Jennifer Knapp

It’s been a busy week in my world, with a busy weekend ahead. I’m pausing the chaos long enough to highlight some of my favorites this week.

1. A little encouragement for my friends who are “actively dating”

It’s been a long time since I had need of language for dating, but I remember being in college and finding it strange how many of my classmates seemed to be there for the purpose of finding a husband (yes, women–because let’s face it, this is not how men talk about their college education). I enjoyed Dianna Anderson’s post about changing the way we frame dating and marriage. I hope this brings encouragement to those who need it.

2. Progressives, conservatives, and the abortion debate

I have nothing to add to what Rachel Held Evans has said. For me, it’s been a discomfort in aligning myself with an aspect of feminism with which I don’t agree. I’ve had to step away from the conversation for the sake of friendships, because when I’ve voiced an opinion–on either side–I’ve gotten some pretty hateful responses. And that’s just my actual, real-life friends! As a person with a lot of education and experience in health-related fields, I come down squarely on the side of “this can largely be prevented.” Unfortunately, that’s a pretty unpopular stance on both ends of the spectrum. My Christian friends often think I’m advocating rampant, consequence-free, sinful sexuality; my feminist friends have repeatedly said nasty things about “What if she didn’t consent? What if her birth control failed? What then?” And I’m just left shaking my head.

3. A little more of Jennifer Knapp

Jennifer Knapp is my Christian music crush. I loved her longing lyrics and unusual sound from the first moment I heard her beautiful voice. Have a listen to this song, then go read her responses to “Ask a…” at Rachel Held Evans’ site.

4. Another round of the “Christian vs. Gay” debate–now with 83% more racism

I was morbidly fascinated by the ridiculous meme going around about how “hated” Tim Tebow is for his faith, while Jason Collins gets a virtual party thrown for his coming out. This is my news recap, so I’m not going to repeat myself here about the magnitude of Suck in that belief. You should just go read this piece on how Collins’ faith was ignored and the erasure of non-white Christians from public consciousness. The article highlights the way black athletes are marginalized until they express something that fits into white politics. I would take that further to say that it not only fits into white faith politics but also upholds white beliefs about black faith culture. This isn’t limited to black people of faith, either–the same holds true for any non-white people who don’t fit neatly into the expectations of white evangelical culture. It’s more important to fix that problem than to argue over whether the media likes Tebow or Collins better.

5. No more body shaming!

I should really write about this, but I’m so often appalled at the way Christians, who claim to be “in the world but not of the world,” really like to body shame people. Thinliness is next to godliness, of course. Well, no. And if you’re not feeling good about yourself today, then you need to go read this wonderful post full of affirming, honoring truths. And while you’re at it, skip the stupid Dove ads. Your body/looks/”beauty” do not affect your ability to live, love, laugh, and be happy.

6. And while we’re on the subject…

I laughed so hard I almost peed myself at this parody of the Dove ad. Warning: NSFW, because, you know, balls. You probably don’t want to watch with your kids around, either, though I don’t think I’d care if my almost 10-year-old saw it (the little one wouldn’t understand it). Before you ask, NO, he hasn’t seen it, and NO, I’m not going to show it to him. I’m just saying that I think he knows what they are and what they look like at this point.

7. My latest story

Inspired by Mark Driscoll. That man is a never-ending stream of blog fodder, including short stories.

Have a great weekend and I’ll see you all on Smut-Shaming Monday (AKA Amy reads yet another chapter of Fifty Shades).

Woohoo! It’s Friday! Today, the sun is shining and there’s hardly a cloud in the sky (miraculous, where I live). I hope your day is shaping up to be fantastic. For us, it’s the start of a 3-day weekend for the kids–no school on Monday due to scoring the state tests.

Here are some of my favorite posts for the week. Go get a cup of coffee (or tea or whatever) and have a look.

1. Something that made me want to punch things

If there is any doubt that there is a link between conservative teachings on modesty/purity and the idea that rape is an acceptable punishment for “sin,” this should blow that away. I get it about free speech and all, but this crosses a line. It doesn’t matter that he’s not naming specific individuals; he’s making a lot of people feel unsafe.

2. Something that made me cringe

I admit it, I like most versions of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.” I’d really like to read the book that was just released about the song. But I absolutely can’t stand the idea of “Christianizing” the song. I’m pretty much not a fan of Christianizing any song–that falls into the squicky category of “Jesus is my boyfriend” material. But taking a song that already has more spiritual depth and changing the words so they’re overtly Jesus-y? Yeesh.

3. Something that made me feel inspired

I’ve grown to dislike the phrase “a voice for the voiceless.” About a year ago, I met a missionary who gave a talk to some teens about valuing the dignity of all people. He said that while we may not think it’s much when a person lives in a hut with a dirt floor, to that person, it’s home–and they likely don’t feel the same way about it that we do from the outside. He made it clear that it’s not our job to speak in the place of others about what we think they should want or need. This fantastic post from Kathy Escobar is a great reminder of what advocacy should be.

4. Something that made me cheer like a fangirl

I love Jennifer Knapp’s lovely and unique voice. I was enchanted from the first time I heard her sing “A Little More.” So imagine my delight when I saw that she was featured this week on Rachel Held Evans’ “Ask…” series and the floor was opened for questions. I can’t wait to read her responses!

5. Something that made me hopeful

Oh, Nevada. You know we love you for your legal prostitution and your Sin City and your 24-hour Elvis chapels. Now perhaps we can love you for marriage equality, too. (Even if it is 3 years away.)

6. Something that made me laugh

I used to have a desk calendar of Jack Handey sayings. I think it was a Christmas gift from a college friend. This little game made me laugh out loud. Can you tell who said it?

7. Something that made me pump my fist in solidarity

Three somethings, actually, with a fourth to follow. Recently, there’s been a lot of discussion surrounding men, women, and differences. The general idea seems to be that men are generic and women are specific–in other words, things written by or about men are about broad topics, while things written by or about women are only for other women. I find this interesting, especially since as a blogger, I don’t see much difference in my readership–I have a fairly even split of men and women. Andi Cumbo (who is delightful; you should really be reading her blog) has written this week on the subject:

There’s more to come on this topic. I missed the blog round-up this week, but I think I will put in my two cents next week.

8. Something that made me proud

Let’s just say I’m acquainted with the blogger who posted these: Hilarious Lambs 2.0 and The Last Hilarious Lambs. The lambs make me smile every time.

9. Something that made me satisfied

I finally finished my series about the Royal Family of Hell (for now; perhaps there are future misadventures in store). I hope you enjoy the ending.

Have a great weekend!

Notable News: Week of April 27-May 3, 2013

Notable News: Week of April 20-26, 2013

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