Kidults (Part 4): Choosing To Grow Up
In the late 90’s hit single, “Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen),” Baz Luhrmann offers sage advice in a unique and catchy graduation-ceremony-put-to-music format. He begins by telling his listeners to wear sunscreen, because the benefits are “well-documented by scientists.” The rest of the advice, he tells us, “has no source more reliable” than his own “meandering experience.” (If you didn’t notice this guy has a sense of humor.)
I must admit that I love this song. It’s like a 5-minute version of Self-Improvement 101, and it’s catchy! Unfortunately, sandwiched in between his reminders to stretch and get plenty of calcium, Mr. Luhrmann throws in this piece of advice:
“Don’t feel guilty if you don’t know what you want to do with your life. The most interesting people I know didn’t know at twenty-two what they wanted to do with their lives. Some of the most interesting 40-year-olds I know still don’t.”
My initial reaction to that would be: Ouch! This is exactly what we don’t need! We do not need to be encouraged to lack direction and purpose. That’s what we’re already doing! Rather, our generation needs a kick in the pants that says, “Wake up! The stakes are high! The time is now! Get going!”
But then I realized that while Mr. Luhrmann advice was bad, he was also responding to one of the other reasons that our generation is having trouble growing up: We are overwhelmed with the responsibility of figuring out what in the world we’re going to do with our lives.
After all, we already live in a world of overwhelming choice: there are 40 kinds of coffee beans at Whole Foods Market, 205 channels on DirecTV, and 15 million personal ads on Match.com. And guess what? Unless you expect to find your life’s mate online those are all relatively insignificant choices!
What seems to trip many young people up are the 800,000+ career choices on Monster.com. It was all so much easier back when you were simply “destined” to be a blacksmith just like your father, and his father, and his father’s father, and his father’s father’s father, and his fath . . . you get the point.
But seriously, the question of life purpose weighs heavily on many young people and some of us just don’t want to deal with it. Marshall Herskovits, producer of the television show Thirtysomething, explains, “When you talk about this period of transition being extended, it’s not what people intended to do. But it’s a result of the world not being particularly welcoming when they come into it. Lots of people have a difficult time dealing with it, and they try to stay kids as long as they can because they don’t know how to make sense of all this.”
What is Mr. Herskovits referring to when he says “all this?” He talking about those questions: What are you going to do? How are you going to do it? Where are you going to go? How are you going to get there? Those questions that seem to jump you out of the blue and then plague your subconscious with their persistent nagging.
But don’t worry. I’ve been there too. I know the paralysis that comes with big decisions. However, I’ve also learned that the only way to avoid being overwhelmed with the big choices (and everybody has to make them) is to start moving. Just start putting one foot down after another.
Here’s why I say that: I think that the reason these 20+ year-olds are paralyzed by questions of direction and purpose is because they failed to start moving on these decisions when they were teenagers.
So here’s the practical application: Start planning now! Starting thinking about what you’re going to do after high school and after college. Start thinking about career paths and what you want in a marriage partner. Better yet, start praying about these things. You can’t cram on this test. The consequences are long-term.
Feel free to change your mind 200 times or even 200,000 times. But having a foggy idea of what the future holds does not bode well for you.
In closing, I know that we all get tired of people asking us, “So what are you doing after high school?” But the truth is, “There’s few better questions for them to ask!” The reason we are often unprepared for our future is that we haven’t spent enough time thinking about and planning our future.
Sorry, Mr. Luhrmann. We don’t want to be “interesting” 40-year-olds or even “interesting” 22-year-olds for that matter. We are called to a higher standard.
In the comment section I want each of you to answer to one or more of the following prompts, but please don’t limit yourselves to what I have provided:
1.) At this point in time I plan to attend the following college . . .
If you are not planning on attending college don’t feel badly. College is not always necessary, advisable, or affordable.
2.) At this point in time I plan to pursue the following career . . .
Ladies, “wife” and “mother” are both suitable and admirable answers.
3.) At this point in time I desire the following characteristics in a spouse . . .
Please specify (if it is not already clear) whether you are describing a husband or wife.
Remember, the idea is simply to get you thinking about these things. Expect these answers to change over time, but if you don’t have an answer to one of the question it is likely that you lack direction in that area.
Also, you must realize that this is far from a complete list. Believe it or not, before you can start figuring out answers to purpose-related questions you must first figure out what all of those questions are! I would advise that you start developing a list of questions you want to have answers to.
Continue Series with Part 5: “I Won’t Grow Up & You Can’t Make Me!”
March 27th, 2006 at 1:19 pm
1) Past college age (kinda) and have no use for it.
2) Already have a full-time career as a stay-at-hom mum and wife
3) He’s gotta be my husband for me to want to marry him
I love these articles!
July 3rd, 2006 at 4:38 am
2) already a wife and mother
actually I could just copy Jezreel’s comment
But I wanted to say, perhaps (I remember from my own teen years) the reason tha most people don’t know what they want until they are mid 20’s is that they spent the last 8 years (4years shelling out $$$$ for the “privilige”) being brainwashed er… rather, I mean, “completeing their education” and they simply didn’t have the time or energy to think their own thoughts. because they had to cram info into their brains long enough to be able to regurgitate it onto the appropriate page. (as you may be able to tell grammar was my “favorite” subject
But that said, I’ve been having my DD15 write down her goals for 10 years out, then think backwards what has to be done in 5 yrs, 2.5yrs, 15months, 7 months, 3 months from now in order to reach that 10 year goal.
Looking forward to hearing more ideas on goal setting/preparing for your futures.
Mrs. Nehemiah
July 26th, 2006 at 12:24 pm
First up, your link to this post from #3 is broken. I had to use the sidebar to nav here.
Everybody’s Free is an awesome song. I have a copy somewhere around here; humour is required to get through just about everything.
We can’t decide what to do with ourselves and we don’t know how to begin. People (our parents) tell us “Do something!” and leave it at that. Where do we start? What if we can’t live up to that? Should we try at all? Or should we just do what feels good now and pretend we are living and suceeding in our lives?
You might be right about our failure to move being a direct result of not moving forward as teenagers. I don’t know. When I was 15, I was dating a 22 year old. At 17, I had a ring on my finger. At 18, I almost married him but decided I was sick of being abused and brainwashed. I missed out on most of the typical teenager stuff all my friends were doing at the time.
Onto the questions…
1) I have attended our local college for several years. I have completed enough units that if they fit together, I could recieve three associates degrees. The problem? I’ve failed my math requirement four times now.
2) I have no idea. That seems to be the problem.
3) Intelligence, patience, creativity, outgoingness… in a man.
August 5th, 2006 at 1:12 am
1. No college in my plans at this point. For myself, I don’t see any reason for it. My answer to number 2 is I just want to get married and have a family. College right now seems more like a waste of money to go learn stuff I’ll never use. It isn’t ruled out though.
3. XY chromesomes, chasing after God kind of Christian, curiousity (WHY do we do that/think that way? as just one example), outgoing, adventurous, passionate, confident, humble…
While waiting for the ‘perfect’ guy to come along, I want to get myself out of the Peter Pan part of life. I’m 19 almost 20, still live at home, but I have a job, pay rent and gas and pay for whatever else I want…like if I need new clothes or something. I’m hoping to move out in a year…I guess I got the city bug, but I want to live in the dodgy part of town and do volunteer work with homeless people. Realizing that this time of no big commitments is a gift from God, and hoping that it will only come once, I want to make the most of it. And I want to be ready when the time comes to marry and have kids.
October 30th, 2006 at 3:44 pm
1.) At this point in time I plan to attend the following college . . .
At the moment I’m not planning ona attending college, however I’ve been looking into it. Most likely, I’d like to do some sort of missions training program such as YWAM, or Christ for the Nations.
2.) At this point in time I plan to pursue the following career . . .
One day, I would like to be a wife and mother. I believe that God has called me to missions work in other countries as well as ministering to others through music.
3.) At this point in time I desire the following characteristics in a spouse . . .
In my future husband, I don’t want to “fall in love” with him. I want to “fall in love”
with Jesus in him. He has to be completely sold out for God and willing to go to any extreme for Him. He has to have a heart for God’s Word, kids, and the lost. And he HAS to live with a higher standard. Instead of taking his standards from the world, he’ll get them from God’s Word. Also, it’d be great if he had a hilarious sense of humor, could sing and play an instrument, could at least cook decently (and healthy), and had SOME experience with kids. I could go on and on but I’ll leave it at that.
November 4th, 2006 at 6:49 am
Hi. I thought I’d add some thoughts for you. But first to answer your questions:
1. I hold a JD. I not only did college, but law school.
2. Despite that (and the ceaseless pressure from “What if” types), I am on-track to become a stay-at-home mom before Christmas. Baby deserves a mommy.
3. Having spent my entire life being betrayed by everyone I knew–and I mean EVERYONE–I needed someone I could trust. That meant his character had to be above reproach. I also needed a fair amount of brains in my husband. I got those in spades (through eharmony.com, a service for people ready to commit).
The goofy thing I note about people who swear they “need more time” is that I started my college career, full-time, at 15. I graduated with a BA in English Literature at 19. I started law school at 21. If things had remained as the status quo–single and nobody suitable around for me to marry–then my course would have been set. It can be done. What’s their excuse?
But then again, I had a healthy distrust and dislike for the foolishness of my fellow “adolescents.” I was never one of them–never ALLOWED to be one of them, and they made sure I understood that. Instead, I spent my time in the company of serious, responsible adults. Thus, I was prepared to start my adult life before I could drive.
I suspect that this is the crux of it: In our cultural obsession with “socializing” children through public school, we invariably retard real growth. How can you learn to be an adult by hanging around with children? It’s a bit like being tutored in Calculus by third-graders…
I’m enjoying this series, gentlemen. Good job.
November 14th, 2006 at 7:52 pm
I don’t have any of the questions answered as I am passed this age group. But as a 44 yr old lady, mom and wife. I think that this has been a problem for over twenty years. As I recall these questions going through my head. And getting quick pat answers in response.
Hind sight is 20/20 but honestly those questions when you were young and in Elementary School should have been chased. “What are you going to be when you grow up.” Too much time is spend over things like going to the greatest party, being the most popular person in High School and the like. When the teenage years are a bridge between childhood and adulthood.
As an adult, I have seen put downs on the media towards being an adult. And that adults have no fun. And yes adults have fun, but they know how to plan for it. So that things don’t pile up that need to be done at the cost of fun. Sure you can be single all your life, have nothing holding you down now, and the like. But think ahead, what will you be doing in your 50’s? Having goals is important. And making a difference in life beyond yourself is so important. As it is that legacy that will be here when you have gone. Not the latest and greatest cell phone addition.
Just wisdom, that I wish was spoken over me at this age, that I am now passing onto you. Do something that matters and makes this world a little better in the end, and in it all glorify the Lord God.
There is a story of a monk that did nothing in his monostary but wash dishes. But people of influence and wealth would sit beside him to listen to his wisdom. And what was his response for this happening? He said that he did all to glorify the Lord, including the small stuff.
God Bless and keep each one of you in your life.
February 28th, 2007 at 8:34 am
1.) At this point in time I plan to attend the following college . . .
Olympic College (our community college) and possibly Frontier School of the Bible.
2.) At this point in time I plan to pursue the following career . . .
I am considering becoming a teacher, but am still in the process of deciding. However, I want to become a wife and mother also, and if that comes before becoming a teacher, then that’s wonderful!
3.) At this point in time I desire the following characteristics in a spouse . . .
-A Christian
-Hardworking
-My family and friends like him
-Focused
-Actively pursuing God
-Gentle and kind
-Likes children
-Has a sense of humor (this would be nice!)
-Sensible with money, time, etc.
-Healthy
-Many other things…
As Katelyn said, I don’t want to suddenly “fall in love”. I’d rather grow to love.
April 22nd, 2007 at 4:23 am
1.) CPCC (community college)
2.) I want to become a wife, mother and an author
3.) At this point in time I desire the following characteristics in a husband…
~Christian
~Hardworking
~On Fire for the Lord
~loves kids
~Gentle and humble
~sense of humor
~wise in descision making
April 22nd, 2007 at 5:18 pm
1.) I have alot of colleges I’m looking at. my firrst year will be part time community college, then full time at a specialized college after that.
2.) I want to be a freelance author and work with horses in my free time, possibly give riding lessons or baord. I would really love to be a stay at home mom/ wife, but i am willing to work full time if i have to to support my family (especially if my husband has a low paying job.)
3.) What would i look for in a husband? Definitely Christian.. on the conservative side. a guy truly willing to follow God to the end of the earth (yes, that means I’d be willing to marry a pastor or missionary), someone truly devoted to Him. someone honest and trustworthy. funny. respectful.
April 27th, 2007 at 10:24 am
1) I don’t have any plans for college. I don’t think I need to spend 4 years and alot of money at a college, gaining a career that I’ll never use. ie: I plan to be a homemaker, spending my time after marriage homeschooling my kids, and devoting myself to being a wife and mother. If I went to college, there’s a good chance, I’d end up saying to my husband, “Oh, and by the way, here’s a debt that I owe for going to college, and I don’t really plan to ever use my education, unless it’s really needed.” However, I do want to have some kind of a skill that I can use to get a better job than working at McDonalds. Something that may take a little school, but not years of it. I want to be prepared to support myself if I end up being single for a long time. I also want to be able to help my husband out if big financial problems ever arise.
Well, that kind of explains #2 as well.
3) The most important quality I want in a husband, is that he must love God more than me. He must be totally dedicated to God’s glory, and His will. Everything else stems off that.
May 26th, 2007 at 7:22 pm
I really like this one - thanks for encouraging us to truly think about these questions!
1. If at all possible, I would like to attend Julliard & take dance I have no idea if this is even attainable, and probably the only way to attain that goal is to just keep dancing… which leads to question 2…
2. I love dancing. It is one of those things, that if I can have a career in, I will never work another day of my life. Dance is my favorite way of relating to God, and it is when I feel truly close to him. The only other thing I have seriously considered is mission work. I have no idea what kind, but there are certain groups of people that God seems to be continually laying on my heart - most especially the children who are forced into prostitution. I don’t know if that is where God wants my life to go, and to be honest, it scares me. But I want him to have his way, because I’m not so good at driving.
3. The qualities I would want in a husband, are first, and foremost, an abiding and deep love of God, love of others, compassion, dreams, curiosity, and, obviously, someone who understands me and loves me for who I am.
Thank you guys so much for posting this - it helps to have to think seriously about this, & to attempt to order my thoughts.
God bless!
June 6th, 2007 at 10:04 pm
1.) At this point in time I plan to attend the following college . . .
There is a really neat school in Oregon called Canyonview Equestrian College. I have decided to stay home for at least a year to gain more experience in the horse industry.
Time will tell if that is where God wants me to be or not.
2.) At this point in time I plan to pursue the following career . . .
Eventually, I would like to be a wife and mother. Until then, I would like to work with horses. I would like to also do something in visual arts, like photography and knitting, on the side.
3.) At this point in time I desire the following characteristics in a spouse . . .
Oh, man! Where do I start? Modest, intelligent, supportive, faithful, discerning, honest, humble, respectable, responsible, … I hope my husband will allow God to decide how many children we will have, and I would like to homeschool them. Obviously, my husband has to be a better person than I could ever deserve, but doesn’t make me feel inadequate. I know that God will provide me with my “perfect husband” in His perfect timing.
June 12th, 2007 at 11:53 pm
1.) At this point in time I plan to attend the following college . . .
I am 17 and just finished my first year of college– once I get my A.A. I am considering three choices: go to a Christian colege and get a degree in pastoral counseling; go to a Christian college and get a degree in Psycology(did I spell that right?); and my third option is to go study abroad in Rwanda and get a degree in linguistics while doing missionary work.
2.) At this point in time I plan to pursue the following career . . .
Definitly a stay at home, homeschooling mom, with an emphasis on adoption and fostering.
3.) At this point in time I desire the following characteristics in a spouse . . .
He would have to be a spiritual leader, love kids, have a sense of humor, motivated, and the list could go on for a while. . .
June 26th, 2007 at 4:23 pm
1) UCLA via my local community college.
2) State or local politics with an emphasis on education.
3) A woman who I could respect as a person, love as a sister, and sacrifice myself for as a husband.
June 27th, 2007 at 6:23 pm
Thanks for your article! I agree that way too many young people lack direction in their lives. I do want to point out however that even at 24, a college grad and married, I don’t consider my career to be my purpose in life. It’s a pretty uniquely American, or at least western, idea to define yourself by your job or work. At 18, I passionately pursued a career in music - I spent hours practicing, rehearsing, teaching, reading, and so on. But that’s not where my life has gone since then. So even though that desire gave me a sense of purpose at 18, I think that knowing what kind of person, Christian, spouse, witness you want to be is more important than knowing where you want to study or work, or what field or career you want to enter after high school.
July 12th, 2007 at 9:57 pm
1: Collage, umm, I am interested in art collage? other than that Central (WA) ? but most of all (answer to question 2) I want to be a wife and mother (3) to a guy who loves God (the obvious) other people, especially me, and, by worldy standards, is as much like Laurie in “Little Women” as possible! Also, a sense of humour is great!(A popular one w/ the ladies!)
Gracie
August 10th, 2007 at 7:43 pm
Great post!
1) Collage. Is that like university in Australia? Well I don’t really want to attend University or Tafe. I am seriously considering going to a Christian mission training course though.
2) I certainly want to be a homeschool mum. That is why I don’t think a further education is really worth the effort because getting some decree is not going to help me be a loving and patient wife and mother.
3) Well the things I would admire in a future husband would be;
a. This is THE most important- A sincere Christain- everything for God
b. Responsible and a leader
c. Repectful to his wife (I really hate it when married men joke about their wifes’ ways)
d. Loves children
e. Knows when to be serious and when to be funny
August 23rd, 2007 at 11:32 am
1.) I am currently attending a nearby community college with my two siblings and I plan to begin attending a nearby university next semester, while still living at home under my parents’ authority and protection.
2.) I am open to wherever God wants me to go, to whatever He wants me to do. I have always felt called to be a wife and mother and to homeschool my future children (if the Lord so blesses). I am interested in health and education. I want to help others and to point them to Christ.
3.) If I marry, I want my husband to:
*Truly love the Lord and desire to obey Him no matter what the cost
*Have strong biblical convictions
*Have mature wisdom and character
*Be honest and responsible
*Have both common sense and a sense of humor
*Love and respect my parents and love and respect me
*Be bibilically authoritative (as well as submissive to his authorities)
*Love children and desire to have as many as the Lord so blesses
October 18th, 2007 at 8:56 pm
“2.) At this point in time I plan to pursue the following career . . .”
I want to be a wife and stay-at-home mother - like my Mom.
“3.) At this point in time I desire the following characteristics in a spouse . . .”
-a real Christian who does his best to follow God
-wisdom
-honesty
-he should love children
-he should be a ‘Real Man’
-maturity
October 18th, 2007 at 8:59 pm
“3.) At this point in time I desire the following characteristics in a spouse . . .”
-a real Christian who does his best to follow God
-wisdom
-honesty
-he should love children
-he should be a ‘Real Man’
-maturity
-sense of humor
I forgot sense of humor - very important.
January 7th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
1. I am graduating from highschool this spring and hope to get a basic degree from a Christian college.
2. At this point and time I have no clue about careers…of course I want to be married and raise a family, but I have no idea exactly how soon that will be. I’m strongly interested in evangelism and music, and I like languages a great deal also. Hopefully God will show me soon how all that will play out!
3. I want my husband to be my spiritual leader who loves me like Christ loves the church, someone who holds to the same ideals and has the same desires, someone who will cherish me the rest of my life. ( Y’all ought to look up ‘cherish’ in an expanded dictionary, lol)
March 6th, 2008 at 10:01 am
1.) At this point in time I plan to attend the following college . . .
The Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design
2.) At this point in time I plan to pursue the following career . . .
wife/mother, and possibly an interior designer
3.) At this point in time I desire the following characteristics in a spouse . . .
a husband that is honorable, polite, saved, and will not just give me up.
March 25th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
A lot of the girls who wrote in have already said some things I want to say, but here’s my answers anyway…
1) I don’t plan on college. I think it would mostly be a waste of time and money, and,
)
depending on what it was, I might not use my degree because I want to be a wife and mother (2). (I am so glad many of the other girls said that they want to be those two things too. I believe they are very important
3) Here I really don’t know what to say that wasn’t already mentioned above at least once. I know though that, if it’s God’s will that I get married, my husband will be my perfect mate. I pray that God will prepare me to be his.
Thanks for the post!
March 27th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
1. I plan on accelarated distance learning from several collages.
2. First into the military and then on to be a stuntman/actor.
3. Someone who will love me no matter what bonehead mistakes I make, and follow and support me through whatever God has in store for me. (I’m a visionary man, so she’ll be in for a ride.)
May 9th, 2008 at 10:07 am
1. I am planning on going on to collage but don’t know which one yet
2. I’m not 100% sure, but for sure something to do with either horses or just plain animals, I just don’t know what I want to do with horses or animals because there are so many choices
3. If it is God’s will that I get married, I want a husband who is a true christian, a strong believer, really loves the Lord, has a good sense of humor, is polite, considerate, who truly loves me, is honest, mature, and who is pure, not only with his sex life but also in his thinking and actions. I also want a husband who will stand up for what is right, no matter what it cost.
May 25th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
1. I want to go to either the University of Michigan or Michigan State.
2. I want to be a wife, mother, and a psychologist or elementary school teacher.
3. In a husband, I would like a man who is hard-working, is a true believer, is kind, mature, honest and pure.
June 20th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Many years ago, as a 16 year old, I made choices about these things. I know that God has used and continues to use those choices to shape my adult life. I am so pleased to read about the plans you are making to expand your ability to learn, your consideration of the work that God is calling you to, and your dreams for good marriages.
I pray for you and for myself to continue to get to know Christ, to accept and submit to the truth of the Bible, and to pray for the Holy Spirit to continue to give you a desire for holiness, and the strength and courage you will need to live rightly. God has plans to use us for his glory–what an exciting adventure.
Blessings.
July 17th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
1.) At this point in time I plan to attend the following college . . .
At this point in time I don’t think I’ll attend college. I’m not against college but don’t think going just for the sake of going is cool.
2.) At this point in time I plan to pursue the following career . . .
EMT/First Responder.
3.) At this point in time I desire the following characteristics in a spouse . . .
It would take me too long to type all the characteristics I want in a fella! I have pretty high standards. Maybe too high.
September 26th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
1.) At this point in time I plan to attend the following college . . .
I don’t know which college yet. Maybe Thomas Edison. I want to do it online though.
2.) At this point in time I plan to pursue the following career . . .
I plan to become an actress and singer but I will only star in movies that glorify my Lord who gave me these talents and I will only sing songs that will praise his name. I also am going to pursue a career in speech pathology (Therapy). But more than anything I just want to be a godly wife and mother.
3.) At this point in time I desire the following characteristics in a spouse . . .
~He has to be a very strong Christian. Very important!
~He must firmly wish to homeschool his children.
~He must be respectful to his parents and elders.
~He has to LOVE little children.
~Truthful.
~Hardworking.
~Diligent.
~Kind.
~Thoughtful.
~Gracious.
~He must always look to the Bible for decisions.
~Must be wise in his use of money.
~Be able to control his temper.
~Very mature.
~He must be pure and wish to save our first kiss for our wedding. This may not be absolutly necessary (being pure is)but I have always thought it is a sweet idea and I really want it.
~Love me dearly. (Jesus first)
~And a lot, LOT more!
Beka,
You said, “I have pretty high standards. Maybe too high.” I just want to tell you to never lower your standards. Keep them high! My standards are very high as well and I do not intend to lower them for anyone! I know there may not seem to be many men with these ideals but they are out there, however hard to find. I know. I have an older brother with great ideals and he is not going to lower them either!
God bless!
Sarah
October 1st, 2008 at 4:35 pm
To all the young women who are not planning to go to college,
After posting a comment a few days ago I decided to come back to this article and read some of the comments. I found that quite a few young ladies have basically said “I don’t think I will go to college because I just want to get married and have a family”. I agree with wanting to have a husband and family(I really want to get married someday) but I think you should still go to college and get a degree. Let me tell you why.
First, what if you are suddenly widowed and have to support your children? You cannot bring enough money for a family buy working at, McDonalds for example. If you have a degree it is much easier to find a good payng job.
Secondly, what if you don’t ever get married? Let’s face it, not everyone marries. I am not saying that you won’t be married, but it is a possilbity. You can’t depend on your parents to support you all your life.
Thirdly, when God gives us talents he wants us to use them. If he has given you a great ability you need to use it for his glory. Also, God can use us much more powerfully if we are well prepared.
And fourth. College is a very hard thing so…. Do a hard thing!!! That is Alex and Brett’s motto and we as Rebelutionaries ought to follow the leaders.
So, GO TO COLLEGE AND GET A DEGREE!!!
Please, I do not want anyone to be offended by this. I only wish to state some reasons why I believe it is best to go to college.
God bless!
Sarah.
October 17th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
On number two: what happened to consecrated religious vocations? I am not a Catholic nor do I intend to become one, however there are some sound Protestant orders, and I know from experience that God calls at least temporarily to want that.
It would be very interesting and informative to get the Harris brothers’ opinion on this whole way of serving God. “Wife and Mother” does not leave room for all His possible Plans.
October 17th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
Wanting only God,
you don’t mean you want to be a pastor do you?
Sarah.
October 18th, 2008 at 8:30 am
To Sarah Pena: no, a nun!
October 18th, 2008 at 9:15 am
At second thought, that requires some explanation; not just “a nun”, but a cloistered contemplative nun: acording to my home dictionary ‘a woman who devotes her life to God and religion and lives under the religious vows of Poverty, Chastity, ans Obedience (sometimes Enclosure and Silence, also) together with a group of women like her, giving up all worldly things’ and yet heaps more than that. I wish I had the words and space to explain it properly.
October 19th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Wanting only God,
I hope I do not sound mean or disrespectful in anyway but what do you think you could do in a cloister that you could not do outside of one? And I always thought that you had to be Catholic to be a nun. Could you please explain to me?
God bless!
Sarah.
October 20th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
To Sarah Pena: The point of being anything or anywhere should not be what one could do there that one couldn’t do elsewhere, but that one is there in answer and compliance with God’s call, to do whatever one does do completely for love of God.
As to denominational restrictions, there are some quite biblically sound sister-hoods and brother-hoods under the auspices of the Lutheran church, the Anglican church, and a few others (though they are not numerous). Research it.
November 18th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
Wanting only God,
Please don’t get me wrong, I think it is absolutely wonderful that you want to devote your life to Christ! But as a cloistered contemplative nun how can you spread the gospel to the unsaved? Do the “sister-hoods” go out to the world to reach unbelievers? Because bringing people to God’s saving grace is all that matters in this world. I am afraid I don’t know much about nuns, so could you help?
God bless!
Sarah.
November 19th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
To Sarah Pena:
Don’t worry, not many people do know much about nuns! First of all re-read the first paragraph of my last reply. I appreciate your enthusiasm for outreach and direct ministry, but God does not make us all to be missionaries in the conventional sense of the word; our true purpose must be to love and obey God in all.
All that matters in this world is doing what God wants us to, for love of Him. We should look to live the Christian life as prescribed by Christ which is the witness and apostolate of us all, and to live our specific callings and vocations; God makes some of us to go and seek the opportunity to evangelize, some of us to wait for Him to send the opportunity.
It is totally possible for God to send opportunities to a nun. There are many ministries open for religious sisters that do not necessarily require leaving the cloister, counseling for example (which some nuns are uniquely equipped to handle from their life); there are even cloistered missionary nuns. Much of the contemplative vocation is intercession; Christendom can never have too much of this, and intercession is one of the most fundamental (but indirect) ministries.