"But none of these really satisfy, and so we find ourselves trying to fill the remaining emptiness with our little indulgences (we call them 'bad habits'. Brent Curtis calls them our 'little affairs of the heart.' They are what we give our hearts away to instead of giving them to the heart of God."
"Little affairs of the heart" I like that. It aligns with one of my viewpoints. I came upon realization my Sophomore year of college that my relationship with God wasn't healthy/right if I was wanting other things, whatever they might be. If I was in a good relationship with God, why would I seek out for other things and not Him?
Anyways, that quote is an excerpt from the book Captivating by John & Stasi Eldredge. I've actually had this book since my freshman year in college. Our small group bought the book together and were supposed to read it. It about "Unveiling the mystery of a woman's soul." I read the first chapter and tossed it aside regretting that I spent $22.99 on this hardcover book. If you read the flap jacket of the book it starts off "Why do little girls love to dress up in twirling skirts? Why do they dream of a day their prince will come and together they will live in a great adventure? Because that is the heart God set within every woman. That is the role she was created to play--to be a valiant and beautiful woman whose life changes the world."
Can you see why I tossed the book aside? Kinda cheesy huh? I could not identify with that at all and thought that it had more cheese than nachos. Growing up, I never fantasized about my wedding, or that some prince would come save me and we'd live happily ever after. Maybe it was because I was too busy digging worms up after school with my guy friend and putting the worms in cups meant to take home but left on the tables at school, or maybe it was I was too busy throwing my baby doll in the tree to help knock my friend's Barbie that was stuck in the tree since we were seeing how high we could throw them. I'm not saying I was a complete tomboy as a child, I did play with Barbies and took ballet and jazz but I just imagined myself a little more independent and stronger than to dream of a rescue from a prince. I think I just never thought I needed to be rescued, which kinda explains why Mulan was my favorite Disney princess movie while growing up (okay so she's not an official Disney princess but whatever! in my heart she is! haha). But anyways, fast foward some years I finally decide to give the book more of a chance (after skipping the first couple chapters) and i'm glad I did because it's more than that. And while i'm still reading it, probably also from a more mature point of view, but I can definitely see some valid points and actually relate to them. And i'm learning. I guess i'm more of a girl than I thought. haha
So just thought i'd share. Nice to see my $22.99 isn't completely wasted. haha
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Tiff, I feel you on this. Sometimes my initial reaction is to be COMPLETELY turned off when I hear anything that even hints at an attempt to box femininity into this submissive, passive, almost helpless role, but then I realize that there is actually a lot of strength to be found in submission (to God and to our future husbands) and that there is a huge stigma attached to that word that prevails in our culture today. I think it would be irresponsible and almost close-minded of us to ignore the fact that it is possible to still hold to your values and beliefs and be strong and independent while also knowing how to obey and surrender yourself to Him.
ReplyDeleteP.S. When will I see you again?!?! visit me soon?!!!
I couldn't agree more Emma. To get to the point and say "Yes God, I am weak and vulnerable and I submit," without the the fear that I am full fulling society's view of the traditional, weak woman and knowing that this is a completely separate matter and there is power in this, is definitely a new viewpoint. It takes a lot of humility on my part, but it's good stuff! When it comes to women and God I know you definitely have strong & wonderful insights on the matter. :) Ah! I'm horrible with e-mails but i'd love to have a webcam sesh with you soon and talk more about this stuff. Let's do it?! And i'm hoping to visit Asia this summer with the fam if I can!
ReplyDelete