oh my

HELLO FRIENDS. Wow, what a day. OKAY, let's catch you up a bit. You know how in my last post, I wrote about the only thing we have control of is how we treat each other and respond to each other. WEll...yesterday was a day of testing for me on this very topic. As most of you know the seminary that I attend, Pacific School of Religion is a Progressive Christian Seminary. Some of you might say that it is LIBERAL. Whatever term people might want to throw at this place, it is a wonderful place to explore God and to search out answers so that we can all be able to minister to God's children...There...I said it and I am glad.

That being said...The "political correctness" of this place is a constant learning curve. For those who know me well...you know that I do not filter out a lot that is in my head and heart sometimes. Now, don't get me wrong, I am not a cad, but if it needs saying...I will probably say it. Well...I learned yesterday that it is not a good thing to use the work "bitchy" when describing a female scholars writing style as it offends lesbians. that probably is not the whole truth...it can offend all women, but yesterday, it was a lesbian who basically seized the opportunity to shall we say....snip snip say of the balls ay way.

I tried so hard to respond like I wrote about yesterday. For the most part I did...but all I really got was a little broken heart and a wake up call. I was wrong for using the word. But it was the way I was feeling about the article and its style. I left the situation mad and ended up crying myself into a well deserved nap. Today was better as I believe that after a crucifixion, there is always a resurrection.

PHASE TWO

I got an email late yesterday that the Music Director of PSR was ill and that she needed me to take over the chorale rehearsal last night and play for chapel this morning. AGAIN...those of you who know me, know that I would rather give birth to broken dishes than play the piano in church. I can do it OKAY...but I am just not comfortable doing it. Chapel was awesome and I got so many compliments from professor types...so the day was looking up.

PHASE THREE

One of my favorite classes is Jesus in the Movies. We have surveyed 16 films this semester on all topics in Jesus' ministry. Well last week was Crucifixion week. Imagine, watching one crucifixion scene after another. Draining to say the least. We post out ideas on an online forum each week to share with our classmates our reactions or lack there of. My reaction to the Mel Gibson, crucifixion in THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST, was one of knowing the movies problems with the Jewish people and the probelm of gore and violence, I made the case, that even if those are both true, I had known people whose lives had been completely transformed by that movie. Well...I mentioned the "Jewish Race." OOOOOPPPPS. Not the right wording when there is a Jewish woman in the class. I received an "YOU ARE IMMORAL" email and reply post. WHAT...What did I say? Got that situation cleared up. but once again, my reaction to people was called into question and I had to fix it. Or rather God had to fix it. HE/SHE did and all is well....So...I am exhausted. What was God trying to let me in on? Well...I know now that saying something inspiring is nothing unless you are living up to it in your daily life. The fact is...we are all involved in a learning curve of life. I can take my mis-speaks this week...and know that knowledge is power....search out the RIGHT words to use. The right heart to portray, and the right intentions behind my every word. Will I screw up...oh yeah! But hopefully, I will get better adept at seeing a potential situation. Until then...do not use the word "bitchy" or the phrase "Jewish Race" in any context. Gotta Sleep