Wonderfully Made

One very comforting thought I've had recently is that God loves the idea of each person. Loves it so much He had to create us.

There's a very special bond between the creator and the created, because when you make a work of art, you pour yourself into it. And there's a certain mark- a trademark, if you will- on your designs, because they take on a bit of your personality. Your creations smack of you-ishness. Take, for example, the different authoresses of this blog. I don't even have to look at the bottom of the post to know who penned the entry. Each of us have our own distinct voice, vocabulary and writing style. It's quite beautiful if you stop to think about it.

So stop.


Think about it.


Now continue reading.


Now, sometimes we'll create a piece of art that doesn't come out quite as we hoped. It's imperfect. Flawed. We wish it would be better-more like the ideal we envisioned in our heads. God, however, only creates perfect works of art. God's idea of, say, Catherine, is perfect. It's a masterpiece-a work of art that shows off, as no other work of His can, some particular aspect of Himself. He formed the idea of her-of Catherine, with her own Catherine-ish qualities and quirks, her idiosyncracies and beauties. He thought of them all; He laughed with joy; and He fell in love. He fell in love so much that He had to create her. That's truly mind-boggling. God loves us so much that He creates us. I don't even understand how that works.

God wants our love. And, (as I feel like we've discussed before on this blog, and as many greater minds have been discussing since time began,) love is a choice. We have to make the choice to love God, or else our "love" is nothing worth. He can't program it into out hearts that we love Him. Love cannot be forced or coerced, it is a gift.

"If a man were to give all the riches of his house for love, It would be utterly despised." Song of Songs 8:7

God's love has breathed us into existence. Our love simply gives ourselves back to Him, since we really belong to Him anyways. The Creator who loves us so infinitely and indesciribably simply wants our love in return. But here's the catch: we've made the horrendous, disastrous, catastrophic, mistake of choosing not to love Him. How absolutely tragic. We only exist because of love, yet we constantly turn our back on Love himself. Imagine how desperate He would be to win our love, to woo us back to Himself.

I opened to my beloved;
but my beloved left; and had gone away.
My heart went out when he spoke.
I looked for him, but I didn’t find him.
I called him, but he didn’t answer.
The watchmen who go about the city found me.
They beat me.
They bruised me.
The keepers of the walls took my cloak away from me.
I adjure you, daughters of Jerusalem,
If you find my beloved,
that you tell him that I am faint with love.

And the Word became flesh, and lived and died for us. Because He loved the idea of each person so infinitely that He would stop at nothing to save us. He came up with of the idea of His mother Mary, of Pontius Pilate, of each Roman soldier who scourged Him, of Judas, of everyone of us sinners-of you and me. He thought of us. Every single person who put Christ to death was a precious being that He had thought of, and loved so much that He wanted to create them. We were His idea, and He loved us so much He gave up His life for us.

I found him whom my soul loves.
I held him, and would not let him go,

The moral of the story: God loves you. We hear it so often, but we don't listen to these words. God loves you. He likes you-He wanted to make you! He's not like: "Well, since I'm forced to make someone, I might as well throw together a Becca." He fell in love with each of us so much that He wanted nothing more than to bring us to life, so that we might share in His life. Everything God makes is infinitely and incandescently beautiful, including us. We are a masterpieces, made by the Master Artist.

Behold, you are beautiful, my love.
Behold, you are beautiful.

God loves you.

I wrote a paper on modesty for school. Thought you girls might want to see it!

The Modesty Revolution

An episode of the 1960’s The Lucy Show contains this line from Lucille Ball “I own a bikini.” Her friend, Mary Jane, replied in scandalized astonishment. Lucy assured her that she only bought it to get attention by putting it on her clothes line; she would not actually wear it. This conversation opens up the fact that the last fifty years have brought a major change in modesty. (Hadacek, 2008, para. 10) However, many virtuous American youth are beginning to see the negative effects of this. While modesty is mainly a personal attitude of respect for self that goes deeper than a physical image, clothing has a major effect on this virtue. So, many Christian young people are rebelling against the immodest clothing of the past fifty years; they are the main cause of the modern revolution of modest clothing.

Reflecting the impure culture, immodest fashion is everywhere. Recently, weddings, proms, and major social events consist of every lady under the age of fifty sporting a strapless gown. As for the bikini, it is almost the only swimwear available at any store. There is no doubt that miniskirts, tube tops, short shorts and plunging necklines have become standards. Revealing pictures stand out on the covers of magazines in almost every drug store. (Mitts, 2007, para. 1) Indeed, the threat of modern fashion to the virtue of modesty is obvious.
Although the immodesty in American society is prevalent, many young people have decided to start a revolution against it. Models that have seen immodest fashions up close are among those that contribute to the revolution. One of these is Colleen Hammond, “a former on-camera-meteorologist for The Weather Channel, model, actress and Miss Michigan National Teen Ager” (Hammond Bio, retrieved 2010). She wrote a book on the importance of dressing modestly and how it is reflects the values of the soul. The book, Dressing with Dignity, explains basic modesty guidelines after a clear reflection on the virtues and ideals modesty protects. Another model to be involved in the fashion industry is Summer Bellessa. She has been modeling since the age of four and is now the author of a modesty magazine (Eliza) for women. “The magazine (Eliza) is targeted to women ages 17 to 34 who want to find high fashion, modest clothing” (Mitts, 2007). A third model is Andrea Chavarro; this young girl joined Pure Fashion, an international program aimed to teach girls how to dress beautifully, fashionably, and modestly (Sampson, 2007, para. 2). An actress, Jessica Rey, has also devoted a big portion of her life to the cause of modesty (Behe, 2009, para. 8). Jessica has designed her own swimsuit line and is launching a modesty-formation program (Behe, 2009, para. 9). These four women saw the need for a modest outlook on beautiful clothes and have voiced their support of the modesty revolution.

Another person to cause the modesty revolution is Wendy Shalit (National Public Radio, 1999). “In 1999, she wrote A Return to Modesty: Discovering the Lost Virtue"(National Public Radio). “Based on the response to that book, she later launched the online community Modestly Yours and began hearing from girls everywhere” (Catton, 2007). Her second book, Girls Gone Mild, came out in response to all the online feedback about a modesty rebellion from her first book (Catton, 2007). The second book shows role models of real modesty (Shalit, n.d.). This young lady spoke out about the way the culture is immodest and got a great response. Her books have given many girls the chance to see an alternative to the immodest culture around them. (Catton, 2007)

Young men have also caused the change in the way many girls now choose to dress. Although the revolution has been mostly by girls (boys’ fashions do not generally have many immodest features), some younger men have shown how important women’s modesty is to them. In 2007 two Christian authors, Brett and Alex Harris, made an online survey, in which boys were able to anonymously say what kind of clothing might be against virtue. One thousand six hundred guys participated in this survey (Retrieved from The Rebelution, n.d.). More recently, a book has been written, but has still yet to be printed, by Jessica Rey, an actress, designer and speaker, with quotes from guys about modesty.(Rebecca’s blog, 2010) Since modesty is all for helping men to stay pure, it would seem logical that they would support girls who want to rebel against the culture in this area.

Of course the real cause of the revolution in fashion is coming from young ladies themselves. The most obvious examples are those girls that wear long skirts. Besides the typical Islamic women, a number of Christian women are following a more conservative fashion. Wendy Shalit is only one of many young women looking for alternative outfits; many others share her ideas. First, Rebecca, a college student living in California, points out in her blog the latest fashion trends and shows how to wear them modestly (Rebecca’s blog, 2008). Second, throughout the Twin Cities many Christian girls are dedicated to wearing what they feel comfortable in, not what the world dictates. Another important indicator is the trend of Pure Fashion participants, a program which teaches girls to respect themselves by the way they dress: “There’s a market for a program such as this. Robb noted that despite the $450 program fee and the current state of the economy, Pure Fashion “has seen enrollment grow 20 percent over the last two years” (Raezler, 2009). A fourth example of young girls who are into this fashion change are those who have responded to Shalit’s books. She reports that she constantly receives letters from girls who want to live modest lives (Shalit, n.d.). In 2005, A Girlcott organized by some Pittsburgh girls caused Abercrombie and Fitch to take out two immodest t-shirt designs (Houser, 2005). Due to the ideas of many other young girls, Macy’s and Nordstrom’s have begun to offer some modest lines (O'Donnell, 2009). Rebecca St. James, a famous Christian singer, has written about the beauty of dress in her book Pure (St. James, 2008). Another singer, Paige Rees, uses her music and own modest style to show her point of view (Behe, 2009). A main avenue that is used to promote modest fashion among young people is blogging; many young girls have started blogs to promote it. Some include Decent Exposure (Retrieved from Decent Exposure, n.d.), Cute and Covered (Retrieved from Cute and Covered, Copyright 2010) Suddenly Darling (Retrieved from Suddenly Darling, n.d.), and Modesty Mall (Retrieved from Modesty Mall, Copyright 2009). Young women across the country have started to raise their voice against the horrible styles that are fashionable.

In response to the many people who want to dress modestly, the fashion industry has also caused the modesty revolution. Many stores are offered online to customers throughout the country looking exclusively for modesty. Livingmodest.com is a database of modest clothing stores; it holds at least fifty stores that specialize in making or helping to make outfits that are modest (Retrieved from LivingModest.com, copyright 2010). “Hannah Lise, an online retail outlet founded by Tedd Doucette after he and his wife couldn't find clothes they felt were appropriate for their daughters, does nearly $3 million in annual sales -- numbers which have more than doubled in the past two years”(Morgan, 2007). Over all, bridal fashion may be leaning in a more modest direction. “When it comes to your wedding day, exposing less is becoming the new trend. Brides are seeking more coverage when walking down the aisle” (Couture De Bride, n.d.). New York Fashion Magazine said, “All those naked brides with their bare shoulders are so cliché” (Odell, 2009). In the past three years two magazines have even been published about modest clothing: Jen and Eliza Magazine. Modest clothing companies are a growing business venue.

Some arguments have come up against the effects of the new movement. One argument is that of Newsweek, it claims that the change toward modesty is a simple phase—a way teenagers can rebel against their parents (Raezler, 2007, para. 8). This can be refuted by the simple fact that the modesty rebellion is not just a phase. Girls are not wearing modest clothes in the way that teens dye their hair or wear odd patterns. While dressing modestly is not the normal practice, a common thread links all of the blogs, companies, and authors on modest fashion. This is faith: faith in virtue, faith in self-worth, and faith in the value of the interior person, not the sexualized girl on the front of almost every magazine. Another argument from the 2007 Wall Street Journal claims that the modest rebellion may not even by happening (Catton, 2007). However, the very fact that some reports have come out against it proves that it is a strong revolution.

The fashion scene in America has begun to be influenced by young people who want to follow the virtue of modesty. In the work of authors and models, the viewpoint of modest dress has been publicized. Young men have supported the actions of ladies who wish to wear modest clothes. The fashion industry with new companies and magazines is proof that not all girls are willing to compromise themselves to the latest fashions. The modesty revolution has resulted from the efforts of all these people to follow the virtue of modesty.

I was pleasantly surprised by the number of modest resources available. You can see:

http://cutecovered.com/

http://www.decentexposureonline.com/

http://www.modesty-mall.com/about-me.html

http://www.ncregister.com/site/article/modesty_in_motion/

http://www.colleenhammond.com/bio.php

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB118254928882245220.html

http://www.girlsgonemild.com/faq

http://www.ncregister.com/site/article/16165/

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/cityregion/s_400774.html

http://www.suddenlydarling.com/

http://newsnet.byu.edu/story.cfm/65141

http://livingmodest.com

http://modestia.stblogs.com

http://www.cbn.com/family/youth/RSJ_Modest.aspx

If you are interested in all my sources(yes, there are more!!) just let me know.

Dangerous

When you have a 1500 word philosophy paper due in less than a day, do NOT visit this blog. You will get sucked in. So many pretty, shiny books! I'm going to read this one, and this one, and oh look! My TBR (To-Be-Read) list is now 300+ books long!

Fashion Fridays

Yes, it is indeed that time of week again. A time when students of all ages are aquiver of anticipation for the two school-free days ahead and employees of all sorts go casual. It is, my friends, Fashion Friday!

Today's bit of flare and pizazz shall be what in the fashion world is called the hat. Many people believe that they cannot "do" hats, that is to say they cannot pull off that sense of savoir-faire necessary when wearing fashionable millinery. However, I think that anyone can wear a hat elegantly and tastefully, provided that the hat in question is the correct one for the wearer.

Here are a few examples:

April 20th, 1999

Today marks the 11th anniversary of the Columbine High School shootings. My dear friend and columbinus cast-mate called me late last night, after having spent the whole day holding back tears, and then finally being overwhelmed by them. She kept saying: "Why am I feeling like this? Why can't I let this go?"



There are so many people whose lives have been completely changed by the events that took place this day. And I feel disrespecful, in a way, saying that my own life has been changed by this day as well. I haven't lost a child, a friend, or a sibling. I haven't lived through blood-spattered halls and the sounds of gunshots, jeers, moans and screams. The pain all those people felt is something almost sacred, that I can't presume to even begin to understand or fathom. Their grief is something I can never feel.



But, without a doubt, Columbine has changed my life. columbinus was a show that changed me. I've been immersed in this story for over three months, and closing the show felt like coming up out of the water for a giant, refreshing breath of air. I was able to let go of the burden of the story; yet there's no way I can let go of the story itself. And I shouldn't.



There was one rehearsal, towards the beginning to the process, which was really difficult for me, and I broke down afterwards. We hadn't even started dealing with the Act II Columbine story, but I had just finished reading Columbine, by Dave Cullen (one of the reporters who covered the shootings), and I was so weighed down by the story. After rehearsal, I spent a good hour and a half talking with our awesome director and stage manager, and trying to find words to describe the feelings of grief that overwhelmed me. Then, on my way home, I stopped by the adoration chapel, and kneeling in the back, I looked up at the Eucharist. I realized I was sitting in front of the one person who had never let that story go; and He was still feeling the pain, the sorrow and the grief as acutely as He did that very day. As much as I was grieving for those 15 people, and as much as I loved them; He loved them infinitely more, and was grieving for what took place on April 20th. I realized that I could share all that sorrow with Him; He understood perfectly what I was feeling.
As a Littleton parent said: "There's no such thing as closure; they're our kids and we don't want to put them behind us." We don't always have to carry the burden of the story, but we can never let it go. Every single person deserves to have their story told-and never forgotten. It's the least we can do to try to right the wrong that was done to them.




There's a beauty and an awe in knowing there's a whole communion of people whose lives have also been touched by these events-who wake up on April 20th, knowing why this day is different from all other days. And now I'm a part of that connection.
We ARE Columbine.



We began columbinus in winter. We ended it in spring. Winter sometimes seems as though it will go on forever-we forget what it feels like to walk outside without freezing to death; feels like when the sun shines and the birds sing. By March, we begin to wonder if we'll ever see the spring. But spring always comes. Winter cannot last forever. Spring always comes.

That's the hope.





"We die many times and experience many forms of grief; but love...it never fails. "

"There are no words to convey how sorry we are for the pain that has been brought upon the community as a result of our son's actions. The pain of others compounds our own as we struggle to live a life without the son we cherished. In the reality of the Columbine tragedy and its aftermath, we look with the rest of the world to understand how such a thing could happen.
[...] We envision a time when circumstances will allow us to join with those who share our desire to understand. In the meantime, we again express our profound condolences to those whose lives have been so tragically altered. We look forward to a day when all of our pain is replaced by peace and acceptance."
~The Klebold family -- 4-15-2000



"Ever since that day we've been obsessed with moving on or getting back...so we've gone to gun control, the music, computer games, the school, the police, the parents...looking for someone to blame. But we always find ourselves back where we started asking the same question...

Why?"

I did that whole open-up-the-Bible-to-any-random-page-and-read-the-first-verse-you see-thing today, and received this little gift from God:


But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God,
and no torment will ever touch them.


In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died,
and their departure was thought to be an affliction,


and their going from us to be their destruction;
but they are at peace.
For though in the sight of others they were punished,



their hope is full of immortality.(Wisdom 3:1-5)

Heavenly Music

It has been said that God speaks to us through music. When hearing truly beautiful music our human souls are lifted and elevated to unimaginable heights. Music has the ability to express to our senses the beauty of God's presence in the world and to realize his greatness.

Ave Maria - Verdi



O Mio Babbino Caro - Puccini

Spring has Sprung

And there's nothing more delightful than lying on the fresh green grass on a Sunday afternoon with the sun on your face while talking to a dear old friend (many thanks for the lovely conversation, Celia!).

Modest Wedding Dresses

There is something else that is interesting about immodesty, it is boring. Desdemona covered how boring bikinis are in a past post. However, doing research for a school paper(I got to pick whatever topic I wanted and thought modesty would be a good choice*I know you all agree*) I came across a little article, here is an excerpt:

"She's right — all those naked brides with their bare shoulders are so cliché. Women should be walking down the aisle with all kinds of sleeves."

Read the rest here:
http://nymag.com/daily/fashion/2009/10/will_ivanka_trumps_wedding_dre.html

My YouTube favorites are many. Two of my top picks right now:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ss1CXo8QMi8&playnext_from=TL&videos=-6fZ-4lpL1s

And...

http://www.youtube.com/watchv=Zad2H2uwOGM&playnext_from=TL&videos=zmC7lG2BntM

Art

Art:

Or, What I Do To Chide the Hasty-Footed Time

Art consists of limitation. The most beautiful part of every picture is the frame.
G. K. Chesterton

Abstract Art: A product of the untalented, sold by the unprincipled to the utterly bewildered.
Albert Camus

Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.
Thomas Merton

Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.
Pablo Picasso

Art is a collaboration between God and the artist, and the less the artist does the better.
Andre Gide

Art, like morality, consists in drawing the line somewhere.
Gilbert K. Chesterton

Love of beauty is taste. The creation of beauty is art.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Life is painting a picture, not doing a sum.
Oliver Wendell Holmes