Who knew?

The book I'm reading now is very much out of the norm of what I like to read. Actually I scoffed at the book the first time I saw it saying something along the lines of how much I hate books like this one. Turns out the book is pretty good so far. It was recommended to me by some friends, it apparently changed their whole outlook on relationships. As much as we hate to feel like focus needs to be on relationships, we are all in them at some point so maybe giving the book a chance is a good idea. It is called, "for women only" by Shaunti Feldhahn. Don't worry men there is one for you too, it's called, "for men only" ( I know you weren't expecting that title) and that one is written by she and her husband. The book goes into the supposed inner lives of men. The author took the time, with help from professionals (the former chief of survey for the U.S. census bureau and another lady that does research and surveys) to survey men in and out of the church all across the country on issues in relationships. The men were from the ages 21 - 75, they were anonymous and the questions referred to how men think, how they feel and what their needs are. She did a couple of follow up surveys to finish her analysis and then wrote this book. So far the biggest revelation is that most men would rather feel alone and unloved than to feel inadequate or disrespected. That's so opposite of women who mainly want to feel loved and as far from lonely as they can get. I guess respecting someone can be what makes them feel loved. We'll find out. The author has a master's degree in public policy from Harvard, has worked on Wall Street and Capitol Hill. She has many bestselling books, is a syndicated newspaper columnist and a public speaker. I bet there is some validity in the stuff she has to say.

Admitting what I cannot do...

It's interesting to me, that most of most of my days is filled with me convincing either myself or others that I Can. Perhaps it is the mentality instilled in us from birth, the stories of the little engine that could or simply the affirmations from our parents.

This morning I read from My Utmost for His Highest and it began with these words:

I cannot save myself and sanctify myself; I cannot atone for sin; I cannot redeem the world; I cannot make right what is wrong, pure what is impure, holy what is unholy. That is all the sovereign work of God. Have I faith in what Jesus Christ has done?... The great need is not to do things, but to believe things...

What a difference it could make if we began every morning with such a confession.

Nigger: by Dick Gregory

I am 3 pages away from finishing up Dick Gregory's book entitled Nigger. I read the book because I was planning on interviewing him, but everytime I called his number it just rang through. After being encouraged to call him again I picked up the dialed his number once more and then I heard his voice. It took me off guard, but I quickly switching into pitch mode, the conversation was short, and direct but Mr. Gregory was very warm.. I'm looking forward to doing an interview with him in the next few weeks. Its crazy how much you think you know someone after you have read a personal account of their life. The book, is over 40 years old, and there has been an update since, but he seems like he has not changed a lot. Gregory is a comedian/ author/social activist/ dietician, all around he seems to be concerned about consciousness. Some people may misunderstand his passion, but he is true blue. My Dad has a lot of respect for him, and that says a lot. Gregory in his day was a top comedian, even before the time of Richard Pryor, and he put a lot of that aside to be apart of the civil rights movement. He wasn't simply making speeches and giving money, but leading protests and going to jail for what he believed in. Even now, Gregory at age 75 is very active and travels frequently. In 2001 he was diagnosed with cancer, but he refused treatment choosing instead to go on a strict diet. Now he is 85% cancer free according to his website. So anyway I'm setting up some more interview with authors because its an excellent way for me to learn, teach other people and build my professional portfolio.

Following Who?

Ok, usually I won't post political things, but every now and then I feel too strongly about something to just sit back and not say anything. So here it is, short, and I hope to the point. I promise no more political things for a while...

She’s at it again. Ann Coulter, outrageous as ever will spew anything hateful and erroneous as long as it sells books. In this interview with the New York Observer she states that women shouldn’t have the right to vote.
http://www.observer.com/2007/coulter-culture
Anyone see anything a little contradictory there? To her credit I don’t think she actually believes anything she says, it’s all about staying in the limelight due to saying something utterly ridiculous and inflammatory. What I really don’t get is this: why do so many in the Christian community blindly support her? Have we forgotten the fundamental message of Christ? To love each other? Its almost as if we throw our support wholeheartedly after anyone who votes Republican. Have we forgotten the purpose of democracy? The purpose of our two party system? It was meant to encourage dialogue, understanding, and collaboration, not divide, anger, and slander. Calling people like John Edwards a “faggot” and labeling all liberals as “godless” sets us back miles from where we should be, and miles from where truth is. Come on. She talks about believing in God, but does she ever ask herself what he would say? I doubt it would sound anything like the hateful divisive filth that comes out of her mouth. And the worst part of it is, people are going to think that she is representative of all republicans, that all conservatives are as hateful as she is. It makes me sick. I can’t help but feel like Jesus would be pretty far from agreement with her, in fact, I can’t see him saying anything like what she says. So come on, who are we following?