A Grief Observed is a fantastic book. I really enjoyed C.S. Lewis' vulnerability. Here he is, this famous author and theologian, completely pouring his heart out....questioning the very presence and goodness of God. Most people wouldn't have the boldness to say such things aloud, especially in a book that was published for all to read. As a leader, it can be difficult to show signs of weakness....we always like to look all "put together"...I feel as though Lewis did a fantastic job of showing that despite his successes in life, he was still a human will doubts and problems. Many people have this weird thought in their head that because they are Christians, they are not aloud to be sad or mourn...but that is just a lie. We are emotional beings and whether someone is a Christian or not, there is a grieving process that must take place. It is only after this process that one can truly move on in life.
One of the first things that popped into my head as I was reading through the book was, "ohhhh I would never question God's love, goodness etc." But as I began to ponder my thought, I came to the conclusion that unless you experience this intense type of grief you honestly have no idea how you would or wouldn't react. God's goodness in tough times is really difficult to grasp hold of. the devil loves to tell you that the God you serve...he isn't good. He lets good people die...he is no where to be found...when I reality he is there holding you....you may not feel him and he may seem a million miles away but His loving arms are wrapped around you.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Dialogue
Dialogue is a great thing. When done in depth, it can really create a bond between you and the person you are chatting with. It can either make you respect or lose respect for the person you are talking with. I have had several deep talks with people and out of those times of "bearing ones soul" I have really created deep friendships.
I really enjoyed our "field trip" to Mi Casa Cafe. It was nice to just sit down and talk about the different books that my group and I were reading (even if they were not the kind of book that Professor Corrigan asked for us to bring, whoops)...we had a good time nevertheless. In our discussion time, I learned more about my fellow group members. It was nice to hear their different perspectives on the topics discussed! It is always interesting how one persons opinion can shed so much light on something that you have never thought of.
After doing this dialogue assignment, I have come to realize the importance of having deep talks with people. Whatever the reason, such as problems with vulnerability, insecurity, pride etc., so often we keep everything really shallow and surface level...it is only when you jump out into the deep end that you really get the good stuff.
I really enjoyed our "field trip" to Mi Casa Cafe. It was nice to just sit down and talk about the different books that my group and I were reading (even if they were not the kind of book that Professor Corrigan asked for us to bring, whoops)...we had a good time nevertheless. In our discussion time, I learned more about my fellow group members. It was nice to hear their different perspectives on the topics discussed! It is always interesting how one persons opinion can shed so much light on something that you have never thought of.
After doing this dialogue assignment, I have come to realize the importance of having deep talks with people. Whatever the reason, such as problems with vulnerability, insecurity, pride etc., so often we keep everything really shallow and surface level...it is only when you jump out into the deep end that you really get the good stuff.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Happy Endings
Happy Endings by Margaret Atwood is a very interesting yet real story about love and life. I really enjoyed the way that she told the story. Despite its pessimistic feel, there was a lot of truth in what she said. Unlike most stories I have grown up hearing, she told a story about reality...not a fantasy world where nothing goes wrong. As a little girl, I was always heard stories and watched movies that were full of happily ever afters and prince charmings. Even though I believe that people can live a life of joy and love together, it is not all sunshine and daffodils. Like Atwood so bluntly stated time and time again, life throws you a whole lot of junk. You will go through tough times, but I believe that if you are sensitive to the voice of the Lord and if you follow his lead, all will work out for your benefit.
The most important and memorable things I got out of this story were #1 I do not want to go into a relationship with the mindset that nothing will go wrong, even if he is the man that the Lord desires for me #2 I want to make sure that when I do marry someone, I am in the will of God and #3 I desire for me and my man to remain faithful no matter what the enemy or world throws our way.
Unfaithfulness has become the norm of the day and I am not okay with that! God has called us to be a faithful and trustworthy people...not only to Him but to the people around us as well. If the world would just clean up their view of faithfulness and love, I feel as though there would be a whole lot less hurt and betrayal in our world.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
a crazy little thing called LOVE!
As one looks throughout history, he or she will find that most everything in life revolves around love. God created humans as emotional beings and because of this, life is lived in pursuit of true love and acceptance. When looking at humanity, one will begin to see all of the different ways that one tries to fill that "love void" in his or her life. For example: drugs and alcohol, keeping oneself busy, food, sex, shallow relationships, etc.
"Frankie and Johnny" is a fine example of this shallow version of love. The song begins by stating how they were so in love...."oh, lordy how they could love"... it continues by describing how Frankie found out that Johnny was with a gal named Nellie Bly...she then gets very angry and shoots Johnny. After listening to the full song, I began to ask myself...#1 if Frankie knew that Johnny was "doing her wrong", why did she stay with him? #2 if he was so in love with Frankie why would he cheat on her? #3 if she was so in love with him, how could she kill him? And #4 Why did this one bad experience cause her to think that there "ain't no good in man"?
In my mind, it is hard for me to grasp the concept of staying with someone who is unfaithful. If I knew that my man was "doing me wrong", I would definitely have to leave him. Character is crucial if you desire to have a good, solid relationship...not just with a man or women but with family members and friends as well. Far too many men and women in this world have become pessimistic towards true love because they have been hurt or let down over and over again. It is not until one has an encounter with Jesus that he or she truly finds acceptance and love in its purest most consistent state.
"Frankie and Johnny" is a fine example of this shallow version of love. The song begins by stating how they were so in love...."oh, lordy how they could love"... it continues by describing how Frankie found out that Johnny was with a gal named Nellie Bly...she then gets very angry and shoots Johnny. After listening to the full song, I began to ask myself...#1 if Frankie knew that Johnny was "doing her wrong", why did she stay with him? #2 if he was so in love with Frankie why would he cheat on her? #3 if she was so in love with him, how could she kill him? And #4 Why did this one bad experience cause her to think that there "ain't no good in man"?
In my mind, it is hard for me to grasp the concept of staying with someone who is unfaithful. If I knew that my man was "doing me wrong", I would definitely have to leave him. Character is crucial if you desire to have a good, solid relationship...not just with a man or women but with family members and friends as well. Far too many men and women in this world have become pessimistic towards true love because they have been hurt or let down over and over again. It is not until one has an encounter with Jesus that he or she truly finds acceptance and love in its purest most consistent state.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Heather Johnson...my literary profile
Before I was born, my mom and dad used to sing and read the bible to me....truth be told, that never really stopped. I was blessed to have a mother who did not have to work and could stay at home to teach me all of the fun and important things in life. She would always have children songs and movies playing for me...I love that!
My most recent memories of literature would be the classes I have taken here at Southeastern. Most of the classes that I am taking here require me to read several books over the duration of the semester. I have been introduced to some really great books and some pretty awful ones as well.
This may sound pretty cliche, but the most significant literary text that I have read would be the Bible. Every time I open it I get something new and exciting out of it. It is filled will such a wide range of stories that play on all of my emotions. It is great!!!
Literature is important in the fact that it keeps people, things, and stories alive...it almost preserves history. Had the stories of bible times not been written down we would not know all that we do about the ancient civilizations. Also, reading allows ones mind to dream up things and really use his or her imagination. It opens people up to an imaginary world of their own.
Literature plays such a significant role in our lives, I am not really sure if there is any reason to believe that literature does not matter...but if I had to pick one thing, I would say that one cannot learn everything in books. It is through reading and experiences that one truly learns the most.
My most recent memories of literature would be the classes I have taken here at Southeastern. Most of the classes that I am taking here require me to read several books over the duration of the semester. I have been introduced to some really great books and some pretty awful ones as well.
This may sound pretty cliche, but the most significant literary text that I have read would be the Bible. Every time I open it I get something new and exciting out of it. It is filled will such a wide range of stories that play on all of my emotions. It is great!!!
Literature is important in the fact that it keeps people, things, and stories alive...it almost preserves history. Had the stories of bible times not been written down we would not know all that we do about the ancient civilizations. Also, reading allows ones mind to dream up things and really use his or her imagination. It opens people up to an imaginary world of their own.
Literature plays such a significant role in our lives, I am not really sure if there is any reason to believe that literature does not matter...but if I had to pick one thing, I would say that one cannot learn everything in books. It is through reading and experiences that one truly learns the most.
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