Meditations in Elvish: What Happens After Becoming a Savior

My first act of 2009 was a 12 hour Lord of the Rings Marathon with a swell crew gathered by Jamie, who even had her mom, the incomporable Jody Spiro, make PO-TAY-TOE soup a la Samwise Gamgee. So the right way to start a year.

As all good art should, Lord of the Rings reads/watches me as much as I watch it. The story it most often tells has to do with my friendships (my Sam knows who they are) and the places and people with whom I've watched the films (6 different states for the theatrical releases). But this time, what stuck out to me was the theme of how characters who wield Hope against seemingly impossible odds, end up acheiving that hope for others, but not for themselves.

The first moment that struck me is in Return of the King, where Elrond, having reforged the shards of Narsil, presents Aragorn with the sword that will compel certain traitors to fulfill their broken oaths. Using the sword is (in the films at least) Aragorn's first real moment claiming his role and identity as the heir to the throne of Gondor. Wielding the sword, he steps fully into his authority as the almost-crowned King. But in the handing of the sowrd, Elrond and Aragorn exchange a shared phrase (in Elvish)

ELROND: Ónen i-Estel Edain. (I give hope to Men).
ARAGORN : Ú-chebin estel anim. (I keep none for myself.)This potent text rings true at many levels. Elrond gives Aragorn hope and the tool to help acheive the hope, but he himself knows his time in Middle Earth is essentially over. Aragorn steps into a role as a symbol of Hope for Middle Earth, but relinquishes the life he has been living, and also undertakes a task that will likely kill him.

The further significance of the phrase is that its the final words of Aragorn's mother Gilraen. Wikipedia exegetes her phrase (from Appendix A of the books) as "meaning 'I gave Hope (an obvious reference to her son's childhood epithet Estel, meaning "hope") to the Dúnedain." The mother of the saving hope of Middle Earth will not live to see him crowned and Evil defeated. The Mary connection here is hard to ignore. Though Mary was present at Christ's crucifixion, we still learn in her narrative that her miracle son leaves her to fulfill his destiny. She gives hope to the world by not keeping him for herself.

However, the most haunting moment of the whole trilogy for me is when the four hobbits have returned to the Shire and are at the Green Dragon about to enjoy some half pints. But their mutual toast is silent, their eyes communicating a mixture of relief, bewilderment, gravitas and grief. They know their home will never be the same to them, because they will never be the same. This is made most true for Frodo, who tells Sam at the Grey Havens when it becomes clear that he is leaving with the Elves, "We set out to save the Shire, Sam and it has been saved - but not for me." Frodo has been marked permanently to the point that he cannot return to where and what was before, but must move forward. Essentially, he cannot belong to the thing he gave his life for, because the giving itself took his life.

At MHGS, we talk often about being prophet/ priest/ king, (categories worked out from King David). You have the truth speaker, the memory keeper, and the peace maker. As I thought about LOTR this time, I was struck that neither prophet, priest nor monarch get to exist much within the community they serve; whether its the Queen in her castle, the priest in the temple or the prophet wearing rags and screaming outside the city wall. In "saving" others, what of the salvation do they experience?

I want to be careful here not to sound like I'm saying that leaders (I abhor the word) can or should hover above the community they serve, or that prophetic risk takers/fighters don't carry hope with them as they offer it to others, but that there is definitely something to the idea that doing this comes with a cost; being so marked by the journey that you can only watch others enjoy what you have fought to protect. You yourself, can only ponder the experience of the transformation and try to live in the wake of such profound darkness and victorious light.

Makes me wonder if the disciples felt much like Sam, Merry and Pippin as they watched their Resurrected Rabbi ascend beyond them with the parting words "I am with you always, to the end of the age." And did these words come from Jesus with as much tenderness tempered by finality as did Frodo's benedicting kiss on Sam's forehead?

I give hope to men. I keep none for myself.

"I am with you always," but I must leave.

Can you ever really return from Mordor? From Golgotha?

New Friends

Christmas Gifted to me

DVD friends





Book Friends











Music Friends

The "Home, Sweet Seattle" Scarf For...

Name: Rebecca Jean Pesicka Swanson

Location: Edmonds, WA

Occupation: RN in the perinatal arena (ie: antepartum, labor & delivery & postpartum)

Best Music to Cook By: My husband does most of the cooking in our house (but I enjoy baking bread to the likes of Iron & Wine)

In Heaven There Will Be: no dogs

I Wish I Had More Time To: Excel in the domestic arts

One Thing My Daughter Has Learned From Me Thus Far: The proper name for our gentle parts

One Thing I Have Learned From My Daughter Thus Far: Most things can be fixed with a hug and kind words

Top Two Names I Will Not Name My Unborn Child: Jennifer & Deb

If I Could Live in a Movie, it Would Be: A Room With a View or Anne of Green Gables

Jazz Hands Come in Handy When: Remembering my childhood

Something I'd Like to Say: I am so glad Obama won and I love Kj

Kj and I: Are Seeesters

Making the Scarf:
I was stoked to knit for my SEEEESTER in law Rebecca. I knew pretty quickly that I wanted to make a Pacific Northwest feeling scarf for her, since her recent return from living in LA has confirmed how much this branch of the Swansons loves and belongs to Seattle. I also wanted to use colors to complement her dark red hair and green (?) eyes. At least in my memory they are green, but maybe that was just that time in high school when she wore tinted contacts. (Did that even happen?) Anyhoo, I turned to colors of misty mountains, rocks and water, with still a punch of bright prettiness to match Rebecca's own bright prettiness. And what else can I say about Rebecca other than she is brilliant, good at everything, and that together, we both laugh at all the same things and have a penchant for doing pas de bourees in the kitchen. I love you Rabonko!

Blessed are the Independent Filmmakers, For They Shall Remind Us What "Human" Means

A professor included me in an email question they had regarding assigning the film Magnolia as a cultural interpretation of the Beatitudes in Matthew 5's Sermon on the Mount for a class on Biblical interpretation practices. The instructor has used the film for a number of years, but had reason now to wonder if it was outdated, too offensive, or just not the best option out there. I found as I responded, that I both really wanted to protect the film from being called offensive (the instructor wasn't calling it that but was aware of how it has been received by some- I also know it as one of the few films my parents ever walked out on). I certainly made some assumptions as I wrote about what people might find offensive, and tried to make a strong and contextual defensive case (pressing my point a bit harder than PT Anderson probably would), but I also tried to hold some space to say maybe its okay for people to be offended. I think I too easily mark "being offended" as a sin of close-mindedness, which is an incomplete assumption. So I liked where my email response took me, and am posting it here.

Thanks for including me in the question

I think one thing that’s hard regarding art is understanding the difference between offensive characters and offensive content. We are supposed to recognize TJ Mackey’s grossness, not align with it- the filmmaker wants the audience to be repelled by Mackey and thus long for his reconciliation and redemption- not for us all to be more like him.

But all of us have our exposure limits- where seeing certain things hurt our soul no matter how it is intended- (I can’t watch mob violence- but sword fights and war scenes don’t bother me)

So it may just need contextualization- and as I think you’ve done in the past, an option not to watch it maybe-

But perhaps a good way to speak of the film is that it (like many Independent films as opposed to Hollywood studio films) deals with depravity as a means to explore longing. So if we only see “oh- so much depravity” we may be missing the story that’s actually being told.

As a caveat, I would suggest mentioning that the language and imagery is harsh and often highly sexual, and people may want to decide for themselves what they want to be exposed to- but without telling people how to feel about the film (I don’t want to patronize people into feeling that if they don’t like it that there is something sheltered or limited about them- though it’s easy to be passionate about something you love when other people deem it yucky) it may help to remind people that with a film like Magnolia, we are meant more to follow the Characters, than we are to follow the Plot- it’s in the characters that we experience narrative arcs, more so than in the plot narratives. Might make it easier for people to put up with the graphic elements if it’s in context of what people are dealing with, rather than as gratuitous exposure to ugly things.

That’s what your question brought up for me- not sure if it’s helpful at this point. I love that you use Magnolia- helped me fall in love with a movie that I had only cursorily noticed before hand.

Jupiter, Father Christmas and Mr. Tumnus = BFFs!

Planet Narnia: The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of C. S. Lewis by Michael Ward

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars

As a work of literary criticism, Michael Ward has succeeded in CS Lewis' footsteps, exploring intellectual and theological insights while managing continually to ignite the reader's imagination. In what will likely be a key text in Lewis scholarship from now on, Ward makes a detailed and convincing argument that Lewis wrote the Narnia septet through the lens of medieval cosmology, using the imagery, language and symbolism associated with each planet, (which includes the sun and moon at that time) to shape the world of each Narnia book, as well as the unique Christological message in each story. Without wanting to give too much away, I'll quote Ward's excellent summary towards the end of the book that acknowledges the main themes in each book and planetary character:

"Thus, in "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" they become monarchs under sovereign Jove; in "Prince Caspian" they harden under strong Mars; in "The Dawn Treader" they drink light under searching Sol; in "The Silver Chair" they learn obedience under subordinate Luna; in "The Horse and His Boy" they come to love poetry under eloquent Mercury; in "The Magician's Nephew" they gain life-giving fruit under fertile Venus; and in "The Last Battle" they suffer and die under chilling Saturn." p.237

This new perspective on the Narniad, and indeed on Lewis himself, re-ignited my hope for contemporary integration of theology, astronomy and cosmology, as well as totally convincing me that I need to move to England to study Medieval poetics and cosmology. I love books about books!

View all my reviews.

The "Lectio/Latte/Electronica" Scarf for...

Name: Paul Wilson Belk

Location: Seattle, WA

Occupation: Retail Manager / Pastor

Book I'm Most Into Right Now: The Sparrow/Children of God by Mary Doria Russell

The Key To Building Fences is: Letting your engineering-degreed housemate do most of the work

I'll Be Patient As Long As: it takes

My Favorite Sunday Morning Activity Is: Getting up early on a cold day with my wife, reading a good book with hot cup of coffee together while cozying down under a blanket (or a fancy new scarf!)

One Thing A Pastor Needs to Be is: paid

My Wife Laughs At Me Most When: I am a little spazzy, which is most of the time

I Laugh With My Wife Most When: She's a little spazzy, which is most of the time (but you didn't hear that from me...)

The Celebrity I Wish Would Run Out of Gas In Front of My House: Henri Nouwen, but only if he was still alive, otherwise, it'd be a little too creepy.

Something I'd Like to Say: (silence is golden, he thinks)

Kj and I: I want to be Kj when I grow up

Making the Scarf:
I was so excited when Paul asked if I'd knit him up a KjPeopleProfileScarf. Paul is one of those super-radiantly cool people who is made all the more cool by their authenticity and humility rather than by flaunting their awesomeness. As such, I decided to make a scarf that would broadcast Paul's cool factor in louder tones than he uses himself.

My early memories of seeing Paul around campus have him with purple hair, though it's likely that my memory is a bit off, but nonetheless, I knew right away that I wanted to use colors that evoked "Purple Hair" to me. (Which apparently means black). Also, when I think of Paul, I think of the many parts of his life, be it wearing a barista apron, sewing hipster T-shirts or praying over Eucharist, and I wanted to reflect those dynamics in the scarf. Hence, this scarf feels a little more Indy-Punk and Neon sign than I've done previously, but still maintains a cheery bright blue "I'm Approachable" feel. It's a scarf inspired by Paul's quiet nature and electric spirit. I wouldn't mind being him when I grow up either.

Term 8 of 12

My Classes Starting Next Week at MHGS

RLM 505 - Homiletics:
Crafting Transformational Moments

RLM 504 - Life Together 2: (MDiv Internship)
Relational Ethics for Church & Leadership

RLM 520 - Developing Inter-Cultural Competency:
Being The Word on the Street

RLM 531 - MDiv Practicum 4: Embodying Christ -
Pastoral Ethics & Relational Leadership

SFD 521 - The Artist’s Way:
Pneumatology, Art and Culture

TCE 502 - Mission in a Global Context


Yes, we really love class titles at Mars Hill. I like how in the attempt to include every element of what the class will be about, you are actually left with no idea what the class is actually about. I've been known to do the same with papers.

And this term will be strange,
A) because I'm taking way too much, and
B) because for the first time really since first term, I don't have a single counseling or Biblical studies class. It's all theology, culture, and praxis. Which makes sense as I move closer to application from investigation, ie, closer to not being in school anymore.

Moving From Comics Right Into Illustrated Novels

Blankets by Craig Thompson

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars

A beautiful and honest story, full of snow.

It feels disquietingly similar to the high school and childhood life I saw happening around me, and often, reeks abundantly with my own past. You will recognize yourself in this book, and will often feel sad but will also laugh uncomfortably and self-righteously at times. Indeed, I think if you were born between 1975 and 1985, it will be hard not to have your jaw drop at times at how Thompson has remembered your past better than you do. There is deep loveliness in this, and deep sorrow as well.

I finished it in one sitting. I recommend the same to all who pick it up.

View all my reviews.


Thanks for handing it to me Tucker. We shall discuss.

The "Sunshine on My Shoulders" Scarf for...

Name: Stacy Dyann Pietsch (maiden name: Kanzler)

Location: Lower Queen Anne Seattle, Wa

Occupation: Nanny to rich kids/Counseling to poor kids...pretty much the same thing

The Best Job I Ever Had: Is still in the works. But the most appalling job I ever had included ironing a grown man's briefs...I quit soon after.

Tea Time Means: A year of Wednesday nights filled with off color humor, solving the world's problems, and deep love for each other.
































The Key to Hospitality is: A well used air mattress, a toilet that always runs, and a window that people use as a door

You Can Recognize My Husband By: The way you will never be the same after loving him.

While I'm Driving, I Listen To: Usually hip hop/rap until I hear "ho" one too many times and then I switch to NPR

Washington vs. Illinois: The current Illinois governor scandal has nothing on the 2004 governor election in Washington

If I Were a Flower, I Would Be: A Dalia

Something I'd Like To Say: I am ready for springtime

Kj and I: are the greatest "we never hang out but when we do sweet love and inspiration fill the room" friends




















Making the Scarf:
For Stacy, who has the awesomest last name (pronounced "Peach") I had a none-too-subconscious thought to make a Peach-inspired scarf. I'd also been in the mood to put some white in a scarf, and Stacey's shining self confidence and welcoming, loving spirit seemed like a good match. I loved the combo of the mauvish pink and the honey yellow. Together, the colors felt chewy and richly sweet to me, like a piece of fruit you'd pick off a tree in Willy Wonka's floor room. Basically, rather than finding a peach tone yarn, I used colors that, if combined on a palette, would turn out peachy. I like the effect.

I have at times described Stacey as the eschatological realization of a cheerleader, so the scarf carries some of that energy as well: something meant to lift the spirits of one who always lifts mine. Stacey is an elegant combo of soulfull and joyfull, and when she asked for a scarf to help brighten gray winter days before spring, I did my best to give her some sunshine. (And yes, there is still some gray in there. It is still Seattle, after all).
I Heart Super Stace!
Photos kindly offered by Kim Roth Howe