One of my favorite blogs to read is guhster’s “On Race, Privilege, and Medicine“, and not merely because she’s a great friend of mine. Jess has a way of noticing all the little prejudiced insensitivities that permeate our society and our lives. Most of us brush such things off as “not a big deal”, but Jess tends to grab the reader by the collar and force them to admit that they are. She manages to avoid the peril of hypocrisy by being unflinchingly honest, especially with herself.
Her self-honesty is perhaps most evident in her writings on identity. A deep plunge into the core of one’s being is always scary prospect. Who knows what ugliness (or grace) might be found? Who knows what hurts have been buried out of sight and what joys have gone underappreciated? (Luckily,) she shows a good bit more courage than I do, and invites us to take a look with her.
Strangely enough, even though her blog rarely touches on religion (and she is, in fact, areligious herself), whenever I read it, I can’t help but reflect on my own beliefs. Perhaps trudging through the failings of (im)polite society reminds me that I am to be salty. That I am to bring light. And picking through the pieces of my life makes me ever more thankful that my identity ultimately lies in the fact that I am Christ’s.
Her insights and writings are well worth the read. (Even if they don’t inspire you to religion.)
