Cornel West

today in my english 102 class we watched a speech given by Cornel West. (if you haven't heard of him, go find him on youtube and listen to a speech or interview or something. he's amazing.) this particular speech was about being part of a progressive movement in america that works toward removing dogmas duch as white supremacy, male dominance, religious discrimination, homophobia etc. from society and essentially creating equality for everyone.
this is the general focus of our entire class this quarter which is pretty interesting to me, but could potentially be something i get tired of because it's becoming something we talk too much about and can't seem to find a way to do anything about it.
i really enjoyed the speech. West was so passionate and fiery about everything he was saying. he wants to make huge changes in society and i think it's great that he is willing to pour himself into something that most people would render hopeless at first glance. as a christian, he brings religion into the picture in a different way than many speakers would. he essentially says that people need to show the compassion and love that Jesus showed throughout his life and that without that love and compassion, nothing can be done to better the situation we are in.
i thought this was really cool because it was a challenge to me (or any other christian listening to him speak). we, as christians, need to be the leaders in showing love and compassion to everyone. we need to be the first to set aside our differences and be compassionate and loving to anyone and everyone we come in contact with so that the rest of the world can see and follow that example.
that's what i was left with after english today. not what i expected to take out of that class today...but i'm glad i did.

let me just say one more thing...
i love black people. seriously. they are my favorite. i am going to marry a black man. mark my words. :)
they are so passionate about what they believe and they're not afraid to talk about it. how many white people do you see with that same passion and attitude about things? honestly, i can't think of many white people who will stand up for what they believe in and tell you what you don't want to hear even when you need to. this is one of the things i loved so much about visiting jeff's church. there was no sugar coating and you left with the feeling that you needed to change something about your life for the better. conviction? hm.

sorry it's been so long...

(i think i'm done with the song thing for now)

so i'm in a ridiculously good mood right now.
why? honestly, i'm not completely sure. i'm just happy.
the plane tickets for honduras were purchased today. that's great and just makes the trip feel so much more real. i can't wait! it's going to be so much fun and there will be lots to learn.

there's a lot going on in my life right now that's really exciting to me. i've started reading the Bible a lot more lately and it's been amazing. God has been showing me a ton of stuff about myself and just life in general and i don't even have words to describe what i'm feeling. it's so great. i've realized that pretty much all of these exciting things are related somehow to my growing relationship with God. i will write more about what all of these things are, but not now...simply because i'm still praying about them and making sure they're the right choices and what God really wants me to proceed with.

i've seen some pretty massive changes in my attitude and behavior in the past few weeks and i'm loving it. it's amazing what you can learn when you let God in and ask Him to guide you.

i'm really excited to post some more specific blogs. hopefully it'll happen this weekend. right now i just need to focus on my dumb math final. ha

your power and love is clearly shown throughout the earth

You Save Me
i feel your loving arms surround me
your hands, they hold me close to you
with perfect eyes you're watching out for me
your warm embrace is ever-present
i fly so high upheld by you
i sink into a warm and loving rest

jesus, you are my protector
you have stationed every angel around me
jesus, you are my provider
you are everything that i will ever need
you save me

when i am tired you come renew me
your heart and hands restore my soul
you lead me to a place of quiet rest
holy spirit, i surrender everything i am to you
my joy, my strength, my life are in your hands


You Are Lord
in every breath i take
i receive the gift of life from you, oh god
in every step i take
i feel the love you freely give to me, oh god

and our voices sing out loud and strong
to thank you for your marvelous, boundless love
all through our darkest night we raise this song of praise
for you goodness and your might

your name, oh god, be praised on high
your power and love is clearly shown throughout the earth
your name, oh god, be lifted up on high
forever we your people will proclaim:
you are lord!


Jesus, Be the First
jesus, be the first, be my guiding light
everywhere you lead i will follow
i pushed you away, gave you second place
now come be the first again

jesus, i need you more than anything i can see
precious jesus, i want you to be my all in all, my king
jesus be the first, go before me now
i will walk behind in your footprints

i pushed you away, gave you second place
now come be the first again
please come be the first again


[begin confusion/sadness]
it's really hard for me to sing these songs anymore. i love them and i think they should still be sung, but i cry every time i hear them. they are so true and great, but seem like such a misleading lie.
i'm having a really hard time putting words to the feelings i have about them right now, so i'm going to stop trying for now.
some of you will understand this post better than others, but just wait for the comment revealing the author of these words and maybe it will make more sense.
[the confusion and sadness will never end]