The Broken Places

Standing in front of a classroom of high school sophomores, I'm reminded of my problem.

I’m too fixed, too put together, all too capable—I think.

We were winding up our discussion of Doestoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment and there I stood, indicted by the point I’d been hammering home.

Our main character’s problem? Pride. He thought he could reason his way to fulfillment, creating a theory that placed him above the law. His crime brought suffering, but it wasn’t until he let go of his own suffering and accepted Christ’s suffering that he found real peace.

He was too fixed, too capable—he thought.

Until he met a young lady who was broken and knew it. Unlike him, she placed her faith and hope in the One who redeems. Through the broken places of her life shone Christ’s love.

This morning I read this:

“Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those we know they are sinners” (Mark 2:17).

I was reminded of my problem. Sure, I’m broken; we all are. But I lose sight of that sometimes in the glow of praise and achievements and an inflated sense of self.

Then a flawed character comes along to remind me to let Him shine through the broken places of my life.

Joining Laura, Jen, and Michelle with words from the heart.

The Classics

Thursday September 1, 2011

I'm reading them again.

I teach the classics, but there are some I missed along the way or read all too long ago. Now I'm taking a class and the required reading is taking me down that beloved path.

The ancient writings bequeathed us the image of the hero. The classics elicit greatness of soul -- man at his best, striving. And even in the ancient myths, we see man's striving toward God. Louise Cowan writes, "The basis of the Greek heroic paradox is that human beings must aspire to divinity and yet because of their mortality fail to achieve it."

And when we look at their spirit of nobility and excellence in a framework of Biblical understanding, we can appreciate the "whatsoever is good, true, honest" knowing that the power to embody those today comes only from Him.

I do love the classics. They'll be my simple pleasure for a lifetime to come.


Linking up today with Dayle for Simple Pleasures.

Family, Friends, and Good Books: Friday's Fave Five

May 7, 2010

Thanks for visiting for Friday's Fave Five -- my chance to share five great things about my week. If you’d like to join in, visit Susanne over at Living to Tell the Story. We’d love to have you!

1. My mom. Let’s put first things first! Mother’s Day is coming up, and I’m so thankful for my mom. She is leaving me an incredible legacy and I’m ever so grateful for her. She’s in her 80’s and still fun, relevant, thoughtful, and full of faith. She and my sweet dad left me and my sister with not only great memories, but a true picture of loving marriage. So much of my life is like it is today because of her lessons, love, and prayers.

2. My husband’s mom. After all – she produced him! My hubby’s thoughtfulness, respect for others, and devotion to faith and family are results of the love and time she spent with him. She’s not on earth to thank, but we had good family times together. She and her sweet husband raised four wonderful kids, and I’m thankful for her input in my sweetheart’s life.

3. Family gatherings. Well, I haven’t had one this week, but I’m anticipating it! One of the boys graduates this June, and the family will be together in late May/early June to celebrate. I just can’t wait! I love these milestone times and having everyone here, sharing the family love.

4. Happiness of a friend. One of my dearest writer friends just signed a contract with an agent!! I am SO excited for her. She has such talent and dedication to her craft, and I can’t wait till her agent finds this book its perfect home. I remember when I got an agent; it felt like a weight had been lifted because someone else was going to be finding just the right spot for my book – and he did! Kudos to my dear friend Johnnie!

5. Classic works of literature. I love mining truths from the classics, and it’s so fun to do it with high schoolers. Several of my classes are reading Lord of the Flies right now. I love seeing them get into the characters – they wince when Piggy and Simon are mistreated, and they perceive early on that Jack is a bully. Another class is reading Crime and Punishment. It’s been arduous for them, but the end is such a great payoff. We finished it up today, and talking about the great universal themes of suffering and redemption in literature is such a privilege!

There you have it – family, friends, and good books! How much better can life get? Hope you had a great week. I’d love to hear about it.

Happy weekend!