“Don’t let the assholes win.”
I am so grateful he was eating a mushroom swiss burger when he said this, rather than salad or baked salmon. Beef always lends an aura of machismo authenticity.¹ Swearing does too, but it should be a special privilege, for it is a delicate poetry, requiring tender handling.²
I was admiring his command of traditional manhood when I realized I didn’t agree with him. I didn’t respond, because entering an argument with a man usually results in me realizing I’m not a man. I may be benefiting or suffering from years of not participating in athletics, but I don’t want to think about anything in terms of winning or losing. If I’m in control, I’m responsible. If God’s in control, He’s responsible. We could introduce pre-destination and free will into the discussion, but let’s not mix liquor and beer.
God’s in control. He’s responsible.
This looks and sounds like faith, but it is only fear doing a good impression (Like Cate Blanchett doing Bob Dylan† in I’m Not There, or Cate Blanchett doing Katharine Hepburn‡ in The Aviator, or Cate Blanchett doing…*). But – have you ever had faith that wasn’t preceded by fear? Aren’t they conjoined? How can you be seated in the certainty of your worldly circumstances and be filled with faith? Something has to be threatened** for you to even think about it. Ideally, difficult times create dependence on God, which is the definition of freedom.
So…the more you lose, the more you win?
A NOTE ABOUT THE FOOTNOTES: Since my writing is a manic secretary consumed with multi-tasking, the footnote is an effort to quarantine potentially hazardous thought processes. Should they have been ommitted altogether? Possibly, but do you want to be the one to tell them that?
1. Unless, I suppose, you’re a ravenously carniverous sissy; then the beef is petulant and will not lend its aura.
2. Like gluten-free products: “Keep frozen/refrigerated” “Best when toasted” “Microwaving not recommended” “Ask how it is doing before you eat it” “Do not open around wheat products as this creates an inferiority complex”
† That’s gross!
‡ No, that’s gross.
* Me. Now that’s not gross.
**Have a recession! It’s good for you!
bendanielparman.com 
Being a man doesn’t have to be defined in terms of winning or losing. The men I respect are people who take a stand on things that matter, who strive to improve things and people in their lives, and who take responsibility for more than just their own well being. I’ve seen you do all three, so give yourself more credit …man.
I’m not actually in the right state of mind to be able to properly take in this post, so I’ll come back later to read and comment accordingly.
But to reply to your comment: The job sharer isn’t the problem causer. But yes, the one I was referring to is the same one you very likely heard about this summer. Ush and I call her Voldemort. And boy oh boy did she unleash a doozy on Friday. And for the first time ever I let her know what I thought about it. I’ll tell you about it when I’m home.. 25th Dec til 4th Jan. (In Iowa 26-29, and IL 30-1.) So depending on when we get home on 29th or 1st, perhaps one of those evenings for a drink and a chat? Or 2nd or 3rd could work too. Let me know. 🙂
Faith always preceded by fear. I don’t know … I don’t know.
You fascinate me, have I told you that before? And I’m so obscenely jealous of your gift of expression.
I like the footnotes. And I agree about swearing. A friend of mine here actually swears so eloquently that you don’t even realise he’s doing it! Its hilarious.
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Does he insert the swear words into other words?
Mm…Cate Blanchett’s long legs and you. I see it.
Where do you want me to put a link? http://www.savgrr.com
I would start with the Robert Preston quote from Victor Victoria about the different kinds of men, but I don’t think it would be relevant. Man, I love that movie. And Robert Preston. And your writing. And YOU. But not in that order.
Life should have more footnotes. More footnotes, less winning and losing, I agree. But just because you’re losing doesn’t mean your lost, Chris Martin.
I will see you soon! Perhaps then, something besides the depth-free comments and rampant plagiarism. :>