Women, part 2

I finally purchased Why Not Women? by Cunningham and Hamilton and began reading. And I have a question that I hope somone in blogger cyberspace will offer an opinion or two. :) In both my study on women for my paper and from the little I've read so far, I'm noticing a huge disconnect in the way Jesus treated a woman's role and the way "we" say Paul perscribes their roles. I don't get it. It would seem that since the fall of adam and eve, as the authors point out, that Satan (adversary) is at war with the woman (her threat to bruise his head) and has aimed at surpressing her. History proves this, and this isn't my question. The authors point out that, "Jesus came to restore God's original design and purposes for men and women." (p.23) If Jesus has gone as far back as the curse, then what does this mean for today in the continuation of HIS ministry on earth????

Jesus' Mommy

Luke 1:46-56

46And Mary said:
"My soul glorifies the Lord
47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
50His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
51He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
54He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
55to Abraham and his descendants forever,
even as he said to our fathers."

56Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

I am captivated by this woman. Though it doesn't say why she went away to be with Elizabeth for 3 months, I have my ideas. But this past Sunday we were doing a divine reading through this passage when I stumbled upon this phrase. "Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and returned home." Truly, she understood what God had done for her. I mean an angel visits her and tells her she's pregnant by God. She runs to the only person who may understand her revelation. And Elizabeth, her cousin and only friend at this point, honors her. I mean she’s been chosen to be the Messiah’s mommy. But she believes it—something very few would be willing to do, given that Yahweh has been a bit less than vocal over the past centuries. But this? A poor, Jewish girl turns up pregnant after being given to an honorable man in a marriage engagement? Mary’s faith blows mine to pieces. And Elizabeth is so blessed by her presence? The irony of it all. A girl who would bring shame to many is probably the most blessed woman in history, and most humble at the same time. How fitting for the man who would embody humility. He gave this gift to his mommy, who by all means would teach it back to her son. Fear, thrill, panic, conflict? She returned home. She returned home with no guarantee that her husband would take her, or believe her, or even withhold a just accusation against her. However, she returned home with her hand pressed against her belly, holding the hand of her baby boy and her Savior, and putting her life in His powerful hand all at the same time. I think this had something to do with her decision to go back home. With all of heaven watching, she humbly took her place in the most beautiful story I’ve ever heard. I want to marry a woman like Mary. And I want to be like her baby boy.

Eragon

Read the book, it's amazing. The movie is epic, but it's like comparing a picture of an exotic landscape to being there for yourself. The movie is impressive, though. But from one who read Eragon, the novel, and who is nearly finished with its sequel, believe me when I say it fell short of its inspiration, though acceptably so. (If you've read the novel, you'll understand what I mean) You cannot fit a 400 page book on screen unless you're ready to make a three hour movie. But when you watch it portrayed by 108 minutes, you can't help but be sad.

However, for those of you who have not read the book, you'll love it. You may ask a lot of questions, like my sister, but you'll either hate it or love it. So do not be dismayed. I hope it will inspire you to pick up the book. Christopher Pauolini writes a powerful story, and one not easily put down.

I find many connections in this story to our Story. Like Eragon to his world, we, as believers (dragon-riders), have much hope to offer the world, and much resistance to offer the enemy. It's another story that inspires the wild hearted to be courageous, and no longer run for the shadows. It's a story for the feminine heart to follow into a battle fought by both races, as equals, and rightfully so. After all, the dragon's a female, and a strong one.

(Re) Eragon. (2006) screenplay by Peter Buchman, directed by Stefen Fangmeier