Who Needs a Hug?!

Emilee Danielson -

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Gramster Rant: The Right to Say No

An interaction between Jerry Seinfeld and singer Kesha on the red carpet highlighted an important social boundary issue. When Kesha approached Seinfeld requesting a hug as a fan, he politely declined with a simple "no thank you." Though this created an awkward moment that sparked public criticism of Seinfeld, his response actually modeled healthy boundary-setting.

We wouldn't consider it appropriate if the roles were reversed - a male stranger demanding physical contact from a female celebrity. Personal space and physical boundaries deserve equal respect regardless of gender or celebrity status. Seinfeld later explained that at 63, he simply doesn't hug strangers, and that's completely reasonable.

The idea that "I'm a hugger" somehow grants permission to override others' comfort levels needs examining. We don't force other personal preferences on people this way. Teaching children to respect when others decline physical contact and to read social cues about comfort levels would prevent many boundary issues. Your celebrity status, personality type, or good intentions don't trump another person's right to personal space.

Salvage by God Deep Dive: Luke 18

Jesus told a parable about persistent prayer, featuring an unjust judge who eventually granted a widow's request simply because she wouldn't stop asking. The lesson wasn't just about persistence - it was about having faith that God, who is just and loving unlike the judge, will surely respond to His people's cries.

Key points:

  • We should pray consistently without losing heart
  • God's character, not our feelings, is the foundation for prayer
  • Persistent prayer demonstrates enduring faith
  • The question isn't if God will respond, but will He find faith on earth when He returns?

Right On or Way Off?

"The i before e except after c rule has been debunked by science" RIGHT ON - Though not because of linguistic research, but because the word "science" itself breaks the rule!

"The cup you drink your coffee from matters" RIGHT ON - While not scientifically proven, many people form emotional attachments to specific mugs that enhance their daily rituals and comfort.

"Our worship is not a response to how Jesus makes us feel; our worship is a response to Jesus's worth regardless of how we feel" RIGHT ON - While emotions may be present in worship, they shouldn't be the foundation. True worship flows from recognizing Christ's inherent worth, regardless of our feelings.

The episode concluded with updates about ministry developments at Fresh Encounter Church and encouragement to subscribe to the Salvage by God teaching platform.