Weird

I had a conversation with a friend about how the current economic state of affairs has impacted those least able to fend for themselves and the apparent lack of compassion on the part of those equipped to help. She noted that the difficulties for this population are amplified in the city of Portland and wondered how things are in other, more depressed towns like Flint, Michigan. I told her that though I am sure other areas are hard hit, I believe that this area is unique because of it's spiritual makeup. We live in a region of anarchists who's mantra is "Keep Portland Weird." Almost weekly protests, bear out the fact that authority of nearly any sort is the enemy. And even something as lovely and benign as riding a bicycle ('cause who doesn't enjoy a bike ride?)frequently becomes an egregious act because of a subversive bike culture, which plays by it's own rules on the roads (often at it's own peril), that has come into vogue. Folks here simply don't want to be told what to do. They will protest a cause halfway around the world, but ignore the plight of their neighbors around the corner. They are rebels and (surprise, surprise) the least churched state in the union.

After our discussion ended, I was thinking about the word "weird" and decided to look it up. Here's what I found"

Weird: 1. Of, relating to, or caused by witchcraft or the supernatural: MAGICAL. It is derived from an Old English noun wyrd, meaning "fate" (Webster's New Explorer College Dictionary)

This definition speaks volumes. 1 Samuel 15:23 says that "rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry." I would venture to guess that the majority of the population of the area is unaware of the link between their rebellious "weirdness", and witchcraft. They are just living in the moment, doing what feels good, enjoying life on their own terms. They don't realize who has mastered them... cause, like it all not, we all serve a master. I pray for this great city. It grieves my heart. Lord, let my little light shine!

"There is a way that seems right to man, But its end is the way of death." Proverbs 14:12

Legacy

My hubby and I attended a wedding yesterday and while waiting for the festivities to begin, a longtime friend of mine was snapping impromptu photos of the guests. Now, anyone who knows me, realizes that the sight of a lens pointed in my direction usually elicits an attempt on my part to disappear. I simply do not relish having my picture taken. Let me clarify that this was not the photographer hired by the couple to capture their day (I sat still for him. Besides, he was at a more comfortable distance. I would not likely be featured in his shots) This was renegade paparazzi, likely on a mission that involved Facebook. So, I employed my best strategies to avoid being photographed which included finally leaving the area. I was scolded by another guest for doing so. She told me that she maintains photographs of herself and her husband from birth forward because she wants her grandchildren to see her in her youth. Not wanting to be photographed, in her opinion, is prideful.

Her words gave me pause and made me reflect on my photo aversion... As much as I love photography and revisiting the memories captured on film, I am less concerned about being remembered for the way that I look, than for my character. I've heard rumor that the Apostle Paul had bowed legs and a huge head but, what he lacked in physical aesthetics, he more than made up for in devotion to our saviour. He is one of my favorites. And, while Queen Esther was beautiful, she earned a book in the Old Testament because of her courageous obedience, not because of her hourglass figure, or perfectly symmetrical features. I hope that when I am gone, I am remembered because I was a true friend, a faithful wife, and a loving mother; because I was hospitable, because I loved to laugh, and more than anything because I was a woman after God's own heart. The color and shape of my eyes pale in comparison.