To those who want to go deeper and learn more about the idea of “honor” and “shame” within the first century that I mentioned Sunday, here’s a link to a good article on the subject:
www.ivpress.com
Here’s a link to the song about Belle in the Beauty and the Beast. Can anyone find the word “peculiar” in the song?
www.youtube.com
Link to the story in Psychology Today about the impact of peer pressure on young girls in regards to their bodies:
www.psychologytoday.com
People
6 years ago
Posts
Public school teaching has afforded me an answer to each question with out hesitation. When I first began my teaching career I found people using wholesome language and spreading kindness. Occasionally, someone would vent during lunch and a word would slip out...when that happens others say, "Be careful, Linda is here" or "oops, sorry Linda" I asked, "Why do you feel the need to apologize to me?" The answer often was because you are so religious...I began to realize people were watching my every action. Thus, I had a further reason to keep my behavior excellent (such as Peter encourages us to do). Secondly, I have many close friends at the school where I taught because the atmosphere there is much like a family. Like my church family, many of my school friends have seen our family through happiness, sadness, and many blessings.
ReplyDeleteposted by L. Mc
I have been peculiar for a long time but not in the way that Peter encourges us to be. I am an addict in recovery and have been attending southside for 10 years. I have 14 months clean time and have only just now been willing to practice the spiritual principle of obediance. Our hope ministry is a wonderful place for an addict like me to learn and grow. I have known degradation and deriliction, and I have operated on an animalistic level for many years. And so it is peculiar for me to live each day clean and to look for opportunities to be of service. Or so it would appear. I have been a prostitute, a dope cook and dealer, a neglectful mother, and have lived on the streets in the past. There is no way humanly possible that I could have turned away from my old way of life. I tried to change so many times on my own, but to no avail. I had to surrender and ask God to take control of my broken life. He did and I no longer have to live a life controlled by my sinful nature. I am far from perfect, and I make mistakes. The difference is that today God provides me with opportunities to be of service and I get a daily reprieve from active addiction. Each day an addict stays clean, is a miracle. So it is peculiar that I work an honest job today and I help other women stay clean today. It is peculiar that this addict is willing to do whatever it takes today to stay clean. God gives me the strength to be peculiar and for that I am truly grateful. Clean all day, Andrea Herrington
ReplyDeleteAndrea,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your testimony. We are glad that you are at Southside and the progress that you have made. We give all the praise to God for his transformational work! You are right, a life that is controlled by His Spirit and not the flesh is truly peculiar!
Your brother,
Steve
Andrea,
ReplyDeleteI am so proud of your transformation! To God be the glory! Helping others stay clean will in fact assist in your growth and walk of faith with Him. May you be richly blessed as you serve Him!
God is good...ALL the TIME!!!
In His precious love,
Linda