Beauty Under Fire

That’s right, I’m going there. 

I love beauty.  I love painting my nails.  I love finding antique looking bracelets and, on occasion, I do buy them.  I love to braid, twist, and pin my hair up.  In fact, I love when the sun’s warm glow graces my head and brings out all those natural highlights you don’t normally see in my dark tresses, or  when the wind swirls wisps of hair around my face.  When I’m out in the cold, and Jack Frost is nipping at my nose, I love the rosy glow that dots my cheeks.  I love making a quick turn and feeling my skirt swirl around my legs.  To tell the truth, I am incredibly fond of my fingerless gloves and wear them whenever possible.  And furthermore, I love when Daddy or one of the boys (my brothers are the boys, by the way) tells me how pretty I look.

What Doesn't Kill You... Makes you Stronger

It's no secret that I passionately believe the hard times in life are not a curse— they are a blessing.  I believe what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.  The hard times make you stand a little taller, know yourself better, believe that you can survive.  In the end, what doesn’t kill you makes you into a fighter, someone who can run the race of life with confidence.

God tells us this is true, so is it any surprise that science now has the proof to back it up?  Because hard times and troubles are such a big part of people’s lives, scientists have been studying the effect that these things have on our bodies and minds.  Researcher Mark Seery, a psychologist at the University at Buffalo in the U.S., said: ‘Serious events – like the death of a child or parent, a natural disaster, being physically attacked, experiencing sexual abuse, or being forcibly separated from your family – can cause psychological problems.  In fact, some research has suggested that the best way to go through life is having nothing ever happen to you. But not only is that unrealistic, it’s not necessarily healthy.’

Legitimate Violence: Self Defense

The issue of self defense is a widely debated topic within the church.  Some say we should be pacifistic and “turn the other cheek”, others say we should be willing to put a bullet through anyone who comes to take something from us, whether that be  of monetary value or eternal value.  In the end, though, it doesn’t really matter what people argue.  What matters is what the Bible has to say on the subject, and the Bible isn’t silent on this topic.

After giving my views on self defense to a number of friends, I was encouraged to rewrite my post in a manner that would allow me to share those views with you all.  After some consideration I have taken their advice, and this post is the results.