OK, recently I divulged to you my secret like of Battlestar Galactica. It’s a good show, I admit it (although for those of you who are fans and watch it – they better get back to fighting Cylons. The show isn’t as good without the Cylons. There is such a thing as too much character development. Still a good show though).
Having divulged this, my question is now this: why do we try so hard to hide the nerd within us? We’re all a bit nerdy in some way in my estimation. Why not just own it and come out with it. Wouldn’t it be great and very entertaining if the inner nerd within us all was a part of the daily persona we show to everyone? Talk about authenticity. And that’s what we all want, right? Authentic community? Of course, that’s also what we’re fiercely afraid of, but that’s another blog article all together.
I think sometimes when we talk or consider authenticity, we do so only in the category of “sharing our struggles, our sins.” We define being vulnerable with someone as equal to sharing all of our crap with them. And therefore, authenticity and vulnerability become these monster size thing to do. Of course, I don’t want to take away from that kind of vulnerability. It is needed and biblical and definitely is where unconditional love and grace can be found.
But what if authentic community involved sharing all of our quirky, fun nerdy-ness without apology to our friends as well. I think that would be a blast. And I know 2 pastors who would no longer have to hide their likes of Justin Timberlake and Pink, respectively (I’m not naming names, don’t ask).
So, in the spirit of encouraging authentic nerdy-ness amongst us all, here is my list of top 10 things that make me a nerd.
1. I like Battlestar Galactica
2. I like Celine Dion – I don’t own her music and probably never will, but when her song is on the radio and I’m by myself, I sing like I’m on a Vegas stage, baby.
3. I love looking at maps – not for knowing where I’m going, I just like looking at maps (I am very good with directions though and can navigate a foreign city like nobody’s business).
4. I like watching documentary films.
5. I know lots of useless facts and trivia – which may not sound nerdy, but definitely is when I quote one in public (unless I’m playing Trivial Pursuit).
6. I’m Chandler Bing – I get uncomfortable in emotional moments and tend to crack a joke – which is rarely appropriate and leaves people feeling awkward and me inwardly calling myself a dork.
7. I’m Monica Geller – I’m a neat freak and my roommates would probably say I can be a bit of a nazi neat freak, though I would disagree (and yes, for those of you wondering, you do rinse the dishes before you put them in the dishwasher, first you cleanse, then you sterilize).
8. I’m good with electronics. I can hook most things up and run things without looking at directions. Most girls would never admit to it.
9. I’m flat footed and my feet often hurt.
10. I have to use an asthma inhaler when I run – which shouldn’t be nerdy since it’s a medical necessity, but it just is.
OK, now it’s your turn. Play along in the comments. I want to know your nerdy-ness. Don’t hide anymore. Embrace the Urkel inside.
3 comments:
Here's my take. Nerdy = unique. For instance, watching documentary films: quite cool (I guess I'm somewhat biased because we share the same love of them) or being something different than what people expect (such as your electronic skills) is brave. It's fun to call ourselves nerdy, but I have a very Mr. Rogers attitude right now that says we're all special. And I think you're right, Jana, exposing ALL of ourselves, even the unique things we love, leads to true community...and more nerdiness. I mean, uniqueness.
Hey J,
So there I was last night watching Battlestar Galactica -- I'm a bit of a fan, and you're the only other one I know -- and I was struck by the courtroom scene in which Lee Adama brings up the point of all these folks and all of their individual sins. Tigh. Adama. Lee himself. Each one, every one, "forgiven." Very cool. A striking reminder that we're all fallen, we're all screwups (as Jon Foreman would say, "the church of the dropouts, the losers, the sinners") and we've all been granted this amazing grace (to borrow from your latest post). Then Lee brings up that the grace promised is available to all . . . but one: Gaius Baltar. "Why shouldn't he receive the same forgiveness?" CRAP!!! How many people do I know that I, in my heart of hearts, really don't want to know that forgiveness, don't want them to be part of the kingdom, don't want to have grace extended to them, all because their sin(s) against God (or me, or my family) were too great, too terrifying, too monumental, too personal, too unforgivable. CRAP!!! A reminder that 1. forgiveness isn't ours to give. 2. true forgiveness doesn't come with strings attached. How often do we wish we had some say, some investment, in whom God would choose to forgive? As if forgiveness is something to be earned . . . Praise the Lord that it isn't, because we never would. I pray he would convict me more that the relationship between God and a human is between them -- that forgiveness is theirs to seek and His to give.
Wow, sorry this is rambling. Thanks for being who you are.
1. I'm pigeon toed and I'm proud of it (well, not really proud, but it sounded so self assured...)
2. I can cry over commercials
3. My middle name is Fern
4. I love ketchup, I mean really love it
5. I have one chin hair
6. I laugh at my own jokes
I'm sure there are more, but I am starting to feel bad about myself. I guess I am just not totally embracing this "embrace" thing
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