"A Family of Freedom Fighters"

Rahab who is an ancestor of Jesus lived in Jericho, during the time when the Israelites were planning on their conquer of the holy land. Rahab lived on the outskirts of Jericho because of her place in society. She was a prostitute and therefore shunned in the city. When two spies were sent from Joshua into the city, they came upon Rahab in need of help. She in turn sheltered them, and knew much about the Israelites activities. When the king found out about the spies he ordered Rahab to turn them in, she hid them on her roof and told the king the spies had come and gone, their identity unknown to her. Before the spies left, Rahab requested that her and her family be saved when the Israelites came fighting for the city. They said to hang a scarlet string (speaks to the lambs blood of the Israelites in Egypt) from her window so the warriors would know not to harm the residents. When the warriors came to take the city, Joshua sent the two spies to rescue Rahab and her family. From then on they all lived among the Israelites.

In Biblical times Israelites had problems with foreigners, specifically foreign women. They viewed them as only seducing Israelite men into worshiping other gods. (handout) But Rahab was a exception to this stereotype. Although a prostitute and a Canaanite, Rahab recognized the Israelites God as God, "Yahweh your God is indeed God in heaven above and on earth below." (2:11b) She also proved to be trustworthy and helpful, when hiding the spies. Jesus too was an exception, he challenged traditions and concepts. The Bible, especially the Book of Joshua, neglects to include many women. The women who do get mentioned, such as Rahab represent an exception. Rahab is mentioned in the Old Testament as well as in Jesus' genealogy written by Matthew, because of the dangerous acts she made that contributed to the Israelites conquer. Rahab and Jesus committed dangerous acts towards freedom. Rahab lying to the king to save the spies in anticipation of the freedom of the Israelites. Jesus committed dangerous acts daily. Welcoming outcasts, such as prostitutes and lepers. Preaching such radical ideas in hopes that they would lead to freedom of spirit, that the high priests challenged him and called him blasphemous. Rahab is included because of her exceptions to stereotypes and her fight for freedom that Jesus duplicated in his life.
Cites: Bible.com
Jewishencyclopedia.com
Joshua Handout

Portfolio 1: What I think I can Achieve

I feel like I am capable of earning an A in this class. That is dependent on a very big amount of effort on my part. I usually participate in discussion often but not consistently, but now I will do my best. I try to show insight,   but honestly, depending on the teacher, I sometimes just do the bare-minimum. Mr. Sutphin isn't a bare-minimum teacher. Sometimes I depend upon the teacher, but I will do my best not to. If I don't put this great effort, then I am positive that I can achieve an B. But since, it's the beginning of the year I declare that I can fulfill the requirements of an A grade.
 

Portfolio 1: Who is Jesus, Really

 I think Jesus taught about change. Whether it be a change of opinion, or a change of actions. Jesus taught to change people's opinon of others, to let go of stereotypes. He taught this through his Good Samaritan Parable. In the Parable citizens thought highly of as upright people- a priest and a rich man (Levite) ignored the helpless man. But a Samaritan-a person not regarded as honorable, helped the beaten man. Jesus taught
by example of how to change actions. When society was banishing 
taxcollectors, Jesus invited one to eat with him.  He accepted Mary Magdelene as a follower despite her past as a prostitute, a profession regarded as the most unholy. Through his acceptance of her, Jesus taught that repentance is effective. Jesus taught  that instead of acts of banishment and ignorance to act with acceptance. 
I believe that I am trying to be a follower of the teachings I just described. I am trying to change my stereotypical opinions of others, especially since this summer. During a trip to LA, I met this kid named Andy. Andy was from a place I can't remember the name of, but he told me it's in the middle of nowhere.Andy told me a story about a time he was called a hick just because he came 
from a small town. Andy is the furthest thing I've met from a hick. When being honest with myself, I know that I am one of the people that assume, if you live anywhere near the south, you have certain beliefs which usually don't coincide with mine, and I title them "hicks". But since I met Andy, I try my best to no longer do that. I am also trying to change my indifferent actions towards others, mainly by taking interest in their life.

Portfolio 1 : Why We Tell Stories

The story that my family tells about me again and again takes place when I was a little over the age of three. My grandpa used to babysit me while my parents were at work. One day while I was at my grandparent's house, my grandpa forgot to give me lunch. Eventually I became aware of my hunger and I asked my grandpa for "yunch." Being a little girl I could not pronounce my "L's" and this thoroughly confused my grandpa. "Yunch?" He asked, "What is that?" I continued on asking for yunch and my grandpa continued to be baffled. Until finally I took my grandpa's hand, led him into the kitchen, stood him in front of the refrigerator and pointed, "YUNCH!" This cleared up the confusion and subsequently I received my lunch.
Stories are told for a number of reasons, to teach, to entertain, to leave a legacy. I believe that my family tells this story for entertainment. The situation in itself is amusing; my grandpa, a stoic old man and me, a young playful kid attempting to coexist. And I believe my family likes the thought of this a lot. Sometimes they don't bother telling the whole story, but just say the word, "yunch." Which is met with much laughter. When they do tell the entire story, they add voices and movement-efforts that show that they treasure the story.