It’s almost two in the morning. I’m exhausted, and yet my brain won’t turn off nor will my body relax enough to go to sleep. I’m in relentless, arthritic pain in all the major joints of my body. My hands and muscles ache, and my skin feels like the lightest touch of fabric would make me weep from the scraping. I’m freezing, but my body is feverish. Every several minutes, my back twinges with such severity I have to reposition in order to stop the spasms. I know that if I stay mostly still, I’ll be able to deal with the pain. If I have to move, I move as slowly and deliberately as possible. If I move too quickly, I’ll fall over because of dizziness and visual disorientation. I might even temporarily pass out. When I go to sleep, I’m likely to have nightmares. I will wake up at least once in the night because I’m having a hot flash, though in all likelihood I will wake up three or more times. When I wake up in the morning, I’ll feel as though I didn’t sleep at all. I’ll lie in bed for many minutes, slowly stretching my joints, preparing to get out of bed. When I finally stand, my entire body will be stiff, and anyone who’s close will hear my bones cracking. I’ll pick out my clothes depending on how sensitive my skin is to fabric that day. Then I’ll put on a smile and leave my room, ready to greet my friends and family as though I am perfectly healthy. If I’m having a good day, the pain will be a mere nuisance. If I’m having an okay day – which is most of the time – I’ll have some pretty serious pain going on, but not enough to inhibit me too seriously. If I’m having a bad day, it will take all of my willpower to keep from going back to bed.
If it’s cold, the joint pain will increase until I can’t hold a pen, type, or do anything which requires flexibility in my hands. Bending at the knees or waist is akin to pulling teeth, and I’ll avoid it as much as possible. I’ll sit in the highest seat off the ground that I can find so that I can get up and down with more ease. I may put a soft towel in the dryer so that I can wrap it around my hands for temporary relief. I’ll want to sit and keep warm as much as possible, because when my joints are warm I am in the least pain.
If it’s hot, I’ll wish I could wear a satin nightgown or nothing at all. My skin will be on edge, as though something is crawling under every pore of my body. It is the most excruciating feeling I suffer as a result of my condition – not because it is most painful but because there is nothing I can do to relieve it. Even my teeth will hurt, and I’ll be so nauseous I’m afraid to move. It is on these days I am most likely to get a migraine – a force of pain that is increased by noise, light, movement, and smell. All I want to do is crawl under a sheet in a dark room, keeping cool and protected from abrasions.
Warm, cloudy days are when I’m most comfortable. The sun doesn’t hurt my head, the heat doesn’t bother my skin, and the cold doesn’t make my joints ache. During these days, I often only have to deal with the muscle tenderness of every day.
As I live my life, simple things become exhausting. Showering, doing chores, cleaning my room. Being stationary, in any position, for any length of time, is real work. I’m restless as a result.
Sometimes I may want to read or write. On a good day, this won’t be a problem, but I often find that it’s hard for me to concentrate for any length of time. Even when I enjoy reading a good book or working on another project, I have to take frequent breaks in order to refocus. This means that even the simplest tasks take me much longer than they would most people. Driving is incredibly stressful, because I am trying extra hard to be alert and cautious. If someone asks me a question, I may take several seconds to respond. Your question has to penetrate the almost constant fog in my brain, register, and then I have to make sense of it before I can consider my answer and respond. I may even realize I still didn’t hear you and need to ask you to repeat yourself once, twice, or even three times. This is probably much more frustrating to me than to you, because it means I’m almost constantly catching up, and I’m embarrassed by this handicap. It is next to impossible for me to concentrate on more than one person talking at a time. I find it is much easier to stay quiet in large groups than attempt to participate. This condition is called “fibro fog,” and it effects more than conversations and concentration. I daydream more than most, and even while concentrating on conversations, my mind will drift, and I’m far too easily distracted. It takes exhausting effort to focus.
The chronic pain is, well, a pain. It is more inhibiting than I like to admit, and I do my best to hide my discomfort. If I’m showing any pain at all, it’s severe enough that I am struggling to deal with it. I hate it when I have to let people shoulder things I feel I should be able to do. I want to be angry when people carry something for me or take over a task I’m doing, but I’m thankful I don’t have to worry about messing up by trying to do it alone. I want to cry when I realize I can’t twist the handle of a can opener, open a bag of chips, or take the lid off a peanut butter jar, because the muscles it takes to do these things are so tight that the simple movement makes my muscles seize up, and I drop whatever is in my hands. When I sit at the piano or organ, trying to play for church or for pleasure, I wish that I didn’t fudge so much because of the inflexibility of my fingers. It hurts to know that the pain is so inhibiting, and I hate it for the burden it puts on others.
I live with a constant prayer on my lips – that I won’t ever feel like I need to give up. No matter how severe the pain, I try to focus on my blessings. I try to think about the people who give me their full support and try to help me as best they can.
Fibromyalgia is a terrible thing, but I’m not Sarah, the girl with Fibromyalgia. I’m just Sarah, and I am not defined by the pain I suffer. I welcome your comfort, your love, your compassion. I need it, even. I will do my best to live as full a life as I can. I’m just Sarah – plain and tall – and your warm embrace is all the understanding I need.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Friday, November 11, 2011
The Pomegranate: Hungering for the Unattainable
Eavan Boland’s poetry is known for its thoughtful consideration of history that was significant to her home country: Ireland. Her poem The Pomegranate does not stray from this. Through close examination of Boland’s careful uses of vocabulary, imagery, and mythology, you find that the poem paints a clear picture of the Potato Famine.
At first glance, the vocabulary would appear to only be significant for the imagery; however, it is worth digging deeper.
The word “star” appears twice within the poem. Once we read: “…the starts blighted” (Boland 215), and another time we read: “The veiled stars…” (Boland 216). It is not unusual for stars to be given as imagery, because they can often represent hope; however, notice that the stars are, both times, mentioned with negativity.
The word “blighted” descended from the Old English word meaning “cursed.” The word “veiled” is associated with hiding something – almost out of protection or perhaps abstinence, as it is in the case of a new bride or a nun. Why does this matter? The stars could be representative of food. The “blighted” stars would be representative of the potatoes which had died out, leaving the Irish to starve, because the other food that might have helped them survive was “veiled” – or withheld – from them.
The imagery supports this, as well. The most interesting imagery is that of plant life. The pomegranate itself would be suggestive of food that is out of reach – especially since it is not available in Ireland – and even if it had, it wasn’t a potato. There are also plants mentioned that would represent food that is not available: “I carried her back past whitebeams… and honey-scented buddleias” (Boland 215). Buddleias are plants that commonly grow in areas where there was once thriving community or business that had died out. They are known to be especially viewed in places like old factories and bomb sites. This picture of something beautiful growing where everything else has died out will, no doubt, bring to mind the devastation of the potato fields which had died out and the food that would linger around as if to taunt the starving Irishmen. The other plant mentioned seems to really rub the idea of unavailable food in your face, because the whitebeam is a member of the Rosaceae family, which commonly produces plants with fruit such as apples and strawberries. The whitebeam is one of the few which only is grown for show – another taunt to empty bellies.
It is the mythology, however, that gives the strongest case for the imagery paralleling the potato famine. The family of Ceres clearly paints a picture of both abundance and death. Ceres was the goddess of agriculture, her parents the god and goddess of abundance and fruitfulness. Her siblings were coupled with riches.
She is also guessed to be the mother Baccaeus. Though that is argued among some mythologists, it is still important to consider him. Baccaeus was associated with both abundance and disorder. It is his description that most strikes the reader, because he is said to carry a staff which drips with honey. This depiction reminds us of the description of the buddleia plant that smells like honey.
Persephone, Ceres’ daughter, was the goddess of springtime, which is when the earth prepares itself for producing food. Focusing only on the child that is portrayed in the poem, we still see spring – abundance – captured by Hades – death. Persephone is lusted after and yet only attainable to Hades through trickery. Even that trickery results in unhappiness, because then there is only a time of abundance for a season. After that, the earth longs for Spring but cannot find her.
It is important to note that Ceres – as well as Baccaeus, Persephone, and many of Ceres’ siblings – were also indicators of death. Ceres basically condemns her daughter to life with death (Hades) by not following the instructions she was given. Baccaeus, being the god of wine, would also be associated with drunkenness – something that often got the gods and goddesses into trouble. Her siblings include Hades, who is the ultimate representation of death in mythology.
Having studied the evidences shown in the vocabulary, imagery, and mythology, it isn’t hard to see the influences of the Potato Famine. Everything indicates some form of wealth that has been held back, and what was once there has been removed or hidden. The mythology strongly indicates a focus on agriculture – because of the family of Ceres as a whole. The paper could, of course, be interpreted to mean something wholly different, but one of the beautiful things about poetry is that is can be something different to everyone.
At first glance, the vocabulary would appear to only be significant for the imagery; however, it is worth digging deeper.
The word “star” appears twice within the poem. Once we read: “…the starts blighted” (Boland 215), and another time we read: “The veiled stars…” (Boland 216). It is not unusual for stars to be given as imagery, because they can often represent hope; however, notice that the stars are, both times, mentioned with negativity.
The word “blighted” descended from the Old English word meaning “cursed.” The word “veiled” is associated with hiding something – almost out of protection or perhaps abstinence, as it is in the case of a new bride or a nun. Why does this matter? The stars could be representative of food. The “blighted” stars would be representative of the potatoes which had died out, leaving the Irish to starve, because the other food that might have helped them survive was “veiled” – or withheld – from them.
The imagery supports this, as well. The most interesting imagery is that of plant life. The pomegranate itself would be suggestive of food that is out of reach – especially since it is not available in Ireland – and even if it had, it wasn’t a potato. There are also plants mentioned that would represent food that is not available: “I carried her back past whitebeams… and honey-scented buddleias” (Boland 215). Buddleias are plants that commonly grow in areas where there was once thriving community or business that had died out. They are known to be especially viewed in places like old factories and bomb sites. This picture of something beautiful growing where everything else has died out will, no doubt, bring to mind the devastation of the potato fields which had died out and the food that would linger around as if to taunt the starving Irishmen. The other plant mentioned seems to really rub the idea of unavailable food in your face, because the whitebeam is a member of the Rosaceae family, which commonly produces plants with fruit such as apples and strawberries. The whitebeam is one of the few which only is grown for show – another taunt to empty bellies.
It is the mythology, however, that gives the strongest case for the imagery paralleling the potato famine. The family of Ceres clearly paints a picture of both abundance and death. Ceres was the goddess of agriculture, her parents the god and goddess of abundance and fruitfulness. Her siblings were coupled with riches.
She is also guessed to be the mother Baccaeus. Though that is argued among some mythologists, it is still important to consider him. Baccaeus was associated with both abundance and disorder. It is his description that most strikes the reader, because he is said to carry a staff which drips with honey. This depiction reminds us of the description of the buddleia plant that smells like honey.
Persephone, Ceres’ daughter, was the goddess of springtime, which is when the earth prepares itself for producing food. Focusing only on the child that is portrayed in the poem, we still see spring – abundance – captured by Hades – death. Persephone is lusted after and yet only attainable to Hades through trickery. Even that trickery results in unhappiness, because then there is only a time of abundance for a season. After that, the earth longs for Spring but cannot find her.
It is important to note that Ceres – as well as Baccaeus, Persephone, and many of Ceres’ siblings – were also indicators of death. Ceres basically condemns her daughter to life with death (Hades) by not following the instructions she was given. Baccaeus, being the god of wine, would also be associated with drunkenness – something that often got the gods and goddesses into trouble. Her siblings include Hades, who is the ultimate representation of death in mythology.
Having studied the evidences shown in the vocabulary, imagery, and mythology, it isn’t hard to see the influences of the Potato Famine. Everything indicates some form of wealth that has been held back, and what was once there has been removed or hidden. The mythology strongly indicates a focus on agriculture – because of the family of Ceres as a whole. The paper could, of course, be interpreted to mean something wholly different, but one of the beautiful things about poetry is that is can be something different to everyone.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
I Hate Pop Music
In a recent conversation with my father (recent meaning in the past five months), we were discussing classic “hippy” music and other music from the 70’s which my father so enjoyed. I’ve been exposed to and love quite a bit of it, and I was sharing with him some of my irritation with how little regard it is given – especially since it is such a staple in the United States’ history. My father pointed out, with some disgust, that at least the music of that age – despite the trashing it often receives these days – meant something. People were trying to spread messages to other people about what was important to them politically, spiritually, and socially. As he said this, I did not challenge him, but I did wonder: do the singers who are popular today still express “the issues” as they did in the 70’s? Has that desire to influence been lost?
First, it is important to note exactly what is important to people during this age. To name several issues off the top of my head: sexual liberties (a freedom to express your sexuality without fear of discrimination – I am not only referring to gay rights but also to the feminist movement and similar movements), animal and nature protection/rights, self esteem (the need to feel beautiful, important, and completely in charge or your life), carpe diem (the freedom to live how you want to, even if that means being an alcoholic or living on a constant high), the need to be number one in someone’s life (to be in love – even if with someone who isn’t right for you or doesn’t want to be with you), and being rich (the ultimate goal is to be powerful with as little effort as possible). These are, in my estimation, those issues which are most important to this generation, whether they be right or not
I took my thoughts even further. Music for my father’s generation was meant to represent that generation, and what they represented was clear in their music. Even if my generation isn’t singing about the issues which are important to them, what messages are they sending about what is important? What will people be studying in fourty years and saying: “What the heck were they on?”
To answer my own questions, I pulled two albums: one of a feminist and one of an openly homosexual male who are considered two of the top artists in America. They are performers, they are singers, they are 21st century American icons: Christina Aguilera and Adam Lambert. I decided to pay close attention to the messages these two artists are sending to other countries, this generation, and the next generation. The albums I pulled were “For Your Entertainment,” and “Bionic.” If you read further, please take note that I will be referencing lyrics which may be offensive – containing language and sexually explicit phrases. It is my intention to prove to you that this generation of pop singers is attempting to indoctrinate certain beliefs into this generation and the next through their music. They use crude, blunt methods to get their points across, and it is my hope that you will see the dangerous power to which we expose ourselves and others.
Now, I have spent a lot of time listening to both of these albums. I am intimate with each of them partially because I have a sister who enjoys listening to this sort of music. I do not wish to insult her or anyone else by saying that listening to this music rots your brain, but I will say that I hope you come to understand how influential the music you listen to can be.
First, I will pick one song from each album which I believe addresses one or more of the issues I mentioned and discuss each in some detail.
From Adam Lambert’s album: “For Your Entertainment.” This song cannot be played on the radio because of the sexually vulgar lyrics. Some songs, you can just bleep out a few words, and it’s okay, but not with this song. This song describes, in great detail, the sexual encounter of two people. We are not told the sexual orientation of this “couple,” but that is the only vague thing about the lyrics. There are three things especially disturbing about this song: There is an intimation that the performer has seduced or trapped the other person into the sexual encounter. Things are said like: “There’s no way you’ll ring the alarm,” “no escaping when I start,” and “I’ma hurt ya real good, Baby.” Although it is never directly said, it is implied that this experience is not completely consensual. Second, there is a hunger – a need – for complete power and dominance: “It’s all right, you’ll be fine, Baby, I’m in control. Take the pain, take the pleasure; I’m the master of both.” Thirdly, and probably most disturbing, this seduction and hunger for power are combined and portrayed as a gift to the victim: “Ya thought an angel swept ya off your feet. Well I’m about to turn up the heat; I’m here for your entertainment.” What is a person to say? Hey, I’m being molested, but I’m sure entertained!
From Christina Aguilera’s album: “Vanity.” Here’s another one you won’t hear on the radio. It is full of crude sexual references and language. The basis of the song is that the singer is so amazing, she can live life within herself, regardless of what people think of her. Again, I have three things I want to point out which are particularly troublesome in this song: Right away, you are brusquely told that the singer is clearly the star of… everything. The singer makes some startling claims such as: “Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the flyest bitch of them all? Never mind, I am… ain’t nobody got shit on me; I’m the best for sure.” Secondly, there is a complete disregard of anyone who might think little of the singer: “Hit up Prince Charming, telling him give me a call. Never mind, screw him… I make myself so much wetter… Can’t love no one else ‘til you love yourself, and if they don’t like it, tell ‘em get in line and kiss your ass… It’s me. Bow down; get on your knees.” Obviously, this person needs power, and she isn't shy about her self conceit: "And now I take myself to be my lawfully wedded bitch." Lastly, the performer claims that powers are her birth-given rights, and she can do with them as she wishes. Having this power means she will live forever in the memories of later generations: “V is for vanity. Every time I look at me I turn myself on… thank you, Mom and Daddy… and the legacy lives on, going strong. Let us not forget.” The song ends with the singer asking: “Who owns the throne?” You hear the voice of her baby son saying: “You do, Mommy.” In an interview, Aguilera was asked how she felt about her son hearing her singing such music. Her answer was that she wanted her son to be aware and appreciate the powers and rights of strong women. Hm…
If you flip through the other music of these two artists, you will find more themes that draw attention to what is important to this generation: “Everybody’s looking for some love, but they don’t know how to let it all hang out, and that’s why they’re solo” (Lambert: Strut). “Step in the light for your perfect close-up. Be superficial; it’s your one shot… it’s all an attitude” (Aguilera: Glam). “I know every apple here ain’t bad, but I found a worm in every single one I had. Boys, they’re only good for fruit – I mean bananas… oh, boys, you should pack ‘em up and ship ‘em out… I hate ‘em” (Aguilera: I Hate Boys).
When people study our music, years from now, what will they see? Will they know about the politics of the time or will they see the true desires of a generation? I’ve come to agree with my father: music used to give important messages in an attempt to better the human race. This generation, however, is all about self satisfaction. I gave you two horrible examples, but they are in no way the worst, nor are they uncommon. If you think you can handle it, try listening to the entire Aguilera album and feeling uplifted or hopeful. Perhaps try turning on the radio and finding popular music which isn’t focused on being on top.
I tried.
First, it is important to note exactly what is important to people during this age. To name several issues off the top of my head: sexual liberties (a freedom to express your sexuality without fear of discrimination – I am not only referring to gay rights but also to the feminist movement and similar movements), animal and nature protection/rights, self esteem (the need to feel beautiful, important, and completely in charge or your life), carpe diem (the freedom to live how you want to, even if that means being an alcoholic or living on a constant high), the need to be number one in someone’s life (to be in love – even if with someone who isn’t right for you or doesn’t want to be with you), and being rich (the ultimate goal is to be powerful with as little effort as possible). These are, in my estimation, those issues which are most important to this generation, whether they be right or not
I took my thoughts even further. Music for my father’s generation was meant to represent that generation, and what they represented was clear in their music. Even if my generation isn’t singing about the issues which are important to them, what messages are they sending about what is important? What will people be studying in fourty years and saying: “What the heck were they on?”
To answer my own questions, I pulled two albums: one of a feminist and one of an openly homosexual male who are considered two of the top artists in America. They are performers, they are singers, they are 21st century American icons: Christina Aguilera and Adam Lambert. I decided to pay close attention to the messages these two artists are sending to other countries, this generation, and the next generation. The albums I pulled were “For Your Entertainment,” and “Bionic.” If you read further, please take note that I will be referencing lyrics which may be offensive – containing language and sexually explicit phrases. It is my intention to prove to you that this generation of pop singers is attempting to indoctrinate certain beliefs into this generation and the next through their music. They use crude, blunt methods to get their points across, and it is my hope that you will see the dangerous power to which we expose ourselves and others.
Now, I have spent a lot of time listening to both of these albums. I am intimate with each of them partially because I have a sister who enjoys listening to this sort of music. I do not wish to insult her or anyone else by saying that listening to this music rots your brain, but I will say that I hope you come to understand how influential the music you listen to can be.
First, I will pick one song from each album which I believe addresses one or more of the issues I mentioned and discuss each in some detail.
From Adam Lambert’s album: “For Your Entertainment.” This song cannot be played on the radio because of the sexually vulgar lyrics. Some songs, you can just bleep out a few words, and it’s okay, but not with this song. This song describes, in great detail, the sexual encounter of two people. We are not told the sexual orientation of this “couple,” but that is the only vague thing about the lyrics. There are three things especially disturbing about this song: There is an intimation that the performer has seduced or trapped the other person into the sexual encounter. Things are said like: “There’s no way you’ll ring the alarm,” “no escaping when I start,” and “I’ma hurt ya real good, Baby.” Although it is never directly said, it is implied that this experience is not completely consensual. Second, there is a hunger – a need – for complete power and dominance: “It’s all right, you’ll be fine, Baby, I’m in control. Take the pain, take the pleasure; I’m the master of both.” Thirdly, and probably most disturbing, this seduction and hunger for power are combined and portrayed as a gift to the victim: “Ya thought an angel swept ya off your feet. Well I’m about to turn up the heat; I’m here for your entertainment.” What is a person to say? Hey, I’m being molested, but I’m sure entertained!
From Christina Aguilera’s album: “Vanity.” Here’s another one you won’t hear on the radio. It is full of crude sexual references and language. The basis of the song is that the singer is so amazing, she can live life within herself, regardless of what people think of her. Again, I have three things I want to point out which are particularly troublesome in this song: Right away, you are brusquely told that the singer is clearly the star of… everything. The singer makes some startling claims such as: “Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the flyest bitch of them all? Never mind, I am… ain’t nobody got shit on me; I’m the best for sure.” Secondly, there is a complete disregard of anyone who might think little of the singer: “Hit up Prince Charming, telling him give me a call. Never mind, screw him… I make myself so much wetter… Can’t love no one else ‘til you love yourself, and if they don’t like it, tell ‘em get in line and kiss your ass… It’s me. Bow down; get on your knees.” Obviously, this person needs power, and she isn't shy about her self conceit: "And now I take myself to be my lawfully wedded bitch." Lastly, the performer claims that powers are her birth-given rights, and she can do with them as she wishes. Having this power means she will live forever in the memories of later generations: “V is for vanity. Every time I look at me I turn myself on… thank you, Mom and Daddy… and the legacy lives on, going strong. Let us not forget.” The song ends with the singer asking: “Who owns the throne?” You hear the voice of her baby son saying: “You do, Mommy.” In an interview, Aguilera was asked how she felt about her son hearing her singing such music. Her answer was that she wanted her son to be aware and appreciate the powers and rights of strong women. Hm…
If you flip through the other music of these two artists, you will find more themes that draw attention to what is important to this generation: “Everybody’s looking for some love, but they don’t know how to let it all hang out, and that’s why they’re solo” (Lambert: Strut). “Step in the light for your perfect close-up. Be superficial; it’s your one shot… it’s all an attitude” (Aguilera: Glam). “I know every apple here ain’t bad, but I found a worm in every single one I had. Boys, they’re only good for fruit – I mean bananas… oh, boys, you should pack ‘em up and ship ‘em out… I hate ‘em” (Aguilera: I Hate Boys).
When people study our music, years from now, what will they see? Will they know about the politics of the time or will they see the true desires of a generation? I’ve come to agree with my father: music used to give important messages in an attempt to better the human race. This generation, however, is all about self satisfaction. I gave you two horrible examples, but they are in no way the worst, nor are they uncommon. If you think you can handle it, try listening to the entire Aguilera album and feeling uplifted or hopeful. Perhaps try turning on the radio and finding popular music which isn’t focused on being on top.
I tried.
Living On the Edge - The Importance of Modesty
I went shopping, recently, for some new clothes and had far too difficult a time finding clothes I was willing to wear. As I sorted through shirts, I knew that most other girls would be very unlikely to have a problem with things I was passing over without a second thought. Modesty is so important to me for so many reasons, I almost go to extremes. Here are some reasons why I believe modesty is so important:
1) I have been taught and firmly believe that my body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. If you are a Christian, so is yours! How can I justify wearing something “skimpy” if I am supposed to be a representation of my most holy Lord? Taking this into consideration would also mean that while you dress modestly, you also dress as well as you can (this doesn’t necessarily mean dressing up, but it does mean looking clean and nice). I am almost never in jeans, for example, not because I believe it is wrong to wear them but because I don’t like wearing them and I also do not believe that they properly represent me as a woman to the world. Many women feel differently and that’s fine. I could write a whole other note on why I think women should wear skirts, but that’s not the issue at hand.
2) Dressing immodestly causes far too many sexual tensions and frictions between the sexes. It’s not just women tempting the men; men can also dress in ways that tempt women and make them think in unrighteous ways. Such clothes which draw attention to the body are, I believe, okay in some circumstances… like in the privacy of your home or alone with your spouse. I wear things in my room that I would never wear in public. Sometimes, women just like to wear cute little nightgowns and things, but those are not meant to be ordinary and never meant to be public.
3) I indicated, in my second point, that some clothes may be worn more freely when with a spouse. Part of the reason I dress modestly is because I want all my efforts to bless my future husband – both now and in the future. Right now, I hope to honour him by not tempting him. When we are married, I may give him my body freely and he will be able to enjoy it without feeling guilty. This is a mutual gift, and it is also not one to be underestimated. I encourage unmarried women to save every bit of themselves for their husbands that they possibly can. This effort will not go unnoticed.
So how can men and women dress modestly? I can give you ample examples for both because I am a woman! I know what it is to be tempting, and I know what it is to be tempted. Nothing I am writing is meant to make you feel guilty but to bring attention to how you look to others. I may use strong language and I’m not unlikely to offend, but it is important that I be blunt so as to properly say what needs to be said.
Men: To be honest, men have a lot less to worry about than women. This is for a couple reasons. One is that most women have lower sex drives and while they may be attracted to a man, they are less likely to be prone to having impure thoughts. There are, however, women with sex drives equal to men (I know a few), and these women need to keep their minds pure just as much as any man. Also, men tend to cover more of their bodies, in general, than women; they normally wear t-shirt and jeans/shorts. There isn’t as much opportunity for them to reveal too much. It is possible, though, to cover up a lot and still be immodest. Here are some things for men to think about:
1) Be careful about how tight your clothes are. I can’t emphasize enough that tight clothes are not the things to wear when you’re trying to be modest. This includes both pants and shirts. Close fitting/form cut clothes can be equally flattering, if that’s what you’re looking for, without having the same sexual appeal. (What guy doesn’t look good in a dress shirt? I mean, come on!)
2) Actually wear shirts, and don’t wear them open. Needless to say, the torso is considered, in both the sexes, one of the most eye-drawing parts of the body. Wearing no shirt or wearing your shirt open is not helpful when women are trying to keep a pure mind. Sometimes, I realize, it may be impractical, but do pay attention to this sort of thing.
3) Do your best to cover your midriff and keep it covered. How can you be sure to cover it? When you put on your clothes, stand in front of a mirror and lift your arms above your head. If you see your belly, you either need to wear a belt or a longer shirt. Then bend over at the waist and touch the floor (or not, depending on your hamstrings). If your skin shows when you do this, your clothes need to be adjusted.
Woman: Dressing modestly will be a little harder, in your case. Because men generally have stronger sex drives, they are also more likely to have problems keeping their thoughts pure. You may think that there’s no point in trying to be modest, because men will think what they want no matter what you wear. That is a lie. Men do not always want to think that way and I know for a fact that dressing modestly is something that men appreciate. It is very important for you to not use your power in a way that may hurt someone else. When you dress immodestly, not only do you give the impression that you want men to lust after you, you are causing others to sin and thus sinning yourself. I will have more pointers for you because you have more to cover up and more power over men than you probably realize. Here is what I suggest:
1) The best and simplest way to decide whether something is long enough or appropriate is to consider the three Bs: Boobs, butt, and belly. Stand in front of a mirror. Boobs: If you bend forward and can see your cleavage (I mean any cleavage), what you are wearing is inappropriate. When you’re just standing there, you can’t trust what you see. When you are sitting, because of how women tend to hold their arms and because people are standing above them, what may have looked OK will no longer look OK. Butt: If you can sit in a chair, crossing your legs and uncrossing them without showing anything above your knees, what you are wearing is OK (this counts for both skirts and pants). Keep in mind that anything that ends before your knees is more than likely too short. Belly: Lift up your arms and then bend over and touch the floor (or not). If you see any skin, time to change. Another way to look at this: Don’t show anything you wouldn’t want your grandpa to see.
2) Wear shirts with sleeves. I know it’s bizarre, and I’m not one of those people who think it’s sinful to wear sleeveless clothes, but for some reason, showing your arms can cause men to have impure thoughts. I’m not going to give you a measurement; just wear clothes with sleeves as much as possible. I wear sleeveless shirts when I’m working and sometimes, on rare occasions, I go sleeveless; however, it’s so easy – and even stylish – to throw on a jacket, if you want to wear a sleeveless shirt (I do this a lot). Tank tops are in no way appropriate. They will rarely (if ever) pass the three B’s test, and not only are they sleeveless they are only being held up by strings.
3) Wear loose fitting clothes. I am one of those people who enjoys wearing things cut for my figure, and that is a great substitute for tight fitting clothes. Women simply cannot wear tight clothes – especially if they have horizontal stripes and/or eye-drawing patterns over the breasts. Tight clothes draw attention to the curves and contours of your body in a way that is sexual – not in a way which is simply attractive. I’m not saying you have to wear baggy clothes, but you should be able to twist and your shirt twists with you. As for pants – I would avoid wearing them. A woman is showing off her legs when she wears jeans (intentional or not) – even if they are loose. That’s just the way it works. If you want or need to wear them, make sure they are loose, go up to your waist, and don’t have eye-drawing designs or words on the back pockets. You should avoid wearing shorts which end above the knee.
My friends, I want to assure you that you can be extremely attractive without ever dressing immodestly. It is not necessary to draw eyes in that way, and it certainly doesn’t make you any more attractive. I could give a speech about inner beauty, here, but that’s not what you want. Do you need to know you’re attractive? Dress modestly. Let the way you dress speak of how important you think others are. After all, dressing modestly is more about blessing others than making yourself happy. It isn’t always easy to do in a world that tells us we need to dress provocatively. The reason I call this living on the edge is because it is a daring woman who decides that she will save all her physical beauty for her husband. It is a victorious man who decides to dress in ways that will help women stay pure. Men and women who challenge themselves to be modest are, sadly, of a rare breed, because we have been taught that we need to dress in ways which express who we are – and to show who we are, we need to be attractive, which must mean that dressing in ways which draw eyes will prove we are attractive. This is what the world tells us! Let me tell you something: Drawing eyes does not make you attractive. Seriously. Deformities draw eyes just as quickly, and those aren’t considered “attractive.” What does attractive mean to us, anyway? Doesn’t it mean drawing people to us? You can as easily attract someone to you by being a cheerful person as you can by dressing inappropriately. What’s the big difference? In one case, it’s you they are drawn to; in the other case, it’s your body they want. You can be yourself and express who you are while dressing modestly. I’ve been doing it my whole life, and my only complaint is that I’ve slipped, once in awhile, and worn something I shouldn’t have.
Are you dressing modestly? If you want to ask me questions or have specific thoughts about how this might apply to you, feel free to ask. I would also recommend, if you decide to do this, that you have someone you can ask – a Christian of the opposite sex – if what you are wearing is modest. Hopefully that person will know what to look for and be able to be honest with you. I encourage you to take this step – to live on the edge with me. Your body is a special gift which is not meant to be misused, and your efforts will not only bless you, they will bless those around you.
1) I have been taught and firmly believe that my body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. If you are a Christian, so is yours! How can I justify wearing something “skimpy” if I am supposed to be a representation of my most holy Lord? Taking this into consideration would also mean that while you dress modestly, you also dress as well as you can (this doesn’t necessarily mean dressing up, but it does mean looking clean and nice). I am almost never in jeans, for example, not because I believe it is wrong to wear them but because I don’t like wearing them and I also do not believe that they properly represent me as a woman to the world. Many women feel differently and that’s fine. I could write a whole other note on why I think women should wear skirts, but that’s not the issue at hand.
2) Dressing immodestly causes far too many sexual tensions and frictions between the sexes. It’s not just women tempting the men; men can also dress in ways that tempt women and make them think in unrighteous ways. Such clothes which draw attention to the body are, I believe, okay in some circumstances… like in the privacy of your home or alone with your spouse. I wear things in my room that I would never wear in public. Sometimes, women just like to wear cute little nightgowns and things, but those are not meant to be ordinary and never meant to be public.
3) I indicated, in my second point, that some clothes may be worn more freely when with a spouse. Part of the reason I dress modestly is because I want all my efforts to bless my future husband – both now and in the future. Right now, I hope to honour him by not tempting him. When we are married, I may give him my body freely and he will be able to enjoy it without feeling guilty. This is a mutual gift, and it is also not one to be underestimated. I encourage unmarried women to save every bit of themselves for their husbands that they possibly can. This effort will not go unnoticed.
So how can men and women dress modestly? I can give you ample examples for both because I am a woman! I know what it is to be tempting, and I know what it is to be tempted. Nothing I am writing is meant to make you feel guilty but to bring attention to how you look to others. I may use strong language and I’m not unlikely to offend, but it is important that I be blunt so as to properly say what needs to be said.
Men: To be honest, men have a lot less to worry about than women. This is for a couple reasons. One is that most women have lower sex drives and while they may be attracted to a man, they are less likely to be prone to having impure thoughts. There are, however, women with sex drives equal to men (I know a few), and these women need to keep their minds pure just as much as any man. Also, men tend to cover more of their bodies, in general, than women; they normally wear t-shirt and jeans/shorts. There isn’t as much opportunity for them to reveal too much. It is possible, though, to cover up a lot and still be immodest. Here are some things for men to think about:
1) Be careful about how tight your clothes are. I can’t emphasize enough that tight clothes are not the things to wear when you’re trying to be modest. This includes both pants and shirts. Close fitting/form cut clothes can be equally flattering, if that’s what you’re looking for, without having the same sexual appeal. (What guy doesn’t look good in a dress shirt? I mean, come on!)
2) Actually wear shirts, and don’t wear them open. Needless to say, the torso is considered, in both the sexes, one of the most eye-drawing parts of the body. Wearing no shirt or wearing your shirt open is not helpful when women are trying to keep a pure mind. Sometimes, I realize, it may be impractical, but do pay attention to this sort of thing.
3) Do your best to cover your midriff and keep it covered. How can you be sure to cover it? When you put on your clothes, stand in front of a mirror and lift your arms above your head. If you see your belly, you either need to wear a belt or a longer shirt. Then bend over at the waist and touch the floor (or not, depending on your hamstrings). If your skin shows when you do this, your clothes need to be adjusted.
Woman: Dressing modestly will be a little harder, in your case. Because men generally have stronger sex drives, they are also more likely to have problems keeping their thoughts pure. You may think that there’s no point in trying to be modest, because men will think what they want no matter what you wear. That is a lie. Men do not always want to think that way and I know for a fact that dressing modestly is something that men appreciate. It is very important for you to not use your power in a way that may hurt someone else. When you dress immodestly, not only do you give the impression that you want men to lust after you, you are causing others to sin and thus sinning yourself. I will have more pointers for you because you have more to cover up and more power over men than you probably realize. Here is what I suggest:
1) The best and simplest way to decide whether something is long enough or appropriate is to consider the three Bs: Boobs, butt, and belly. Stand in front of a mirror. Boobs: If you bend forward and can see your cleavage (I mean any cleavage), what you are wearing is inappropriate. When you’re just standing there, you can’t trust what you see. When you are sitting, because of how women tend to hold their arms and because people are standing above them, what may have looked OK will no longer look OK. Butt: If you can sit in a chair, crossing your legs and uncrossing them without showing anything above your knees, what you are wearing is OK (this counts for both skirts and pants). Keep in mind that anything that ends before your knees is more than likely too short. Belly: Lift up your arms and then bend over and touch the floor (or not). If you see any skin, time to change. Another way to look at this: Don’t show anything you wouldn’t want your grandpa to see.
2) Wear shirts with sleeves. I know it’s bizarre, and I’m not one of those people who think it’s sinful to wear sleeveless clothes, but for some reason, showing your arms can cause men to have impure thoughts. I’m not going to give you a measurement; just wear clothes with sleeves as much as possible. I wear sleeveless shirts when I’m working and sometimes, on rare occasions, I go sleeveless; however, it’s so easy – and even stylish – to throw on a jacket, if you want to wear a sleeveless shirt (I do this a lot). Tank tops are in no way appropriate. They will rarely (if ever) pass the three B’s test, and not only are they sleeveless they are only being held up by strings.
3) Wear loose fitting clothes. I am one of those people who enjoys wearing things cut for my figure, and that is a great substitute for tight fitting clothes. Women simply cannot wear tight clothes – especially if they have horizontal stripes and/or eye-drawing patterns over the breasts. Tight clothes draw attention to the curves and contours of your body in a way that is sexual – not in a way which is simply attractive. I’m not saying you have to wear baggy clothes, but you should be able to twist and your shirt twists with you. As for pants – I would avoid wearing them. A woman is showing off her legs when she wears jeans (intentional or not) – even if they are loose. That’s just the way it works. If you want or need to wear them, make sure they are loose, go up to your waist, and don’t have eye-drawing designs or words on the back pockets. You should avoid wearing shorts which end above the knee.
My friends, I want to assure you that you can be extremely attractive without ever dressing immodestly. It is not necessary to draw eyes in that way, and it certainly doesn’t make you any more attractive. I could give a speech about inner beauty, here, but that’s not what you want. Do you need to know you’re attractive? Dress modestly. Let the way you dress speak of how important you think others are. After all, dressing modestly is more about blessing others than making yourself happy. It isn’t always easy to do in a world that tells us we need to dress provocatively. The reason I call this living on the edge is because it is a daring woman who decides that she will save all her physical beauty for her husband. It is a victorious man who decides to dress in ways that will help women stay pure. Men and women who challenge themselves to be modest are, sadly, of a rare breed, because we have been taught that we need to dress in ways which express who we are – and to show who we are, we need to be attractive, which must mean that dressing in ways which draw eyes will prove we are attractive. This is what the world tells us! Let me tell you something: Drawing eyes does not make you attractive. Seriously. Deformities draw eyes just as quickly, and those aren’t considered “attractive.” What does attractive mean to us, anyway? Doesn’t it mean drawing people to us? You can as easily attract someone to you by being a cheerful person as you can by dressing inappropriately. What’s the big difference? In one case, it’s you they are drawn to; in the other case, it’s your body they want. You can be yourself and express who you are while dressing modestly. I’ve been doing it my whole life, and my only complaint is that I’ve slipped, once in awhile, and worn something I shouldn’t have.
Are you dressing modestly? If you want to ask me questions or have specific thoughts about how this might apply to you, feel free to ask. I would also recommend, if you decide to do this, that you have someone you can ask – a Christian of the opposite sex – if what you are wearing is modest. Hopefully that person will know what to look for and be able to be honest with you. I encourage you to take this step – to live on the edge with me. Your body is a special gift which is not meant to be misused, and your efforts will not only bless you, they will bless those around you.
One Minute At A Time
What do you do when you suffer? This is a question I often ask myself, because I tend to suffer a lot. Mind you, I know many people who suffer WAY more than I do; this is what I tell myself as I say: “I’m fine. I have no right to complain.” There is also the urge to just keep it all to myself, because me suffering means that others might feel a need to help me in some way. This means asking others to sacrifice for me which is something I would never ask for.
Right now, I’m dealing with the type of pain I probably hate the most: back spasms. You may know the feeling. You’re fine one minute and then next, you’re gripping the closest thing to you because it feels like several knives are stabbing into your back and twisting to bring the most acute pain possible. Some people only have lower or upper back problems. I tend to feel pain between my shoulders, below the right side of my ribcage, underneath each shoulder blade, and often between several vertebra in at least three places (I never do things halfway :)). I have waves of spasms, often lasting a minute or two, then my back relaxes for a few minutes, then it all starts again. When I first begin to feel pain, these waves will be several minutes apart. After awhile, they come close together, eventually so that one wave of pain leads into another fairly quickly. As the waves become longer and are closer together, the tension moves into my legs. At this point in the game, I am unable to walk. Talking is next to impossible, because taking a deep breath triggers a shooting pain through my back and legs, and catching a breath isn’t that easy, either. This often lasts three to six hours before the waves begin to taper off, only happening every few minutes, until I am blessed with sleep (unfortunately, I can’t sleep when the pain is going on). Needless to say, the next day, I am completely exhausted. Take pain medication, you say! For some reason, I haven’t found anything that relieves the pain. At the moment, I’m entering the middle stage.
So why tell you this? Just a little: because talking about it helps, and taking the time to type this is a welcome – though not complete – distraction, although when a wave comes, I’m unable to type. Mostly: I want to encourage you. How does that work, exactly? I read a verse in my devotions, this evening, from Psalm 119:50: “My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.” Despite the fact this pain completely sucks, I have God’s promises to cling to. What are those promises? Well, He’s given me many of them. One I will share with you: that I will not always endure this type of pain. Death might be what relieves me, but I’m inclined to believe that He will deliver me a bit sooner than that. Why is that important? Well, knowing that I am not alone in my suffering, I hope to bless others while I battle through it. As much as I hate it, I have a chance to help others. I pray that people will see that although I deal with things that people my age just don’t deal with, I also have the grace of God and brothers and sisters who help me get through anything. I’m never alone. My pain is a symbol of hope to me, because I realize that, eventually, it will be gone forever, and also I learn just how much God shows me through my pain. I also hope to influence others who suffer and feel as though their pain is too much to bear. I know how much fun it is to be in pain all the time. I do my very best not to let it affect the way I treat others and live my life (admittedly, this is really hard, and I often fail). I want you to know, as someone who loves you, that I’ll be okay :). As much as I hate all this, and as much as I loathe fighting through it when I would much rather flop down (gently) and give up, I have a chance to show people how much of a crutch God isn’t. His strength is made perfect in my weakness, and I desire for others to see that. I can name people who suffer and tell you how much they rely on that strength simply by their attitudes. May my attitude towards pain always lead you to Christ and never away from Him. After all, He knows exactly how I feel, and He hasn’t given up on me yet.
Right now, I’m dealing with the type of pain I probably hate the most: back spasms. You may know the feeling. You’re fine one minute and then next, you’re gripping the closest thing to you because it feels like several knives are stabbing into your back and twisting to bring the most acute pain possible. Some people only have lower or upper back problems. I tend to feel pain between my shoulders, below the right side of my ribcage, underneath each shoulder blade, and often between several vertebra in at least three places (I never do things halfway :)). I have waves of spasms, often lasting a minute or two, then my back relaxes for a few minutes, then it all starts again. When I first begin to feel pain, these waves will be several minutes apart. After awhile, they come close together, eventually so that one wave of pain leads into another fairly quickly. As the waves become longer and are closer together, the tension moves into my legs. At this point in the game, I am unable to walk. Talking is next to impossible, because taking a deep breath triggers a shooting pain through my back and legs, and catching a breath isn’t that easy, either. This often lasts three to six hours before the waves begin to taper off, only happening every few minutes, until I am blessed with sleep (unfortunately, I can’t sleep when the pain is going on). Needless to say, the next day, I am completely exhausted. Take pain medication, you say! For some reason, I haven’t found anything that relieves the pain. At the moment, I’m entering the middle stage.
So why tell you this? Just a little: because talking about it helps, and taking the time to type this is a welcome – though not complete – distraction, although when a wave comes, I’m unable to type. Mostly: I want to encourage you. How does that work, exactly? I read a verse in my devotions, this evening, from Psalm 119:50: “My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.” Despite the fact this pain completely sucks, I have God’s promises to cling to. What are those promises? Well, He’s given me many of them. One I will share with you: that I will not always endure this type of pain. Death might be what relieves me, but I’m inclined to believe that He will deliver me a bit sooner than that. Why is that important? Well, knowing that I am not alone in my suffering, I hope to bless others while I battle through it. As much as I hate it, I have a chance to help others. I pray that people will see that although I deal with things that people my age just don’t deal with, I also have the grace of God and brothers and sisters who help me get through anything. I’m never alone. My pain is a symbol of hope to me, because I realize that, eventually, it will be gone forever, and also I learn just how much God shows me through my pain. I also hope to influence others who suffer and feel as though their pain is too much to bear. I know how much fun it is to be in pain all the time. I do my very best not to let it affect the way I treat others and live my life (admittedly, this is really hard, and I often fail). I want you to know, as someone who loves you, that I’ll be okay :). As much as I hate all this, and as much as I loathe fighting through it when I would much rather flop down (gently) and give up, I have a chance to show people how much of a crutch God isn’t. His strength is made perfect in my weakness, and I desire for others to see that. I can name people who suffer and tell you how much they rely on that strength simply by their attitudes. May my attitude towards pain always lead you to Christ and never away from Him. After all, He knows exactly how I feel, and He hasn’t given up on me yet.
"Prayer" C.S. Lewis
Master, they say that when I seem
To be in speech with you,
Since you make no replies, it's all a dream
—One talker aping two.
They are half right, but not as they
Imagine; rather, I
Seek in myself the things I meant to say,
And lo! The wells are dry.
Then, seeing me empty, you forsake
The Listener's role, and through
My dead lips breathe and into utterance wake
The thoughts I never knew.
And thus you neither need reply
Nor can; thus, while we seem
Two talking, thou are One forever, and I
No dreamer, but thy dream.
To be in speech with you,
Since you make no replies, it's all a dream
—One talker aping two.
They are half right, but not as they
Imagine; rather, I
Seek in myself the things I meant to say,
And lo! The wells are dry.
Then, seeing me empty, you forsake
The Listener's role, and through
My dead lips breathe and into utterance wake
The thoughts I never knew.
And thus you neither need reply
Nor can; thus, while we seem
Two talking, thou are One forever, and I
No dreamer, but thy dream.
The Chosen Jewels of God
As I have been reading through the Minor Prophets in my devotions, I found two verses which were particularly striking:
“The Lord their God will save them in that day, as the flock of His people. For they shall be like jewels of a crown, lifted like a banner over His land.” Zechariah 9:16
“'They shall be Mine,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘On the day that I make them my jewels. And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.” Malachi 3:17.
Jewels themselves are only mentioned in the Bible nine times – and all in the Old Testament (NKJV). Each time, either the jewels are a sign of royalty/honour or they are adorning a virtuous wife. Mull over that, for awhile. What does that say about God claiming us as His jewels?
As I marked these two verses, I wrote a small note next to both of them about God claiming His people as His treasure. This made me curious about how the word “treasure” is used in the Bible. I was amazed at what I found. In the Old Testament, six times the word is used to refer to God claiming His people as a treasure. All the other times refer to the riches of pharaohs and kings. In the New Testament, every time treasure is mentioned (sixteen times), it is mentioned in reference to the reward that Christians gain in Heaven. All of the sudden, we are claiming the treasure – we who have no inborn righteousness or right of authority. Is this, perhaps, in conjunction with Paul’s letter to the Romans when he refers to us as coheirs with Christ?
So, that means we’re royalty, right? Prompted by the Zechariah verse, I also looked up the word “crown.” In Psalms, it is a symbol of blessing and goodness. In Proverbs, the crown is a sign of honour between two people: husband and wife, a man and Wisdom, a father and his children. The prophets give it a new role – a sign of God’s people. In the New Testament, the crown is mentioned both as a physical and metaphorical object. Metaphorically, to the people, it is a crown of rejoicing, righteousness, glory, and Life (thrice!). As a physical crown, it is mentioned three times – each in reference to Christ’s crown of thorns.
At this point, my heart grew heavy. I cannot explain exactly why, but when the crown of God is His people, and then becomes a crown which only causes pain, what does that say to us? Perhaps nothing… I will have to study, more. The crown of God is either His people or a band of thorns. To imagine the similarities between these to crowns… the pain they brought to their Creator… the promise of something better. Bittersweet.
These are my thoughts. I would love to hear what other people think!
Tidbit A: the crown in conjunction with the colour purple is in the Bible four times – the three mentions of the crown of thorns and when Haman paraded Mordecai. Hm... :).
Tidbit B: Pearls are only mentioned in the New Testament - and always with negative connotations except for the end of Revelations, when describing the gates of Heaven.
“The Lord their God will save them in that day, as the flock of His people. For they shall be like jewels of a crown, lifted like a banner over His land.” Zechariah 9:16
“'They shall be Mine,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘On the day that I make them my jewels. And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.” Malachi 3:17.
Jewels themselves are only mentioned in the Bible nine times – and all in the Old Testament (NKJV). Each time, either the jewels are a sign of royalty/honour or they are adorning a virtuous wife. Mull over that, for awhile. What does that say about God claiming us as His jewels?
As I marked these two verses, I wrote a small note next to both of them about God claiming His people as His treasure. This made me curious about how the word “treasure” is used in the Bible. I was amazed at what I found. In the Old Testament, six times the word is used to refer to God claiming His people as a treasure. All the other times refer to the riches of pharaohs and kings. In the New Testament, every time treasure is mentioned (sixteen times), it is mentioned in reference to the reward that Christians gain in Heaven. All of the sudden, we are claiming the treasure – we who have no inborn righteousness or right of authority. Is this, perhaps, in conjunction with Paul’s letter to the Romans when he refers to us as coheirs with Christ?
So, that means we’re royalty, right? Prompted by the Zechariah verse, I also looked up the word “crown.” In Psalms, it is a symbol of blessing and goodness. In Proverbs, the crown is a sign of honour between two people: husband and wife, a man and Wisdom, a father and his children. The prophets give it a new role – a sign of God’s people. In the New Testament, the crown is mentioned both as a physical and metaphorical object. Metaphorically, to the people, it is a crown of rejoicing, righteousness, glory, and Life (thrice!). As a physical crown, it is mentioned three times – each in reference to Christ’s crown of thorns.
At this point, my heart grew heavy. I cannot explain exactly why, but when the crown of God is His people, and then becomes a crown which only causes pain, what does that say to us? Perhaps nothing… I will have to study, more. The crown of God is either His people or a band of thorns. To imagine the similarities between these to crowns… the pain they brought to their Creator… the promise of something better. Bittersweet.
These are my thoughts. I would love to hear what other people think!
Tidbit A: the crown in conjunction with the colour purple is in the Bible four times – the three mentions of the crown of thorns and when Haman paraded Mordecai. Hm... :).
Tidbit B: Pearls are only mentioned in the New Testament - and always with negative connotations except for the end of Revelations, when describing the gates of Heaven.
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