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| I have, for the last several days, been engrossed in a book called "My Bondage and My Freedom," an autobiography by Fredrick Douglass. I doubt if I have ever heard such a compelling and eloquently produced testimony of slavery as I have found in this book. My favorite book has always been "Uncle Tom's Cabin" by Harriet Beecher Stowe, but this book has the advantage of being non-fiction, and told in firsthand language. He is rightly esteemed as a hero amidst the history of the abolitionist movement.
It is especially impressive that he had such competence and talent for speaking despite his lack of education. His way with words causes many an educated person to pale in comparison. In the appendeces of the book are included several speeches and letters produced by Douglass, and I found the speeches to be particularly good now that I realize they were completely extemporaneous. Nothing written down. They were recorded by witnesses in attendence, later published, and finally included in this volume.
It is humbling and heartbreaking that our country was once stained by the kind of heartless self interest and distain for human dignity that was manifested and cultivated in an institution as vile as the slave trade. What is even even more enraging is the fact that it was condoned - and even enforced - by the so called Christian Church. At risk of angering friends, I must say that I find many parallels between the legal and social system that allowed slavery and the same system that allows abortions. Both included laws that allowed the self interest of one party to degrade and devalue - and even dispose of - another party. The only difference is that with abortion, the violated party is voiceless and defenseless. Who is the advocate for an unborn child, whose very existence is most often concealed?
For the moment, I will abandon the subject... but I doubt if my conscience will allow it for long. Lord, have mercy on us.
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| This is the best summer. I am quite sure that I will get to the end of it and not quite remember how I spent it, but there is something refreshing in that thought. I will summarize a few points now so that I can look back and remember later. Other than teaching in Owatonna during the week, I have made headway in my reading list - Carl Sandburg is officially my favorite poet so far, Mother Teresa was an exceedingly wise woman, and thanks to Don Miller, I think I'm starting to understand the fall of man. I have slept in, enjoyed the breeze, soaked in the sunshine and eaten popsicles. Wedding tally is at 4. The other day, I refinished a small table, which is very satisfying. It was my mother's, and she refinished it when she was my age. Having it my apartment will feel comfortable, knowing it was hers. Oh, yes.... Erin and I found an apartment, for which we now have grand and creative plans. Paint, furniture, mirrors, eccentric decorations, et voila!! Last night I went to Rochester with my parents and Drew to hear a lecture on skepticism through the L'Abri foundation. It was wonderful, and Jock McGregor has a beautiful accent. I learned last night that there are few things more attractive in a man than the look in his eyes when he is listening intently. How lovely to see one in his element. The gospel of John blows my mind. More later... | | |
| Ok! Here's the start of my list, and I will add to it as people give me suggestions: 1. Searching for God Knows What - Don Miller 2. Six Easy Pieces and Six Not-so-easy pieces - Richard Feynman 3. The Poetry of Carl Sandburg 4. Self Reliance and Other Essays - Ralph Waldo Emerson 5. My Bondage and My Freedom - Frederick Douglass 6. The Abolition of Man - C.S. Lewis 7. Mere Christianity - C.S. Lewis 8. Evidence Not Seen 9. No Greater Love - Mother Theresa It's a good list. Any additions? | | |
| The Bach Chaconne makes everything feel profound. I could feel profound about picking lint off my sweater if this piece was playing at the same time. I'm in love. Bach, will you marry me? Ok, I'm done. I'm officially not doing public school teaching next year. I don't really know what that means, but I'm pretty sure I'll probably call everyone I know and try to build a studio for next year. Hopefully I can have it in full swing by October. I'm looking forward to having a life again. What should I read first?  | | |
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