Chicanos Going to Hell?

So here's a link to the SeattleWeekly column - Ask A Mexican about... well you can read it for yourself. Here's the beginning statement:

'I am a chica struggling with coming out to my parents about my sexual orientation. My family is Catholic and my parents are old-school. While we are very close, I am scared of how badly this can go. My parents have been living in the U.S. about 45 years, and they have adopted some American attitudes about life. What are your thoughts concerning those of us who juggle Catholicism, homosexuality, and old-fashioned (but great) Mexican parents?' (Full-Article)

A Decade Under Chavez

Venezuela expels Human Rights Watch activists last night, after they expose ‘A Decade Under Chavez’ report. “Our expulsion reveals yet again the degree of intolerance of this government,” said Mr. Vivanco.

"Ten years ago, Chávez promoted a new constitution that could have significantly improved human rights in Venezuela. But rather than advancing rights protections, his government has since moved in the opposite direction, sacrificing basic guarantees in pursuit of its own political agenda. "

-- José Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch

Once-Upon-A-Time

As we continue to learn about what is to be a ‘Writer’, a ‘Reader’, a ‘Reader of Story’, ‘How to Read Others’ and so on… Allender asked an amazing question during class…Why do all stories have to begin with - Once Upon A Time?
… Once… Upon… A… Time….
Many stories come to mind… some that you wish had never happened, some that bring joy, pain, loss, and adventure.
… Once… Upon… A Time God, Grace & I… went for coffee.

How To Read...

So, in our Hermeneutics class we are re-learning what is ‘The Art of Reading Scripture’ (the postmodern way) – To say the least, it has been a very interesting and engaging time.
The prof. opened the class time with a quote from St. Augustine, and then allowed us to go into group discussion… in a large classroom, and many denominations all mixed together, you can imagine the thoughts and ideas.

“Love, and Do What You Will”
Aurelius Augustinus
Sermon on 1 John 7, 8

Meditation // Graduation

So, my first week of school, and I find myself meditating on… Rap Music.
What? Do I even like Rap? For some reason I have found myself listening to Kanye West lately. Maybe I miss Miami or something, or maybe I like the rawness of Rap’s lyrics at times.
As I met some of my new classmates/ profs/ & faculty... I meditated.

Kanye West // Good Morning

Good morning, look at the valedictorian
Scared of the future while I hop in the Delorean
Scared to face the world, complacent career student
Some people graduate, but we still stupid
They tell you read this, eat this, don’t look around
Just peep this, preach us, teach us, Jesus
Okay, look up now, they done stole your streetness
After all of that, you receive this…
… I guess this is my dissertation
Homie, this shit is basic, welcome to Graduation