The Greatest Love Story Ever Told

So (I begin a lot of sentences with "so." I should work on that.) in my British Literature class, we talk about...well, literature. With discussion of literature comes discussion of genre--such as romantic texts. We look at the structure of a romance, it's key characters and plot devices so that we can better classify other texts.

Are you ready to be educated?
(This really isn't that complex, and most of you probably know all this anyway, but I digress.)

Now, to have a romance, you need some specific things. First, the plot structure. A romance, at its simplest, involves three story arcs--an integration, a disintegration, and a reintegration.

For example, look at any romantic comedy ever. For the sake of this blog post, we're going to look at Aladdin (because it's awesome).

In the beginning of the film, our thieving hero meets the gorgeous heroine, and, true to Disney form, they immediately fall in love. This would be the integration.

An important note: The series of integration does not necessarily have to involve an eros kind of love. It can be a familial or national unit--really any kind of grouping.

Okay, so now our protagonists are integrated and in love. BUT WAIT. What good story doesn't involve some conflict? Cue disintegration. Now, Aladdin actually has a layered plot in that Jasmine and Aladdin experience integration and disintegration twice. Right after their first integration, they are separated because our poor unfortunate soul (hehe I'm hilarious) is arrested. However, they are integrated again when Aladdin returns under the guise of the magnificent Prince Ali. It is after this that the climactic disintegration occurs: Aladdin's secret is revealed, putting him out of Jasmine's good graces, and sending him packing on a one way trip where his prospects take a terminal dip.

During the disintegration, the protagonist usually goes on some quest involving dangers and a discovery of one's identity. It's usually difficult--emotionally, physically, mentally, spiritually, or all of the above--but the main character comes out of it stronger than before and with a better understanding of who they are, and, consequently, who they are with the original unit. So Aladdin gets evicted by Jafar, causing him to realize his childishness. He is no longer concerned merely with getting the pretty girl to like him, but with saving his friends--no matter the cost. (Our little boy's all grown up.)

Finally, after risking life and limb for his beloved, and forsaking his lies, Aladdin is reintegrated with Jasmine (and Genie, actually--an example of another layered plot), and they live happily ever after! The end.

So now you know the basic plot structure of a (comedic) romance. They can also end in tragedy--like Tristan and Ysolt or Romeo and Juliet--where the lovers are reunited only by dying together.

Just some final key things to note: classic romances also typically involve...

• A love story (which can sometimes be secondary)
• People of the upper class (knights, nobles, monarchs, etc.)
• Magic or some other supernatural force--even Christianity

Okay, now that I've probably bored most of you away, I'll get to my point.

We are a part of the greatest love story ever told. You probably know where I'm going with this, and you've probably even heard that phrase before, but it just clicked for me, basically blowing my mind.

As humans, we were integrated with the all-loving God at the beginning of creation. Adam and Eve walked with Him in the Garden. I imagine they laughed, hugged, fed squirrels, and just loved each other--Adam and Eve learning more about God all the time. It was love at first sight.

However, like Aladdin, we kind of messed things up. And by "kind of," I mean, oh boy, did we really screw up. We stole from and lied to our Creator God. We had to be separated.

BUT WAIT; THERE'S MORE. This is where the fun stuff comes in. Jesus Christ descended, bridging the gap between Bride and Groom for the ultimate reintegration, which happens only through the supernatural intercession of God. Furthermore, this story involves nobles, for we are His chosen race, joint-heirs with Christ, children of the most High King.

Our story, like any good narrative, is a little layered. We still have to go through life here on earth, which is wrought with pain, trials, and self-discovery, but soon, we'll be with Him for eternity.

We are living with Him happily ever after, and I don't know about you guys, but I can't wait to return home.

The best thing about this love story? We will never hear the words "The End."

Losing Control

"You are stronger, You are stronger. Sin is broken; You have saved me. It is written--Christ is risen! Jesus, You are Lord of all." --Hillsong, "Stronger"

So many times in my life, I panic at my lack of control. Things happen--or don't happen--all around without my say-so. At times--like tonight--I feel helpless, broken, and afraid. Papers, exams, quizzes, readings put me on edge. Let me tell you, that Lit Analysis paper I'm supposed to be getting back tomorrow is destroying my sanity.

Things so far in the future, some of which, may never even happen--marriage, a job--consume my mind. I've become so juvenile in my pursuit of things that I don't need. In reality, these are such small things to be concerned about, especially when put into perspective with God.

He is stronger than anything and everything in my life. He is stronger than me. I get tired and weak as I am now. This angst is so easily ignited by simply staying up too late or missing a meal. My body is frail--I have no great strength physically or emotionally. I can't even come close to measuring up to the "youth" in Isaiah 40. That guy could probably run circles around me for months, and I'd just collapse in a wheezing fit, clutching my inhaler. My emotions are as easily controlled--have you seen me watch Tangled? It's not pretty.

I am so weak and He is so strong. Why I insist on grasping to the phantom that is control is beyond me. I've never had it, and I never will. The key is not letting this helplessness overwhelm me, for I have a God Who has saved me--and He is stronger.

It's time for me to step aside and let Him do His job. This is where, like James, I need to prove my faith by my works.

So this is it. I find myself at the Red Sea once again, praying to God that when I take that step, the waters will part. What's the best thing? I know what will happen because I know my God.

Spoiler alert: they do.