I love chocolate. But I can’t stomach it in cross form. Read my take on marketing chocolate crosses to Christians in my column this week at Christ and Pop Culture.
Mixed Signals: Sanctify Your Easter Bunny Basket with a Chocolate Cross
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Archived Posts from this Category
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Chocolate Crosses at Easter
Posted by erinstraza under culture, faith | Tags: chocolate crosses, Christ and Pop Culture, Easter, marketing analysis, Mixed Signals, Resurrection Sunday |Leave a Comment
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
My 2012 Running Challenge
Posted by erinstraza under culture, faith | Tags: As Our Own, I Will Run, running, running goals |[2] Comments
There are some children who have moved into the depths of my heart. As my care for them deepens, the smallness of who I am—my thoughts, my concerns, my priorities—must break to accommodate their presence.
I am glad for the breaking.
Would you like to meet these girls who are changing my heart?
They live halfway around the world, in India. As Our Own has rescued them from the treacherous situations that were leading them to certain futures of bonded labor, either in organized begging or the sex trade. Now they live in the As Our Own family, doing what most young people we know get to do: They go to school. They play. They dream. They hope.
I got to meet them in February when I traveled with As Our Own staff for a visit. Thinking of these girls brings me the sort of joy that is heart-bursting. Because of these precious girls, I’ve joined the As Our Own racing team for I WILL RUN to raise funds and awareness so they will have all the love and care they need. Catch the I WILL RUN vision in this video:
On June 9, Team Chicago will run the 13.1 Chicago Half Marathon in honor of Avishi. All of you who know me know that only love could compel me to run 13.1 miles, in Chicago, in the June heat! But 
after hearing Avishi’s story (and meeting her in person), I am willing to endure a few hours of discomfort to honor this precious girl who was rescued from the red-light district where she was born. You can read her story in full here, but from Avishi’s profile snapshot, you can see she is 8 years old and is already dreaming big dreams for her future, just like all kids do. And she loves to write poems—a girl after my own heart!
Chicago will be the final race of the I WILL RUN circuit—I can’t wait to see all the As Our Own jerseys gathered together on race day! My fund-raising goal for the race is $1,310. If you are a number cruncher, that’s just $100/mile or $10 per 1/10 mile . . . or 25 people giving $52 . . . or 52 people giving $25.19. Stated like that, $1,310 doesn’t seem too hard to raise!
Would you consider supporting my running efforts and loving girls like Avishi through a gift to As Our Own? Gifts of $10, $25, $50, or more will make a lasting difference, enabling the As Our Own daughters to live lives to the fullest potential.
To help me reach my goal, you can:
1. Give via my secure online fund-raising page (click MAKE A DONATION from the right-side menu).
OR
2. Give via check made payable to As Our Own (note ERIN STRAZA / I WILL RUN), mailed to P.O. Box 101282, Chicago, IL 60610.
Thank you for considering a gift for my girls in India! Together, we can love these children as our own.
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Thursday, March 22, 2012
The New and Improved American Dream
Posted by erinstraza under culture | Tags: Christ and Pop Culture, marketing analysis, Mixed Signals, the American Dream |Leave a Comment
Check out my column this week at Christ and Pop Culture. I’m analyzing the messaging that’s heading our way based on a newer, supposedly kinder version of the American Dream.
Mixed Signals: Christians and the American Dream
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Not Who I Was and Not Who I Will Be
Posted by erinstraza under culture, faith | Tags: Human trafficking, India, Sara Groves |[3] Comments
What I saw was real. I wish it wasn’t.
But there is no escaping the truth now; I’ve seen it and it is forever imprinted on my heart.
It’s been four weeks since I returned from India. The travel fog has lifted, and my work life has returned to its typical rhythm.
Life is normal once again—but it’s not really the same sort of normal. Because what I saw now goes with me in my working and my chatting and my errand-running. I’m no longer me; I am me plus everything I experienced in India.
I saw the places—the very rooms—where women and girls are enslaved for nightly brutalization. I met some of these young-but-old women who exist in these conditions—at least until disease and horrific treatment will take them to an early death.
If I close my eyes, I see dank walls . . . I see dungeon-like alcoves only large enough for a cot . . . I see children playing in the alleyways, just years away from being sold into the madness.
This is why my old normal doesn’t work any more.
I saw what I saw and I can’t forget it
I heard what I heard and I can’t go back
I know what I know and I can’t deny it
something on the road, cut me to the soul
your pain has changed me, your dream inspires
your face a memory, your hope a fire
your courage asks me what I’m afraid of
and what I know of love
—“I Saw What I Saw,” Sara Groves
My new normal doesn’t feel comfortable, really. I feel awkward, bumbling.
And so I keep going back to Jesus, asking Him to help me embrace the discomfort rather than shrug it off. There are little girls in India just days, weeks, and months away from permanent enslavement. What is my discomfort compared to that?
So if I haven’t seemed like myself lately, that’s because I’m not.
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Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Which Word Wednesday: Bull, Cattle, Cow, Ox, and Steer
Posted by erinstraza under culture, language | Tags: Cattle, English language, India, know your cows, language help, Ron Evans, travel cliches, Which Word Wednesday |Leave a Comment
Talking about wild cows in the road may be cliché when it comes to travel commentary. But clichés become clichés because (mostly) they are true: I really did see cows in the road, in a large city, and that’s not the norm where I live. And I really was one of those gawking tourists.
As traffic maneuvered around a particularly large beast that had plopped itself in an intersection, I wondered what sort of animal it was. Cow? Cattle? Steer? I may live in central Illinois, but when it comes to identifying livestock by class, I’m clueless.
How happy I was to find a five-word entry dedicated to these large animals in The Artful Nuance by Ron Evans for this week’s Which Word Wednesday! Here are the definitions from The Oxford American Dictionary:
"Roaming Cows," by A. Dollard, 2012
bull :: noun
an uncastrated male bovine animal
cattle :: noun
large ruminant animals with horns and cloven hoofs, domesticated for meat or milk, or as beasts of burden; cows.
cow :: noun
a fully grown female animal of a domesticated breed of ox, used as a source of milk or beef
ox :: noun
a domesticated bovine animal kept for milk or meat; a cow or bull
steer :: noun
a male domestic bovine animal that has been castrated and is raised for beef
How do we sort these out? Well, Ron Evans is a huge help. By his commentary, bulls and cows are both cattle—bulls are male cattle, cows are female cattle.1
Evans also provides insight for the remaining two terms, ox and steer. He says: “Steers and oxen are the same animal, though the former term usually applies to animals raised for beef, and the latter usually applies to draft animals: ‘We used the steers for beef and used the oxen for carrying things.’ ”2
So what sort of cow-animal did I see in India? Honestly, I’m not sure! But they had horns, so perhaps we could classify them as cattle? But it’s not likely these stray animals were used for meat or milk . . . so perhaps that makes them more of a draft animal, placing them in the oxen category? hmmm . . .
What’s my WWW verdict? Talking about animals in the road may be cliché, but I don’t care. I am glad to have seen it with my own eyes!
What’s your verdict? Do you know your cattle from your oxen? Have you ever seen large animals blocking city traffic?! Do share in the comments.
_______________
Check out previous Which Word Wednesday verdicts here.
_______________
Sources
1. Ron Evans, The Artful Nuance: A Refined Guide to Imperfectly Understood Words in the English Language (New York, NY: Penguin Group, 2009), 35.
2. Ibid., 36.
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Thursday, February 23, 2012
Absence Does Make the Heart Grow Fonder
Posted by erinstraza under culture | Tags: nature, running, sunrise, travel |1 Comment
I met the dawn on my early morning run. It spread out all puffy and orange and pink across the sky. The beauty caught my breath in my chest, and I was reminded that I am alive and witness to majesty.
This is a day I was glad to be running, grateful to have a body that lets me trot about like this whenever I so please. Not all days are like this, however. I’ve mentioned before my love/hate relationship with running. And I’ve often wondered if I would even be sad if injury or age would prevent me from the activity.
Travel has disrupted my running regimen this month, giving me a two-week reprieve. I ran the day before I left for India (2/7) and didn’t run again until yesterday (2/22). That’s my longest break since I started running a few years ago.
Honestly, I didn’t think much about running while I was gone. We were busy, and there weren’t places for me to run anyhow. But as our time in India came to a close, and we started thinking of what we wanted to do when we got home, I was surprised that running was one of the first things I wanted to do. I had actually missed running.
So now I know. It takes me about two weeks off to miss this activity that I love and hate. After two weeks, I’m itching to see Big Sky and visit the trails that are lined with towering trees along the stream with its chattering waters. It’s good to be home.
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Friday, February 17, 2012
Things I Love about India
Posted by erinstraza under culture, faith | Tags: food, India, travel |1 Comment
In less than eight hours I leave India.
[sigh.]
Of course I miss the Hubster, and I am so happy to get home to him. But my heart longs to stay, to spend time with the daughters in this incredible family I’ve come to know and love.
I thought I would post more often during my stay. But the time has been so full—in a great way. I simply haven’t had enough time to process and put words together. I’ll write more in the coming week, but for now, here are some closing snippets written on location from half a world away.
Fabulous Food
I had curry almost daily, sometimes at all three meals. Amazingly, I’m really not tired of it, but I do miss my usual foods (plain-old animal crackers, granola, fruit, etc.). I’ve even found a new comfort food in Chipati, the soft tortilla-like bread used to eat the curry. One night we had a tandoori chicken dish served with mint chutney; the chutney was so good I could have eaten it like soup. I asked for the recipe, so Mike and I will be having it regularly come grilling season.
Street Happenings
If you are bored in India, just go out to the streets. Here’s a list of the things I’ve seen: stray dogs, cows, goats, and wild hogs (too many to count); Indian wedding festivities (at least five); voting booths; political rallies and celebrations; a camel; priests rolling down the highway for some sort of ritual (two); a pedestrian hit by a vehicle (he was able to hobble away from it, thankfully); women carrying goods on their heads; fruit and vegetable carts; buses and rickshaws crammed with people until bursting; and crazy traffic that weaves together like a choreographed dance (amazingly, without crashing).
Beautiful People, Darling Girls
The people I’ve met have been extremely warm and welcoming. We were greeted with flowers at least three times (which made me feel like a princess), and we were given places of honor (which made me feel sort of awkward).
The girls I met were beyond words! They have taken up a spot in my heart and mind, and I willingly make room for them! I wish I could stay to help them with their English and their studies so their dreams would come true. My heart broke today when the little ones said, “Erin Didi, come! We want to play with you!” . . . and I couldn’t, because we had to leave. A heart that loves much, aches much.
If you haven’t seen these girls, visit the As Our Own Facebook page (and give it a Like!). Almost all the photos there are of the daughters in the family, the very ones I’ve been privileged to meet.
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Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Blessing Bingo
Posted by erinstraza under culture, faith | Tags: C. S. Lewis, Christianity, India, looking for God, travel bingo |[2] Comments
No one should take a trip without a little something called Blessing Bingo. Dearest friend Krista made these cards for us, keeping us alert to all that God would do in our midst during our travels. Sherry Didi, Ali Didi, and I have enjoyed chatting about the squares we’ve been able to cross off. Here’s what has filled my card and heart to the full just four days into the trip.
Was pure in heart > so aware of my need for humility and so grateful to be part of God’s Kingdom
Was a peacemaker > in my own heart by refusing to let worry steal away these precious memories (“Be still and know that I am God”)
Mourned > the loss of life and freedom for those in the district
Read a good book > A Horse and His Boy, C. S. Lewis—makes my heart soar!
Talked to husband > on Skype—what a blessing to stay connected although we’re half-a-world away
Witnessed the drama of redemption > upon seeing the shining life and hope of the littlest girls after seeing the wrenching darkness of the district
Was shown kindness > by everyone I’ve met, offering me a warm welcome accompanied with singing, dancing, flowers
Slept well > loving the cool breeze of Indian nights
Arrived in India with luggage > amen!
Reminded of hope > as the oldest girls shared their dreams for the future
Connected with a child > my heart skips a beat every time I hear one of the girls call out, “Over here, Erin Didi!”
Talked about Jesus > during devotional with the girls
Was poor in spirit > constantly being reminded of my need for the Lord (and have found Him so very faithful every step)
Saw the sunrise > thanks to the jet lag
Hungered for righteousness > longing for God’s life to manifest within me
Made a friend > learning some simple words and phrases from the staff
Good time in the Word > camping out in my favorite passages from Isaiah
Ate something delicious > curry! pistachio ice cream!
Worked for the Gospel > writing of all God is doing here via blog and future article ideas
Sang with Indian Christians > enjoyed a favorite, “Hosanna in the Highest”
Laughed > tons! with staff team (ping pong)
Worshipped God in another country > during a wide sunset on the open prairie
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Monday, February 13, 2012
It’s only been four days but I’ve had experiences aplenty. Here are some highlights. Enjoy!
Best.Bus.Ride.Ever.
Happiness is riding in a bus with 30-plus giggly, giddy girls between the ages of 10 and 20. There were introductions that could hardly be heard, followed by giggles from the girls as I tried to repeat these exotic names I have never heard before. I wanted to know each one on the first try but that proved impossible. The ride was way too short; we dropped them off first and as their liveliness left the bus, I felt them steal my heart away with them. And then it was so quiet, all I could do was breathe and fight back the emotion. How can so many beauties live under one roof?! And how could I be so completely enchanted after just 15 minutes?! I can still hear their chatter and feel the warmth of their smiles.
You Can’t Plan Stuff Like This
The 10 oldest girls came over Sunday afternoon for a special discussion session with us. We asked them to think about how God has gifted each one of them, and then we asked them to share their dreams for how God might use their gifts as they pursue college, career, and family. What an honor to be part of this discussion! These gals spoke with great maturity and tenderheartedness, proclaiming how they will tell of God’s goodness to them from generation to generation. Tears were flowing, but they were the good kind, the kind that come from the deep places and express more than words ever could. God met us there, enveloping us with His presence. So far this is my top treasured memory.
Pretty Patterns Everywhere
This country is anything but plain. From clothing and jewelry to architecture and paint selections, India is a feast for the eyes. Patterns can also be found on women via henna body painting. A few of the gals came over just before we went to bed to treat us to their mehndi art skills. They created their designs on our arms and hands and then we gingerly crawled into bed with our arms outstretched to let it dry for the night. In the morning we sloughed off the residue to expose the tattoo that will last a week or so. Patterns could also be found in the fabrics sets given to us by the staff. A tailor stopped by for measurements, and come tomorrow we will have custom made outfits. I’ve said it before: Indian women know how to dress. The embroidery, embellishments, and detail on their clothing make my clothes look completely drab. I cannot wait to see what the tailor concocts!
Oddments
staff ping-pong matches. animal counts. mac-n-cheese night. staff prayer at sunset. seeing the girls dance and hearing them sing. listening to a sermon I couldn’t understand (but loving every word of it!). bongos! scarves. prairie walk. delicious food. starry skies. trusting in God with all that’s in me.
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Saturday, February 11, 2012
Give a Friendly Toot
Posted by erinstraza under culture, language | Tags: horn OK please, India, India traffic |Leave a Comment
When I took Drivers’ Ed oh-so-many years ago, there was a training video explaining the rules of the road. One scene showed a driver backing out of a blocked-view driveway, and the voice over said in such situations, drivers should precede slowly and “give a friendly toot” with your horn to warn oncoming traffic. This, of course, evoked much snickering from the class. I’ve never forgotten it.
I do believe the Friendly Toot Principle originated here in India. There is a lot of honking happening. I think it’s highly likely that our van driver has used the horn more in the past two days than I have used mine in 24 years.
But horn usage has a different feel here in India. Horns are friendly warnings by motorists wishing to pass others, squeeze through tight spaces, or merge into the flow. Truck drivers have painted instructions on the back of their trucks that say, “Horn OK Please” which is in desperate need of some punctuation. It could be a statement (Horn, OK; please) or a question (Horn, OK? please). Whatever it should be, it means that drivers who wish to pass should beep their horns first.
Driving in the States is rather solitary; it is rare that I interact with other drivers, aside from muttering to myself about crazy lane usage or rude drivers who drive too close for my comfort. Horn usage is reserved for those close-call situations when fear prompts me to response with some sort of acknowledgement of another driver’s error.
Here in India, however, driving requires engagement with others. You can’t isolate or space out. All your skills in communicating, negotiating, and maneuvering are needed. Horn usage is expected. And overall, it is friendly.
