Not writing in the terms of mere journaling (even though that’s good), but authentic, public writing.

I realize that there’s some form of practice that comes with writing online… and then sharing it with the world.

One of my dear friends told me that “the way you communicate to God is through writing”… and this phrase haunts me daily.

I still journal. I still write. I still create a list of blog / chapter topics in my head and think of fantastic metaphors to accompany each.

But I think this winter break… I’ll start some writing again.

Anyway,

Once in blue moon, I get an encouraging word or two from students. They’re few and far between.

As a Words Man, I’ll gladly have you talk about me. I want to hear that you’ve been talking about me and how amazing you think I am. And then, I’ll go and tell everyone that you were talking about me… I don’t want to be the center of attention… my love tank gets full when words are used.

I got a facebook message from a previous student:

Hey Cordes! I’m sure that you’re busy with whatever you’re doing but I wanted to stop and take a second to say thank you for everything you have ever taught me and done for me. Because of your class, I have been able to make an easy transition into college. Every paper I write is easier because of your teaching. The funny thing is I’m thinking of majoring in English or Rhetoric but still plan on going to law school. You’re an awesome teacher because you’re not fake. So I’ll say it one more time, thank you.

That’s all. My love tank went from E to F.

And oddly enough, when I don’t write, my mind begins to get jumbled.

I feel like I should be on Mind Hoarders: Buried Alive by Thoughts.

I told a friend this morning that I need to use my existing time to write. I don’t need to make more time… I just need to use the time that’s already here.

And for some reason… even if 2 people read this through their google-reader… or, at least glance over it… I know that my mind is organized and I’m able to process and function more successfully.

So… here’s to a new day. …to new writing. to new mercies. to new beginnings, even when you’re trying to reach the end.

The only book that kids (especially Christian kids) should be able to read is Harry Potter. Giving them books such as the Bible, stories by CS Lewis, or any of the Dead Sea Scrolls manuscripts would only misdirect a child toward darkness.

The Bible is a horrible piece of “literature” that discusses the demonic. Throughout the entire book, there are references to snakes, people dying of deadly diseases, and spirits. Shrouded in metaphors and allusive rhetorical questions isn’t going to save a child’s soul. The promotion of drinking, higher gods, and the wondering around in the desert isn’t a good model to be teaching young minds. And is it really possible for a donkey to talk? I don’t believe this. Now, I haven’t read the Bible, nor have I studied ancient Hebrew, but what I’ve heard from others who haven’t read the book, as well as what I’ve read from the back cover, shows that this isn’t suitable reading material for anyone.

CS Lewis over glories animalism. Plain and simple. Who would allow for someone to proclaim that an animal, such as a lion, could be royalty or king; that’s absurd. If you read any of the Narnia books, you are dealing with a horrible, horrible let down for readers. How dare CS Lewis identify kids as Kings and Queens of a land!? How dare he expect that kids can find refuge in others and in the “truth”… I haven’t read the entire series, but I did see the film adaptation trailers, which were filled with violence and cheerful music. I have yet to read CS Lewis’ science fiction, but I can only venture to say that it is just as grotesque. I can see Lewis sitting with Tolkien (who is obsessed with materialism and jewelry in his books) discussing how to corrupt the truth for child readers.

Now… why Christians should read fiction? Here it is…

Harry Potter, the entire series, embodies the simplistic story of a child destined to save his world. JK Rowling pens 7 (a number that has been favored by people for a couple days) books that tell a great story of a young boy’s purpose, journey, and eventual success over evil. Nothing in these books is questionable. They each have redeeming qualities because of the illustrations at the start of each chapter. Next time you think it’d be wise to sit down and devote yourself to reading Scripture for 10, 15, or 20 minutes, I think that your time would be better spent reading about a boy with a deformity on his forehead.

Let me reiterate that Harry Potter should be the only book that we Christians read… Harry Potter and, maybe, The Great Gatsby.

I prolonged this question for about 4 whole days; not because I don’t have an answer, but because I know the complexity of literary metaphors. The vastness of symbolism within literature can’t really be summed up into a simple blog post.

Find my favorite metaphor. Type about it for 30 minutes or so. Click publish. And hope that @brianthelion or @iamseandurham approve.

But connecting it to my life? Sheez… talk about a personal and vulnerable place to be.

I think of metaphors as two-fold.

1. They provide literary context to the book. // 2. They provide life context.

Even though metaphors are surrounded by words, independent clauses, prepositional phrases, commas, and exclamation points, they still jump off the page and resonate with the reader. Now, I’m not running around proclaiming that every lion is Aslan (or God for that matter), but I am saying that we find ourselves within literature… and through that, the real-life metaphors are penned.

But I think the best metaphor that I relate to is the Dorothy / Scarecrow relationship from Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. I’m not sure if I’d qualify their relationship as a metaphor (and please don’t take away my Masters in Literature, for this), but I personally relate to the Scarecrow. He is my life metaphor. 

In Baum’s Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Dorothy meets the Scarecrow along the yellow brick road on her way to see the wizard (you may have heard this story before).

In this scene, a significant relationship begins. Out of all of Dorothy’s relationships during her time in Oz, the most important is with the Scarecrow. She finds comfort and affirmation in their relationship. The Scarecrow pours out his love for her and desires the best for his new friend. They have a model relationship… I honestly can’t think of any other literary relationship that holds such a strong, mature, honest, and loving connection.  One of the greatest things I value is a good relationship. What you see here is the beginning of their relationship. A powerful picture in literture. For any significant relationship, you can remember the time, place, and situation surrounding the introduction of that person.

Also, the Scarecrow is obviously a feeler (and actually has a bigger heart than the Tin Woodsman). Because of the Scarecrow’s insecurity in himself, he doubts his knowledge (or doubts his ability to learn and problem-solve). I can relate here as well. My own personal insecurities get in the way of actually being successful at times.

Just this past month, I reread Oz. I noticed that every time Dorothy fell asleep, went somewhere, did anything, the Scarecrow was there… waiting, watching, guiding, protecting, encouraging. Even though it may be creepy with the “watching while she sleeps” part, it’s the unconditional love he has for her.

In Baum’s second book, The Marvelous Land of Oz, readers find the Scarecrow sad and depressed in his position of Ruler of Oz. He was given a role that simply didn’t match his make-up. Through the sequel novel, readers discover that there is actually a royal blood line in Oz that the Wizard disrupted. Once the Scarecrow realizes that someone’s purpose is to rule the kingdom, he steps down from the throne; not out of thankfulness to be rid of his position, but out of respect and in humility. I, too, have been given positions of authority that weren’t mine to have. It’s not that I regret the job or title, but I will fully allow someone to thrive in a place that helps them w/ a purpose. Who am I to hinder someone?

Throughout the Oz series, the Scarecrow is constantly in a supportive, yet encouraging role for the protagonists. Even w/ his own insecurities and emotional stitches, he strives for excellence and finds success in his relationships.

I can personally relate to this straw-stuffed metaphor.

I am the Scarecrow.

Insecure about my brains. Devoted unconditionally to others. Encouraging others to achieve success. If you know my GodShape or my own personal title, then you know I’ve been built for relationships… and so is the Scarecrow. Throughout the 14 books, he strives for relational excellence.

I’ve been given 3 writing topics… and I don’t want to rush a underdeveloped response.

Topic #1: Literature metaphors that relate to your life directly.

Topic #2: Why Christians should read fiction.

Topic #3: Why did you become a teacher? What keeps you going when things get really tough with the students?

I don’t think this could have come at a better time. I’m learning how to be disciplined when making my spare-time passion into a full-time passion. This request to discuss Literature only fuels my internal motor of improvement.

Here we go….

I realized that since the beginning of June, I’ve been reading rather quickly too.

Now, I’m not a speed reader like my wife (who has almost completed the “Girl w/ the Dragon Tattoo trilogy in almost a week), but I’m still reading more than I normally do.

I’m enjoying not working (what teacher DOESN’T like summer?), but it give me time to read.

So far, I’ve finished Emma by Jane Austen, The Marvelous Land of Oz and Ozma of Oz by L. Frank Baum, and A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller.

Currently, I’m 50 pages away from finishing Rob Bell’s Love Wins, and I’m 5 chapters into Persuasion by Jane Austen.

I’d like to keep rereading through the Oz series this summer… but not completely 100% sure what my next read will be. Perhaps I’ll finish the Harry Potter series?!

Hey David,
I just wanted to send you a quick note and let you know just how much I’ve appreciated your blog this month. Two weeks ago, a friend proceeded to tell me that he was struggling with homosexuality and he felt like I was the only person he could come to. I have to admit, without having read your blog I feel like I would have been lost in the conversation I had with him that day, and each one we have had since. Thank you for letting God use you and for all the work you incessantly do to help and better others. Be encouraged that you are changing lives and will continue to do so.
Thank you for your words friend. I hope all is well.

I know I started writing over at my other blog, but in the back of my mind, a list of possible blog topics began to form that would only fit naturally here.

So, I’m not gone. This blog, too, will rise from the dead again. I just can’t give it up…