Today's UPI column goes with my 365 photo of the day yesterday.
I've spent a lot of time thinking about complexity and messiness. To me, this is another aspect of postmodernism - the embrace of disaster, of mess, of complexity; the awareness that simple objectives don't always result in simple fulfillments. Somehow "disaster" (aka, not according to plan) is not helped by judgment, fear, disdain or isolation from its effects. Love, community, help, triumph, rebuilding are only possible when we set aside our ideals long enough to care about persons. I saw that yesterday and was moved by it.
6 comments:
I think maybe you have hit on the highest common denominator, not the lowest. I could so relate to what you wrote today; I've lived some of it and I've seen friends live it. So happy that this group of women could focus on the happiness factor!
Susan
Well, I need to go read your article but what you said here even sounds so common sense to me. But, I think that generation gaps cause the change of thinking. My Mom initially lied when I became pregnant the first time with Eli and Jeff and I weren't married. I guess she felt shame but the fact of the matter is that pregnancy happens all of the time and being an unmarried pregnant woman is much more acceptable now then it was when she was young. I guess, though, there are still certain people groups that dont' feel the same way and that will judge and isolate. I am glad that i didn't feel judged or isolated by most of the people I was around. My Mom fully accepted everything and was supportive despite lying to certain relatives.
Julie:
You are wealthy indeed. That your friends did not spiral into a bunch of ultra-conservative control freaks (my own fear about home-schooling) is a gift in itself. What you described is Grace embodied.
Great article, my second fav after Ted Haggard.
That your friends did not spiral into a bunch of ultra-conservative control freaks (my own fear about home-schooling) is a gift in itself.
Oh, please. I'm tired of this stereotype. Can't you be a little more original? Take a look at the national stats on homeschooling and you'll find it crosses race, economic, and religious affiliation. Honestly, even those of us who are "conservative" don't tend to shoot our wounded quite as often as reported. Sheesh. Don't believe everything you read in the media.
"To have friends to turn to when things don't go as planned is what constitutes a rich life. This morning, I feel wealthy."
Julie, all I can say is Amen to that! That's a beautiful thought.....
Hi Julie,
Your article brought back a time nine years ago when my daughter called from Berlin starting with the comment, "This will be one of those life-changing conversations..." And it was!!!
But after some initial bumps in the road - and with much support from friends and family and trust in God - life is even richer now.
May it be the same for the young woman in your lovely article.
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