“So, Lauren, what are your plans for after high school?” ...oh, the question. Oh, the question I have been asked countless numbers of times all throughout high school, and especially in the past year. For the longest time I have had no answer to that question. “I’m not sure yet.” “I’m still waiting to see.” “Still trying to find some direction in that area.” …have always been my responses. Each time I try and glaze over my internal turmoil with a shy smile and slight shrug like I don’t think that anything is wrong. …and I don’t. …but I do.
The worsening of mental turmoil that I feel in relation to my college decision is directly proportional to the increase in the length of consideration time. As the days pass, and the deadline draws nearer, I find myself becoming more and more restless. I have a lot of options. I have a lot of interests. I have four majors among which I am trying to choose. I can only do two of them at once. Which ones? Which ones…
This decision is like flubber, if you’ve seen the old movie. It is as if the flubber of my college decision starts bouncing at the beginning of the day, and with every bounce from one side of my head to the other, it increases in energy and continues to bounce, until I reach a moment… like tonight. …as I sit alone in the quiet of my room, trying to sort out the next season of my life… and flubber’s going nuts.
I’m not going to pretend I don't constantly battle fear in regards to this decision. I’m not going to pretend that this whole process doesn’t occasionally bring me to tears. I’m not going to pretend that this decision has not concerned me for the last four years, and that time is not rapidly running out. But what I’m also not going to pretend is that there is no hope. I know there is an answer.
I’m one of those types of people who reasonably waits. I can wait until its time to act. I can wait and consider and ponder and analyze, UNTIL… I am out of time. This is my problem. I feel like I am out of time.
However, this is not a simple to-do list item. This item is on, what I call, my silent to-do list. Unnoticed by others, this list sticks around for a very long time, never making any noise in and of itself, but the mere presence of the list screams volumes. However, it is silent. Why? …because it is undetectable to everyone but me. Everyone around me can see when I vacuum the family room, but no one can see when I’m working my college decision issues over and over in my head. This is no ordinary decision.
I wish I had a prompt, victorious, grand, and enlightening closing for this post. But I don’t. I just have me. Lauren Marie, feeling incredibly weak in the hands of her Almighty Creator, trusting in 2 Corinthians 3:5-6, determined to keep working, thinking, and moving forward, and tearing up as she ponders the realization that “He’s been so faithful every other time.”
Feb 24, 2010
Feb 7, 2010
Subjective Truth Pretends to Fly
I sat at my computer, attempting to focus on writing an essay, but the conversation my younger sisters were having behind me drew my attention away. They were talking about their physical science test they had taken that morning, and specifically about the question having to do with “reference points”. Apparently not very satisfied with their answers, they were exasperatedly complaining about how they knew what a reference point was, but the test had asked them to explain the purpose of a reference point in conjunction with the idea of motion.
I spun around in my desk chair and queried, “Well, you know what a reference point does, right?”
They responded, “Yeah, it’s where the motion started.”
I continued, “Exactly, so the purpose of the reference point is so that you can tell when something is or was in motion. Without a reference point, you could never tell if anything had actually moved or not. Motion can’t be defined without a reference point.”
Watching the light bulb effect in their eyes was undoubtedly priceless. After a little more discussion, we all went back to work. However, I’ve been thinking a lot about that incident since it happened.
We all see reality, we all function within reality, and we all interact with it in our perspectival arena most refer to as “life”. Now, let me introduce a new member of the discussion. Meet Sir Subjectivity. He has been quite busy in our culture as of late, as is evident in the emerging and thriving ideas of our society. His point is that individuals have their own personal interpretations or perspective on issues. This is true on a limited scale, such as preference. I don’t like black licorice, but my Dad loves it. My favorite color is red. Mom’s favorite color is green. Megan loves to swim. The twins like soccer. This realm of subjectivity is related to preferential differences in opinion. However, these are all based on the same “reference point”. The color is red. You need water to swim. You run to play soccer. Black licorice has a specific taste.
Let’s return to our discussion of motion. In order to know that motion exists, there must be a reference point. In order to know that I like the color red, there has to be a definite definition of that color. What happens when you take the reference point out of the picture? …you have no definition of movement. Essentially, it doesn’t exist.
Now, look around. I’m serious, look around. You most likely have stable, non-moving objects near you. You’re actually one of these objects. If one of those objects moves, (including yourself) you will know that it has moved because you’ve intuitively established a reference point.
I now have a question. Doesn’t any definition require a reference point? Any and all definitions or interpretations are founded on these “reference points” that determine their “motion”, or how they are in relation to something that is.
I have another question. What is this reference point to which I am referring?
The reference point is… objective truth.
I have to objectively be here in order for anyone to understand that I moved there. So in defining myself, I am relying to an objective understanding of reality in order for people to understand where I am.
Continuing the idea I started earlier… Sir Subjectivity belongs only within the realm of preference, because the preference is based on reference points, or objective truth. As soon as Sir Subjectivity steps outside of his box, he malfunctions. Many people attempt to apply him to truth. What happens when subjectivity is applied to truth? You lose your reference point.
At this point I want to be very clear. This can’t happen. Please understand, it’s not just that it shouldn’t happen, it can’t happen. Think about it. To define truth in a subjective manner removes the reference point of objectivity, but notice, there is still a definition involved. Definitions cannot be subjective because they have to have reference points.
Some might say, “But my reference points in my definition are subjective, too!” That can’t happen. Take away the reference points of a definition, and you have no communication because your meaning has disappeared. Communicable definitions are based on reference points, take it or leave it.
Individuals who believe in subjective realities or subjective truth are pretending they can fly. While objectivists have their feet planted firmly on the ground, the subjectivists stand beside them, determined that they can fly. But really, what are they doing? Well, first, they’re lying to themselves. Secondly, however, they’re standing on objectivity. Their feet are planted firmly on the ground despite their belief in their ability to fly. For the sake of argument, let’s say they really did grow wings and fly. As they soared off into the clouds of subjectivity, they yell, “See! I told you I could fly!”
The objectivist smiles to himself all the while knowing that their definition of “flying” was dependent on the reality that they were standing on the ground. They have an objective reference point. Objectivity governs any definition, and no matter how hard Sir Subjectivity tries to function outside the box of preferences, there is no escape.
I spun around in my desk chair and queried, “Well, you know what a reference point does, right?”
They responded, “Yeah, it’s where the motion started.”
I continued, “Exactly, so the purpose of the reference point is so that you can tell when something is or was in motion. Without a reference point, you could never tell if anything had actually moved or not. Motion can’t be defined without a reference point.”
Watching the light bulb effect in their eyes was undoubtedly priceless. After a little more discussion, we all went back to work. However, I’ve been thinking a lot about that incident since it happened.
We all see reality, we all function within reality, and we all interact with it in our perspectival arena most refer to as “life”. Now, let me introduce a new member of the discussion. Meet Sir Subjectivity. He has been quite busy in our culture as of late, as is evident in the emerging and thriving ideas of our society. His point is that individuals have their own personal interpretations or perspective on issues. This is true on a limited scale, such as preference. I don’t like black licorice, but my Dad loves it. My favorite color is red. Mom’s favorite color is green. Megan loves to swim. The twins like soccer. This realm of subjectivity is related to preferential differences in opinion. However, these are all based on the same “reference point”. The color is red. You need water to swim. You run to play soccer. Black licorice has a specific taste.
Let’s return to our discussion of motion. In order to know that motion exists, there must be a reference point. In order to know that I like the color red, there has to be a definite definition of that color. What happens when you take the reference point out of the picture? …you have no definition of movement. Essentially, it doesn’t exist.
Now, look around. I’m serious, look around. You most likely have stable, non-moving objects near you. You’re actually one of these objects. If one of those objects moves, (including yourself) you will know that it has moved because you’ve intuitively established a reference point.
I now have a question. Doesn’t any definition require a reference point? Any and all definitions or interpretations are founded on these “reference points” that determine their “motion”, or how they are in relation to something that is.
I have another question. What is this reference point to which I am referring?
The reference point is… objective truth.
I have to objectively be here in order for anyone to understand that I moved there. So in defining myself, I am relying to an objective understanding of reality in order for people to understand where I am.
Continuing the idea I started earlier… Sir Subjectivity belongs only within the realm of preference, because the preference is based on reference points, or objective truth. As soon as Sir Subjectivity steps outside of his box, he malfunctions. Many people attempt to apply him to truth. What happens when subjectivity is applied to truth? You lose your reference point.
At this point I want to be very clear. This can’t happen. Please understand, it’s not just that it shouldn’t happen, it can’t happen. Think about it. To define truth in a subjective manner removes the reference point of objectivity, but notice, there is still a definition involved. Definitions cannot be subjective because they have to have reference points.
Some might say, “But my reference points in my definition are subjective, too!” That can’t happen. Take away the reference points of a definition, and you have no communication because your meaning has disappeared. Communicable definitions are based on reference points, take it or leave it.
Individuals who believe in subjective realities or subjective truth are pretending they can fly. While objectivists have their feet planted firmly on the ground, the subjectivists stand beside them, determined that they can fly. But really, what are they doing? Well, first, they’re lying to themselves. Secondly, however, they’re standing on objectivity. Their feet are planted firmly on the ground despite their belief in their ability to fly. For the sake of argument, let’s say they really did grow wings and fly. As they soared off into the clouds of subjectivity, they yell, “See! I told you I could fly!”
The objectivist smiles to himself all the while knowing that their definition of “flying” was dependent on the reality that they were standing on the ground. They have an objective reference point. Objectivity governs any definition, and no matter how hard Sir Subjectivity tries to function outside the box of preferences, there is no escape.
Feb 4, 2010
John Piper on Faith and Trust
"Your daddy is standing in a swimming pool out a little bit from the edge. You are, let’s say, three years old and standing on the edge of the pool. Daddy holds out his arms to you and says, “Jump, I’ll catch you. I promise.” Now, how do you make your daddy look good at that moment? Answer: trust him and jump. Have faith in him and jump. That makes him look strong and wise and loving. But if you won’t jump, if you shake your head and run away from the edge, you make your daddy look bad. It looks like you are saying, “he can’t catch me” or “he won’t catch me” or “it’s not a good idea to do what he tells me to do.” And all three of those make your dad look bad.
But you don’t want to make God look bad. So you trust him. Then you make him look good–which he really is. And that is what we mean when we say, “Faith glorifies God” or “Faith gives God glory.” It makes him look as good as he really is. So trusting God is really important.
And the harder it seems for him to fulfill his promise, the better he looks when you trust him. Suppose that you are at the deep end of a pool by the diving board. You are four years old and can’t swim, and your daddy is at the other end of the pool. Suddenly a big, mean dog crawls under the fence and shows his teeth and growls at you and starts coming toward you to bite you. You crawl up on the diving board and walk toward the end to get away from him. The dog puts his front paws up on the diving board. Just then, your daddy sees what’s happening and calls out, “Johnny, jump in the water. I’ll get you.”
Now, you have never jumped from one meter high and you can’t swim and your daddy is not underneath you and this water is way over your head. How do you make your daddy look good in that moment? You jump. And almost as soon as you hit the water, you feel his hands under your arms and he treads water holding you safely while someone chases the dog away. Then he takes you to the side of the pool.
We give glory to God when we trust him to do what he has promised to do–especially when all human possibilities are exhausted. Faith glorifies God. That is why God planned for faith to be the way we are justified."
— John Piper
But you don’t want to make God look bad. So you trust him. Then you make him look good–which he really is. And that is what we mean when we say, “Faith glorifies God” or “Faith gives God glory.” It makes him look as good as he really is. So trusting God is really important.
And the harder it seems for him to fulfill his promise, the better he looks when you trust him. Suppose that you are at the deep end of a pool by the diving board. You are four years old and can’t swim, and your daddy is at the other end of the pool. Suddenly a big, mean dog crawls under the fence and shows his teeth and growls at you and starts coming toward you to bite you. You crawl up on the diving board and walk toward the end to get away from him. The dog puts his front paws up on the diving board. Just then, your daddy sees what’s happening and calls out, “Johnny, jump in the water. I’ll get you.”
Now, you have never jumped from one meter high and you can’t swim and your daddy is not underneath you and this water is way over your head. How do you make your daddy look good in that moment? You jump. And almost as soon as you hit the water, you feel his hands under your arms and he treads water holding you safely while someone chases the dog away. Then he takes you to the side of the pool.
We give glory to God when we trust him to do what he has promised to do–especially when all human possibilities are exhausted. Faith glorifies God. That is why God planned for faith to be the way we are justified."
— John Piper
Feb 3, 2010
The Occasional Hilarity of Broken Sequences...
Mom walks out of her bedroom one morning to find (then) seven-year-old Megan meandering about the upstairs.
Mom asks, "Megan, have you had breakfast yet?"
...without missing a beat, Megan replies...
"No I don't know what to wear."
Ha ha!...at which point, the four of us older sisters immediately erupt into giggles and laughter, Megan grins and begins an immediate explanative speech to justify her said response, and Mom looks completely confused until the dots connect. Then she joins the fun.
If it still doesn't make sense, here's the deal. The kitchen is downstairs. Megan didn't want to go downstairs until she was out of her pajamas and dressed for the day. She didn't know what to wear.
Mom: "Megan, have you had breakfast yet?"
Megan: "No, I don't know what to wear."
Mom asks, "Megan, have you had breakfast yet?"
...without missing a beat, Megan replies...
"No I don't know what to wear."
Ha ha!...at which point, the four of us older sisters immediately erupt into giggles and laughter, Megan grins and begins an immediate explanative speech to justify her said response, and Mom looks completely confused until the dots connect. Then she joins the fun.
If it still doesn't make sense, here's the deal. The kitchen is downstairs. Megan didn't want to go downstairs until she was out of her pajamas and dressed for the day. She didn't know what to wear.
Mom: "Megan, have you had breakfast yet?"
Megan: "No, I don't know what to wear."
Feb 2, 2010
Vulnerability
This is mainly to the young ladies that may frequent this blog.
I've been reading "Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood" by Piper and Grudem, and near the beginning, Piper (quoting another writer) lays out some positive characteristics of a woman. Amidst the array of important and amiable qualities, I came across "Vulnerable (emotionally open)".
This surprised me. It wouldn't seem that vulnerability would be a positive characteristic. However, as I thought about it further... being vulnerable doesn't mean you have to be weak. It communicates more of a transparent honesty. It's a "handle with care" sign, really. I'll admit, I'm vulnerable. Do I have a reason to hide it? ...no. Do others need to see it? ...yes.
However, also included in the list of positive characteristics is the quality, "Enduring." ...requiring strength. Strength enough to withstand, strength enough to press on, strength enough to conquer.
There is a balance that must be kept. I have personally seen myself err on both sides of the equasion, and I've seen other young ladies do the same. Either we're overly strong, and therefore, not vulnerable enough. Or, we use the "vulnerable" characteristic as an exuse, avoiding the difficulty it takes to endure. Neither is acceptable.
There's a type of humility that's communicated in vulnerability. However, while vulnerability says, "I'll be honest about where I struggle," endurance says, "I'll press forward, claiming the strength of Christ."
I've been reading "Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood" by Piper and Grudem, and near the beginning, Piper (quoting another writer) lays out some positive characteristics of a woman. Amidst the array of important and amiable qualities, I came across "Vulnerable (emotionally open)".
This surprised me. It wouldn't seem that vulnerability would be a positive characteristic. However, as I thought about it further... being vulnerable doesn't mean you have to be weak. It communicates more of a transparent honesty. It's a "handle with care" sign, really. I'll admit, I'm vulnerable. Do I have a reason to hide it? ...no. Do others need to see it? ...yes.
However, also included in the list of positive characteristics is the quality, "Enduring." ...requiring strength. Strength enough to withstand, strength enough to press on, strength enough to conquer.
There is a balance that must be kept. I have personally seen myself err on both sides of the equasion, and I've seen other young ladies do the same. Either we're overly strong, and therefore, not vulnerable enough. Or, we use the "vulnerable" characteristic as an exuse, avoiding the difficulty it takes to endure. Neither is acceptable.
There's a type of humility that's communicated in vulnerability. However, while vulnerability says, "I'll be honest about where I struggle," endurance says, "I'll press forward, claiming the strength of Christ."
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