As I develop characters in my story, I consider how flat they seem to me without prejudice and sin. In the selection below, I explore how to illustrate prejudice and sin in a way that makes the characters more real.
How did I do?
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“I’m available,” Tomas offered in a hopeful voice as he enjoyed a view of Anais’ cleavage.
“Um, no – I’m not in the mood for Chinese,” Anais replied.
“I’m Korean!” Tomas snapped at Anais.
“Same thing,” Anais replied carelessly.
“But if you ever want a shot – you’ll lose the combat boots and backpack, Bible boy.”
After Anais had gone back inside, John unsuccessfully tried to sit up.
“That’s a problem,” George mumbled, got up and went back into the bar; his bottle was empty.
While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus. And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.”
Matthew 9:32-33
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The Bible does not want to suggest to the Christian that demons exist. It proclaims, loud and clear, that demons are real – not metaphors for psychological or physical challenges. Demons exist as disembodied personalities which can kill us, make us sick, mislead us and lead us to do evil. If it were otherwise, it would not be written.
We can be delivered of every kind of demon, however. Because Jesus has been given authority over them, great and small, by the Father. And Jesus has given His authority over them to the faithful that we should be free and do God’s will.
This is not to suggest evil spirits cause all sicknesses and other challenges, therefore, the gift of discerning of spirits is needed.
In the midst of snowfall, I pondered truth this morning and why I desire it. And why we should desire truth.
I would like to characterize my hunger for the truth – as a pleasure I enjoy in discovering reality as it can be apprehended or received by rational and other means. I find myself most enthusiastic about truth when I act in wisdom – when I apply my knowledge usefully and successfully for my or others benefit.
Sometimes, those benefits can be as ridiculous as vanity – my own petty self satisfaction that I know better than another. I regret and struggle to renounce this sin of pride as much as possible.
But my greater pleasure, I believe, derives from an uplifting experience when I discover that reality is more beautiful and larger than I (or others) had previously understood.
For example, that our dignity as human persons exceeds the apparently arbitrary values we find assigned to a person within human culture. Specifically in the instance of a victim of human trafficking, slavery, abuse, exploitive labor, murder, or rape. Or in the existential experience of rejection – hate, discrimination, disability, disease, alienation, flight, immigration, diaspora, etc.
I rejoice to know that we are more than our failure, sorrows, pain and shame. And I anticipate with great hope and faith when we will arrive at that uncompromised and joyful experience of ourselves (and each another) as more.
As I try to wrap my mind around the meaning of rejection, I have to consider that the consequence of it is nothing less than the inability or disability to receive or give love. In other words, if your experience of love is inadequate (rejection), you cannot love fully or in a healthy way.That means rejection is not just a personal problem; it is a viral problem.
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Social Media
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No where is the sweep of rejection more present to us than in Social Media. The sweep of the pain, sadness and anger of rejection extends beyond our gaze and imagination, and the depth of the wounds, we may never guess.
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Poverty, disability, disease, parental neglect, divorce, infidelity, betrayal, abuse and exploitation, violence, prejudice, public humiliation, failure, and inaccessible education are among the causes that alienate us. And so wounded, we in turn reject, mistrust and, perhaps, wound others. And we will pursue loveless paths of shame, brokenness and despair.
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Suicide, Depression and Anxiety…
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The catastrophic power of rejection cannot be ignored. Suicide, depression and anxiety are on the increase – not to mention the secret wish for death which too many hold like a prayer in their hearts. …
Mary’s Song …
What is the solution to rejection?Mary’s response to the news brought by an angel comes to mind::
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And Mary said:
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“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name…” …
Luke 1:46-49
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Mary’s song comes to mind right now because what happened to her is what we want and need – the fullness of acceptance and approval, love, and responsibility.
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Love and Responsibility
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Responsibility may seem out of place in the sentimental context, but then I consider that without responsibility, acceptance, approval and love is not complete. Without responsibility, I do not belong, I am not useful, I am not needed, and I am not a part of something bigger and better than me.
Without love and responsibility, we tremble before the ultimate, existential rejection of you, me and everyone.
Posted by Stan Faryna 
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