Chapter 8: Should Our Public Self and the Private Self Be Split?
Enjoying the story so far? I am truly enjoying our time together!
Now we are increasing the romantic element of White Heart because Madeleine encounters Robert for the first time in Chapter Eight. What draws them together? Do you like Robert?
The research that I did on LaSalle presented his character in two different ways: some thought he was a womanizer and an aloof, arrogant leader. Others described him as a staunch Catholic, ambitious, and capable. How do you think Madeleine perceived him? Was he a good match for her?
Once I finished writing the book and looked back on how I described Robert, I discovered that I had split him in two. He was the aloof, arrogant, controlling leader at times. At others he was an enthusiastic, curious man who enjoyed Madeleine’s friendship. Have you seen people in your community who present two sides to their personalities?
As a counselor, I often challenge my clients to identify the “private side” and the “public side” of their personalities. The greater the gap between the two, the harder it is for the person to function.
Think about that for yourself: do you come across differently while you are out and about in public compared to your beign at home with your intimates? Do you have to work hard to hide the “true, private self” when you are out in public? Is it exhausting?
Having Jesus in my life has helped me close the gap between my private Self and my public Self. Both halves are trying to be like Christ. As that transformation happens, the private Self and the public Self overlap and will eventually merge. (Living a long time and basic maturity also help with that process.)
Madeleine and Robert discuss the distinction between being “religious” and being “spiritual” on page 78. This difference is important when it comes to understanding yourself. Is your relationship with God built on rituals and religious practices, on church principles and institutional expectations? Or is your relationship with God founded on the inner man, and not outward behaviors? Has your spirit joined with God’s Spirit? This union between God and man is only possible through the Person of Jesus Christ. With Christ in you, the peace of God falls upon you. (Read the Gospel of John to understand this more fully.)
Author Tidbit:
This is just FYI: As a writer I make a concerted effort repeat phrases or even distinct words within a few pages of each other. Yet on both pages 76 and 77, I use the phrase “Your reputation precedes you.” One of the weird experiences in re-reading what I wrote is that I pick up errors or edits that I should have made. This is one of them.
Oh well, can’t do anything about it now.
Up Next: Monday's blog post on Chapter 8!
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