Searching for Meaning and Purpose...

So, today I saw my sister in-law become an RN. It's always weird watching one of the kids I've had in my youth groups graduate college, get married, etc. but to have more invested is even beyond that. There's the pride, the hope, the joy contained in that one moment and then some because they're family. Not to say that seeing my youth kids graduate isn't emotional and full of pride, hope, and joy! There's just a difference. It's still the knowing that this is one of those moments they won't forget. It's the knowing that this is the line in the sand between one life and another. It's so MUCH! Yet, we seem to do little in the average youth ministry to celebrate. Yeah, there might be some cheesy slideshow (although note: I did not use "Friends" by Smitty this year as one of the tracks!) and maybe a luncheon, maybe even a spiffy Bible or CD or both (you know, Interlinc sells those sweet combo packs!). But, what lasting impact is ...

I know the normal criticism of rap is that it is misogynistic, but there are far more deeper evils out there! Yes, Eminem and Snoop Dogg are horrendous examples of what someone who is a misguided boy can do/say, but how far does their idiocy deeply reach? Maybe a few million? However, as I react to The Stoning of Soraya M I am struck by how much more Islam does to the fate of women! Yes, the Qur'an gives a great statement about the man's place: to protect and provide for women as they are the lesser (pertaining solely to physical strength) sex. However, the reigning "interpretation" throughout the majority of Islamic countries (meaning those with Shariah law) is extremely misogynistic! And no, I'm not basing it solely on the facts as portrayed in the movie. I went and did my research all the way down to reading passages of the Qur'an and further examining the life of Muhammed. The fact of the matter is, Islam as it stands (not necessarily as it is writ...