Too Legit to Quit.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I have legitimized myself as a blogger. This is my first post from my new MacBook Pro... or as I have been calling it, my iToy. I absolutely love it. Here's the very first thing I did (because, obviously the most important thing for a new computer is a desktop picture):

So as soon as I figure out how to use iBlog or whatever it is that could make this place snazzier, maybe I'll make this place a little snazzier.

Here's to owning way too much computer for my purposes.

Cheers.

Pacifism and Safety

Long story short, living alone in a big house has got me thinking about safety. Is there a way to protect myself while maintaining my commitment to non-violence?

I suppose I should back up. Last weekend I heard what sounded like someone trying to get in my backdoor twice. After calling the police and having a mild panic attack, Scott talked me down and a very big (and nice) officer came and checked out my backyard. There was nothing there and the officer also drove around the block a couple times so I felt safe enough to go to bed.

Now, I know that I did the right thing, calling the police and having them come make sure everything was ok. But I had been in kind of a terrible position. I didn't really have anything to protect myself-- not even a baseball bat. The officer said I should consider getting a gun-- but I don't really believe in guns and as my mother said, "Unless you also plan on getting shooting lessons you have no business owning something you don't know how to use."

Very well put.

Further, I don't know that I could ever point a gun at someone-- even if my life was in danger. Call me stupid, but don't forget that it takes me a good 15 minutes to squash a bug. (That happened to me AGAIN, btw. I really need to grow a pair.) So even if the gun wasn't loaded, I don't think I could be intimidating pointing an empty gun at someone anyway.

So until then, I ordered pepper spray and I am always sure to lock all of my deadbolts. Also, I'm considering finding a place to take Krav Maga lessons. It's always been my dad's preferred method of self defense, and I heard it did wonders for J-Lo's bottom when she was preparing for her role in Enough. I call that a win-win.

But even in my rejection of guns, I can't help but wonder-- can a pacifist really embrace pepper spray and martial arts? Is it enough to settle for only non-lethal methods of self-defense?

I can't help but think of the words of Jesus, "Those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it." (Luke 9:24 NRSV)

Now, because my mother reads this, I'm putting up a disclaimer now. If someone breaks into my house, I'm going to pepper spray them and call the police-- and figure out the theological implications of my decision later.

And ultimately, my life is always in God's hands and every breath I take is by his grace. So above all, I trust him with my safety.

But, just because I trust God to give me my daily bread doesn't mean I'm quitting my job and saying, "I don't need a paycheck, God will take care of me." And just because I trust God to protect me doesn't mean I'm going to leave all my doors unlocked and put a sign out front that says, "I live alone, break in at will!"

So where do I come out in the end? Unsure. But ready with some pepper spray, prayer, a cell phone... and possibly a new work out regimen.

So what should a Christian think about self defense? Where is the balance between practical and faithful? Thoughts?

Real Men Don't Fight on Twitter?

If you haven't seen it yet, you should probably know that there is currently a twitter war going down between Ashton Kutcher (@aplusk) and The Village Voice (@villagevoice) over sex trafficking.

Yes. It's as bizarre as it sounds.

Now, I haven't read everything that's been posted because twitter conversations between two people with as many followers as both of them have are notoriously difficult to read and I don't have to patience to put up with that amount of (pardon my French) bitchiness. I think that might make me a lazy blogger, but points for honesty?

Anyway, here's my understanding of the situation. Ashton and his wife (the lovely Demi for any pop culture newbs) have created a series of PSA's meant to bring attention to the issue of underage sex trafficking by attacking the demand. The idea is that "Real men don't buy girls." The ads feature Ashton and friends (Justin Timberlake, Drake, Jason Mraz, etc.) doing super manly things and then concluding "Real men (fill in the blank). Real men don't buy girls." This one is probably my fave:

So the village voice decides that it knows everything better than everyone and writes a pretty nasty article attacking Ashton and his campaign. (Read it here.) Their basic complaints are as follows: 1) Ashton and Demi did not have the correct numbers in their campaign. 2) These silly ads take away the seriousness of the situation. 3) Money should be spent on rehab for victims, not on "prosecuting working women" and "attacking the rights of men."

So, since I have a blog and once wrote a paper about modern slavery in Freshman comp, I decided to weigh in.

Here's the truth. Village Voice attacks Ashton and Demi for being celebs who don't check their facts. But, being celebs is not the reason they got those numbers "wrong." According to Village Voice's own article, almost every major newspaper in the US (very credible ones too) have quoted that same study. So if we're not going to hold journalists accountable for citing a "faulty study" then you can hardly expect it from two good hearted celebrities. I'm not saying it makes it ok to quote bad data-- I'm just saying it's definitely more understandable than Village Voice gives them credit for. And, in the name of wanting to help the victimized, I'm willing to give Ashton a little slack.

Further, my understanding of human trafficking is that 1) it happens in America, 2) it happens more overseas, 3) most of the girls in both cases are not American. So, while the statistic on American girls being trafficked may be high (although I doubt it is as low as Village Voice claims) the number of girls being trafficked regardless of nationality or location is VERY high. With that said, attacking the source of trafficking-- men who demand the supply of girls-- will help to stop both cases. There can be no market if there is no demand. So if you attack the demand, you attack all kinds of trafficking and the numbers the Village Voice is so worried about become less important.

As to the silliness of the ads and whether or not they take away from this social issue, it makes me think that Village Voice doesn't really understand the nature of modern social movements. Especially when you have the audience that Ashton has-- and stick your nose in the air all you want, it's a much bigger audience than any newspaper-- the way to get something noticed is to be funny or controversial. Frankly, these PSA's have a lot of appeal. They use well known celebrities, they are funny, and they're pissing people off-- all things you need to get attention. While there may be some truth to the idea that these videos may trivialize the situation, I don't think that will be the overall result. Village Voice needs to wake up and smell the coffee. If they think dramatic youtube videos are going to get more attention than Ashton's they're wrong. And that's all there is to it. Ultimately, these videos are going to get a lot more people-- and probably people who aren't generally activists-- aware of the situation which will hopefully result in action. I can't help but be a fan. And if you think that Ashton is simply unable to create a serious PSA, then you haven't seen them all. Check out this one:

To me this says the use of humor is intentional in the other videos and I can't help but think the foundation is right. If they want their videos to see the most eyes, they're going about it the right way.

And finally, I agree that money should be spent rehabbing victims. But to say that money shouldn't be spent attacking the source is ridiculous. You can only put stitches on someone who keeps cutting into their arm with a chainsaw so many times before you realize you need to try and take away the chainsaw. That might be the most ridiculous image, but I think it's appropriate. We need to bandage the arm and work at not only removing the chainsaw, but destroying it.

I'm not going to argue whether it's a woman's right to sell herself or it's a man's right to buy pornography. But what I will say is this: we need to work to give women who find themselves at the end of their rope other options. We need to make it easier for women to get education or skill training or jobs or something to help keep them out of the industry. Because I don't care if you say it is her choice or not-- nothing good can come of selling yourself. It cannot be good for those women or their children. We need to make another way to earn a living more accessible. Then, hopefully, the problem won't be one we need to debate.

As for the pornography/free speech debate, the reality is that the pornography industry exploits women. So call it art, call it free speech, call it whatever-- but I know that in your heart of hearts you don't want your daughter/mom/sister/friend to be one of the women that happens to. I'm not saying it should be made illegal, but I am saying from the looks of the Village Voice article it seems that they don't think child pornography is too big of an issue. And that is despicable. Further, defending the exploitation and objectifying of women as "a man's rights" is one of the most disgusting things I've ever heard. I don't have any sort of answers but I think it's a real issue that one industry feeds the other.

The last thing I'll say is this: if activism is occurring for nothing more than image and activism's sake, it's worthless. Let me explain. It's too easy to take the position of "I cared about sex trafficking before it was cool to care about sex trafficking." But if that's how you feel, then you probably don't actually care about stopping sex trafficking but your appearance. Village Voice (and others like them) need to get off their high horse and instead of criticizing celebrities for being "bad activists" be excited that someone with 7 million followers on twitter is taking up this important issue as their cause. Like it or not, Ashton is going to reach way more people than Village Voice could ever dream of. Why wouldn't you take advantage of having someone like that on your team? Aren't we all working for the same cause here, trying to stop children from being exploited?

A wise man (Jesus, not Abraham Lincoln) once said, "A house divided against itself cannot stand." That is the ultimate truth. If we spend our time arguing, that's time, energy, and resources not put towards defending the little girls that need it. I suggest Village Voice takes their nose out of the air and see that being a bitchy know-it-all is not going to make people listen to you, much less like you and want to work with you.

So pop culture is a little shallow? The thing is, you need the shallow people (and their money) to get things done. So, I vote, embrace it and use it and maybe we can do a little good in this world.

Besides, if village Voice was really as much better than Ashton as they keep claiming, they wouldn't take the time to fire off 140 character insults. That is the stupidest part of all. Twitter fight, really? I'm kind of disappointed in both of you. All I can hope is this will bring attention to the travesty of child sex trafficking. But, hey, I tend to be an optimist.

This has been very long and editorial, so if you stuck in until the end, I owe you a donut or something. With that said, I would love some feedback. Thoughts? Pop culture activism, good or bad?

Here's to getting things done.

Cheers.

Power of Presence

"Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God." Luke 6:20

Since I haven't shared a story from Jamaica yet, and it's been a slow week at the office, I would like to write up the craziest thing that happened to me on my most recent excursion to that magically green island.

The Clarendon infirmary is a government run facility in Maypen, Jamaica which cares for the mentally and physically handicapped. Although I have only been to the infirmary four times, I know that place has changed my life in very tangible ways.

Not only is the infirmary different from any other place I've ever been-- it's probably different from any place in America. When you first get out of the safety of the van, the first thing you will notice is the smell. Understaffed and poorly supplied, there is little hope of even keeping the patients clean-- let alone keeping the flies away. Once you adjust to the smell, you look around and take in the seeming hopelessness of people who have nothing. Bodies have betrayed those who live in the infirmary in ways that most acquainted with western medicine never imagined possible.

The first time I went to the infirmary in 2006, I was a 17 year old on a team of adults. So when I met Karen, possibly the most able person at the infirmary, and found out that we were the same age, I couldn't be pulled away. I spent my whole time there with Karen, listening to her talk about how much she loved helping the nurses take care of her fellow residents. I sat there with my whole life ahead of me-- she had been in the same place she lived now since she was five years old with little hope of change. Meeting Karen really changed me.

Scott, Karen, and Me in 2006

So when I came back in 2008, Karen was the person I looked forward to seeing again the most. Again, I spent my whole time with her.  When I asked Karen if she remembered me, she said yes-- but I was unsure if that was true. But then she asked me if Scott was with me again. I was so humbled and amazed in that moment. One of my teammates brought a polaroid camera-- so I left her with a small instant picture.

I didn't get a chance to go back to Jamaica again until a few weeks ago. It was now almost 5 years since I met Karen and 3 and a half since the last time I saw her. When the entire team went to the infirmary I did not see her but spent my time with a couple of the other residents without much thought. Luckily, I got another chance to go to the infirmary, this time for a full day. 

I was back with the residents I had spent time with just two days earlier and was headed to grab some lotion out of the office where we had put our stuff. As I was walking down one of my students said, "Hey, Veronica-- someone is looking for you!" I thought it had to be a mistake, I had just been with the only people who I had seen that week. But Courtney was insistent, "Get over here!"

When I walked over, there was Karen. Apparently, Courtney had asked her if she remembered her, to which Karen replied, "Are you Veronica?" Courtney said no, but told her that I was there. Karen said, "Veronica is here? Will you go get her?" Courtney, thinking that I had seen her just last Tuesday thought nothing of it.

When I went with Karen to her bed, she showed me the polaroid picture from 3 years ago that she kept on her nightstand. I asked, "How did you know I would be here?" She said simply, "I didn't."

The truth is this-- taking the time to love someone will change their life. Never underestimate the impact God allows you to have. I had only spent about two hours with this girl, but she remembered me as her friend-- and even asked for me more than 3 years later! 

Iron sharpens iron,   and one man sharpens another.

Proverbs 27:17

Knowing Karen changed my life. Little did I know that I was changing her life as well. There is unbelievable power in simply being present. Giving value to those whom the world overlooks is an act with eternal value. Let us not forget.

Here's to serving a God who blows my mind without a second thought.

Cheers.

The Unlikely Disciple

I recently finished reading this:

For anyone who doesn't know, the premise of The Unlikely Disciple is simple. A journalism major at Brown University decided to do a "study abroad" at Liberty University in order to explore the cultural gap created in America by the "God divide." No big deal. In this book, he chronicles stories from his life at Liberty, the people he met, the things he learned, and the ways his ideas were shaped.

The book is really very good and thought provoking-- but probably my biggest take away is the way that Kevin Roose's open-mindedness puts me to shame.

Let me explain. It would be easy to go into a place like Liberty ready to mock and be cynical and right all the time-- even (or maybe especially) for someone like me who already accepts the ludicrous idea that the Son of God was raised from the dead, loves me, and is leading my life. But Kevin goes into it looking to understand and bridge the divide. Really, that is to be commended.

He doesn't come away from the experience a conservative evangelical-- or really an evangelical at all-- but he does bring good insight to light on things he learned from his semester at "Bible boot camp."

At one point during his semester, Kevin scored an interview with Jerry Falwell and writes about how, political ideology aside, the man is actually quite likable. He reveals the other side of Falwell, the smiling man who brags on his grandkids and drinks a diet peach snapple everyday.

This scene gave me pause. How could this man be likable?? This man who used his influence to spread hate, homophobia, and a really terrible political agenda in the name of Jesus? How could there be anything to redeem this despicable man?!

But that's when I realized that if Jerry Falwell is a human, it is much harder to vilify him. It is easy for me to look at a man's sermons and political actions and allow hate to brew in my heart. But what about the fact that that man has a family? Or when he's not spewing anti-gay paranoia, he's playing practical jokes? That man is much harder to hate.

My problem, often, with the Christian Right is their refusal to see that God loves every person. People are valuable because God created them so. And probably, when people see that they will be more likely to turn to their creator than if they are simply scared of Hell.

But this scene made me realize that if God loves every person, then that includes Jerry Falwell. And as much as I disagree with everything he stands for, hating him will only lead to hard-hearted bitterness in my own life.

So here I am, someone who claims to worship a God who loves and values all, being put to shame by this author who looks only to have an open mind. Humility is sometimes hard to swallow.

Father, forgive me my inability to love. Allow me to see the places of my heart where my flesh takes over and continue to work them out. Give me the wisdom to discern between righteous anger and personal hate. Remind me again and again that I do not have everything figured out-- and give me an eternally teachable and discerning spirit. And above all, allow me to pray for those with whom I disagree, trusting that only you can change their hearts. Amen.

Here's to good, thought-provoking reads and an open mind.
Cheers.

Living Alone

This post will concern lessons I've garnered thus far in my first real adult experience.

My host left for Colorado last Friday in order to explore the peace of the mountains for 6 weeks. This, of course, leaves me with a whole house to myself and freedom from most responsibilities.

There are some definite bonuses to being roommate-less. I can listen to whatever music I want to while I get ready, I do everything on my own schedule, I never have to worry about being interrupted or being rude. I always get the remote and if I want quiet it's mine. Above all, there's no one to judge me when I decide to get a pizza and watch "Dating in the Dark" reruns (guilty!).

While I am enjoying all of this freedom, today I hit my first drawback. I can deal with the loneliness and I have enough deadbolts to make me feel safe.

But this morning, there was a giant beetle in my shower and it took me a good 15 minutes to kill it.

GIANT. BEETLE. DISGUSTING.

It may sound stupid, but that's my real life. I don't want to kill bugs; I just don't want them to touch me. And that desire is so strong it really takes a lot for me to get close enough to squish it. I even prayed for courage, but then I felt ridiculous praying for help killing something. Call me a gentle soul-- or something like that.

Well, 15 minutes and a plaid ked later, the bug was taken care of and I got in the shower. Bugs be warned. But I really hope that whoever I live with next is more capable than I am. Of course, I probably should've figured out that this was not going to be my strong suit when I was rendered completely incapable by the cockroaches we found in our room the last day in Jamaica. There's something about insects that turn me into approximately a seven year old girl thinking nothing but, "Oh my goodness someone make this safe again IamnotmovingfromthisspotuntilthatthingisGONE!!"

Well, adventures in adulthood. We all have to grow up some time.
Cheers.

Vacation Time, Brothers!

Dearest fans, I apologize for the delay, but I've been on vacation. I'll explain my life to you with a little list.

Since you last saw me I've...

• Been to 3 weddings (and bridesmaided one)
• Spent an excellent week with the boyfriend in my hometown
• Went to the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha
• And the BEST used book store ever-- Jackson Street Book Sellers (also in Omaha)
• Led a high school mission to Jamaica
• Started VBS back in Dallas

It's been a little crazy. I'll spice things up with a story or two, but I'm looking forward to getting back to life as normal... or at least as normal as it gets these days.

Cheers.

VP