Love Personified or at Least Illustrated Cyber-Post
I have been assigning this reflection for the past four years, that I can remember, and this year, in three classes, especially this morning, I can say that I was really moved by the power of love moving in the lives you, my students: love as a force, love as inspiration, love as friend, love as responsibility--love as enemy, love as pain, love as regret, love as promise.
Today the presentations were great in both classes--it was really special and for those who were present, we were truly blessed.
Post a reflection on the presentations here--your own and a classmates', and your Martin King sermon response. You can also post your written response to the "Love as Object" Assignment. Remember too, that you can continue to reflect on love anonymously through the weekend, at the earlier post. Jeremy, we wish you a happy birthday, and Mama Bridgett, we wish you a happy birthday too.
posted by Professor Wanda's Posse at 10:07 AM
19 Comments:
Nely Ruiz
2.12.09
English 1 A
Love Presentations
The major theme throughout almost everyone’s presentation today was family love. People shared about their children, their parents, their siblings and their pets. It was moving hearing fellow students talk about lost loved ones. Jose referred to his brother, Bridgette to her son and Rebecca to her dog. I loved the presentation that displayed an example of agape love using the cross as a symbol of Jesus, who dies for us.
My artifact was door knob from my father’s collection, that he had saved expressly for me. I spoke on the long journey the item had been on. My father had to buy it back after my mother accidently sold it. He also had to redo the hardware to make it a workable door knob that can be used in a modern day door. These knobs are made out of Austrian crystal, that turn purple in the sunlight, from the sun’s UV rays.
Andre Stephens
English 1A 9:00 – 9:50
February 12, 2009
Object that Represents Love
The object that I chose to represent agape love is the cross. The cross comes in many forms like the T-shaped one I showed that is called the tau (Encarta).
The cross is the symbol for which Jesus died for the sins of the world, and is the ultimate show of love. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (Holy Bible). The cross isn’t just a symbol of Jesus’ death, but also His resurrection from the grave which promises eternal life to those who believe.
Part of Dr. King’s sermon talked about a tree that hung on a hill and on it was the most important person ever to enter the world. The cross symbolizes that tree, and Jesus who was nailed to the cross represents the love of God, which is agape love and is unconditional.
The first commandment Jesus gave was to Love the Lord God with all thine heart, soul and mind. The second commandment was, “Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself”. That neighbor might also be a friend, your enemy, the homeless person on the corner begging for food or money, or that person Dr. King talked about that you might not like for a lot of different reasons. If God can love them, I have an obligation to also love them.
Andre Stephens
English 1A 9:00 – 9:50
February 12, 2009
Response to Object that Represents Love Presentations
This morning’s presentations showed that when it comes to the meaning of love, everyone has their own interpretation of what love means to them. All of the presentations were good. Bridgett’s was emotional as she talked about the loss of her son, and I was impressed because it took a lot of courage for her to do that.
Bridgette Copprue
English 1A 9-10
12 February 2009
Response to Objects of Love Presentations...
To All of my classmates...
As I stated earlier today, I am a cry baby; doesn't take much and after deciding to try and go last in presenting my object, I thought that all I would have been was a ball of tears.
When Hussein said that his Father had died when he was six or seven, the tears began to roll. Next Geremy states that his birthday was or rather is the 14th of February and that was the original due date for my son, but decided to come a day earlier. Then there was this cute little girl on a play gym (Mesha's baby) and Rebecca's beautiful "Teddy" (wasn't that his name?)looking like Snow (a family member's dog that died) and Professor's Sabir's "grandbaby cat". Jen from the block's reflection on that young man that she hoped one day turn into a man and Jerrell's little gift elephants given to him by his young son.
All of the presentations were great, yours too, Carla, with the big pretty heart. I did not call everybody, because I don't know everyones' name and we were only suppose to reflect on one other presentation other than our own, and of course, I had to say a little something about mostly all of them. They all reflected on "love" or "charity" as the Holy Bible talks about. The reason, Prof. Sabir, Dr. Martin Luther King says that we should "love our enemies..." is because he is only stating what God has said for us to do. I have not read as of yet his "Love Your Enemies" sermon, but knowing what I do know from my Bible teachings, that is what he is speaking about.
This class gave me an opportunity to celebrate the life of my son this year for his birthday by telling someone the "goodness" of God. I only continue to make it with the help of him. He sees all of us through our trials and tribulations. That's right, Jose, your brother was young and you were younger when you lost him. Everybody, remember, "when it seems like you just can't go on....Reach out....He'll be there, to love and comfort you..."(part of a song by The Four Tops, but I am referring to Jesus!)
I posted what I read in class on the 10th of February. I will forever remember my Eng1A class at College of Alameda in the Spring '09 semester.
Paola Garcia
English 1A 8:00-8:50
13 February 2009
What a great assignment! I have to accept, I didn’t thought it was going to be something I was going to enjoy. But after class I was shocked with every body’s presentation. I never thought how things as common as a ring could mean so much to someone.
Thanks to all my classmates that shared that important part of their lives. I did a diagram that described my own meaning of love. After my presentation professor Wanda told me that I should patent my diagram –smile-.
I liked all the presentations but I want to comment on a particular one. There was presentation regarding friendship and the power that friends have in one person. I completely agree with you; friendship is powerful. Finding a true friend is very hard maybe that is why when you find it, it is priceless.
Hong Tang
English 1A 9-9:50AM
Presentation response
I'm very glad that I was acutally the first to present. As many know, I'm a very shy person and brave enough I presented first. It was a honor to present in class on thursday. I had a great time benefiting from my classmates presentation. I learned a lot. I learned that life is precious and I really wish everyone can truely cerish their family. Even though with a short period of time, their love will stay with you for life.
Carla Poindexter
English 1A 9-10
13 February 2009
The object I choose to represent love is a heart. The heart is the universal symbol for love. If you see a heart you know it represents love. If you wanted to communicate to someone that you love them you would probably think along the lines of a greeting card with a heart on it, candy in the shape of a heart, or anything with a heart on it. My favorite example is Valintine's Day. When I was in grade school, for Valentine day I would draw my parents a picture of a heart and write "I love you" around the hearts. Also for Valentine's Day you pass out cards that read, "Will you be my Valentine?" Most Valentine's Day cards have hearts on them.
Another reason I choose a heart is because as humans we often make decisions with our hearts. Unlike the obvious way to make decisions, which is with our minds. For example, if someone comes to us in their time of need. We might decide to help them not because we think it is a good idea or it will be beneficial to us, but because we feel moved to help them. When you feel compelled to help someone you could say it is our emotions, our soul, or our spirt. But, I would say it is our heart that moves us to selflessly help someone.
Carla Poindexter
English 1A 9-10
13 February 2009
Response to a classmates presentation...
First I would like to start by saying I enjoyed all of the presentations. The presentation I would like to comment on is Nely's. I liked Nely's presentation about the door knob. The door knob was purple. Purple is my favorite color. The story of why her Father made the door knob for her was touching. I can only hope that everything I do for my daughter is not in vain.
Now a days, you hear stories of how teenagers and young adults are on their own because they do not have a Father or a family support system. Even when Nely's Mom accidently sold the door knob, her Father got the door knob back. The fact that it took years to retrieve the door knob shows how much her Father loves her and is a dedicated Father.
As a parent I want my daughter to have a more fruitful and prosperous life than myself. The sacrifices I make are to improve my life as well as the life, well being, and future for my daughter, my future family and my daughter's offspring. I want my daughter to know that she deserves a good life.
Rebecca Evans eng. 1a 9-10 love object 2/14/09
The true definition of pure unconditional love is love from an animal, particularly a pet. Animals have a keen sense of gratitude and commitment. They hold no grudges, expect no praise, and harbor no resentment or jealousy.
For 14 of my 19 years alive I lived with Teddy. Teddy was the most exuberant, happy, easy going and compassionate member of my family. He completed my mom, dad, and I, he was our loving Samoyed dog. We sadly lost Teddy on August 21, 2008 and not a day goes by in which I do not think of him and miss him fondly.
I can recall countless loving, funny, and heart warming memories. Every morning Teddy would patiently wait for my mom to open the kitchen door and then he would bound down the stairs, blast through my room and deliver a warm, wet, and slobbery good morning kiss. He would roll over for belly rubs kicking his leg when you got the right spot. He followed my dad around like a pauper to a king. He would beg for his stocking on Christmas morning, smelling the treats miles away. He was an individual too, no one like him. He was stubborn and could be a pest but he was overall the most loving creature (human or animal) I have ever met. Even on the occasions of discipline or anger, he never held a grudge and he never treated us differently. He accepted his fault and moved on offering snuggles and kisses as apologies.
Animals are amazing creatures, over Teddy’s 14 years in my family I learned so much.
Dogs do the types of things we humans should do more often, and the things they don't get involved in — well, we should skip them, too.
In order to have true love, letting “bygones be bygones” is crucial. An inability to get over issues and move ahead is a key roadblock to happiness. Dogs are always in the moment and therefore don't hold grudges or hang onto resentment. If you are grumpy and yell at your dog, but then wait a minute and act like you never did, he will forgive you — many times over. If humans could let the little things go as easily as dogs do, their relationships would be better for it.
When a dog loves his owner, that bond is lasting and real. Dogs offer truly substantive relationships in a way most people don't. When it comes to romantic relationships, humans should strive to emulate a dog's focus on what a person really offers in terms of love, kindness and warmth, not looks, wealth, or stature.
In Ancient Greek love is represented as three different words, Eros, Philia, and Agape. It can be difficult to separate the words as they all represent love however, Eros favors toward a passionate love. Eros resonates with the love of a partner or in dating relationships. Eros is initially felt for a person, but with contemplation it becomes an appreciation of the beauty within the person and their soul. Philia refers more to the love in a friendship. It is meant as general type of love, including loyalty to friends, family and community. King addresses Phila in his sermon on loving your enemies. Philia is a general type a love for all, a mindset to let love be at the fore front instead of hate. Agape refers to the most powerful of all love; in modern day Greek the exact translation of Agape is I love you. It is used in the New Testament, described as the most powerful and influential love. It encompasses the love of god. God loves all creatures without judgment. Agape is the ideal, it points to the concept of accepting all creatures as god accepts us.
I see the love of Teddy as a Philia kind of love. Philia means friendship in modern day Greek and hence portrays the love of a tried and true friend. Philia encompasses loyalty, understanding, compassion, and kindness towards family fiends and community. Philia holds a requirement for equality and virtue. The love traded between my dog, Teddy and I was love equal to that of Philia. He was loyal and faithful without judgment as I also saw him without judgment. Though some would say he was only a dog, however, he was so much more; he was my brother and my friend. He was there to listen like no one else could, to play and to remind me to love myself and be thankful the love I have and can give in the world.
I once read a story about a man and his dog in one the famous “Chicken Soup for the Soul” books and I would like to share it.
One morning a man saw a dog, sitting next to his car on his way to work, he shooed the dog away and went on with his business. The next day the dog was there again, he ignored him and carried on with his business.
The weather was changing and getting colder and though he wouldn’t admit it, he was he worried for the dog. When he went out to his car on the third day there was no dog he searched for the dog, making himself late for work. Upon returning home, he set out some leftovers, edging the dog to come back. The man convinced himself that he didn’t really care, but it was cold and he didn’t want to be liable if a dead and frozen dog showed up in his driveway.
Early the next morning around 3:00 am the man went down to see if the dog had returned. The poor soul was limping up the driveway, his paw dangling helplessly. The old man invited the dog in but the pooch just stared at the doorway. They looked at each other, the dog was well worn, it’s coat matted and he had a scar of his snout. The man could not admit his concern for the dog for he had not cared about anyone or anything in years. The man put out some cooked chicken he had in the fridge and waited for the dog. He finally limped in and amazingly allowed the man to review his injured paw. The man decided it would need medical attention and they would visit the vet in the morning.
As the man reached down to the dog, the canine quickly limped up the stairs, the man followed and found him comfortably curled at the end of his bed, the man decided he was to tired to argue and curled up in bed too.
The next morning on the way to a doctor appointment the man dropped the dog off at the vet. This doctor appointment was perhaps the most depressing appointment one could imagine, the old man was diagnosed with cancer. As he drove home and had nearly reached his house, he snapped out of his depression, remembering he had forgotten to pick up the dog! When he reached the vet he found the dog with a large split on his broken leg. The man paid the bill scooped the dog into his arms and headed home.
Four weeks later the man’s health took a turn for the worst, and was confined to bed. The dog, now named Burlap, due to his brown coloring, only left the man’s side to do his business and eat. Their friendship grew deep, deeper than any relationship the old man had experienced.
When the man knew he was nearing the end he called a friend who worked at the vet’s office, an animal therapist of sorts. The man insisted Burlap be taken care of, he said even though it might seem foolish to worry about some dog he couldn’t help himself. The dog had been by his side through thick and thin. The therapist found a loving widow who would be a perfect candidate for Burlap. She came to visit and received all the idiosyncrasies and rules of Burlap. The man held Burlap’s future like a mother to that of a child, to think they had once been strangers was incomprehensible.
Eight moths later the old man was taken to the hospital. The therapist came to pick up Burlap. The dog awaited her arrival almost knowing what was going to happen. The therapist took the dog to his new owner and then she wet to visit the elderly man. She assured him that Burlap was safe and sound in this new home.
The vet continued to visit burlap after the man’s death. Burlap was like a traveling angel, enriching people’s lives as they needed. Burlap the once injured and stray dog is now the furry brown teacher who taught an elderly man how to love again and is now helping another woman learn the same lesson.
The unending compassion and love by a pet in indescribable. Though they do not understand what cancer, breakup, loss of job, or sad mean in context, they are geniuses when is comes to the emotional and physical sense. Teddy was always there to lend an ear, dry a tear, and reassure me that I could overcome any obstacle and I could do any thing I set my mind to.
Rebecca Evans eng 1a 9-10 Love response to student presentations 2/14/09
I was moved by the presentations today. Everyone has been touched by love many powerful ways. I feel connected to the class as a whole as I have been illuminated to the hardships many have gone through. My love and prayers go out to all the students who have love and lost: José, Hassan, Bridgette, Hong, Jennifer, I am sure there are more. I connected to Carla’s response on love with her representation of a heart. Hearts are the main symbol of Valentine’s Day and love. Our hearts are physically the core of our bodies and self. A family member of mine has been suffering with heart problem for years, she struggles with a low heart rate and blood pressure that causes her many aliments and could one day take her life, it is not fair as she was diagnosed at only 13. Take care of your heart physically and emotionally! Loving yourself and loving others is the best medicine.
Carla Poindexter
English 1A 9-10
14 February 2009
Response to King's sermon...
I was surprised to learn that King wrote a letter titled, "Love Your Enimiee." I know that King believed in non-violent resistance. I also know that King spoke of brotherhood. But, to actually write a letter about loving your enemies was shocking. I guess it was shocking because I am not familiar with all of King's writings. Now that I know about the letter, I am sure at the time there was a great need for the message to be shared. Even today, we as a global community can benefit from the teachings of Jesus Christ. The teachings of other people like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Mahatma Ghandi, Mother Theresa, and the Dali Lama would make a profound impact on society.
Jennifer Gonzales
English 1A 9-950
14 February 2009
Response to Love Presentations:
I was touched by everyone's presentations. I almost cried during Hassan's poem and Bridgette's Letter. I learned that love is represented in many ways and everyone had their own. It is tough for someone when they lose a loved one, I can empathize because I lost many. It was an honor to have shared that day with everyone because It felt very personal. I felt many different emotions from happiness, sadness, pride and joy filling the room up when we all presented our objects but the strongest emotion I felt was LOVE.
Carmen Truong
Professor Sabir
English 1A
9-9:50
Love means a lot to me. There is nothing in this world that is more important than my family. Perhaps we will certainly have arguments with our siblings, especially our parents. Yet, through all the concerns we have for each other, we will still remain as the close ones. My parents give me love the most, and without them, I won’t be here.
My dad work so hard just to keep the family together. As I get older, I see how hard my dad work through day and night, see him get thinner each day, I learned a huge lesson of my life. I noticed that my first priorities will be my education. I need to do the best and give my parents the best. I want my parents to be proud of me. If my parent is happy, I’ll be satisfied.
Family love will always be in my heart. No matter what happens, family will be there to rely on. Friends can be great as well. However, friends may back stab you; talk crap behind your back, or hate you with jealousy. Boyfriends and girlfriends may be the love ones for us; unfortunately they can leave us at any time. There is no secure.
Love is the most wonderful gift anyone can receive or give. Like the love of God he loved this world so much he gave his son Jesus to the world to die on the cross for our sins. The love that I have for my family is unconditional no matter how bad the cross me or do things I do not agree with I still love them.
My mom I love her with everything I have within me, she has done so much for me giving life to me accepting me for who I am. My mom is my best friend; my sisters both of them are very lazy, intelligent and giving. My auntie she gave me style, you see my mom does not have much style, she’s a teacher. My auntie gave me class and presence, she taught me how not to be ghetto. Both my mom and my auntie taught me the true meaning of being seen and not heard when I need to be. My beau he means a lot to me, unconditional love, support, making wise decisions, thinking things clearly. I could not have asked for a better beau. Last never the least my beautiful kids (dogs) August and shug they are bad, always jumping, tearing up the car etc. however I love my girls.
Love is something the world should thirst after, it hurt like hell, but it cures all pain.
English 1A
Tipton
Eng 1A 8-8:50am
Even though Ms. Sabir was going on about a movie and Will Smith, we were still able to hear a lot of presentations. It’s always important for people to reflect on love and to keep it in mind, because it should be shared with everyone in the world, and not just for those people that are close to you. I chose to present a song by Common called Faithful because to me it tells a great story about love. It is about a man finding peace with himself and his woman and understanding the special bond between them. We all know how difficult it is to maintain a healthy relationship with another person; the things women do to men and the things men do to women are really crazy sometimes, but I think it is all a self defense that we have with ourselves because we are scared to fall in love and sometimes don’t understand it. To give someone your all leaves you feeling vulnerable, left open to take advantage of and a lot of the times you find yourself getting hurt. But to love someone is to understand that with joy comes pain and with laughs comes tears, you must be able to handle the worst of someone in order to receive the best of them. In this song the man had the patience to stick with his girl and find true love, agape.
Dr. King made it clear why we should love our enemies. Love is inside all of us and it is the only thing that can bring about change in the world, not hate. Everyday I wake up and see things in this world that I will never understand; the killing, the disrespect people have for others and their selves, the greed that comes from money, the current war that we’re still fighting--none of it seems to make sense and it’s sometimes exhausting, but the lovely things in this world are what helps me keep going, love is what leaves me with hope that this world can change. Dr. King says, “I think the first thing is this: In order to love your enemies, you must begin by analyzing self.” I use to always have my opinions about other people and at times still do, but by honestly looking at myself I’ve been learning so much and it’s helping me to look at the world in new ways. As individuals, we make up our city, our country and ultimately our world, and it is our responsibility to look at ourselves honestly and to begin to love ourselves in order to learn how to love others and eventually make this world a better place for future generations.
Mokhtar Mohamed
English 1A 8-8:50
Love is a strong romantic feeling for someone or something. Love is the grease that allows the wheel of life to continue turning. For when we love we look beyond ourselves, beyond our needs and desires. We sacrifice our time, our energy, our wishes, and sometimes even ourselves because of love. Sometimes it is for an immediate person or group that we know intimately and love completely, but other times it is for a larger group of people that we don't really know or perhaps even like. It is love that allows law enforcement and emergency services personnel to face danger. It is love that allows soldiers to risk everything. Love makes heroes every day in every corner of the world. As Thomas ã Kempis said: "Love feels no burden, thinks nothing of trouble, attempts what is above its strength... It is therefore able to undertake all things, and it completes many things, and warrants them to take effect, where he who does not love would faint and lie down."
Additionally Martin Luther King shows that we should love our enemy. I agree with him that we should love our enemy but not deep love in which we give up on our rights or positions for this enemy.
Jose Vasquez
2/16/09
English 1A
9:00-10:00
Reflection On Presentations
It was really great experience to present a special item that represents love. My item was a rosary that belonged to someone that passed away a few years ago. This rosary is really special to me because it’s a sign of faith, hope, and love. Since I grew up in a Catholic family a rosary is a sign of protection and a sign of faith. All of my classmate’s presentations were great. I really liked Nely’s story about her doorknob and how her mother sold it by accident. Bridgett story was really sad and it really touched me because I know how it feels to lose someone to love. Most of the presentations were about family love. I feel that love is something indescribable because each person has a different definition for love.
Mesha Shavers
Reflection 2/11/2009
Today in class we presented our items on love. I was touched by Jeremy’s reflection and very grateful he allowed me to read it to our class. J you showed a lot of passion in your reflection, Hassan that poem rocked. Bridgette last but not least you touched on the love I was so speaking of, the love of being a parent. (Unconditional love) You guys had me in tears; it’s a beautiful thing when we can all relate to one another on different levels a cry together. Or was it just me?
Right now my thoughts of love are clouded by confusion, pain and anger. Yet this is because perhaps I had too much faith in the power of love. That love would lead us. That love could help us find the path to truth and happiness. Yet fear and past damages has destroyed what was the best thing that ever happened to me. I have lost what was the most profound love I had ever been blessed to experience in my life.
I am working on holding onto the gifts of the great times. The Eros of love To understand and forgive his fears and weaknesses as well as the damage he needed to create to justify his fears. He does love me yet abuse and violence in his past make him unable to accept the deep, true love we have. He runs from happiness because he feels he is undeserving when I know that is not true. It is not for me to change him. That is path.
I have chosen to set him free so that he may hopefully someday risk finding the truth, answers and hopefully the help he needs to at least have a version of happiness some day. If he could ever forgive his abuser and forgive himself and be able to be happy, that will justify my pain and confusion now. I love him so deeply that I will indeed suffer through this so that he may hopefully find a path. This is a love I have never experienced before. To accept that I must lose my home, my hope, my love so that he may someday be free. I only want him to be as happy as I indeed want for myself. I will try to hold on to the idea that love can lead us. That love finds a way. That love is the answer. Even if love hurts sometimes. Love is just that, love. DJM I love you enough to risk pain and suffering. I love you and will miss you until my dying breath. This is my agape of love.
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