I received the March flyer from my local Christian booksellers yesterday and browsed through the pages. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the most recent product for young girls: the Proverbs 31 doll. Here's what the ad says: "Proverbs 31 dolls encourage young girls to pursue Biblical womanhood. [They] come with a Bible lesson, cookie recipe, two cookie cutters and a list of activities." And they have very spiritual, Old Testament names like Leah, Elisabeth (with an "s," not a "z"), and Abigail.
And now I see that I've done all the wrong things in training up Katie to pursue biblical womanhood. I've made sure that she goes to church and hears solid preaching, I've tried to teach her at home using biblical principles of right and wrong, I've made sure she goes to catechism, and I've sent her to Christian school so she will learn how to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. What she really needed was just a good cookie recipe (Do you think the Tollhouse chocolate chip recipe on the bag of chocolate chips would be okay?), a cookie cutter (probably the Christmas star), and a list of activities (I'm guessing things like read your Bible, sew an apron, and make a scrapbook). I've completely messed up! And to top it off, the name Kathleen/Katie is nowhere in the Bible!
But wait a minute--shouldn't these dolls come with a flashlight for those occasions when they work while it's still dark, a laptop with Quicken for tracking and calculating all those real estate transfers and for all of that personal finance they manage, and maybe a really great sewing machine for all of those scarlet clothes, bed coverings, and linen garments they'll be making? I don't see anything at all about cookie baking in there...
2/27/07
Self Esteem v. Confidence (and the Plight of America's Youth)
One of my co-workers shared a Fox news story with me today that reports on a new study that shows that today's college students are more narcissistic and self-centered than their predecessors. Apparently we've been telling them that they are special too much. The benefits of this narcissim: It can be useful for meeting people and auditioning for American Idol. So those children going into the sales and entertainment businesses should be all set.
The downside to this emphasis on specialness is that these students won't be able to sustain a romantic relationship, they are at risk for infidelity, lack emotional warmth, and exhibit overcontrolling and violent behaviors. They also react agressively to criticism and favor promoting themselves over helping others. The psychologists who conducted this study attribute this narcissism to the self-esteem movement of the 1980s, technologies that encourage narcissism such as MySpace and YouTube, and just too much indulgence.
"Permissiveness seems to be a component," one of the experts noted. The antidote? More authoritative parenting. Duh!
Contrast this report on America's priviliged, spoiled youth with last night's ABC special on the South African young girls who have been selected to attend the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy. While I'm not a big Oprah fan, I am glad to see an overly rich celebrity putting her money where her mouth is--giving these underprivileged girls an education in the hope that they will be able to make a difference in their country.
These young girls, twelve to thirteen years old, were amazing. As many advantages as American children have--that's how many disadvantages these children have. Several of the girls interviewed have lost one or both of their parents, and they all come from poor homes, most without indoor plumbing. One young girl gets up at 4:00 in the morning to walk to the bus and risks rape and murder every time she leaves her house.
These girls should be (by American standards) defeated, bad students, depressed and despairing, and completely lacking in confidence. But, on the contrary, they were remarkably poised, confident, and communicated their desires to be leaders, "make a difference," and find a cure for AIDS. Again, these are twelve- and thirteen-year- olds. One girl, commenting on her poverty, said, "We don't have much, but my mother told us that we shouldn't let that get us down. This is what God has given us." They were quick to tell interviewers what they were good at ("I'm at the top of my class," I'm a hard worker," I love mathematics"), but never once did they express an attitude of arrogance.
They spoke respectfully, lovingly of the parents and grandparents who care for them--even two sisters who watched their father shoot their mother and then kill himself. It was an inspirational story, and I used about a whole box of tissues during the hour the special was on. (I'll also be recording it Saturday night when it is shown again; it will be required viewing for Katie and Jonathan. It should be required viewing for every child in America.) When these children were shown their new school--an amazing facility designed by Oprah herself--they were most excited by the shiny new bathrooms and showers. You'd have thought they were given an iPod or some kind of game system.
So in America, we have been teaching our children to sing, "I am special, I am special, Look at me," to the tune of Frere Jacques. In South Africa, poor children are taught the value of education, family, hard work, and responsibility to others. In fact, they have already learned the important lessons that we are trying so hard to buy for our children here in America. I'm thrilled that these lovely girls will have this opportunity in Oprah's academy, but the plight of American children seems to suggest that money isn't the answer. Maybe once these girls get their education in South Africa, they can come to America and help us out.
The downside to this emphasis on specialness is that these students won't be able to sustain a romantic relationship, they are at risk for infidelity, lack emotional warmth, and exhibit overcontrolling and violent behaviors. They also react agressively to criticism and favor promoting themselves over helping others. The psychologists who conducted this study attribute this narcissism to the self-esteem movement of the 1980s, technologies that encourage narcissism such as MySpace and YouTube, and just too much indulgence.
"Permissiveness seems to be a component," one of the experts noted. The antidote? More authoritative parenting. Duh!
Contrast this report on America's priviliged, spoiled youth with last night's ABC special on the South African young girls who have been selected to attend the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy. While I'm not a big Oprah fan, I am glad to see an overly rich celebrity putting her money where her mouth is--giving these underprivileged girls an education in the hope that they will be able to make a difference in their country.
These young girls, twelve to thirteen years old, were amazing. As many advantages as American children have--that's how many disadvantages these children have. Several of the girls interviewed have lost one or both of their parents, and they all come from poor homes, most without indoor plumbing. One young girl gets up at 4:00 in the morning to walk to the bus and risks rape and murder every time she leaves her house.
These girls should be (by American standards) defeated, bad students, depressed and despairing, and completely lacking in confidence. But, on the contrary, they were remarkably poised, confident, and communicated their desires to be leaders, "make a difference," and find a cure for AIDS. Again, these are twelve- and thirteen-year- olds. One girl, commenting on her poverty, said, "We don't have much, but my mother told us that we shouldn't let that get us down. This is what God has given us." They were quick to tell interviewers what they were good at ("I'm at the top of my class," I'm a hard worker," I love mathematics"), but never once did they express an attitude of arrogance.
They spoke respectfully, lovingly of the parents and grandparents who care for them--even two sisters who watched their father shoot their mother and then kill himself. It was an inspirational story, and I used about a whole box of tissues during the hour the special was on. (I'll also be recording it Saturday night when it is shown again; it will be required viewing for Katie and Jonathan. It should be required viewing for every child in America.) When these children were shown their new school--an amazing facility designed by Oprah herself--they were most excited by the shiny new bathrooms and showers. You'd have thought they were given an iPod or some kind of game system.
So in America, we have been teaching our children to sing, "I am special, I am special, Look at me," to the tune of Frere Jacques. In South Africa, poor children are taught the value of education, family, hard work, and responsibility to others. In fact, they have already learned the important lessons that we are trying so hard to buy for our children here in America. I'm thrilled that these lovely girls will have this opportunity in Oprah's academy, but the plight of American children seems to suggest that money isn't the answer. Maybe once these girls get their education in South Africa, they can come to America and help us out.
2/26/07
Vision for God
It's the final few days of February, it's Monday, I'm tired, it's still snowing, and I still have to help Jonathan study for an American history test . . . So it would appear that all of you, dear readers, are in for another "good book" posting.
Yes, there are other books out there besides those published by Discovery House, but this is my world, and I have come to know many of these books like a good friend. One of the books I am pleased to have had a (small) part in is Vision for God by Dr. Margaret Brand and her son-in-law, James Jost.
Dr. Margaret and her husband, Dr. Paul Brand, author of Fearfully and Wonderfully Made, are best known for their pioneering work in the treatment of Hansen's disease, first in India and then in Carville, Louisiana. This book was born when Dr. Margaret's family decided they wanted to record her stories of the family's history and their adventures in medical missions. Eventually it turned into a manuscript of sorts, which Discovery House's managing editor pared down to about half its original size into the book I am now holding in my hands. (You can hold it in your hands by clicking on the link for DHP and placing your order!) I actually got to meet Dr. Margaret shortly after I began working at Discovery House when she and her daughter and son-in-law came to visit our offices. Even in her late eighties, Dr. Margaret's eyes twinkle and her British accent drew us in as she shared stories of her work in India and her genuine desire to serve God. I think this book is even more meaningful to me for having met her in person.
Dr. Margaret grew up in South Africa, was educated in boarding schools, and went to medical school during World War II in London. There's enough material in her pre-marriage life for an exciting book, but the story continues. She met Paul Brand when they were both in medical school, and the two of them eventually got married and went to India to work as medical missionaries. They worked there for eighteen years, raising six children along the way, and then, after establishing themselves as experts in treating Hansen's disease (leprosy), they worked in Carville, Louisiana for twenty-two years at the U.S.'s National Hansen's Disease Center.
More on the book itself:
Philip Yancey's foreword to this fascinating memoir sums it up best: "It would be difficult to invent a life more full of adventure than Margaret Brand's." This colorful and delightful memoir tells the story of Dr. Margaret Brand, a medical pioneer in the treatment of leprosy ophthalmology. From her childhood in South Africa to her World War II medical training in London to her world-renowned work with victims of Hansen's disease (leprosy) in both India and Carville, Louisiana, Dr. Brand's biography is a "can't put it down" story that demonstrates that truth can be even more amazing than fiction. "Dr. Margaret" is a skilled storyteller, and her surgeon son-in-law, James Jost, has done us all a great service by coauthoring her story and bringing it to print. Dr. Margaret's service to God, her family, and those around her suffering from a once mysterious and debilitating disease will inspire readers.
This is not your (let's be honest) "ho-hum" missionary story, complete with slide presentation, snakes, lizards, nasty-looking food, and people scantily clothed in their native garb. Dr. Margaret and her family did encounter wild animals, sickness, injury, danger, and just downright exciting adventure wherever they went. With humor, poignancy, and humility, Dr. Margaret tells her story of lifetime service and Christian faith.
Yes, there are other books out there besides those published by Discovery House, but this is my world, and I have come to know many of these books like a good friend. One of the books I am pleased to have had a (small) part in is Vision for God by Dr. Margaret Brand and her son-in-law, James Jost.
Dr. Margaret and her husband, Dr. Paul Brand, author of Fearfully and Wonderfully Made, are best known for their pioneering work in the treatment of Hansen's disease, first in India and then in Carville, Louisiana. This book was born when Dr. Margaret's family decided they wanted to record her stories of the family's history and their adventures in medical missions. Eventually it turned into a manuscript of sorts, which Discovery House's managing editor pared down to about half its original size into the book I am now holding in my hands. (You can hold it in your hands by clicking on the link for DHP and placing your order!) I actually got to meet Dr. Margaret shortly after I began working at Discovery House when she and her daughter and son-in-law came to visit our offices. Even in her late eighties, Dr. Margaret's eyes twinkle and her British accent drew us in as she shared stories of her work in India and her genuine desire to serve God. I think this book is even more meaningful to me for having met her in person.
Dr. Margaret grew up in South Africa, was educated in boarding schools, and went to medical school during World War II in London. There's enough material in her pre-marriage life for an exciting book, but the story continues. She met Paul Brand when they were both in medical school, and the two of them eventually got married and went to India to work as medical missionaries. They worked there for eighteen years, raising six children along the way, and then, after establishing themselves as experts in treating Hansen's disease (leprosy), they worked in Carville, Louisiana for twenty-two years at the U.S.'s National Hansen's Disease Center.
More on the book itself:
Philip Yancey's foreword to this fascinating memoir sums it up best: "It would be difficult to invent a life more full of adventure than Margaret Brand's." This colorful and delightful memoir tells the story of Dr. Margaret Brand, a medical pioneer in the treatment of leprosy ophthalmology. From her childhood in South Africa to her World War II medical training in London to her world-renowned work with victims of Hansen's disease (leprosy) in both India and Carville, Louisiana, Dr. Brand's biography is a "can't put it down" story that demonstrates that truth can be even more amazing than fiction. "Dr. Margaret" is a skilled storyteller, and her surgeon son-in-law, James Jost, has done us all a great service by coauthoring her story and bringing it to print. Dr. Margaret's service to God, her family, and those around her suffering from a once mysterious and debilitating disease will inspire readers.
This is not your (let's be honest) "ho-hum" missionary story, complete with slide presentation, snakes, lizards, nasty-looking food, and people scantily clothed in their native garb. Dr. Margaret and her family did encounter wild animals, sickness, injury, danger, and just downright exciting adventure wherever they went. With humor, poignancy, and humility, Dr. Margaret tells her story of lifetime service and Christian faith.
2/25/07
Walk through the Water (The Baptism of Israel)
A baby girl of our congregation was baptized today, so the sermon and sacrament flowed together nicely. The text for the sermon was Exodus 13:17-14:14, where Israel crosses the Red Sea and is saved from the Egyptian army.
Israel was led to the sea by God, who appeared to them in a theophany: the pillar of cloud and fire. Our pastor asked the children especially to think about how it would be great to have a pillar of cloud and fire from God to lead us where we are to go. But he explained that as great as that was for the Israelites, what we Christians have today is far superior. The pillars are only shadows of what God would eventually give to His people for guidance: His Spirit. (See Matthew 3:11, where John explains that he baptizes with water only, but Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire, and Acts 2:3.)
God has led Israel into a seemingly impossible situation, a place from which it was impossible to escape. God even tells Moses that Pharoah will say that the Israelites are wandering aimlessly. With the wilderness on one side (a great place for chariot warfare) and the sea on the other, the Israelites have made a poor decision, militarily speaking. But again, it is God who has led them there, and nothing is impossible for God.
Israel would escape by faith in the promises of God. First the people complain, but eventually they obey. The promise of salvation came through the mediator, Moses, who tells the people that they should not fear, that the salvation of the Lord would be accomplished for them that day (Hebrews 11:29). How much better is it today when the church of Jesus Christ or an individual steps forward by faith in obedience to the will of God? Israel also had faith in the provision of God, who protected His people. He revealed Himself to Israel through the pillar of fire, so that they could see their way through the path in the sea; Egypt, on the other hand, was surrounded by the cloud. The sea turned out to be the waters of judgment for the Egyptians. Today, as we walk through the waters of life and death, God leads and provides what is needed (Philippians 4:19).
In 1 Corinthians 10, we see that Israel's experience at the Red Sea was a shadow of baptism. We are told that all of Israel was baptized into Moses, even those who did not have true faith. This baptism was an external sign. This shadow of baptism was fulfilled in Christ, so that now we are baptized into the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Even though this too is an external sign, it is significant. Our baptism tells us that our children are separated from the world and are baptized into Christ. The word baptism means to merge, to be made one. In our baptism, we are moved from one arena to merge into Christ. The rest of 1 Corinthians 10 then tells us how those who have been baptized into Christ should now live: We should flee from idolatry to Christ the Mediator with whom we are now one.
Israel was led to the sea by God, who appeared to them in a theophany: the pillar of cloud and fire. Our pastor asked the children especially to think about how it would be great to have a pillar of cloud and fire from God to lead us where we are to go. But he explained that as great as that was for the Israelites, what we Christians have today is far superior. The pillars are only shadows of what God would eventually give to His people for guidance: His Spirit. (See Matthew 3:11, where John explains that he baptizes with water only, but Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire, and Acts 2:3.)
God has led Israel into a seemingly impossible situation, a place from which it was impossible to escape. God even tells Moses that Pharoah will say that the Israelites are wandering aimlessly. With the wilderness on one side (a great place for chariot warfare) and the sea on the other, the Israelites have made a poor decision, militarily speaking. But again, it is God who has led them there, and nothing is impossible for God.
Israel would escape by faith in the promises of God. First the people complain, but eventually they obey. The promise of salvation came through the mediator, Moses, who tells the people that they should not fear, that the salvation of the Lord would be accomplished for them that day (Hebrews 11:29). How much better is it today when the church of Jesus Christ or an individual steps forward by faith in obedience to the will of God? Israel also had faith in the provision of God, who protected His people. He revealed Himself to Israel through the pillar of fire, so that they could see their way through the path in the sea; Egypt, on the other hand, was surrounded by the cloud. The sea turned out to be the waters of judgment for the Egyptians. Today, as we walk through the waters of life and death, God leads and provides what is needed (Philippians 4:19).
In 1 Corinthians 10, we see that Israel's experience at the Red Sea was a shadow of baptism. We are told that all of Israel was baptized into Moses, even those who did not have true faith. This baptism was an external sign. This shadow of baptism was fulfilled in Christ, so that now we are baptized into the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Even though this too is an external sign, it is significant. Our baptism tells us that our children are separated from the world and are baptized into Christ. The word baptism means to merge, to be made one. In our baptism, we are moved from one arena to merge into Christ. The rest of 1 Corinthians 10 then tells us how those who have been baptized into Christ should now live: We should flee from idolatry to Christ the Mediator with whom we are now one.
2/24/07
Truth and Consequences
Some interesting quotes:
"If you are going to tell people the truth, you better make them laugh; otherwise they'll kill you." ~George Bernard Shaw
The apostle Peter in his sermon on the Day of Pentecost:
"This Man [Jesus the Nazarene], delivered up by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death." ~Acts 2:23
Stephen:
"'You men who are stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears are always resisting the Holy Spirit; you are doing just as your fathers did. Which one of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who had previously announced the coming of the Righteous One, whose betrayers and murderers you have now become; you who received the law as ordained by angels, and yet did not keep it. . .'
"And when they had driven him out of the city, they began stoning him, and the witnesses laid aside their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul. And they went on stoning Stephen as he called upon the Lord and said, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!'" ~Acts 7:51-53; 58-59
Jesus:
"Pilate therefore said to Him, 'So you are a king?' Jesus answered, 'You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world to bear witness to the truth. Every one who is of the truth hears My voice.' Pilate said to Him, 'What is truth?'" ~John 18:37-38
It would seem that the truth is very rarely funny.
"If you are going to tell people the truth, you better make them laugh; otherwise they'll kill you." ~George Bernard Shaw
The apostle Peter in his sermon on the Day of Pentecost:
"This Man [Jesus the Nazarene], delivered up by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death." ~Acts 2:23
Stephen:
"'You men who are stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears are always resisting the Holy Spirit; you are doing just as your fathers did. Which one of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who had previously announced the coming of the Righteous One, whose betrayers and murderers you have now become; you who received the law as ordained by angels, and yet did not keep it. . .'
"And when they had driven him out of the city, they began stoning him, and the witnesses laid aside their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul. And they went on stoning Stephen as he called upon the Lord and said, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!'" ~Acts 7:51-53; 58-59
Jesus:
"Pilate therefore said to Him, 'So you are a king?' Jesus answered, 'You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world to bear witness to the truth. Every one who is of the truth hears My voice.' Pilate said to Him, 'What is truth?'" ~John 18:37-38
It would seem that the truth is very rarely funny.
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