Captivating End

Finished a couple of days ago, but haven't been able to sit down with the book, plus I was mulling some things over. I don't really have an answer for this, but I'm thinking about the femininity/masculinity of Christ. Without really having specific Biblical passages to point to, I've always kind of thought that God was without gender and that since we are made in His image that men and women are just varied expressions of his masculine or feminine traits. If that's the case and then since I also believe that Christ is fully God, how do I reconcile his earthly masculine persona with a non-gendered heavenly one? If I'm supposed to try to live my life like Christ, what of what he did was masculine and not what I as a female should be doing? How do I avoid what they caution "You must not let them [I think they mean 'the World' but didn't think it was too clear] shape you into their view of what a woman is. You'll end up a man" (212).

Another part that I'm not sure how to deal with is this from the final chapter: "God desires that wherever and however you offer yourself to the Body of Christ, you'll have the protection of good men over you. Not to hold you back, but to set you free as a woman. Christ has made man as his warrior, to offer his strength on behalf of Eve so that she might flourish. If that's not the context you've found yourself in find one that is" (211). That seems difficult to do in a fallen world, how on this earth can we do that? Often times the men in our worlds are not these kind of men, so I think women need to rely on God and His power and strength in them, regardless of the men around them. And the fact that the Eldredges have a whole chapter on "Warrior Princesses," makes it hard for me to accept that man is Christ's only warrior.

Anyway, this book has brought up some interesting things to talk and think about--good choice, Eden!

Finito!

Sorry, i got distracted by other things, most that didn't much matter. I finished the book, although not the study guide. I will get to that. I hope.

Chapter 10: Mom and I are a lot alike. At least that's why i think we argue as much as we do. She wants what's best for me and I don't want her to think that I can't do it. I don't know. But I love her. And there is so much about her I hope to emulate.

Never had sisters. But I've got you girls. Friends over the years that have given me love. People who stick around even when i'm not 'pretty' inside or out. That's sisterhood. I hope I do the same for you.

I think, with daughters, whether I ever have any officially is something that I do have. My readers. Most are girls (methinks) and I really do want to impress upon them through my stories, some good ideals. Most of my girl characters are strong and have good senses of self. It's all romance, but often there's more than just the guy. Well, half of the time.

And in my real stories, I'm trying to do the same. Create realistic female characters who are more than just looking for a guy. I guess they are my daughters.

Chapter 11: Okay, who doesn't want to be a Warrior Princess? I love the idea that we are ones. I've never wanted to be in a war story, but i do get excited when i hear about missions and the work people do for God. I would love to be a warrior. To be strong and mighty.

I like that the book says things like "But often, there is not a man present in a woman's life to fight on her behalf." (195) I guess, I'm fortunate enough to have my dad to do that for me. He probably always will too.

But I'm warming to the idea of being a woman on my own. At least for now. With God in my corner, I can be a warrior princess. A daughter of the king who can kick butt by loving and giving and standing strong. Tis thrilling.

I think I overdo vulnerable. So it's not offering my heart or vulnerability. It's doing it when it's needed. That's what I have to learn.

Chapter 12: I have always wanted to impact the world. Mostly by performing, but i think I've had that desire for a long time. The book says that I'm (we're) irreplaceable. I may not ipact the world in such a way that I'll be remembered by historians, but there is something specific that God wants me to do. I just have to figure out what. Telling stories, maybe. Being me and loving people, definitely.

I think in rereading this book, I've had time to remember and dwell on ideas that I read so quickly last time that I cried, but didn't set into motion. I hope in rereading that I'll take much more to heart and practice. That's the goal.

I hope it was good for everyone. That it opened your eyes to new ideas or reiterated some old ones. That it gave you all something to be excited about being you. You too Chris!!

Chapter 10 - The first part is too painful for me to write upon, I wept through most of it. I will say that the part on sisters and friends is beautiful. We as women do need each other in a unique way that men cannot understand. I realize it all the more in these tough days, just how much I need you all.

Chapter 11 - Warrior Princesses, much to think about. I do admit a longing to be a warrior princess, to be royal, valued and sought after and yet to be heroic at the same time. How do we reconcile these two? Th talk of spiritual, emotional and physical bondage. I find it all such a delicate subject. I think too often these things are ignored, and yet when blatant stories are given (like the dizzy spells and asthma attack), I get a bit queasy. I understand we are under attack. I feel it on a daily basis. Sometimes the attack seems so unbearable all I can pray is, "Lord, help me pray." Even as this chapter writes and as my husband sits watching The Two Towers, I feel such sorrowful kinship to Eowyn, her constant pain and her desire to fight against it and fight for something better. Yet I still struggle with stories of blatant miracles. Am I faithless? A doubter? How can someone so deep in the middle of a battle not understand all these ideas...I'm not sure.