This one’s for May.. I’m late, but you
were not forgotten.
Condolences to the Robin Family
The three little ones did not make it in
the end. It must have been the cold, Mama Robin was not able to keep them warm
enough nor find them enough food. We heard and saw them but for a day, and they
went silent. A few days later, Arthur checked inside the nest and confirmed the sad sad news. Crazy
Chicago weather, you took away three birdlings!
Although it’s been a month, I’m still
saddened at the thought of the mother bird losing her young ones. Perhaps they’ll
reunite in heaven? God, please?
Commenting on my Belly
In case you’ve not heard, “you’re
showing!” then “you’re showing so much!” “You showed so quickly”. This is
accompanied by intent stares and looks and smiles at my belly. You’re a woman
too, surely you can understand this is not comfortable? I responded with “Yes,
I’m pregnant. Of course I’m showing, what can I do?”
And then the best one to top it all off “You
look like a cylinder. So cute!” I did not know how to respond to that one.
Times like this, I seek refuge in 1 Peter
3:3-4 to focus on cultivating the gentle and quiet spirit, thankful that God
seeks beauty within - even for me, Ms Roley-Poley.
Cooking for Pregnancy
One upside with this pregnancy is that it’s
pushed me to try out different recipes, or rather experimenting more in the
kitchen. I made my first pot of red dates and longan tea, first pot of radish
soup (though I was told it’s not good for me), three cups chicken, conpoy
porridge and dumpling noodle soup. This child clearly has Asian taste buds!
Contemplations on Womanhood
After finishing the Women’s study on “True
Womanhood”, I am still perturbed and perplexed. It’s a pretty good material. I
appreciate how it tries to deconstruct the impact of feminism on women today,
and I understand that it has the modern American woman in mind. It has tried to
focus on principles and emphasizing on us working out what it looks like in our
individual contexts. Still, I am left with the same questions and bitter
aftertastes.
The examples of women applauded were in
the mold of “the missionary wife who did countless loads of laundry, cooked
countless meals, played hosts to countless guests”, “the women who prayed
silently and faithfully for their families and church”… I love these women and
long to model after them. I also love that the church recognizes the unseen, and
prizes things that this world does not. But YET, I find that much of the women
material emphasizes “walking in the shadows”, at the expense of recognizing
women who make a visible difference in different domains out of their
commitment to Christ. It’s not really one or the other, is it?
And then there are biblical organizations
that I believe in, that would not even allow men and women to be in the same
Bible study, to prevent the awkward situation of women potentially correcting/
teaching men during discussions. Where is the line between correcting/
teaching/ encouraging? Ok, at least they are consistent; and not just applying
things to the pulpit. But I do not believe this is a faithful application of
the helper role that God gave to women!
And is it legitimate to say that because
the secular workplace does not recognize God as authority, it is ok for a man
to work under a female boss and for a Christian woman to be CEO of a company in
those scenarios? How does one who desires to live out all of life under God’s
authority; including the male-female relationship that God intends for us to
have, do that in the secular workplace? Does an attitude of humility, respect,
and “considering others better than yourself” suffice; such that no matter what
position I am in, as long as I am not viewing another (man) in contempt, it is
ok?
Convocation
Yes! I graduated! Yay!!! This deserves an
entry all on it’s own, so more next time!
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