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EDITOR'S NOTE RANDALL FREDERICK
CREDITS Managing Editor Carmen ValdĂŠs Editor Randall Frederick Production Editor Matthew Schuler
LEGAL The SEMI is published bi-weekly as a service to the Fuller community by the Office of Student Affairs. Articles and commentaries do not necessarily reflect the views of the Fuller administration or The SEMI.
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ALBUM REVIEW RED BY TAYLOR SWIFT Having silenced the critics who accused her of relying too heavily on her songwriting partners with the entirely self-written Speak Now, Taylor Swift has now collaborated with other artists to her advantage; Red is more mature, more diverse, and shines in a way that the dramatically orchestrated Speak Now did not. If Swift has strayed from her country roots, she still has her feet firmly planted in the realm of pop-country. Red finds a balance between the two worlds of country and pop. Some songs are saccharine-sweet pop confections (“We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”), while other songs have strong Nashville overtones (“I Almost Do,” “Begin Again”) but the most noticeable departure from her previous work are the initial tracks with their soaring arena-rock tendencies. Rolling Stone magazine got it right in describing the opening track, “State of Grace,” as a “U2-tinged liftoff.”[1] The song is sweeping and epic, with a guitar track which could have been lifted from The Edge. One thing Swift does with undeniable verve and panache is write excoriating songs about boys who have hurt her. “I Knew You Were Trouble” and “We Are Never Getting Back Together,” with their pop sensibilities and catchy, simple hooks. “We Are Never...” is already a top-40 radio staple, and, with its Skrillex-esque dubstep-lite “I Knew You Were Trouble” has potential to top the charts as well. Perhaps the most heart-wrenching song on the album is “Treacherous,” in which Swift sings about the risks she is willing to take for love, singing “nothing safe is worth the fight.” Other emotional tracks include “I Almost Do,” a country ballad about resisting the temptation to call an ex-boyfriend, and “The Last Time,” an emotionally-charged duet with Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol. The album ends on a hopeful note - the final
NAOMI WILSON three tracks, “Everything Has Changed,” “Starlight,” and “Begin Again” speak of a blossoming relationship. “Everything Has Changed,” a duet with English singersongwriter Ed Sheeran and showcases Swift’s airy upper register in a manner similar to her duet with The Civil Wars for The Hunger Games soundtrack. The three songs together leave the listener with the hope that Swift will finally be able to be successful in love.
As she continues to mature sonically, Swift matures lyrically as well. The vast majority of songs on this album contain complex, extended metaphors, or poetic remembrances of past relationships. While skewed toward a tween demographic, her work contains themes that adults can relate to as well. At this point, Swift has the most room to improve in the area of thematic diversity - listening to sixteen songs in a row about love and love lost is emotionally draining. Perhaps this emotional tiredness is part of what Swift is trying to communicate - that on top of her touring and recording schedule, relationships and breakups are exhausting. And this is something we all know to be true - so perhaps we ought to be grateful to Taylor Swift for the reminder. [1] Dolan, Jon. Taylor Swift: Red. Rolling Stone, October 18, 2012. http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/red20121018
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raja michael Raja Michael (MDiv, ‘14) works as a domestic violence counselor. She is interested in exploring Christian ethics, the Bible’s call to social justice, and inclusive community.
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I WAS born in Queens, grew up in Brooklyn, and consider New York City to be my home town. When I was in high school, my family moved to New Jersey, where I finished high school, went to college and spent most of my adult life. I grew into what some call a “Jersey Girl”-sassy attitude, big hair and all! As an adult, I traveled, lived overseas, and ended up on the West Coast. But the Metro New York area including Brooklyn and Northern New Jersey will always be the place my heart calls home. Like so many, I was devastated when I realized the gravity of the damage caused when Hurricane Sandy hit the Eastern shores. Just as I did after the 9/11 attacks, I cried for home. But this time, I was far away. I was not part of the pain, not waiting for
hours on long gas lines, and not shivering under blankets in the cold without heat. Worst of all, I was unable to lend a helping hand to my neighbors as they suffered. No-I was merely viewing the devastating images on a laptop screen beneath the warm Los Angeles sunshine. I obsessively checked my Facebook newsfeed checking to see if my friends posted statuses. Few people had power to charge their phones and I wanted to know that they were okay. My parents were okay, but most were not that lucky. I saw endless statuses from people I love about freezing in the cold, waiting on long gas lines, sleeping on FEMA beds, and the overwhelming destruction of our beloved Jersey shore. To make matters worse, a Nor’easter 003
with heavy snowfall was predicted for the following week. As devastating as this was for me, there was one status more devastating. It was from an old college friend and committed Christian. It read: “First a Hurricane in New Jersey of all places, and then a Nor’easter on its way. Still don’t think God is trying to tell us something?” I nearly unfriended her, but stopped myself. I thought of commenting on her status but I was too angry at the moment not to be snarky about it. But I will share my thoughts here. No, I don’t think God is trying to tell us something. At first I was going answer her
God for the way we as human beings have messed up. Why do we as a faith community so often default to evading responsibility for ourselves and labeling the natural consequences of our actions as the will and decisions of God? Places like New Orleans, New York, and the Jersey Shore may be called “dens of sin” by some religious people, but many of us call these places home. We are people too. We have hopes, dreams, families, struggles, and we love God. And God loves us. To say God wanted this to happen to us in order punish Americans for their personal moral failures is not only bad theology, it is bigotry. Classic Christian bigotry. It minimizes our humanity,
“First a Hurricane in New Jersey of all places, and then a Nor’easter on its way. Still don’t think God is trying to tell us something?” by saying something like, “No, I think this is the planet trying to tell us something-it’s saying: Take better care of me!” But I don’t even think that is right. Neither God nor the planet is trying to get back at or us or take revenge. This is simple cause and effect. We do not take care of the earth, and the earth is becoming more volatile. We act like negligent parents who have failed to support their children and then are shocked by their children’s destructive behaviors. Environmentalists have been warning us for ages, yet we have been ignoring them. Instead, we have listened to spiritual leaders and capitalists who have no scientific expertise speak on these matters. It is too easy to pass off responsibility and blame 002
invalidates our realities, and blames the victim. It is also irresponsible. It ignores the cost that is being paid for our personal lifestyles of excessive consumption. It ignores the way we willingly give up our power to rich and powerful corporations like sheep to the slaughter. Our lifestyles and capitalist loyalties have been destroying the other lives all around the planet. I was a missionary in East Africa during the famine in 2008, where people were dying of hunger and thirst. I can still remember listening to a lecture given by a senior western missionary desperately calling Kenyans to repent for their sins so God would bring them rain - rather than just admitting that climate change was real. Those of us standing on
moral high grounds often take the low road out. No, I do not buy into this angry god theory where god has so much anger over whatever the church is currently hyping up as “sexual immorality” and “godlessness” that he forces my friend who is a single mother in Hoboken, New Jersey to become newly homeless single mother sleeping on a FEMA bed in an emergency shelter with her young son all in order to satisfy his uncontrollable wrath. From what I understand of God, he loves the widow and orphan and fights their cause rather than pushes them out of house and home, causing them to suffer more because he is pissed off by other people’s
heat. But honestly, this is the first time I felt the pain of having my very own home face destruction, of knowing that the libraries where I studied during my high school years have been converted to emergency shelters and the beloved beaches and boardwalks that I spent wonderful summers in have been washed away into the sea. I know that the damage is at a much lesser scale than what so many experience around the world, but it has never been so real for me. The pain is too much. This has happened and is happening to multitudes of people. It will only continue to get worst. Climate change is a social justice issue at the largest global scale. And
To say God wanted this to happen to us in order punish Americans for their personal moral failures is not only bad theology, it is bigotry. Classic Christian bigotry. actions. Human beings bring about that kind of injustice - not God. My heart broke and I wept for the loss experienced by so many in New Orleans due to Hurricane Katrina. I was enraged by lack of response by FEMA and the executive branch of government in 2005. I was horrified by the judgment passed on Kenyans while so many died in famine and continue to suffer as they watch their farmlands disappear. I cry for my family’s own native country when I hear how so many in India are dropping dead each summer because of the ever-increasing
as usual, it is those who are the weakest, poorest, and most discriminated against that pay the biggest price. The Earth is not a dead thing that we can abuse without consequences and God is not a scapegoat who we can blame our own mistakes on. Too many people are suffering. The cost is too high for us to continue to keep thinking and living this way.
THIS WAY.
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I
came to Fuller to learn how congregations could better engage in civic issues of justice -like ending homelessness. As a City Planner for six years in Canada prior to seminary, I participated in many meetings filled with passionate community members eagerly dreaming
of a better vision for the city and who were involved in making it happen. I was regularly disheartened at the lack of participation from churches in these discussions and wondered how the faith community might help shape these visions in seeking the shalom of the city.
I guess that my experience of church was similar to others. “Civic” or “community engagement” meant hosting clothing & food drives, yard sales, or monthly meal programs at a local shelter. While these actions were good, and certainly had their place, I thought to myself that surely, the faithful response of Christian community should extend beyond acts of charity. But how? It wasn’t a matter of not caring, as many Christians I met were filled with compassion for people experiencing homelessness. But how could churches work with
congregants to become more faithful and responsible citizens? To participate and possibly even lead discussions towards a better city? This was why I came to seminary - to learn how to capture that vision and help local churches get involved. The Office for Urban Initiatives (UI) at Fuller is engaged in helping answer those kinds of questions. Since 2007, under Dr. Joe Colletti, adjunct professor in the School of Theology, and Dr. Sofia Herrera, Assistant Research Professor in the School of Psychology, UI has been at the forefront of addressing challenges facing urban communities
janice chan Janice Chan (MACL, ‘13) is a native of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. She loves being outside: running, hiking, camping and exploring urban neighborhoods.
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through faith-based public and private partnerships. UI partners with many counties and cities throughout Southern California to facilitate projects that are working to end homeless by addressing its root causes. Through these partnerships, students are given opportunities to learn through community-based research, practical service and spiritual integration. Last year, approximately 40 students from Fuller as well as 30 community volunteers participated in the City of Pasadena 2012 Homeless Count through UI.
which provides crucial information and helps to secure funding for community and faithbased organizations that provide services to people experiencing homelessness. It also provides a unique opportunity for qualitative research, helping planners, policymakers and service providers get a better understanding of the issue in Pasadena. Both the count and the survey rely heavily on student involvement and provide excellent opportunities for the integration of classroom learning and practical experience.
Last year, approximately 40 students from Fuller as well as 30 community volunteers participated in the City of Pasadena 2012 Homeless Count through UI. According to the 2012 Homeless Count, on any given night, there are approximately 900 homeless persons in Pasadena. These persons are not only comprised of the
UI is actively recruiting students to help on January 23rd, 2013. Counters will be sent, with partners, to specific areas of the city to count persons experiencing homelessness. If interested, contact Janice Chan at the Office
This winter quarter, students have the opportunity to volunteer with UI to participate in the 2013 Pasadena Homeless Count and Subpopulation Survey taking place on January 23rd. chronically homeless, but individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness for the first time. This winter quarter, students have the opportunity to volunteer with UI to participate in the 2013 Pasadena Homeless Count and Subpopulation Survey taking place on January 23rd. The Count and Survey are an integral part of the “Pasadena 10 Year Strategy to End Homelessness� 002
for Urban Initiatives at janicechan@fuller. edu, or (626)-304-3787. Or, if interested in learning more about UI, stop by the first floor office at the 465 Ford Place building
ON CAMPUS.
ad
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MY EYES
BLEND ME: THE MIXED FAMILY EXPERIENCE
fluttered open, and I gazed out the window next to my bed. Snow buried the yard and clung to the skeletons of once-leafy trees. Multicolor lights draped over the bushes looked dull in the morning light. I jumped out from under the blankets, my feet yelping as they touched the cool ground. Deciding to forego socks, I rushed into my brothers’ rooms to wake them and then, in the presence of our mother, we tore through gifts and spent a few hours playing with the latest contraptions before piling into her black Windstar minivan and driving the two blocks to my dad’s house. My stepsister and half-siblings had already opened some of their gifts, but the six of us dug through our stockings as a collective. Christmas morning here. Christmas noon there.
e.a. burks
One day, two families and two immerging Lizzys.
E. A. Burks (MFT, ‘14) loves garbanzo beans, yoga and her hiking boots.
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THE MASH UP Pre-blended family life lurks as a figment in my mind. The days before that one day when mom said dad would move out feel more akin to dreams than reality. Blurry memories fade and bend into fairy tale—a genesis I will never actually know. My nuclear family of five (two parents and three darling children) existed as a cohesive unit for the first six years of my life. I know that as truth, but I remember it as though it lasted a moment—a blip on a screen and then static. My parents separated when I was in kindergarten. The stepparents, stepsiblings and half siblings that entered my sphere during the following ten years created the only family life I consciously know: a blended one. Blended families come in a myriad of forms. Questions about what “blended” entails roll off the tongue: Does the new family include the biological mother, or father? Is the remarriage due to divorce, death of a partner, or is it a first marriage? How old are the children when the remarriage took place? How familiar are the children to the new spouse? Does the new spouse have children, or want to have children? Those of us with blended families are a complicated lot. I will not feign to know what it means to belong in each and every type of blended family. I only have my experience: two families consisting of four parents, two brothers with comparable DNA helixes, three stepsiblings and two half-siblings. My tribe of twelve split down the middle and lived in 003
two houses located two blocks away from each other. Every few days, my brothers and I shifted back and forth between the two families. Half a week here; half a week there.
TETHERED BY HOPE Blended families with young children face a multitude of challenges that seem to amplify during adolescence. Raising children while trying to establish new family units taxes already shaky systems. It’s hard. We’ve heard this before, but perhaps, for the sake of obliterating any fantasies society holds about overcoming differences to transform a broken system into something new and beautiful, let me repeat: blending families is piecing-together-shattered-glass hard. Yes, the beautiful ending with two healthy, functioning families also exists, but before we rest in the hope of restoration and new life, let us dwell in the pain of marred bodies. A family lost is more than a rearrangement of players who keep on playing; it is the
hope beckons the family thither. As the people of Christ, we have the incredible hope of knowing God’s love for us through the life, death, resurrection and promised return of Christ. This hope functions as a lifesaver for hurting families and aching people. Christ’s hope changed my story. It pumped life into my dying narrative by restoring my sense of self and teaching me to love without reserve.
DEVELOPING A DUAL SENSE OF SELF Sliding out of one family and into another demanded only a two-block trek. My body, when hauled in an ambitious minivan, could go from family A to B in less than a minute, but my head and heart experienced something comparable to jetlag. I left my dad’s house, but my heart lingered. I left my mom’s, but my thoughts stayed with her.
Every few days, my brothers and I shifted back and forth between the two families. Half a week here; half a week there. death that must be grieved. As the death of one family gives way into the life of another, weary hope saturates the air. This new life comes at a high price and the family ebbs between the promise of a new day and the despair of recent loss. In this delicate space of redefining and moving forward, the Christian narrative’s relentless 002
The frequent back and forth left me drained and disoriented. Not until after graduating college did I realize that the constant disorientation pointed toward a fragmented sense of self. One of the greatest losses I incurred as a child ping-ponging between two blended families was that of identity. Children play
My body, when hauled in an ambitious minivan, could go from family A to B in less than a minute, but my head and heart experienced something comparable to jetlag. specific roles within family units and even though families often appear comparable from a distance, their particularities become clearer the closer we get. Families’ member statistics (two parents, three kids) may appear identical on paper, but when we step through the thresholds of their houses, we get to witness stark differences that range from personality quirks to spousal roles. Floating back and forth between two unique family systems created a dual sense of self that left me grappling for the “real me.” Though identity formation looms as a task for all adolescents and young adults, the fragmented state of my identity made my struggle unique in some ways. I had two Elizabeths who needed differentiation from their families of origin, and two Elizabeths who needed to merge into one being. My dual sense of self began to dissipate as I started to find my identity in Christ instead of family relations. I discovered that, before being the daughter of my parents, I was a
child of God. As a child of God, I received love for simply being. God had guidelines for how to relate with the Divine and other humans, but the specifics of the Christian “family system” came second to deep, unwavering acceptance. I hardly knew me, but God knew me and loved me. Learning to view myself through the lens of Christ also taught me how to view my parents in the same way. Though my parents did not enjoy one another, I could see both of them as God’s beautiful creations and love them accordingly. Freedom to love all without qualification or second thought mitigated the tension I had once felt over internalizing two people who did not love one another.
FROM RESISTANCE TO LOVE Learning to view others through Christ’s lens taught me how to embrace my stepparents, stepsiblings and half-siblings. Though I do 003
not remember consciously dwelling in the dream of my parents remarrying, I believe a deep-seated part of myself wanted “my family” to get back together. I wanted the protection and security of a cohesive family unit. I wanted to avoid the stress of having to fit into two families, and I wanted to experience the peace of developing a cohesive sense of self. While I do not explicitly remember hoping for my parents to reunite, I do remember that, as a wee-child, I felt resistant to accepting new parents and siblings. Though new family members appeared in my life and their proximity necessitated interaction, I peered at them from as much distance as I could create. Through book reading, daydreaming and isolated play, a hedge formed between me and my new families. Adults should expect children to express some resentment during the process of blending families. My resistance to such dramatic changes in my family system did not reflect a soulless nature, or a cold heart. Children who resist blended family systems are not bad, or malformed. They are normal. It’s impossible for me to tease out whether the genuine acceptance of my new family members happened because I was maturing, or because of my submission to Christ’s worldview during adolescence. To some degree, I believe getting older gave me the cognitive ability to better understand the significance of divorce and remarriage. Yet, I hesitate to attribute the entirety of the love for my blended families to physiological development. It seems possible that children in blended families could choose disengagement and withdraw from their families of origin in later life. The love that Christ modeled for me surely stopped my story from becoming one of continued heartache. In addition to Christ’s love playing a significant role in accepting and enjoying 002
my blended families, the character of my stepparents made the process of building new families possible. Though not their biological child, my stepparents treated me as if I belonged. With this said, the process of defining and implementing their parental roles in my life took time and caused friction. Their persistent love and desire for relationship led us through difficult days to the peaceful ground.
MERRILY WE GO ALONG As I look forward to Fuller’s Christmas break, I anticipate the multiple flights: Burbank to Denver, Denver to Midway, Midway to LAX—an aerodynamic loop above the country. In Colorado, my mother and I will bake Christmas cookies. My stepdad and stepbrother will attempt to ice them with us. We’ll build a gingerbread house while Will Ferrell fills the background with songs of Christmas love accented by the flash of yellow tights. In Illinois, I’ll snuggle with my five siblings on a big red couch as we pass Christmas gifts about. My fourteen-year-old half sister and I will share a fuzzy black blanket. For lunch, my stepmother will serve an extravagantly delicious meal and we’ll eat at a table fit for eight. In both places, I’ll sit with the hope and love of our Savior bundled around my shoulders. Wrapped securely in Christ, I hope to simultaneously rest in his warmth while extending to
THOSE I LOVE.
Ministry
Enrichment
CPE Day at Fuller Panel of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Students and Supervisors Thursday, November 8, 2012, 10:00AM - 12:00PM Payton Hall 101
Join us for a panel discussion with students who have recently completed a CPE experience in hospital chaplaincy. Talk one-on-one with local CPE supervisors and learn about the CPE hospital sites and programs. Lunch will be provided.
Issues of Sexuality: Confronting Ministry Challenges Judith K. Balswick, Ed. D., Senior Professor, SOP Tuesday, November 13, 2012, 1:00PM – 3:00PM Payton Hall 101 The issue of sexuality is complex and deeply personal. It is a core expression of the wonder of who we are - our distinctiveness, our beautiful dimensionality, our creatureliness - but also seems to be the locus of so much confusion, hurt, shame, and ignorance. Even in the church there are conflicting and confusing messages. In this session, a theology of authentic sexuality will set the foundation for affirming sexuality as God intended. Issues encountered in ministry, such as unwanted attractions, as well as, safeguards and boundaries when counseling in ministry settings will be addressed. The hope is that this will enhance, equip, and empower you as you minister to God’s people.
Field Education’s Orientation to Theological Reflection Friday, January 11 12 pm – 2 pm Geneva Room Participation in Field Education’s Orientation to Theological Reflection is required for those enrolled in the first quarter of the FE501 Part-time Church Internship (FE501A), FE533 Full-time Church Internship (FE533A), or FE500 Ministry and Leadership Practicum, for the Winter Quarter. Contact the Office of Field Education at 626.584.5387 or fielded@fuller.edu to sign up.
Field Education Chaplaincy Internships for Winter ’13
Hospital, hospice, & correctional institution internships are being offered in Winter ‘13. Before registering, interns must be interviewed & accepted by the prospective site. Contact the Field Education and Ministry Formation Office at 626-584-5387, fielded@fuller.edu or visit the Field Education website for more information. 003
Eating Disorders Don’t Take the Holidays Off Charlotte Sandy
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AND SO I went through the looking glass, stepped into the netherworld, where up is down and food is greed, where convex mirrors cover the walls, where death is honor and flesh is weak. It is ever so easy to go. Harder to find your way back.” -Marya Hornbacher, Wasted I never met Allison Miller[1] but she went to a residential eating disorder treatment center in 2010 with several of my friends. She struggled with an eating disorder and went into treatment multiple times between 2010 and 2012. In September, Allison was discharged from treatment, still fighting the inner struggle with all she had. This week she died suddenly as a result of her eating disorder. She was in her mid-twenties. At first, I was in shock. I knew that the mortality rate of eating disorders was (and still is) high – higher than that of any other mental illness – but the statistics still never felt real because I had never known anyone who had died. The mortality rate of eating disorders varies significantly, but a 2009 study by the American Journal of Psychiatry reported that the mortality rate was 4% for anorexia nervosa, 3.9% for bulimia nervosa, and 5.2% for eating disorder not otherwise specified.[2] Her death reminded me that it could have been any of my friends who have had an eating disorder. Eating disorders are insidious illnesses. They have physical, psychological, spiritual,
and emotional ramifications.[3] The “voice” of the eating disorder takes over, promising salvation if one would just submit to its every command. If you lose five pounds it will be enough… if you get thin you will be enough. But you can never meet all of the eating disorder’s demands. Nothing is ever “enough.” It is hard for those who haven’t suffered from the illness to understand the utter devastation that an eating disorder reaps onto the body, mind, and soul. Many people in recovery from an eating disorder personify the inner monster. Author Jenni Schaefer in her book Life Without Ed, personified the disorder as an abusive “husband” named Ed (E.D., standing for, Eating Disorder). Others personify their disorder as a female named “Ana” (short for anorexia) or “Mia” (short for bulimia). The disembodied ‘voice’ of the eating disorder can be relentless. You’re fat, You’re disgusting, You’re worthless, You deserve to die are messages that repeat all of the time. Author Marya Hornbacher, who chronicled her journey of bulimia and anorexia in the memoir, Wasted, described her eating disorder as “my double image, the evil skinny chick who hisses, Don’t eat. I’m not going to let you eat. I’ll let you go as soon as you’re thin. I swear I will. Everything will be okay when you’re thin. Liar. She never let me go. And I’ve never quite been able to wriggle my way free.” Worse, an eating disorder convinces the sufferer to think that it is benevolent. People with eating 003
disorders can be resistant to treatment. One woman entered treatment, horrified at the prospect of giving up an eating disorder which she described as her “best friend.” A treatment provider replied, “You think that your eating disorder is friend, but I see it like a monster ready to strangle you.” I heard a therapist liken an eating disorder to a “terrorist,” and, “You can’t negotiate with a terrorist.” People can have an eating disorder at any weight. One common misconception is that people with eating disorders don’t think they’re sick enough. Sometimes, weight is not an estimator of eating disorder severity. Obviously, if someone loses a lot of weight suddenly, that is a warning sign. But it is not the only warning sign. People can be a completely normal weight, or overweight, and struggle with eating disorder behaviors, including bingeing, purging, overexercising, or restricting. Another misconception is that people with eating disorders are Caucasian, middle-upper class teenagers and college students. Eating disorders do not discriminate based on ethnicity, gender, age, or sexual orientation. 10% of those who suffer from eating disorders are men, and a growing number of younger children and older women are developing eating disorders.[4] Eating disorder recovery can also take several years, if not longer, and relapse is common.[5] Treatment is expensive (inpatient treatment for a few months can cost up to a few hundred thousand dollars out of pocket, as insurance companies are often not willing to pay the full amount for treatment). Residential treatment programs cost an average of $30,000 a day, and treatment is often needed for 3-6 months. Even outpatient treatment for an eating disorder costs an average of $100,000 or more.[6] There is also considerable crossover between eating disorders. It is not atypical for someone who starts with anorexia, for example, to develop binge 002
eating disorder or begin bingeing and purging. Therefore, treatment for multiple eating disorders might be warranted. If you or anyone you know has an eating disorder, I want to know the following things: - First and foremost: YOU ARE NOT ALONE. You are in the company of many people… approximately 8 million people in America, 7 million women and 1 million men.[7] And there are probably millions of other men and women who struggle with “disordered eating.” The National Institute for Mental Health states that 1 out of 5 women struggle with an eating disorder or disordered eating. [8] People who have disordered eating may not have an official eating disorder, but they may have irregular eating habits, issues with exercise, be chronically dieting, or consider certain foods “good” or “bad.” -Next, I want you to know that treatment is available. People can recovery from eating disorders. I have seen it happen for my friends. If you need treatment, http:// edreferral.com/ is a good web site to help you get started. Inpatient, residential, intensive outpatient, and outpatient treatment is available. Treatment is also available for free or for a reduced cost at Fuller Psychological and Family Services. -Full recovery is possible. You do not need to be enslaved by an eating disorder. Jenni Schaefer, author of Life Without Ed, describes what recovery from an eating disorder can look like: “It is actually eating on Thanksgiving Day. It is enjoying myself at a cookout. It is being alone in my apartment without being afraid. It is having the energy to walk around the block. It is letting go. It is letting people get close to me and my boundaries. It is honesty. It is being able to say no. It is the ability to focus. It is the passion to pursue my dreams. It is having so much more time for living. It is me. And it can be you, too.” Life in recovery is not perfect, but it is worth it.
-Recovery comes one a day at a time, one meal at a time, one moment at a time. Jenni Schaefer talks about doing the “next right thing.� For example, if you just binged, the next right thing is eating the next meal and stopping the binge-restrict cycle. **I am a training therapist in the School of Psychologist, and I do not claim to be an eating disorder expert. I also cannot vouch for the accuracy of the statistics that I give in this article. If you want to learn more about eating disorders, please look at the resources below.**
Thin America the Beautiful II: Thin Commandments Killing Us Softly Dying to be Thin Other Miscellaneous Resources: SomethingFishy- http://www.somethingfishy.org/ ED Bites blog- http://ed-bites.blogspot.com/
ResourcesOrganizations: National Eating Disorder Association- http:// www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/ NIMH- http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/ publications/eating-disorders/completeindex.shtml Academy for Eating Disorders- https:// www.aedweb.org//AM/Template. cfm?Section=Home
citations online
Books: Life without Ed and Goodbye Ed, Hello Me by Jenni Schaefer Regaining Your Self and Dying to be Thin by Ira Sacker 8 Keys to Recovery from an Eating Disorder by Carolyn Costin Gaining: The Truth about Life After Eating Disorders by Aimee Liu Eating in the Light of the Moon by Anita Johnston Appetites: Why Women Want by Caroline Knapp Hope, Help, and Healing for Eating Disorders: A New Approach to Treating Anorexia, Bulimia, and Overeating by Gregory Jantz Women, Food, and God by Geneen Roth Beating Ana: How to Outsmart Your Eating Disorder and Take Your Life Back by Shannon Cutts Movies: 003
Holiday Activities Veronica Castaneda
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LEGEND has it, (according to my mother) that even as an infant I was one of those unusual children who would actually be entertained by television and preferred it to playing with my sister. Not surprisingly, this is still the case. I’m an introvert who enjoys movies and great stories over a night out at happy hour. A great deal of my fascination with storytelling entertainment comes from discovering micro and macro themes in everyday life. Jesus called these stories “parables” but my theoretical orientation identifies them as “narratives.” I view these chronicles as glimpses— images that are intertwined with our own experience. The holiday season is one where story saturated events in our lives are made most clear, where people know the plot but have limited control over the storyline. Main characters continue to be family and friends yet the scene usually determines guides the plot of the soon to be memories. There are four things that possibly elicit certain “chapters” in our lives during the holidays: books, food, movies, and music. They point us back to a period, location, and usually a polarized experience: good, bad, or a little bit of both. There’s a love hate relationship that comes with the turning of the holiday season page—a sense of excitement, expectation, and of course, anxiety. There are some of us who bear the privilege of experiencing these emotions in more than one culture and language. As our society and schedules have already begun to prepare us for this 2012-2013 holiday epic, I share the framework of “holiday picks” in hopes of encouraging our distinctive emerging stories. Thanksgiving | Native American Heritage Month · Book: The Giving Tree–by Shel Silverstein · Food: Mashed Potatoes · Movie: “Tizoc” · Music: The Day We Killed–by Five Iron Frenzy My Thanksgiving “picks” derive from our nation’s history of the first Thanksgiving; a story which elicits conflicting emotions. For the immigrant it is a story of survival, yet for the natives, Thanksgiving is a story 003
about loss. Today that memory is vague, and the icons of Thanksgiving have morphed into turkey bowls, football, gluttony and “black Friday.” However, there are other traditions that, while not as popular, continue to be encouraging: food baskets, volunteering at soup kitchens, donating to the homeless, 30-day announcements of gratitude on social networks, etc. It seems that, in these practices, the motivation to give thanks comes from the action of receiving rather than giving. “Thank you LORD, for allowing me to serve” or “Thank you LORD, for allowing me to give,” said no one ever. Of course I’m exaggerating but my intention is to make us reflect on what it truly means to be grateful. This Thanksgiving, may we reflect on Acts 20:35, not only as academic exegetes but also as believers of praxis. As an Indigenous woman, I invite you to celebrate the day of Thanksgiving by thinking of the immigrants that will continue to arrive in this land, as well as the destitute who God has called us to protect. Christmas | Navidad · Book: A Christmas Carol · Food: “Pozole” · Movie: National Lapoon’s Christmas Vacation · Music: Oh, Holy Night–by Celine Dion My Christmas picks and perhaps even the overall Christmas season itself may be cliché to some, yet the saga behind the overused marketing remains one of the most powerful chapters of our faith. There are still some of us, who remember a time when Christmas decorations and songs 002
would make their first appearances in late November—not on Halloween night. And even more so rare, there are other of us who experienced closed stores on Dec. 23, 24, and 25. “Black Friday” has officially made its way into our consumerist driven culture and what was one sacred has become an inconvenience. Lay-away is outdated and credit card debt has been normalized. Financial stresses rises, and is ironic when this stress is treated with “retail therapy.” The focus has shifted from the life of Jesus and quality time with loved ones to valuing possessions more than people. How can people liberate themselves from the prison of self-indulgence as we celebrate our Savior’s birth? A glimpse of the answer may be found in Seinfeld’s sitcom episode, “The Opposite”; “If every instinct you have is [selfish], then the opposite would have to be [selfless].” There’s a prevalent Catholic Christmas tradition in México, known as “Las Posadas.” In a nutshell, this event consists of neighborhoods re-enacting Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem, in search of lodging. People sing their way through various homes asking for lodging and after being denied a few times, they reach a final home where they are welcomed. The hosts then invite the carolers to partake of customary food and beverages. Participating in re-enactments such as “Las Posadas,”allows individuals to find a level of grounding that inspires selfless deeds. It exposes a different holiday reality where our giving challenges us to give beyond what we already have—resources, to giving of
ourselves. New Years | Año Nuevo · Book: Eat This, Not That!–by David Zinczenko · Food: “Tamales” · Movie: The Bucket List · Music: “El Año Viejo”–by Tony Camargo My New Year’s selections involve the science of time and matter; our human instinctual need to measure. The formula to this madness usually incorporates three “R’s”: reflection, resolution and redemption (not necessarily in that order). Once the person moves past defeat, they encounter hope and end up in conformity lane. Nonetheless, as people who have “assurance of things hoped for, [and] the conviction of things not seen,” believers are somewhat called to this endless vicious cycle of change. Then why is it that eating habits, prayer life and procrastinating study habit remain the same?
“This year is going to be different. I’m going to _______” and people fill in the blank. But before the “to do” list is written, the bottle of champagne is popped open, and the ticket to time square is booked, contemplation must be at the forefront leading the way to the aspired change. The task seems overwhelming when gazing at the 365-day horizon but in the spirit of our beloved 12-step programs, it’s feasible when living “one day at a time.” With that in mind, may you continue: posting positive quotes on your friend’s walls, cranking-up the volume of “Fanfare For Rocky” during your workout, and hold the elevator for others as you’re running late to class. Living each day, welcoming change through the eyes of hope.
There are a couple of popular slogans that remind people to welcome change and which are appropriate expressions for the New Year. In English there’s, “Let go, and let God.” In Spanish, there’s “¡Borrón y cuenta nueva!” The New Year brings with it a sense of new beginnings. Most individuals, if not all, begin to ponder on the old and new relationships, un-lost weight, lingering bad-habits, and unmet promises. Yet, the hope of a fresh start allows for the person to redeem their locus of control and once again venture out into the abyss of possibilities. 003
CLASSIFIED Are you a tenor? love to sing? need a Tenor section leader for a great choir We are looking for a first tenor with excellent sightreading. Must be in school vocal or church music program. Thurs rehearsal 7:30 to 9:30 pm. Sundays 8:00 am to 10:45 am. (Carpool options available) Monthly stipend. Please contact Ariel Quintana mail@arielquintana.com or (818) 681-9187.
Free couples therapy! Free Couples Therapy! The School of Psychology is once again offering up to 15 free couples therapy sessions on a first-come-first-served basis for qualified adults. This opportunity will be available during the Fall, Winter and Spring quarters of the 2012-13 school year. (Couples will see a therapist during one of these quarters). All therapy will be conducted by MSMFT masters students under the direct supervision of Dr. James Furrow and Dr. Terry Hargrave. Each session will be conducted under direct video supervision. Please contact Amy Drennan in the School of Psychology at (626) 204-2009, or at amydrennan@fuller.edu to set up an intake.
SUPPORT Group All student wives are invited to join SUPPORT, the Bible study, prayer and fellowship group just for you! We have two distinct meeting times, so choose the one that is best for you or come try both. Wed Mornings, 9-11 am Pasadena Presbyterian Church, 3rd floor Childcare is provided for children 0-5 years. Thurs Evenings, 7-9 pm Chang Commons, Theme Room 2 No childcare provided. Contacts: Lyndsay Pi単a 209.480.3609 or Janna McConnell 626.644.2942 002
Room for Rent Fuller Psych Grad has master bedroom with attached private bathroom for rent in 1300 square foot deluxe townhouse in Monrovia, conveniently located near freeway, stores, restaurants, theaters, etc. Includes access to the entire townhouse, including kitchen, dining room, living room w/fireplace, private garage parking, and beautiful pool and spa. All utilities included as well as wi-fi, Direct TV, monthly cleaning/ maid service and private laundry area. Pix available on request. Rent is $ 800/ month. Contact Dr. Lee Stoltzfus (818) 590-4617 or dr.lee.phd@doctor.com.
columbia auto body Columbia Auto Body- Quality collision repair since 1982. We work with every insurance company. Lifetime Warranty! Owned by Fuller graduate. 323-258-0565 1567 Colorado BlvdEagle Rock.
childcare needed Fuller alumni couple in Pasadena is seeking part time childcare for a 4-month-old girl beginning December 3rd. In-home care near to Fuller campus. Previous experience with infant care and willingness to be CPR certified preferable. Must demonstrate a patient, gentle, and loving personality. Schedule is flexible, although mornings are preferred. Please contact Ryan and Alethia White at (626) 344-0766 or alethia.c.white@gmail.com.
EVENTS Nov
07
9am - 4:30pm
Nov
07
6:30 - 8:30pm
Nov
08
What Did Jesus Do? The Atonement Symposium - Payton 101 Featuring Scot McKnight, J.R. Daniel Kirk, Leanne Van Dyk, Vincent Bacote, Linda Pecore, Mike McNichols. While every Good Friday the Church celebrates the work of Christ on the cross, questions abound about what exactly Christ achieved and how his action makes Christians able to fully participate in Christ’s kingdom. soong-chan rha live in chapel - Travis Auditorium Dr. Soong-Chan Rah is formerly the founding Senior Pastor of the Cambridge Community Fellowship Church (CCFC), a multi-ethnic, urban ministry-focused church committed to living out the values of racial reconciliation and social justice in the urban context.
Soong-Chan Rah lecture and panel discussion - Travis Auditorium Dr. Soong-Chan Rah is presenting his second lecture titled “Suffering and Celebration: Ecclesiology for a Multicultural Church.
12:30 - 2:20pm
Nov
09
10am - 1pm
Nov
13 1 - 3pm
Nov
13
Fuller Writing Center Open House Join us as we celebrate our new location in Hubbard Library! Learn how the Writing Center can assist you during every stage of the writing process. Enter a raffle to win 2 free hours of writing consultation. Enjoy free milk and cookies (while they last).
Issues of Sexuality: Confronting Ministry Challenges - Payton 101 With Judith K. Balswick, Ed.D., senior professor, School of Psychology. The session will address issues encountered in ministry, such as unwanted attractions, as well as, safeguards and boundaries when counseling in ministry.
Yoga Tuesdays - Rogers Community Room in Chang Contact ResComm for more info.
7:30pm
Nov
15
ZUMBA! - catalyst There’s no set fee, but donations encouraged for instructor Eliana Farias’s upcoming mission trip in Argentina.
7pm
Dec
25
jesusmas Behold a savior in David’s old hood. Good news peeps.
00:00am
for more event listings, visit thesemi.org and portico. 003
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