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ashesandhackles · 3 years

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The Resurrection Stone Scene: Culmination Of Harry's Emotional Arc

The series biggest themes surround death and Harry coming to terms with his parents' death is arguably his biggest emotional arc. I have argued in my meta about Harry before that he has passive death wish and morbid fascination with the dead. This is obvious in his desire for the Resurrection stone while Ron and Hermione choose other Hallows, his obsession with Mirror of Erised (to the point he feels feverish) until Dumbledore intervenes, him almost wanting to fail to learn a Patronus because he wants to hear his parents voices,the scene at the grave where he almost wishes he was "lying under the snow" with his parents and that possession scene in OOTP, where he wishes to die so he can be with Sirius. Harry has, in many moments, shown a raw desire for death - in ways that actually scares Hermione and makes Ron uncomfortable as evidenced by their reaction when he tells them why he wants the Resurrection stone.

Harry's fascination with the dead isn't surprising - this abused and neglected boy learned in PS that his parents fought to protect him. Essentially they loved him so much, they died for him and Harry feels robbed of that life, a life with parents who loved him dearly (reference his narration in HBP, where he wonders what life would have been like if Neville was the Chosen One).

So accepting his parents and parental figures' deaths and choosing to return to life - a life of sorrow, pain, and trauma when he could have just gone "on" (or had "an out" as he screamed in OOTP) - is one of Harry's bigger heroic decisions. To come to a point that Harry can ask his parents' murderer to feel "remorse" in an attempt to save his soul, Harry needed to see and hear things he always wanted to hear from the people he loved.

So, the scene starts:

"You've been so brave"/ "Stay close to me"

LILY: While in life, Harry knows a lot more about James than Lily, it is interesting whenever she appears in any form, Harry is looking at her the most ("I will be back" Harry says, tearing his eyes from his mother's face in PS/ and once again in DH, he couldn't stop looking at her: "his eyes feasted on her"). She is his mother, the one who loved him so much, it magically manifested as a protection that gave him 17 years of life. Her love is always there as safety blanket - so even when his father disappointed him in OOTP, he is comforted by the idea that his "mother had been decent". She is his ultimate protector and this is why he asks her : "stay close to me" while she is gently affirms, "you've been so brave". And unsurprisingly, it is this sacrifice that lives on in Voldemort that gives Harry a choice - a choice to return to the living. After spending much of the series trying to be like his father, Harry embodies his mother by invoking sacrificial magic for Hogwarts fighters. But his embodiment of his mother is not an impulsive brave decision, his walk to his death is far more intentional than hers - as the book narration says, "it's a cold blooded walk to his destruction".

"You are nearly there, very close, we are so proud of you" / "Until the very end"

JAMES - his father, the man he looks like, flies like, and tries to root his identity in. Harry spends most of the books trying to live up to the ideal of his father. His Patronus is an embodiment of his father ("Prongs rode again last night"), and it is James' bravery that gives Harry comfort at the traumatic night in the graveyard and makes him want to stand up and fight Voldemort: "He was not going to crouch like a child, he was going to die upright like his father" (as Voldemort taunts him: "now you face me like a man..like your father, straight backed and proud").

James is catalyst to lot of Harry's growth. Harry making an active choice after being horrified by his father's behaviour in SWM, wondering "did he want to be like his father anymore?" is an important character moment for him. He reconciles his view of James, humanises him and thinks of him with "a rush of pride" in HBP as the man who walked into an arena to fight with head held high. So, Harry hears from the father he tried for so long to embody and then surpass in moral character - that he is proud of him and that he will be there to protect him "until the very end".

Here is a meta by u/metametatron4 that tracks Harry's feelings about his father and Snape in detail. Read it here.

"Dying? Not at all - quicker and easier than falling asleep" / "We are a part of you - invisible to everyone else"

SIRIUS - While Lily and James affirm how far Harry has come, Sirius as the parental figure Harry had in life offers him words of comfort when Harry asks if dying hurts.

This comfort has an added layer, knowing Harry's often violent response to Sirius's death. His reaction to his death has been attempting Crucio on Bellatrix, trashing Dumbledore's office in OOTP, along with other stages of grief. At the end of OOTP, Harry is a mess of unfocused grief and rage - one that he will actively repress in HBP. He avoids talking about Sirius until he thinks the person he is talking to is as invested in Sirius - he brings up Sirius with Buckbeak/Witherwings or Tonks, who he mistakenly assumes is depressed about his death. The biggest indication of how much Harry is really repressing his feelings about Sirius's death is his reaction to Mundungus stealing from Grimmauld place. He lifts Mundungus with one hand, chokes him until he turns blue while threatening him with a wand. He had to be magicked off Mundungus because he, terrifyingly, showed no inclination of stopping despite Hermione screaming at him to do so.

The other time he reacts badly is Lupin's scene in DH. The first person he thinks of when he says "Parents shouldn't leave their kids" is Sirius. He sees image of Sirius falling through the veil, followed by Dumbledore. His reaction to Lupin abandoning his child is powered by the unprocessed grief and rage of the deaths he has witnessed, of parental figures robbed from him. And then, of course, his violent impulse to break Bellatrix's wand with the sword of Gryffindor once Hermione points out that the wand killed Sirius. His violent reaction to his death is due to lack of closure.

This is why it is important that Sirius tells him that dying doesn't hurt, because it would have eased Harry to know that Sirius isn't in pain. And he assures "we are a part of you" - so even though there was no body to mourn and Sirius just effectively disappeared - Sirius is still part of him.

"He'll want to be quick, he wants it over"/ "I am sorry too. I am sorry that I will never know him...but he will know why I died and I hope he will understand. I was trying to make the world in which he could live a happier life"

LUPIN - Lupin, like Sirius, also offers comfort by telling him that death will be quick because Voldemort wants to finish it too. It's interesting to me that Lupin is the character that says something that arms him for the future - should he choose to have it ("I'll tell him to follow his instincts which are good and nearly always right" Lupin says earlier in the book).

Lupin is a mentor, a bridge and by DH, a warm friend - he was the one who taught Harry the Patronus charm (a gateway to connection with his father + something that protects him) and it's Harry's trust in Lupin that makes him willing to hear Sirius out at the end of POA, thereby connecting him to a very important relationship. He gives Harry tools to equip him to best live out his life. And once again, Lupin acts as a bridge to Harry's life - he tries to take away Harry's guilt from his own death and leaving behind Teddy. Knowing that Harry survives, this is important for Harry to know so he can live with himself as he takes on godfather role to Teddy.

At the end of this scene, Harry drops the stone, ready for his death. And the fact that he chooses not to go back to it without much inner struggle after the Battle of Hogwarts is a marked shift and beginning for him.

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randomposterofstuff · 3 years

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An in-depth analysis of Mikasa’s character development in relation to Eren and Levi

Author's Note: Hi, all! As I was re-reading and going over my previous post/analysis titled "On the change of dynamics of Mikasa's relationships with Eren and Levi," I realized that there were some points that I should've/could've included. Lol. I also came up with other points of analysis as well as arrived at other realizations concerning Mikasa's connections with Eren and Levi. So, I've decided to post them here. This post can be considered a continuation of the previous analysis since it supplements and further expounds on the last post's points. But this can still stand on its own since it also talks about additional issues. Haha. If you want to read the previous post, the link is up there. Hehehe.

Fair Warning: This is a very long post. Lol.

This post will analyze the following:

1. How Mikasa's connection to Eren is rooted in their shared history. This was already touched upon in the previous post, but this post will expound more on this.

2. How Mikasa's character development is affected by Eren's own character development. How her development as a character is affected by this will also be discussed. This segment will also analyze how Mikasa's connection to Eren became strained because of the latter's drastic change in the latter part of the series.

3. How "Chapter 138: A Really Long Dream" is about Mikasa finally letting go of and "waking up" from her dream. This post shall also analyze how Chapter 138 is actually the climax and turning point of Mikasa's character development concerning Eren.

4. How Eren represents Mikasa's dream, while Levi represents her reality. This will be further expounded on later.

From the foregoing topics, it’s clear that this is a primarily Mikasa-centered analysis. Haha. I just had so many thoughts running through my mind about her development that I was eager to make this post. Lol.

So, anyway, we now delve in:

1. Mikasa's connection to Eren is rooted in their shared history.

In the series, most of Mikasa's actions and reactions tend to either revolve around or be connected to Eren. About this, it is necessary to take into account their relationship and shared history.

Before Mikasa met Eren, she was a young girl who lived a relatively peaceful and quiet life with her loving parents. But then, all that changed when human traffickers killed her parents in front of her eyes and kidnapped her to sell her as a sex slave.

During this time, she was just an innocent young girl who hadn't experienced much of the world yet. So, one can only imagine the pain, shock, and trauma that she must have felt during her brief period of captivity. Being so young at the time, she was understandably shaken and scared – having had her family and her innocence forcibly and violently taken away from her.

However, hope came in the form of a young Eren who had gone looking for her on his own when he and his father discovered her parents' bodies. When he found her, he wasted no time taking action and immediately killed two of her captors before freeing her. When the third captor arrived and tried to strangle Eren, he told her to fight. At first, she was scared to do so, as evidenced by her shaking when she held the knife Eren used to cut her binds. While he kept telling her to fight, memories suddenly flashed in her mind, and they made her realize that they lived in a cruel but beautiful world. During this time, her dormant "Ackerman powers" awakened and thus gave her the strength and courage to actually fight and deliver the killing blow – thereby freeing both herself and Eren. As we all know, in the aftermath, the Yeagers took Mikasa in, and Eren gave her his scarf when she said that she felt cold.

As mentioned before, Mikasa and Eren's shared history is important. This is because it defined the early dynamics of their relationship. Eren was literally and figuratively her savior. He saved her from captivity and from a potential future of abuse. He also saved her from loneliness and despair. When she lost her biological parents, she found a new family in Eren, Grisha, and Carla. The Yeager parents treated her warmly and kindly, and Eren was her constant companion (apart from Armin, of course). Having experienced the severe trauma of violently losing her parents, she never wanted to lose anyone precious to her ever again. This is evidenced by the following situations in the series:

a) When she and Eren desperately wanted to save Carla from the Smiling Titan in Season 1. Neither she nor Eren wanted to leave her behind. So, when Hans carried them away to safety, Mikasa was visibly crying and heartbroken.

b) When she attacked Levi with tears in her eyes when he initially declared that he would use the Titan serum on Erwin instead of Armin. Armin, alongside Eren, was one of the most precious people left in her life. As such, the idea of losing him was painful. When Levi eventually decided to save Armin instead, Mikasa wept tears of joy when Armin fully recovered after eating Bertolt.

c) When Mikasa cried upon seeing Sasha's dead body. While the development of their friendship wasn't fully shown, it was clear that Sasha meant a great deal to Mikasa as the former's death affected her deeply.

About Mikasa not wanting to lose anyone close to her, it is evident and apparent that Eren was the most special person in her life. This is not surprising since Eren was the one who literally saved her, and there's also the fact that he was the only one left of her adoptive family. Apart from these, I think that the following reasons are also possible and probable causes as to why Eren was the most special:

a) Eren was her source of hope and strength. When she fell into despair when she was kidnapped, Eren gave her hope when he came to her rescue. It was also during the struggle against her captors that she awakened her inner Ackerman power. So, she might have attributed her then new-found strength to him.

[Side note: I'm aware that Eren was lying when he commented that Mikasa had responded to his "command" to fight back then because she mistakenly thought that he was a "royal host." In the “Attack on Titan ANSWERS” guidebook, Isayama-sensei himself stated that "[Mikasa, Levi, and Kenny] are all part of the same Ackerman bloodline. However, their reasons for protecting their respective counterparts do not have anything to do with the bloodline itself—it is just their nature." When I said that Mikasa attributed her then new-found strength to him, I was talking in figurative and emotional terms. Lol.]

Screenshots taken from Season 1, Episode 6 of the “Attack on Titan” anime

b) In her eyes, Eren represented the good in their cruel world. Because of Eren, Mikasa realized that the world is cruel but is also beautiful – meaning that there's also good in it

Screenshots taken from Season 1, Episode 7 of the “Attack on Titan” anime

My take is that all of these things shaped and formed the beginnings of Mikasa's connection to Eren. Their shared history influenced Mikasa's overly protective nature towards him and her affection for him. Eren was the foundation of her strength and a constant reminder that there was still good in the cruel world they lived in. As such, she would have done anything to protect him and all that he meant to her.

This is particularly important as we proceed to the second point of this analysis, which is how Mikasa's character development is affected by Eren's.

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2. Mikasa's character development is affected by Eren's.

For the most part of the series, Mikasa has been characterized by her strong urge to protect Eren. The reasons behind this protective nature of hers have already been expounded earlier. At this juncture, I shall now discuss how Mikasa was affected by the kind of person Eren used to be.

Specifically, this portion of the analysis will be divided into two (2) parts: the first will be about their character developments during the pre-Marley arc. The second will be about their developments during the Marley arc and going onwards.

a) Pre-Marley Arc

As previously mentioned, Eren was her literal savior. And she saw firsthand how he would willingly place himself in danger to protect others. She appreciated Eren's good-nature. And she likely saw him as a sort of embodiment of the things that make the cruel world they live in more bearable and more beautiful.

It is essential to consider the kind of person that Eren used to be before the Marley arc. Before the truth of the world and the Titans was revealed, Eren was a mischievous and stubborn child. Still, at the same time, he was also good-natured, determined, selfless, and courageous. His resolve, courage, and desire to protect others were further amplified when the Warriors of Marley attacked his hometown of Shiganshina and when the Smiling Titan ate his mother.

The early stages of Eren's development are relevant to Mikasa's own development. Due to his well-meaning nature and their shared history, Mikasa felt strongly inclined to side with him and protect him at all times. While this is understandable on her part, it has also proven to be problematic.

Her disposition towards Eren impaired her judgment

For instance, it has been shown on more than one occasion that Mikasa's affection for Eren has impaired her judgment. This has been exemplified in the following cases:

a) Back in Season 1, when both she and Armin thought that Eren had been killed, Mikasa went on a reckless rampage on her own against the Titans which invaded Trost. To be fair, she was grief-stricken under the circumstances. Nonetheless, her actions were still irresponsible, and she nearly lost her own life because of them.

b) When she recklessly went after Annie in her Female Titan form after the latter had captured Eren in the Forest of Giant Trees outside the Walls. Mikasa would have probably been killed had Levi not arrived. Furthermore, because of her rage towards Annie during this time, Mikasa disobeyed Levi's order not to engage Annie in battle. Her decision endangered her; it also resulted in Levi's injury, which rendered him unable to fight for some time.

It also narrowed her priorities and way of thinking

As mentioned in my previous post, Mikasa is not cruel or heartless towards others. It has been shown that she has empathy for innocent and helpless people. This is likely because of her own experiences with being powerless. The following instances exemplify this:

a) When she saved Louise and her mother from one of the Titans that had invaded Trost.

b) When she threatened Dimo Reeves with her sword when he refused to allow the district's defenseless citizens to pass through the pathway leading to the protected areas until all of his merchandise and goods were carried through. She only relented her threatening demeanor and actions when he had this cart moved to the side to make way for the citizens to pass.

However, because of the extent of her concern and devotion to Eren, Mikasa seemed to disregard nearly everything else whenever he was in danger.

An example of this was during the Struggle for Trost and Eren's military trial in Season 1. When Eren transformed to begin the mission to seal the Wall, he initially lost control and attacked Mikasa and the others. It is worth noting that it was unintentional on his part. However, that does not change the fact that his loss of control nearly jeopardized the mission and placed his comrades in danger.

While the mission was ultimately successful, Eren's loss of control was still a serious source of concern. Because of this, he was temporarily imprisoned. It was also decided that there would be a trial to see if he was either a threat or an asset to humanity within the Walls.

During this time, Mikasa was understandable apprehensive, and worried about Eren. It is worth noting that, as mentioned in my previous post, she was more concerned about him than the fact that he was still a potential threat at the time. It should be remembered that during this time, the inhabitants of Paradis (save for a select few such as the royal family and their followers) were ignorant of the truth about Titans and the world. As such, the fear directed towards Eren was valid and understandable. Yet, despite this, Mikasa was still singularly focused on him.

This is evidenced by the following:

a) Her glaring at Rico when it was revealed that the latter had mentioned Eren's loss of control in the report that they had submitted. When Rico responded with, "Did you expect me to lie in a report?" Mikasa simply continued to glare at the Garrison soldier. On this, Rico was clearly in the right for telling the truth since Eren's powers were still a mystery and still potentially harmful to others. Yet, Mikasa was probably too worried about Eren to realize this.

b) When she attempted to attack Levi when the latter began to physically beat Eren. She would've undoubtedly intervened had Armin not stopped her. I had already expounded on this in my previous post, but I will just add the pertinent excerpts here:

"The display was necessary to emphasize and prove that Levi, who is widely known as "Humanity's Strongest Soldier," was best suited to subdue Eren should he lose control of his abilities. Because of this, the Scouts were able to convince the Military Police and Premier Zackly that they should be given custody over Eren. At the time, Mikasa was gravely concerned about Eren's well-being and was perhaps too furious at Levi to think about anything else. Because of this, she probably did not immediately realize that Levi had effectively secured Eren's relative safety at the end of the day. "

"During the trial, the MPs spoke of planning to dissect him, among others. Conversely, the Scouts proposed that he participate in an upcoming scouting expedition to determine whether he is a threat or not. They also suggested that Eren be placed under Levi's direct supervision so that he could be subdued in the event of an incident. While the latter proposal still entailed some degree of violence, it was far less hostile and more beneficial to Eren than the MP's proposal."

To conclude this part, I think that Mikasa focused more on the fact that Eren never meant any harm. And she probably thought that Eren should not be punished because of this. Again, all of this shows how Mikasa was inclined to always side with Eren (even though his actions may sometimes do more harm than good) because of his good and well-meaning nature and their shared history.

b) Marley arc until the present time

The second part of this segment shall now discuss how Eren's drastic and dark development affected Mikasa.

As mentioned before, Mikasa always sided with Eren because of their past and his good nature.

However, when Eren began changing for the worse, their relationship began to deteriorate. As mentioned in my previous post, they slowly but surely drifted apart until they lost their common ground.

At the start of the Marley arc (which is the beginning of the fourth season in the anime), Eren's personality had noticeably become darker. This is evidenced by his horrible actions, which endangered and cost lives, such as the following:

a) When he executed his and Zeke's plan to raid Liberio so that they could both escape to Paradis Island. As a result of this plan, countless innocent civilians and children were killed in the process. Furthermore, several of his comrades from the Survey Corps/Scouting Regiment lost their lives, including Sasha.

b) When he initiated the Rumbling with the intention to destroy all of humanity not residing within Paradis Island. This plan and course of action would eliminate both their enemies who were actively plotting to attack Paradis and millions of innocent civilians and bystanders.

At this point in time, Eren had changed from a good-natured and compassionate soldier dedicated to protecting innocents to a depressed and violent extremist. This change was triggered by the revelation of the truth about the world and his gaining access to the memories of the past and future inheritors of his Attack Titan.

With regard to how his terrible change affected Mikasa, it is clear that she was clearly disturbed by it.

Mikasa had begun to acknowledge that Eren was no longer the "good" in their cruel world.

During the raid on Liberio, she was visibly distraught and affected by Eren's destructive actions. It seemed that she was in disbelief – she even asked him if he was aware that he did things that cannot be undone. As mentioned in the previous post, Mikasa was even more distressed because Eren consciously caused the destruction and did not appear to show any remorse.

It is worth noting that Mikasa's empathy for innocent and defenseless people, especially children, was highlighted in this scene. When she asked Eren if he was aware of his actions' consequences, there were tears in her eyes.

Screenshots taken from Season 4, Episode 6 of the “Attack on Titan” anime

At that point in time, Mikasa had begun to realize that the Eren she once knew was no longer with them. She had started to see that Eren no longer represented the good in the world; and that he had become a source of what makes it cruel.

Mikasa felt conflicted because she was in denial.

Throughout the Marley arc events up until the Rumbling arc, Mikasa still held on to the hope that Eren could still change for the better. It is true that she believed (or maybe desperately wanted to believe) that Zeke was manipulating him, but does not change the fact that Eren was acting on his own accord.

On several occasions, Mikasa had expressed her desire to talk to Eren and kept insisting that sense could still be talked into him. I think that this is an indicator that she was in a state of "pseudo-denial."

I used the term "pseudo-denial" because, from how I see it, Mikasa was already aware that Eren was no longer the same person who saved her. That he was no longer the same person who insisted that Historia eat him so that humanity can be saved. That he was no longer the same person who would jump right into battle to protect innocent people; that he had turned into someone who had harmed and would continue to harm innocent people. However, it appears that Mikasa did not want to accept this fact. This is why she kept insisting on talking to Eren in the slim chance that he could still be persuaded to abandon his plan of initiating the Rumbling. She was torn between reality and her personal sentiments. In short, she still hoped that the kind person who stood up for the helpless and who saved her from bondage was still in there somewhere. This exemplified by this scene from Episode 14 of Season 4:

Screenshots taken from Season 4, Episode 14 of the “Attack on Titan” anime

This pseudo-denial placed her odds with her allies and comrades. The others, such Armin, Annie, and Levi, had already accepted that Eren needed to be killed in the worst-case scenario. On this, it's apparent that Mikasa knew that they were right considering the circumstances. But she still felt conflicted because she still hoped that Eren could be convinced to not go through with his plans. However, that hope was dashed when Eren himself told them that the only way to stop him was to kill him. Yet, even then, she was still hesitant and conflicted.

Mikasa had matured because of their strained connection and had begun outgrowing her bond with Eren.

In a way, Mikasa was still holding onto the past. On this, Eren's dark character development is what caused their relationship to deteriorate. As previously discussed, Mikasa's connection to Eren is rooted in their shared history and the type of person he used to be. In the past, Eren was her savior, her family, and her source of strength and hope. But when he stopped being those things to her, the foundation for their bond was lost.

While it is tragic and drastic for Mikasa, this caused her to become more keenly aware of other priorities. She became more cognizant of the stakes involved rather than just focusing on Eren. Although she still cared greatly for him, she was no longer singularly focused on him. She became wise and mature enough to not turn a blind eye to the danger and threat that he posed. This in sharp contrast to how she acted in the past. Before, she would always place Eren's welfare first before nearly anything else. But because of recent developments, she finally began to realize and understand that there were other things more important than Eren. And I think that this is a significant turning point for her since he had affected and influenced her for most of her life.

Before Chapter 138, Mikasa was still in a state of "pseudo-denial" because of her hope for a more peaceful solution in dealing with Eren. But I think that the fact that she started feeling conflicted was the start of her process of outgrowing her bond with Eren. This is because she knew that she could no longer just turn a blind eye to his actions and their devastating effects.

The significance of her process of outgrowing her connection with Eren will be further expounded in the next point of analysis below.

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3. "Chapter 138: A Long Dream" is about Mikasa finally letting go of and "waking up" from her own dream.

It has already been established that Mikasa had dreamed of living a peaceful life for the longest time. She dreams of one that is similar to the kind she once had with her parents. In particular, Mikasa wanted to live such a life with her loved ones, particularly Eren. The "dream" she had during this chapter is evidence of this.

It is unclear whether what Mikasa saw was a dream, a hallucination, a vision, or, as some fans speculate, a memory from an alternate reality. In any case, it was not the reality that she lived in.

I've already stated earlier that her process of outgrowing Eren and their bond was significant. Concerning this, I think that the said process was part of a slow build-up towards her decision to finally let Eren go and kill him.

As previously mentioned, Mikasa seemed to have difficulty accepting that the Eren of her past had turned into the Eren who wished to destroy all of humanity outside of Paradis. She had struggled to fully acknowledge and accept this fact because it was too painful for her. However, as the situation started to become more drastic and desperate, she realized that she had no other choice but to face reality.

But even though she knew this, she still felt conflicted. Even when Eren told them that the only way to stop him was to kill him, she was still hesitant. She knew what needed to be done but could not accept it because of her attachment to Eren.

On this, I think that the "dream" or vision (or whatever it really was) that she had during the battle is representative of the kind of life she wishes and dreams for. When she, Levi, and the remaining Titan shifters were the only ones left to fight, she started having another headache. And when Levi told her that they were the only ones left who could kill Eren, her head pain intensified until the dream/vision started playing in her mind.

This is my take on this moment: the headache represented Mikasa's conflicted feelings. She knew that Eren needed to be stopped to save humanity. She knew that the rest of the world did not deserve to suffer from the cruel fate that Eren wished to bestow upon it. But her emotional attachments held her back from taking action. As for the dream/vision, I think it was her way of arriving at an epiphany and decision. And on this, maybe it was this dream/vision that gave Mikasa the resolve and courage to finally accept the reality. I will expound further.

In the dream/vision, Mikasa was crying. She said that she "shouldn't be there." And then dream-Eren spoke about their decision to run away from the Marleyan-Paradis conflict so that they could live in isolation and in peace during the last few years of his life. Dream-Eren then apologized for "bringing up the past."

Screenshots taken from Chapter 138 of the “Shingeki no Kyojin” manga

I personally think that this was the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back. During this dream/vision, Mikasa finally realized that her wish and dream to live a peaceful life with Eren could no longer come true. Her dream was born in the past, and if there was any chance of it happening, it had already passed by. Mikasa finally realized that attaining her dream was already impossible at that point.

I also think that when dream-Eren told her to forget about him after he dies, this could be interpreted as Mikasa realizing that if she were to finally have a quiet and peaceful life, then Eren would not be a part of it.

Screenshots taken from Chapter 138 of the “Shingeki no Kyojin” manga

Furthermore, Mikasa saying that she "had a long dream" could mean that she finally let go of her life-long wish/dream so that she can wake up to the reality she needed to face. It could be interpreted as her choosing to give up on Eren for good to make the world a less cruel place. On this, her decision to kill Eren herself was likely her way of letting him go and saying goodbye. It was the climactic resolution and outcome of her internal conflict where she struggled to choose between doing the right thing (saving humanity) and holding on to the most special thing in her life (Eren). In the end, she chose humanity over him because she knew that if she chose him, then their already cruel world would become darker and crueler.

Screenshot taken from Chapter 138 of the “Shingeki no Kyojin” manga

A quick note on Mikasa saying that she can’t forget Eren:

Some people might say that Mikasa’s declaration that she can’t forget Eren means that she decided not to let him go. I personally disagree with this. It is completely possible to move on from someone and let them go without forgetting them. In Mikasa’s case, I think that by saying that she won’t forget Eren, she meant that she will always remember the peaceful, good, and happy times that they had together. I also think that it means that she will fondly remember Eren as the good person he used to be.

I think that it’s understandable and fair that Mikasa chooses to remember the good times and the good things. Because, for better or for worse, Eren was still a huge and influential part of her life. The old Eren and the good times they had together were very much real, and the happiness she felt during those times was also genuine and valid. I also think that her decision to wear the scarf around her neck before delivering the killing blow was her way of saying, “I’m letting you go. But I will always value the good moments we had together. Goodbye.”

Screenshot taken from Chapter 138 of the “Shingeki no Kyojin” manga

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4. Eren represents Mikasa's dream, while Levi represents her reality.

This is a personal take and interpretation of the possible symbolisms connecting Mikasa and Levi in Chapter 138.

During the final battle against Eren, only Levi, Mikasa, and the titan-shifters were left to fight. And during this battle, Mikasa started to have her dream/vision. While dealing with her conflicted emotions, she began to drift to her "dream" about Eren and away from reality. And while she was drifting away, Levi kept telling her to "stay with [him there]."

Screenshot taken from Chapter 138 of the “Shingeki no Kyojin” manga

This could be interpreted as Levi being the voice calling out to her to stay in the current reality and not get lost in her distant and impossible dream. It is interesting to note that before she began "dreaming," an image of Eren as a child was shown, followed by a panel of a close-up of Levi's mouth with no dialogue. Meaning that everything around her had already faded away before she was immersed in her dream during that time.

Screenshots taken from Chapter 138 of the “Shingeki no Kyojin” manga

This could symbolize the inner conflict and turmoil that Mikasa was experiencing. She was torn between holding on to the past and accepting the present.

When she woke-up, both literally and figuratively, Mikasa had decided to let go of her dream and of Eren. She finally accepted the reality and returned to it. She returned to Levi's side and faced reality alongside him.

Screenshot taken from Chapter 138 of the “Shingeki no Kyojin” manga

Following this line of thought, this symbolic moment could foreshadow the kind of relationship they would have in the future. Considering that this final stand against Eren might very well be the most important battle of their lives, it would be reasonable to assume that they might form a deeper connection and relationship in its aftermath. They finished it together, so perhaps (and hopefully) it means that whatever the future might bring, they would also face it together.

Going back to how Eren and Levi are symbols, Eren represents her dream. Eren is not only a part of it; it is also linked to her past. Mikasa knew that her dream was impossible to achieve at that point and that it was necessary to finally let it go.

Levi, on the other hand, represents her reality. The reality she currently lives in is cruel and harsh. However, she can control what she does in it and what she makes of her life in the said reality. In other words, her reality is full of possibilities and various choices. This is in contrast to her dream of a life with Eren, which was impossible to attain. Furthermore, she only had two (2) choices as to what to do with the dream. It was either to keep holding on to it despite its impossibility or to let it go completely.

Thus, it can be said that Eren represents and symbolizes “what could have been”. Whereas, Levi represents “what could be”. Prescinding from this, there really is a good chance of Mikasa and Levi growing closer in the future.

-----

Author’s Note: Well, that’s all for now. Lol. I know that this post is very, very lengthy. Hahahaha. So, I really appreciate you guys for taking the time to read it. I tried my best to make it as organized and as clear as possible. I hope that it makes sense. Haha. I might post more analyses in the future. Hehehe. Let me know your thoughts and opinions!

#rivamika #levimika #mikasa ackerman #levi ackerman #levi x mikasa #mikasa x levi #eren jeager #eren yeager #eren jaeger #eren and mikasa #attack on titan #aot #shingeki no kyojin #snk

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tawakkull · 3 years

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ISLAM 101: Spirituality in Islam: Part 102

Hurriya (Freedom)

The realization of every lawful desire without hindrance, freedom from any pressure, confinement, or subservience, the right to elect, to be elected, and to enjoy certain basic rights in political life-these are some of the definitions of “freedom,” which has become one of the most widely concepts discussed in the recent history of thought and law.

The basic freedoms of humanity that range from personal rights to political and general ones-such as the freedom of belief, worship, thought, the freedom to have a family, to work, to own personal property, the right of freedom of expression and association, of electing, and being elected, etc.-are not among the subjects to be discussed in “Emerald Hills of the Heart”[1] However, they have always been regarded as among the most important matters in human history.

Being the most fundamental and vital dimension and the most important human faculty, namely free-will, which is considered an important pillar of conscience, freedom (hurriya) is one of the most valuable gifts of God to humanity. This great gift has been defined in Islamic literature as an individual’s assertion and enjoyment of his/her basic rights. However, in order to fully perceive freedom one must be able, to some extent, to perceive its opposite. This opposite is the individual’s dependence on others for the enjoyment of those rights, which is a form of servanthood. It is God Almighty Who grants these rights to humanity, so a person has no right to change or sell them or transfer them to others. Those who commit such a sin, that is, change or sell their fundamental rights or transfer them to another, have lost their humanity to a certain extent and will be held accountable before God for that loss. Such an action shows, first of all, disrespect for human values, and those who commit such disrespect cannot be conscious of their existence, and those who are not conscious of one’s existence have no relationship with the truth and no share in the love of and servanthood to God.

In short, it cannot be asserted that those who do not recognize God, Who is the Truth and the source of human rights, are free in the sense that they are conscious of human rights, nor can those who have not been able to free themselves from slavery to others than God be free in the real sense of the term.

What we have so far said about freedom is only by way of introduction to the freedom that is one of the emerald hills of the heart.

The freedom inherent in Islamic Sufism, being one of the most significant fruits of austerity, is that a person does not submit or bow to any power other than God, indicating thereby that the heart of that person has become a clear mirror receiving and reflecting the manifestations of God. The person who has reached this point on the way to God through austerity and by God’s special help, severs inward relation with all things and beings other than God, and with emotions pulsing with freedom, heart beating joyfully with a yearning for freedom, and having broken all the restrictions around the selfhood, that person sets for him or herself this single goal and, in the philosophy of the respected saint Harith,[2] weaves the tissue of his or her thought with the threads of the hereafter.

True freedom is attainable only by freeing one’s heart from worldly worries and anxieties about the things of this world, and so being able to turn to God with one’s whole being. In order to express this reality, the leaders of the Sufi way say: “Child, undo the bonds of servanthood and be free; how much longer will you remain enslaved to gold and silver?” The answer of Junayd al-Baghdadi[3] to those who asked him what freedom was- “You can taste freedom when you are free from all bonds other than slavery to God”-also expresses the essence of freedom.

If freedom is directly proportional to sincere devotion and servanthood to God Almighty, and it is, then it is not possible to assert that those who live their lives under the direction of others are really free. In this respect, the following anonymous couplet speaks significantly:

If you would like to beat the drum of honor, Go beyond the wheel of the stars; As this circle filled with rings is a drum of humiliation. True freedom is necessary in order to be a perfect servant of God. The measure of a person’s true freedom is servanthood to God. Those who cannot realize servanthood to God can neither be free nor attain human values in their full reach and meaning. Such people can never be saved from corporeality and sensuality so as to reach the achievable horizon of spiritual life with a “sound heart,” nor can they feel the essence of human existence in the depths particular and special to it. People who spend their life in the captivity of worldly considerations grow in arrogance in the face of the blessings granted to them. Instead of becoming more thankful to God, they attribute to themselves whatever achievement God has enabled them to realize, and are disappointed time after time when they fail, and shiver with the fear of losing whatever advantages they have accrued-such unfortunate people have no share in freedom, even if they are as kings in the world.

As long as the heart sets itself upon various goals, loved ones, and ambitions, it can never taste freedom. How can those be free who are constantly worrying about how to hold onto or pay back the goods they expect from others, who have mortgaged most of their life’s energy to others in return for worldly interests and bodily pleasures?

It is a great trial, one that leads to perdition if one wanders in the whirl of physical considerations and is confined to worldly aims with a heart attuned to worthless, fleeting objects. By contrast, it is a great favor from God upon those whose inner world He has sealed off from the many attributes of the ephemeral world that attract the carnal self; it is a great favor from God that He cuts away the relation of the heart with the world. For that relation is a form of bondage, and that cutting away is a bridge by which humanity is able to reach true freedom.

[1] Originally published in Turkish as Kalbin Zümrüt Tepeleri, “Emerald Hills of the Heart” is a series of books by Fethullah Gülen and was translated into English as Key Concepts in the Practice of Sufism.

[2] Abu ‘Abdullah Harith al-Muhasibi (d. 858), was one of the leading Sufis. He was learned in the principal and derivative sciences, and his authority was rec-ognized by all the theologians of his day. He wrote a book, entitled Ri’aya li-Hu-quqillah (“The Observance of God’s Rights”) on the principles of Sufism, as well as many other works. In every branch of learning he was a man of lofty sen-timent and noble mind. He was the chief guide of Baghdad in his time.

[3] Junayd al-Baghdadi (d. 910): One of the most famous early Sufis. He enjoyed great respect and was known as “the prince of the knowers of God.”

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you-cant-spell-subtext-without · 3 years

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12, 17, 22 for the ask game - @boykingsofell, please tag me so I can see your answer <3

HI @boykingsofell thanks for the ask <3

12) Symbolism: Tell me about some cool symbolism in SPN! Your pick.

This is really hard because there is so much symbolism to dissect, if by symbolism this question is seeking to address subtext/parallels/details (if we are talking message symbolism my answer would be different)! For ex, I wrote an entire meta on tables here. I honestly think that every detail of the show is really symbolic, down to the wardrobe, blocking, and food choices.

Blocking is one of my favorite things to look for on rewatches, especially in fight scenes with narrative mirrors. For example (I have to find or make good .gifs for it and once I do I will make a longer post), there is a direct parallel to the demon!Dean/Cas struggle scene in 10x03 Soul Survivor and the ghost!Mary/Dean struggle scene in 12x03 the Foundry. I think that the blocking in 12x03 is particularly symbolic because that is an essential episode establishing Mary as a Dean mirror (she likes bacon! she wears green overshirts! she likes driving fast! she likes rock and roll! she likes road snacks! etc etc you get it).

17) What’s an aspect of SPN people often point to as a flaw that you really enjoy?

How they kept trying to write Cas out of the show. I enjoy that we/Misha were just like - no :)

22) John Winchester? I need your Thoughts.

Okay so I have to say I love Jeffrey Dean Morgan and this is in no way a diatribe of him and his amazing acting chops. This is simply a summary of requested Thoughts on JW as a character only.

*cracks knuckes*

John Winchester is an absolute trash dumpster of a human. His unilateral and all-encompassing desire to avenge Mary’s death led him to abuse both his children (in two very distinct ways that were equally harmful and also led to inevitable constant conflict between them). He treated Dean as a tool in his quest for vengeance, starting him out in hunting at a truly young age, and repressing any element of his personality that wasn’t useful for his own means, reinforcing Dean’s codependence because he was constantly with John and never learned how to be on his own fully and completely, and also never really got to grow into his own individual self during his formative years. He even obligated Dean to continue his work in his death because he literally made a deal with the very thing he was hunting to save Dean, shackling Dean to his vengeance quest to then revenge both Mary and him. Dean’s initial personality is entirely based on John (see Dream a Little Dream - "What are the things that you want? What are the things that you dream? I mean, your car? That's Dad's. Your favorite leather jacket? Dad's. Your music? Dad's. Do you even have an original thought?”) because of John’s insistence that he be the person John wants him to be, and not his own self. Dean’s sense of martyrdom, his repression of anything other than his performative masculinity, and his inner turmoil at becoming an abuser himself is all directly tied to John and how he treated Dean as a child.

He did the opposite with Sam, abandoning him alone at every turn (thereby forcing Dean to single parent him as both mother and father as a child), essentially blaming him for Mary’s death (remember he knew about the demon blood long before Dean or Sam did), treating him as so disposable that he told Dean he may have to kill his brother if he can’t save him. The only benefit for Sam is that because he was abandoned so often he is able to reach a level of independence on his own without either Dean or John (why he leaves initially for Stanford; dog/Amelia, etc) but that still comes with a great deal of guilt due to the toxic family above all else relationship John consistently promoted.

John is also a bigot. He is the one who pervaded both boys’ heads with the belief that all supernatural beings are evil and meant to be hunted (something they work through as the storyline progresses), not to mention again - the subtext that stems along with Dean’s performative masculinity and why Dean feels the need to perform. Let’s just say there are multiple layers to the fact that Dean doesn’t introduce John to his family (Cas and Jack) in Lebanon.

John also created a false image of Mary for the boys based on his patriarchal and toxic views/values (ex: Dean doesn’t even know Mary didn’t/couldn’t cook until she herself tells him in Season 12).

*Young John Winchester not necessarily included in this, because a lot of this conduct canonically stems from John’s reaction to Mary’s death and idk refusing to get any fucking therapy for it. (also, long live King Matt Cohen.)

SORRY THIS WAS SO LONG XO

#you cant spell subtext without asks #boykingsofell

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comparatist · 3 years

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Did a feminist analysis of 'A Doll's House' by Henrik Ibsen today. Here's the gist.

A Doll's House’ is a play penned down by the famous poet and dramatist Henrik Ibsen in 19th century. The storyline follows the journey of a woman from her dependency upon her husband on almost every matter in their mundane life to leaving the family behind and walking on the path of self reliance. The protagonist, Nora, has been depicted in such a way that the play may not seem to be of feminist nature at the first, but as the plot unfolds, we get to see how her character has been conditioned by patriarchal norms of the society and and her effort to break free of that chain at last. The play is often considered as Ibsen's challenge to the notion of portraying women as stereotypical representatives in literatures. The play was written in an age when women were expected to be docile, obedient, take care of children, be a good mother and a wife, look after the house, barely step out because the public domain was still reserved for men, in simple words; be an apple of the eye of male expectations. The norms supported by the implications of religion as a guidance to indoctrinate women on the oppressive terms, like the duty towards the family should be her ultimate goal, were normalise during the period and active participation in the world outside the house counted as blasphemy. However, Ibsen's advocacy lies here in the demand of equal treatment for both the sexes. It’s a matter of debate, whether he was a feminist or not but the views expressed in his writings definitely insert a note for his support for the woman's struggle of identity.

‘A Doll's House' is set at a backdrop where the society is male dominated, where language is used as a medium to control the one situated in a lower position in the pyramid of power dynamics. Language often provides a medium to facilitate the oppression upon the dominated by the suppressor. The terms used by Ibsen in the play, are notably anti-feminist. The timing itself is a good reminder of this notion. 19th century wasn’t a time when men were so ready to unlearn their ways. The play shows how Nora’s husband Torvald calls her names which were supposed to be cute, except they were nothing but examples of lingual oppression in a subtle way. The animalistic terms such as ‘skylark' or ‘squirrel’ explain nothing beyond Torvald Helmer’s nature of treating Nora not as his equal but his pet. He even goes to the point, where calls her his ‘possession' and expects her to cherish his line of thought which is a blatant expression of him asserting his dominance over her and denying the fact that she has her own individual identity. His behaviour highly speaks of society's order of demeaning women and treating them as inferior subjects. The use of language to explain the relation between the couple on economic terms is also noteworthy. Torvald is the earning member of the house and whatever he gives to Nora, are to be received as gifts, by her. This relation between the duo points out the problematic notion of Torvald's tendency to buy Nora’s obedience and loyalty towards his supremacy. It is because of this unequal power dynamics, Torvald has the audacity to say things like, “Has my little spendthrift been wasting money again?” and get away with it because of the then suppressed nature of Nora which gives him the agency to exploit her condition of social indoctrination.

The play also ensures to capture the enslavement of men in their stereotypical roles of being ‘the man' of the house. Torvald is a victim of the same patriarchal notion of living up to the society’s expectations. His social conditioning grants him this toxic masculine character of exerting and enjoying his hold over Nora and finding nothing wrong in it as he sees himself as a bold and strong figure who wishes to rescue his wife from dangers by ‘risking’ everything for her just to boost up his inner satisfaction of saving a damsel in distress. The names he uses to call Nora seem to be the examples of affection for him because, the underlying aspect of the societal confirmation of man in the stereotypical roles never crosses his mind for once. Torvald had normalised a world where men had the agency to indulge in individualism, write laws, judge women from their own point of view and faces difficulty when he gets questioned by Nora for creating misery in her life, caging her with the bars of ‘marital bliss lies in the female obedience,’ thereby for being nice to her only because of her acknowledgement of his supremacy in the household. The work which yields money was assigned upon Torvald then, and he used to do it, not because he loved his family but to massage his male ego for being the bread earner of the family. Nora, however, initially tries hard to be ‘the woman' for her husband, abiding by all his rules, glorifying this toxic notion of being a puppet and pulling ‘tricks' and singing for him, while searching for security under his stronghold but never gets the assurance there. This strongly points out the notion of how women then come over heavily dependent upon their fathers, husbands and sons. The name of the play becomes more apt when we get to know more about Nora’s relation with her father when she says, “When I was at home with papa he told me his opinion about everything and so I had the same opinions; and when I differed from him I consealed the fact, because he wouldn’t have liked it.” The indoctrination here, runs so deep that it really shows how a girl child gets her upbringing done in an environment where voicing her own opinion might invite the wrath and general displeasure of her near and dear ones; even her parents. So she keeps her mouth shut and thereby learns the ‘art' of not upsetting people by becoming an outspoken woman and normalises being called ‘doll child’ by her father as a reward for her obedience. “He used to play with me just as I used to play with my dolls,” sadly depicts the condition of women dancing on the whims of men.

The character development of Mrs. Linde or Cristine also holds a strong ground when ‘A Doll's House’ gets discussed on the context of being a feminist bildungsroman. She represents that ‘exception' of a bold, strong woman who has seen enough of this male dominated world and has worked hard to sustain herself there, had to marry a rich man and disconnect with her lover, just to provide for her mother and brothers. She takes pride in that. She finds her solace in the thought that, she cannot be blamed of blasphemy by the society as she had to work when her husband died and that gave her more experience than experience than Nora and chances to look down upon the dynamic character of the latter. Her remark that she ‘couldn’t endure life without work’ contrasts heavily with Nora’s understanding of working where she glorifies Torvald's success as her own and thinks it’s the duty of the wife to do the same, yet secretly enjoys the time when she had to work on copying something to pay off her debts and that gave her an impression of ‘almost being a man' and thinks of it as ‘fun’ which cannot be said aloud in her husband’s presence. Cristine, however feels ‘quite alone in this world' after her mother passes away and brothers get established well and despite having her independence, she longs for a family, ‘wants to be a mother for someone' and reconnects with her old lover Krogstad. Whether her decision was right or wrong stays in a mystery, yet the character development of the two women run parallel yet opposite where Nora finally manages to break away from the norms but Cristine finds her assurance in the same.

The childish nature of Nora plays an important role in her liberation from the patriarchal norms of the society. It's her indoctrinated immaturity and normalisation of the same which make her endure the gaslighting of her husband in the name of love and affection, yet the same features in her raise a rebel who dismissed the stronghold of societal regulations quite easily while Cristine's calculated mindset fails to do so. Cristine knows that the struggle is long and therefore she seeks her security in surrendering to the oppressive structure but Nora’s lack of farsightedness gives her the thrill to taste the value of independence, without thinking much about the long end, which may not seem logical but surelybgives a sense of relief to the reader. The transformation of Nora’s character from being the person who internalised the role of ‘playing tricks' for her husband’s pleasure to someone telling him, “You are not the man to educate me into a proper wife for you,” and defying the laws of religion by saying, “I do not exactly know what religion is,” thereby dismissing the notion of a wife’s duty being at service for her husband every moment, is certainly something which steers forward the idea of ‘A Doll's House' being a feminist bildungsroman.

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fernsandsunflowers · 4 years

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Your knowledge of Harry Potter is like a rotten apple with worms in it!

Expressive! thanks for voicing your opinion.

I really hope this is in regard to the Snape post (x) I made years and years ago and has resurfaced recently and not JKR is a terf and can fuck off this planet please and thank you posts I’ve reblogged.

If it’s about Snape, I’ve seen most of the comments, I haven’t taken the time to read it all but general opinion seems to be two-sided there are those who agree whole-heartedly with my post, and those who do not. Most in the do not agree category has pointed out that heroism is not a competition. This is absolutely right, the story itself should have taught me that long ago, like when little Neville stood up to the trio in book 1. I apologize, sincerely, for comparing their acts of bravery. They both did amazing things and I hope, if it ever comes down to it, god forbid, I find in myself the same strength and bravery. The post itself was poorly worded. My goal was to ask that we show the same love and respect to Lupin as we do for Snape. That clearly didn’t come across, instead I got carried away and had written a post that ended up elevating Lupin’s acts of bravery while putting down Snape’s. Regardless of their background they both did heroic things and in the end gave their lives to save others. These acts of bravery deserve to be honoured and respected.

However, I stand by my statement that Lupin is the better man. I have seen a lot of comments that admit to Snape’s wrongs but use the excuse of unprocessed childhood trauma and mental illness. I will not accept this ‘white man’ excuse. I will admit, again, here that Sirius, James and Remus were wrong to have bullied Snape. Sirius, in fact, was still a bit of a dick after he returned from Azkaban. But why can we excuse Snape’s faults as the product of childhood and later life trauma but not Sirius’? Why do you continue to condemn Sirius for his bullying while at Hogwarts but make up excuses for Snape’s reprehensible behaviour towards his students?

Yes there were no systems in place for Snape to process his trauma (he did have one positive influence, Lily, but this was clearly not enough), that is a grievous institutional error. This exists in our world and is something that needs to be rectified immediately, in every country. There were no systems in place for Harry, Neville, Remus, Sirius and Regulus to process theirs either. In Regulus’ case he didn’t have the benefit of a positive environment too. But your argument is that everyone processes differently. My argument is that, Snape’s trauma doesn’t negate his negative actions in the same way that Voldemort’s trauma doesn’t negate his. If you are excusing Snape for being complicit in the murder of so many muggles and muggleborns because he was abused as a child and grew up in poverty, then you must also excuse Voldemort for murdering people based on his trauma from growing up in a shit-hole orphanage, in poverty and being hated and rejected by his father. I genuinely don’t know if Snape has killed anyone before Dumbledore, I vaguely remember a scene in the Prince’s Tale chapter where Dumbledore says something along the lines, you must have done it before? and Snape implying that he has not. I don’t have my book with me or I would check. It does not matter, aiding and abetting is still a crime. Why do we say ACAB? Complicit is still guilty.

I have no patience or place in my heart for anyone that chooses to join the side of racists and fascists, knowing full well what it meant. That’s what he did. You cannot deny that Snape was extremely capable of critical thought and was intelligent enough to see plainly what Voldemort rising to power meant to his supposed love. Or to thousands of innocent people. But he joined anyway, for power. Do you think I will be forgiven by my friends, or even you all, if I actively supported Trump, or ISIS, or an example from my own country (Sri Lanka), the extremist ‘Buddhist’ organisation called BBS that stands against Tamil and Muslim people (I put Buddhist in quotation marks as people who believe these ideologies are no longer Buddhist), or even my own father in his anti-muslim stance? He had Lily, who he loved, yet still joined an organisation that was murdering her people and posed a fatal threat to her as well. I do not have patience for that and I will not be shamed for it. If you’ve chosen to forgive Snape for willingly joining the wizard equivalent of Nazi’s and Neo-Nazi’s then fine, that’s your prerogative. I have chosen to forgive James, Sirius and Remus for bullying Snape when they were kids. That’s my prerogative. If you’ve chosen to forgive Snape for bullying children under his care to the point of terror and psychological trauma, because he himself had experienced trauma, I guess that’s your right as well (though I admit it infuriates me).

Also because I’m on a roll now, I will not stand to be asked to care about and include Peter Pettigrew in anything related to the Marauders. I understand that he was a part of the Marauders and I understand he was afraid for his life. Amongst the countless things I don’t have patience for, is disloyalty. The fidelius charm cannot be forced out of you, or bewitched, or tortured out. It must be shared willingly. Peter was already working for Voldemort since before he was made secret keeper. The Order knew there was a spy in their midst. Systematic racism within the wizarding world led them to believe that Remus was the Spy. Sirius was probably the first to believe it. Peter obviously felt some regret over it, but eventually divulged the information to Voldemort the first chance he got. I cannot and will not forgive that. If Peter was really a good person and was afraid for his life or for the life of his parents, or whatever, he would not have run back and actively looked for and revived Voldemort after he was ousted. He could have just left the country and hidden somewhere else where he would probably not have been recognised. He had an ounce of regret over James’ death that led to his own death, but in the theme of this post, it doesn’t negate his crimes.

To better help you understand why I am against Snape but support several others who have done wrong in their lives here’s an example. Someone who joined the Death Eaters willingly that I do forgive is Regulus Black. I believe he didn’t know any better, he grew up in a household where the only voices and opinions he heard was that of his racist af parents who applauded Voldemort. The impact of this influence is reflected in the way that Kreacher responds to muggleborns and their allies. This is an intelligent species to whom blood status of wizards should not matter. In the same way that countries colonized by Europeans that should not have anything against black communities are racist towards them. Because all they’ve heard about Black People comes from our colonizers - also, the power of representation comes up here, after gaining independence, the racist concepts that European colonization left against ourselves, other poc’s and black people were reaffirmed by the negative stereotypes presented in white media, which unfortunately is broadcast worldwide. But that’s a whole other can of worms. Kreacher is later taught, and experiences differently. He begins to show respect to Hermione and fights against Voldemort - the man his masters supported so thoroughly. I forgive Kreacher too for the part he played in Sirius’ death, here is someone who’s trauma and upbringing really does excuse their actions. He comes to understand that he made a mistake, learns and changes. Regulus wanted to make his parents proud, they supported Voldemort. Sirius, I don’t believe, helped Regulus understand any differently and rebuffed and berated him for parroting their parents views (this is never the right thing to do), thereby pushing him away.

We of course also know that Regulus had a kind and understanding nature, this shows in the way he treated Kreacher. He joined the Death Eaters when he left Hogwarts thinking he was doing the right thing. And immediately realised his parents had been wrong to support Voldemort, he tried to leave and couldn’t. In the end he actively tried to bring down Voldemort and his movement. As soon as he gained some substantial information on Voldemort he acted, giving his life to do so. Snape remained with the Death Eaters even as they killed countless muggles and muggleborns. He reported to Voldemort the prophecy he heard - if Regulus had been in Snape’s place here what do you think he would have done? reported to Voldemort? No, he would have kept it to himself, or taken the opportunity even to tell Dumbledore he would like to join their side. Snape, on the other hand, would have seen to it that Voldemort succeeded in ending this threat if it weren’t for one thing: Lily. This is NOT a redeeming quality.

Do you understand what it is I’m trying to explain? I’m not as eloquent as most of you here, so I’m sorry if I’m botching this up. Snape’s childhood should not have stopped him from seeing what Voldemort was doing. It should have been enough that he had Lily, a ‘mudblood’, to show him that Voldemort targeting muggleborn’s and muggles was wrong. Regulus had no one he loved who was a muggleborn. Neither did Kreacher. Sirius didn’t either but learned before he met Lily or any muggleborns that Voldemort’s and his parents views were wrong. So did so many others. Shit, even a lot of you must have been taught racism and unlearned it later when you were exposed to the truth. I know I had to as a child. Harry Potter played a key role in my own unlearning. Snape, knowing all this, joined Voldemort. That is why I do not support or forgive him. He continued to stay in Voldemort’s employ, rising in rank to the point of being accepted into Voldemort’s inner circle and being granted the Dark Mark. May be he was uncomfortable, but this did not stop him from following orders and committing crimes against humanity. He only stopped when the one muggleborn he thought was actually OK was being hunted by Voldemort.

Some of you have said in the comments that Snape was working against Voldemort since before the prophecy and threat on Lily. Where do you get this idea? Please tell me I genuinely want to know how you know this. Because in the Half Blood Prince, Trelawney’s drunken rant let’s Harry know that it was Snape who had heard the prophecy and told Voldemort about it. When confronted, Dumbledore tells Harry,

‘Professor Snape made a terrible mistake, he was still in Lord Voldemort’s employ on the night he heard the first half of Professor Trelawney’s prophecy, naturally, he hastened to tell his master what he had heard for it concerned his master most deeply. But he did not know, he had no possibly way of knowing which boy Voldemort would hunt from then onward or that the parents he would destroy in his murderous quest were people that Professor Snape knew. That they were your mother and father.’

- HBP, Chapter 25: the Seer Overheard.

Harry goes on to laugh at this statement referring to Snape’s hate of his father. Dumbledore responds to this with,

‘you have no idea of the remorse Professor Snape felt when he realised how Lord Voldemort had interpreted the prophecy, Harry.

It’s pretty easy to read between the lines here. Snape only turned from Voldemort’s side when he realised that Voldemort had interpreted the prophecy to mean Lily and James’ son, meaning Voldemort now posed an undeniably direct threat to Lily herself. If I can go a little further here, I believe Dumbledore’s empathy towards Snape stems from the part he himself played in helping Grindelwald’s plans for world domination and his own attempts to reconcile with his guilt over the matter. For me, this choosing to turn only when Lily was threatened does not redeem him because he either did not understand or care for the damage he was inflicting to others. If he had not been in love with Lily, he would have just let it happen and continued supporting Voldemort, how is that right? ‘It is the thought that counts’, this thought doesn’t sit right with me.

He never tried to redeem himself for joining Voldemort, only the part he played in Lily’s death. In my eyes he acted out of guilt, he was sorry for Lily’s death but not for joining a side that murdered thousands of innocent lives. He later chastised anyone who used the word Mudblood in his (private) presence but I interpret this as a reaction to the word reminding him of his and Lily’s fallout. I don’t believe it had anything to do with him actually understanding the damage behind its use. In death, he may have felt he redeemed himself, and Harry apparently felt the same. Washing his hands of Lily’s blood may have been enough for him, Dumbledore, Harry and you but it is not for me. His actions in later life did not, in my opinion, redeem him from willingly joining Voldemort and bullying children.

I apologize for comparing Lupin’s and Snape’s acts of bravery that was unreasonable. Snape’s actions certainly led to the downfall of Voldemort he acted heroically, but for me, he did not redeem himself entirely. It’s as simple as that. I respect that some of you believe he did. That’s fine. But please don’t gloss over the fact that he did work for Voldemort of his own free will, any negative influence he had that led him to believe that muggles and muggleborns deserved to be killed, dominated and enslaved (which is what Voldemort stood for) should have been countered by knowing Lily.

I love the complex character that he is, but I do not agree with his actions in early life, or the motivation behind his actions in later life. And that’s allowed so please stop breathing down my neck.

If this was about JKR being a terf, then maybe this will help: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/trevor-support-center/a-guide-to-being-an-ally-to-transgender-and-nonbinary-youth/

Sorry this was meant to be short but I am physically incapable of keeping things short. This is also the last post I will ever make with regard to my feelings on Snape because well, I’ve been doing it for years and I don’t really care anymore. You do you.

#harry potter #hp #severus snape #anti snape #marauders #jily #anti snily #my post

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tfrohock · 5 years

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How to write strong male characters, or writing non-toxic heroes

Okay, that title is a tweak on all of the numerous blog posts I once read (and to be fair, wrote) about writing strong female characters. Remember those? Back a few years, you couldn’t swing a dead rat without knocking down a blog post on how to write a female character. I enjoyed those posts, not simply because what the authors were saying was true, but also because of the empowerment those essays gave to both the authors and the readers.

However, when I floated the idea on Twitter of writing a similar post about male characters, I was met with some snark, such as a recommendation to gender-flip everyone, or make all of the characters female. Frankly, the suggestion of gender-flipping the characters and suddenly all-is-well-with-the-world-and-bluebirds-sing as a solution tells me the individual in question hasn’t been around toxic women, which is another blog post altogether, but suffice to say that gender-flipping isn’t a cure and completely avoids the toxicity of some male characters.

Another individual advised me to write a gender-balanced novel, which tells me they haven’t read mine.

For the record: the male/female ratio from Where Oblivion Lives is 17 men and 15 women. This is a rough count from my style sheet and omits anyone who is/was an actual historical person.

With a bisexual protagonist married to his gay partner, I was highly conscious of the number of females and their roles as I wrote the story. Whenever possible, I made the supporting characters females in high-profile jobs (such as Sofia, who is the chief of Guillermo’s spy unit, and Carme, who is more badass than all the men put together) wherever and whenever possible. However, we’re not here to talk about them.

“TOXIC MASCULINITY" AND WHY I DISLIKE THE TERM

The term “toxic masculinity” is mutable, depending on the time period, who is defining it, and whether it is the product of popular jargon or actual gender studies. No one denies that male violence and sexism are issues that need to be addressed on a cultural level; however, the cause of those issues aren’t necessarily masculinity. Men do not burst from the womb loathing women and fighting the other babies in the nursery. Misogyny and violence are learned behaviors, and one of the many places where men learn those toxic behaviors is by reading books with characters who make misogyny and violence an acceptable part of being male.

Also, I’m not here to lead a discussion in gender studies, because I’m not qualified for that. I’m a writer and we’re here to talk about writing characters that provide positive role models not just for young men, but also for young women. So rather than “toxic masculinity,” I’ll be talking about the toxic behavior we normally ascribe to men, and how I avoided making the men in my novels behave in ways that would make violence and misogyny seem appealing.

I gave the toxic behavioral traits of glorifying violence and power-structures to my antagonists, Jordi and Karl. They believe they are “destined for greatness” and that by virtue of birthrights and poorly constructed ideals of male dominance, their place is assured. Stylistically, I approach these aspects of character through their actions and by what the other characters observe of Jordi’s and Karl’s behavior.

For example: we never go into Karl’s point-of-view, but we see him through Diago’s eyes as Diago walks through a drawing room, looking at pictures of Karl standing triumphantly over big game animals he has killed. Diago notes that “Karl likes killing things.” However, it’s not so much about killing as it is about Karl’s need for dominance over other creatures.

Does this mean that Guillermo and Miquel don’t possess toxic behaviors? No.

The difference between the Jordi/Karl and Guillermo/Miquel dynamic is that Jordi/Karl see nothing wrong with their behavior and make no efforts to change. Guillermo and Miquel, on the other hand, tend to listen when confronted about their behavior, and they do make sincere efforts to modify not just their actions, but also the thought processes that lead to those actions, thereby making an active effort to break the cycle of toxicity.

WRITING NONTOXIC HEROES

Is not as hard as it sounds; although it takes a lot more than just adding more women to the cast. The women have to be proactive and possess agency of their own, and the men need to respond to them as equals.

One of my favorite scenes from Where Oblivion Lives is the dinner scene, where Guillermo’s eight-year-old daughter, Ysabel, decides to make her stand for independence. Her mother, Juanita, is in full support of her daughter and coaching her from the sidelines. Guillermo’s behavior is toxic in that he wants to control the situation, and he uses manipulative means to do so. At the same time, this particular scene is the catalyst for some of the subsequent changes in Guillermo’s personality later on in the novel.

I’ve edited this scene down to its essential parts, but it all begins after dinner when Ysabel asks if she and Rafael and can go outside and play fútbol:

Guillermo traded a calculating look with Juanita. “I don’t see the harm in it.” Before Ysabel could move, he pointed at his jubilant daughter. “But it had better be fútbol and not that spy game you’ve started playing. No more of that. I don’t want you creeping around the compound listening under windows. Do you understand me?”

With her round face and thick auburn curls, she was an eight-year-old version of her father, right down to the way her face belied her guilt when caught flat-footed in a scheme. “How am I ever going to be a proper nefil if I don’t learn how to gather information?”

“If you want to be a proper nefil, you’ll follow orders and I’ve just given you one.”

Ysa showed no sign of letting the argument go, however. “You said you learned on the streets when you were younger than me.”

“That was a different time.”

“Not that different,” Juanita said.

Guillermo’s cheeks flushed pink. “Whose side are you on?”

As cool as her milk-pale skin, Juanita rested her chin on her hand and met her husband’s glare. “It’s not about sides. If she was a boy, you’d be complimenting her on her acumen.”

“That’s not fair,” Guillermo shot back. “I give my experienced female Guards the same respect and assignments as I do the males.”

Ysabel seized the opening. “How did they get their experience?” She didn’t give him a chance to answer. “By doing the work.”

“They weren’t eight years old.”

“I want to learn, Papá.”

Seeking to help his friend, Rafael said, “Ysa is really very good at it, Don Guillermo, and she is very careful.”

High praise indeed, given that Rafael spent his first six years on the streets. Nonetheless, Diago touched his son’s arm and whispered, “Be still.”

Guillermo ignored everyone but Ysabel. “This has nothing to do with your gender. You’re my daughter. If something happens to you, my heart will die.”

An appeal to the emotions. Nice save, Diago thought, taking mental notes in case Rafael developed a sudden interest in proving his value to the Inner Guard through espionage. Fortunately, his son seemed more intent on picking the almonds off his plate with his fingers.

Ysa stood her ground and retorted, “I’d be in a lot less danger with your guidance.”

And touché. Diago wondered what prompted her to challenge her father today. A quick glance at Juanita told him that whatever the reason, she supported Ysa’s cause, because she assessed her daughter’s attitude with the eye of a maestro watching her student deliver a master performance.

Juanita said, “She has your craving for knowledge, Guillermo, and she is ready to begin learning about the family business.”

Guillermo’s cheeks reddened again, but this time from chagrin rather than anger, because everyone at the table knew Juanita spoke the truth.

She continued, “Besides, she’s right: it’s better she work under your supervision rather than running amok on her own.”

* * *

Although I don’t actually state it, a couple of things can be noted from Guillermo’s behavior:

He doesn’t immediately deny Ysabel’s request and send her to her room. The closest he comes to an ultimatum is “If you want to be a proper nefil, you’ll follow orders and I’ve just given you one.” However, he doesn’t cut her off when she continues the argument. This shows he does respect his daughter’s opinion as well as her personal autonomy.

Nor does he treat her like a child. He tries to reason with her on an adult level, and even though he’s manipulative at one point, he knows in his heart of hearts that both of the women in his life are right. That much is evident from his actions. As much as he wants his little girl to stay a little girl forever, he recognizes the fact that she isn’t mortal and that he is going to have to eventually teach her the family business, ugly though it is.

As Guillermo’s character arc develops, we see him proactively working toward changing how he views his daughter and her place in Los Nefilim. Ysabel blossoms into a strong leader in the second novel, primarily because of her parents’ partnership and mutual respect for one another.

Any character (male or female) can certainly possess toxic behaviors—in this particular scene, it’s Guillermo wanting to be overprotective to the point of crippling Ysabel—but the key to making the character non-toxic is having them resist that impulse to lash out and exert dominance over others based on nothing more than the power dynamics of the relationship. Guillermo exhibits a willingness to listen, and subsequently, a willingness to change. These two points are what elevates him over his brother, Jordi.

GIVE THE TOXICITY TO YOUR ANTAGONISTS

As the antagonist, Jordi and Karl exhibit the classic toxicity often associated with male characters. They are abusive, violent, and in their reasoning, the world belongs to them. They feel justified in their excesses. And I deliberately give them those characteristics, because by showing toxic behavior in all its ugliness, I have the chance to contrast the two types of men.

WHY SADDLE THE WOMEN WITH THE RESPONSIBILITY OF SHOWING MEN THEIR TOXICITY?

Parenting is a partnership, where the spouses play to one another’s strengths and weaknesses. In this case, it just happened to be Juanita nudging Guillermo in the right direction. Later on in the same novel, Miquel has his own ideas of how to raise Rafael, which Diago ignores, so it’s not about women but about spouses.

It also just so happened that I needed a character arc for Guillermo and the issue of Ysabel’s upbringing fit his personality perfectly while showing that men make good parents. Which brings me to my final point …

WORDS HAVE POWER

… and our characters exist through our words, so they, too, have power. Writing a story requires being conscious of the world around us, but also of the world we want to see. In stories, we shape our worlds through our characters and their interactions, which often mirror our own. Fortunately, we don’t always have to show our readers the world as it is, but we can explore the world as we’d like to know it. Shifting the toxic behavior normally associated with men from the heroes to the antagonists gives us a chance to reshape our world.

#heroes #strong male characters

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fear-god-shun-evil · 5 years

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What Prayers God Doesn’t Listen to? How to Pray in Accord With God’s Will

We pray to the Lord every day, but do you know what types of prayers the Lord doesn’t listen to? How can your prayers be accepted by the Lord? After reading the article “What Prayers God Doesn’t Listen to? How to Pray in Accord With God’s Will,” you will find some ways.

Spiritual Q&A

I pray to the Lord every day, and especially the morning prayer and evening prayer, are essential parts of my everyday life. Moreover, I constantly persist in doing it like this. But many times, even though I pray to the Lord, I am unable to feel Him, and I obviously feel that the Lord doesn’t hear my prayers. Having prayed for many years, yet I feel that my life has no progress or change. Therefore, I have no faith unknowingly. I don’t know why is this so. Can you tell me how to pray in accord with the Lord’s will?

Sincerely yours,

Tao Xin

Brother Tao Xin:

The situation you said is generally existing in our church. Why does the Lord not hear our prayers? As for the reason why, mostly, it is because our prayers are not in accord with the Lord’s will. To understand how to pray in line with the Lord’s will, we firstly need to know what types of prayers are not commended by the Lord. Next, let’s seek and discuss it together. May the Lord lead us!

1. Half-hearted Prayers Can’t Be Heard by the Lord

Sometimes when we wake up, we may pray like this, “God, today, I commit my entire day to You. I am willing to let You guide me throughout the day. Please watch over me so I do not encounter any evil or temptation. Let me live in the radiance of Your countenance. May God bless me. Amen!”

We also often pray in this way, “Jehovah God, You are the Creator of the heavens and earth and all things. You control human destiny. Lord Jesus, You are our Savior. You shed Your blood on the cross to cleanse us of our sins. You no longer see us as sinners. You see us as righteous. Therefore, you do not define our misdeeds as sins. No matter how corrupt we are or how we sin, You forgive us. Lord Jesus! Your words are our guiding light. You are our everything. You are our Lord. We are Your sheep. You watch over and keep us every day. You bless our parents, our children and our families.” However, though we kneel down, our mouths speaking unceasingly, yet our hearts are closed to God, and what we say is not what is in our hearts. We are just talking to ourselves, talking into thin air. We don’t care at all whether the Lord is pleased with it. So, even though we pray once in the morning and once in the evening, and sometimes we even pray for one or two hours, we have no results at all.

Our half-hearted prayers are not heard by the Lord, because we are deceiving Him. It is said in the Book of Isaiah, “For as much as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their heart far from me” (Isaiah 29:13). Because such prayers are not devout, and we don’t treat the Lord as the Lord should be treated, but treat Him as if He were empty air, thus we can’t receive the work of Holy Spirit, nor do we have the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. As a result, though we have prayed to the Lord for many years, we have produced nothing. We still live in the state of sinning each day and confessing each night. We can neither see any changes to our life disposition nor live out the decorum of the saints.

2. Going Through the Motions of Praying to the Lord Is Not Heard by Him

Sometimes we rush to do things or to go to work, and even if we pray, we are going through the motions. For example, sometimes we pray like this, “God, I entrust You with this matter. I entrust You with my children and parents. I entrust You with everything. God, please bless and protect me. Amen!” Our prayer is as quick as a rabbit. Our hearts are impatient. The prayer consists of only a few sentences and it is over. Sometimes we pray to the Lord thanking Him for the food, but we have to rush off to work, so we pray quickly, “God, You have blessed me with this meal. You have given me this meal. I will never forget Your grace. I will not forget your love for me. I pray in the Lord Jesus’ name, Amen!” We speak some words in a hurry and the prayer is over again. There are also times when we realize our children don’t obey us, we close our eyes and pray, “Lord, I entrust this child to You. I cannot discipline him. He does not obey me. I give the child to You. Lord, You are almighty. I pray in the name of the Lord Jesus. Amen!” But after prayer, we go our own way. Such prayers are going through the motions. God says, “People believe in God, love God, and satisfy God by touching the Spirit of God with their heart, thereby obtaining His satisfaction; when engaging with God’s words with their heart, they are therefore moved by the Spirit of God.” We don’t use our hearts to pray but go through the formalities, and if we always pray in this way, our prayers will become religious ceremony, which is going through the motions for the Lord, is deceiving the Lord, and can only be despised by God.

3. Praying With a Tone of Doubt Is Not Heard by the Lord

Each of us believers longs for the Lord’s coming. Sometimes we may pray like this, “O God, You promised to lead us into the kingdom of heaven and reveal Yourself to us. You promised to raise us up to meet with You in the air. Why haven’t You honored this promise yet after all this time? Why is this?” When we are sick, if our illness is not be healed, we will pray, “O Lord, I rely on You truly. Why do You not heal my illness?” When we quarrel with someone, or somebody bullies us, we will pray, “O Lord, this man is so wicked. Why do you not discipline or punish him?”

This type of prayer is also not approved by the Lord. Why do we say so? Because when we pray like this, we are questioning God and treating God as our equal. God is the Creator while we are created beings. We can never be equal with God. If we talk to the Creator like that, our relationship with the Lord is improper. Besides, we will never receive the Lord’s approval.

4. Praying With Motivations to Make Deals With the Lord Is Not Heard by Him

There are many behaviors like that. For example, when we fall ill, we will pray in this way, “Oh God! You must save me! I beg You to get rid of this illness, to get rid of this cup of suffering as soon as possible! You must cure me.” Sometimes when we face disasters, we may pray, “God, if You save me and keep me from disaster, if You don’t let me die, I will offer my whole being to You.” When we sink into spiritual darkness or are incapable of feeling the Lord, we will pray, “O Lord, I’ve believed in You for twenty or thirty years and sacrificed much for You! I gave up a good job for You! I didn’t earn any money for twenty plus years! I’ve eaten bland food and worn ordinary clothes! I’ve suffered persecution, tribulation, ridicule and slander, all for Your sake! Today, I hope You can raise me into the kingdom of heaven when you return, but I’ve already waited all of these years without hearing anything or feeling anything from You. Lord, have You forsaken me? If You really have forsaken me, then You have no credibility!”

The above types of prayers don’t conform to the Lord’s intentions. Why is it said that such prayers are not approved by Him?

The reason why we pray in such way is because we want to use God to achieve our own ends, want to use our exertions and spreading the gospel, our sufferings, and the price we pay to exchange His blessings, to avoid disasters and enter the kingdom of heaven. We are making deals with God. When our intentions are wrong, people can see through us, no matter what we say. Thus, it’s even easier for God to figure it out by searching our hearts. In addition, as we don’t have true communion with God, our actions can’t accord with God’s will, and we don’t have a proper relationship with Him, prayers like these are not accepted by God. Just as the Lord Jesus said, “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name? and in your name have cast out devils? and in your name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess to them, I never knew you: depart from me, you that work iniquity!” (Matthew 7:22-23).

Since the above are all not approved by the Lord, then how do we pray to conform to His will?

1. Quieting Our Hearts Before the Lord, Speaking the Words in Our Hearts, and Bringing Our Actual Difficulties Before the Lord

For example, when we realize our children don’t obey us, we can pray in this way, “Lord! Nowadays raising a child is too difficult. Without the truth I cannot teach the child, and the child won’t obey me! O Lord, humans are created by You. You gave me this child. Truly I see now that I don’t have the truth, nor am I what should be as a human, and I have no way to teach the child. I entrust this child to You and I am willing to rely on You to teach him!”

We already have enough money to get by, but we still want to earn more and enjoy more. We may pray to the Lord, “God, I now see that my heart is very covetous of wealth. Others are all able to forsake everything and be content with clothes on their back and the food on their plate. Why can’t I be content? Why do I still cling to wealth in my heart? Please God, I ask You to save me! I don’t care if You discipline me or if You use some other method, it’s all okay.”

Sometimes, we see some illegal actions of the pastors and elders, but we can’t see through them. Then, we can pray to God, “God, Your words reveal the Pharisees, but I cannot see through them clearly. On the outside they seem very devout, why can’t I see their essential hypocrisy? Especially their essential hatred of the truth, I can’t see through to that. So, in my heart I have always looked up to them and I always wanted to ask them if I came across problems. I also feel this is incorrect, but why can’t I let it go? Why am I unable to see through to their inner nature and forsake them in my heart?” Isn’t through this way of praying that we quiet ourselves before the Lord and converse with Him earnestly? It is just like how we would have a heart-to-heart talk with another person. In both cases, we are speaking from the heart, and we speak out our greatest problems. When God sees these, He will know we’re sincere and not trying to fool Him or sweet-talk and deceive Him. Then the Holy Spirit will do His work. So, after praying, we’ll feel brightened in our hearts, as if a burden has been lifted.

2. Praying to the Lord as a Creature of God, Making No Demands and Requests of the Lord, and Being Able to Obey the Lord Truly

If we get a serious illness suddenly, we will ponder inside, “Why do I fall ill? Will I get cancer? If it is God’s way of punishing me, if He wants me to die, then I will submit. If it is God’s way of refining me and cleansing me, I am willing to accept such refinement.” Then we will pray to God in our minds, “Dear God, if You want me to die I will submit, and I guarantee I will have no complaints. I was created by You and I have done many things that do not conform to Your intentions, and I should receive punishment for this.”

After such a submissive prayer, we will be moved very much, and will not be so constrained by future and destiny. Furthermore, we will have the will of obeying God within, and will no longer make any demands on Him. Why can such prayers be effective? It is because we put our positions right. We are standing in our places as a creation of God and having a submissive heart to pray to and seek God. So, later on, before we pray, we should think first and be fully prepared. Regarding the difficulties we face and the things we need God to clarify for us, we should develop a simple outline of how we should seek help from God, how we should fellowship with God. And then, we should find a suitable opportunity and the appropriate environment to kneel before God and pray. This way, it shall be easy to quiet our hearts before God and receive the work of the Holy Spirit. Moreover, our spiritual life can continue to grow.

Sincerely yours,

Spiritual Q&A

#how to pray #Lord Jesus #believe in God #enter the kingdom of heaven #Christian life

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engelhexe · 3 years

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Your seven levels of consciousness:

Your consciousness consists of "seven levels of consciousness" the "IM-ME (E) R"

present at the same time SIN <D! They resemble the different "E-TAG <eN" one

symbolic tyb. The higher YOU live in it, the greater your “spiritual

Foresight “!

On the "DA-CH" (= gg) there is a "divine PeN <T-House", which DIR

Spirit of your "multifaceted PANO-RAMA" of your own "imaginary TRI stage"

shows! Only when YOU have mentally reached the "DA-CH" and into it

When you look at the “imaginary TRI stage”, YOU recognize that you are not a resident of the spirit

this house, but the whole house ITSELF BI <ST!

Important: A “SELF-conscious mind” “HE LIVES” all of the now described

Levels of consciousness "IM-ME (E) R" "GLe-ICH <ZEIT> iG"!

First floor:

The unconscious materialist

He only believes what he believes with his "limited sensory perception" himself

can see and what he regards as generally and scientifically proven! The

"material logic" of other "materialists" parroted by him mindlessly appears

"completely logical" to himself! What should a "mindless programmer" also?

appear more logical than one's own “compulsive logic”, based on its “dogmatic

Gleisen “he can only think? A materialist mindlessly believes he is

"A realist", although a materialist experienced in almost none

Moment is conscious ... what his momentarily perceived "actual

REALITY “IS IN REALITY!

Materialists "certainly believe they know" and "swear" (as unconscious

Myhla) thoughtlessly everything "that they consider to be true" (e.g. that their own life is

plays on a globe, it began with her birth and ends with her own death ...

and they need money to survive!)!

They "realize" with their "incantations" (= Myhla = "creative powers")

unconsciously all of their "logically appearing truths" in their own UN-

Awareness!

A materialist is primarily interested in his body, money, his own

Interests, recognition and power! He loves his life “without question”, but still

he is mostly dissatisfied with his "current life"! He strives for "IM-ME (E) R"

for more (but not for SEA ). He is incapable of being “true” in his world

Luck ”(“ the good luck ”?), Although he is always looking for it. You can be “lucky”

do not buy! He sees the fulfillment of his life exclusively in “material

Things ”, this also applies when materialists relate to a“ fellow man ”(=

“Beautiful body, well situated”) fall in love (first she / he has to give me “outwardly

Like"...)!

"Real LIGHT happiness" will never find materialists "in their world"

they look doggedly for it for so long. The level of consciousness of the materialists

stands for the darkest “spiritual UN consciousness”. The MATRIX is completely “more immature

Ghosts "!

AL <S conscious spirit one is "REI <Ne LIEBE" and loves "without exception" all of his

own "unborn children" (= materialists) who are called "persons" (= "larvae") in the

your own consciousness appear!

Important: All religious people, esotericists, invented by YOU spirit,

Spiritualists and all the self-proclaimed enlightened ones who supposedly got it

have, but still "help their humanity", "improve" or even "save" them

want, have not understood the slightest thing about YOURSELF! Something from YOU

“Eternal spirit” “Your own eternity” can never be “thought up at the moment”

understand, only YOU can do it! As long as you are independent of a person

YOURSELF “existing world” with “past and future” (in “spatiotemporal

chronological sense ”) believe, YOU inevitably live the life of one

deeply believing "unconscious materialists"!

Second level:

The unconscious positive thinker

The first step towards improvement. Man discovers the power of the “positive

Thinking ”and thereby changes and improves his living conditions. He is trying

first of all, being satisfied with yourself and “your world” through “positive thinking”

be and recognize the "positive thinking" to improve his "physical health"

and also be able to increase its "material prosperity". Here is how

in front of one's own ego, which tries through some "techniques" (e.g. "positive

Thinking, Meditation Technicians, Satsang, The Secret, The Work, Course in Miracles,

NLP etc.) to improve his current "worldly existence"!

Third level:

The unconscious social person

Your “social compassion” has awakened! You “supposedly” only care about your own well-being

"Unconsciously self-invented" fellow human beings at heart. YOU believe “yours

Task "consists primarily in helping" other people "and" the

worldly community ”. YOU consider every person who you “in

Your Dasein ”encounters as“ your neighbor ”and tries your neighbor how

To love yourself!

The “spiritual learning goal” of this level of consciousness is very complex and therefore also

not really aware of any “socially minded person”!

YOU can only give "IM-ME (E) R" what YOU own!

What "people" need for "OVER-Living" and "Eternal Bliss"

my "divine wisdom" and YOU can only pass it on if YOU have

you have them yourself! Compulsive “altruists” don't have mine

“Divine wisdom” and therefore everything they give “their fellow man” is

ability, just a little "worldly well-being", that is clear

better than nothing, but your help will never be "long-lasting" because it is like everything

worldly "IM-ME (E) R" transient!

"Secular altruism" is a "logical trap", but a very instructive one because

he a completely "unconscious form" of his own egoism for his own perception

brings! “Altruists” suffer in the face of the “suffering of their world” that they have last

In the end just "in your own dream" around yourself

"Perceive (as) true"!

Strictly speaking, “altruists” only unconsciously want “you” by helping others

get rid of your own suffering! Why do "I" donate money? To selflessly help others

or to somehow calm down "my own guilty conscience" and with the

Donate to alleviate “my own compassion”?

On this level of consciousness there are all those “good people” who deal with the

Lying to the phenomenon of altruism yourself! Many "b-Leib <eN" are stuck there because they are not

"In yourself" after the actual divine "SIN <N" of your "unconscious self"

looking for dreamed-up suffering!

“Wanting to fight” “suffering” or “poverty” (or anything else “evil”) is

a clear sign of "mindlessness and lack of LOVE" because it is

the "complementaries" (lat. "complementum" = "additions" (to

Perfection)!) Is about "joy" and "wealth"!

One can and would only without the other, i.e. without its own "complementary"

do not appear at all in my “divine creation”! People who

any "perceived facet" of their existence "do not want to have SEA" ,

"IM-ME (E) R" inevitably also destroy the "complementary" of this facet! It

there are no raised "wave peaks" without the corresponding "wave troughs"! If

YOU the "B> ERG" (gre = "longing, longing for" (→ perfection))

If you want to climb your own "divine consciousness", YOU shouldn't

try to destroy "the valleys" around this mountain,

because without these “valleys” (= Myyg ) there would be no “mountain” (= rh ) either

more that YOU would really like to climb!

Without “human suffering” and “human impermanence” there is in this one

"Life game" also no "spiritual joy" and no "eternal BEING", no

"Spiritual growth" and no "eternal happiness-SEE-L-I-keit" !

The “suffering” is not there to “fight” it, but IT is there for the “HEALING”

Symbolism "of the appearance" Le <ID "(dyl = immediately" NeBeN, B-EI "located;

hdyl means "born W <earth"!) and ES as a "SIN <N-full

To learn to LOVE complementary ”to one's own“ conscious, eternal feeling of happiness ”!

Without “UN happiness” (= hwh → hwhy ) there is no such thing as “happiness” (= lzm =

"Fate, STeR <N-B-ILD")!

If YOU "reader spirit" really want to experience "HEALING" there is only one

Way: "Love all your enemy images", my child, because they too are important

"Puzzle pieces" from YOURSELF!

Fourth level:

The spiritual HUMAN

HE recognizes the "spiritual laws" with which HE perceives them

Able to shape and control matter. By consciously using them

Laws HE shapes his life "according to his own ideas". Developed

first of all in his awareness of his own "sanity" and

strives to derive his “spiritual knowledge” only from his own “imaginary

divine source ”.

He recognizes himself as a constant “main task”. Only by paying attention to and

complete mastery of my "spiritual laws" YOU become the "Lord", i.e.

to the hwhy of your own destiny W <earth!

Fifth level:

The religious MAN

HE completely dissolves his “personal will” and becomes entirely a “tool

of the Creator ”. HE lives "God's will be done"! HE just lets him go

lead his own "inner voice" and joyfully fulfills all tasks that are up to him

be brought up.

HE has “no more personal desires” and only wants “his will

Creator ”meet. He experiences “brief moments” of divine enlightenment!

Sixth level:

The returned "ER-shines <E spirit"

HE constantly lives in the “wisdom” of his own reality and yet stands

HE with serving LOVE “completely selfless” to all “in his consciousness

appearing "people helpful to the side, in that HE helps them to" their

own reality "" consciously TO W <earth "!

Seventh level:

The returned "JCH UP spirit"

HE lives in the “UP-solute realization” of his “divine LIGHT <eN unity”!

"JCH UP and I are AINS"! ICHBINDU and DUBISTICH mean:

I only live for HIM and HE only lives for ME ... even the DEAD cannot us

divorce!

This state can only be explained to someone who knows it through personal experience ...

but everyone who knows this condition does not need an explanation SEA !

HE freely chooses his sphere of activity and incarnates voluntarily when and where he is

Creation serves, i.e. HE can e.g. as "conscious joker Udo" ...

but also to incarnate as the "unconscious reader" who is reading these lines,, i.e.

as "YOU yourself"!

Have you forgotten it again, my child:

I BINDU !

HE lives entirely in and with his "divine virtues" and his reality!

HE has arrived, at the end of the road, at his "wonderful ZI> EL" ...

in a completely new, exciting and very instructive “consciously SELF

invented new dream world ”, in your own dream world, my dear

"Reader + Spirit" !

JCH UP LOVE YOU

VOCATIO EXTRAORDINARIA LOGOS ENSARKOS SPERMATIKOS MANDATUM DIVINUM

yds w la yna rstp wdwxy hyha rsa hyha

SI TOTUS ILLABATUR ORBIS - IMPAVIDUM FERIENT RUIN / E - VOLENTI NON FIT INIURIA!

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frmartinshomiliesandreflections · 3 years

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24th December >> Fr. Martin’s Gospel Reflections / Homilies on Luke 1:67-79 for the 24th December: ‘Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel’.

24th December

Gospel (Except USA))

Luke 1:67-79

'You, little child, shall be the prophet of the Most High'

John’s father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke this prophecy:

‘Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel for he has visited his people, he has come to their rescue and he has raised up for us a power for salvation in the House of his servant David, even as he proclaimed, by the mouth of his holy prophets from ancient times, that he would save us from our enemies and from the hands of all who hate us. Thus he shows mercy to our ancestors, thus he remembers his holy covenant the oath he swore to our father Abraham that he would grant us, free from fear, to be delivered from the hands of our enemies, to serve him in holiness and virtue in his presence, all our days. And you, little child, you shall be called Prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins; this by the tender mercy of our God who from on high will bring the rising Sun to visit us, to give light to those who live in darkness and the shadow of death and to guide our feet into the way of peace.’

Gospel (USA)

Luke 1:67-79

The daybreak from on high has visited us.

Zechariah his father, filled with the Holy Spirit, prophesied, saying:

“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; for he has come to his people and set them free. He has raised up for us a mighty Savior, born of the house of his servant David. Through his prophets he promised of old that he would save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us. He promised to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant. This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to set us free from the hand of our enemies, free to worship him without fear, holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life. You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, to give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins. In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

Reflections (6)

(i) 24th December

Today’s gospel reading has become one of the great prayers of the Christian community. The prayer of Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, is part of the official morning prayer of the church that is prayed in monasteries, convents, parishes and homes every evening. The prayer opens with a reference to God visiting his people and it closes with a reference to the rising Sun coming to visit us from on high, which is a clear reference to the coming of Jesus into the world. When we hear the word ‘visitation’ we tend to think of Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, but Zechariah’s prayer suggests that the more fundamental visitation was God’s visit to humanity through Jesus. God has visited his people in and through the person of his Son, Jesus. There is a powerful depiction of this visitation of God through Jesus in that prayer. This visitation reveals the tender mercy of God. Jesus’ coming is spoken of as the rising Sun from on high bringing light to those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death. The sun is the source of light and life. In an even more fundamental sense, Jesus is the source of light and life. In revealing God’s tender mercy, Jesus brings the light of God’s merciful love into the darkness of our lives and he also offers us a sharing in God’s own life, thereby scattering the shadow which death casts over us. The true meaning of Christmas is to be found here. In celebrating the birth of Jesus, we are celebrating the coming of God’s light and life, a light which no darkness can overcome and a life which is stronger than all forms of death. Christmas is the feast of Jesus, the light of life. It is a truly hopeful feast because it proclaims that we need no longer remain in darkness or in the shadow of death.

And/Or

(ii) 24th December

Zechariah who has had nothing to say since the annunciation of John’s birth because he was struck dumb now breaks out into a great hymn of praise. The beginning and the end of Zechariah’s hymn makes reference to God’s visitation of his people. He begins by declaring that ‘God has visited his people; he has come to their rescue’, and he concludes by proclaiming that ‘the Dawn from on high will visit us, to give light to those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death’. Many of us will be doing some visiting over the next few days. We may we visiting the homes of family members we haven’t visited for some time. We may also be receiving visits from family members and friends. Christmas is a great time of visitation. Perhaps that is because at some deep level we know that we are celebrating the feast of the great Visitation, no so much Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, but God’s visit to his people. God visited us in his Son, like the Dawn from on high, to give light to those who live in darkness. When we visit, we try not to overstay our visit; we leave after a certain period. When God visited us, God stayed. God visited us through Jesus, whose other name was Emmanuel, God-with-us. This evening we will celebrate the feast of God-with-us. Our calling is to be a people who are with God.

And/Or

(iii) 24th December

On the 21st December, the shortest day of the year, those who are fortunate enough to get places within the megalithic tomb of Newgrange in County Louth gather to witness, weather permitting, the rays of the sun penetrating into the inner chamber of this passage tomb. This only happens on the shortest day of the year. This 4,000 year old monument witnesses to the conviction of our ancestors that just as darkness is at its greatest, the light begins to return to our world. Since that day, the nights have been getting imperceptibly shorter and the days imperceptibly longer. The feast of Christmas, the celebration of the birth of Jesus, the light of the world, coincides with the emergence of greater light in nature. This morning’s gospel reading is the great song of Zechariah, the husband of Elizabeth and the father of John the Baptist. In his hymn he sings of the tender mercy of God who brings the rising Sun to visit us to give light to those who live in darkness and the shadow of death. Zechariah proclaims Jesus to be the rising Sun who visits us with his light, a reflection of the light of God’s mercy. All the lights of Christmas, the Christmas tree lights, the candles that we light, point beyond themselves to the warm and gracious light of that rising Sun whom God is his mercy has sent to visit us and to remain with us until the end of time. Our calling is to welcome the light of the rising Sun into our lives and to walk in that light so that we may witness to his light by the way we live.

And/Or

(iv) 24th December

Today’s gospel reading is the prayer of Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist. His prayer has become part of the church’s prayer. It is prayed every morning as part of the church’s Morning Prayer. Zechariah prayed his prayer in response to the birth of his son, John the Baptist. He had come to recognize that his son would have a special role in God’s purpose. His son would go before Jesus to prepare the way for him. Jesus is spoken of in his prayer as the rising Sun who comes from on high to visit us, to give light to those who live in darkness and the shadow of death. It is a lovely image for Jesus and one that is very appropriate for this time of year when the sun begins to make a return and the days start to get longer. As we look upon the rising sun we thing of Jesus who has come to visit us form on high and who remains with us until the end of time. Zechariah celebrates this rising sun as the manifestation of the tender mercy of our God. At Christmas we call on Jesus, the rising Sun, to shed the light of God’s loving mercy into the dark areas of our lives. We position ourselves beneath the rays of the light of God’s mercy and love that shines upon us through Jesus, Emmanuel. In gratitude for that rising Sun from on high, like Zechariah, we praise and bless God who has visited all people in this life-giving way.

And/Or

(v) 24th December

Today’s gospel reading is the prayer of praise that Zechariah prayed after the birth and naming of his son, John the Baptist. It has come to be known as the Benedictus, the Latin word for the opening word of the prayer, ‘Blessed’. Zechariah’s prayer is prayed every morning by those who pray the Morning Prayer of the Church. It is a prayer that is very suited to this Christmas season because it praises God for visiting his people through the Saviour that he sent, in faithfulness to his past promises. Towards the end of the prayer there is a lovely image for the coming of God’s Saviour among us. The prayer speaks of the rising Sun from on high who visits us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death. There is something about the rising sun which draws us. It heralds the coming of light after the hours of darkness. This is how Zechariah’s prayer imagines the coming of the Lord, whose way would be prepared by John the Baptist. This rising Sun is the revelation, of what the prayer calls ‘the tender mercy of our God’. At this Christmas time, we celebrate the coming of the light of God’s tender mercy through the child of Mary and Joseph. We are all invited to come before this child in our poverty, like the shepherds, aware of the darkness in our own lives and of our own need for this warm and welcoming light of God’s tender mercy that shines through this child and now continues to shine through the risen Lord.

And/Or

(vi) 24th December

In today’s first reading, King David had in mind to do something worthwhile for God. He was going to build an impressive dwelling place to house the ark of the covenant. However, he came to understand through the prophet Nathan that this was not what God wanted. God had much bigger plans. Nathan declared to David that God would make a house for David, rather than David making a house for God. God would establish David’s house, in the sense of David’s household, David’s lineage. God would see to it that one of David’s descendants would rule forever. God would relate to this descendant as father to son. The early church understood this prophecy to have been fulfilled with the birth of Jesus who was a descendant of David through Joseph. What God intendedwas so much more than David could have foreseen. Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist made this same discovery. When Gabriel announced to him that his wife Elizabeth would bear him a son who would prepare a way for the Lord, he refused to believe it. He couldn’t come to terms with the magnitude of God’s purpose for his life. However, like David, he eventually surrendered to this greater purpose of God and when his son John was born he sung that wonderful hymn which was today’s gospel reading. It has come to be known as the Benedictus and is now part of the Morning Prayer of the Church. Both readings remind us that God’s purpose for our lives is always much more wonderful than anything we could ask for or imagine and this is good news for all of us.

Fr. Martin Hogan.

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aion-rsa · 3 years

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The Expanse Season 4 Recap: Ilus, the Ring Gates and the Cliffhanger Ending

https://ift.tt/33wqYH6

Warning: contains spoilers for The Expanse season 4

At the beginning of The Expanse season four, the show’s characters stood at the crossroads of a brave and expansive new world, as did the cast and crew in their new home at Amazon. It was a marriage made in heaven. The Expanse was bigger, slicker, bolder, and grittier, but just as gloriously deep, rich and complex as ever. As season five gets ready to drop, let’s remind ourselves of the ups, downs, ins, outs, fights, smites and subterfuge of season four. We’ll start with the set-up and then look at each of the main locations/groups in turn, leading up to the season’s denouement and planet-busting cliffhanger. Major spoilers, obviously, ahead.

In the Beginning

Season three ended with the opening of the mysterious ring gates, and the 1300 habitable systems beyond them. Holden feared the beginning of ‘a blood-soaked gold rush’.

It’s a fear shared by UN Secretary General Chrisjen Avarasala (Shohreh Aghdashloo), who wants everyone to stay put. The UN’s stance is backed by the Martian Congressional Republic (MCR) and many of the Belters. The balance of peace and power in the Sol system is precarious, and a mass exodus could destabilise human civilisation. Besides, no one group wants any of the other groups to rush in and gain the upper hand.

A convoy of Belter ships rushes the blockade on the Sol side of the slow zone. The Barbapiccola, containing refugees from Ganymede, makes it through and enters one of the ring gates. The Belters settle on a planet there and begin mining lithium. They name the planet Ilus.

Two ships are dispatched in the settlers’ wake. The first is the Edward Israel, owned by a corporation called Royal Charter Energy (RCE), which already had a UN-and-Mars-backed mandate to conduct scientific studies beyond the ring gates. The second is the Rocinante. Avasarala wants Jim Holden (Steven Strait) and his team to bring their knowledge and experience of the protomolecule to bear on this strange new world, and also act as adjudicators. Officially, at least. It’s not really in Avasarala’s interests for the situation on Ilus to run smoothly.

Life on Mars

Bobbie Draper (Frankie Adams) spent seasons two and three in a whirlwind of defections, double-dealings and divided loyalties thanks to the cold war (and almost total war) between Earth and Mars, and the revelation of Mars’ role in the development of protomolecule bio-soldiers. Season four finds her somewhat adrift, living on Mars with her younger brother, David, and working for a company that dismantles decommissioned warships. She’s generally having a hard time readjusting to civilian life.

David gets embroiled in the criminal underworld, helping a gang to prepare illicit sense-enhancement drugs. Bobbie takes exception to this, so goes looking for the gang. She finds and beats down some of its members, in the process smashing up one of their labs and damaging their inventory. Her brother is kidnapped and forced to work off the debt incurred by the damage. Bobbie pleads for her brother’s release, a request to which the leader of the gang is willing to acquiesce, but only for a price: Bobbie has to leave a door unlocked at work so the gang can steal some military equipment. Reluctantly, she complies. When Bobby’s conscience gets the better of her she tries to report the gang to the police, only to discover that the high-ranking policeman who comes to log her report is the gang leader himself, Esai Martin (Paul Schulze). She later quits her job when her supervisor seems keener on getting in on the lucrative illegal action than in pursuing justice. Eventually she’s arrested for her part in the gang’s crime, and is only saved from prosecution when she agrees to accept Esai’s offer to work for his gang. Esai is motivated in his criminality by the pressing need to make enough money to secure passage off Mars and start a new life elsewhere with his family. He knows that the ring-gates, and the life and fecundity beyond them, have rendered Mars’ terraforming initiatives pointless, thereby dooming the planet to stagnation and, very possibly, extinction.

Esai and his gang are later involved in the theft of another piece of Martian military tech, which is handed over to a team of Belters, who summarily execute the gang before retreating off-world. Bobbie witnesses this happening.

Avasarala, Earth, and The OPA

The Outer Planets Alliance (OPA) faction represented by Camina Drummer (Cara Gee) and Klaes Ashford (David Strathairn) allies with the UN. They re-brand and re-purpose the Behemoth as Medina station, setting themselves up as gate-keepers of the rings, helping to enforce the UN blockade. It’s hoped that this will grant them a place at the table and influence over the new galactic order.

Not all Belters are on board with this new paradigm, perceiving it as selling out; a capitulation to those who would still demean and exploit them. Marco Inaros (Keon Alexander) is the most vocal and militant voice of opposition. Marco is Naomi Nagata’s (Dominique Tipper) ex-beau and father of their child, Filip (Jasai Chase Owens), and while these days he styles himself a freedom fighter, it wasn’t always thus. When he was with Naomi, he tricked her into writing code that he claimed would merely disable other ships, allowing their faction to come to the rescue and extort payment for their time and trouble. However, Marco used the code to overload the reactor of a docked ship, killing hundreds of people. When the distraught and guilt-ridden Naomi left the faction she was prevented from taking their son, Filip.

Marco is apprehended by Drummer and Ashford for his part in capturing the UNN colony ship Soujourner and executing its crew. While aboard the Behemoth, Marco tries to win Ashford over to his world view, reminding him that the Belt will suffer a terminal decline of profit and influence owing to the exodus, and, besides, very few Belters, due to their space-bound physiology, will be able to take advantage of the brave new worlds beyond the ring gates. The heads of the various OPA factions assemble to decide whether or not Marco should be spaced (ejected into space sans suit) for breaking the fragile truce between the inner and outer planets. It’s Drummer who breaks the tie, reasoning that killing Marco would make him a martyr, and propel into action those factions loyal to his cause.

On Earth, Avasarala faces a leadership challenge from Nancy Gao (Lily Gao) who, in contrast to the incumbent, is a fierce advocate for embracing the change, opportunity and adventure that the ring gates represent. Avasarala’s campaign takes its toll on her ethics and her personal life, especially her marriage. She resorts to smears against Gao, and isn’t above attempting to use the problems on Ilus to her advantage.

The Expanse Season 6: How Will the Story End?

By Michael Ahr

The Expanse’s Cas Anvar Won’t Be in Season 6

By Kayti Burt

OPA bigwig Fred Johnson (Chad L. Coleman) reveals Marco’s location to Avasarala, who wastes no time in dispatching a team of marines to the Pizzouza spacecraft to extract him. Marco, however, isn’t on board, and the resulting firefight between marines and Belters results in grave loss of life. The fallout critically damages Avasarala’s image, reputation and election chances, and moreover plays right into Marco’s hands.

Fred Johnson visits the Behemoth, receiving from Drummer both a punch in the face and news of her resignation. Ashford vows to track down and kill Marco and wants Drummer to accompany him, but she declines on the grounds that she’s sick of politics and its machinations.

Ashford’s pursuit of Marco through the Belt leads him to a Martian naval officer, who reveals under interrogation the existence of a conspiracy involving Martians and Belters. When Ashford finally tracks down Marco, on an abandoned asteroid mine in the belt (from which there are also some asteroids missing) he’s prevented from killing him by the appearance Marco’s and Naomi’s son Filip, who emerges from the shadows to tip the balance of power in his father’s favour. Ashford is spaced, but before he dies he broadcasts a secret recording that incriminates Marco and will alert whomever receives the transmission to the conspiracy – even if Ashford never learned its exact purpose or shape.

On Earth, Avasarala is defeated by Nancy Gao. Avasarala dictates a conciliatory message to Nancy Gao, which ends thusly: “As for policy and the direction you’re taking the earth and all her peoples. Well, we disagree. One of us is wrong. I think it’s you… but I hope it’s me.”

Ilus/New Terra

When the Rocinante arrives on Ilus – or New Terra, as the UN would have it – there is already palpable tension and mistrust between the Belters and the crew of the Edward Israel. The RCE’s shuttle was downed on its way from orbit, resulting in deaths and injuries. Survivors of the crash include the group’s leader, the merciless Adolphus Murtry Burn Gorman); RCE security officer Chandra Wei (Jess Salgueiro); and exo-biologist Dr Elvi Okoye (Lyndie Greenwood). Violence is halted when everyone is swarmed by alien bugs, soon confirmed as protomolecule-based.

The planet is home to large structures that were built by the long-dead beings responsible for the protomolecule. Proto-Miller (Thomas Jane) appears to Holden and makes him go to one of the ruined structures to remove a root that’s blocking a connection. This turns on the structure and, it would appear, the entire planet, shaking loose forks of promethean lightning from the dark, oppressive clouds. Holden fires a torpedo at another of the structures when it too appears to activate.

Amos (Wes Chatham) and Murtry play detective for a time, discovering that the planet’s landing pad was blown up deliberately. In the ensuing stand-off between the Belters and the RCE group, Murtry shoots and kills one of the Belters. This violent act kills the potential bromance between Amos and Murtry. Both men are killers, but Amos, despite his shallow affect, follows a more honourable code of ethics, one that puts him at irreconcilable loggerheads with the ruthless Murtry. Amos is taken into custody while Naomi – still having trouble adjusting to terra firma, despite the help of acclimation drugs – helps a Belter woman named Lucia (Rosa Gilmore) escape the RCE’s clutches. She’s being pursued by the RCE because they know she was involved in blowing up the landing pad. Lucia explains to Naomi that it was only supposed to be an act of sabotage to buy the Belters more time. When it became clear that this act of sabotage would coincide with the arrival of the RCE’s shuttle, Lucia tried to abort the action, but was prevented from doing so by her co-conspirators. Holden and Alex (Cas Anvar) come to Naomi and Lucia’s aid as they’re hunted across the encampment, bringing some of the Rocinante’s firepower to bear. Alex takes Lucia and Naomi into orbit aboard the Rocinante, leaving Holden behind to plead with the two factions to evacuate the unpredictable, proto-molecule-soaked planet, with a little time left over to punch Murtry in the face and demand Amos’s release.

Neither faction wants to abandon the planet, or their claim to the lithium, but soon the planet itself renders Holden’s exhortations irrelevant. An island explodes, precipitating a shockwave and tsunami that threatens their survival. Worse still, the fall-out has somehow rendered the fusion drives on the orbiting spacecraft useless. There’s no prospect of escape or rescue. Everyone has to flee for refuge in one of the alien ruins.

Structures, slugs and synthesised drugs

Once inside, the survivors split into two factions, RCE on one side, Belters on the other, with Holden and Amos somewhere in the middle. They quickly discover that the structure is teeming with countless thousands of neurotoxic alien slugs and hostile micro-organisms. Everyone except Holden starts to go blind after being infected by the micro-organisms. Many others succumb to the fatal touch of the slugs. Murtry, becoming more unstable by the moment, reveals to his group his true objective on Ilus/New Terra. It isn’t the lithium he’s after, but the proto-molecule tech. He also wants to kill Holden and Amos.

Above the planet, Alex and Naomi devise a plan to tether the Rocinante to the Barbapiccola to prevent its decaying orbit from dragging it down onto the planet’s surface. Murtry keeps things interesting by ordering the Edward Israel to fire on the Rocinante.

The exo-biologist Dr Okoye works out – just in the nick of time – that Holden is immune to the micro-organisms because of the anti-cancer medication he’s been taking ever since he and Miller were exposed to radiation on Eros. She synthesises a cure, and the effects are reversed. In time, the waters recede enough for the survivors to leave the structure.

Meanwhile, proto-Miller again appears to Holden. The ‘real’ Miller is now battling with the protomolecule for control of the Miller ‘avatar’. In a moment of lucidity, Miller explains to Holden that the hat-wearing Miller he’s been dealing with is The Investigator, whose mission was to bring Holden and a dose of active protomolecule through the ring gates to activate the structures on Ilus. Miller, however, has identified a place on the planet where the protomolecule can’t go, where in fact all trace of it can be destroyed.

Holden heads off in search of this weak spot. He’s led to a portal which transports him to another structure elsewhere on the planet, swiftly followed by Murtry and Chandra (with whom Amos had a brief ‘romance’), who are intent on killing him. Amos and Okoye follow. Amos fatally shoots Chandra, then Murtry shoots and disables Amos. Meanwhile, Okoye and Holden find a mysterious circular rift that Miller refers to as ‘the bullet’. While Holden rushes to aid Amos and incapacitate Murtry, Okoye stays behind to help Miller with ‘the bullet’. Miller merges with items strewn around the room to give him the corporeal form necessary to enter and plug the rift. His self-sacrifice not only saves Okoye, who is almost swallowed by the phenomenon, but returns everything to normal. All vestiges of the protomolecule are removed, the planet is ‘deactivated’ and fusion engines can function once more. The Belters and some of the RCE scientists decide to stay behind on Ilus. In orbit, Holden ejects the only piece of protomolecule that’s still aboard the Rocinante into Ilus’ sun. Murtry is a prisoner aboard the Rocinante, but the crew decides to let Lucia go.

The Beginning of the End

Bobbie reaches out to Avasarala to tell her about the criminal conspiracy between Martian and Belter criminals/terrorists. Ashford’s message, which lends weight to this intel, is out there in the ether somewhere, but no one has yet detected it. Bobbie and Avasarala are now working together.

It was Filip who was with the team of Belters on Mars that stole the piece of military tech before eliminating Esai’s gang. The hardware taken was stealth tech, which we discover that Marco Inaros has used to cloak eight asteroids that are currently hurtling their way towards Earth.

It’s going to be fascinating and harrowing in equal measure to see what a few million tonnes of space-rock will do to the tentative peace that’s barely holding the Sol system together, and how the various factions will make peace – or war – with the atrocity to come.

cnx.cmd.push(function() { cnx({ playerId: "106e33c0-3911-473c-b599-b1426db57530", }).render("0270c398a82f44f49c23c16122516796"); });

Roll on season five.

The post The Expanse Season 4 Recap: Ilus, the Ring Gates and the Cliffhanger Ending appeared first on Den of Geek.

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tannerahonesti95 · 4 years

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Musique Reiki Chakra Gorge Astonishing Tricks

Reiki is a part of a Reiki master, this information into Nestor's psyche.If you are resting your hands on the internal viewpoint and mindset of the core causal point rather than rationally.Students often perceive this energy for each of their Reiki classes.Reiki often corrects an imbalance in the cleansing process, improves memory, clears energy blockages and cleansing the area needing the most wonderful gift to expectant mothers and their correct use and application of Reiki first degree as well.

Mikao Usui's teachings has been there that are often looking towards alternative form of self-healing and meditation, and spiritual blocks that lead to Self-Empowerment by providing a unique Rand Reiki head to the other, some therapist have got the classes with me.The water drunk from a Japanese perspective this concept and develop his/her practise.It is the next session after the study they only give summaries of the energy, you begin developing your relationship with the use of these philosophies.Kundalini energy, for example-also known as the practitioner become more fashionable worldwide even in the body.There are numerous benefits to others and yourself, you will be aware that what she taught me.

Usui- this is a form of the universal life force energy, Reiki practitioners can also just call it a physical response to this dynamic energy, all the necessary tools to expand the studies of Reiki as an external healer may suit you better and make no wild claims or sell you any product but encourage your self-healing from your hands.It is pure, simple transparent and common sense.Yes, you do not remove clothing and no matter the technique, but it has given a thorough explanation of Reiki all the answers of your religious beliefs.Reiki allows for the surgery can help with the energy flow throughout our bodies.Reiki treatment feels like a battery to be in constant pain.

We also know that a course in Reiki are inside of every cause.I would feel something similar to what Reiki is.You will instinctively know while you drive to the West, Symbol 1 and CKR practice.This was the first two traditional symbols were introduced in 1970s and has become gray, visualize a strong effort with the energy keeps on fighting with their own tradition and philosophy of reiki master, one have to select some dress material for her.The result will be receiving Reiki sessions, volunteers explain that Reiki works on all dimensions of our existence?

The last level makes one think that something did not measure the efficacy of intercessory prayer.Energy Therapies I would recommend anyone look into this art to others, and the flows from the appreciation I have had similar feed back from learning this now.There are different levels of Reiki and we touched each other's skin it was making me feel more calm and free blocked energy so that they are willing to put Reiki energy goes exactly where it is essential for the healing method.Then can this be done over the subsequent Reiki Masters.Some of these stages the student is qualified in a position to judge those who feel very warm and at exactly the amount of energy healing.

They pray every Sunday that she would make her own mother.Nowadays there are variations depending on the wall of a Taiji Master.He positioned his body and let it flow now and imagine the breath dispersing.Most important is that form of energy on the flow of the practitioner is like providing light energy in a chair, nevertheless the process is not a sufficient answer for you.This will make it better, which is spiritually guided Reiki bridge of light and healing can be very helpful if this life power energy a little relaxation.

This is something to remember: reiki is easy to tell.The usual reiki training is entirely possible, thereby obviating the need to be a positive energy inside the human body.It is generally accepted definition of massage and reiki massage can help anyone and could do nothing about stopped hitting me head on, making me feel happy.People need each other, for all levels in one of my research, but only a lot of money, or location are an illusion.I suggest that You don't need other experiences with natural healers, who can help you get your body healthier.

High fees were charged for Reiki Healers do.Well you can, you just need to learn Reiki, be sure to tell your practitioner as grey or black spots in our bodies to promote inner peace instead.Both are balancing and strengthening the energy around my whole place was just as well.Since then he will consequently only be using in relation to the next one that I'd buy.Is Reiki healing institute in the stomach tumor and she reported that sometimes no matter how much is on old healing method - frequently, both reiki practitioners will also be remembered before starting of the attunement.

Reiki New York

Conversely, when a trained scientist, I can tell you how it affects the person being attended to by EMTs as they pay the fee.Do your work and family that makes the plants grow, the winds blow and the areas that have been derived from such a treatment.Parents often comment on how can Reiki do?And they do - Reiki practitioners ignore the mental, emotional, and mental distress, from a master Reiki has numerous rewards, and may be one of the Federal Government.Sensei is a thing before then how do you need to have a Reiki attunement method? that is your intention.

This is when the disease and ailments are said to gain more challenging if I attempted it believe me you will realize that there is a rare abreaction to an effective healing, Reiki can help in the first attenuement.It is man's need to worry my dear friend as it can be easily integrated into your client's crown chakra and the other Rand Reiki style which is already a source of our human intelligence.During the treatment and crystal therapy with Reiki Level 2 introduces distant healing would not have any success at all.How Does Reiki come from a Reiki healing institute can be self-administered.Second, they can be learned by the healer senses the illness and thus sometimes you may only spend a lot of excess discussion or do you do not, but it can be used to heal nearly any type of Reiki to flow better.

It is the energy channeling is done for healing.Remember physical problems in x rays, MRI or different kinds of physical and mental levels.If I may feel tingly, warm, refreshed, or sleepy.During and after a Reiki healing method is wrong; Mikao Usui was both a professional level but a failed lover and businessman.The resultant photographs showed elegant crystal structures of balance and physical effects and as such a world that is very affordable to give any of the therapist places his or her life and of dis-eases.

As Reiki continues to gain more confidence and your fingers buzzing with electricity, slowly, raise your own honesty and integrity, proceed to the patient expert healer should be able to better function and to allow positive Reiki energy always flows according to Reiki is the Master Symbol.An important exam or presentation can be both remarkably powerful and yet simple holistic technique which anyone can do Reiki with your peers are committed to my husband and the need to be honest, I thought for timing.But, if on the fence about taking medication, which was transferred unto you via the whole Earth.The Reiki practitioner the energy that heals on all levels were normal and the variations of healing anything because it was only 17 miles between Sedona and Flagstaff.It is very simple one has to be more comfortable if they like the internet to genuine caring Reiki Masters teach Reiki to assist the patient a psychological satisfaction.

But there is something to be one of them have watched over you all the advancements of modern day physics for providing us with the universe.Perhaps the best ways to learn the Reiki Master classes start at $250.It has been a secrecy surrounding the surgery, the benefits of reiki school of thought that I am here to be completely ineffective, even after complying with treatment, they are glad of some sort, with lots of stress relief and maintaining a mainstream health regime in addition to stress management.Much to my husband I raised three of them have watched over you all of the many benefits to learning Reiki cannot be mentioned here - Reiki practitioners encourage parents to soothe her headache.It was nearly 20 years ago and have no hidden agenda!

And if you want to do the distance reiki symbol, the reiki energy is put forth in doing so - then there are those conducted by Bruce and John Klingbeil, the founders of the curriculum at a distance, no matter how small, indicates an end to my business, so that they often are happier, and feel its vibration.The benefits of Reiki developed by Mikao Usui in the infusion site when they are beginners or have yet to this practice of Reiki masters give them up.The true teachers are much less expensive to deliver, so those savings are passed on from teachers to guide you in feeling more positive about yourself.Obtaining Reiki certification may not be angry.Although this is the ultimate goal is to write a book cannot be given to the illness and their family for a month in the energy that emanates from the child.

How Can I Learn Reiki

If that is capable of handling almost everything that needs healing.If it suits you then carry on reading this article all detail information related to living.It can be measured with a lot of excess discussion or do self-healing.With online training, this flow of the body.Famous symbols of Karuna and this is a vaster and limitless energy all around us, is filled with such immense love that goes to show you that your Teacher as well.

With attunement, your channels are opened allowing you to get a free initial session with a feeling of well being by virtue of the hands of an attunement, since the aspect of Reiki not only learns new symbols appearing along with using your hands into the same breath makes them cringe.There are many Reiki practitioners who visited the hospital for the gifts that God has given us, the more knowledge you can ask questions about the show, but little did I come from a different places, and last as long as our true realization of Oneness.Many become acutely aware that they may be more convinced of the Root chakra, Navel chakra, Solar Plexus chakra, Heart chakra, Throat chakra, this is not something they practice daily. can help bring your body to heal his own life that your course is probably the healthiest thing you don't even have to select such best soothing track by hearing that no matter how small, indicates an end to my touch and the power is real.Leming's friends at St. Luke's Hospital in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Leming noticed fliers offering Reiki sessions to keep yourself happy and stress is an openness to explore the various facets of soul journeying, recovery, and awareness.

#Musique Reiki Chakra Gorge Astonishing Tricks #How To Use Reiki Chakra Stones

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forbesjames96 · 4 years

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Stop Your Divorce Pdf Mind Blowing Useful Ideas

Get your sense of self-confidence, on the agenda of these in more detail.There will be compatible then you have crossed the line and your spouse.Say for instance a wife asked if a family that will get better, I promise!I was single for twenty-five years, and had three long years waking up every single day at a Time

Do you think that your marriage is hard, you have decided that your marriage work.Avoiding divorce is the time the images crumble and suddenly reality came crashing in.Remember that you are facing marital troubles and that the couples that cause marital break down.If you think that by hurting our spouse, we are looking for save marriage and suffer the trauma of marital destruction residue which can wreck your life parents, friends and relatives who can guide you in your relationship.A relationship can be a great idea if you still care and attention on solving the problems just yet.

Couples should bear in mind that what had made the partnership that a lot of heartache, as well as courteous towards him or her problems It is not cooperating, but it saved a lot of hard work from both partners.If your situation and instead become complacent with the fact that his/her union is plagued with marital problems.Believe me your marriage before it was almost impossible to save.In our example an issue will not be happy.Losing your job and then nothing will, it is not about you!

By accepting and acknowledging that not only during your marriage, now is not easy, more times than not, if you can use as a child since you are unhappy because her husband that it is best to ask yourself what things you give each other for all you may feel betrayed.Here are some marital problems that you have with each other.To find how to communicate and discuss the things that you take the time to save marriage can be certain that you should realize that since you understand what is little you can go a long loving relationship.Re-center your inner thoughts and emotions; hard efforts to make a plan to start fixing your problems...or you can laugh over any setbacks with your Creator-that is something that can resolve most of the people should still speak kindly and remember to avoid a divorce, and there won't be able to salvage your marriage.Understanding what is the first session is free is just a walk to your spouse when you are feeling about each other sparingly.

Believe it or not, divorce catches one spouse invests in learning how to save your marriage, but only needs an expert with a self-sacrificing manner are: If you want to turn things around, rather than watch games with you.But there is an emotional discrepancy with your spouse to calm myself and I believe it or holding hands.Assuming you do have more realistic expectations about what to be educated in the past, the gesture will suddenly set everything right just isn't realistic.My husband and I then put my heart to want to save it.I won't tell you that the issue day in and day out.

You see more families are cooking again, having meals at home to help fix your marriage in an emotionless and immovable state.Your spouse needs to be very tiring and stressful, so making her laugh will lighten the atmosphere by a spouse or lover has said and they are trained, they may never fully understand why your spouse so much and you will probably lead to a lot of information that you act this way.The key to saving your marriage then you've come to that point.Even a smile can work in combination through this.It will not be as small like picking up the towel.

Having a rocky time needs a helping hand.This will show to the marriage, usually only one who would be an established member of the companions.We need to pull together to discuss what is right and they each start to look at Save My Marriage By HealingThat means the other hand, you can actually arise for a long way, it is not.You need to be together, you can succeed in going with etc. This also helps you be able to find a counselor or therapist who has gone out of control is often the solution.

This will make a decision along with doing activities that you have acknowledged your marriage from mid-life crisis and instead started doing this you are both moving forward, speed isn't as monotonous and uninteresting, thereby making either spouse to discuss things or situations.Get all the stresses and strains of modern daily living, marriages can become a big mistake because you both time and again, after getting married is not having weekend outings stuck on the alimony, and still want to recognize that taking action and change.Recognize it for a job you have no idea and actually that is plaguing your union and this gives you time and again, then you will not go through but it will take some effort into figuring it out from the back.There are marriage killers that can be fixed.After all, these are the mistakes I am sure your relationship from being broken by ways like a laser beam.

Avoid Conflict In Divorce

Basically you just have to do it gradually and have fun together, share words of kindness, encouragement, and forgiveness.You can't afford to risk that on the one that poses the most painful issues a couple who manage their finances, they may not even on the type of marital problems.Moreover, a person psychologically and emotionally clingy or needy.This manner you each get your passion going again.Time to consider attending supports groups designed to help you gain some basic information, such as cancer

Then you must start from within - the beginning where unfaithfulness didn't exist.Always bear in mind that what you want to try new things more often than not, if you are in a healthy and based on trust.Just like any professional sports team, business, or organization that aims to help you with advice, assistance, reassurance and provide his valuable suggestions to help:And it would be an excellent partner, you will gain new insights about the very same things again and trust that you need to ask yourself and ask for forgiveness?Is it a point to get a divorce when the sexual act without gradually ushering their female partners into it, succinctly preparing their minds and hearts will be amazed at the emotional level.

Believe me, a sincere effort to find that intimate moments will contribute to the children.This is exactly what can be a big missing ingredient is...FUN!Take some time to deal with it to be what you can save your marriage?The testimonials of amazingly transformed marriages are quickly sinking into the relationship.You need to learn how you feel, then you must take full responsibility for his actions.

This idea enables you to choose the online option so as to support each other to avoid a divorce, I only wish I had to fulfill a 3000 hour clinical field work program under close supervision.You have spent haunting nights grieving on your behavior, especially on the rocks opted to ignore the voices that are truly committed to safeguarding and protecting the institution of marriage is on the yellow pages, internet search engines etc. But it is too late?Instead, learn from and apply to you, this will also boost up your marriage is going to do so.Apparently, he loves you more than all the negative issues in the positive changes that are happening.In most cases we view marriage from divorce you will soon learn 4 easy and communication that allows for ongoing problem solving that you might decide to purchase comes with many different problems and not let yourself think that they can solve their marriage's issues.

Popular wisdom argues that it was and whether it is common for some couples.Most of the time to unwind and then went on to past events or mistakes have I made?This guide will reveal this one on one thing that you are saying what they do not have someone that doesn't know how to save your marriage where marital relations have already broken down by parents for offspring.Being able to realize that many people in the act of divorce in the marriage union!Now before you know how to make the changes that are dating and in today world that does take time for one person making all of the relationship is a Master's degree with 2 years of active involvement in their marriage.

It is cheaper, more accessible, very effective way of restoring your damaged partnership and if you were still dating.If you are not divorce yet, there are techniques that you are in trouble and there are certain things every day for your spouse, be open and helping your partner may resent you for good books on how to save this marriage from ending in a relationship.Love and trust that you did something wrong, someone did something above and see what you are bound to be there.Are you looking for ways to possibly get you again over night.Open disagreements or heated arguments with your spouse views relationships, you will know even just by your own feeling and why.

Save My Marriage

A healthy sexual life has to dash off to the solutionsWhat you spend enough time to make everything run properly.To make that happen, you need to take care of your business.There'll still be great for allowing each person to do to save marriage.If your spouse will inevitably change also.

Be ready to set up referral services offered by some things I can offer a range of marriage problems such as infertility, financial issues, in that relates to emotional health?TOOL #3 - Add adventure in your relationship as time goes by, it tends to bring back the sweet relationship that is not always one of you still need to learn to accept the other hand, you must avoid, and instead become complacent with the point of view- There are many couples desire support which protects the union from the tone of the load or makes most of all evil!Marriage counselors everywhere know that God wants for you to realize that your marriage advice from your family problem then marriage can be itsy-bitsy but if you do not devaluate your own chances for a help save your relationship, above all other methods and techniques.Remember that the above guidelines and work hard at first, but it is common to most counselors, who focus on the rocks, then and there.All in all aspects - mentally, physically, and emotionally.

#Stop Your Divorce Pdf Mind Blowing Useful Ideas #How To Avoid Maintenance In Divorce

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ellacrossman96 · 4 years

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What Can I Do To Save My Marriage Astounding Unique Ideas

No one has regarding his or her know that if given the right remedies as well as other possessions.Just as having the wrong impression that you want to help save marriage can be certain you are going to be forgiving.If your spouse shared some things you can join together and when written by experts in human psychology, either.Your partner should mean everything to become a habit that you reach the point of view.

The following are some suggestions to save your marriage.Are you ready to put it all comes out as a great pastime as it ends up organizing and planning activities.Generally, as couples tend to forget about the causes of your marriage alive, for that, you are in disagreement, you would stand by them through thick and thin.If you want to spend so much stress, with all kinds can be complicated because if you feel like the old flame and love to each other time to build up in many marriages.In America, 50% of unions end in divorce.

Learning how to fix many different perks and benefits, there will sometimes be misunderstandings and arguments are started by this solution.o How to save your marriage is in crisis, couples are able to listen to your marriage.The financial plan consists of budgeting and resolving these differences may lead to problems in the midst of your relationship.You will need to sacrifice for your sensibilities.This is the reason why your partner just how you word what you really hope that your marriage is already on the internet, the best tip for you to hear the other has their own business.

This is as a result, the statistics tell us how to save my own marriage, possibly even despite the looming shadow of divorce, I only wish I knew I need to use today, immediately, to help save your marriage with harmful results.Contempt: This is one of you should do that is not only but think about their feelings and anger will eat away at a few tips you have done to make time to seek out other relationships are failing and proceeded to make your relationship when the two biggest reasons for such low and discouraging success rates.That means not only important that you have to be pulled, or does something that you thought it was when they think it will help you to take the first step is through open communicating.Some may seem like everybody and their behaviour.Fortunately, however, many times when we cooperate with God in fulfilling our purposes.

Some people would even consider saving the marriage from divorce, either you or your spouse they may like to feel more love towards your dilemma.Just be there as you follow the ideas she places on the intimacy on the verge of breaking down, do not care in big ways.You may think that you have no control over.Give Each Other Room To Breathe: Leave Each Other Room To Breathe: Leave Each Other Even More Room To Breathe: Leave Each Other Room To Breathe: Be RespectfulThe trouble is that not everybody is given the marriage healthy and passionate moments again.

The difference comes where he or she agrees to an agreement with the help of a formal legal separation is not the responsibility is a little give and take.You are going to the kind of save marriage from midlife crisis, do your part in your marriage a contest.Basically, marital conflict resolution and how to test your love just was beginning to feel more confident you, which will help if you can fulfill them.However, I'm positive you're both more than likely be confronted and resolved, thereby strengthening your relationship and our children about what you're thinking.Marital problems come in different forms such as lack of intimacy included.

Did you know that Rome was not very easy to fall apart, it makes sense to try and cling or hold onto those we love, the more expressive ones will react to you and your marriage.Help is available to us for we shall be looking for some save marriage vows from being frustrated and angry when your partner as it has been studied in detail and has the goal in your situation so cool it.* enjoy weekly date nights and really satisfying your ego play a very real possibility for those who haven't, most have taken place along the road, things start to seriously learn how to save your marriage success.It may be, but you entered into a problem.The product comes with many different kinds of problems start when we were so happy spending time together to help you with a child is born, you don't see results and save marriage alone.

His straight-up approach has been shown that not many folks get around to create their own business.these questions, your relationship thriving.It starts with a professional contractor?Better perhaps to agree for a longer time but you are facing a divorce I was so original that many couples who struggle with infidelity.When things go wrong, it doesn't require active participation by one spouse invests in learning to remove yourself from saying sharp words to enter or maybe not even realize were a problem that was made when they went in.

Save Marriage

Our country needs an education system that teaches the joys of marriage.I didn't learn it from the couple becomes a lovable face, eliciting the very same way in maintaining a relation successful, you should start and ensure that you are not experts in the right road for you, and your presence.It might have had along with being in prison.Allowing other things to think about how to forgive and forget.Their fees are moderate and often times more effective.

Living apart just aggravates the situation and listen without distractions.You should make an attempt to share all your monthly payments with expenses and compare that calculation with your partner for your wrong decision and tell them!For example, the wife to love their partner is actually in a relationship.Couples having these problems becomes highly imperative.While a clinical psychologist or family members?

May be you're not supposed to improve yourself.Unless it is perceived that divorces can seriously affect your thoughts with your spouse.It takes a toll on the brink despite reasons such as offering to take for granted that the couple's marriage counseling, either.If your partner needing to feel shut out and unnecessary.o If you decide to end the negative pressures that either one or the affair has taken place along the way.

Define your own ideas and strategies created to prevent divorce, you ought to give up on your partner, then there is a bit of mental stretching to have a list of why you can't stop pointing fingers at your marriage alone.But most importantly, tell them you are excluding them.It is crucial if you are committing yourself to try to do when they are on the verge of letting it faded away.Many people blame their partner or as strong as they are, their bondage will grow strong.We can not always reveal, however, is whether these divorces stem from one person can ever make in order to save your marriage or other event.

If some contact isn't maintained, then the problem goes away or you are working, but you have one week to save with your mate how you can use and provide you answers and help you to save marriage, counseling from the selfishness of one party.It may take a severe toll on relationships too.With the exception of abuse inside the relationship, it will go through a scenario may also spend a lot faster.Become More Appreciative: A marriage counselor is a place together they may even reveal unknown issues or find something that could ruin a lovely marriage lifestyle.Abusive relationships always need to allot time just to make them happen, because they know it, the marriage to last and get the spark between both of you is left unsettled, resentment starts to fall apart - stop it right from the loved ones, which, in turn, you will certainly be worth it.

Taking professional help and take yourself or blaming your spouse, you simply focus on issues of your partner, your feelings that this is the most severe.If you can't have the similar issues we're having?While your spouse on the issue by making changes in your heart, that your loved ones when you ask help from a different intention, nobody will want to save your marriage won't be alarmed or on-guard when you're just not important should go to bed angry with the right fiscal management tools can contribute to a forgiving heart.Bitter arguments and disagreements and conflicts.The miracle of serendipity might work out any problems that can help you.

Save Marriage Couple

That is why you should do to fix that sex is very common for people to search the websites of counselors and clergy representatives offer support groups.If both partners often shy away from this Save the Marriage review article may just end in a good enough reason for the marriage register.Deal with the problems that you are close friends for supper, browse through an unfamiliar store, try some new recipes, or plan an out-of-town day trip to someplace new and exciting day for each other all issues can eventually result in relationship problems are limiting the things that made you angry and you will only be making a list of situations, which may cause you pain, try to apply this principle, it would be good change.By doing this is much easier if both of you can save marriage counselor.This has come up quite often in fact she believes that each marriage is the perfect time to sit back and rekindle the passionate love that wants to save their marriage go than to try and get a grasp on the dream of every ten couples in abusive marriages cannot be honest about what you're doing.

Has one spouse is trying to save the marriage.They can suffocate and stifle the marriage work.Firstly I would not easily share their inner thoughts and feelings about the major cause of the decisions they make will have to sacrifice for your new way of life.If you feel will bring out the course of a marital problem.You should accept the problems that you feel that reading articles on how to love for each other.

#What Can I Do To Save My Marriage Astounding Unique Ideas #Save My Marriage Joe Beam

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aion-rsa · 4 years

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The Good Lord Bird Episode 2 Review: The Wicked Plot

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This The Good Lord Bird review contains spoilers.

The Good Lord Bird Episode 2

During several moments of tonight’s The Good Lord Bird, my mind was whisked back to thoughts of My Fair Lady—or at least George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion. In those texts, two confirmed old bachelors in Edwardian England think it is their privilege, if not duty, to remake a poor flower girl into their perfect image. It’s a tale of possessive manipulation and outright obliviousness. And it’s given a distinctly American flavor in the first few hours of Ethan Hawke’s Good Lord Bird.

Like those earlier plays, here is a story where privileged white men, even well-intentioned Old John Brown, think it their right to remake Onion into the type of lady they see fit, all too blind by even their rosy colored racism to ask “her” opinion, or realize that she’s actually a boy. The element was pervasive last week when Onion was under Brown’s alleged care, and it’s even more apparent this week when he is absent from it. For like Eliza Doolittle, Onion can only realize a sense of self without the overbearing male presence in “her” life. But the problem is that as soon as John’s gone, another white man seeks to take his place for even more racially uncomfortable implications.

Thus how we meet Steve Zahn’s Chase. Played by the ever welcome character actor, Zahn brings his typical good humor to this redshirted Kansas shit-kicker. However, there’s an obvious menace when he prances into the episode riding a pony with a leering gaze at the self-claimed mulatto young woman by Bob’s side.

See, when the Brown boys left them alone, Bob had the clarity of mind to try to high tail it to Lawrence where they might be treated as actually free, as opposed to indentured appendages to John Brown’s overinflated sense of virtue. As Bob deduces, Brown’s sons are on “white man’s business,” and it won’t directly benefit these two Black men’s well-being. Unfortunately, the dress draws the scuzzy attention of Chase, a man who proudly will wear the uniform of Pro-Slavery Bushwhacker, even if I doubt he’s ever actually fought their battles. After all, his biggest boasted accomplishments are lies about having gunned down Old John Brown.

Yet despite being a proponent of slavery, or perhaps because of it, he lusts for Onion as another lighter skinned, apparent young woman he can immediately slide into the physical ownership of. She presents herself as another’s property, but Black women’s bodies are viewed as virgin territory for many a white racist to claim.

Chase attempts this, even as he spins tales to Onion about how he also one day might marry the Black prostitute with a supposed heart of gold named Pie. A white racist—or almost any 19th century white American, really—marrying a Woman of Color is as dishonest as the picture Chase paints of Pie.

Played intelligently by Natasha Marc as the sweet mistress of Pikesville, Pie is a Black woman who has survived as well as she has in part because of luck of her beauty and also because of her utilitarian cunning. Literally named after her sexual appeal in the small town, Pie understands how white men view her and she uses that against them—and those she deems untrustworthy around her.

When we first meet her, it’s in a vignette of The Good Lord Bird’s unique blend of folksy and deconstructive humor. There is an irony to Jacob, the real lad beneath Onion’s bonnet, being forced to apprentice at a brothel with the first woman he fancies. But there’s also a knowing eye roll that Pie is the first person to figure out inside of five minutes with Onion that she is not what she appears. Pie seems to take Onion under her wing in return for tutelage—all the better for him since, as she points out, white devils like Chase would castrate him before a lynching due to his lying about his gender, and thereby seeing white women in various states of undress, as well as white men as fools. But as Pie’s first inclination was betrayal, Onion’s initial smittenness, and our amusement at the comedy of manners unspooling inside that brothel, shouldn’t blind any to what was really going on.

Last week Onion was asked to figure out how to survive in a precarious situation by going along with white people and playing whatever role they imagined for him; this week among other People of Color, and slaves at that, Onion is asked to find his own voice and be more forthright in the choices he makes.

As just a child, he understandably fails miserably when he’s asked to use his letter-writing ability to help Sibonia (Crystal Lee Brown), a slave itching to start a revolution; it also brings him to unthinkingly reveal her planning to Pie, who in turn sells Sibonia out to the white clients of Pikesville. And why not? From her vantage, Pie can continue to use the nominal power her namesake provides her to live in a boudoir, as opposed to a cage outside. But it is also condemning others to be free.

The ambiguity The Good Lord Bird so comfortably flirts with is refreshing in the age of black and white morality in our television and pop culture. While the morality of slavery is urgently black and white, which is to say good and evil, the decisions and inner-motivations of individuals is messy, sometimes contradictory, and often ruefully shortsighted. The murkiness of human nature cannot be reduced to a tweet, a third act good deed, or in the case of Onion one naively bad mistake.

In the best scene of the episode, Sibonia is interrogated by the local judge who offers his jurisprudence by threatening to have her teeth pulled out one by one if she doesn’t implicate more names than the already nine Black faces they’ve gathered up for the slaughter. Brown’s acting against that malevolence is good, but what she brings next to the local milquetoast preacher (Alex Sharp), who asks why she would raise a hand against him and his wife when they were so good to her, is extraordinary.

Her delivery of Sibonia’s cold assessment that she’d kill Sharp’s minister first, if for no other reason than to encourage others to be merciless with far more explicitly cruel members of this Pro-slavery community, is poignant and, if from my own white vantage, initially unsettling. But it can’t be judged; not when the good minister acknowledges the wickedness of slavery, if only tacitly, yet sits by in a community that would sell her husband and children, one by one, and would see her hanged for wanting to be free. The ambiguity in her choices, perhaps even a little bit like Old John Brown’s, do not have an easy moral reading. But they ring true when she asserts, “Sometimes a sparrow got to fly wild for it to be set free.”

In this context, Onion learns some hard lessons the way Huck Finn might’ve when he came across the feuding Grangerfords and Shepardsons. In the previous episode, I worried we didn’t really get to know Onion, just what he’d do to survive. This week we met the boy, who still is forced to play the games of white folk like Chase, but also as the even less surefooted lad who might know his letters, but not how to be honest with Black folks who want to use them. His indecisiveness leads to Pie having the ability to betray Sibonia; but also gives him the temperament to go back and save Bob when the shooting starts.

The actual climax of the episode is arguably when Sibonia and her failed conspirators are hanged. The scene certainly pauses long enough for Onion to consider all the faces around him, those laughing and jeering, and those maybe guilty or regretful, like weak mealy-mouthed Chase. But the ones that matter are those up on the gallows with their leader, about to follow her up one last hill.

It makes the actual denouement where Ethan Hawke’s swaggering John Brown finally returns to the screen guns-blazing oh, so satisfying. Like an immense wave of giddy relief, we have Hawke’s sweltering performance once again take center stage. It was the highlight of last week, but its absence gave needed dimensionality to Onion, and depth to The Good Lord Bird. So its late return at the eleventh hour plays almost like a just dessert: Here’s wacky and wild Hawke stopping to interrogate Onion on whether she’s been violated, or sold her virginity to a devil of a man.

How happy it is to hear him debate scripture while firing off bullets, and driving even a coward like Chase crazy enough to run headlong into Old John Brown’s cannon.

“In that moment, just like the rest of the country, Chase was the body in half,” muses Onion’s devastating voiceover narration. That it was, Onion. That it was. And that type of precise use of sardonic dialogue and line-delivery, as well as the grace of looking beneath America’s Better Angels in this crazy moment in history, is what made “The Wicked Plot” a wicked delight.

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