So, it's been exactly a week since my outpatient surgery. Before I get into what God showed me today in my quiet time, I really need to give some public praise for God's goodness to me this past week.
First of all, the one thing I was really nervous about was the IV. Usually, the nurse has a terrible time getting the IV in and it hurts and I come home black and blue. This time, they numbed it! It was a breeze and the IV went in on the first stick! What I want to know is where has this stuff been all my life??? lol
Second, my recovery has been very easy. I wasn't sure what to expect, but from everything I read and what the doctor told me, more pain seemed to be in the forecast. But there wasn't. I think I took a total of 3 pain pills the entire week, including Tylenol. They prescribed me enough percacet to last a month though. Now I'm prepared if the summer gets a bit tedious - just kidding!
Okay, now on to my study this morning. We are starting a new study in my Sunday School class - an indepth look at Romans 8. To be honest, I was intimidated because I have to teach it, and Romans has always seemed to me so, well, Biblically scholarly. There is a lot of great stuff in Romans, but there is also a lot of foundational theology and I am NOT a Bible scholar. I mean, I was wondering if I could DO the study, nevermind TEACH it!
So, wasn't it interesting that today's lesson focused on the Spirit in us. As I noted how walking in the Spirit was infinitely better than walking in the flesh, it occured to me that while I have to be willing, the Spirit is the one that does all the heavy lifting.
My study took me back to John 16:5-15, where Jesus is telling His disciples that He needs to go but that He will send the Spirit to them. Jesus started telling the all the benefits the Holy Spirit will bring. He will convict and He will instruct and He will comfort.
I've spent my whole life in church. I went to a Christian school and for several years, to a Christian college. It's not like the fact that once you are saved, the Holy Spirit lives inside of you is news to me. But today, I was just overwhelmed by what an awesome gift that really is!
Then my study took me to a brief perusal of Acts to look at the changes in the disciples. It was the typical before and after idea, but spiritual instead of physical.
The first person that caught my eye was Peter. Peter, who denied Christ three times. Peter, who brashly cut off the soldiers ear. Peter, who seemed to always be sticking his foot in it. THAT Peter was different on the day of Pentecost. The new Peter was bold. He took a stand and stepped out in leadership on that day. The Holy Spirit changed him from the inside out in a way that even his years living with Jesus didn't.
Then there are the miracles the disciples performed. They healed. They cast out demons. These were the same disciples who back in the book of Mark couldn't cast out one demon from a boy because they lacked the faith. Not now though. Suddenly, they had the confidence that God would show His power through them. The difference? The Holy Spirit.
It is a huge testament of what the Spirit can do, if we let Him. If we live like we are conquerors, instead of the vanquished. If we live for God without apology instead of worrying about offending. If we live like God dwells in us, instead of relying on ourselves and our own puny strength. I can't wait to share these things God showed me with my class. And guess what? I'm no longer worried about being out of my depth because it's really not about what I know or don't know. It's about what God shows me to share with others. I can trust Him to always come through!
~ Blessings, Bronte
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
WHO DO YOU BELIEVE?
I'm sitting here at 5 a.m. getting ready to head into the hospital for a little outpatient surgery. To be honest, last night I was very nervous. I am not very good with needles and hospitals and all that stuff. But in the end, God is with us no matter what happens or where we are going.
I woke up this morning at 4:30 a.m. For me, this is really the middle of the night as I am NOT a morning person. But I dutifully got out of bed and got ready. I padded down the hallway to do my stretching exercises. Then I decided to check out "Wednesdays with Beth Moore".
God is always so good about providing me with what I need, when I need it. Her quote for the day was, "Where you are in your spiritual life at any given time depends on who and what you believe."
Wow - that about sums it up, doesn't it? Who and what do I believe? God tells me He'll never leave me or forsake me. He tells me that nothing can seperate me from His love or take me from His hand.
A few years ago, I did a Bible study called Believing God, again by Beth Moore (I just love her, btw). In it she asked the challenging question Do you not just believe IN God, but do you believe HIM?
We had five things we had to repeat every week. I can remember 4 out of the 5 of those statements. (give me a break here - it has been at least 4 years!)
1. I believe God is who He says He is.
2. I believe God can do what He says He can do.
3. I believe I am who God says that I am.
4. I believe God's Word is alive in me.
But in order to believe those things, I have to know what they are. I have to meditate on those truths and believe them even if I ain't feelin' it that day.
So, today, as my wimpy, needle-fearing self goes in to have surgery, I believe God wil be right there with me the whole time. And really, does it get any better than that?
~ Blessings, Bronte
I woke up this morning at 4:30 a.m. For me, this is really the middle of the night as I am NOT a morning person. But I dutifully got out of bed and got ready. I padded down the hallway to do my stretching exercises. Then I decided to check out "Wednesdays with Beth Moore".
God is always so good about providing me with what I need, when I need it. Her quote for the day was, "Where you are in your spiritual life at any given time depends on who and what you believe."
Wow - that about sums it up, doesn't it? Who and what do I believe? God tells me He'll never leave me or forsake me. He tells me that nothing can seperate me from His love or take me from His hand.
A few years ago, I did a Bible study called Believing God, again by Beth Moore (I just love her, btw). In it she asked the challenging question Do you not just believe IN God, but do you believe HIM?
We had five things we had to repeat every week. I can remember 4 out of the 5 of those statements. (give me a break here - it has been at least 4 years!)
1. I believe God is who He says He is.
2. I believe God can do what He says He can do.
3. I believe I am who God says that I am.
4. I believe God's Word is alive in me.
But in order to believe those things, I have to know what they are. I have to meditate on those truths and believe them even if I ain't feelin' it that day.
So, today, as my wimpy, needle-fearing self goes in to have surgery, I believe God wil be right there with me the whole time. And really, does it get any better than that?
~ Blessings, Bronte
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
PEACE OF MIND
I'm going to shamelessly drop names in this post - just to forewarn you! I got to interview Thelma Wells this morning for an article. She is the nicest woman and talking to her feels sort of like an emotional hug. People who have that gift are amazing to me.
Anyway, I've been doing the book study Made to Crave which is about food issues. It's been very interesting and a bit painful at times. But over and over in this study and in past studies, I find God bringing my mind back to the issue of anxiety in my life. I don't remember being this anxious when I was younger, but in recent years, anxiety and worry are things I struggle with. Maybe it is because I am a "what if" person, or maybe it is my very active imagination. Whatever the reason, I find I can work myself into a tizzy over literally nothing.
Lately, my anxiety seems to center on the problem of feeling like I am never doing enough or doing it fast enough. No matter what I am doing, I seem to have this low level of anxiety that whispers in my ear that there are many more things on the to-do list and I need to "hurry" or "go faster" or "not take time." This has shown up in my quiet time lately. I am having a good time with God, and then I glance at the clock and realize that it is later than I thought. Suddenly, I feel the urgency to wrap up my prayer time lickity-split so I can get on to the important task of scrubbing the toilet or some other earth stopping thing. These are obviously Satan's lies to keep me feeling overwhelmed while at the same time, keeping me from the true source of peace.
The truth is, as today's Bible study time showed me, that GOD is my portion and He is more than enough. I can stop fretting over time and whether I have enough of it, whether I am using it fast it enough or whatever. I can give my day to God and all the to-do's on it and trust that He has the perfect portion of time for me to accomplish what HE has for me to do.
Back to my converation with Mrs. Wells. I did the interview and she was truly delightful. Then I decided to take a little risk. After all, I had her on the phone, the opportunity was staring me in the face, so I asked her. I told her I was working on a Bible study on the life of Moses and asked what her advice would be. Her advice centered on not stressing out - to set aside a time, focus for that time and then not worry about how fast/slow I was going. What a blessing that advice was - how timely and apt. Then she prayed with me. It is truly a gift and blessing when someone prays over you and for you. Her prayer reminded me that where my hope and strength truly lie - in God, not a better organizational system or a tightly packed to - do list!
I hope this verse that blessed me today will also bless you. "Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. I will say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore, I will wait for Him." Lamentations 3:22-24
Blessings, Bronte
Anyway, I've been doing the book study Made to Crave which is about food issues. It's been very interesting and a bit painful at times. But over and over in this study and in past studies, I find God bringing my mind back to the issue of anxiety in my life. I don't remember being this anxious when I was younger, but in recent years, anxiety and worry are things I struggle with. Maybe it is because I am a "what if" person, or maybe it is my very active imagination. Whatever the reason, I find I can work myself into a tizzy over literally nothing.
Lately, my anxiety seems to center on the problem of feeling like I am never doing enough or doing it fast enough. No matter what I am doing, I seem to have this low level of anxiety that whispers in my ear that there are many more things on the to-do list and I need to "hurry" or "go faster" or "not take time." This has shown up in my quiet time lately. I am having a good time with God, and then I glance at the clock and realize that it is later than I thought. Suddenly, I feel the urgency to wrap up my prayer time lickity-split so I can get on to the important task of scrubbing the toilet or some other earth stopping thing. These are obviously Satan's lies to keep me feeling overwhelmed while at the same time, keeping me from the true source of peace.
The truth is, as today's Bible study time showed me, that GOD is my portion and He is more than enough. I can stop fretting over time and whether I have enough of it, whether I am using it fast it enough or whatever. I can give my day to God and all the to-do's on it and trust that He has the perfect portion of time for me to accomplish what HE has for me to do.
Back to my converation with Mrs. Wells. I did the interview and she was truly delightful. Then I decided to take a little risk. After all, I had her on the phone, the opportunity was staring me in the face, so I asked her. I told her I was working on a Bible study on the life of Moses and asked what her advice would be. Her advice centered on not stressing out - to set aside a time, focus for that time and then not worry about how fast/slow I was going. What a blessing that advice was - how timely and apt. Then she prayed with me. It is truly a gift and blessing when someone prays over you and for you. Her prayer reminded me that where my hope and strength truly lie - in God, not a better organizational system or a tightly packed to - do list!
I hope this verse that blessed me today will also bless you. "Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. I will say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore, I will wait for Him." Lamentations 3:22-24
Blessings, Bronte
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
TALK MUCH??
When I was in high school (notice a theme here recently) there was a song that had the phrase, "You talk to much; you never shut up." At this point, I can't remember who sang the song or any other words from it, but I laughed when it came to mind during my quiet time.
Why you might ask? Well, I was praying about my mouth. Specifically, what comes out of it and what goes in to it. It's my biggest area of struggle. I am working on changing my eating habits -cutting out all sugar and grains - to help my health. My goal is to get off of the acid blockers I've been taking for almost a decade. Short-term, they can be helpful, but long-term, they have a bunch of very icky side effects. So, I am cutting out a lot from what I eat. As a self-professed sweets' addict, it's hard! I'm only on day 2 and I'm about ready to sell my firstborn for a brownie! lol
But the harder part of that equation, by far, is controlling what goes OUT Of my mouth. Last month, I wrote down a ton of verses that have to do with our mouth out of the book of Provers. I was reading through them again this morning. All I can say is OUCH!!! A few of them stood out to me since generally my problem is I just talk too much, not so much that I am mean spirited and am trying to be hurtful, but the more you say, well, the better chance you have of saying the wrong thing. So, I thought I'd share these verses with you.
"The wise of hert will receive commands, but a babbling fool will be ruined." Proverbs 10:8
"When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise." Proverbs 10:19
"There is one that speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Proverbs 12:18
"A prudent man conceals knowledge but the heart of fools proclaim folly." Proverbs 12:23
"He who restrains his words has knowledge adn he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Even a fool, when he keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is considered prudent." Proverbs 17:27,28
"A food does not delight in understanding, but only in revealing his own mind." Proverbs 18:2
Proverbs also has a lot to say about the wise man and usually that includes keeping his mouth shut. I am a word person. I work things through by verbalizing. I write things out to get it out of my head and understand things. Words are my medium, but they also get me into trouble.
We live in a era where constant communication is the norm. People get upset if they can't get a hold of you RIGHT NOW! Through places like facebook, twitter and others I'm not as familiar with, it is possible to share all your thoughts at any moment of any day. According to Proverbs, that isn't a good thing. In fact, how many celebrities or public figures have gotten themselves into trouble because of the immediancy of communication now a days?
We forget that silence CAN be golden - at least I do on a regular basis. Sometimes, mom was right - if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all!
~ Blessings, Bronte
Why you might ask? Well, I was praying about my mouth. Specifically, what comes out of it and what goes in to it. It's my biggest area of struggle. I am working on changing my eating habits -cutting out all sugar and grains - to help my health. My goal is to get off of the acid blockers I've been taking for almost a decade. Short-term, they can be helpful, but long-term, they have a bunch of very icky side effects. So, I am cutting out a lot from what I eat. As a self-professed sweets' addict, it's hard! I'm only on day 2 and I'm about ready to sell my firstborn for a brownie! lol
But the harder part of that equation, by far, is controlling what goes OUT Of my mouth. Last month, I wrote down a ton of verses that have to do with our mouth out of the book of Provers. I was reading through them again this morning. All I can say is OUCH!!! A few of them stood out to me since generally my problem is I just talk too much, not so much that I am mean spirited and am trying to be hurtful, but the more you say, well, the better chance you have of saying the wrong thing. So, I thought I'd share these verses with you.
"The wise of hert will receive commands, but a babbling fool will be ruined." Proverbs 10:8
"When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise." Proverbs 10:19
"There is one that speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Proverbs 12:18
"A prudent man conceals knowledge but the heart of fools proclaim folly." Proverbs 12:23
"He who restrains his words has knowledge adn he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Even a fool, when he keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is considered prudent." Proverbs 17:27,28
"A food does not delight in understanding, but only in revealing his own mind." Proverbs 18:2
Proverbs also has a lot to say about the wise man and usually that includes keeping his mouth shut. I am a word person. I work things through by verbalizing. I write things out to get it out of my head and understand things. Words are my medium, but they also get me into trouble.
We live in a era where constant communication is the norm. People get upset if they can't get a hold of you RIGHT NOW! Through places like facebook, twitter and others I'm not as familiar with, it is possible to share all your thoughts at any moment of any day. According to Proverbs, that isn't a good thing. In fact, how many celebrities or public figures have gotten themselves into trouble because of the immediancy of communication now a days?
We forget that silence CAN be golden - at least I do on a regular basis. Sometimes, mom was right - if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all!
~ Blessings, Bronte
Thursday, April 14, 2011
HIDEOUTS
When I was in my early teens, it was all the rage to have a jean jacket and have buttons with sayings, things like "Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most." Being a hip person, I had a jacket that burst with buttons. My favorite one was one I got in Kentucky, of all places. It said, "Reality is for those who lack imagination."
I've been a dreamer my entire life. Just ask my mom if you don't believe me. She'd be calling me to come do something or to say it was time to leave, but I wouldn't even hear her because my head was in the clouds, my nose was in a book or, as was usually the case, both.
It's okay to be a dreamer. People who are dreamers and have their head in the clouds, see and discover things that people who keep both feet planted firmly on the ground never do. However, as with everything, there is a flip side of being a dreamer. To live life, you have to at least keep one toe on the ground now and again. Dreamers can spend their whole lives just living in their heads and never actually DO anything about all those things they see in the clouds.
Dreamers can also be hiders. That would be me lately. I am doing this Bible study called Made to Crave. It is actually about the spiritual answer to the problem of food issues. See, I have this dirty little secret - I like to go out by myself to eat. I was never sure why I had this overwhelming urge to sit in Panera Bread by myself with a book and good food, but I do.
So, I was doing my day's Bible study and it asked why I liked to eat - for comfort, to relieve stress, to reward myself. Then it asked how it would look if I went to God for my comfort, to relieve my stress, to reward myself. As I was writing out my answer, it suddenly dawned on me WHY I like to eat out by myself - it is a way of hiding.
When I go somewhere else to eat, I can retreat from reality for a little while. I don't see the laundry that needs doing or the drawer that needs to be cleaned out. The dog is not walking by reminding me that I need to brush him soon and also vacuum up all those hair balls floating around; I can put off doing or making decisions that are clamouring for my attention. Eating out by myself is a way for me to retreat to my imagination instead of living in my reality. (I always bring a good book).
God is really good at showing me things in the way I need to see them, and not just leaving me with the issue but giving me an answer. He next brought to mind all the verses that talk about GOD being my hiding place; GOD being my rock; GOD being my resting place; GOD being the strong tower I run in to. It was a light bulb moment for me and one I hope will have a truly big impact on both my eating habits and my budget!
I'll leave you with the lyrics of this song that God placed in my heart this morning as He gently showed me that reality can be a very good place to be when HE is my hiding place.
You Are My Hiding Place
You are my hiding place.
You always fill my heart,
With songs of deliverance.
Whenever I am afraid,
I will trust in You.
I will trust in You.
Let the weak say,
I am strong,
In the strength of the Lord.
I've been a dreamer my entire life. Just ask my mom if you don't believe me. She'd be calling me to come do something or to say it was time to leave, but I wouldn't even hear her because my head was in the clouds, my nose was in a book or, as was usually the case, both.
It's okay to be a dreamer. People who are dreamers and have their head in the clouds, see and discover things that people who keep both feet planted firmly on the ground never do. However, as with everything, there is a flip side of being a dreamer. To live life, you have to at least keep one toe on the ground now and again. Dreamers can spend their whole lives just living in their heads and never actually DO anything about all those things they see in the clouds.
Dreamers can also be hiders. That would be me lately. I am doing this Bible study called Made to Crave. It is actually about the spiritual answer to the problem of food issues. See, I have this dirty little secret - I like to go out by myself to eat. I was never sure why I had this overwhelming urge to sit in Panera Bread by myself with a book and good food, but I do.
So, I was doing my day's Bible study and it asked why I liked to eat - for comfort, to relieve stress, to reward myself. Then it asked how it would look if I went to God for my comfort, to relieve my stress, to reward myself. As I was writing out my answer, it suddenly dawned on me WHY I like to eat out by myself - it is a way of hiding.
When I go somewhere else to eat, I can retreat from reality for a little while. I don't see the laundry that needs doing or the drawer that needs to be cleaned out. The dog is not walking by reminding me that I need to brush him soon and also vacuum up all those hair balls floating around; I can put off doing or making decisions that are clamouring for my attention. Eating out by myself is a way for me to retreat to my imagination instead of living in my reality. (I always bring a good book).
God is really good at showing me things in the way I need to see them, and not just leaving me with the issue but giving me an answer. He next brought to mind all the verses that talk about GOD being my hiding place; GOD being my rock; GOD being my resting place; GOD being the strong tower I run in to. It was a light bulb moment for me and one I hope will have a truly big impact on both my eating habits and my budget!
I'll leave you with the lyrics of this song that God placed in my heart this morning as He gently showed me that reality can be a very good place to be when HE is my hiding place.
You Are My Hiding Place
You are my hiding place.
You always fill my heart,
With songs of deliverance.
Whenever I am afraid,
I will trust in You.
I will trust in You.
Let the weak say,
I am strong,
In the strength of the Lord.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
A MONTH OF THANKFULNESS
I'd like to say that I rise above my circumstances. But I don't. I'd like to say that I believe God more than my feelings. But I don't. I'd like to say that I was thankful in all things. But I'm not.
It has not been a good winter. Since the middle of January, I've had the stomach flu, influenza, a bad cold, pink eye, a double ear infection, a very bad sore throat, and another bad cold. I realize that that isn't on par with having cancer or anything, but it is still hard to keep doing when you feel lousy all the time. This doesn't even include the various other things that have happened this winter including, but not limited to, a neighbor banging on my door in the middle of the night drunk and having to call the police, getting in a car accident, and having financial stresses. To be honest, I've been feeling a bit sorry for myself - sort of martyr-ish.
But you know, I have a lot to be thankful for in all of this. As I said, none of my illnesses is something horrendous, like cancer. They are more an inconvenience than anything else. I wasn't hurt in that car accident, and I was given the opportunity to love my neighbor and she came to Christ a few weeks ago.
No matter how many blessings I have though, it always seems easier to focus on the difficult circumstances, to let them overwhelm me, to start focusing on them rather than on God's goodness and faithfulness. To believe in my circumstances rather than in God's plan and purpose for my life.
So, this month, I have decided to try an experiment - to not complain and to look for things for which to be thankful. I'll start by saying, I am thankful for the women's conference this weekend. I'll be honest and say nothing really hit me over the head while I was there like at some conferences I've attended, but one quote really stood out to me.
The singer that was there, Michael O'Brian, was sitting at a round table discussion with Stormie O'Martian and Jennifer Rothschild and he quoted something from Jane Austen (yes, I was suprised that a guy knew that too!). It was, "Speculation is the enemy of calm." Isn't that the truth? So many times I get all caught up in what might happen, I miss the blessings all around me right now.
So, this month, I am going to try to live out my life verse - Philippians 4:6-8. "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God and the peace that passes all understanding will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things."
I'll leave you with an example from a book called Calm My Anxious Heart of a woman who never complained. Her name was Ella and she and her husband worked with the pygmies of Africa for 52 years. Saying her living conditions were primative was an understatement. If anyone had a reason to complain, it was Ella, but she had a holy contentment that defied her circumstances. Her daughter Mimi was given her diary and it was there she found her mother's prescription for contentment.
* Never allow yourself to complain - even about the weather
* Never picture yourself in other circumstances or someplace else
* Never compare your lot with another's
* Never allow yourself to wish this or that had been otherwise
* Never dwell on tomorrow - remember that tomorrow is God's, not ours
I think I'll post that on my refrigerator.
~ Blessings, Bronte
It has not been a good winter. Since the middle of January, I've had the stomach flu, influenza, a bad cold, pink eye, a double ear infection, a very bad sore throat, and another bad cold. I realize that that isn't on par with having cancer or anything, but it is still hard to keep doing when you feel lousy all the time. This doesn't even include the various other things that have happened this winter including, but not limited to, a neighbor banging on my door in the middle of the night drunk and having to call the police, getting in a car accident, and having financial stresses. To be honest, I've been feeling a bit sorry for myself - sort of martyr-ish.
But you know, I have a lot to be thankful for in all of this. As I said, none of my illnesses is something horrendous, like cancer. They are more an inconvenience than anything else. I wasn't hurt in that car accident, and I was given the opportunity to love my neighbor and she came to Christ a few weeks ago.
No matter how many blessings I have though, it always seems easier to focus on the difficult circumstances, to let them overwhelm me, to start focusing on them rather than on God's goodness and faithfulness. To believe in my circumstances rather than in God's plan and purpose for my life.
So, this month, I have decided to try an experiment - to not complain and to look for things for which to be thankful. I'll start by saying, I am thankful for the women's conference this weekend. I'll be honest and say nothing really hit me over the head while I was there like at some conferences I've attended, but one quote really stood out to me.
The singer that was there, Michael O'Brian, was sitting at a round table discussion with Stormie O'Martian and Jennifer Rothschild and he quoted something from Jane Austen (yes, I was suprised that a guy knew that too!). It was, "Speculation is the enemy of calm." Isn't that the truth? So many times I get all caught up in what might happen, I miss the blessings all around me right now.
So, this month, I am going to try to live out my life verse - Philippians 4:6-8. "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God and the peace that passes all understanding will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things."
I'll leave you with an example from a book called Calm My Anxious Heart of a woman who never complained. Her name was Ella and she and her husband worked with the pygmies of Africa for 52 years. Saying her living conditions were primative was an understatement. If anyone had a reason to complain, it was Ella, but she had a holy contentment that defied her circumstances. Her daughter Mimi was given her diary and it was there she found her mother's prescription for contentment.
* Never allow yourself to complain - even about the weather
* Never picture yourself in other circumstances or someplace else
* Never compare your lot with another's
* Never allow yourself to wish this or that had been otherwise
* Never dwell on tomorrow - remember that tomorrow is God's, not ours
I think I'll post that on my refrigerator.
~ Blessings, Bronte
Monday, March 21, 2011
THE PROBLEM WITH FAIRYTALES
The other night I watched a retelling of the fairytale, Beauty and the Beast. To be honest, it was only okay as far as the acting went. The story line was a bit far-fetched too, but since it was supposed to be a hypermodern version of a fairytale, I was willing to suspend belief a bit.
After watching the movie though I was struck by several things. First of all, the whole idea of this tale is to impress the importance of looking beyond the outward appearance. This echos the Bible because God said to Samuel, "Man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart."
As Christians, we know that to be true, but I know I often fall into the trap of letting first appearances sway my judgment or perceptions about someone.
As far as the fairytale goes, it seems funny to me that so many retellings of Beauty and the Beast exist. We seem to be fascinated with the idea of seeing beauty and worth beneath a repulsive exterior. Yet, if you look at other fairytales, the heroine of the story is always beautiful. Snow White wasn't plain. Cinderella didn't have buck teeth. Ariel wasn't chubby. So even though the tale is trying to give a lesson, the whole idea doesn't seem to sink very deep.
In our modern times, the idea of seeing beyond the surface seems appealing but how many movie stars have you seen lately that aren't beautiful. And the lengths that many go to achieve that polished perfection are truly scary! So, as fascinated as we are with the idea, we don't, as a cultural whole, seem to put it into practice much these days.
In fact, I recently heard something on the radio that I found deeply disturbing. This study or survey (can't remember which since I was in the car and couldn't really take notes) looked at the top New Year's Resolutions for 2011. For young girls and women, most of those included their appearance in some way - weight, hair, skin, etc.
In the 1930's and 40's, the top resolutions had a lot more to do with character - being kinder or more truthful. I think that is a sad commentary on our world today. Everything is at the surface these days.
The other thing I have noticed is that Beauty is ALWAYS a woman/girl and the beast is always the guy. Why is that? I mean, couldn't a handsome man look past the exterior of a homely girl and see the beauty of character beneath? Is this a judgment on men's character somehow? I know men are much more visual creatures but they also have character and integrity. Makes you kind of go "hmmm."
And the last thing that hit me was that if the lesson to learn is that outward appearances don't matter, why does the beast always regain his former glory? I mean, if it isn't important, why make the beast look great again? Why is the reward, the thing that caused the problem in the first place? Is it like the bonus and if it IS the bonus, isn't that going against the entire lesson anyway?
I'm sure the makers of the movie I watched had no intention of sparking deep questions in viewers. In fact, I'm pretty sure of it! But it did make me wonder how much I look at a person's outward appearance and how much I look at the heart (although I can't possibly really know another person's heart but you know what I mean). How often do I allow first impressions to color my view of someone? I would hope I am not swayed by outward appearances but I'm sure that I am.
It also begs the question - how much am I wrapped up in MY outward appearance? Do I put too much emphasis on it? The Bible says that exercise, while good, is futile; that beauty too is fleeting. A lot of questions for an average movie.
~ Blessings, Bronte
After watching the movie though I was struck by several things. First of all, the whole idea of this tale is to impress the importance of looking beyond the outward appearance. This echos the Bible because God said to Samuel, "Man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart."
As Christians, we know that to be true, but I know I often fall into the trap of letting first appearances sway my judgment or perceptions about someone.
As far as the fairytale goes, it seems funny to me that so many retellings of Beauty and the Beast exist. We seem to be fascinated with the idea of seeing beauty and worth beneath a repulsive exterior. Yet, if you look at other fairytales, the heroine of the story is always beautiful. Snow White wasn't plain. Cinderella didn't have buck teeth. Ariel wasn't chubby. So even though the tale is trying to give a lesson, the whole idea doesn't seem to sink very deep.
In our modern times, the idea of seeing beyond the surface seems appealing but how many movie stars have you seen lately that aren't beautiful. And the lengths that many go to achieve that polished perfection are truly scary! So, as fascinated as we are with the idea, we don't, as a cultural whole, seem to put it into practice much these days.
In fact, I recently heard something on the radio that I found deeply disturbing. This study or survey (can't remember which since I was in the car and couldn't really take notes) looked at the top New Year's Resolutions for 2011. For young girls and women, most of those included their appearance in some way - weight, hair, skin, etc.
In the 1930's and 40's, the top resolutions had a lot more to do with character - being kinder or more truthful. I think that is a sad commentary on our world today. Everything is at the surface these days.
The other thing I have noticed is that Beauty is ALWAYS a woman/girl and the beast is always the guy. Why is that? I mean, couldn't a handsome man look past the exterior of a homely girl and see the beauty of character beneath? Is this a judgment on men's character somehow? I know men are much more visual creatures but they also have character and integrity. Makes you kind of go "hmmm."
And the last thing that hit me was that if the lesson to learn is that outward appearances don't matter, why does the beast always regain his former glory? I mean, if it isn't important, why make the beast look great again? Why is the reward, the thing that caused the problem in the first place? Is it like the bonus and if it IS the bonus, isn't that going against the entire lesson anyway?
I'm sure the makers of the movie I watched had no intention of sparking deep questions in viewers. In fact, I'm pretty sure of it! But it did make me wonder how much I look at a person's outward appearance and how much I look at the heart (although I can't possibly really know another person's heart but you know what I mean). How often do I allow first impressions to color my view of someone? I would hope I am not swayed by outward appearances but I'm sure that I am.
It also begs the question - how much am I wrapped up in MY outward appearance? Do I put too much emphasis on it? The Bible says that exercise, while good, is futile; that beauty too is fleeting. A lot of questions for an average movie.
~ Blessings, Bronte
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