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American Christianity Needs the Holy Spirit, John 14:15-31
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Ground Turkey
I was trying to be healthy so I bought ground turkey instead of beef in order to make Sloppy Joes. It was terrible and I ended up throwing it away after one bite.
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Gen Z and Millenials think Gen X are Terrible Elders
There was a poop storm on Twitter over the weekend. Millenials and Gen Z think that Gen X isn’t living up to their expectations when it comes to family responsibilities. The complaints are that Gen X isn’t anxious to babysit little ones and hold family functions. That may be true but there may be reasons for it and younger generations play a part in the fraying thread between generations.
The problem I see is entitlement. Younger people take to social media frequently to declare that they don’t owe their parents anything and that includes respect. They are also feel that it’s not important to maintain family bonds. I have seen numerous tweets stating that people don’t mind cutting off family.
I don’t know the back story behind those tweets. There may be a good reason for their sentiment. But it’s clear that the younger generation is irreverent towards older generations. It may be fair but everything is a two way street. Gen X may have their reasons for putting younger generations at arms length too.
Middle aged women, particularly Black women are frequently mocked and made the butt of jokes. There is no reason for these women (I’m mid aged but not a mother or aunt) to open themselves up to disrespect and a lack of appreciation.
I also take issue with some Karen videos. The Karens aren’t always wrong.
There are some cultural differences between Generation X and younger generations. Younger generations are more likely to embrace soft parenting and older generations believe in stronger boundaries and expectations between adults and children. In some instances I don’t know why younger generations want Gen X and Boomers to babysit.
Soft parents will see older generations as too harsh. And children of New Aged parents will be difficult for older generations to manage and enjoy being around. The cultural differences could cause a family rift which could lead to someone getting cut off since family ties don’t seem to be as important as they once were.
Younger generations can not expect older generations to baby sit, mentor and hold family functions without respect and understanding that they grew up in a different world, with a different economy and expectations. Love, honor, family pride, loyalty and acts of service is a two way street among adults. It’s important to remember that no one owes anyone anything. Treat people how you want to be treated. Give respect and it will be given. There should be no problems.
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Question of the Day 9.16.23
How often do you walk or run?
I walk five or six times a week.
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Late Summer Review: Un – Ashamed
I listened to the audiobook Un-Ashamed by Christian rapper Lecrae. Lecrae is very talented and I enjoy his music. I learned some things about Lecrae from this audiobook. This book explained a few things about the rapper that I questioned from his body of work and social media posts. This story was published by the Christian media company Lifeway which is a non profit of the Southern Baptist Convention. Lecrae is a part of the Christian American Industrial Complex.
Unashamed is about a rapper’s life that was written for White audiences. The book lacks authenticity. The book falls back on cliche’s and says things like “in Black neighborhoods…” That let me know who the intended audience is. I question if Lecrae actually wrote this book. I don’t think most celebrities actually write books.
I wondered if parts of this book are fiction because at times it reminded me of a Lifetime movie, an Afterschool Special, most Black crime dramas that came out in the 90s and soap operas. Un-Ashamed starts off as poverty/trauma porn that takes a conservative turn. Common conservative terms such as “Christian world view” and wanting to “change culture” are used.
The book is a lament about feeling like an outsider even though Lecrae starts out talking about his experiences at highly visible award ceremonies. He has three Grammys. This biography is published by a subsidiary of the Southern Baptist Convention which has a membership of over thirteen million members. I personally own one of his CDs. (I feel so dated talking about owning CDs.) Lecrae is not living on the edge of society.
Christian conservatives are fond of the unashamed, rebel, maverick trope even though they are the dominant culture. Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty who is known to be a Christian conservative calls his podcast Unashamed.
I’m sure someone can gain something from this story. I feel like not quite knowing how to feel comfortable and accepted in society and feeling comfortable in your own skin is relatable to many, particularly young, Black American men.
Overall, I think Lecrae’s career is a positive influence but his goal is not to preach the gospel. He stated that in his book. This book is kind of corny but if you’re a Lecrae fan you may find some enjoyment from Un-Ashamed.
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Late Summer Review: Believe for It
Believe For It is a book by gospel singer Ce Ce Winans. I recently listened to the audiobook. I’m an admirer of Ce Ce. She’s a great singer and a truly beautiful woman that presents herself with dignity and feminine grace. This book is OK. It’s not very exciting or deep.
I wouldn’t call this a biography but Ce Ce discusses her childhood, career marriage and experience with motherhood. The book mostly talks about encouraging young church leadership and sharing faith with younger generations. I think Ce Ce offered solid parenting advice.
This book is distributed by the Christian media distribution company Lifeway. I’m not against Lifeway but they do commodify and sell Christianity. I’ve done several Lifeway Bible studies. They’re not bad and there is something to gain from them but they are not my idea of a great Bible study. At times they border on propaganda as opposed to sharing the gospel of our savior.
I am a bit disappointed that Ce Ce Winans is a part of the Christian American Industrial complex but there is something to be gained from reading to or listening to this book. I enjoyed listening to her talk about her child hood and adult family life. Ce Ce has wisdom to share that can benefit parents of young and adult children. Believe for It is smack dab in the middle of the road.
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White People’s News: Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner
I recall the Jonas Brothers being popular. They were of no interest to me and I wasn’t their target audience. I know Sophie Turner because of social media. She and Joe Jonas made many red carpet appearances. She’s also on the popular show Game of Thrones. I’ve seen one episode of Game of Thrones. It’s not really my cup of tea.
I’m not into either of these people and I don’t know much about their careers. This couple is in the gossip blogs right now and trending on the internet because Joe Jonas filed for divorce from Sophie Turner. This post is my completely uninformed opinion about their marriage.
Supposedly Joe is divorcing Sophie because she is a party girl. Joe claims that Sophie is more interested in going out than she is in staying home with her children. That’s the story social media is telling and the girls on social media are supporting her much like they did when KeKe Palmer had a lover’s quarrel with her significant other. Let’s assume that the rumors are true and the marital strife is as simple as Sophie’s active social life.
Sophie should apologize to Joe and stay home more often. It’s likely Joe is the best person they’re ever going to get. That’s not a reflection on Sophie. It’s the modern human life progression. Sophie is twenty seven and Joe is thirty four. If Sophie and Joe return to the dating pool after four years of marriage (they started dating in 2016) most of the men her age will be single dads and men that have been sleeping around since high school.
The dad bods and receding hair lines are setting in. Men are at the beginning stages of being ran through. She will have to negotiate a new relationship with the concerns of a mother. She’ll need to consider her children while vetting potential suitors. Even if Joe is a pain a new man would likely be a pain too and now everyone is older and more complicated.
I’ve watched the Teen Mom series since it started over a decade ago. Watching that show over the years taught me that the best man or woman some people ever have is someone they meet when they are young. Some of the Teen Mom cast members like Gary and Macy improve their partnerships but most don’t really improve their lot in life.
Amber never did better than Gary. Kail never did better than Jo or Javier. Leah never upgraded from Corey. Kiefer was the best man Janelle ever had. Brianna hasn’t found anyone better than Devoin. Ryan has made lateral moves but he hasn’t maintained a relationship due to his drug habit and brushes with the law. Farrah never loved a man more than she loved Derrick. (Derrick died in a car accident so her situation is different.)
Most of the secondary and tertiary relationships on the Teen Mom have been as mess messier than the earlier relationship even though they were young. It would be different if people broke up and decided to stay single because they didn’t like being partnered but they just find a new partner.
I’m focusing on Sophie because it’s a man’s world. Joe is a very successful man and single fathers do not have the same stigma as single mothers. Joe likely wouldn’t have a problem finding a new partner. There isn’t the same stigma against single dads like there is for single moms.
Joe wouldn’t have the same concerns about protecting his children as a single parent. It’s statistically proven that children are more vulnerable when they live with men that are not blood relatives. But it’s still a family split that will come with complications. Joe probably won’t find anyone necessarily better than Sophie either. Joe met Sophie while she was very young. He needs to give her a break.
There are no winners in this. I’m not suggesting that anyone stay in a situation that is abusive or that makes them miserable. But if friction and misunderstandings can be smoothed out give it a chance. Marriage should be a vehicle for personal growth. Your spouse shouldn’t be seen as disposable. That concludes my arm chair quarter backing of the lives of strangers.
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Tuesday Morning Prayer 9.5.23
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Late Summer Review: I’m Glad My Mom Died
I listened to I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jeanette McCurdy. It’s OK. I think it would be a good book for a book club discussion. There is a lot to unpack which is what this book is about. When this book was released I was appalled by the title and marketing. They did that for shock value and controversy.
The way the book was marketed doesn’t really reflect the the book. That happens often with popular books. I’m Glad My Mom Died is more about Jeanette’s personal journey from child actress to adult than it is her relationship with her mother.
Jeanette McCurdy was a child star who became famous on the Nickelodeon series iCarly which ran from ’07-’12. Her mother was a stage mom who had cancer most of her life and died when Jeanette was eighteen. I’m going to describe Jeanette’s mother as a real piece of work. Her mother was manipulative and pushy and didn’t respect boundaries or other people including her daughter.
Her mother had great instincts for styling and show business. She was also a great advocate for her daughter. Sometimes I think stage parents get a bad rap. Despite her significant faults I think the same can be said for Jeanette’s mother too.
The proof is in the pudding. From Mozart, to Usher, to Kobe Bryant to Jeanette McCurdy it’s hard to argue with their success. I have a difficult time imagining having cancer for sixteen years so I won’t judge her harshly but yeah, her actions were questionable and there were some serious character flaws. The mom was a real piece of work.
Family dynamics are complicated. I think that’s especially the case for relationships between mothers and daughters. We all have a lot to unpack. Jeanette is thirty one now. If I met her I would tell her that it took me a long time to see my parents as merely human with their own story of which I am a small part. Once people come to understand their parents as a man and woman on their own journey it becomes much easier to understand and empathize with them.
Jeanette isn’t married nor has she had children. It would be interesting to know what that journey would be like. I would also tell Jeanette that most people would admit to taking on a lot of their parents quirks and thought processes as they get older.
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Late Summer Review: Love, Pamela
I listened to Love, Pamela on audio book. It’s the life story of actress, 90s pop culture icon and sex symbol Pamela Anderson Lee. I enjoyed the book even though it was a bit dull at points and her voice was a bit monotone. Most of the tension is at the beginning of the book that discusses her child hood. Her parents had a rocky but long lasting marriage. Pam was taken advantage of sexually when she was a girl by a female baby sitter and a young man she met socially.
Overall Love, Pamela is a light hearted story about a poor Canadian girl’s chance discovery by an agent and rise to stardom. She enjoyed her Hollywood lifestyle and admires the characters she met along the way. She felt honored to be a part of the projects she worked on like posing for Playboy. Her story is feminine and charming.
This book is a testament to the power of feminine sex appeal and the opportunities it offers. I admire women that embrace femininity and understand that it is powerful. Pam accomplished a lot for animal rights and environmental causes due to her notoriety. Pam enjoys art and literature. She loves being a mother to her two sons.
Pamela seems like a cool person. She always seemed that way to me. Pamela Anderson has had very interesting experiences that give her an interesting life perspective. This book isn’t very exciting but you may like it if you like Pam and pop culture.
Thoughts, Observations, Impressions
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Shannon's Life in the Midwest 