Post 25 | Metaphor

Immediately when reading this text the incredible variety of metaphors are seen. From “bond-servants of Christ Jesus” to fruit of righteousness, these metaphors are used for the purpose of describing something greater than themselves. The fruits of righteousness obviously aren’t literal fruits yet symbols of what true righteousness should look like. Although this language may seem unnecessary when simply describing and action, it is necessary in that it describes the depth of the actions in fuller effect. In fact throughout the Bible there are many instances where metaphor or simile is used to describe something that mere description can’t describe. One of my favorite parts of this particular passage says “But even if I am pored out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. I have never seen such a vivid description of servant hood. This truth is without simile a description would not be possible. This right here describes the power of simile and metaphor. Through comparison words can be of so much more value. If I were to try and describe the definition of servant without simile it would be much less impactful. The power of comparison calls for transformation and holds impact when read. Another metaphor I noticed is that the text calls the Bible “the word of Life.” This along speaks to the true nature of the Bible. This simple comparison changes the though of the Bible from a book to be a life changing text that gives life to those who read it. When we think of life we think of what we strive for, and this very though gives the work application to our life. These are only a few examples of the impact of metaphor and simile. This is why I like this passage in Philippians particularly. 

Post 24 | A Temple of the Holy Ghost

Recently I read “A Temple of the Holy Ghost” by Flannery O’ Conner. One thing that was particularly special about this read is that it did not only express a good point, but also used symbolism and many other literary devices to express the point. When reading I used a technique we learned in class that involved reading, interpreting, and criticizing the text. This text summed up is simply the story of three girls and a mom who discover the value of human life despite disabilities small or great; at least that’s how I interpreted it. Although superficial information such as this is important, I feel the most important aspect of the text takes the story a step further and answers why this information important. This answer to this is better understood when studying the symbolism within the story. I feel one major symbol, a temple, is already expressed within the title. When reading the text the first thing that comes to my mind when reading the word “temple” is its correlation to the human body as a temple that is holy. In fact a section of the story reflects the older girls ignorance to the holiness of their body when told by Sister Perpetua that their body is a temple. In fact she had the audacity to tell them to tell this to a man if he was making a move on them. Although their surprise to her suggestion came as no surprise to me because from the beginning of the story they are portrayed as ditzy girls who only care about guys. I feel these are the perfect characters to portray the holiness of the human body. Despite all of these observations, this aspect of the story isn’t what really impacted me. What impacted me was a character they called “the freak.” The freak was trialed with an impediment, but contrary human nature, he embraced this part of himself. Towards the end of the story he explains that putting to death a part of you that you don’t like is essentially killing who you are. This impacted me and I feel is the purpose behind this text. Our body is not only a temple but we must embrace ever part of it that it has to offer us. Identity isn’t conforming to what you believe is better or prettier, its realizing that your identity already exists within you and accepting that is discovering your identity. Respect and love the temple God has given you.

Post 23 | The Man Who Came to Dinner

Yep thats me with my ticket.

For our last assignment I went to the play The Man Who Came to Dinner. I don’t usually watch plays so this was a new experience for me. I wasn’t exactly moved in the end of watching the play, although it proved for an enjoyable night. One of my favorite characters was Mr. Whiteside. I didn’t like him because he was the main character or because of the characters part in the play. I liked him because whoever was acting that part is honestly a great actor. The character that he played although was a tricky character. He at first came off as a stingy man who hated the World but as the play went on seemed to have his heart softened. Its almost as if he is supposed to be a reflection of Scruge in Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol.” The story of an old popular rich man who is fed up with the World that realizes love is truly the answer. Although even if this is the case for Mr. Whiteside, I’m not exactly sure if he ever meets the true meaning or love or plays the face of love to certain people. For example even towards the end of the play He is extremely loving to the couple that wants to get married, although is still stingy to the man who’s house he is staying in. Besides these aspects the only other thing that really caught my eye was the versatility of the characters. For example I noticed that the doctor also played as one of the characters visiting in one scene. I never knew that Southeastern had such a developed theater program until now. I even hear they may be building a theater in the future, which is exciting. Again this past play wasn’t exactly moving but I feel it was incredibly entertaining. Keep it up SEU theater majors.  

Post 22 | The Mentally Ill and Spirituality

A truth that mentally ill people

understand that many 

"normal" people will never 

understand.

This past message we read by Dr. Fettke was not only inspirational but is very dear to my heart as well. His message concerned the “life force” and spiritual significance of the mentally disabled. As I said in class and my last blog; I have a special needs sister myself. I hold Dr. Fettke’s same position in that God “hovers” over all creation.  Knowing this truth by definition things such as intelligence and social acceptance become obsolete and unimportant when determining adequacy in the spiritual kingdom. In fact I feel that the mentally disabled are more spiritual than most of the Christians I know to be honest. Many of us “normal” Christians worry about the cares of the World everyday, while the mentally ill don’t even take into account such meaningless things such as acceptance. My special needs sister is happier and more transparent than any person I know. This isn’t because she’s been showered upon with blessings, in fact she actually more oppressed than most of us with her illness, although she is loving and grateful nevertheless. I feel this is the core of spirituality. I want to note as well that he joy isn’t simply a side affect of her illness. She is well aware of her surroundings and is venerable to hurt just as we are. It is the simple truth in her head that keeps her joyful. The simple truth that says God is enough. With this said I couldn’t agree more with Dr. Fettke in that mental illness is an abnormality to man, but not to God. God “hovers” over all things thus his spirit is in all things whether mentally ill or not. In fact I feel if we could inherit the simplicity of a mentally ill person, we may really learn what it means to inherit the kingdom of God and live in true humbleness. Living in that simple truth is true spirituality.  

Post 21 | Alliance for Independence

A picture of me with my sister Christina.

Visiting Alliance for Independence was quite a meaningful experience. My heart goes out to them and every good thing they are doing today to help adults with disabilities. The incredible thing is that before this last visit I had never been to a facility as such even though a have a special needs sister myself. I honestly felt in going that meeting the disabled adults would be no surprise due to the situation with my sister, but to my discovery, I couldn’t have been more wrong. This last experience was like one I had never had before. Instead of being at home where my sister’s disability was an abnormality, I went to a place where it’s normal to be disabled. It was heart touching to say the least to see so many people weighted down by disabilities in the same place being happier than many of us today. In fact I think eye opening is a better word. Just like my sister, these people, although some of the most weighted down people in the World, were the happiest people in the World. This visit really teaches me to count my blessings everyday. One thing about Alliance for Independence that is also admirable is that they not only take care of these disabled people but they also teach them to work and function in everyday life. There is even a group that has been declared “work ready,” which means they can work and receive a paycheck just like in the rest of the World. An achievement such as this is truly amazing. With all this said I am inspired to do the same thing for my sister. Despite her disability I believe she is very intelligent. I said last class I feel she may even have a better memory than me. She can remember names from years ago in the blink of an eye and can recognize a place and directions to that place with only visiting it once. I have high hopes for her in the future and the visit to Alliance for Independence only furthered my hope. This was by far the most impactful field trip for me yet.

Post 20 | The Boys Next Door | Act I

Honestly I am not a big fan of reading plays. Put simply they are difficult to track with as far as plot and overall purpose of the play; at least when reading them out of a book. Although with “The Boys Next Door” I made it my purpose to at least understand the charters the best I could. The introduction begins with Arnold introducing himself, who may very well be my favorite character. He is one of five guys living in an apartment and is definitely the most nervous out of all of them. I think the reason I like this character is because his nervousness played in advantage to his honesty. Although that may not be particularly true throughout the story I feel his tone in the play is an honest one. Only one page into reading you see him expressing his honest doubts about asking a manager how many boxes of “Wheates” to purchase. Lucien is another character in the apartment that I believe may be the most awkward within the group. When reading I though a few of his lines were typo’s, or maybe I read the text wrong, but I came to discover that the text was exactly as awkwardly worded as I read it when he talked. He didn’t exactly phrase his sentences as your everyday person. These are the characters that were easiest to follow. They were to an extent humorous while they position in the play is kind of dynamic. I feel if I re read I may to able to tie in the characters all together and understand their positions better. This although is my initial reaction to the play. I feel continuing to learn the characters and despite my experience with play, the plot as well, will make this an overall enjoyable read.

Post 19 | Nature and its Benefits

Enjoy Nature

Nature is so easy to enjoy.

It doesn’t have expectations nor does it have rules.

It’s not like a society; you don’t have to adapt to it.

There are no obligations.

In nature I can just be.

Trees don’t have judgmental thoughts if I sit there and watch them.

 The Oceans completely content with me swimming in it.

Swimming in it whenever I want.

Nature does not worry.

That’s a human thing.

Nature doesn’t hold a grudge.

That’s a human thing too.

In nature there is peace.

In peace I can just be.

This is why I love nature.

I went Lake Bonny Park for this field trip, and I stayed there for at least 45 minutes.

The reason I titled my poem “enjoy nature” is because for me personally nature is the most relaxing and peaceful place to be. Some people try and “get away” from the World by either watching a movie or listening to music, but that doesn’t give you a “get away” from the World at all. In fact it’s filling you with more voices and stress from the World. Nature and the beauty God put in his planet bring true enjoyment and relaxation. When I’m in nature I don’t need to worry at all. It’s a good way to slow down and realize who God is. This is one thing that I didn’t exactly realize on this last field trip but instead was reminded of. Since I live in Florida I don’t take much time to enjoy its nature. I usually take time to enjoy nature if im on a vacation or something. This past experience was truly peaceful though. It gave me the chance to practice the art of just “being.” This opportunity to release you from worry is something that only nature can truly offer.