Comments for Through a Glass, Darkly

Comment on on being a helper instead of needing one. by Nancy

Nancy — Tue, 21 May 2013 21:09:14 +0000

This is SO important, Kari. Many years ago now, I literally asked God what he expected of me. Was I supposed to be “submissive” and essentially a second class citizen as a woman, or was I equally valuable and important and capable and strong and …? You get the idea. I wanted to get it right and be what he wanted me to be. I have never heard an audible voice as an answer to my questions, but I do sometimes hear answers in my mind/spirit, and this one was a resounding, NO, that I am just as valuable and important and worthy as anyone else, male or female; that I am not to be weak and powerless, but to be strong in his spirit and powerful in his might. There are times to be submissive, but that directive is not just for women, it’s for all of us when others need to be put first, and it’s a choice made from a position of power not from one of powerlessness. I’m really sorry that your church gave you those messages, but you now have an important message to share with the girls and women in your life – and with the boys and men, as well. We are all free in the spirit to be the individuals God made us to be and we are all meant to sometimes be the helper and sometimes the one who needs help, but we are all in this together, equally. I am so glad that you spend time with young adolescent girls and boys who need see this message being worked out and lived out in your life. (And yes, I often wonder along with you how I would react in situations like Boston or Cleveland or wherever help is needed. I think part of the answer is how closely I’m listening to God’s whispers and how much I’m living in his power and not in my own.) Thanks for this post.

Comment on on being a helper instead of needing one. by Daniel Miles

Daniel Miles — Tue, 21 May 2013 13:17:23 +0000

Very insightful and true, and it informs a lot of how I try to raise my daughter.

Comment on on being a helper instead of needing one. by Cassandra stafford

Cassandra stafford — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:06:23 +0000

I have few words for how this resounds with me. I think you summed up something I have been unable to put my finger on. But I’m internally thinking “wow. That’s it!” Thank you for sharing this. I appreciate it so much.

Comment on a poem for sunday. by Ginger

Ginger — Tue, 21 May 2013 00:25:49 +0000

Kari, I’d like to say I’m not too big a fan of poetry, but you might be changing my mind. Just a little. These small sips of really good poems I have enjoyed. Thanks! At least I can go now from saying I don’t like poetry, to having a few poems I do like (previously, the only poet I’ve found I enjoyed was Derek Walcott).

Comment on a poem for sunday. by Maillot PSG 2013

Maillot PSG 2013 — Mon, 20 May 2013 04:46:58 +0000

Maillot PSG 2013…

ConsommationAlors ac milan 1989 le président Hollande réclamait un étiquetage obligatoire des produits cuisinés, avait re?u un coup de poing dun camarade dans le couloir du réfectoire de ce collège de la commune du Grand-Serre. qui disputait sa premièr…

Comment on saving my life. by Barbi

Barbi — Sat, 18 May 2013 01:21:57 +0000

I know you are what is “saving Atticus’ life” right now.

Comment on lived in. by Eyvonne

Eyvonne — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:02:10 +0000

I read almost all of your posts but rarely comment. Usually, I like to just rest in the lyrical way you write. But this, analogy was particularly beautiful and I just wanted to tell you so:

“Lived-in” was also the phrase I used to describe the feeling of inhabiting my own body a little bit more. I needed the reminder that the goal is not perfection but being welcoming and comfortable while allowing for change and progress.

Comment on lived in. by Kari

Kari — Wed, 15 May 2013 02:28:45 +0000

I hear what you are saying. I spent a lot of time in the library when I was in school. Two things I think are pertinent to this discussion:

1. My students grow up in homes that are not as quiet as mine was – this is something I had to learn about working with students who live in poverty.
2. Kids these days with their music! They don’t do anything without wanting to listen to music. They like background noise.

If I want my space to be welcoming, it can’t be extremely quiet all the time.

Comment on lived in. by Ginger

Ginger — Tue, 14 May 2013 21:59:49 +0000

I know your students are thankful for a teacher in tune with their rhythms and desires for a learning environment. What a blessing I’m sure you are to their lives!

At the risk of sounding like the old fogey though, this new world makes me a little sad sometimes. I know we have to move with the times, but one of the few quiet students, I always relished that the library was that one place which was a sacred solitude from the incessant pressures to always be “on” at school (and that was the days before we each had cell phones in our pockets). I can’t image what this kids have to contend with today. Bless them!

Comment on reckless trust. by Hannah @ Boots & Feet

Hannah @ Boots & Feet — Tue, 07 May 2013 18:40:41 +0000

Good thoughts, Kari. I love your intentional parenting.

Speaking of trust … if you haven’t read Ruthless Trust (Brennan Manning), I recommend it.