I was watching Home Improvement earlier today and the premise behind the show was that a Binford employee was going to go up in a space shuttle as part of a mission. Time and Al are fighint for the spot and at one point Al makes a comment about the fact that the mission would be commanded by woman. He says, "Al thinks it's about time."
Now, I realize the entire thing is played for laughs and is to come across as not serious. However, I think this is a very common way for networks to push their views across as to where they sit with their attitude towards women. I just think it's interesting how the network can find subliminal ways to get their political views across. It saves face for the execs and keeps people watching the show.
I do see gender discrimination towards the man a lot in the show to. Tim is always blowing something up, misquoting some philosopher, or just doing things wrong. It kind of degrades men in a way, something we don't see much of. We see the wife who is the psychology major, does all these things that the "liberated woman" can do. It's a reversal of what we are used to seeing on TV.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Friday, March 16, 2007
Conscious vs. Unconscious
I came across an interesting thought this morning. It seemed like there was a time in life when hospitality was a key part of life. There was a time when the unconscious decision was to help people. It wasn't something that was even questioned it was just done. The conscious decision that had to be made was NOT helping people.
Now the tables have turned. The thing everyone does now is make the unconscious decision to walk by someone that is in need. They actually ignore them without realizing they do. It's sad to see the swing that has taken place not just within the culture of the United States, but in the Christian circles as well. It seems that one of the most difficult parts of the Christian life is reaching out to others.
Now the tables have turned. The thing everyone does now is make the unconscious decision to walk by someone that is in need. They actually ignore them without realizing they do. It's sad to see the swing that has taken place not just within the culture of the United States, but in the Christian circles as well. It seems that one of the most difficult parts of the Christian life is reaching out to others.
Luke's Story
Luke Mirau just told me a story that really touched my heart.
He was on a mission trip to Washington D.C. a few years ago. There was a boy there named Kenny who followed him everywhere. Kenny had absolutely nothing. His parents owned nothing. He was attached to Luke's hip the whole time he was there.
They were running a VBS there and most parents dropped their kids off because it was free babysitting. However, Kenny was just there because he had no place else to be and really wanted to.
The day came for Luke to leave and Kenny would not stop crying. The last thing he wanted was for Luke to leave. Luke had bought a hat for a vacation his family going on after this trip was done. It was the most expensive hat he ever owned.
He just gave it to Kenny. Immeadiately the kid stopped crying. It was the genuine care for this child that got to me. It was the giving up of something one liked to help one who had nothing. It isn't about the hat, it's about the attitude.
He was on a mission trip to Washington D.C. a few years ago. There was a boy there named Kenny who followed him everywhere. Kenny had absolutely nothing. His parents owned nothing. He was attached to Luke's hip the whole time he was there.
They were running a VBS there and most parents dropped their kids off because it was free babysitting. However, Kenny was just there because he had no place else to be and really wanted to.
The day came for Luke to leave and Kenny would not stop crying. The last thing he wanted was for Luke to leave. Luke had bought a hat for a vacation his family going on after this trip was done. It was the most expensive hat he ever owned.
He just gave it to Kenny. Immeadiately the kid stopped crying. It was the genuine care for this child that got to me. It was the giving up of something one liked to help one who had nothing. It isn't about the hat, it's about the attitude.
Poverty and Education
On Yahoo! Questions I cam across a question that asked if poverty depended on education or educatioin depended on poverty. This question was in regards to poverty in America. I found the views expressed in answering this question be rather interesting.
A lot of people seemed to think that it was an act of laziness. They felt that with a little bit of will power these people could go get educated, get a job, and join the rest of society. This got me thinking about all the thing we've discussed in class towards racism and prejudice. The truth is, we do the same thing with poor people that we do with black, asians, and hispanics. We seem to get an attitude of contempt.
Instead of feeling compassion for them we fill ourselves with contempt. We feel better about not helping them if we tell ourselves that they put themselves on the street. It all does come full circle.
A lot of people seemed to think that it was an act of laziness. They felt that with a little bit of will power these people could go get educated, get a job, and join the rest of society. This got me thinking about all the thing we've discussed in class towards racism and prejudice. The truth is, we do the same thing with poor people that we do with black, asians, and hispanics. We seem to get an attitude of contempt.
Instead of feeling compassion for them we fill ourselves with contempt. We feel better about not helping them if we tell ourselves that they put themselves on the street. It all does come full circle.
Am I Impoverished?
I started thinking tonight about poverty and the differet aspects of it. What does it mean, in my mind, to be impoverished? Why does it even exist?
I'm not looking for the answer that it exists because of the fallen world we live in. That's a given.
To be impoverished means to be without something. I think that's the most basic way to put it, honestly. When we think of poverty-stricken areas like Malawi or Central America we always think of them being without food, clean water, sanitation, etc. The list goes on! Naturally, this isn't something we can ignore.
However, I began thinking why it just has to apply to these types of subjects. What is is that I lack? What am I without? When it comes to materials I am very blessed.
I have learned that God has a deeper meaning to all this, I think. We see poverty and think of all the things we are without, BUT we don't stop and think that the whole world is impoverished from God's love. We see the lost but we don't think about a spiritual poverty. We don't see it as them being without God. Although, that's exactly what they are.
We live in a world full of poverty. The truth is that with enough money and generous hearts we can do a pretty decent job of fixing the poverty we see. That'll make us feel good about ourselves. We don't see the spiritual poverty of people, so we don't let if phase us.
We need to remember that poverty is spiritual too.
I'm not looking for the answer that it exists because of the fallen world we live in. That's a given.
To be impoverished means to be without something. I think that's the most basic way to put it, honestly. When we think of poverty-stricken areas like Malawi or Central America we always think of them being without food, clean water, sanitation, etc. The list goes on! Naturally, this isn't something we can ignore.
However, I began thinking why it just has to apply to these types of subjects. What is is that I lack? What am I without? When it comes to materials I am very blessed.
I have learned that God has a deeper meaning to all this, I think. We see poverty and think of all the things we are without, BUT we don't stop and think that the whole world is impoverished from God's love. We see the lost but we don't think about a spiritual poverty. We don't see it as them being without God. Although, that's exactly what they are.
We live in a world full of poverty. The truth is that with enough money and generous hearts we can do a pretty decent job of fixing the poverty we see. That'll make us feel good about ourselves. We don't see the spiritual poverty of people, so we don't let if phase us.
We need to remember that poverty is spiritual too.
Poverty Coincides with Politics
I just read over an article located at this site: http://www.globalissues.org/TradeRelated/Poverty.asp
The woman writing about these issues explains the role of politics in the fact that poverty exists.
I found these thought to be extremely interesting. I found them particularly intriguing thanks mostly to my recently founded opinions on politics and the political regime. We see how politics have played such an important role in the progress of poverty.
It seems that everytime there is a war poverty follows. This is how politics play into it. A war these days tends to be fought on grounds of differences in politics and other things. As the article states, a lot of times trade is involved.
I find it ironic that a lot of the time the politicians that are elected by the people send their countries war and force the people that voted for them into poverty. The right political agenda can help stop this, however, that's a dangerous path because somehow it might show weakness.
The woman writing about these issues explains the role of politics in the fact that poverty exists.
I found these thought to be extremely interesting. I found them particularly intriguing thanks mostly to my recently founded opinions on politics and the political regime. We see how politics have played such an important role in the progress of poverty.
It seems that everytime there is a war poverty follows. This is how politics play into it. A war these days tends to be fought on grounds of differences in politics and other things. As the article states, a lot of times trade is involved.
I find it ironic that a lot of the time the politicians that are elected by the people send their countries war and force the people that voted for them into poverty. The right political agenda can help stop this, however, that's a dangerous path because somehow it might show weakness.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
United by faith
I thought that the book was very well written and I like what the author had to say; even though he repeated himself a bit. Racism is a huge problem in this world and I see it all the time at my work. Almost everyone shops there and you see whites give weird looks to the Muslims and vise verse. The book just put it all into prospective for me and I love UNITY!!! I could not believe that we had a church in this state that was working on inclusive with all types of colored people. That is so awesome and i think it will go a long way. Down in the D.R. we went to a conference that was over 5 hours long (we only stayed for 5 hours though) and they had all types of denominations there, under one roof worshipping the one and only true GOD!
Why in America don't we do this? Why can't we try and do what Martin Luther King Jr. did/tried? Unity I think is a key thing to have. Once we have unity and everyone believing in trinity, I think that everyone would we get along a lot better.
When people ask me what denomination I am, I say Christian. It should not matter what church I go to show that I am a Christian. Once people find out what church you attend, they tend to label you and assume (you know what happens when you assume)and you wonder why there is not unity!!!!
Why in America don't we do this? Why can't we try and do what Martin Luther King Jr. did/tried? Unity I think is a key thing to have. Once we have unity and everyone believing in trinity, I think that everyone would we get along a lot better.
When people ask me what denomination I am, I say Christian. It should not matter what church I go to show that I am a Christian. Once people find out what church you attend, they tend to label you and assume (you know what happens when you assume)and you wonder why there is not unity!!!!
love them
I love mission trips and I think that everyone should go on one at some point in there life. They are life changing experiences and they show how similar people of a different culture are to us. Down in the D.R. there is racism with the Haitians and the Dominicans. For me it was hard to point out who was who, but from what I heard, people are racist and they want the Haitians to go back to their side of the island. As for poverty, Haitians are poorer than the Dominicans as a country. The Dominican does have some towns that are poorer than others but as a whole they are richer than Haiti.
Since I have visited both sides of the Island, I have come to the conclusion that no matter how we treat them or what we look like to them, they still think that we are awesome and they know that we are there to help. They know that they have people to trust. Kids now that we are there to give them hope for the future. Parents know that we are there to help their children, but also to help them with a better sense of understanding of certain things.
God loves all of us the same and no matter how we look, feel, do, etc; God still loves us!
Since I have visited both sides of the Island, I have come to the conclusion that no matter how we treat them or what we look like to them, they still think that we are awesome and they know that we are there to help. They know that they have people to trust. Kids now that we are there to give them hope for the future. Parents know that we are there to help their children, but also to help them with a better sense of understanding of certain things.
God loves all of us the same and no matter how we look, feel, do, etc; God still loves us!
Why?
Why is it that when we go on a mission trip to serve, we are the ones that get served? Why is it that when we get back from mission trips, after a week, we get back to our old self's and forget what we learned and how lucky we are? It is amazing, even as a Christian, I do take things for granted! Everyone does some time or another. Yes God blessed us with what we have (job,car,school,money,etc.), but those people in the third world countries can not even find a job. Where do they get the money? Where do they ate? Do they go to school? Have they even seen a car, or even rode in one? Yet when we come to help, they are so grateful that we are there and they give us as much as they can and we want to save our money for souvenirs! Why can't the world have the same things? Why can't the rich give to the poor? Why can't the poor die?
These are just some questions that we ask one another, if not ourselves! Why can't the world be a better place for all people - poor or rich, female or male, etc?
These are just some questions that we ask one another, if not ourselves! Why can't the world be a better place for all people - poor or rich, female or male, etc?
misrepresented?
reading over the blog posts, I haven't posted on Christians in the Media, so that's what I'll be doing now.
the question on my mind is, "are Christians really being misrepresented in the media"?
we're often portrayed and "Bible-beaters" or selfish people with their own agenda or "hippy-like" and when many people think of Christians they think "hypocrites", they are no different than me. and when this happens, we get upset and scream "misrepresentation" but what are we really doing to change that? so many of us do "shove" Christianity down others' throats, or are more concerned with our own agenda, or are Sunday Christians or C&E Christians. If we're going to live like that then we can not get upset with the stereotypes or labels people and the media are putting on us. Yes, this is quite upsetting and it should make something deep inside you squirm a little. True, the media does not display and accurate picture of what a true, Christ-following Christian is; but they do paint a fairly reasonable picture of how many Christians are today in our world. And until we take action in our own lives and in the world to change that, the "misrepresentation" will continue. Just some thoughts...
the question on my mind is, "are Christians really being misrepresented in the media"?
we're often portrayed and "Bible-beaters" or selfish people with their own agenda or "hippy-like" and when many people think of Christians they think "hypocrites", they are no different than me. and when this happens, we get upset and scream "misrepresentation" but what are we really doing to change that? so many of us do "shove" Christianity down others' throats, or are more concerned with our own agenda, or are Sunday Christians or C&E Christians. If we're going to live like that then we can not get upset with the stereotypes or labels people and the media are putting on us. Yes, this is quite upsetting and it should make something deep inside you squirm a little. True, the media does not display and accurate picture of what a true, Christ-following Christian is; but they do paint a fairly reasonable picture of how many Christians are today in our world. And until we take action in our own lives and in the world to change that, the "misrepresentation" will continue. Just some thoughts...
Monday, March 12, 2007
A Lesson of Humility
I was also a part of the team that went to India last spring along with JJ. It was an experience that I cherish and will never forget! The people over there, although so many of them had so little, were so incredibly loving and giving. When we went to visit some of the church members in their homes(which were typically 2 maybe 3 rooms with mud or a cement type floor covered by handmade rugs. they had a humble kitchen with a stone type firplace to cook in, one bedroom for the family, and then the small sitting area with maybe a couple chairs)...they went above and beyond bringing bananas, cookies, tea, or coffee to us. They were so welcoming, so giving, even when they had so little(or maybe, they have more than we do). That is a thought I think about a lot. They seem so much more content, so happy while we over here in America, live in huge homes(especially in comparison to theirs), have two, three, sometimes more cars, pools, multiple indoor bathrooms with plumbing...it literally boggles my mind how we have all this and yet are always so unhappy, so unsatisified, and give so much of ourselves, our time to attain more and more. The Christian families we met there have God and their families at the center of their lives. It was so refreshing and humbling. I know I've said it before on here, but I think that poverty is truly a blessing in disguise.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Mission Trip
I just got back from my mission trip to the Dominican Republic. The trip was amazing and yet sad at the same time! From where we stayed and where we worked at were two different towns within 30 miles of each other. Just amazed me how people would rather have their money than try to help others. The children that we worked with were awesome and loved getting their pictures taken. On the other hand, the parents of their childern let us hold their babies, but in return they wanted something from us. People think that since we are Americans we are rich. That is some what true, but not true! Yes America is a rich country, but as college student and working to get through college, we consider ourselves poor. Yet to the people in the DR, they see us as rich.
That trip got me thinking so much. Besides shoes, I think I am going to start buying clothes at good will, salvation for 2 reasons- 1. cheaper 2. some of the clothes that we buy are priced so high and people that make the clothes get paid so little. These shops are just as good as shopping at the mall, you just might want to wash the clothes first before you wear them.
Where the children had school was amazing. They had a tin roof, hardly a floor (some 2 by 4s) a couple of pews and 2 chalkboards. When we handed out coloring sheets and 2 crayons, they were the happiest children in the world. I think that since living in America, we take a lot of things for granted! Please pray the children in Amistad and for the ministries in the DR!!!
That trip got me thinking so much. Besides shoes, I think I am going to start buying clothes at good will, salvation for 2 reasons- 1. cheaper 2. some of the clothes that we buy are priced so high and people that make the clothes get paid so little. These shops are just as good as shopping at the mall, you just might want to wash the clothes first before you wear them.
Where the children had school was amazing. They had a tin roof, hardly a floor (some 2 by 4s) a couple of pews and 2 chalkboards. When we handed out coloring sheets and 2 crayons, they were the happiest children in the world. I think that since living in America, we take a lot of things for granted! Please pray the children in Amistad and for the ministries in the DR!!!
Friday, March 9, 2007
India
When I traveled to India about this time last year I remember not really knowing what to expect when I set foot on their soil. I had no real knowledge of those people. The first real day we were there we were expected to go around town with some of the pastors and make house calls and just meet people. I remember driving around the city of Kochii and viewing the houses. There were some gorgeous houses, very ornate and well maintained. However, in front of or next to these houses were very small, dirty, broken down homes. It struck me as odd that these homes were in the same areas of town. I remember one house I walked into was about the size of the old unit's downstairs room. They're walls were sheets of plastic. These people had NOTHING!
However, when I walked into their home they offered me the best they had. They were thankful for what they had and where they lived. I can't imagine in India, where the caste system is still so strong, how difficult it would be to be apart of a lesser class and live in poverty. However, these people didn't take it that way. They were thankful for everything they had. They accepted their places and did all they could. The Christians in poverty were some of the happiest Christians I've ever seen.
However, when I walked into their home they offered me the best they had. They were thankful for what they had and where they lived. I can't imagine in India, where the caste system is still so strong, how difficult it would be to be apart of a lesser class and live in poverty. However, these people didn't take it that way. They were thankful for everything they had. They accepted their places and did all they could. The Christians in poverty were some of the happiest Christians I've ever seen.
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Poverty - According to Derek Webb
There is a song by Derek Webb called "Rich Young Ruler". When it comes to our attitude about poverty in the west I think he hits it right on the head.
Rich Young Ruler
(vs. 1)
poverty is so hard to see
when it’s only on your tv and twenty miles across town
where we’re all living so good
that we moved out of Jesus’ neighborhood
where he’s hungry and not feeling so good
from going through our trash
he says, more than just your cash and coin
i want your time, i want your voice
i want the things you just can’t give me
(vs. 2)
so what must we do
here in the west we want to follow you
we speak the language and we keep all the rules
even a few we made up
come on and follow me
but sell your house, sell your suv
sell your stocks, sell your security
and give it to the poor
what is this, hey what’s the deal
i don’t sleep around and i don’t steal
i want the things you just can’t give me
(bridge)
because what you do to the least of these
my brother’s, you have done it to me
because i want the things you just can’t give me
This song strikes a cord with me. I can picture Jesus saying this to us. For some reason we have it in our heads that giving money is all that is needed to help destroy poverty. How very wrong we are.
I remember when the woman from Compassion International came to chapel. She said one thing I have never been able to get out of my head. She asked us to be the voice of these children. The exact same thing Jesus wants of us. He isn't as interested in our money as he is our time.
Then think of all the luxuries we have. We can do without so many of the things we have. We taken it all for granted. We justify not doing that by talking about how we live and keep the commandments. Derek show us how WE are the rich young ruler.
Rich Young Ruler
(vs. 1)
poverty is so hard to see
when it’s only on your tv and twenty miles across town
where we’re all living so good
that we moved out of Jesus’ neighborhood
where he’s hungry and not feeling so good
from going through our trash
he says, more than just your cash and coin
i want your time, i want your voice
i want the things you just can’t give me
(vs. 2)
so what must we do
here in the west we want to follow you
we speak the language and we keep all the rules
even a few we made up
come on and follow me
but sell your house, sell your suv
sell your stocks, sell your security
and give it to the poor
what is this, hey what’s the deal
i don’t sleep around and i don’t steal
i want the things you just can’t give me
(bridge)
because what you do to the least of these
my brother’s, you have done it to me
because i want the things you just can’t give me
This song strikes a cord with me. I can picture Jesus saying this to us. For some reason we have it in our heads that giving money is all that is needed to help destroy poverty. How very wrong we are.
I remember when the woman from Compassion International came to chapel. She said one thing I have never been able to get out of my head. She asked us to be the voice of these children. The exact same thing Jesus wants of us. He isn't as interested in our money as he is our time.
Then think of all the luxuries we have. We can do without so many of the things we have. We taken it all for granted. We justify not doing that by talking about how we live and keep the commandments. Derek show us how WE are the rich young ruler.
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Christians in Media
So I suppose it's about time I actually did this right....
I definitely think it's important to look at a how Christians are viewed in the media, whether it be in a movie, or the news, or theatre, or any other part of pop culture we can think of. We see them constantly bad-mouthed and torn down, look at movies like Dogma.
However, there is another side to this that few people are willing to address. We seem to look past the fact that there are Christians whose professions are to work in these different places of the media. Is this a problem?
In order to get anywhere in this business people are often forced to do things that they don't want to. They can sometimes be asked to compromise themselves. My thoughts on this lie more towards movies, theatre, and television. There are several professing Christians in any of those genres who will swear, because the script calls for it. They are playing a character and this is not them, is usually the justification. Is this right? Or does it not matter at all?
I definitely think it's important to look at a how Christians are viewed in the media, whether it be in a movie, or the news, or theatre, or any other part of pop culture we can think of. We see them constantly bad-mouthed and torn down, look at movies like Dogma.
However, there is another side to this that few people are willing to address. We seem to look past the fact that there are Christians whose professions are to work in these different places of the media. Is this a problem?
In order to get anywhere in this business people are often forced to do things that they don't want to. They can sometimes be asked to compromise themselves. My thoughts on this lie more towards movies, theatre, and television. There are several professing Christians in any of those genres who will swear, because the script calls for it. They are playing a character and this is not them, is usually the justification. Is this right? Or does it not matter at all?
Jesus Camp
As I sit back and think about the documentary Jesus Camp, my mind keeps being drawn to one specific part of it. Never mind the way these kids find it so necessary to share their faith with total strangers or the charismatic tendencies of those being documented. My problem deals with the woman who led the youth camps shown throughout the film.
This woman had one of the strongest passions for youth that I have seen in a long time and I do not doubt that her intentions are good. However, I watched her address these kids in the general assemblies they had. I could tell she was trying to motivate them, but it was the way she did it that bothered me. It seemed that guilt was the tactic she always used. I distinctly remember her telling the kids that they would be come fat and lazy if they didn’t start sharing the gospel. She also asked them to make a promise to them and they told them they would be liars if they broke it.
I do not believe that this is the correct motivation for these kids. No child wants to be labeled a liar, so naturally they will make the promise being asked of them. Guilt in no way works when it comes to getting anyone to do thing for the right reasons. It makes me question whether or not the decisions being made by these young children were real. Come to think of it, based on the age of some of these kids, did they even know what they were doing…
This woman had one of the strongest passions for youth that I have seen in a long time and I do not doubt that her intentions are good. However, I watched her address these kids in the general assemblies they had. I could tell she was trying to motivate them, but it was the way she did it that bothered me. It seemed that guilt was the tactic she always used. I distinctly remember her telling the kids that they would be come fat and lazy if they didn’t start sharing the gospel. She also asked them to make a promise to them and they told them they would be liars if they broke it.
I do not believe that this is the correct motivation for these kids. No child wants to be labeled a liar, so naturally they will make the promise being asked of them. Guilt in no way works when it comes to getting anyone to do thing for the right reasons. It makes me question whether or not the decisions being made by these young children were real. Come to think of it, based on the age of some of these kids, did they even know what they were doing…
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