In a Perfect World. . . Everyone would be a reader!

Reading is like breath to me.  I can't imagine a life without it.  I actually can't remember a time when I couldn't read, even though I know that time existed.  Learning to read opened up worlds for me that I will never have the opportunity to visit and explore; it's introduced to me to people that I will never have the opportunity to meet--some of whom I'd rather not meet anyway.  Books have always been my constant companion; I knew they would never betray, reject, or forsake me.  They helped me through a very lonely childhood. 

I don't really understand people who tell me they hate to read or that they've never read an entire book.  That actually happens quite often in my profession, and I really tire of hearing "Is there a movie?" every time I assign a novel to read.  I feel very sad for those who have never lost themselves in the world of a wonderful novel. It warms my heart when one of those same students tells me how much they enjoyed a novel after they were "forced" to read it.  I smile when I hear their sense of accomplishment as they tell me it was the first book they've ever read all the way through.  I always pray that it will be the first of many for them and them so.

My mother tells me that I taught myself how to write the letters of the alphabet and that I learned to read quickly.  After learning to read, a book was always nearby.  I was the kid in school who read between classes and during lunch.  I spent many a summer day sitting in the shade of tree reading a book.  One summer I read the entire Nancy Drew series, another the entire Zane Grey collection.  I'm the one non-readers hate to visit a museum with because I always read the information plates. There's really nothing I more on a cold, rainy day than to curl up with a great book! 

Reading has shaped who I am in so many ways.  How do people who hate to read spend any quality time in God's word?  Reading scripture has helped me through so many desperate situations.  I remember when I was studying for my Ph.D. comprehensive exams and the Lord directed me to Psalm 121.  Knowing His promise that he would not "suffer my foot to slip" gave me the peace I needed to concentrate on those grueling exams.  A few years ago I received yet another promise when I was called back for a follow-up exam after a mammogram.  I can still feel my blood run cold just thinking about the call from the hospital.  I remember looking up scriptures for healing but soon realized that the Lord had directed me to scriptures dealing with fear.  Isaiah 41:13 ("For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.") gave me the peace I needed to face that situation.  A couple of years later, when I received that same type of call after another mammogram, reading scripture re-confirmed God's promise as He directed me to Isaiah 43:13 (". . .from ancient days I am he.  No one can deliver out of my hand.  When I act, who can reverse it?"). 

Reading has always been my lifeline and breath.  It always will be. In a perfect world, it would be life and breath for everyone.

The Bowl

 I miss my grandmother.  In a perfect world that wouldn't happen. Grandma Moon (my paternal grandmother whose real last name was Mullins) has been gone for over twenty years, but she's still very much alive in my memory.  As a child, I was always fascinated with her; she was so very different from my maternal grandmother who tended to much more formal.  Grandma Moon was half Choctaw, and she's the one that truly introduced me to nature.  Many summer afternoons, when my grandfather (nicknamed Mr. Moon by the men of the sawmill where he was a foreman) came in from "the mill," we'd all climb into his his un-air-conditioned pickup and head to a creek or river.  Fishing on the river was usually relatively easy; we just sat on the bank and fished.  Fishing on a creek was an entirely different story as my grandmother was never content to stay where she "didn't get a bite."  I would follow her through thickets and high creek beds looking for the perfect spot that would produce the bounty of catfish she was looking for.  I climbed creek banks that I would never allow my children or grandchildren to climb, but at the time I didn't realize I should be frightened, especially since I didn't know how to swim.  But's it's not really all the fishing stories that remind me of my grandmother.  It's a simple crockery bowl that forms my central image of her.

It's funny how seeing something as simple as an old, crockery bowl can flood your thoughts with memories.  When I think of my grandmother, I think of her biscuit bowl.  This large, beige crockery bowl was kept filled with flour under her kitchen sink, covered only with a dishtowel.  Today, keeping a bowl-full of flour under the sink would be unthinkable; we're all such germaphobes now.  Twice a day, at breakfast and lunch, my grandmother would pull out the bowl and make biscuits.  It was a a process that I loved to watch.  First, she would remove the towel and carefully smooth out a "well" in the center of the flour.  Next, she would scope out a handful of lard (yes, real lard! It was wonderful!) and add buttermilk.  Finally, a few pinches of salt and baking powder were added.  After using her hands to squish all these ingredients together, incorporating just enough of the flour from the bowl to make a perfect dough, individual biscuits would be pinched off, one at a time, rolled into a ball, and placed and turned in the oiled biscuit pan (also containing melted lard).  It was a symphony of creation!  She never measured anything, but her biscuits were always perfect and melted in your mouth (even as they clogged your arteries!). 

My grandmother tried to teach me how to make biscuits; now I wish I had paid more attention.  My grandmother was like that bowl in many ways.  She was tough; she knew how to cultivate a vegetable garden, make quilts, and skin a catfish--all fascinating in the eyes of a child.  Like the crockery bowl, she had emerged from the fire of life that made her almost indestructable.  Even her weathered skin resembled the rough texture of the bowl.  Like the bowl, she was rarely the center of attention; she preferred to allow others to claim the spotlight while she worked tirelessly behind the scenes.  However, just as we all looked forward to her pulling the old crockery bowl from under the sink, we all looked forward to having her care for us; we knew it was a labor of love.  She worked hard to make sure we all turned out just as perfectly as the biscuits she baked twice a day.  Like the bowl, she was prized and loved;  everyone loved to go to Grandma Moon's house.  It was a place of freedom, even though there were boundaries.  We made mud pies, tried to catch "crawdaddies," and ate dirt and swallowed watermelon seeds because she told us doing so would cause watermelons to grow in our stomaches.

Today, that bowl is one of my most prized possessions.  It's not much to look at, but it's priceless to me.  I can only pray that my grandchildren view me in the same way--as a grandmother who will always work tirelessly to make sure each and every one of them know how much they are loved.  I miss my grandmother.  In a perfect world, those we love would always be with us. 

In a Perfect World . . .Memories Would All Be Pleasant

In a perfect world, we would all be able to look back on only pleasant childhood memories.  Unfortunately, that's not always the case; too many of us come from difficult childhoods where life was not always pleasant and family was not always loving.  While I can honestly say there were good times as I was growing up, I can also say there were many unpleasant times.  I think I never really felt that I was truly loved.  My loved me, of course, but they didn't show it--I think I was just supposed to know.  My father was probably the one who was able to show love the most openly; however, he was a long-haul truck driver and was often gone for days at a time.  My mother was probably too busy trying to keep things together to be to demonstrative in showing tangible evidence of love. 

I don't mean to be critical of my parents (I know it sounds as if I am); no doubt I made my own share of mistakes as a parent.  Thus, the theme of this blog.  Wouldn't it be wonderful if every adult could look back and remember their childhood fondly?  Perhaps, though, our parents knew something that many parents today don't--it's impossible to make every child happy all the time.  The reality is that too many children today don't really know how to cope with difficult situations because they've never been in one.  Parents try to shield their children from all difficulty when it is the difficult situations that build character and critical thinking skills.  Lessons learned in difficult childhood situations can often help deal with difficult adult situations. 

Jesus doesn't shield His followers from difficulty just as He wasn't shielded from difficulty.  We can all learn from His examples.  He constantly exhibited grace under pressure.  He showed us how to handle adversity.  He was unaccepted, so we could learn how to cope when our friends and family reject and abandon us.  He suffered to show us a more excellent way.  So maybe, in a perfect world . . . all children would learn to develop strong character through difficulty.

In A Perfect World . . . Politicians Would Be Honest

In a perfect world . . . politicians would be honest and run an honest campaign.  I was interested in the results of the Iowa Straw Poll that was held today; especially since I watched the Republican debate last Thursday.  Most politicians portray themselves as being honest and only concerned with "the good of the people;" however, what they really mean is they're only concerned with the "good of their pocketbook."  It was interesting to see that Michelle Bachman won the straw poll, even though straw polls such as this one hold no bearing on the actual election.  I would love to see a woman in the White House, but I'm not sure that will happen, especially on the heels of the Obama fiasco.  Unfortunately, as with other women running for public office, Bachman will be forced to answer questions that male candidates will not.  She will be scrutinized for the way she dresses, for the way she wears her hair, and for every misspoken word. 

In a perfect world . . . candiates wouldn't attack each other; they would stick to the issues. 

Republican Presidential Debate

In a perfect world, we would be able to have a civil debate about every issue.  Unfortunately, that isn't the case, especially in the political arena.  Tonight the first debate among potential Republican presidential candidates will take place.  I'm looking forward to the interchange between candidates.  As a voter, I want to be able to make an informed choice; I want to be able to cast an intelligent vote for the candidate that best represents my values.  What I don't want to hear is personal attacks; I want the candidates to stick to the issues.

Perhaps what we need isn't a debate at all; perhaps what we need is for each candidate to clearly articulate their platform.  What do the value?  What do they see as the role of government?  What are their views on abortion, homosexuality, immigration?  What do they plan to do they have for addressing each of these issues?

I recently saw a headline that decried the absence of strong global leaders.  That was a startling headline because it made me realize just how close to the Rapture (when Christ "catches away" believers just before the Great Tribulation) we really are.  The world seems primed for a global leader who will step in and bring order to a chaotic and turbulent world.  How is this connected to the presidential debate?  For starters, it may be America's last chance to produce a strong leader with solid moral values.  It may the last chance for American to re-establish her position as a global leader that will not follow the immoral, chaotic path a most European nations.

I fear for our nation.  As a nation, we've turned from God.  Christianity is maligned and villified on a daily basis while the virtues of Islam are extolled.  The Bible provides many examples of the fate that awaits nations who turn from God; America is no exception.  In a perfect world, every candidate that ran for public office would do so with a pure purpose; there would be no personal agendas.  That doesn't seem to be the case for most politicians who seem to have a "tell them what they want to hear" mentality.  In a perfect world, the goal of every politician would be to make sure that America remains great and strong. 

Let me end with this.  If you don't know Christ as your personal saviour, I emplore you to accept Him today before it's too late.  Once God's people have been removed from this earth, the chaos, fear, death, and destruction that ensue is unimaginable. In a perfect world, blogs discussing this type of topic would be unnecessary.

In A Perfect World . . . Soft Apocalypse Concluded

In a perfect world there would be no market for books such as Soft Apocalypse. I know this sounds very harsh, but after reading the book (and yes, I forced myself to read the entire novel), I just couldn't find any redeeming qualities.  The main character, Jasper, never changes.  He is clearly the intended protagonist because he seems to be struggling to find a place to fit into a chaotic world, but his character never undergoes any sort of change.  Jasper never really learns anything about himself or anyone else.  The novel presents a society that is both chaotic and contradictory; most people function as animals, surviving on what little can be foraged. However, there is an indication that a wealthy class exists that lacks nothing and continues to have access to food, technology, money, and luxury.  He does present one interesting idea that I think is evident in our current administration--dissent is not tolerated.  In this novel, the only people who have everything they need are those who are willing to be infected with the "happy" virus so that they become automatons, without the capacity to think for themselves.  These people are gathered into walled cities and have everything they need supplied for them; unfortunately, they have also lost the ability to think and experience any sort of real emotion.  Perhaps one of my biggest problems with the novel is the use of profanity that proliferates the novel.  Profanity in dialogue, while objectionable, can serve a purpose if it adds to the development of a character (even though I personally disagree with this), but this novel uses profanity even within the narrative portions.  That completely uncalled for and unacceptable.  In my opinion, it shows lack of development as a writer.  The only reason I would recommend this novel to anyone (and I don't) is that is illustrates what society and life might be after Christ raptures his church.  When God's presence is removed from this world; total depravity will set in.  Only God's grace and mercy has protected our world from the depraved state depicted in this novel.  Let me take this opportunity to ask you to accept Christ as your personal saviour if you have not done so.  For those who claim to be followers of Christ, I ask that you examine your life and make sure that sin has not been able to gain a foothold.  Jesus is coming again; we all need to be ready!

In A Perfect World . . . Soft Apocalypse

After a substantial hiatus from popular fiction, I'm currently reading  Soft Apocalypse by Will McIntosh. Actually, I've read four chapters, and I must say, it has been an ordeal.  I keep waiting for a character to be developed and a plot and/or theme to emerge; so far that hasn't happened.  Before you begin sputtering that I don't know what I'm talking about, check my credentials--I hold a Ph.D. in literature, so I understand criticism.  I think it's also fair to say that during the course of my academic career I've read many things that were not particularly to my liking, but I was usually always able to find the academic merit of the work.  That doesn't seem to be the case with this novel.  Clearly, this a postmodern novel set in a postmodern environment; it's clear that neither the character (and I'm relatively sure the author) doesn't believe in absolute truth.  The novel opens with America in shambles, divided into basically two groups--the rich and the poor; the middle class no longer exists. The novel moves from one act of violence to another and is laden with sex and profanity.  Part of the problem with this novel is that opens in a state of depravity (that only seems to get worse), but the reader is clueless as to how American actually ended up in this state.  Ironically, even though the people are poverty stricken and at the point of starvation, are constantly being harrassed by the government, and afflicted with what most of the characters believe to be biological viruses, everyone manages to survive and still have access to some type of media--specifically MSNBC.  These facts lead to me to suspect (I have no actual proof) that the author is liberal and hates anything connected to capitalism.  This in itself is ironic in that one of the main characters, Jasper, is becoming quite the entrepreneur as he struggles to help the owner of a small convenience store rebuild his business after it is vandalized.  The timeline of the novel covers very large segments of time; these time spans are usually identified at the beginning of each chapter, and it is virtually the only way the reader has to keep track of elapsed time.  The events of the novel could easily take place on successive days.  Even though this is a terrible novel, and I certainly don't recommend it to anyone, I'm going to finish it.  Perhaps I can eventually find some redeeming quality, but I really don't hold out much hope for that.  One of the reasons the novel is so bleak is that there is absolutely no mention of religion (except for God's name to be taken in vain).  A world without Jesus would probably resemble the world created by McIntosh; it would be a world devoid of hope, love, and compassion.  Reading this novel reinforces the need to take Jesus to every people, nation, and tongue.  Only Jesus can bring America and the rest of the world to a place of perfection.  I'll continue to blog about this novel, but let me close this one in this manner--if you don't know Jesus as your personal saviour, I pray that you stop what you're doing and ask Him into your heart.  Let the love of Jesus wash over your soul and cleanse you from all sin (yes, we are all sinners).  Ask yourself this all important question:  If I were to die tonight, do I know for certain that I would be with Jesus in heaven? You can; He's waiting with open arms to transform your heart, mind, and soul. 

In A Perfect World. . . Grades

In a perfect world, there would be no need for grades.  Students would come to class having read the material and have cogent remarks for the class discussion.  The biblical admonition to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, and soul" (paraphrased) would be rule, not the exception.  That would be an educational utopia!  Unfortunately, this scenario rarely (if ever) materializes.  Students are grade mongers.  Please don't view this as a derogatory statement; I was a grade monger myself.  The difference is that I understood that in order to get the grade I wanted, I had to put in a great deal of study.  I knew it was necessary to read the course material and actually study for the exams.  I knew that it was very important that I attend class and take notes.  It never entered my mind to suggest that a professor assigned too much work or ask "Are we doing anything in class today?"  Most students today don't understand what an "A" actually means.  Far too often, students want an A without doing any work.  Newsflash!  An A means that the work was "exceptional!"  It's time to raise our educational standards!  It's been my experience that students will rise to meet those higher standards.  I don't mean to lump all students into this category; I know many students who are very diligent and dedicated.  Applying a biblical perspective to study will result in not only better students but better students.  Teachers and professors will need to spend more time developing quality course work.  It's time to remember that God demands our best in every aspect of life!  Blessings!

In a Perfect World . . . Speech

In a perfect world, we'd all be able to express our thoughts without fear of condemnation.  Unfortunately, in today's liberal culture, dissent is frowned upon.  Apparently, at the present time, we may feel free to express our opinion only when it's agreeable with the dominant view.  Whatever happened to being able to have a civil debate?  Whatever happened to being a able to "agree to disagree"?  That almost doesn't seem possible anymore.  As I watch the protest in in Wisconsin of disgruntled workers (they're employees of the state, after all--which means they actually work for the taxpayer) and see them physically accost a member of the opposing political party, I have wonder where our sense of common decency is?  Why are the senators in this state so afraid of debate?  I wonder if their reaction would be the same if the shoe were on the other foot?  I also follow the NCTE blog where (I thought) members would be able to discuss various issues with each other--free from condemnation of their peers.  However, this also proved to be untrue as a few weeks ago, I followed a vicious attack on a teacher who had the temerity to voice an opinion that went contrary to the thread conversations.  I quickly realized that this site is reserved for liberals who only wish to villify the government and rant against any possible plan that suggests accountabilty.  It's now a blog that I've lost all interest in following.  What a sad state of affairs for our country.  Unfortunately, I don't think things will improve.  In fact, I'm not sure they can.  For Christians who follow Bible prophecy, our spiritual antennas should be tuned heavenward as I believe the return of Christ for His saints (the Rapture) is very close.  Until then, I'll keep praying for civil discourse--the ability to freely express differing opinions without the fear of being attacked by those who disagree.  Even so, come Lord Jesus!

In A Perfect World. . .Free the Leash Kids!

In a perfect world; children would not be kept on leashes.  Let me explain.  In one of my American Lit II classes, my students managed to steer the class discussion onto a bunny trail about how their parents had used a "leash" to keep up with them when they were out in public as we were discussing the character of Randolph in Henry James; Daisy Miller.  I will hasten to add that none of them appeared traumatized by this; they actually found it amusing.  This brings me to my point; parents do need to keep up with their children in public.  Unfortunately, too many parents are distracted by some type of media, or they're just completely self-absorbed.  How often have you been to a restuarant and seen children running around the table as their parents are absorbed in conversation or with a cell phone.  The same is true in department stores; how often do you see children running through the aisles or playing in clothes racks as their parents shop?  Parenting is difficult and it requires extreme diligence.  It takes time to teach children to sit at the table instead of allowing them to run around.  While I understand this may not be an easy task, perhaps the adults at the table could engage the children in conversation (I understand this might detract from gossip, but so be it).  In this way, children could not only learn table manners but also learn the art of conversation.  But again, this might take away from "adult" conversations.  Unfortunately, in today's society, we've become very hedonistic and believe that the only thing of importance is what makes us happy and comfortable.  Too many parents have been led to believe that "No" is word their children should never hear.  Consequently, children grow up with the idea that they should get everything they want when they want it.  Ok, enough of my tirade. Parents need to put aside distractions when they're out with their children.  Take the leash off the toddlers and hold their hand; develop those all-important bonds. The point is this, scripture tell us to "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it" (Proverbs--paraphrase).  As a grandparent, I understand how quickly children grow up.  Parents, take the time to love and discipline your children; they are a precious gift from God.  Blessings!

In a Perfect World. . . Language

In a perfect world, everyone would have an appreciation for language and understand the power of words.  Many Native Americans believe that words have the power to both create and destroy, so words are chosen carefully in order to maintain hozo. The Bible addresses the power of words in the book of James: "Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things.  See how great a forest a little fire kindles!" (3:5). In an off-hand sort of way, this brings me to my point, language can bind us together or drive us apart.  Political correctness is robbing our language of it's richness.  Don't misunderstand me; I'm not advocating insensitivity to others, nor do I believe we should say everything that pops into our minds, but political correctness is pushing us into a sterility of language--no colloquisms allowed!  This point was raised in my Introduction to Literary Theory class today as we were discussing "Young Goodman Brown" and the descriptor of "crotchty old man" was applied to his character.  Students pointed out, correctly, that the phrase might be offensive to some.  They are certainly correct in that conclusion.  However, on the other hand, we must be careful to guard the rich linguistic history of our language.  Wisdom should be applied in all situations, but not all situations should be construed to be insentive.  James said "For we all stumble in many things.  If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body" (3:2).  My conclusion. . . in a perfect world, we'd be able to embrace the richness of our language without fearing offending those around us.  God gave us language; we must learn to harness it's power.  Blessings!

In A Perfect World. . .The Beginning

In a perfect world--no one would be afraid to write and express an opinion, and we would all be able to do well.  I'll admit that this is my very first blog posting.  It's my goal to post at least once a week.  I actually think it's exciting to have a venue to post my opinions on things.  With that in mind, please keep in mind that anything I post is just that--an opinion.  I don't expect everyone to agree with everything I say.  I hope that this space will allow me to express an opinion about a variety of topic.  Given that I have a Ph.D. and I'm an English professor, I doubt that I'll run out of things to say.  Blessings!