Othering

I was recently informed by a guy that I am rather intimidating due to the intellectual level upon which I engage in conversation. After my initial shock, and after I had a chance to reflect, I can understand what he meant. However, I think the intimidation had less to do with my intellect and more to do with my sex. Then again, that is just my opinion.

Several times in my life, I've experienced "othering" moments in which I'm kind of an outcast. I'm not a normal girl since I enjoy reading novels to magazine flipping; book stores over clothing stores; wi-fi blogs over E online. I think that intimidates men, who prefer their women (as a general rule) "dumber" than them. That isn't to say the average woman is stupid. Quite the contrary...I just think they don't show how smart they really are. My other status is due to the fact that I don't hide my intellectual curiosities. Still, I don't think women should have to do this. I think men need to get over it.

I find it incredibly sweet when guys want to protect women and provide for them. But what seems to go along with that is that women must need to be protected and provided for; they can't protect or provide for themselves, or that goes too far into the man's territory. Men seem to want to dominate certain areas of life, including smarts, money, and occupation. I'm not trying to sound like a feminist...I love chivalry as much as the next southern girl. I just wish guys would add a dimension to chivalry - be able to hold a conversation and not back-off when I go into an area with which you are not familiar. Chivalry should include sticking your pride in your back pocket. I find curiosity and a love of learning far more attractive than arrogance and stupidity.

From my pastor...

Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen. For by it our ancestors were approved. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen has been made from things that are not visible.

--Hebrews 11:1-3

Josh McDowell, well-known author and speaker, wrote one of many best-selling books titled, Evidence That Demands a Verdict. Our faith is something we know is true because of evidence and because God has given us the ability beyond our humanity to believe. Nowadays, science is picking up on this. In a major report on scientific investigation and discovery from Time Magazine called “God and Genetics,” scientists suggested that every human being is hard-wired for God. The Scripture said long before us that God has set eternity in our hearts—the spiritual ability to know and experience Him through faith. This is a simple lesson on faith. Someone once said that: “Faith is the ability to see the invisible, hear the inaudible, feel the intangible, and do the impossible.” Do you believe that? Most people think that God is too hard to please and enough is never enough. But God is pleased by people who have faith that receives His Word, rejoices in trials, and refuses to quit. The most amazing thing about our faith as believers is that we have a hope beyond today. Some of you may be wondering how to have faith when it comes to your career, finances, children, health, and so on. But I say just keep believing, hoping, and trusting God. Keep singing hymns of praise and worship to Him. And then sit back and watch, because while you are waiting God will be working constructively, creatively, and powerfully in your life. BECAUSE OF OUR FAITH AS BELIEVERS, WE CAN KNOW THAT WHEN GOD COMES THROUGH…IT WILL BE RIGHT ON TIME.

Randomness

Soda that I currently drink: It is not soda, it is tea! Chai Chai Chai, wonderful stuff.

Something I have recently learned: how to make my own sushi rolls! Talk about saving money!

Recent movie I recommend: Bride and Prejudice - Indian version of the Jane Austen book. Great music.

Things not to do in the rain: try to play Cricket. However, if you want a tan, Cricket in the sun is the way to go!

Current Fav Songs: Rebecca St. James - Wait For Me, MercyMe - Here With Me

Things that tick me off: not having an air conditioner, insurance companies, Mears Mazda-Volvo, west TX drivers.

Difficult thing to do: writing a Revocable Living Trust

Things I do too much of: read the news, surf blogs, read books, listen to music, and not study!

Have No Fear

photo credit

It is nice to see that Londoners are not giving in to the fear and disorder those cowards wish to sponser and encourage. In case the print is too small to read, it says, "Following yesterday's attacks, services are now running on most lines, although you may experience some delays."

Likewise, it appears the markets rebounded rather quickly. I am truly inspirired by the courage of Londoners. :)

ONE

20 years ago...

Look at Africa today...

Will a second time around make a difference?