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The news really breaks my heart at times.
The recent story out of Pakistan is one example. Apparently, a 17-year-old Pakistani girl who had been forced to marry a 45-year-old when she was only nine was reportedly killed by her parents.
The news article rightly called it “murder.” This murder has intensified despair among human rights workers in Pakistan over a recent spate of “honor killings,” in which two women and three teenage school girls were buried alive in Baluchistan Province because they wanted to marry the men of their choice. Imagine, wanting to have the right to marry whomever you wanted.
Saira Nusrat Bibi was successfully fighting a legal battle to have her marriage annulled. As she left court in the Punjabi city of Sahiwal, she was surrounded by a group of men reportedly sent by her parents, and shot in front of police. Did the police just stand and watch?
The Baluchistan case was made even worse by an attempt by a member of the country’s national parliament, Senator Israr Ullah Zehri, to defend them.”
I hope that breaks your heart as well. Unfortunately, we live in a world where women and girls are often treated as second class citizens, at best. In some cultures, animals have more rights than women. How wrong is that!
I know, in our country, things seem better, at least on the surface. But, dig deep, if you dare.
Young girls being sold into prostitution by their parents in our own country. Women entering into the world of adult films and adult entertainment. Women working the same job as men, yet making less than the man makes for the same work. Women being held to a double standard when it comes to work and raising their children. Women often handling the majority of responsibilities in their local church, yet being made to feel guilty because “women shouldn’t lead in the church.”
I don’t talk much about politics on this blog—there are plenty of other blogs and Web sites dedicated to that, if you want to participate in those discussions. But, let me say this word about Gov. Sarah Palin. I find it quite ironic that one of the knocks against her by the media and her opponents is that she can’t possibly balance her career in government and her family. What? Has that same argument been said about Sen. Obama, the father of two small girls? If it has, I haven’t seen it! What a double standard.
Women are gifted by God, just as men are gifted by God. While I am still growing in what I believe the Bible teaches about women in ministry, I fully believe that I have little right to question what God does or who God calls. I am no where close to being God or being perfect like Him. So, how dare me question what He does or how He acts.
This election has already proven to be interesting. I’ll really be watching to see how many more double standards will surface before the first Tuesday in November. I have little doubt that it will be many, many more! And, I'll be watching to see where the double standards come from.
Tell me what you think.
I'm not going to get political but I will say this. That's the last thing I think about when it comes to Sarah Palin. I'm sure that she can manage just fine.
ReplyDeleteSteve: another double standard to consider. The media is questioning her ability to balance being a mom and her career. What about all those who have been touting that a woman ought to pursue both? What about those pundits who have been suggesting that a woman ought to pursue her career, just put your baby in daycare. Something wrong with that picture. I too am growing in my study of women in the church. I have no clue where it will lead but I have to keep the bible as my standard and not my conscience or the "world's standards." It will be a long study.
ReplyDeleteBill...I just find so much about what the media is currently saying about Gov. Palin is so ironic...Women can do anything, well...not if they are the Republican VP candidate...Women can do anything...well...not if they have children and are running for VP...Women can do anything...if your last name is Clinton, but not Palin...
ReplyDeleteBub...I'm too afraid to even ask for you to explain...
ReplyDeleteYou make many good points. When I hear about the travesties that occur to women int he developing world, I cringe in horror.
ReplyDeleteAnd what goes on here can sometimes be just as bad. I won't compare the attacks on Palin to those on the girl in Pakistan, but you are right in calling out the double standard.
The irony is that many women's organizations like NOW have fought hard for women's equality. They don't believe in the traditional role of the female, yet many liberal groups have now turned on Palin because she is a mom.
So, is being a mom a qualifier or a disqualifier for having a career? The answer is probably that it depends on the ideology of the candidate. If you like the candidate, they should stay in politics. If you don't like them, they need to stay at home and raise children. Imagine, hypocritical politicians and activists?
Had someone tell me that since McCain has a woman running w/him as his VP - that automatically means I have to vote for him. "Camey, he has a woman for VP." Yes????? So?????????
ReplyDeleteSo, in this line of thinking... I would have had to vote for Obama if he had pick Hilary?
Like I've said before... as of this moment - I'm not voting.
Bill, praying for you in regards to your long study.
Camey...I guess I am enough of a baby boomer that no one tells me what to do. I'll not cross the highway to buy Shell Gas over Exxon Gas, if the price is the same! I'm not loyal to Chevy or Ford or Mazda...it's whoever has the best price.
ReplyDeleteI'm not going to vote for McCain because he is white or against Obama because he is black. I'm not going to vote for Obama because he has a man VP candidate nor for McCain because he has a woman.
I'm so torn on what to do about this election! But, one thing I do know is this--I'm smart enough to make my own decision about how to vote or not vote. I don't need anyone else telling me how I HAVE to vote. That's a sure way to change my vote!
Camey...always appreciate when you stop by and especially when you feel led to comment! You and yours were prayed for early this morning!
Why are you always posting around midnight? Inquiring minds want to know.
ReplyDeleteMichael...I could tell you that I am a night-owl and that's when I write. However, that would be less than honest. I do tend to burn the candle at both ends, not requiring a lot of sleep. However, in regards to why I post around midnight, the answer is oh so simple--it's called scheduling your posts. The secret's out now!
ReplyDeleteCamey: As much as I like you I have to say this -- if you don't vote you shouldn't complain later. Every vote counts. Every single one. There are people who gave their lives for our rights as women to vote. There are still people being persecuted and murdered around the world fighting for the right to vote. You have the privilege -- I think you should use it.
ReplyDeleteI've said this before -- I vote for the candidate who is against abortion. In this election, that is McCain. Obama's voting record is most liberal. The man even thinks it's ok to murder babies via partial birth abortion. Do you know what that entails? I'll tell you. The baby is pulled out of its mother's womb by its feet until all of the child is hanging out except for its head. Then a sharp instrument is stuck into the back of its skull while its brains are sucked out. Sen Obama thinks that's perfectly ok.
Hmmm.
Heidi Reed
PS: It's news like this that keeps me up at night, crying, and praying my heart out. But it's not your fault this time. I read this article on Fox News last night. Horrific!
I don't vote solely on abortion. The main reason is because abortion will never be "solved" in the courts. It will be solved through the persuasive and loving (not militant and extremist) actions of Christians.
ReplyDeleteAbortion is more than a law. It is a mindset. You can't change that through laws or judicial appointments.
NOTE: I know some Christians favor a right to abortion. That is your right. It doesn't make me any better or holier than you or vis-a-versa. I just happen to disagree.
And yes, many people have died for our right to vote and I am thankful for that. However, as a political scientist, I can tell you that the actual chance of your vote mattering is not statistically different from zero.
Steve: Thanks! And for the prayers too! As you saw from Austin's last entry - there is LOTS going on. A good bit I'm not writing about just yet. Keep praying....
ReplyDeleteI'm always having someone tell me how to vote, to dress, to..... perhaps it has to do with my age.. most of it because of being in ministry. "As a pastor's wife"... "As a minister".... I believe that every decision comes back to being between God and some silly woman named Camey. (God and whomever) I'm use to making people mad by sticking to my convictions. Just ask the women who still think I'm to be teaching Tuesday morning Bible study even though I heard clearly from God "No".... My "popluarity" went down with that group... Goes to show I shouldn't have been placed where they had me to begin with.
Heidi: I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and convictions. If after much continued prayer - I still am brought to not voting.... you won't hear me complain. As someone who ministers to and with young women/girls who have either had abortions or didn't (whether they kept the baby or gave him/her up for adoption) - I'd rather hold a hand and listen to their cries and point them to Jesus and to other Christ-followers willing to be there for them. I don't believe that the government holds the same keys to real life changes as does Jesus and His church.
My brother-in-law was injured in a bomb blast in Iraq on his fourth tour there with the Marines back in January. He lost part of his arm. He would tell you he supports my right to not vote just as much as my right to vote. It belongs to each individual.. for if it didn't... we would not live in a democracy.
Michael: I do vote that way. Whether it changes anything or not, it tells me what is in the heart of the politician regarding his/her view of life and the rights of the voiceless. As far as votes counting or not -- I can't say I'm educated in that area like you -- but I wonder then why do politicians spend so much time and money campaigning? If my vote won't count, why do they want me to vote for them?
ReplyDeleteCamey: I agree with you on the abortion issue. I am not naive to think that a president can or will change Roe vs. Wade. But, like I said to Michael, it's what is in their hearts that matter to me. Character. Everyone has flaws, but preserving the sanctity of life is a good starting point in my opinion.
Heidi Reed
who will still vote
for McCain
Heidi and Camie each raise an interesting question for me...
ReplyDeleteWhat issues determine who we vote for? How do we choose "our" candidate?
I don't know that I have an answer to that question myself. Maybe you will.