Obsessions, Objections, & Observations

...and apparently alliteration. 1. If you have a handicap sticker, I will, in fact, observe your physical well-being to validate your claims. 2. I thoroughly object to people spelling ignornant wrong. Although, there is a sense of poetic justice about it. Nevertheless, please spare yourself a snarky comment from yours truly. By the way, did you catch it? 3. I'm currently obsessed with not killing birds. Ever since my traumatic murder of a poor bird, I have suffered PTSD. 4. Also, I'm obsessed with white mocha powder from Kidd Coffee, although it looks like cocaine. Although, I only know that from television. Fact: it makes everything better. 5. I thoroughly object to Toddlers & Tiaras. I've concluded that the show is the best form of birth control--who'd want children after watching those kids? Which leads me to... 6. I thoroughly object to dressing your three year old like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. Your child should never suffer through the humiliation of being called a Prosti-tot. Horrific. 7. I am obsessed with the word "problematic." 8. I've observed that the word "pretentious" is, in itself, pretentious. Ironic? I think not. 9. I am definitely obsessed with my church. Fact: Stratford Heights COG is the greatest church ever. 10. I'm obsessed with alliteration. Perfectly pretentious problem? Probably. Peace & Blessings.

Listen up Ladies

I usually do not do this, mainly because I like to view myself as a young and passive person, but with each year the elder person in me becomes more visible. Yet, I have begun to see a trend that I cannot help but address. Yes, I know no one reads my posts, but maybe this will serve as a reminder for myself. If there is one thing I have noticed about my generation, it is the dating game. No, I have not kissed dating goodbye and I am certainly not opposed to people dating. In fact, I'd argue that it is a healthy developmental stage (within the bounds set by God). If the opportunity arose, I would certainly be dating. For me, I have come to understand why God has so diligently protected me from serious relationships. It could be argued that one of my greater strengths is compassion, but it could be argued that it is also my greatest weakness. Listen. Do not make your boyfriend your charity case. I get it, I am a psychology and social work major, if anyone enjoys the challenge of transforming a person, it is myself; yet, interpersonal relationships are not the place for personal transformation. Notice I said transformation, not growth. Growth is a must in relationships. The current emphasis on relationships pains me for several reasons. First, by constantly placing your worth by your relationship status you inadvertently place my worth by my relationship status. Yes, it is true...I have never had a boyfriend, but your constant emphasis on needing or having a boyfriend places me as a lesser person. While I can handle that, there are a lot of girls that cannot. Be aware of your actions. My lovely friend once pointed out something that I absolutely adore: actions are often considered sin when they harm another person. Isn't that amazing? That God cares so intimately and deeply about everyone that He makes hurting one another sinful. So while it may seem innocent to express your need for a "man", it may also be sinful. Especially, if you've accidentally or purposefully made someone feel less. Second, if you've been a part of the "non-dating" group (holla to my ladies), then you too may have adopted this sinful attitude. I did. I quickly became convinced that I was worthless without a hottie to take me to the prom or whatever the major event of my life was. Thus, I have officially contributed to the cycle, and for that, I am sorry. But know this, your beauty is not defined by the boys that acknowledged it, but rather by the man that died for you. I'm not the prettiest flower in the garden, but the gardener spend His life investing in my beauty. This may be cheesy, and I really don't care. All I know is that this has been on my heart, and how I wish someone would listen to an awkward girl who was never asked to prom but believes her prince is on his way.

When I die...

Here I am, in desperate need of a study break, listening to Sigur Ros, and thinking about life. I frequently wonder about death; however, it isn't like you probably imagine. Maybe I should rephrase, I often wonder about life. At twenty years old, I have developed an unhealthy fear of life. No, I am not afraid to awake, I'm afraid I've never really woken up. Cheesy, yes, but true. I'm so scared that one day it will be over, that I will be gone, and my life is not worth remembering. This fear propels me and motivates me. I've grown up in the church, and as much as I love the children of God, I am terrified of being like them. It appears that the average Christian lives a complacent life--a pew-warmer, if you will. The occassional "Jesus is good" and "Come visit my church" fulfill their Christian duty. Oh, but there is so much more. Complacency is killing the church, and we cannot sit by and watch. As a church, we have turned to the ideology of praying, which is good, but Christ calls us to action. Prayer cannot be a replacement for action, it must be a supplement. Boy, I feel like I could preach. What happened? Why has the church slowed down? Why are we advocating pro-life but refusing to adopt? We must provide solutions to the things we advocate. Yes, I am pro-life, but I am also pro-adoption, and if you're a child of Christ, you should be pro-adoption too. Maybe it isn't your thing--then you need to help someone else adopt. Okay, I got off on a tangent, its just adoption is one of the things I am most passionate about in life. So what I am saying? Supplement your prayer life with action. Refuse to be apathetic, refuse to be complacent. You'll never make Christ so proud. Peace & Blessings Now...go make a difference! Brigitte