Well Said: Stories and Faces

The idea that stories slavishly obey deep structural patterns seems at first vaguely depressing. But it shouldn't be. Think of the human face. The fact that all faces are very much alike doesn't make the face boring or mean that particular faces can't startle us with their beauty or distinctiveness. As William James once wrote, "There is very little difference between one man and another; but what little there is, is very important." The same is true of stories.

Jonathan Gottschall, The Storytelling Animal

I never thought of it that way, of course, so this comparison was eye opening.

Well Said: That feeling of discomfort? It's called a conscience.

This past week, I actually had a student come forward after a university chapel service and complain because he felt “victimized” by a sermon on the topic of 1 Corinthians 13. It appears this young scholar felt offended because a homily on love made him feel bad for not showing love. In his mind, the speaker was wrong for making him, and his peers, feel uncomfortable.

I’m not making this up. Our culture has actually taught our kids to be this self-absorbed and narcissistic. Any time their feelings are hurt, they are the victims. Anyone who dares challenge them and, thus, makes them “feel bad” about themselves, is a “hater,” a “bigot,” an “oppressor,” and a “victimizer.”

I have a message for this young man and all others who care to listen. That feeling of discomfort you have after listening to a sermon is called a conscience. An altar call is supposed to make you feel bad. It is supposed to make you feel guilty. The goal of many a good sermon is to get you to confess your sins—not coddle you in your selfishness. The primary objective of the Church and the Christian faith is your confession, not your self-actualization.

So here’s my advice:

If you want the chaplain to tell you you’re a victim rather than tell you that you need virtue, this may not be the university you’re looking for. If you want to complain about a sermon that makes you feel less than loving for not showing love, this might be the wrong place.

If you’re more interested in playing the “hater” card than you are in confessing your own hate; if you want to arrogantly lecture, rather than humbly learn; if you don’t want to feel guilt in your soul when you are guilty of sin; if you want to be enabled rather than confronted, there are many universities across the land (in Missouri and elsewhere) that will give you exactly what you want, but Oklahoma Wesleyan isn’t one of them.

At OKWU, we teach you to be selfless rather than self-centered. We are more interested in you practicing personal forgiveness than political revenge. We want you to model interpersonal reconciliation rather than foment personal conflict. We believe the content of your character is more important than the color of your skin. We don’t believe that you have been victimized every time you feel guilty and we don’t issue “trigger warnings” before altar calls.

Oklahoma Wesleyan is not a “safe place”, but rather, a place to learn: to learn that life isn’t about you, but about others; that the bad feeling you have while listening to a sermon is called guilt; that the way to address it is to repent of everything that’s wrong with you rather than blame others for everything that’s wrong with them. This is a place where you will quickly learn that you need to grow up.

This is not a day care. This is a university.

Dr. Everett Piper, President, Oklahoma Wesleyan University

Amen. Dr. Piper's letter succinctly sums up what it means to be an adult and where it's very easy in today's culture to go off the tracks.

Sad to say, this message applies to a good portion of our adult population as well as to college students.

(Via The Deacon's Bench)

Worth a Thousand Words: Au Moulin de la Galette

Ramon Casas, Au Moulin de la Galette, 1892

Ashley Bell by Dean Koontz

Ashley Bell by Dean Koontz

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

At twenty-two, Bibi Blair’s doctors tell her that she’s dying. Two days later, she’s impossibly cured. Fierce, funny, dauntless, she becomes obsessed with the idea that she was spared because she is meant to save someone else. Someone named Ashley Bell. Searching for Ashley Bell through a southern California landscape, Bibi is plunged into a world of crime and conspiracy, following a trail of mysteries that become more sinister and tangled with every twisting turn.

This book seems like a return to Dean Koontz's old style of fast paced, horror thriller. Bibi is on the run, stalked by a psychopath who plans to kill Ashley Bell, who Bibi must try to save. Using short, compelling chapters, Koontz weaves together three fascinating storylines. I read this at a dead heat, riveted by Bibi's predicament, her mysterious past with the Captain who taught her a trick to forget "bad memories," and by Bibi's fiancé who brings a Navy SEAL op's skills to trying to find and help her on the run.

I'll admit that when I hit the big twist at 3/4 of the way through the book, it threw me off stride as different parts of the story suddenly became more interesting than they had been. However, Koontz pulled it all together by the end for a fascinating and logical ending. I did spend several hours not sure how I felt about the book, mulling over different aspects and thinking over how the story fit together. In the end, though it came down to whether I'd want to reread this book. The answer is a resounding, "Yes."

Koontz's short chapters which yank the reader between stories did occasionally get in the way. I sometimes would skip alternate chapters to read through a longer section of a particular storyline before going back to pick up the other pieces.

My review copy came from NetGalley, which influenced my opinion not a whit.

Worth a Thousand Words: Feeding on Willow Buds

Feeding on Willow Buds
taken by the incomparable Remo Savisaar

Well Said: Two Kinds of Problems

"Listen, there are only two kind of problems in life. [...] The first kind of problems are the ones life sends upon you to test you, to make you humble or make you long suffering, or whatever you may need.

"The second kind you make yourself. Most people, most of their lives, most of their problems, they simply invite into their lives, sweep out a guestroom for each pain, and give it free lodging and board.

"The first kind builds character. You cannot grow without this kind of problem, any more than you can build muscles without exercise.

"The second kind are invited by bad character, and the problems such a person has then cannot be put right until he puts himself right. It is not something a proud man can do, because proud men see no wrongness in themselves. [...]

"We must never fear problems of any kind. The suffering we bring on ourselves, we can ask to be taken away from us once we repent of it. The suffering sent to instruct us, we can ask for the strength to endure, and the humbleness to be instructed. ..."

John C. Wright, Somewhither

Ashley Bell ... come to my Kindle ...

Ashley Bell by Dean Koontz

At twenty-two, Bibi Blair’s doctors tell her that she’s dying. Two days later, she’s impossibly cured. Fierce, funny, dauntless, she becomes obsessed with the idea that she was spared because she is meant to save someone else. Someone named Ashley Bell. This proves to be a dangerous idea. Searching for Ashley Bell, ricocheting through a southern California landscape that proves strange and malevolent in the extreme, Bibi is plunged into a world of crime and conspiracy, following a trail of mysteries that become more sinister and tangled with every twisting turn.

WHAT?

NetGalley gave me permission to download this weeks ago and I just found the email now? (Inexplicably in the trash ... good thing I was looking for my login or I'd never have seen it.)

Cannot wait to begin this book ... I really enjoyed Koontz's last book, The City, and am curious to see if this one follows that style or hearkens back to his older style (which is what the description makes me think).

Worth a Thousand Words: A May Morning in the Park

Thomas Eakins, A May Morning in the Park, 1879-1880

Well Said: There are only two kinds of people in the end

There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, ‘Thy will be done,’ and those to whom God says, in the end, ‘Thy will be done.’ All that are in Hell, choose it. Without that self-choice there could be no Hell. No soul that seriously and constantly desires joy will ever miss it. Those who seek find. To those who knock it is opened.

C.S. Lewis, The Great Divorce

It is the ultimate tribute to our free will. What greater dignity could we ask for than that?

Arthur Conan Doyle called it "the high-water mark of [Stevenson’s] genius."

We begin a little known Robert Louis Stevenson mystery, The Pavilion on the Links, at Forgotten Classics. Contrary to what you might expect, there is neither golf nor lemonade involved.

Worth a Thousand Words: Portrait of Elizabeth I as a Princess

Formerly attributed to William Scrots (fl. 1537–1554),
Portrait of Elizabeth I as a Princess, circa 1546

Wow. Gorgeous dress, am I right? Take a look at this blown up. Incredible.

Well Said: The storylike character of science

The storylike character of science is most obvious when it deals with origins: of the universe, of life, of storytelling itself. As we move back in time, the links between science's explanatory stories and established facts become fewer and weaker. The scientist's imagination becomes more adventurous and fecund as he or she is forced to infer more and more from less and less.

Jonathan Gottschall, The Storytelling Animal

I never really thought about storytelling as an influence on science but, once again, Gottschall pointed out a completely different point of view. One which works in more cases than one might think.

Worth a Thousand Words: Blue Pot and Lemon

Henri Matisse, Blue Pot and Lemon, 1897

Ah, Matisse in the early years. The years when I could still really enjoy his paintings.

Well Said: Signposts for the spiritual road

One of my most vivid childhood memories is of seeing, up in the mountains near my home, those signposts they planted alongside the hill paths. I was struck by those tall posts usually painted red. It was explained to me that when the snow fell, covering up everything, paths, seeded fields and pastures, thickets, boulders, and ravines, the poles stood out as sure reference points, so that everyone would always know where the road was.

Something similar happens in the interior life.There are times of spring and summer, but there are alos winters, days without sun and nights bereft of moonlight. We can't afford to let our friendship with Jesus depend on our moods, on our ups and downs. To do so would imply selfishness and laziness, and is certainly incompatible with love.

Therefore, in times of wind and snow, a few solid practices of piety, which are not sentimental but firmly rooted and adjusted to one's special circumstances, will serve as the red posts always marking out the way for us, until the time comes when Our Lord decides to make the sun shine again. Then the snows melt and our hearts beat fast once more, burning with a fire that never really went out. It was merely hidden in the embers, beneath the ashes produced by a time of trial, or by our own poor efforts or lack of sacrifice.

St. Josemaria Escriva, Friends of God

I tend to blame myself when my interior fires aren't burning brightly all the time, forgetting that it would be unnatural (as well as annoying) to always be "on." I love this reminder that the low times are the moments when we can lean on our regular spiritual practices and duties to carry us through to the next patch of sunshine, the next glorious season.

Well Said: Comparison

Comparison is the thief of joy.
Teddy Roosevelt

A good thought as we begin Advent, isn't it? Especially when I think about the realities involved in the Incarnation.

I picked this up from Brandywine Books which has a link to a great article about how we rob ourselves needlessly.

Worth a Thousand Words: Tiger Lily Polka Dot

Tiger Lily Polka Dot
by Belinda Del Pesco

I'm not sure why (not being one of those coves who understands art at all) but this sensual piece puts me forcibly in mind of Georgia O'Keefe's work.

Worth a Thousand Words: Splendor

Splendor
taken by Remo Savisaar

Remo titled this "Gloomy" but to me it is simply glorious and inspiring.

Well Said: The great thing about getting older...

The great thing about getting older is that you don't lose all the other ages you've been.

Madeleine L'Engle

Well Said: We Tell Ourselves the Best Stories

We tell some of the best stories to ourselves. ... We ask our friend, "What's up?" or "What's new?" and we begin to narrate our lives to one another, trading tales back and forth over cups of coffee or bottles of beer, unconsciously shaping and embellishing to make the tales hum. and every night, we reconvene with our loved ones at the dinner table to share the small comedies and tragedies of our day.

Jonathan Gottschall, The Storytelling Animal

This was one really eye opening and very compelling in bringing home how story-rooted we are.

Mailbag!

From my inbox.

Sister Moon Graphics

Since 2004 Sister Moon Graphics has provided inspirational and Christian-themed cards to religious bookstores, monastery gift shops, Catholic online retailers and through our own online store. These original designs are inspired by a beloved chapter in the history of Western art--medieval manuscript illustration.

There are some really lovely cards at Sister Moon Graphics. Do go see!

Our Lady of Fatima Novena

This didn't come with a site to link to, but as a grass roots effort.

The attacks on Paris have been a tragic reminder that we are living in a time of war.

The enemy seems to be so powerful right now. We need to be an even stronger force, hearing our call to be warriors in Christ through our Holy Rosary and overcome this battle.

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them” Matthew 18:20. Imagine how powerful it would be if Catholics all around the world were united through the same novena, during the same nine days, praying for the same cause.
It makes you want to jump for joy!

The Quran mentions Mary over thirty times. It even has a quote from Fatima, Mohammed’s own daughter: “I surpass all women, except Mary.” (onepeterfive.com)
Let’s pray that the Muslim’s devotion to Mary leads them to Her Son, Christ Our Lord.
We will win this battle with love.

Pope Francis has called for a Holy Year of Mercy, which will start on December 8th, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. This rosary will end on Dec. 7. What a perfect way to prepare for mercy within our hearts.

THE NOVENA WILL BEGIN ON THE FIRST DAY OF ADVENT
Sunday, November 29

Our Lady of Fatima Novena
This is a nine day novena.

Say this prayer at the beginning of the Rosary

Most Holy Virgin, who has deigned to come to Fatima to reveal to the three little shepherds the treasures of graces hidden in the recitation of the Rosary, inspire our hearts with a sincere love of this devotion, so that by meditating on the mysteries of our redemption that are recalled in it, we may gather the fruits and obtain the conversion of sinners, the conversion of Russia, and this favor that I so earnestly seek (the conversion of Muslims) which I ask of you in this novena, for the greater glory of God, for your own honor, and for the good of all people. Amen.

Pray the rosary. By request of Our Lady of Fatima, say the following prayer after each decade.

O my Jesus, forgive us our sins and save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls into heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.

*Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel can be said at the end of the rosary.

The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary

From the publisher, this looks interesting. Expensive, but interesting.

... a project 10 years in the making that is not only a much-needed resource for English language Muslims, but also of huge significance for those of other faiths who wish to understand the Quran and Islam more clearly.

In light of the recent horrific attacks by extremist Islamic groups in Paris, Mali, Beirut, Kenya, and elsewhere around the world, it is crucial that we all – no matter what our faith – educate ourselves on what the Quran really has to say about life, faith, war, treatment of women, and more, and do not limit ourselves to only hearing what extremists (who distort meaning to support their own agendas) have to say.

Under the direction of Dr Seyyed Hossein Nasr (the Iranian-born, Harvard-educated, world-renowned authority on Islamic thought), four distinguished scholars (Caner Dagli, Maria Massi Dakake, Joseph Lumbard and Mohammed Rustom – all raised in the West with English as their first language, and trained in Western universities with a mastery of Quranic Arabic) have worked to create a translation of the Quran in English that is accurate, accessible, and a reliable rendering of the sacred text.

This article gave additional interesting information about the book.