I almost feel like I could do a post on each chapter. A week on each chapter? Egads, that's mad.
When I read this book the first time, I read it through chapter nine (arousing adam :) ) in one go. I cried. Like really cried. The convulsing sobs and everything. My heart hurt in a way I couldn't explain. I'm hoping I'm a bit less emotional this go round.
Although, a lot of it still smacks me in the face with a 'duh!' kind of feeling. The inherent desires we have. Even if you didn't want to play dress up as a little girl, there's still this question of 'am I lovely?' Am I good enough for you to pay attention? Dresses, intellect, or talent. We all want to be commended for our uniqueness. Least, that's what I think that's saying.
We're the crowning creation? Since when? I mean, i always thought that surely since we were made second, that meant we were second best. And no longer just 'helper' but 'lifesaver'
We're important. I think sometimes I don't believe that. We (females) are necessary. And not just for procreation.
About beauty. I so feel better when I walk among trees and beautiful nature. When a song (like Run by Snow Patrol) hits me so deeply I feel like I'm salivating for more. And yeah, that's kind of what I want to bring to the world. Beauty in the form of good story. Personally. :)
I underlined so much, if i copied it all here, i'd pretty much have half the passages typed. So I'll try to be brief.
Beauty reminds us of an Eden we have never known, but somehow know our hearts were created for. (40)
So this resonates, cause when I take it to be me, not just the symbol of paradise, it's really true. I know I'm supposed to be more than I am. Not in an ego type of way. Just that my gifts and my central me-ness is supposed to be higher and bring something to the table. To the world. I am supposed to be sinless and in close relationship with God. And I ain't. Put your name where 'Eden' is. It totally works.
Okay, how about the whole thing with the two types of fallen Eve? Can't you just see that? I mean, I'm both depending on the day or the situation. The hiding...it just really hits me.
And the indulging. The habits, addictions, whatever. I so have mine and they vary depending on what I'm trying to avoid. Food, well I'll watch TV. I'll watch that kissing scene, over and over. It's all there for me. I wish I could just get myself to go to God, whether by praying or reading the Bible or just meditating first.
So, I suppose I should stop now. I'm really glad all of you are reading this. I look forward to all the responses (definitely yours, Chris) because even if they (the Eldredge's) don't get it all right, they do get a lot of it right.
To next week's posting! *raises an imaginary glass to toast, well, would if wasn't typing at this very moment*
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4 comments:
The beauty thing...it definitely hits home. And now that I have two little girls who enjoy dressing up and crave that attention to be lovely, to be noticed, I see it even more...it's in their innocent desire to be beautiful and my fallen, cynical view of my own lack of beauty, a startling contrast.
Pretty cool about the name thing too...I guess some things strike you that way because of how your name is used.
~Em~
I honestly don't have a lot to say right now, as I feel like a lot of what has been said so far is setting up where they are going with the rest of the book, but I did appreciate Chapter 2 and its focus on beauty. I also want to emphasize from a boy's point of view that at least for me, physical beauty and inner beauty are intertwined. In other words, there may be an initial physical appraisal of woman's looks, but very quickly that appraisal will change as you get to know someone. Not sure if women even think the same way about men, but that's how it works for me. Perhaps that's why over time every good man can truly say about his wife that she is the most beautiful woman, because as you know that person more and more and deeper and deeper the inner beauty comes out and is displayed and shines through her in a physical way.
--Chris--
That idea of putting our names in the place of Eden is very very cool.
I know I definitely played dress-up a ton as a little girl, and had all the fantasies of being the beautiful princess being rescued. But I wonder if this is something that every girl feels?
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