The “Taboo” Subject
I have recently been introduced to Dan Brennan’s blog Jesus met Mary – A Sacred Friendship Gathering from fellow blogger Alise Wright who was so impressed by his writings and upcoming seminar, that she featured him in her blog. Dan is passionate to find true meaning and depth in platonic male/female relationships in today’s culture. Because he is in another state, I am not close enough to attend his seminar, held in Chicago, IL this April. But I have thoroughly enjoyed his many articles and research on this topic – considered a sort of “taboo” subject by most Christians today. And Alise is privileged to be one of the many who will be attending and be blogging about the event.
The article below will make you think – and even have you coming away with more questions than answers on this complex subject concerning men and women – can they really just be friends? What if your culture, church leadership and other Christians believe you can’t – does it not promote distrust and fear? Will men and women be robbed of something deeper? Does sexuality have to be the only motivating force in relationships? Should we buy into what they tell us – and be afraid that every male/female relationship will result in an affair? Is that just a given – no matter what? What if we looked at it from a healthier point of view?
I personally have enjoyed many “friendships” with men over the years – some of my best friends tended to be guys in high school and college. I still enjoy talking with men and find them interesting – and not at all like me. I’m constantly sharpened by their humor, honesty and straight forward way of thinking. I find men to have no hidden agenda – if they like me – they just like me, no questions asked. In all my years through my many friendships, I have only had one situation that I deeply regret. It was someone who was motivated by fear and culture as I was. I believe that if he had believed in the power of friendship, mutual love and respect, and a value in a brother/sister bond – instead of being motivated and influenced by fear and distrust – I believe that in time things would have been different and our friendship restored. When you care deeply for someone – love covers a multitude of sins, bad choices and regrets.
I only mention the above story to you because when I read Dan’s articles I was able to say – YES! I CAN RELATE TO THIS! And was very excited to have someone who has not only been through this kind of situation – but is passionate to change how we look at our relationships – in a more healthy way, without fear – bringing out the best in each other – bringing value and acceptance to others regardless of male or female.
The following article is by Dan Brennan – and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.
Have you checked out his book yet? I absolutely loved it. So incredibly necessary.
No I haven’t – I will have to read it! Thanks Alise!