with. But I know what God's doing. He's testing me. "Are you going to trust me when the going gets tough, and it LOOKS like I'm not going to fulfill My promises?"
Uhm, of course. Can't chase me off that easily. ;)
The truth is that the devil can chase me off that easily. Because yesterday, I was on the verge of breaking. I wouldn't talk to God. But He has the Amazing Grace to keep knocking.... keep knocking... Stubborn Christina, open the door for Your Prince... keep knocking... I love you, Christina.... knocking, knocking, knocking.
SO basically, He helped me open the door that was too quickly sealing. God's Mercies are new, EVERY morning. We've just got to remember that. So, today's been a good day, spiritually. Because I came to the conclusion that God is just testing me. Besides, God promised redemption. And I'm pretty sure God even gave me a timeline (kinda hard to explain, so...yeah.). But now He's seeing if I'll really trust Him; if I REALLY want Him through the bad times rather than not at all. And it's true, I want my relationship with Jesus to only grow stronger. But it's hard, having all these bad times, no redemption yet. So I am asking that you'll pray for me. Pray that God will give me the strength to run to Him, my True Lover and True Prince, when it seems like nothing's going the way I want it to go. I've got tunnel vision, but Christ sees the whole view, not just the view from inside the tunnel (though He sees that too... He humbles Himself to see things from our point of view and sympathize with us even though HE KNOWS what's going to happen! (He even does that in the Bible! : John 11) I don't deserve His love.
So I was reading an article. And I came across something amazing.
Lamentations.
Bam. Right there. I know, you just passed out in your chair from all the...amazingness.
No, but seriously! This book is all about the prophet Jeremiah lamenting (hence, Lamentations...) The seige of Jerusalem to Babylon in 586 BC (Babylon was under the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar, remember him? Think Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendego). So in this book, Jeremiah is all "Woah is me! Woah is this country. But God is still here. I haven't read it yet, but that's what this article basically said. So in a time in my life where I'm saying "Woah is me... where's the sympathy ice cream?" God has a BOOK for it! Two actually, including Job, specifically devoted to hard times. When I sing Amazing Grace, I really mean it. Because His Grace... is Amazing. It's Awesome. Literally, full of awe. He is FULL OF AWE.
So I have a challenge for you:
Read Lamentations with me!
Are you going through a hard time in your life where you just can't see God involved? Read Lamentations. We'll do it together. :)
Prayer requests (Comment if you have a prayer request):
For me to trust God and have faith. To continue to give everything to Him.
For courage. September's the month of courage, according to 89.3KSBJ. I'm specifically praying for the men in our lives, whether it be fathers, brothers, boyfriends, friends, or anyone for that matter to have the courage to stand up and be the leaders that God has created them to be.
And for all of us. We all could definitely use courage and faith. Give it all to God. I promise you won't be the lesser for it!
While I'm on that note, check out this song from the new movie coming out from Sherwood Pictures, Courageous:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkM-gDcmJeM
Where are you, men of courage?
Let the men of God arise.
"I'd rather take bad times with You by my side
Then nothing at all with You gone from my life"
Haha, Our God is so ironic. Be careful what you wish for, cuz you just might get it! Well, I got it. Praying and praying for redemption, and I get totally ignored yet AGAIN by someone I really care about and just want to be reconciled and redeemed with. But I know what God's doing. He's testing me. "Are you going to trust me when the going gets tough, and it LOOKS like I'm not going to fulfill My promises?"
Uhm, of course. Can't chase me off that easily. ;)
The truth is that the devil can chase me off that easily. Because yesterday, I was on the verge of breaking. I wouldn't talk to God. But He has the Amazing Grace to keep knocking.... keep knocking... Stubborn Christina, open the door for Your Prince... keep knocking... I love you, Christina.... knocking, knocking, knocking.
SO basically, He helped me open the door that was too quickly sealing. God's Mercies are new, EVERY morning. We've just got to remember that. So, today's been a good day, spiritually. Because I came to the conclusion that God is just testing me. Besides, God promised redemption. And I'm pretty sure God even gave me a timeline (kinda hard to explain, so...yeah.). But now He's seeing if I'll really trust Him; if I REALLY want Him through the bad times rather than not at all. And it's true, I want my relationship with Jesus to only grow stronger. But it's hard, having all these bad times, no redemption yet. So I am asking that you'll pray for me. Pray that God will give me the strength to run to Him, my True Lover and True Prince, when it seems like nothing's going the way I want it to go. I've got tunnel vision, but Christ sees the whole view, not just the view from inside the tunnel (though He sees that too... He humbles Himself to see things from our point of view and sympathize with us even though HE KNOWS what's going to happen! (He even does that in the Bible! : John 11) I don't deserve His love.
So I was reading an article. And I came across something amazing.
Lamentations.
Bam. Right there. I know, you just passed out in your chair from all the...amazingness.
No, but seriously! This book is all about the prophet Jeremiah lamenting (hence, Lamentations...) The seige of Jerusalem to Babylon in 586 BC (Babylon was under the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar, remember him? Think Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendego). So in this book, Jeremiah is all "Woah is me! Woah is this country. But God is still here. I haven't read it yet, but that's what this article basically said. So in a time in my life where I'm saying "Woah is me... where's the sympathy ice cream?" God has a BOOK for it! Two actually, including Job, specifically devoted to hard times. When I sing Amazing Grace, I really mean it. Because His Grace... is Amazing. It's Awesome. Literally, full of awe. He is FULL OF AWE.
So I have a challenge for you:
Read Lamentations with me!
Are you going through a hard time in your life where you just can't see God involved? Read Lamentations. We'll do it together. :)
Prayer requests (Comment if you have a prayer request):
For me to trust God and have faith. To continue to give everything to Him.
For courage. September's the month of courage, according to 89.3KSBJ. I'm specifically praying for the men in our lives, whether it be fathers, brothers, boyfriends, friends, or anyone for that matter to have the courage to stand up and be the leaders that God has created them to be.
And for all of us. We all could definitely use courage and faith. Give it all to God. I promise you won't be the lesser for it!
While I'm on that note, check out this song from the new movie coming out from Sherwood Pictures, Courageous:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkM-gDcmJeM
Where are you, men of courage?
Let the men of God arise.
Literacy Narrative 2
So, the last literacy narrative that I wrote wasn't good enough because it was about math, and literacy narratives are supposed to be about reading and/or writing. So, I wrote this one. It's basically a story about what experiences led me to develop different writing styles. I souped it up a bit, and even put a futuristic ending. So, needless to say, it's not real at the end. The rest is, though! It took me a bit longer to write this one than usual papers take me... so tell me what you think of this one please. :)
THE BOY IN THE COMPUTER
She sighs, lifts her hands, and begins to type. The emotions soar through her body and out her fingertips as she elaborates on her side of the story, her fantasy, and her point of view. She invests her time in a soulful poem, where she can truly express her emotions regarding him… the boy she loves; anonymously, of course. She wouldn’t want anyone to know her secret fantasies, her secret love affair; her secret feelings for a boy who could never love her.
Could he ever love me? I think about him all the time, and wish constantly that he were mine... I wish he’d see the light in mine; soft and sweet, deep brown eyes.
She learns to write poems this way. She writes these poems with the utmost emotion and love. As her words are articulated in a rhythmic pattern, she fantasizes on what could be if she were just to express how she feels. But would she dare tell? The only thing she even has the guts to tell is her computer; her source of education, her source of opportunity, her source of freedom. With her computer, she can tell the truth freely, and no one’s there to tell her she can’t. She’s not “wrong”, she’s not “scandalous”; she’s a writer. Creatively and freely, she begins to type a long poem, dedicated to the one and only boy she’s ever loved. Will he ever know? He may never know, but she always will. The poems that she writes daily will stay within the confidence of her computer screen. Smiling, she gently strokes the keys on her keyboard.
He looks at me, his smile’s so kind. I stare at him, lost in his eyes. I’ve never seen such eyes like these. So deep, so sweet, just like the sea.
Years later, will she look at these poems as silly? Or will she look at them as the history of her life? Will she hit the ‘delete’ button with an annoyed expression, or will she smile and compile all the sweet notes she wrote together, and save them forever?
Two years pass. What were ten notes became hundreds by the end of two year’s time. Never had she shown anyone her literacy, her gift for poetry and rhythm, because it’s a secret. The topic with which she elaborates on so freely is a forbidden emotion. Or is it? She’s grown into a free-spirited girl, with long brunette hair and a tall stature, with soulful golden eyes. But those eyes, those riveting golden eyes, hold a secret. They can see through others, but no one can see through them. Though many knock, she refuses, staying loyal to the boy in her computer; the one she’s loved for two years. They’ve started talking now, and it soon becomes clear that the boy in the computer has strong emotions for her as well. Are they forbidden? Not at first. But too soon a more powerful force demands an end. Her golden eyes, filled with tears, watch those notes slip away as she softly hits the delete button. Her secret was harshly rejected, her beautiful writings spat upon, and her emotions trampled on. But she learns the hard way, and
with emotions like Beethoven, she angrily writes. Still, she is not bold enough to expose her secret. Her writings are guarded with top security. She learns to write bitter songs this way. With tears streaming down her cheeks, she presses on the keys of her piano before pausing to write down the harsh lyrics.
“He stepped on the remains of her broken heart, begging for her to stay. He wished he could hold onto her, but it was already too late…”
A year has passed. She’s grown so much emotionally and spiritually, and learns to write beautiful prayers.
“Lord, please help me to stay so strong in You that when you do provide a relationship for me, I will still seek you and not let that boy swallow me whole.”
Her smile shines beautifully through Christ-lit eyes as she writes in her prayer journal. She’s grown into a peaceful young woman, with a quiet and gentle spirit, full of laughter and joy. But she writes with a little bit of a hole in her heart; a strong desire for love… but only from him. She still only loves him, the boy in the computer, and writes beautiful prayers asking Jesus to give her the strength to have patience. Though granted patience fulfills her, she still yearns for him. But with patience and faith, she prepares herself for what God will do in her life. She writes to her Savior, her Unconditional Lover, and her Friend.
“Lord, I pray for redemption and I pray for peace. Peace to watch Your work become complete. I know I can’t see that the end is in sight, I’m caught up on the “troubles” of life. But if I would humbly put my trust in You, I know that You soon will see me through!”
Two years later. This girl comes home from college with an engagement ring on her hand. But who is she engaged to? The boy in the computer emerges into the room as she leads him to her computer. They sit. They read. He is overwhelmed by her love, and proclaims this with a passionate kiss…
…And then, I sigh. But this time, it’s different. It’s a happy sigh. I’m satisfied. And I gently lift my fingers, and begin, yet again, to type.
THE BOY IN THE COMPUTER
She sighs, lifts her hands, and begins to type. The emotions soar through her body and out her fingertips as she elaborates on her side of the story, her fantasy, and her point of view. She invests her time in a soulful poem, where she can truly express her emotions regarding him… the boy she loves; anonymously, of course. She wouldn’t want anyone to know her secret fantasies, her secret love affair; her secret feelings for a boy who could never love her.
Could he ever love me? I think about him all the time, and wish constantly that he were mine... I wish he’d see the light in mine; soft and sweet, deep brown eyes.
She learns to write poems this way. She writes these poems with the utmost emotion and love. As her words are articulated in a rhythmic pattern, she fantasizes on what could be if she were just to express how she feels. But would she dare tell? The only thing she even has the guts to tell is her computer; her source of education, her source of opportunity, her source of freedom. With her computer, she can tell the truth freely, and no one’s there to tell her she can’t. She’s not “wrong”, she’s not “scandalous”; she’s a writer. Creatively and freely, she begins to type a long poem, dedicated to the one and only boy she’s ever loved. Will he ever know? He may never know, but she always will. The poems that she writes daily will stay within the confidence of her computer screen. Smiling, she gently strokes the keys on her keyboard.
He looks at me, his smile’s so kind. I stare at him, lost in his eyes. I’ve never seen such eyes like these. So deep, so sweet, just like the sea.
Years later, will she look at these poems as silly? Or will she look at them as the history of her life? Will she hit the ‘delete’ button with an annoyed expression, or will she smile and compile all the sweet notes she wrote together, and save them forever?
Two years pass. What were ten notes became hundreds by the end of two year’s time. Never had she shown anyone her literacy, her gift for poetry and rhythm, because it’s a secret. The topic with which she elaborates on so freely is a forbidden emotion. Or is it? She’s grown into a free-spirited girl, with long brunette hair and a tall stature, with soulful golden eyes. But those eyes, those riveting golden eyes, hold a secret. They can see through others, but no one can see through them. Though many knock, she refuses, staying loyal to the boy in her computer; the one she’s loved for two years. They’ve started talking now, and it soon becomes clear that the boy in the computer has strong emotions for her as well. Are they forbidden? Not at first. But too soon a more powerful force demands an end. Her golden eyes, filled with tears, watch those notes slip away as she softly hits the delete button. Her secret was harshly rejected, her beautiful writings spat upon, and her emotions trampled on. But she learns the hard way, and
with emotions like Beethoven, she angrily writes. Still, she is not bold enough to expose her secret. Her writings are guarded with top security. She learns to write bitter songs this way. With tears streaming down her cheeks, she presses on the keys of her piano before pausing to write down the harsh lyrics.
“He stepped on the remains of her broken heart, begging for her to stay. He wished he could hold onto her, but it was already too late…”
A year has passed. She’s grown so much emotionally and spiritually, and learns to write beautiful prayers.
“Lord, please help me to stay so strong in You that when you do provide a relationship for me, I will still seek you and not let that boy swallow me whole.”
Her smile shines beautifully through Christ-lit eyes as she writes in her prayer journal. She’s grown into a peaceful young woman, with a quiet and gentle spirit, full of laughter and joy. But she writes with a little bit of a hole in her heart; a strong desire for love… but only from him. She still only loves him, the boy in the computer, and writes beautiful prayers asking Jesus to give her the strength to have patience. Though granted patience fulfills her, she still yearns for him. But with patience and faith, she prepares herself for what God will do in her life. She writes to her Savior, her Unconditional Lover, and her Friend.
“Lord, I pray for redemption and I pray for peace. Peace to watch Your work become complete. I know I can’t see that the end is in sight, I’m caught up on the “troubles” of life. But if I would humbly put my trust in You, I know that You soon will see me through!”
Two years later. This girl comes home from college with an engagement ring on her hand. But who is she engaged to? The boy in the computer emerges into the room as she leads him to her computer. They sit. They read. He is overwhelmed by her love, and proclaims this with a passionate kiss…
…And then, I sigh. But this time, it’s different. It’s a happy sigh. I’m satisfied. And I gently lift my fingers, and begin, yet again, to type.
Reading Responses for English
I'm taking English 1301 this year, and from the looks of it, my professor is VERY liberal, and seems to be very anti-Christian. As you all know, I am a strong Christian, and along with that comes the fact that I am extremely conservative. So, for class every week, we have to turn in responses to articles that she has us read. I really think that I'm baffling her, because I'm not going to compromise my religious and political views for an A in her class. I know that getting a poor grade for standing up for what I believe in and have passion for, in particular my Faith, will not have any affect on what God has for me because God will not punish me for standing up for Him. Nevertheless, I do ask all of you to pray for me, that I will have the opportunity to minister to my teacher and other classmates; and that I will make a good grade in this class. The Lord has already blessed me with the opportunity to share His love with a girl in the class, and she's reading her Bible and considering accepting Christ! Praise His Precious Name! Please pray for her, her name is Myrah. Please pray for Myrah's heart to be opened to Jesus and for her, her fiance, her family, and friends to be fulfilled with an overwhelming realization of His love. Please pray for them to accept Him into their lives.
But back to what I started this blog post for: My reading responses. Below is a link to the website where the articles are held, and above each response that I wrote is the article's name. Please comment, I greatly enjoy respectful debate!
http://sites.google.com/site/englishjtn/home/assignment-sheets
In Suburb, Battle Goes Public
Although I disagree with most of the things in this article, I agree with it in ONE perspective: Bullying, whether directed towards gay or straight kids, is wrong. This ends my concurrence with this article. I believe that homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, and transgenderism are wrong and a perversion of the natural process of sexual relations that were designed by God. Is it so hard to realize that homosexuality is wrong when AIDS is a life-threatening result extracted from it? I personally feel like Christians are getting picked on in regard to their views concerning homosexuality. If you ask us what our views are, we’ll answer. But, we are commanded by The Lord Jesus Christ to “love our neighbor as ourselves” (Mark 12:31). The quote, “hate the sin, not the sinner” applies in this situation. It is wrong for us to bully homosexuals, but we should NOT be required to endorse their behavior. Asking us to do so defies our freedom of religion.
The Misuse of Life without Parole
Life without parole can seem like a harsh punishment, especially for those who have committed more lax crimes than homicide. I personally do not believe that rapists should be forced to serve life without parole. I believe that they should be emasculated or forced to have a hysterectomy, and serve two to five years in prison. Life without parole seems like a very harsh punishment for almost anyone. However, I do believe in the enforcement of the death penalty, but only in cases of intentional, unprovoked civilian murder. In these cases, I personally believe that the murderer should be killed in the exact same way that they killed their victim(s). Why should we let delusional murderers get off with ‘Life with Parole’? Their victims didn’t get an option to live, so neither should they. You are responsible for your actions. Why should we, as a country, determine to take this self-responsibility away? Those who intentionally commit unprovoked civilian murder should die. Period.
Once again, here's the site:
http://sites.google.com/site/englishjtn/home/assignment-sheets
Enjoy! :)
But back to what I started this blog post for: My reading responses. Below is a link to the website where the articles are held, and above each response that I wrote is the article's name. Please comment, I greatly enjoy respectful debate!
http://sites.google.com/site/englishjtn/home/assignment-sheets
In Suburb, Battle Goes Public
Although I disagree with most of the things in this article, I agree with it in ONE perspective: Bullying, whether directed towards gay or straight kids, is wrong. This ends my concurrence with this article. I believe that homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, and transgenderism are wrong and a perversion of the natural process of sexual relations that were designed by God. Is it so hard to realize that homosexuality is wrong when AIDS is a life-threatening result extracted from it? I personally feel like Christians are getting picked on in regard to their views concerning homosexuality. If you ask us what our views are, we’ll answer. But, we are commanded by The Lord Jesus Christ to “love our neighbor as ourselves” (Mark 12:31). The quote, “hate the sin, not the sinner” applies in this situation. It is wrong for us to bully homosexuals, but we should NOT be required to endorse their behavior. Asking us to do so defies our freedom of religion.
The Misuse of Life without Parole
Life without parole can seem like a harsh punishment, especially for those who have committed more lax crimes than homicide. I personally do not believe that rapists should be forced to serve life without parole. I believe that they should be emasculated or forced to have a hysterectomy, and serve two to five years in prison. Life without parole seems like a very harsh punishment for almost anyone. However, I do believe in the enforcement of the death penalty, but only in cases of intentional, unprovoked civilian murder. In these cases, I personally believe that the murderer should be killed in the exact same way that they killed their victim(s). Why should we let delusional murderers get off with ‘Life with Parole’? Their victims didn’t get an option to live, so neither should they. You are responsible for your actions. Why should we, as a country, determine to take this self-responsibility away? Those who intentionally commit unprovoked civilian murder should die. Period.
Once again, here's the site:
http://sites.google.com/site/englishjtn/home/assignment-sheets
Enjoy! :)
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
To Achieve A Dream - Literacy Narrative RD 1
This is my Literacy Narrative rough draft for school. Tell me what you think!
To Achieve A Dream
It happened when I was four. My six-year old brother struggled through “How to Read in 100 Easy Lessons” but I flew through it in a month.
At four.
Tell me how that works? Like the paths taken by the many of the intellectually gifted, I skated through elementary and middle school. It was nothing, really; just school. I never had to work a day in my life at school. Then, the path I followed tread by other brilliant minds met a fork in the road. Algebra cocked its ugly head, and I was expected to conquer it. Well, every rose has its thorn… Or should it be, “every intellectual loses their touch”? I sure did, because no matter how many times Mom explained to me that f(x)=y, no matter how many times she recited the quadratic formula to me, I just couldn’t get it. As I would stare at the formulas, the theorems, the countless X’s and Y’s that covered my paper, my mind would go blank. The kind of blank you hit when you’re writing a poem and you can’t think of a word that rhymes well enough to go with the flow. Yes, that kind of blank. The worst kind there is; as it’s not only frustrating but degrading.
Can I really not get this?
“I really think you’re making this harder than it needs to be,” I hear Mom like a buzzing fly in my ear as my mouth gapes at the impossible formula that portrays itself on my homework assignment.
“Look, honey. All you do is set the equation into ‘y=mx+b’ form and solve. It’s simple graphing from there.”
Again with the buzzing. I know she’s just trying to help, but it’s so hard to listen to someone who’s so good at math… When you yourself stink so much at it.
So much for being smart. So much for being a “potential National Merit Scholar”. I’ll never get where I need to go in life.
“I… I think I need a little break, Mom.”
I quickly get up and dash outside before she can say no. Grabbing my swimsuit, I plunge into the pool. It’s where I do my best thinking, where I can relax. It’s where I can be who I really am, a true fish. But right now, I’m thinking. I’m thinking that I’ve lost my cocky ego. Algebra 1 took care of that, now College Algebra’s destroying any that was left.
You took College Algebra so you could get a better score on the SAT. You can’t score high enough to get you scholarships, or even early admittance, to Division 1 state schools. You know you’d be a legacy at Texas A&M, but I guess that’s never going to happen. You won’t even get in.
Fear of failure spits on my face again. My goggles fog up as hot, salty tears fill them. I retreat to the protection of a shaded pool bench, where I can cry without anyone seeing. I collapse into the arms of Christ as I beg Him to give me the ability to attain an acceptable amount of mathematical understanding.
“God, please!” I cry, barely above a whisper; yet slightly audibly, “I need these SAT scores. With college the cost it is these days, I need scholarship money. Please, Lord; PLEASE equip me with an understanding of math. I can’t go where I want to go in life without it. I can’t go where I feel YOU’VE called me to go without it.”
Flash forward five months. SAT practice test first thing tomorrow.
“It’s your last chance, honey.”
I hear the words my mother recited into my ear just before bedtime a few hours before.
“If this program doesn’t improve your test scores enough, you’ll have to go to community college for two years to get credits out of the way.”
Lost in thought, I know I can’t do this on my own. With the bow of my head and the fold of my hands, I send up a prayer to the One who can do all things.
Breathe in. Breathe out. The essay was easy, so was the Critical Reading. Math’s next. Lord, please help me.
They just started the timer.
Question one, easy. It always is. Question two, same… Question 10 is a tough one… but wait, I get it! Question 16, carry the two… done! Wow, that was simple. I can’t believe I got stumped on a problem like that last time.
They call time, and I’m done with the math section. It was easier than expected.
Two hours later, and SAT math = success. Complete and utter confidence as I walk out of the classroom. Within a week, I’ll get my scores, and can only improve from there until the actual SAT. Maybe it was the hard work? Maybe, but it was also the prayer. With a smile on my face, I send up a thank you to God for His help and guidance.
He’s helping me achieve my dreams.
To Achieve A Dream
It happened when I was four. My six-year old brother struggled through “How to Read in 100 Easy Lessons” but I flew through it in a month.
At four.
Tell me how that works? Like the paths taken by the many of the intellectually gifted, I skated through elementary and middle school. It was nothing, really; just school. I never had to work a day in my life at school. Then, the path I followed tread by other brilliant minds met a fork in the road. Algebra cocked its ugly head, and I was expected to conquer it. Well, every rose has its thorn… Or should it be, “every intellectual loses their touch”? I sure did, because no matter how many times Mom explained to me that f(x)=y, no matter how many times she recited the quadratic formula to me, I just couldn’t get it. As I would stare at the formulas, the theorems, the countless X’s and Y’s that covered my paper, my mind would go blank. The kind of blank you hit when you’re writing a poem and you can’t think of a word that rhymes well enough to go with the flow. Yes, that kind of blank. The worst kind there is; as it’s not only frustrating but degrading.
Can I really not get this?
“I really think you’re making this harder than it needs to be,” I hear Mom like a buzzing fly in my ear as my mouth gapes at the impossible formula that portrays itself on my homework assignment.
“Look, honey. All you do is set the equation into ‘y=mx+b’ form and solve. It’s simple graphing from there.”
Again with the buzzing. I know she’s just trying to help, but it’s so hard to listen to someone who’s so good at math… When you yourself stink so much at it.
So much for being smart. So much for being a “potential National Merit Scholar”. I’ll never get where I need to go in life.
“I… I think I need a little break, Mom.”
I quickly get up and dash outside before she can say no. Grabbing my swimsuit, I plunge into the pool. It’s where I do my best thinking, where I can relax. It’s where I can be who I really am, a true fish. But right now, I’m thinking. I’m thinking that I’ve lost my cocky ego. Algebra 1 took care of that, now College Algebra’s destroying any that was left.
You took College Algebra so you could get a better score on the SAT. You can’t score high enough to get you scholarships, or even early admittance, to Division 1 state schools. You know you’d be a legacy at Texas A&M, but I guess that’s never going to happen. You won’t even get in.
Fear of failure spits on my face again. My goggles fog up as hot, salty tears fill them. I retreat to the protection of a shaded pool bench, where I can cry without anyone seeing. I collapse into the arms of Christ as I beg Him to give me the ability to attain an acceptable amount of mathematical understanding.
“God, please!” I cry, barely above a whisper; yet slightly audibly, “I need these SAT scores. With college the cost it is these days, I need scholarship money. Please, Lord; PLEASE equip me with an understanding of math. I can’t go where I want to go in life without it. I can’t go where I feel YOU’VE called me to go without it.”
Flash forward five months. SAT practice test first thing tomorrow.
“It’s your last chance, honey.”
I hear the words my mother recited into my ear just before bedtime a few hours before.
“If this program doesn’t improve your test scores enough, you’ll have to go to community college for two years to get credits out of the way.”
Lost in thought, I know I can’t do this on my own. With the bow of my head and the fold of my hands, I send up a prayer to the One who can do all things.
Breathe in. Breathe out. The essay was easy, so was the Critical Reading. Math’s next. Lord, please help me.
They just started the timer.
Question one, easy. It always is. Question two, same… Question 10 is a tough one… but wait, I get it! Question 16, carry the two… done! Wow, that was simple. I can’t believe I got stumped on a problem like that last time.
They call time, and I’m done with the math section. It was easier than expected.
Two hours later, and SAT math = success. Complete and utter confidence as I walk out of the classroom. Within a week, I’ll get my scores, and can only improve from there until the actual SAT. Maybe it was the hard work? Maybe, but it was also the prayer. With a smile on my face, I send up a thank you to God for His help and guidance.
He’s helping me achieve my dreams.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Floodgates
Thinking about this drought that Texas is going through and all the widlfires, I suddenly felt like it was directly correlated to my heart. Like, I felt like I was going through the same thing Texas is going through right now. I know that's kind of hard to understand, but hopefully this song/poem thing will clarify things :) --
My soul craves water, to quench the thirst and fertilize my heart
To put out the fires running rampid, on deadened parts
I feel like my whole heart is dying
I feel like my whole heart is dying
My soul needs some rain, it's barren and grave
It's always reminding me ambivalence is pain
My heart gapes for Your rain
My heart cries for Your rain
Send healing rain straight my way
Pounding upon the hard surfaces of strain
And washing away the callouses of pain
Put out these emotionless fires that constantly drain
They drain me from You, Lord
They drain me from You, Lord
Tell me why I feel so broken inside
From the bond I share with thee, Saviour,
My life feels like a lie
Without the floodgates pouring
Declaring Your name
And this land, hence my soul, is so barren and wasted
Reminds me of a flower declined of it's life wish
I'm just beggin for rain, God
Askin' for rain, God
So break the floodgates down
Revive my soul
Put out these flames
That eat away my goal
All I want is to serve You,
All I want is to serve You
I can't serve You, God, when I can't feel You near
And trials are better
It's the nothing I fear
I'd rather take bad times with You by my side
Then nothing at all with You gone from my life
I feel no conflict, no peace
I feel no stress, yet no ease
And it constantly worries me
Am I drifting from the Love that so steadily anchored me?
Yea, and I talk about the water that You send
To this barren, rejected, and dry wasteland
I call it my soul, but it's got to go
Cuz without You, it's just a desert with no hope
So break the floodgates down
Revive my soul
Put out these flames
That eat away my goal
All I want is to serve You,
All I want is to serve You
When I asked You before, You brought sunshine, then rain
And it rained for a year without me hearin' Your Name
And my soul was flooded, earthly possesions were torn away
And left a clean slate for You to write Your Name
Yea, I know it was painful at the time
And every time I let go of a memory I cried
But if that's what it takes for this soul to hear Your Name
And to feel the cleansing sunshine that peeks out from the rain stained leaves
Lord, I know you got much better things to do
But I don't doubt omnipotence so I know You still her me too
I'm beggin You, God, to send the rain that puts out all fires
And help me know that Your love is all I'll ever desire
God, I don't know how much longer I can go without
But You know timing best, I'm trusting You with my soul's shout
And I know in due time, You'll reward my constant knocking, God
So I better prepare my barren fields for rain
Cuz soon enough, You'll be
Breaking those floodgates down
Reviving my soul
Putting out those flames
That are eating my goal away
And I will live to serve You
I will live to serve You
My soul craves water, to quench the thirst and fertilize my heart
To put out the fires running rampid, on deadened parts
I feel like my whole heart is dying
I feel like my whole heart is dying
My soul needs some rain, it's barren and grave
It's always reminding me ambivalence is pain
My heart gapes for Your rain
My heart cries for Your rain
Send healing rain straight my way
Pounding upon the hard surfaces of strain
And washing away the callouses of pain
Put out these emotionless fires that constantly drain
They drain me from You, Lord
They drain me from You, Lord
Tell me why I feel so broken inside
From the bond I share with thee, Saviour,
My life feels like a lie
Without the floodgates pouring
Declaring Your name
And this land, hence my soul, is so barren and wasted
Reminds me of a flower declined of it's life wish
I'm just beggin for rain, God
Askin' for rain, God
So break the floodgates down
Revive my soul
Put out these flames
That eat away my goal
All I want is to serve You,
All I want is to serve You
I can't serve You, God, when I can't feel You near
And trials are better
It's the nothing I fear
I'd rather take bad times with You by my side
Then nothing at all with You gone from my life
I feel no conflict, no peace
I feel no stress, yet no ease
And it constantly worries me
Am I drifting from the Love that so steadily anchored me?
Yea, and I talk about the water that You send
To this barren, rejected, and dry wasteland
I call it my soul, but it's got to go
Cuz without You, it's just a desert with no hope
So break the floodgates down
Revive my soul
Put out these flames
That eat away my goal
All I want is to serve You,
All I want is to serve You
When I asked You before, You brought sunshine, then rain
And it rained for a year without me hearin' Your Name
And my soul was flooded, earthly possesions were torn away
And left a clean slate for You to write Your Name
Yea, I know it was painful at the time
And every time I let go of a memory I cried
But if that's what it takes for this soul to hear Your Name
And to feel the cleansing sunshine that peeks out from the rain stained leaves
Lord, I know you got much better things to do
But I don't doubt omnipotence so I know You still her me too
I'm beggin You, God, to send the rain that puts out all fires
And help me know that Your love is all I'll ever desire
God, I don't know how much longer I can go without
But You know timing best, I'm trusting You with my soul's shout
And I know in due time, You'll reward my constant knocking, God
So I better prepare my barren fields for rain
Cuz soon enough, You'll be
Breaking those floodgates down
Reviving my soul
Putting out those flames
That are eating my goal away
And I will live to serve You
I will live to serve You
Candle in the Dark (You Ain't Dead Yet) Rap
I walk among a sea of faces
Unfamiliar, strangely vacant
I search for light within this darkness
But peace is found with no one, they're helpless
With destitution they walk around
As if life's a game and there's no way around it
No hope, no love, no truth to their lives
But hopelessness is something we all dislike
I see it everywhere, it's the most popular garb
Where is someone who cares, where is the candle in the dark?
Then I glance around, why are they looking at me?
I'm no one special, just a normal teen
Then I realize that I'm the candle, the light
The flicker of hope in the darkness of night
I glow with a light that only One can supply
My tender spirit isn't mine, but I won't deny the truth in the Light that invigorates me inside
It ain't me, it's Christ, He died for my life!
Listen, all y'all, lost in your ways
Christ gave up His life so you could be saved!
On a tree He hang so you could have a choice
Decision if you want to stay dead or come alive
It ain't rocket science, it's easy to decide
Come alive in Christ, He's the Way, Truth, and Life!
Don't participate in a sea of lost faces
Work against the crowd, rebel from Satan!
Don't let the prince of darkness capture your smile
And disfigure it into something sick and defile
Why you waitin'? Time's runnin out!
Never know when you're goin, when your time runs out
Take the chance while you can, it'll soon be too late
Don't you hear Jesus sayin' "I'm coming soon, don't wait
or prorastinate, be ready for the wedding, cuz the bride groom don't wait" so TURN AWAY
from those sick perverted ways
You ain't gotta die, when life's in your way!
Get over your pride, son, it won't get you far
Grab at the chance you got, don't let your life go to far
And suddenly hit an ex-pir-a-tion date,
when you're up in the clouds,
Man, it's already too late.
Get off your high horse, repent of your sins
And listen before the clocks ticks the end.
Unfamiliar, strangely vacant
I search for light within this darkness
But peace is found with no one, they're helpless
With destitution they walk around
As if life's a game and there's no way around it
No hope, no love, no truth to their lives
But hopelessness is something we all dislike
I see it everywhere, it's the most popular garb
Where is someone who cares, where is the candle in the dark?
Then I glance around, why are they looking at me?
I'm no one special, just a normal teen
Then I realize that I'm the candle, the light
The flicker of hope in the darkness of night
I glow with a light that only One can supply
My tender spirit isn't mine, but I won't deny the truth in the Light that invigorates me inside
It ain't me, it's Christ, He died for my life!
Listen, all y'all, lost in your ways
Christ gave up His life so you could be saved!
On a tree He hang so you could have a choice
Decision if you want to stay dead or come alive
It ain't rocket science, it's easy to decide
Come alive in Christ, He's the Way, Truth, and Life!
Don't participate in a sea of lost faces
Work against the crowd, rebel from Satan!
Don't let the prince of darkness capture your smile
And disfigure it into something sick and defile
Why you waitin'? Time's runnin out!
Never know when you're goin, when your time runs out
Take the chance while you can, it'll soon be too late
Don't you hear Jesus sayin' "I'm coming soon, don't wait
or prorastinate, be ready for the wedding, cuz the bride groom don't wait" so TURN AWAY
from those sick perverted ways
You ain't gotta die, when life's in your way!
Get over your pride, son, it won't get you far
Grab at the chance you got, don't let your life go to far
And suddenly hit an ex-pir-a-tion date,
when you're up in the clouds,
Man, it's already too late.
Get off your high horse, repent of your sins
And listen before the clocks ticks the end.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
The Drought
I walk the streets alone at night
The lamplight casts a shadow despite
my desperate need to hide from light
depressed forlorn, and tired of the fight
I strain to hear you call my name
But when we parted, you looked away
You looked back only when I faced front
Your pride wouldn't let you admit lost love
I scream your name into the night
Too far you are, to hear my sighs
You whisper in your solitude
Yet fighting for me would be "so crude"
I edge along the brink of flight
About to fall into the darkness of fright
One scream from you could save my life
Yet you refuse, you unrelentlessly grip your pride, and lose mine
I let go of the railing of hope
And fall into the despair below
Suddenly, regret washes over my frame
I jumped too soon, I am hearing my name!
It's gently, yet loudly, stating clear as day
The love it has always proclaimed
I'm caught in a gust of mercy and grace
In hopeful tears, I await Your Face
To the top, into light, I am brought
And shining on me with unconditional love
Is a Lover Who promised never losing my trust
Boy, you lost your chance now!
In anger, I cried;
Gripping to the Only One Who cared for my life
Yet gently, He whispers, with softest tones
A remedy and mend to my broken soul
And firmly, He whispers
"Oh ye of little faith!
I caught you, did I not?
Do you not think he fell the same?
Catch him, I shall, for love him, I do
Just as much as I love you
And in time, your redemption will come, but not soon
Replentish your walk with Me
I shall direct your feet."
With tears in my eyes, I look at my Redeemer
His eyes, shining blue, crystal, but clearer!
Grace adorns His face like a gentle silk garb
Mercy wraps around me as I huddle in His arms
I bury myself softly into His scars
Ashamed that my addictions caused the gapes to be so large
Out of Him emits Faith, Hope, Love, with pure taste
His Forgiveness surrounds me in His sweet embrace
Then all of a sudden, I glance up in awe
For he to lies in the arms of our God
We smile at each other, His Grace is apparent
No walls block our friendship, but more is forbidden
"More must be done," We hear up above,
"Trust me, soon, you shall see my work done."
I awake from this dream with unimaginable bliss
I smile on my pillow as I continue to think of this
A sound emerges from my window, I get up and stare
For Healing Rain is presented in much wanted care
Raining on fires and smothering the drought
And fertilizing my soul, with promises of end to this drought
I fall to my knees, His Grace is MORE than apparent
I dance in this downpour with a smile, I am living
With Joy and Peace, my soul surrenders to resting
For reminded again, my Redeemer is near
I must last through the drought, but rain ALWAYS appears.
The lamplight casts a shadow despite
my desperate need to hide from light
depressed forlorn, and tired of the fight
I strain to hear you call my name
But when we parted, you looked away
You looked back only when I faced front
Your pride wouldn't let you admit lost love
I scream your name into the night
Too far you are, to hear my sighs
You whisper in your solitude
Yet fighting for me would be "so crude"
I edge along the brink of flight
About to fall into the darkness of fright
One scream from you could save my life
Yet you refuse, you unrelentlessly grip your pride, and lose mine
I let go of the railing of hope
And fall into the despair below
Suddenly, regret washes over my frame
I jumped too soon, I am hearing my name!
It's gently, yet loudly, stating clear as day
The love it has always proclaimed
I'm caught in a gust of mercy and grace
In hopeful tears, I await Your Face
To the top, into light, I am brought
And shining on me with unconditional love
Is a Lover Who promised never losing my trust
Boy, you lost your chance now!
In anger, I cried;
Gripping to the Only One Who cared for my life
Yet gently, He whispers, with softest tones
A remedy and mend to my broken soul
And firmly, He whispers
"Oh ye of little faith!
I caught you, did I not?
Do you not think he fell the same?
Catch him, I shall, for love him, I do
Just as much as I love you
And in time, your redemption will come, but not soon
Replentish your walk with Me
I shall direct your feet."
With tears in my eyes, I look at my Redeemer
His eyes, shining blue, crystal, but clearer!
Grace adorns His face like a gentle silk garb
Mercy wraps around me as I huddle in His arms
I bury myself softly into His scars
Ashamed that my addictions caused the gapes to be so large
Out of Him emits Faith, Hope, Love, with pure taste
His Forgiveness surrounds me in His sweet embrace
Then all of a sudden, I glance up in awe
For he to lies in the arms of our God
We smile at each other, His Grace is apparent
No walls block our friendship, but more is forbidden
"More must be done," We hear up above,
"Trust me, soon, you shall see my work done."
I awake from this dream with unimaginable bliss
I smile on my pillow as I continue to think of this
A sound emerges from my window, I get up and stare
For Healing Rain is presented in much wanted care
Raining on fires and smothering the drought
And fertilizing my soul, with promises of end to this drought
I fall to my knees, His Grace is MORE than apparent
I dance in this downpour with a smile, I am living
With Joy and Peace, my soul surrenders to resting
For reminded again, my Redeemer is near
I must last through the drought, but rain ALWAYS appears.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Remember Me?
Remember me?
I remember you
I knew you before the world was
I was your best friend
How could you just leave?
I paid the price for you
I set you free..
Now do you remember me?
I set the world into motion
and I let you have your dominion
but you made things vile and not what I had intended
I forgave..
You and I have a love story together
One like has never been written
I hold out my hand to you
and yet you refuse help
you are like the dog returning to the vomit
there will come a time when your pride ceases
there will come a time when I spit you out of my mouth
because you were neither hot nor cold
I will turn you away and shun you because I never knew you
do you remember me?
Get to know me!
You stubborn people!
you refuse to allow me to work and to love you
how long must I wait for you
to recognize the face of your Savior
I am your Father, Lover, Healer
come to me
allow me to guide your paths with my gentle loving hand
allow me to engulf you in my arms
I don’t promise things will be easy
in fact I tell you now they won’t be
you will be persecuted and shunned just as I was
but my great and mighty name will not be ignored
and my will WILL be done
I am merciful
come back to me dearly loved
stop running, you cannot hide from me
I am not angry
just grab my hand and hold on tight
don’t waste your life with games
live it for me
because that is what I have created you for
you see my glory all around
yet you do not give credit where credit is due
you hold back your praises from me
so I will hold back my blessings
I am jealous for my people
I want you.
Do you remember me?
Please remember me..
..
Wish I could take the credit for this one... Credits to Mary Lee Kirkham. Love you girl! Your walk with Christ is admirable!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Mistakes and God - How He uses even the big bad boo-boos.
I have an opinion. It's not very loud, but this is my blog, so I've decided to voice it. If the following offends you, please know that it was not intended to. It is my personal opinion, and I am trying not to be judgemental or speak without thinking. :)
It seems like a lot of teenagers that I meet have this incredible need to be totally perfect. Whether it's put on by themselves or by their parents, it's definitely there and it speaks loudly, especially when you get to know the person. It seems as if it's not ok to make mistakes, and when these people do make mistakes, they run from them and try to hide them, not facing the music or the consequences; and rather putting the blame off on someone else. They feel like if they simply don't address the said mistake and/or problem, it will evaporate out of thin air. But I am living proof that the lessons learned through mistakes, and the courage learned through facing them, will make you grow incredibly in your relationship with Christ. I mean, it's not like we're Jesus. It is our goal to try to be more and more like Him, but we're not going to be perfect. Most of us who attempt to be so forget to remember the Bible. Aside from Jesus, every other Bible story is filled with mistakes that the characters made, and how God taught them through those mistakes. When we try to hide our mistakes, and deny that we even made them, we refuse to listen to the lesson that God could be trying to teach us through that mistake. Just look at Jonah! When he disobeyed God, God threw him into the mouth of a giant fish. When he finally went to Ninevah, did he just walk around and pretend that he had gotten there on his own, and that he obeyed God the moment God said to go? NO! He told the Ninevites his story of running away from God. He warned them that sins are going to be judged. The result? Those Ninevites listened. God used Jonah to change their whole city. What a beautiful, precious assurance we have in Christ, that He is going to minister to us through the examples of other to show us our downfalls! I am so thankful for the many times He's taught me through my own mistakes, and ministered to me through other people's mistakes or experiences. Just recently, God used me to minister to a friend of mine who was going through a similar situation. I had been through a painful year that really shook my relationship with Christ. I had fallen in love, and ended up brokenhearted and betrayed. I couldn't understand why God would allow me to go through so much anticipation for an ending result of devastation. For six months, I hated God. I did not feel His presence in my life at all. I was destitute, longing for the love of man and running from the love of God. Besides, God had betrayed me, right? WRONG. Because I couldn't get past my tunnel vision and see God's greater plan, I was super depressed for six long, hard months. Those months were the darkest times of my life. But God finally used some amazing people: My mother, my "big sister" (now, she was working for us at the time, but she's technically a part of the family.), and a precious young woman from my volleyball team, to awaken me and knock me upside the head. Because I was SO consumed in my own pity, I was missing out on a GREAT relationship with Christ! God comsumed like an unquenchable fire one day, finally. Well, recently, a friend of mine contacted me and asked for help. She's going through a troubled time with a boy and is simply crushed. I am thankful that God has used me to minister to her, to tell her about my time of darkness and that God is the ONLY ONE Who will ever be truly there for her! You know what's beautiful? Today, for the first time in almost two years, I finally feel like God is totally and completely in control of my feelings. And, I couldn't be more thankful. Becauses when God is in control, when He writes the story of your life, I can promise you, it's going to be a beautiful thing. I will remember this emotion, so that during my friend's time of darkness, hopefully God will use me to bring her out more quickly, or not even let her go through one at all. See how ministering through mistakes and experiences can help? A simple "it gets better, I've been there before" can mean the world to someone if we can just humble ourselves enough to say it. To the teenage girl, pregnant out of wedlock, and considering an abortion, a simple "Don't do it, it's not worth it and you'll regret it for the rest of your life. Trust me, I've been there." Can SAVE a life. To the mommy losing her first baby, "I promise you'll see him again someday. I've been there before. It hurts, and the pain doesn't go away, but it dulls. Treasure the time you have.". To the teenage girl about to give away her purity, "I promise you, it is so not worth the hype. Save yourself for your husband. I regret every day the decision that I made.". I know that it's embaressing to admit that we made these mistakes, but the lessons we've learned through these mistakes can save someone from making the same mistake. Don't you think it was embaressing for all the Biblical characters to write about the mistakes that they made? Yes, probably. But look at how many lives that they've affected positively as a result. God uses everyone, and He can use your worst, most embaressing mistake, to His glory.
You just have to let Him.
It seems like a lot of teenagers that I meet have this incredible need to be totally perfect. Whether it's put on by themselves or by their parents, it's definitely there and it speaks loudly, especially when you get to know the person. It seems as if it's not ok to make mistakes, and when these people do make mistakes, they run from them and try to hide them, not facing the music or the consequences; and rather putting the blame off on someone else. They feel like if they simply don't address the said mistake and/or problem, it will evaporate out of thin air. But I am living proof that the lessons learned through mistakes, and the courage learned through facing them, will make you grow incredibly in your relationship with Christ. I mean, it's not like we're Jesus. It is our goal to try to be more and more like Him, but we're not going to be perfect. Most of us who attempt to be so forget to remember the Bible. Aside from Jesus, every other Bible story is filled with mistakes that the characters made, and how God taught them through those mistakes. When we try to hide our mistakes, and deny that we even made them, we refuse to listen to the lesson that God could be trying to teach us through that mistake. Just look at Jonah! When he disobeyed God, God threw him into the mouth of a giant fish. When he finally went to Ninevah, did he just walk around and pretend that he had gotten there on his own, and that he obeyed God the moment God said to go? NO! He told the Ninevites his story of running away from God. He warned them that sins are going to be judged. The result? Those Ninevites listened. God used Jonah to change their whole city. What a beautiful, precious assurance we have in Christ, that He is going to minister to us through the examples of other to show us our downfalls! I am so thankful for the many times He's taught me through my own mistakes, and ministered to me through other people's mistakes or experiences. Just recently, God used me to minister to a friend of mine who was going through a similar situation. I had been through a painful year that really shook my relationship with Christ. I had fallen in love, and ended up brokenhearted and betrayed. I couldn't understand why God would allow me to go through so much anticipation for an ending result of devastation. For six months, I hated God. I did not feel His presence in my life at all. I was destitute, longing for the love of man and running from the love of God. Besides, God had betrayed me, right? WRONG. Because I couldn't get past my tunnel vision and see God's greater plan, I was super depressed for six long, hard months. Those months were the darkest times of my life. But God finally used some amazing people: My mother, my "big sister" (now, she was working for us at the time, but she's technically a part of the family.), and a precious young woman from my volleyball team, to awaken me and knock me upside the head. Because I was SO consumed in my own pity, I was missing out on a GREAT relationship with Christ! God comsumed like an unquenchable fire one day, finally. Well, recently, a friend of mine contacted me and asked for help. She's going through a troubled time with a boy and is simply crushed. I am thankful that God has used me to minister to her, to tell her about my time of darkness and that God is the ONLY ONE Who will ever be truly there for her! You know what's beautiful? Today, for the first time in almost two years, I finally feel like God is totally and completely in control of my feelings. And, I couldn't be more thankful. Becauses when God is in control, when He writes the story of your life, I can promise you, it's going to be a beautiful thing. I will remember this emotion, so that during my friend's time of darkness, hopefully God will use me to bring her out more quickly, or not even let her go through one at all. See how ministering through mistakes and experiences can help? A simple "it gets better, I've been there before" can mean the world to someone if we can just humble ourselves enough to say it. To the teenage girl, pregnant out of wedlock, and considering an abortion, a simple "Don't do it, it's not worth it and you'll regret it for the rest of your life. Trust me, I've been there." Can SAVE a life. To the mommy losing her first baby, "I promise you'll see him again someday. I've been there before. It hurts, and the pain doesn't go away, but it dulls. Treasure the time you have.". To the teenage girl about to give away her purity, "I promise you, it is so not worth the hype. Save yourself for your husband. I regret every day the decision that I made.". I know that it's embaressing to admit that we made these mistakes, but the lessons we've learned through these mistakes can save someone from making the same mistake. Don't you think it was embaressing for all the Biblical characters to write about the mistakes that they made? Yes, probably. But look at how many lives that they've affected positively as a result. God uses everyone, and He can use your worst, most embaressing mistake, to His glory.
You just have to let Him.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
soooo :)
My word has it been a long time or what? Well, I've really grabbed life by the horns this past year. Grown soooo much in Christ, gained some weight (not good!), and expanded my education. My brother just graduated. Yay? No, super depressing... but that's for another post. Let's just leave it at: he moved out on Sunday and I'm so sad and miss him so much, I can't even tell you.
Other than that depressing fact, life has been good! Full of learning experiences that I'm so thankful for, mistakes I'm glad I didn't make, and mistakes that I'm thankful I was taught through. I cannot even tell y'all how good my God is. :)
Hit me up sometime - dancing4mySavior@gmail.com
I look forward to hearing from y'all soon!
Much love,
Chrissy :)
Other than that depressing fact, life has been good! Full of learning experiences that I'm so thankful for, mistakes I'm glad I didn't make, and mistakes that I'm thankful I was taught through. I cannot even tell y'all how good my God is. :)
Hit me up sometime - dancing4mySavior@gmail.com
I look forward to hearing from y'all soon!
Much love,
Chrissy :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
