What is love? (and may I add 'don't hurt me, don't hurt me no more'...I liked Night at the Roxbury).
If there is a more overused and misused word in the English language it might just be the word "love". We throw it around like it is a catch all verb/noun that can describe anything from a toaster to a person we have known for a lifetime.
The Greeks realized there were so many different ways and means to love that they actually had four different words for love. To be such a complex and, quite frankly, convoluted concept, a message of love seems to permeate itself through even the most juvenile sentiments.
I'm amazed at the numerous teen pop sensations that sing about love and what it IS and what it ISN'T. I have no doubt that they understand what it is to love their slap bracelets and pogs (did I just date myself with that one?), but to claim to know anything about a deeper love than that seems ludicrous to me. Especially when you're only 15.
By that age, I believe most are still developing an appreciation for what it means to love parents and family...let alone other people. As we begin our teen years, I think we finally begin to shed the moniker of dependents (on some levels) and congruently shed our subconscious notions of our parents being solely providers. We begin to make the CHOICE to love them. Yet, I would argue that our ability to love others is still in its infancy by the time most of us were sporting braces and studying for that first driver's test.
And now, in a world that says we can love our things as much as the people around us, it is difficult to actually qualify what loving another human being means. As I observe how people interact with each other- be it friends, acquaintances, or strangers, I see how easily we disregard loving others and jump straight into quarrels and confrontations over the smallest of issues. Just like if that aforementioned lovable toaster burnt our bread, we can anger at the people we say we love just as easily.
I believe it comes down to expectations. We EXPECT those we love to act a certain way or BE a certain way just as we expect the toaster we love to toast efficiently. When people fail to meet the tenants we either consciously or subconsciously establish for them, the "love" we have begins to wane. I'm as guilty of this as any one, and it bothers me that I am that way.
In writing this, I hope to expose my own struggles with truly "loving thy neighbor" so that I can get better at doing so CONSISTENTLY. Hopefully, you'll consider this in your own life as well.
If we honestly want to love others, it must be completely selfless, choosing to show kindness and patience with the people in our lives despite their visible flaws or any "hidden" flaws that might surface later. That is not to say we accept or condone through apathy any behaviors we see as hurtful to others, themselves, or us. On the contrary. But we do have an obligation to those we claim to love to express our concerns in ways that are not condescending or resentful.
In general, I'm just trying to appreciate the people God has put in my life and show them the same GRACE that he has shown me. Because when it all comes down, the ULTIMATE way to love someone is by demonstrating GRACE.
That's Amore.
What I'm into:
Song- Cunninlynguists "Love Ain't- feat. Tonedeff"- Despite the suggestive name of the band, the song is quite good with some great lines in there. One of my favorite rap songs right now because the message is a positive one and the rhyming schemes are pretty unique. They use words in this song that I'm not sure if most popular 'musicians' would even know the definitions. It's smart, catchy, and quick. That's why I like it.
Movie- I just saw INCEPTION last night and it was MIND BLOWING! Well put together from the acting to the visuals to the score to the storytelling. Christopher Nolan (director- also of Batman Begins, Dark Knight, and Momento) takes some very complex and intricate concepts and simplifies them by integrating humanizing emotional draws. This is one film well worth the hype.
Bible Verse- 2 Timothy 1:7 "For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline."
Monday, July 12, 2010
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Hurts So Good
As most who would even venture to read these random scribblings of mine should know, I am a Clemson fan...through and through. My college years there were amazing on many levels. I feel a kinship to (mostly) every alum I meet and every Tiger fan I greet.
To my fellow brethren who can relate to what I'm talking about, I believe you all can reiterate the feeling of 'family' we have when you get a group of us together. It doesn't matter if you've known each other for years or just met, there is an undeniable bond formed immediately with someone sporting the orange and purple.
To those who unfortunately didn't attend the Palmetto State's best (some might say ONLY) 4-year institution, I'm sorry if this idea of the Clemson family perplexes you. I've had many people give me various analyses of what Clemson fans look like from the outside looking in. Some call us pompous or arrogant, some call us rednecks, some call us hopeless hopefuls.
I think the thing I hear the most, whether it is from a Furman fan or a Florida fan, is how Clemson fans ALWAYS think their team is going to be GREAT. Or that we ALWAYS think we have a chance to win the ACC or, God forbid I say it, a National Championship. Now, this is what really perplexes them. Are we delusional? Are we in denial? Or are we just too stubborn to admit we think our team may suck this year?
The answer, dear friends, is none of the above. Now I didn't start following Clemson sports until I signed the dotted line to go there. I have gathered a decent amount of knowledge of Clemson sports history B.B. (Before Brad) from my elders and my Clemson Sports/Bible Devotional bathroom reader...a great Christmas present from mi madre. Despite my limited sampling of Clemson sports, I believe I have unveiled a truth that persists throughout the ages when it comes to my Tigers.
The truth of which I speak is that the moment you start to doubt the Tigers, they always surprise you. Us Clemson fans always have high expectations because the instant you start to say to your self "it ain't happening this year...maybe next" is the instant that the impossible happens and the Tigers put themselves in a position to make THIS year the year. I'll tell you this, I don't want to be the guy saying "NO WAY" only to be proven wrong. I'd rather have that hope of hopes, no matter how unfounded, that the Tigers may just win EVERY SINGLE GAME they play and be wrong.
This is really true for all Clemson sports: football, baseball, basketball, Competitive Speech and Debate (what up!), etc. The College World Series wrapped up a few weeks ago and again, the Tigers were true to form. With the worst record of all the teams in Omaha, not many people expected much from us...especially when we drew Arizona State in the first game. However, rather handily, we dispatched of not just the #1 team in college baseball but Oklahoma as well. This meant... that other school from SC... had to beat us twice to reach the championship game, and unfortunately, that is exactly what happened.
Was it a let down? Of course! Was it worse because it was the dang Gamecocks, OFFFFFF COURRSSSSEEE! But I was cheering for my team just as hard as ever and I'm darn proud of it! I hope Kyle Parker comes back for another football season, but if he doesn't I'm STILL going to believe we will win the ACC. I know OP left our basketball team out to dry for a worse team in an impossible conference, but I STILL think we can be in the top 3 in the ACC and make the tourney and even get that elusive March Madness win that Purnell could never get.
My dedication to the Tigers knows no bounds! It's not pride (the bad kind) or delusion or denial. It's the fact that you can NEVER count out Clemson at anything. The Georgia Tech football game (the one in ATL, not the ACC championship) last year is a prime example. Down 27-0 most teams would pack it up. Most fans would acquiesce to defeat. Not The Tigers and not their faithful. We came back to take a lead, only to lose it late in the game on a long field goal.
I'll never regret keeping that game on the tele. I'm proud to be a Tiger. I'm proud of the kind of fans we are. I respect any one who cheers for any team that stands by their team as much as Clemson fans do (except for maybe Gamecock fans...that, I just don't get). And I might be overly invested emotionally in my school's sporting endeavors, but the joys of an overtime win in Miami on the football field, a 30-point shellacking of Duke on the bball court, or the tenacity of beating Auburn twice at Auburn in baseball's regional tournament are just too sweet not to take in as much as possible. Granted the tables turn on me from time to time. Still, it just hurts too good to let go.
What I'm Into:
Song- Chop Dezol "Death Valley (Clemson Chant)"- It got me in the mood to write this blog, and I can't wait until football season! The 2011 NCAA Football game comes out in less than a week. My thumbs shall be the first to enjoy creating a Clemson touchdown.
Movie- Book of Eli- Denzel is great in it. Gary Oldman is brilliant and sinister. The story is as close to a theological approval of God and the power of The Bible that Hollywood will probably ever get close to besides recreating the actual stories FROM the Bible. There are some great one-liners and very cool shots throughout the film.
Bible Verse- Romans 12:16 "Live in Harmony with each other. Don't try to act important, but enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don't think you know it all!" NLT
To my fellow brethren who can relate to what I'm talking about, I believe you all can reiterate the feeling of 'family' we have when you get a group of us together. It doesn't matter if you've known each other for years or just met, there is an undeniable bond formed immediately with someone sporting the orange and purple.
To those who unfortunately didn't attend the Palmetto State's best (some might say ONLY) 4-year institution, I'm sorry if this idea of the Clemson family perplexes you. I've had many people give me various analyses of what Clemson fans look like from the outside looking in. Some call us pompous or arrogant, some call us rednecks, some call us hopeless hopefuls.
I think the thing I hear the most, whether it is from a Furman fan or a Florida fan, is how Clemson fans ALWAYS think their team is going to be GREAT. Or that we ALWAYS think we have a chance to win the ACC or, God forbid I say it, a National Championship. Now, this is what really perplexes them. Are we delusional? Are we in denial? Or are we just too stubborn to admit we think our team may suck this year?
The answer, dear friends, is none of the above. Now I didn't start following Clemson sports until I signed the dotted line to go there. I have gathered a decent amount of knowledge of Clemson sports history B.B. (Before Brad) from my elders and my Clemson Sports/Bible Devotional bathroom reader...a great Christmas present from mi madre. Despite my limited sampling of Clemson sports, I believe I have unveiled a truth that persists throughout the ages when it comes to my Tigers.
The truth of which I speak is that the moment you start to doubt the Tigers, they always surprise you. Us Clemson fans always have high expectations because the instant you start to say to your self "it ain't happening this year...maybe next" is the instant that the impossible happens and the Tigers put themselves in a position to make THIS year the year. I'll tell you this, I don't want to be the guy saying "NO WAY" only to be proven wrong. I'd rather have that hope of hopes, no matter how unfounded, that the Tigers may just win EVERY SINGLE GAME they play and be wrong.
This is really true for all Clemson sports: football, baseball, basketball, Competitive Speech and Debate (what up!), etc. The College World Series wrapped up a few weeks ago and again, the Tigers were true to form. With the worst record of all the teams in Omaha, not many people expected much from us...especially when we drew Arizona State in the first game. However, rather handily, we dispatched of not just the #1 team in college baseball but Oklahoma as well. This meant... that other school from SC... had to beat us twice to reach the championship game, and unfortunately, that is exactly what happened.
Was it a let down? Of course! Was it worse because it was the dang Gamecocks, OFFFFFF COURRSSSSEEE! But I was cheering for my team just as hard as ever and I'm darn proud of it! I hope Kyle Parker comes back for another football season, but if he doesn't I'm STILL going to believe we will win the ACC. I know OP left our basketball team out to dry for a worse team in an impossible conference, but I STILL think we can be in the top 3 in the ACC and make the tourney and even get that elusive March Madness win that Purnell could never get.
My dedication to the Tigers knows no bounds! It's not pride (the bad kind) or delusion or denial. It's the fact that you can NEVER count out Clemson at anything. The Georgia Tech football game (the one in ATL, not the ACC championship) last year is a prime example. Down 27-0 most teams would pack it up. Most fans would acquiesce to defeat. Not The Tigers and not their faithful. We came back to take a lead, only to lose it late in the game on a long field goal.
I'll never regret keeping that game on the tele. I'm proud to be a Tiger. I'm proud of the kind of fans we are. I respect any one who cheers for any team that stands by their team as much as Clemson fans do (except for maybe Gamecock fans...that, I just don't get). And I might be overly invested emotionally in my school's sporting endeavors, but the joys of an overtime win in Miami on the football field, a 30-point shellacking of Duke on the bball court, or the tenacity of beating Auburn twice at Auburn in baseball's regional tournament are just too sweet not to take in as much as possible. Granted the tables turn on me from time to time. Still, it just hurts too good to let go.
What I'm Into:
Song- Chop Dezol "Death Valley (Clemson Chant)"- It got me in the mood to write this blog, and I can't wait until football season! The 2011 NCAA Football game comes out in less than a week. My thumbs shall be the first to enjoy creating a Clemson touchdown.
Movie- Book of Eli- Denzel is great in it. Gary Oldman is brilliant and sinister. The story is as close to a theological approval of God and the power of The Bible that Hollywood will probably ever get close to besides recreating the actual stories FROM the Bible. There are some great one-liners and very cool shots throughout the film.
Bible Verse- Romans 12:16 "Live in Harmony with each other. Don't try to act important, but enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don't think you know it all!" NLT
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