by Vyckie Mom & Dad are in love … but is a patriarchal relationship of entitlement-meets-martyrdom a healthy and mutually beneficial expression of love? Following a recent interview with the religion editor of our local newspaper, I’ve been thinking more about what I’ve learned from St. Bernard of Clairvaux concerning the four “degrees” of love which the ancient monk postulated in considering man’s relationship to God (note that this applies to all other relationships as well) ~ although I’ve already written briefly on this topic here, I’d like to now give a more thorough explanation: Full post …
Archive for August, 2009
Patriarchy Across Cultures: All Things Must Pass
by Tapati Keokuk is in the southeast corner of Iowa “All things must pass, none of life’s strings can last.” –George Harrison Previously I described how my mom and Aunt Gin came to take me back home to Keokuk, Iowa. I rode in the backseat, resigned, tearful, but filled with resentment. I had been assured by our temple president, Makanlal, that he would challenge my mother in court for custody. She didn’t know it yet but I hadn’t given up on going back to the temple for good. Back home I tried to pick up Full post …
Something didn’t sit quite right with me …
by Erika The morning that I left for my missions trip Boot Camp. I’m pictured with my pastor and his wife. A newspaper story that was done before I left for my missions trip. When I left for Africa in the summer of 1991, I was excited about my trip and the things that I would see but I was also disappointed to know that I would be coming home to my sophomore year as a homeschooler. I was crushed by my parents’ decision and begged them to let me stay in school. After Full post …
Patriarchy Across Cultures: Summer of Transcendental Love
by Tapati Japa or rosary beads made from the wood of the Tulasi plant, a sacred relative of basil. Devotees of Krishna chant the mahamantra on each of 108 beads, keeping track with the “Krsna” or 109th bead. Each day a devotee is required to chant 16 rounds on the japamala, an ancient form of meditation. I was so relieved to be on the bus, headed for St. Louis. We passed through Hannibal, home of Mark Twain. I barely noticed because my mind was filled with memories of my brief visit to the temple back Full post …
Vyckie’s Tour de Crap ~ On Our Anniversary …
By Vyckie “Just smile, okay?” ~ this picture of me with Warren was taken two years ago today ~ on our 18th wedding anniversary, just before church. During the service that Sunday morning, I surprised everyone by going to the front of the church and reading aloud the following letter: On August 5, 1989, Warren and I pledged our love and our lives solely to one another in a small church in Dennison, Iowa. Just before the wedding, a tornado went through town and we couldn’t help but wonder if that upheaval Full post …
Michelle says, Never enough babies!
