Let's Hear It For the Men!

I've joined a discussion group about the biblical roles of men and women. It should be interesting, although I think most people in the discussion will actually agree with me rather than disagree. A question that is floating around (although I don't know if it's from the group) is, Is God sexist? Of course He is! Thankfully He is, and despite our culture's attempts to erase the differences between men and women, the lines will never completely disappear because we are made in His image.

Being the mother of a boy, I find myself frequently upset at the culture and the attempt to remove masculinity from the mainstream. It's a running joke in our household to watch television commercials and critique them. We're constantly discovering advertisements that are quite funny - but almost always at the expense of the husband or father of a family. The same seems to be true in quite a number of shows on television (one of the reasons we don't watch many of the typical sitcoms or other half hour programs). The wife/mother/girlfriend is portrayed as the intelligent one, the one with common sense, and the problem solver of the family. The male? Usually he's funny, but in a bumbling, simple way - he means no harm, but he's certainly not able to solve problems (he usually causes them) nor could he be a role model.

Imagine for a moment if these roles were reversed. Can you hear the cries of outrage from women across the country? How dare they demean the mothers of America! What kind of a message is this sending to our children? What kind, indeed. Well, the message has been received - and it's hurting our kids, our families. Why would we expect anything different when we denigrate the head of the household?

to be continued...

Oops!

It's come to my attention that the comment section has not been working properly. I hope I fixed the problem - I am not computer savvy, and blogging is still quite new to me, but I'm hoping to learn as I go along. Any tips would be appreciated. Thanks!

Crisitiana

God's Mercy

For the past couple of months, I've been immersed in a project. I'm a writer of sorts, and this project is keeping me in Scripture - and what a great place to be! Presently I'm working with the prophets, and while all of the details of Israel and Judah's destruction are horrific, it's the reasoning behind the invasions that is the key. Why does this strike me now? Because of the earthquakes that have struck Haiti in the past week.

As with all disasters, there are those who ask, why? Why would a loving God allow this? Where is God when all of these people are dying? The answer - He's right there in the midst of it. Go back to Scripture....why did these disasters happen to God's chosen people, the apple of His eye? In order to save them! The utter destruction of Jerusalem, even the attack upon the temple, was all for the purpose of bringing His wayward children back to Himself. And so it is with every problem or catastrophe that comes our way...in the midst of these troubles, we cry, Abba! Father! We cry to the Lord, repent of our sins, and trust in His unfailing mercy.

And He answers our prayers. In Haiti, His loving hand is evident in the outpouring of aid coming from all corners of the globe. The prayers that are rising from congregations and individuals do not fall on deaf ears, for our heavenly Father does not want anyone to be lost. And so, when these disasters come to countries, or our own part of the world collapses, we look outside ourselves for help. And help does come - in the shape of relief workers, friends, family - bringing our Lord's loving grace and mercy. We repent of our sins, thank God for His gifts, and rest in the knowledge that we are in His care, no matter what happens - whether our days are bright or stormy, whether we live or we die. All praise and thanks be to God, our Father, who gives us everlasting life through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Chuckling at the Irony

I haven't heard anyone say it, but isn't it ironic that the man whom the Democrat party was holding up as the "founder" of health care reform has had his seat in the Senate filled by a man who ran on a platform of stopping the health care reform? Of course, it's amazing that a Republican won the election in Massachusetts, but I keep thinking about the health care side of the election...

That said, I tend to look at these things a little differently than some. I love my country, and I pray that it always stays free, and that my child has the rights and freedoms that I have enjoyed my entire life - rights and freedoms that came/come at a great price. Still, when all is said and done, I'm a sojourner. By that I mean that my true home is in heaven, and because of that, I try to maintain a distance from the politics within our country.

Now, don't get me wrong - I'm very much a conservative, and appreciate the opportunity to participate in our election process....yet, at the same time, as a child of God, I am to serve under whatever government God places over me. Does this mean that I don't fight for the USA and defend her against enemies? Of course not. I would defend her and our way of life because I am an American...but I'm also a Christian - suppose I found myself being governed as a free person or slave in another land - I would do so as God directs us.....for kings, princes, presidents...all governments (part of the kingdom of the left) are in power at God's choosing, and He works as and where He will....working good for His children. Hope this makes some sort of sense....kind of tired tonight!

And so we start our new year with a new Senator, whose election has created a new Senate...and (hopefully) our Congress has found a new set of ears to listen to the people who elected them.

Cristiana

Happy New Year

A couple of weeks late, but the greeting still applies, no? It's been a long time since I've written, and while I've worked on other projects, I still feel drawn to this blog. Why? I'm not sure, except that I can record things in a way that works for me. I guess it would be natural to go back over the previous months and fill in what happened, but I'm not going to do that. I just prefer to start where I am and take off from here.

And so, here we are in 2010. I still remember thinking that the 1980s were amazing because the century was really coming to a close, and here we are already 10 years into another one. We've made it through the first year of the Obama presidency. I say this because tonight could turn out to be an historical election - filling the seat vacated by the death of Senator Edward Kennedy. At this point, it looks as if Massachusetts could go with a Republican for the first time since the 1950s. Hopefully, the Republican candidate, Scott Brown, wins if for no other reason than to block the Democratic-controlled Congress from passing a health care bill - one of several steps advancing the seemingly socialistic agenda of this administration.

Whew! Okay....seems this blog is back up and running. More tomorrow - with the election results, if nothing else!

Cristiana

Males and Humor

I'm sitting here listening to my dh and son talk. It's a funny thing - men and humor. I'll readily admit, I don't get a lot of it. Things they think are hilarious, I just roll my eyes at. Of course, that makes them laugh all the more. Truth be told, however, I love watching them interact. They get such a kick out of each other, and their tastes are so similar. I savor these moments because I know they'll be gone before I know it. And so I groan at the gross or silly stuff, but underneath, my heart is smiling.

Teens and Socializing

Our son is completing driver's education. It's been interesting to see his reaction to driving. Whereas I was eager to learn, ready to hit the road with my friends to see where it might take us, he really has no interest in it. I thought this was unusual, but the more I've talked with other parents, the more I have found similar mindsets. Our children aren't interested in driving. Why?

In my day (translated "the dark ages") getting a driver's license was a rite of passage. I've noticed the same attitude toward cell phones today. Has this replaced the license? Teenagers stay in touch using these phones, and our son is one who keeps his phone accessible. Combine the phone with facebook, online video games and the like, and you have children who are interacting with their friends without actually being with them. Obviously, there are pros and cons to this type of socializing. What say you, o gentle reader?