http://justineholguin.wordpress.com/.
Thanks for the good space, blogger. You were first first blog experience and I am grateful!
6.02.2010
5.21.2010
It's Complicated
Over the past few years, I have been on a journey.
It was marked by an experience in Nairobi, Kenya - where I fist saw the faces of those I now know are my sisters and brothers - in the midst of rubbish and dirty streets of the Mathare Valley.
Since then, I was a part of leadership of the CBU campus chapter of International Justice Mission, and LEARNED a lot about the issues tied up with poverty in developing nations. One summer, I volunteered with the Orange County Human Trafficking task Force, where I met some incredible people that taught me a lot, simply by the way they live.
I've learned a lot about a little, and a little about a lot.
Micro-financing
Human Trafficking
Prostitution
Illegal Land Seizure
Oppression of Women
Immigration
Refugees
One thing that I've learned is that... it's complicated. I just read an article by Nicholas Kristof on the lack of access to birth control (specifically in the Congo - but really all over the impoverished world.)
It was marked by an experience in Nairobi, Kenya - where I fist saw the faces of those I now know are my sisters and brothers - in the midst of rubbish and dirty streets of the Mathare Valley.
Since then, I was a part of leadership of the CBU campus chapter of International Justice Mission, and LEARNED a lot about the issues tied up with poverty in developing nations. One summer, I volunteered with the Orange County Human Trafficking task Force, where I met some incredible people that taught me a lot, simply by the way they live.
I've learned a lot about a little, and a little about a lot.
Micro-financing
Human Trafficking
Prostitution
Illegal Land Seizure
Oppression of Women
Immigration
Refugees
One thing that I've learned is that... it's complicated. I just read an article by Nicholas Kristof on the lack of access to birth control (specifically in the Congo - but really all over the impoverished world.)
Interesting to think how many things could be different if there was more access to birth control. It does seem that addressing the lack of contraceptives can be part of the curbing of pregnancies and related illnesses (including illnesses and death related to abortions and other things such as fistulas...). But I am also reminded that at the heart of the issues is ... selfishness.
How are we to get anywhere without dealing with the issues of the heart?
5.12.2010
Returning.
I have started a few blogs to post, and have quit halfway through. There is too much I have learned in these past few months to summarize in a blog post. Moreover, my few faithful readers are probably people who have walked with me through at least part if not all of the past few months.
So, here I am.
Back in Blog-action.
I may be moving soon, I'll keep you posted on my new virtual home.
For today, my thoughts are all over the place. Today's post is mainly to break the silence since my post responding to Glen Beck.
A little over a week ago I graduated from college, and already have opportunities that I will share soon.
One of the greatest things about college that any who has attended can attest to, is the ways that it shapes identity.
In the process of learning about the way people communicate (an accomplishment signified by a very expensive piece of paper), I have learned a lot about myself.... moreover, who I am in Christ.
Here is one thing that perhaps others can identify with
1. I thrive on conversations. I can accomplish a few big tasks during the day, but if I don't have a quality conversation with someone, I feel restless and without purpose as I finish the day.
As far as intercultural communication goes, that means I am more RELATIONALLY-oriented vs. CONTENT-oriented.
Yes, I do love relationships... but don't we all?
So, here I am.
Back in Blog-action.
I may be moving soon, I'll keep you posted on my new virtual home.
For today, my thoughts are all over the place. Today's post is mainly to break the silence since my post responding to Glen Beck.
A little over a week ago I graduated from college, and already have opportunities that I will share soon.
One of the greatest things about college that any who has attended can attest to, is the ways that it shapes identity.
In the process of learning about the way people communicate (an accomplishment signified by a very expensive piece of paper), I have learned a lot about myself.... moreover, who I am in Christ.
Here is one thing that perhaps others can identify with
1. I thrive on conversations. I can accomplish a few big tasks during the day, but if I don't have a quality conversation with someone, I feel restless and without purpose as I finish the day.
As far as intercultural communication goes, that means I am more RELATIONALLY-oriented vs. CONTENT-oriented.
Yes, I do love relationships... but don't we all?
3.25.2010
Dragging myself into the discussion...
Glenn Beck.
Though his words are outrageous, I can appreciate one thing that he said. He pointed out that many Christians do not understand what “social justice” or “economic justice” means. In working on my capstone this semester, I have learned a lot about how “justice” has been interpreted from Aristotle til the present. Granted, I have more questions than answers, but I have learned that the term “social justice” can be quite vague. What is this justice we are called to? Perhaps this is a future series of blog posts that will be filled with yet more questions... Yet in the midst of this all, we are still called to seek justice. We need to know what we mean when we seek to follow what we have been called to as part of God’s kingdom. In fact after writing these words I read an article by John Schmalzbauer (that I do NOT claim to agree with completely) that addressed this very issues.
Stanley Hauerwas’ name is being brought into the discussion as one who does not believe that there should be “social justice,” but for very different reasons. While I am still trying to understand exactly what he means by this, perhaps this quotation will leave a sense of where he is coming from.
That’s about all I can pull out of this Glenn Beck thing, I don’t even feel like I can address the things he said – to think that the gospel deals with only souls, and is separated from the present-age is too ridiculous too imagine. Yet history has shown that pendulum can easily swing either way on the popular interpretation of the gospel. Is there anyone who has taken him seriously?
Stephen Colbert had some interesting things to say
Check out the “million Christians for social justice” on the sojourners website.
It is fascinating watching the discussion go on – “to do social justice” or not to…
Is it a questions of semantics or is it something bigger?
Though his words are outrageous, I can appreciate one thing that he said. He pointed out that many Christians do not understand what “social justice” or “economic justice” means. In working on my capstone this semester, I have learned a lot about how “justice” has been interpreted from Aristotle til the present. Granted, I have more questions than answers, but I have learned that the term “social justice” can be quite vague. What is this justice we are called to? Perhaps this is a future series of blog posts that will be filled with yet more questions... Yet in the midst of this all, we are still called to seek justice. We need to know what we mean when we seek to follow what we have been called to as part of God’s kingdom. In fact after writing these words I read an article by John Schmalzbauer (that I do NOT claim to agree with completely) that addressed this very issues.
Stanley Hauerwas’ name is being brought into the discussion as one who does not believe that there should be “social justice,” but for very different reasons. While I am still trying to understand exactly what he means by this, perhaps this quotation will leave a sense of where he is coming from.
“What makes the church ‘radical’…is not that the church leans to the left on most social issues, but rather that the church knows Jesus whereas the world does not. In the churches view, the political left is not noticeably more interesting than the political right, both tend towards solutions that act as if the world has not ended and begun in Jesus. Big words like Peace and Justice, slogans the church adopts under the presumption that, even if people do not know what ‘Jesus Christ is Lord’ means, they will know what Peace and Justice means, are words awaiting content. It is Jesus’ story that gives content to our faith, judges any institutional embodiment of our faith, and teaches us to be suspicious of any political slogan that does not need God to make itself credible…Most of our social activism is formed on the presumption that God is superfluous to the formation of a world of peace with justice.” — Stanley Hauerwas
That’s about all I can pull out of this Glenn Beck thing, I don’t even feel like I can address the things he said – to think that the gospel deals with only souls, and is separated from the present-age is too ridiculous too imagine. Yet history has shown that pendulum can easily swing either way on the popular interpretation of the gospel. Is there anyone who has taken him seriously?
Stephen Colbert had some interesting things to say
| The Colbert Report | Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c | |||
| Glenn Beck Attacks Social Justice - James Martin | ||||
| ||||
Check out the “million Christians for social justice” on the sojourners website.
It is fascinating watching the discussion go on – “to do social justice” or not to…
Is it a questions of semantics or is it something bigger?
3.24.2010
The kids of America
According to Teen Rescue there are currently over 20,000 children enslaved in the U.S. today.
80% are girls80% of those girls are undergoing sexual abuse and exploitation.
Check out Teen Rescue to see stories of people that are doing something to bring HOPE.
To Learn More:
Check out the documentary Very Young Girls, filmed in New York City about the Organization G.E.M.S. (Girls Educational and Mentoring Services)
Watch Shyima's story and hear of a girl RESCUED because of a tip from a neighbor, and the help of the local law enforcement.
The statistics are staggering, because the numbers represent people. Individuals no different from you and I.
I've been talking a lot with people about the church's role in the midst of this brokenness... more thoughts to come later.
3.16.2010
Want to work with a non-profit?
Are you looking to work for a non-profit organization? As I am searching for jobs, I am finding out that there are a lot of resources that are out there.
If you are still going to be an undergraduate, I suggest applying for Oxfam's CHANGE initiative.
The deadline is coming soon, so applications should be turned in quick!
If not, there are lots of other opportunities available. Check out Idealist.org, a job site where non-profits post volunteer and job opportunities.
There are often internship available through International Justice Mission, and many other organizations... I will post them as I find them!
3.11.2010
We are responsible.
"The matter is quite simple. The Bible is very easy to understand. But we as Christians are a bunch of scheming swindlers. We pretend to be unable to understand it because we know very well that the minute we understand, we are obliged to act accordingly." - Soren Kierkegaard
Though I read it in Irresistible Revolution (by Shane Claiborne from The Simple Way these words have been running through my head. Not necessarily because of the premise that the Bible is easy to understand. In fact, as a Communications Major I have learned too much about the misinterpretation of ANY sort of text... But that's for a later post.
Today, what is sticking with me from this quotation is the obligation to act accordingly with the knowledge we receive.
As I come to the close of my undergraduate degree I think back on the things I have learned that have shaped who I am.
Introduction to Global Studies my Freshman year OPENED up my heart and mind to see the nations woven throughout scripture. The gospel is NOT to be kept in one people group, I learned. In fact, God blessed Abraham originally so that he would be a BLESSING to the nations. Why? So that the name of the LORD would be proclaimed to all nations.
I wrestled with God's desire for His own glory - and ended up in AWE of the grace he uses to reveal it.
The slums of Mathare opened up my eyes to see firsthand the effects of extreme poverty.
Learning that the homeless have names - in Mathare and in Riverside began the process of ISSUES becoming people.
New Delhi, India shocked me with its culture and taught me to love those I do not understand. I began to see the power of a story, and the deep spiritual darkness that can be broken with NOTHING aside from Christ.
International Justice Mission taught me at last year's Global Prayer Gathering that the most powerful weapon we have in the struggle against injustice, is coming before the Lord on behalf of others. Together: In community. Oh, and that we should stop asking "Where is God?" and begin to ask... "Where are God's people?"
An internship at the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force revealed the web of human trafficking RIGHT next door. It EMPOWERED me to know that there are resources available for victims, but it is the responsibility of EVERYONE to keep their eyes open and REPORT things that look suspicious.
Of course there are many other things we learn every day that we are responsible for. And it does not seem like that trend will end any time soon. Today's information?
At least 200 North Korean Refugees to China are forcefully returned to the DPRK (North Korea.) Their whereabouts are unknown. Most likely they are sent to detainment camps. Those that do escape live in fear of being found. What a recipe for victimization. Women end up in trafficking, and have children who are born without a state to belong to. Abandoned, because there is no way to support them. It is illegal in China to adopt these children.
I also read an update on the situation in Morocco from the BBC.
Responsible for the information above, I hope that those of you who know me well have heard about these at some point or another. It may get annoying that I can't seem to find anything else to talk about than what I am learning...
But I... and now you... are now responsible for what we know.
If you feel like leaving a comment, I would like to know what you have learned that you now feel responsible for.
3.10.2010
Here in...
"In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand"
Today, 6 aid workers were attacked and killed in the Pakistan World Vision office.
As we sang these words in chapel, I could not help but think about the power of the words that we are singing.
During this season of my life, the reality of the strength of Christ - BEYOND what I can reason and explain... has been part of my everyday reality.
A dear friend has parents who work and live in North Africa, and who recently had 20 (foreigners) expelled from the country for "proselytizing."
That's a whole group of children who have been rejected and neglected, who will once again have those that they trust have to tell them that they are leaving.
On a global scale, with the earthquakes in Haiti and Chile and these two events...
and on a personal scale with heartache of my own and those that are near to me...
I am reminded that as we stand in chapel, whether our eyes are closed and our legs are tapping...
The words we sing proclaim TRUTH, HOPE, and RESCUE in the middle of situations that are otherwise overwhelming.
"No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
‘til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand"
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand"
Today, 6 aid workers were attacked and killed in the Pakistan World Vision office.
As we sang these words in chapel, I could not help but think about the power of the words that we are singing.
During this season of my life, the reality of the strength of Christ - BEYOND what I can reason and explain... has been part of my everyday reality.
A dear friend has parents who work and live in North Africa, and who recently had 20 (foreigners) expelled from the country for "proselytizing."
That's a whole group of children who have been rejected and neglected, who will once again have those that they trust have to tell them that they are leaving.
On a global scale, with the earthquakes in Haiti and Chile and these two events...
and on a personal scale with heartache of my own and those that are near to me...
I am reminded that as we stand in chapel, whether our eyes are closed and our legs are tapping...
The words we sing proclaim TRUTH, HOPE, and RESCUE in the middle of situations that are otherwise overwhelming.
"No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
‘til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand"
1.18.2010
The Story of Stuff
A friend posted this link on facebook - so I looked it up.
2o minutes later, I had been taken through a brief summary of The Story of Stuff.
The information shared is a great introduction to understanding the history of consumerism in our society. There are many great points, but also some underlying theme which my wonderful fiance continually reminds me of.
1. The growing fear of death (particularly as a growing motivator for why we need to care about the environment)
2. The "bad-ness" of everything that is manmade. I think there are more reasons than just to pollute our environment that "stuff" was made - perhaps having to do with the idea of "convenience" - making things easier.
3. The idea that changing the power structure in the government is possible... that we can take away the power from the big corporations is a wonderful idea - but (as a very uneducated non-economic minded young adult) seems (like to video says...) idealistic. This does not mean that we should not care about the things that the video proposes.
Contrarily, as Christians we should care about this even more than those who are not following Christ. Our approach to the issues surrounding injustice in the world ought to be centered in prayer. Perhaps we can learn from "another way" that Annie Leonard suggest, but learn even more from "another way" proclaimed by Jesus.
