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).
That’s probably my favorite of Jennifer Knapp’s albums. I love the title track and the song you posted. Martyrs and Thieves might be my favorite of all, though. Great links!