14
June
2007
 by Vasthi Acosta
Mary Pipher in her book, Writing to Change the World, states:
“In my opinion, true rebels are not anguished, angry individuals mired since adolescence in their own complaints and needs for individuation. True rebels act from a well-developed moral center. They know who they are and what they stand for. Most likely, they are fighting for something that they have spent a lifetime learning to love.” (54)
I have been thinking about this idea for a week now. So, if my thoughts are a bit undeveloped, forgive me. Actually, I’d love for you to help me think it through.
Who would I consider a rebel? The obvious answer is Jesus. He treated women as equals, with dignity and respect. Unheard of at the time. He healed the sick on the Sabbath, a punishable act. He didn’t follow the crowd, but the crowd followed him. He never let other’s expectations dictate his actions, even when it meant his friend would taste death. Without a doubt Jesus acted from a well-developed moral center, he obeyed his Father’s will.
Then I looked closer to home. Am I a rebel?
Sometimes.
When I heard God’s call to leave my career and stay home to home school my children, I was a rebel. Everyone thought I was crazy to leave a promising position heading straight for tenure. But I was listening to the voice of my Father and the yearning He placed in my heart for my family and home.
I wasn’t a rebel when I chased after material wealth, the world’s accolades, and my five minutes of fame. Then I was just running with the pack.
I haven’t felt much like a rebel recently. Maybe its time to listen carefully for my Father’s voice because I still yearn to obey His will.
How about you?
Written By: Vasthi Acosta
Posted under: Women's Voices . 
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5
April
2007
By Vasthi Acosta
What do you remember about Easter?
During Easter weekend the traditions in my childhood home included dressing in black on Good Friday to mourn our crucified Christ, and fasting to share in His suffering. There were always two church services on that day. One in the afternoon where the first four statements uttered by Jesus on the cross were taught. Then at the night service the last three statements were presented. One year a speaker displayed a huge nail similar to those used to pierce Jesus’ hands. When I contemplated such intense suffering it made me shudder. And didn’t it seem to rain every Good Friday, as if even creation mourned.
Then the glory of Easter morning.
I remember wearing a new dress, shiny shoes, and the all important hat, gloves and purse combo, which Mami taught illustrated our celebration of Christ’s triumph over death. I remember waking up early Easter morning, before the sun rose, to watch the reenactment of Mary’s visit to the tomb. For several years I played the part of the angel. I can still recite the line . . .
“Por que buscais entre los muertos al que vive? No esta aqui, sino que ha resuscitado.”
“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!” Luke 24:5
And of course, Easter supper, an abundance of delicious food and relatives.
Now, I have my own traditions for Easter weekend. On Good Friday we still dress in black and attend church services. On Easter morning there is no sunrise service, but we have an Easter egg hunt. And included in the dozen plastic eggs filled with treats, hidden throughout my home, are the ones that tell the story of Easter. Each of these eggs hold a symbol, such as a leather strip for the flogging Jesus endured, or a piece of gauze for the linen his body was wrapped in; and best of all, the empty egg reminding us of the empty tomb.
What memories are you creating for your children? What family traditions celebrate this high holiday? Why not purpose to mark this holiday in your child’s heart with a moment he’ll treasure and remember always.
Christ is risen!
He has risen indeed!
Written By: Vasthi Acosta
Posted under: On Being a Parent . Email This Post
9
March
2007
By Vasthi Acosta
I love to read and write. To me words carry power because through them ideas are expressed, and ideas can shake, even alter, our world.
Ideas expressed in the written form make them more acceptable, credible. They allow the idea to go beyond the limits of the speaker, out into the vast world — to touch, change and impact others.
The Holy Bible is the most obvious written method God uses to speak to us. For we have all experienced that moment when you read a verse and it feels as if the words jump off the page and sear themselves to your heart. Words that correct, teach, comfort, even dramatically change us. After all, it is the LIVING word of God.
But our God uses other writing, as well, to speak to us. The writings of our predecessors: Martin Luther, John of the Cross, Brother Lawrence, Teresa de Avila, George MacDonald and C. S. Lewis (a few that have taught me). We are also blessed to have contemporaries that examine their lives, seek God, and share their insights with us. In that manner, they allow God to speak to us through their words.
As a lover of fiction, I’ve heard God’s voice in novels too. When I become immersed in the struggles of the fictional characters, I’ve been challenged to know what is right and choose God’s path. In observing love lived out, I’ve yearned to do the same. And every now and then, a story opens a window into the spiritual realm and I catch a glimpse of that dimension.
God speak in many languages, the written word is probably the most pendantic, and yet, I would call it an honor, a privilege, to have the Lord use my written words for His glory.
God speaks to us through His written word the Holy Bible. But be on the look out because you might hear His voice in other writings too.
Written By: Vasthi Acosta
Posted under: Women's Voices . Email This Post
12
February
2007
By Vasthi Acosta
Sometimes I just want to live in ignorance, deceive myself into a lull of false security. Let the lies the world bombards guide me in my life decisions.
Thankfully, God loves me too much to let that go on for too long. So lately, I’ve confronted some lies in my life.
In my Sunday school class we’ve been studying a book by Tracie Peterson, Allison Bottke and Dianne O’Brian titled, I can’t do it all! Breaking free from the lies that control us. This book has made me do some serious self examination. So far, we’ve covered half of the fourteen lies presented:
I deserve to have it all, and have it all right now.
I need a man/baby/career/money to be happy and fulfilled.
I can do it all.
I can’t trust anybody.
I can make my own truth.
If I’m unhappy, I don’t have to stay.
I don’t have time to be healthy.
I must be thin to be happy — for the media tellls me so.
True love is like a romance novel.
I can be young forever.
It’s my choice.
The more I do, the more God will like me.
I don’t need to forgive — and I don’t deserve forgiveness.
I don’t need God.
I’ve learned a lot so far, mostly about myself and my need to walk in truth. I’ve learned that I have to seek God first, and as I seek Him, my heart will change, my worries will dissipate, my strength will be renewed, my path will become staright, I ‘ll never be alone and His peace will envelop me. I just need to stay connected to the source — Jesus Christ.
I also learned I’m not alone in this struggle, many women are just like me. So, what lies is the world yelling at you today? Which ones have you fallen victim to?
Just call, help is on the way.
Written By: Vasthi Acosta
Posted under: Women's Voices . Email This Post
16
January
2007
By Vasthi Acosta
Recently I went to hear best selling author, Karen Kingsbury, speak at a book store. Her books tug at your heart and make you laugh, cry and hope the story never ends. At the event she shared how she chose the path to become a writer.
In college she was floundering, not knowing what to do with her life. Then her journalism teacher (Let’s hear a cheer for teachers!) pulled her aside and told her, “Never stop writing, and come work on the student newspaper.”
Those words set her on her path.
The words of wise counsel.
Recently on an online writer’s forum, the topic of discussion was ‘who encouraged you to become a writer’. It was astonishing how many remembered someone in their youth who spoke words of light into their life. Many gave testimony to how they still treasured those words and those who spoke them. Others spoke of mentors who gave them words of advice, encouragement, teaching and hard truth.
More words of wise counsel.
Pinpoint a time in your life when someone encouraged you, offered you wisdom, opened up an opportunity, named your talent. Each one poured into your life wise counsel.
God speaks many languages — one of these is wise counsel. Sometimes the words may be hard to hear. Other times they are the exact words you least expected. Or words that confirmed what you already knew.
But when they come from God, they are always the words you need at your moment of need.
If you are struggling today, lost in a maze, don’t know where to turn — seek God’s face. Ask Him to speak to you through wise counsel.
He is faithful. He’ll bring into your life the person who will share His wise counsel.
He who has an ear, let him hear . . . (Rev. 2:7,11,17,29; 3:6,13,22)
Written By: Vasthi Acosta
Posted under: Women's Voices . Email This Post
26
December
2006
By Vasthi Acosta
She worked hard at her studies. She crammed for the SAT’s. She loves and memorized God’s Word. She served her church and community. She filled her life with friends, family, music and books.
And then, she put all of that into her college application. Her personal essay focused on the benefits and gains she experienced from having been homeschooled. I wonder how many essays had a similar focus. I’d guess at least one or two more.
Her dream school was her father’s alma mater, and last Thursday she got her email.
Not a letter or a thick envelope. Just an email that started with the word — Congratulations!
And the celebration ensued. Chocolate was consumed. Toasts of sparkling cider rendered. Prayers of thanksgiving offered.
My daughter, Zila, will be attending the ivy league college, Columbia in the fall.
Now, I just have to find a way to pay for tuition. But He who has been faithful to open this door, will be faithful to see her through.
My daughter received an early Christmas gift and it was a doozy. Celebrate with me.
Written By: Vasthi Acosta
Posted under: On Being a Parent, Stay At Home Parents . Email This Post
12
December
2006
By Vasthi Acosta
Ever sit in a church service singing a worship song that elevates you, and you feel the grandeur of God? Or you are driving along, a song comes on the radio and you start crying or maybe, laughing, because the song reminds you of someone or something?
Ever have the lyrics of a song spur you to action? How about hearing the crescendo of a piece of music and suddenly you feel dwarfed by the majesty and splendor of God?
Music speaks to me and often, I hear God’s voice in it.
A worship chorus states, more eloquently than I ever could, what my heart wants to shout to the Lord, another reminds me that Jesus is the lover of my soul, or how He binds the broken hearted, sets me free.
Even a secular song, like Ain’t no mountain high enough — reminds me of the scripture that reads: For I am convinced . . .that neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39.
Recently, as I listened to Held, a song by Natalie Grant, I felt a holy nudge to call a friend, who was losing her mother to cancer. I didn’t question the nudge, I just acted. Although, I didn’t reach my friend on the phone, I did leave a message that I hope comforted, encouraged, and spoke strength into her life.
God speaks in many languages. Music is one of them. But with music, we can partner with Him to speak blessing into the world.
Now as I ponder, I realize that it is through this partnership that such great pieces like Handel’s Messiah, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, and even, Natalie Grant’s Held came to be. What a privilege!
During this time of Christmas carols, listen closely, do you hear Him?
Written By: Vasthi Acosta
Posted under: On Being a Parent . Email This Post
16
November
2006
by Vasthi Acosta
In the hustle and bustle of living in the city, where I am surrounded by glaring neon lights, gigantic televised screens, concrete skyscrapers and blaring car horns, it is easy to become deafen to God’s voice.
And then He surprises me.
Driving down Park Avenue, in the spring, I see a promenade of yellow tulips and hear God’s whisper. Walking down Broadway, I stop at an intersection, turn west and glimpse the swaying green of tree branches in Riverside Park, and again I hear God’s voice. Just last night, as I crossed the George Washington bridge, suspended between the silver steel arches, I savored the beauty of an orange harvest moon. God spoke to me once again.
And in each of these moments, I heard the same message. “I love you. These flowers are a kiss. These trees a hug. This moon, my promise that I will never leave nor forsake you.”
God speaks many languages. Lately I’ve heard him most through his creation. For His Word says,
The heavens tell the glory of God. The skies show that his hands created them. Day after day they speak about it. Night after night they make it known. But they don’t speak or use words. No sound is heard from them. At the same time their voice goes out into the whole earth. Their words go out from one end of the world to the other. Psalm 19:1-4.
Written By: Vasthi Acosta
Posted under: Women's Voices . Email This Post
1
November
2006
By Vasthi Acosta
As a Latina, as I’m sure is true for many of you, family is really a clan or tribe. It includes every cousin, uncle, aunt, even twice removed. It looks a lot like My Big Fat Greek Wedding; boisterous, chaotic, happy, confusing, embarassing, troubled, confining, belonging, defining.
Family is a complicated creature. A unit of human beings bound by blood and/or love. Lately, I have been ruminating about what family means to me, compared to how others view family.
How much of my values or beliefs regarding family are biblical, how many of them are cultural and which are engrained from childrearing?
Let me warn you now, I have no answers. But I’ll share some of my meanderings.
Family is more than blood.
Family are those who are not only there in trouble, but also in joy.
Family forgives.
Family confronts out of love.
Family seeks each other out.
Family needs each other.
You tell me if you agree or not. Maybe even add your own definition. What is family to you?
Written By: Vasthi Acosta
Posted under: On Being a Parent, Women's Voices . Email This Post
30
October
2006
by Vasthi Acosta
I know we are often judged by our outward appearance, to our own shame. Yes. I’m guilty of it too.
But for years I’ve told my daughter that the reason people call her beautiful was not because of her outside physical traits but because of her inside, her inner spirit. I tell her “the glow of your joyful, generous spirit shines and people see you as beautiful”.
I also stress that it is more important to me what she looks like on the inside (her spirit and soul) than what she looks like on the outside. Often, we would be approached and within her hearing, be told, “Wow — your daughter is stunning.” I’d always answer, “Yes. She’s wonderful inside too.”
It was my way of letting my daughter know that her heart was what counted. Who she became as a person. Her thoughts, emotions, beliefs, her essence was more important.
I felt as if I was fighting a losing battle, because everywhere she turned, my daughter would be blasted with the idea that her clothes, face, hair, height, weight, etc. was all that mattered when it came to beauty. I don’t have to tell you the messages young women receive regarding beauty today. You see the wrong message everywhere. Even to the point that the more emaciated you look, the better. (But that’s a topic for another day.)
So, it was surprising when I saw the Dove advertisements. Granted, I wasn’t thrilled with the naked women. But these were real women. They were shaped like my friends. They were the colors of my neighbors. Women I could relate to. Women who looked like me. I rejoiced!
And then it hit me. Why did I rejoice? Why such a big reaction to a simple advertisement? Did I feel affirmed? Why did it matter to me? Was I so hungry to find myself reflected in society, that a crumb like this ignited such a response? Or was it just the recognition of a comrade at arms?
I’m not sure yet. Still pondering.
But I know that the Bible says, true beauty “should not come from outward adornment. . . Instead it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight,” 1 Peter 3:3 & 4.
So, I’ll keep fighting the good fight. Reminding myself and my daughter what true beauty is, and someday she’ll teach her daughter. And bit by bit, maybe we can turn the tide.
Written By: Vasthi Acosta
Posted under: On Being a Parent, Women's Voices . Email This Post
