I've started to see cycles of deconstruction (and hopefully the after part - reconstruction) as a natural, largely inevitable, fact of life. I wrote a whole post about it but then scrapped it, but I do think there's something to that seven year cycle (I was 7 years a Catholic this past fall). All that cell division and replacement might actually have an impact, ha. I think it's healthy and natural to deconstruct, because it forces us out of complacency - though it can be painful and disorienting as you go through it (there now). when you have faith though that there is a loving God on the outside of it all, you realize that these 'leaps' mimic the 'developmental leaps' of our children - times when emotions run high, there are sleep disruptions, it seems endless - and then suddenly... something has changed. that child has grown up significantly. Often we find we too have grown up significantly. On another note - the family planning idea feels so fundamentally 21st century to me. Of course people have always tried to manipulate their family size (understandably!!!) but this idea of "I will have x amount of children at x time" is so radical. I hadn't quite realized I had breathed that air so long I believe it myself! I have a newfound peace in total abandonment - a luxury perhaps - but I can only call it Grace to be perfectly happy with my two girls, and perpetually open to the idea of more children if that is God's will. That is not a peace I have had long, and never known before, so I can only say that giving up control is - cliche though it may seem - the key to freedom.
Yes, I should've said "an FPR conference" not "another FPR conference." Hopefully there will be one within driving distance soon! Yeah, I flew out to the WI one but that was because we were also doing an H&F meeting-ish-thing...definitely can't fly to them without institutional funding, alas.
Haley, I always open your roundups with excitement and also trepidation because I know my reading list is about to expand by tenfold haha. Seriously though you always give me such good things to think on!!
So many excellent thoughts and resources here again, Haley. TWHF can definitely be gravel. It was on my first read. Over the years, I've heard other readers consistently say that to receive this book it becomes a matter of timing, of life seasons, of life situations. OR, like my husband says, "You identify with Orual. I don't. Plenty of people don't, but I like it and can't tell you why." Thanks for sharing my study guide!
And also Till We Have Faces, while I do LOVE it, can be a very tricky read with all its illusive symbolism. I’ve heard a few people critique it as a novel but I’m not sure what other category it would fit in?
I've started to see cycles of deconstruction (and hopefully the after part - reconstruction) as a natural, largely inevitable, fact of life. I wrote a whole post about it but then scrapped it, but I do think there's something to that seven year cycle (I was 7 years a Catholic this past fall). All that cell division and replacement might actually have an impact, ha. I think it's healthy and natural to deconstruct, because it forces us out of complacency - though it can be painful and disorienting as you go through it (there now). when you have faith though that there is a loving God on the outside of it all, you realize that these 'leaps' mimic the 'developmental leaps' of our children - times when emotions run high, there are sleep disruptions, it seems endless - and then suddenly... something has changed. that child has grown up significantly. Often we find we too have grown up significantly. On another note - the family planning idea feels so fundamentally 21st century to me. Of course people have always tried to manipulate their family size (understandably!!!) but this idea of "I will have x amount of children at x time" is so radical. I hadn't quite realized I had breathed that air so long I believe it myself! I have a newfound peace in total abandonment - a luxury perhaps - but I can only call it Grace to be perfectly happy with my two girls, and perpetually open to the idea of more children if that is God's will. That is not a peace I have had long, and never known before, so I can only say that giving up control is - cliche though it may seem - the key to freedom.
Thanks so much for sharing about my book, Haley! It means a lot. And I am so grateful for your work.
I wonder when there will magically be another FPR conference that is somehow within driving distance of both me and you :)
Also, I think I like this monthly format even better than the weekly one!
Did I miss an FPR conference in the DMV?! I want to hang out too Dixie! lol
Hah, nope - This was fall of 2023 in Wisconsin.
Ah, ok! well plug for DMV then xD
Yes, I should've said "an FPR conference" not "another FPR conference." Hopefully there will be one within driving distance soon! Yeah, I flew out to the WI one but that was because we were also doing an H&F meeting-ish-thing...definitely can't fly to them without institutional funding, alas.
Haley, I always open your roundups with excitement and also trepidation because I know my reading list is about to expand by tenfold haha. Seriously though you always give me such good things to think on!!
open it throughout the month, as you please. haha
So many excellent thoughts and resources here again, Haley. TWHF can definitely be gravel. It was on my first read. Over the years, I've heard other readers consistently say that to receive this book it becomes a matter of timing, of life seasons, of life situations. OR, like my husband says, "You identify with Orual. I don't. Plenty of people don't, but I like it and can't tell you why." Thanks for sharing my study guide!
And also Till We Have Faces, while I do LOVE it, can be a very tricky read with all its illusive symbolism. I’ve heard a few people critique it as a novel but I’m not sure what other category it would fit in?
This is such a banquet… thank you!