#nurturing love

[joycrispy]

Awhile ago @ouidamforeman made this post:

This shot through my brain like a chain of firecrackers, so, without derailing the original post, I have some THOUGHTS to add about why this concept is not only hilarious (because it is), but also...

It. It kind of fucks. Severely.

And in a delightfully Pratchett-y way, I'd dare to suggest.

I'll explain:

As inferred above, both Crowley AND Aziraphale have canonical Biblical counterparts. Not by name, no, but by function.

Crowley, of course, is the serpent of Eden.

(note on the serpent of Eden: In Genesis 3:1-15, at least, the serpent is not identified as anything other than a serpent, albeit one that can talk. Later, it will be variously interpreted as a traitorous agent of Hell, as a demon, as a guise of Satan himself, etc. In Good Omens --as a slinky ginger who walks funny)

Lesser known, at least so far as I can tell, is the flaming sword. It, too, appears in Genesis 3, in the very last line:

"So he drove out the man; and placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life." --Genesis 3:24, KJV

Thanks to translation ambiguity, there is some debate concerning the nature of the flaming sword --is it a divine weapon given unto one of the Cherubim (if so, why only one)? Or is it an independent entity, which takes the form of a sword (as other angelic beings take the form of wheels and such)? For our purposes, I don't think the distinction matters. The guard at the gate of Eden, whether an angel wielding the sword or an angel who IS the sword, is Aziraphale.

(note on the flaming sword: in some traditions --Eastern Orthodox, for example-- it is held that upon Christ's death and resurrection, the flaming sword gave up it's post and vanished from Eden for good. By these sensibilities, the removal of the sword signifies the redemption and salvation of man.

...Put a pin in that. We're coming back to it.)

So, we have our pair. The Serpent and the Sword, introduced at the beginning and the end (ha) of the very same chapter of Genesis.

But here's the important bit, the bit that's not immediately obvious, the bit that nonetheless encapsulates one of the central themes, if not THE central theme, of Good Omens:

The Sword was never intended to guard Eden while Adam and Eve were still in it.

Do you understand?

The Sword's function was never to protect them. It doesn't even appear until after they've already fallen. No... it was to usher Adam and Eve from the garden, and then keep them out. It was a threat. It was a punishment.

The flaming sword was given to be used against them.

So. Again. We have our pair. The Serpent and the Sword: the inception and the consequence of original sin, personified. They are the one-two punch that launches mankind from paradise, after Hell lures it to destruction and Heaven condemns it for being destroyed. Which is to say that despite being, supposedly, hereditary enemies on two different sides of a celestial cold war, they are actually unified by one purpose, one pivotal role to play in the Divine Plan: completely fucking humanity over.

That's how it's supposed to go. It is written.

...But, in Good Omens, they're not just the Serpent and the Sword.

They're Crowley and Aziraphale.

(author begins to go insane from emotion under the cut)

In Good Omens, humanity is handed it's salvation (pin!) scarcely half an hour after losing it. Instead of looming over God's empty garden, the sword protects a very sad, very scared and very pregnant girl. And no, not because a blameless martyr suffered and died for the privilege, either.

It was just that she'd had such a bad day. And there were vicious animals out there. And Aziraphale worried she would be cold.

...I need to impress upon you how much this is NOT just a matter of being careless with company property. With this one act of kindness, Aziraphale is undermining the whole entire POINT of the expulsion from Eden. God Herself confronts him about it, and he lies. To God.

And the Serpent--

(Crowley, that is, who wonders what's so bad about knowing the difference between good and evil anyway; who thinks that maybe he did a GOOD thing when he tempted Eve with the apple; who objects that God is over-reacting to a first offense; who knows what it is to fall but not what it is to be comforted after the fact...)

--just goes ahead and falls in love with him about it.

As for Crowley --I barely need to explain him, right? People have been making the 'didn't the serpent actually do us a solid?' argument for centuries. But if I'm going to quote one of them, it may as well be the one Neil Gaiman wrote ficlet about:

"If the account given in Genesis is really true, ought we not, after all, to thank this serpent? He was the first schoolmaster, the first advocate of learning, the first enemy of ignorance, the first to whisper in human ears the sacred word liberty, the creator of ambition, the author of modesty, of inquiry, of doubt, of investigation, of progress and of civilization." --Robert G. Ingersoll

The first to ask questions.

Even beyond flattering literary interpretation, we know that Crowley is, so often, discreetly running damage control on the machinations of Heaven and Hell. When he can get away with it. Occasionally, when he can't (1827).

And Aziraphale loves him for it, too. Loves him back.

And so this romance plays out over millennia, where they fall in love with each other but also the world, because of each other and because of the world. But it begins in Eden. Where, instead of acting as the first Earthly example of Divine/Diabolical collusion and callousness--

(other examples --the flood; the bet with Satan; the back channels; the exchange of Holy Water and Hellfire; and on and on...)

--they refuse. Without even necessarily knowing they're doing it, they just refuse. Refuse to trivialize human life, and refuse to hate each other.

To write a story about the Serpent and the Sword falling in love is to write a story about transgression.

Not just in the sense that they are a demon and an angel, and it's ~forbidden. That's part of it, yeah, but the greater part of it is that they are THIS demon and angel, in particular. From The Real Bible's Book of Genesis, in the chapter where man falls.

It's the sort of thing you write and laugh. And then you look at it. And you think. And then you frown, and you sit up a little straighter. And you think.

And then you keep writing.

And what emerges hits you like a goddamn truck.

(...A lot of Pratchett reads that way. I believe Gaiman when he says Pratchett would have been happy with the romance, by the way. I really really do).

It's a story about transgression, about love as transgression. They break the rules by loving each other, by loving creation, and by rejecting the hatred and hypocrisy that would have triangulated them as a unified blow against humanity, before humanity had even really got started. And yeah, hell, it's a queer romance too, just to really drive the point home (oh, that!!! THAT!!!)

...I could spend a long time wildly gesturing at this and never be satisfied. Instead of watching me do that (I'll spare you), please look at this gif:

I love this shot so much.

Look at Eve and Crowley moving, at the same time in the same direction, towards their respective wielders of the flaming sword. Adam reaches out and takes her hand; Aziraphale reaches out and covers him with a wing.

You know what a shot like that establishes? Likeness. Commonality. Kinship.

"Our side" was never just Crowley and Aziraphale. Crowley says as much at the end of season 1 ("--all of us against all of them."). From the beginning, "our side" was Crowley, Aziraphale, and every single human being. Lately that's around 8 billion, but once upon a time it was just two other people. Another couple. The primeval mother and father.

But Adam and Eve die, eventually. Humanity grows without them. It's Crowley and Aziraphale who remain, and who protect it. Who...oversee it's upbringing.

Godfathers. Sort of.

[harmonyhealinghub]

My Journey of Empowerment: Nurturing Others Despite Infertility

Shaina Tranquilino

December 15, 2023

Life has a way of taking unexpected turns, leading us down paths we never thought we'd tread. For me, the journey of being infertile and not being able to have children has been one filled with both heartbreak and triumph. But despite this challenge, I have found solace and purpose in my career as an early childhood educator and doula. Today, I want to share my story of how these roles have empowered me, allowing me to nurture others even though motherhood may not be a part of my own story.

Finding Fulfillment in Early Childhood Education:

As an early childhood educator, I am blessed with the opportunity to shape young minds and provide them with a solid foundation for their future endeavours. While some may argue that only those who are parents can truly connect with children on a deep level, I believe that love knows no boundaries or biological ties. Every day, as I engage with these little learners, I witness the joy they bring into my life - it's like having hundreds of surrogate children.

Through teaching, storytelling, playtime activities, and fostering learning environments that encourage curiosity and growth, I find immense fulfillment in nourishing their development. The trust they place in me allows me to be their guiding light during this crucial phase of life. Being an early childhood educator enables me to channel my maternal instincts towards helping every child flourish emotionally, intellectually, and socially.

The Empowering Role of a Doula:

While my infertility prevents me from experiencing pregnancy firsthand or giving birth myself, becoming a doula has allowed me to empower women throughout their transformative journey into motherhood. As a doula, I offer support physically and emotionally during pregnancy, labour, and delivery. This role gives me the privilege of witnessing the incredible strength women possess while bringing new life into this world.

By providing guidance on birth plans, offering comfort measures, and serving as an advocate for the mother's wishes, I aim to make this pivotal experience a positive and empowering one. My personal journey with infertility has taught me compassion, empathy, and resilience - qualities that I bring to each birthing experience. Although not being able to have children of my own can be painful at times, helping other women embrace the beauty of childbirth allows me to find solace in nurturing their journeys.

The Hidden Mother Within:

While society may equate motherhood solely with giving birth and raising biological children, I firmly believe that there are many ways to embrace the spirit of motherhood. The love we share, the care we provide, and the impact we make on others' lives are not limited by our ability to conceive or give birth.

Through my work as an early childhood educator and doula, I have come to understand that motherhood is not defined solely by genetics but by the connections we forge and nurture with those around us. Each child who enters my classroom becomes a part of my extended family, while every woman I support during birth becomes a cherished part of my journey towards empowerment.

Infertility may have altered the trajectory of my life in unexpected ways, but it has also led me down a path filled with purpose, fulfillment, and joy. Being an early childhood educator provides me with endless opportunities to shape young minds and nurture their growth. As a doula, I empower women through pregnancy and childbirth journeys they embark upon. Through these roles, I have come to realize that being a "mother" extends far beyond conventional definitions; it encompasses compassion, understanding, and dedication.

Though I may never experience parenthood in the traditional sense, my career choices enable me to leave a lasting impact on countless lives. By embracing the hidden mother within myself, I am reminded that love knows no boundaries - it transcends biology and manifests itself in various forms. And so, I continue to embrace my journey of empowerment, finding solace in knowing that nurturing others is the closest experience I will have to being a mother.

[biggest-gaudiest-patronuses]

going through my old journals as part of therapy homework and i'm reading a section written in the emotional wreckage of a full-on breakdown when i get hit with this line:

There is never a satisfying answer to ‘Why didn’t they love me?’

like wow babe. good fucking point

[gunstellations]

its sonics turn! 👅

[hellspawnmotel]

epsilons

[critter-wizard]

you are all I have, you are the eyes that see, the air that breathes, how can I worship anything else?

[monsterhospital]

Oh the happiness everybody wants to be me friend :)

[megafavna]

fursona 🤍

[inklessletter]

"It's you, you know? It's not the sea, it's not the sun. It's you. You are my favourite part of the summer. It has always been you."

🏖️

Even if if took me DAYS, I'm thrilled to say that I finally finished it. Thank you so much for trusting the process yet again with me, for being such patients sweet lovely little things.

Thank you so, so much.

[yoiyoms]

more actor au doodles... Till on-set for round7

09 Nov. <- bluesky link ... twitter link

[coquelicoq]

it's about...longevity? stability? it's about natsume believing he'll be somewhere long enough to plant flowers and see them bloom. it's about him taking touko seriously when she asks him to tell her what flowers he wants to plant. it's about making something with his own hands, building a future with the fujiwaras. it's about him repairing a rundown home for someone else, restoring it because it's beloved to them, because it's the home of someone they love. it's about him seeing touko's joy and thinking about the youkai saying we'd like to look upon her happy face forever. it's about the box garden making him think of the fujiwaras' garden and his parents' garden, about the flowers being both the memory of flowers that bloomed there before, and the flowers that he and the youkai planted earlier that day. it's about him waking up in both worlds with sensei. it's about touko finding the petal in his hair. it's about him feeling how he falls short and the youkai saying, but you have such gentle hands...

[missbliss12]

A bit more Batman doodles with Dick and Damian doing (parent and child) acroyoga...

[stilitrash]

Simon and Marcy have the same taste in women and that's beautiful <3

[compaculaaa]

Ok... but does that make the high guard a group of emotionally dense family members?

yes

[i-dreamed-i-had-a-son]

jon val jon or something

[cecoeur]

it's hell on earth to be heavenly them's the breaks, they don't come gently