Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Yesterday I worked (cleaned house) for an older couple that lives down the road from me. They were laughing over a comic strip in the newspaper when I came in.
"Sometimes, the comics remind us of ourselves." Mrs. S said. I smiled and looked at the page in her hand. It was Pickles, the comic strip about the old couple and the ups and downs of growing old. That made me think: there's a comic strip for every stage of life, and all the dimensions of relationships. Mr. and Mrs. S like Pickles, I like Zits. Zits is about the teenage boy who struggles to get up in the morning and who gets a kick out of loud music and hanging out with his friends. I get a kick out of hanging with my friends, and sometimes have trouble getting out of bed on time. The old man in Pickles has trouble locating his glasses, Mr. S has trouble finding things. That must be why the comics are so popular, and so widely read. Ask anybody, everyone has a favorite comic strip. No doubt our favorites are about characters perpetually wedged in the season of life we find ourselves in for now: Baby Blues and The Family Circus for young families, Girls and Sports for High School jocks, Hagar the Horrible for those who love to hate marriage, Mutts for animal lovers, and Blondie for, I don't know, the people who love sandwiches.
This example of society's acceptance of the unknowns in life and the way we are all able to laugh through tears is nothing but inspiring. We peruse these comics and they remind us that we are not alone. What they contain is usually to close to the truth for us to accept them simply as fiction. Surely they came from the author/illustrator's true-life experiences. Maybe putting these experiences into words and pictures hurt the author/illustrator a little bit, but if their job is to speak to people and make them smile then they must accept and embrace the undignified moments of life as well as the clean-cut and easy ones.


Funny the way it is.

Lydia

Sunday, April 25, 2010

"As much as the world has an instinct for evil and is a breeding ground for genocide, holocaust, slavery, racism, war, oppression, and injustice, the world has an even greater instinct for goodness, rebirth, mercy, beauty, truth, freedom, and love. The coexistence of these aspects of human character is a great and universal paradox. That is why the struggle for peace and the need for reconciliation exists not just in Africa, but throughout the world."

-Archbishop Desmond Mpilo Tutu

Funny the way it is.

Lydia

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Why does there always have to be roadblocks? Why is there always that turn that comes out of nowhere and throws your perfectly maintained balance off? Why do the good things get thwarted by the bad, making way for doubt and confusion to set in? It's so eay to smile again after something sets you off the tracks like that but that doesn't mean that it is easy to genuinely forgive and forget. It's these "offsettings" that make one wonder if feeling deeply is worth the pain that comes with the expiration of all feelings. It all hurts at one point or another. Is it worth it?
In The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks (don't judge=)), we read about Ronnie's deep passions and her deep animosities. She goes through periods of deep hatred towards different secondary characters that she thinks have betrayed her. She hates deeply and at first that made me dislike her character. Then I thought about it and realized that she didn't just hate deeply, she loved deeply too. This story illustrates beautifully the wonders of the ability to feel and the scale on which it balances.
Even if there was a world with no pain, would that Utopia be worth the loss of love and passion and commitment-even when they put you at risk for disappointment? That's something to think about when your heart is stuck between the solidity of disappointment and the rock-hardness of resentment. When you're asking if it is worth it consider what you have already gone through to achieve this hard place. Prove yourself by showing love in every way possible, even during a trial of this sort, and maybe your trust will come again, bigger and more passionate this time.
That's what love is anyway, love is trust. When you offer your heart to someone you are showing ultimate trust in them. Your faith in them overcomes your need to shelter yourself from despondency. The same goes for getting excited about everyday things like concerts or a planted tree, or a painting that may or may not turn out so well. Would it be better to just never start a painting since it might turn out poorly? Would it be better to never become acquainted with someone since they could turn around and forget about you? Would it be better to forget about sitting down at the computer to write since what results may just be meaningless drivel?

Lydia

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Sway Hearts.That, my friends, is a Sway Heart. Sway Hearts is a company founded by Katie, a sweet girl who is changing the world one necklace at a time. What she does is make each heart by hand and ship them wherever the order came from. They cost eight dollars a piece (less than one would pay for a necklace from Forever 21 or Claire's) and are just awesome. I'm not sure what percentage goes to this, but I know that Katie isn't making a huge profit, so most of this eight dollars goes to Touching Hearts, and their treatment of congenital heart failure in Nepal. The one featured above isn't mine but I ordered three so be expecting pictures soon.

I emailed Katie after finding out about her company through facebook. The funny thing is that I watched the video on her website ( http://www.swayhearts.com/ ) and was like oh, what a cool girl. I just assumed that she lived on the other side of the country because, I mean, doesn't everyone? Anyway, I was all impressed by her and stuff and then I talked to my friend Emily and we realized that I had actually met her before! She's a good friend of my good friend. What a small world.

Katie was inspired to start this company/ministry by a dream she had. She allowed this dream to carry her through to where she is today. She wants you all to know that inspiration can come from anywhere. Some people get it from experiences and memories while others get it through nature. It literally is everywhere! Her point is...if you have a talent, don't waste it because you can be the one to help change the world.

Visit swayhearts.com and see what the deal is!

Friday, April 16, 2010

Don't you just love the moments or days when you're content? Just completely okay with what you have or how your life is going. During that time, you just can't help but smile and be joyous! I think those are the especially beautiful moments, because when God looks down on us we are actually happy and thankful for what He gave us. How beautiful is that? We aren't depressed and anger and bitter with Him. I think He rejoices in those times more than in other moments. I wonder if it's possible for two people to be in that moment at the exact same time...perfectly content and just in love with life. If there were two people experiencing this contented spirit, what would it be like if somehow they connect? Would they walk through the world with a grin on their face and a skip in their step? Imagine it. Imagine the affect it would have on the lives of those who are around them? How beautiful would that be? Just imagine it...


Brianna

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Do you ever have those moments when you're driving and you suddenly realize that everyone is passing you, not because they're all in a hurry, but because you are going 5 miles under the speed limit? And you think back to yesterday and remember that back then you couldn't hardly keep yourself from blowing the speed limit away. Then you wonder what changed between yesterday and today. Today, 40mph was enough while yesterday, 10mph over just wasn't satisfying. Maybe it's a mood thing. Like when you're in the mood to go slow, 40mph is just the speed for you but when you want to move, get away, or fly, driving the speed limit just doesn't do it for you. I wonder if any two people ever have those contented, 40mph moments at the same time. Would we just cruise along, one in front of the other, completely happy holding up traffic? I bet we would smile as other drivers flew by simply because today...40mph is just fine.

Monday, April 12, 2010

There's a question I've asked myself (and others) for as long as I can remember. I've always wondered whether, when someone (a stranger to you) asks, should you give them money or not. I say you shouldn't because you are probably just aiding them in a lazy lifestyle. I also say you should because giving is a beautiful thing and I believe that the one who gives freely grows all the richer, while another withholds what he has and only suffers want. No matter how long and ardently I think about this, I never seem to be able to reach a reasonable conclusion. I always end the debate with an I don't know. Honestly, I want to give (at least a little)to the dread-locked woman sitting on the edge of the fountain in downtown Seattle. I want to drop pennies in the panhandlers cup, but I always hesitate because what if I am only increasing their burdens? What if they turn around and use my five bucks for a fix, a joint? What if they figure since they got twenty bucks today, they'll probably get thirty bucks tomorrow and then why should they get a job? But then I hesitate in walking away because what if they honestly need that money? What if they were raped, stolen from, and left with nothing? What if my five bucks is all they have today?
Those questions leave me thinking that maybe the answer is to get to know that person and their situation before helping them out. But then there's always the chance of them lying or harming you and we can't get to know every homeless man and woman in the U.S., much less the world, in this lifetime. I still search for an answer everywhere I look. All I can tell you is that looking into the eyes of a homeless man or woman is not doing enough to learn their story, and the answer to a simple question, when put into a corrupt world, becomes complicated.

Friday, April 9, 2010

that city of trust.

Everyday comes with its own oppurtunities to trust and build trust. With every day that passes free of violation, and betrayal one becomes more and more trusting. And then one is betrayed, or let down, or forgotten and it starts all over. Back from the point where you think you'll never trust again and you'll never find your place. For most those spells don't last long. Soon one is back on his/her feet ready to face it all again and accept people and their sometimes-beautiful, sometimes-cruel imperfections. Ones' own shortcomings brought to light help one to regain trust in others also. One sees that he/she isn't perfect and neither are other people but we all mean well, right? But what if the hurt was constant and what if every moment in your life that meant something special because someone did something kind or put their trust in you turned into a moment when you were mistreated or betrayed? What if there weren't those times for recovery after every heart break? What if each torn heart string led to another being plucked too violently upon? Would every single strand of belief and feeling be broken, violated, and torn? What would happen then? How could one return to a time before such pain wreaked havoc upon you, body and soul? The road to redemption is a bitter place that not all are blessed enough to see the end of. But many do. At the end of that road there is a brilliant white city where nothing bad happens. Nothing bad. In that place, light everlasting will take the place of this present darkness. There no one will harm you and you will no longer have the desire to hurt others. There all will be made new. The forgiven whore will sing a new song of purity and grace and the repentant drug lord will pour himself out at the footstool of the Most High. There, beautiful children-even those born in brothels-if they have been made new, will never fear nor doubt nor hunger again.That city is perfect. That city is full of tearful reunions and heartfelt song. That city is where I am going.

Lydia

Thursday, April 8, 2010

On this day the LORD gave us sunshine. He gave us beautiful weather, the sun is out and the temperature is perfect. And He gave us access to shoes...or at least some of us.

Here in the United States, we as a people are richly blessed, very few of us go without food for even one meal a day because we have no money to buy food. Most of us have plenty; the fridge is full (or partially full) and the pantry is full. We, as Americans, have the things we need. We do not go without. I am thankful for that. But, people all across the world have significantly less than us. Some people have so little the only things they own are the clothes they are wearing. Many people have no shoes.

Today is "One Day Without Shoes." It is a day that is set aside for us, the people with much, to experience what the people with nothing go through daily. And it is so that we can maybe try to change this. "One Day Without Shoes" is simply what it says, one day walking around without shoes.

To be honest, I love being barefoot. It is a simple pleasure I enjoy. But, on the other hand, it is something I like to enjoy whenever I feel like...not when I am told. Today I have been barefoot, and I will be the rest of the day. I wasn't just at home, I've been out and about and have another place I'm going later. And I won't be wearing shoes. Walking around outside barefoot in the grass that is full of ants and rocks and poky things is not fun. I will admit that while I was out I complained. Sitting back right now, thinking about it all...I am realizing just how thankful I am for shoes. They keep my feet safe and warm. It also makes me realize just how terrible it is for children and adults all across the world to not have shoes for their feet. There isn't to too much I can do about it. Right now. But someday, maybe.

I strongly encourage you all to go one day without shoes. You can wait until next year or just do it out of your own desire to do it.

One day without shoes...it makes you think.


Brianna

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

One Day Without Shoes {April 8 2010}
This Thursday, TOMS shoes is hosting one day without shoes. It's about promoting TOMS and helping ourselves and others be more aware of the people around the world who don't have shoes.
If your parents (or if you are a skeptical parent) won't let you go shoeless for a day without a good enough reason, tell them that we are raising awareness of Podoconiosis, a nasty disease that comes as a result of walking barefoot for extended periods of time on dirt mixed with volcanic ash. People around the world suffer this disease because they don't have shoes and don't wash their feet regularly (of the eighty-five million people in Africa, one million are afflicted by this debilitating disease). TOMS washes peoples feet and gives them shoes-one pair for every pair that is bought here in the States-to prevent this 100% preventable disease.
I'm not asking you to inflict pain on yourself because other people feel pain everyday. If you have a job at a construction site or Wal Mart, please don't go barefoot. And I don't want you to do this as a way to flaunt your "compassionate spirit". If you'll simply be doing normal things like going to school, working at an office or library, or just staying home, then I ask you to consider going shoeless for the day in order to support this charitable business and promote compassion in our blessed country.
Lydia

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Last Friday I started a book about a young girl from Nepal who is sold into sex-slavery when she is thirteen (it's a fictional story, but the uncomfortable truth is that there are girls like Lakshmi out there today). Her stepfather sells her because they have no food to eat. Last Friday I ate three meals, and then some. I don't feel guilty about those three-and-then-some meals, I just want to emphasize the vast differences that exist inside of our world.

While one beautiful child eats donuts in a coffeeshop, another eats plantains in a thatch-roofed hut. While one person reads a book, another walks ten miles to get a book. One teenage girl buys a new dress, another feeds her child. One man builds a house, while another tears one down. One kid skips school, another dreams of going to school. A person signs up for a relief team, while someone else donates two-hundred dollars to a homeless shelter.

There are so many good and bad things going on at every moment in this universe that it is easy to be confused and overwhelmed by everything. I mean, why do we hike six miles for no other reason than to hike? Why are head coverings worn by some but not by others? Why does one child get shoes when a different child gets shoes and a backpack? Why don't we listen to only the music that represents our culture, worldview, and beliefs instead of having a varied music catalogue? Why do we use crayon instead of paint sometimes? Why do some people drink tea and others drink coffee? What is the point of getting in the water when you are just going to dry out again?

All this stuff is confusing and at times aggravating but when I really think about it I realize that without all this variety, without all this difference, everyone would be an awful lot alike and that would not be cool. What would be really cool, though, is peace.

Funny the Way it is.


Lydia
Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We are even found to be misrespresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, who He did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.
1 Corinthians 15:12-19

HE is risen.
HE is risen indeed!