Sukitte Ii na yo isn’t quite my type of series. Maybe, as R86 might say, there’s a little too much kissy-face. But what I do like about it is how well it conveys it’s lead character’s emotions. It’s written on her face, through her actions, and in her thoughts and words. And maybe more than anything said in episode 2 (even more than describing a kiss as being as good as deep fried chicken – surely not more than Korean style!), it was these words that said something to me:
I can’t understand him, but I think I’ll trust him.
For many Christians, I think this is the way we felt when we first came to accept Christ.
I attend a church where the background for many parishioners is similar – they grew up in church (Korean social center = church) and accepted Christ at a young age. Thus, God has always been a part of their families, in a way. They often can’t pinpoint a conversion moment – life with Christ has just rolled along from birth to rebirth.
It’s in this context that my wife frequently comments that she and I are a bit different from that norm. She was more like the two girls picking on Asami than a good, Christian girl. And I…well, I arranged my work schedule as a collegian to avoid church, spent considerable time exploring other religions (and none at all), and even when I did start attending my current church, usually spent Saturday night at a party before getting up way too early for service.
It’s for those outside the box for which Mei’s declaration above may sound most familiar. Why? Because God can hit us like a tidal wave, knocking up into the deep blue before we know it.
Mei is clearly unable to process her feelings – she’s up and down and can’t decide how she should act toward Yamato; and yet, despite all her reservations, she can’t help but be swept away.
This is the power of Christ. The Bible portrays Him as a most interesting figure – one that is so compelling that enemies, skeptics, and seekers alike are drawn to Him. They can’t help but listen to Him, and when they do, they are typically either outraged or broken.
At the moment when I truly realized the depths of my sin, I couldn’t help but turn to the grace of God. Everything that had told me otherwise about God, Jesus, and Christianity was suddenly shelved (it would later be investigated more deeply), because of the overwhelming call of God. I couldn’t help but turn to him, as Mai couldn’t help but be moved by Yamato.
And when we’re moved by love, our hearts our changed. Mai does things completely out of character – she makes a friend, stands up for that new friend, and encourages a confession. Without even knowing it, she’s become someone different. Yamato insists that she loves him for a different reason, but I think the evidence might be in the pudding – that is, all of these changes in her life.
And in our lives, that emotionally high of falling in love with Christ can mature into something more. As a relationship moves from infatuation to something more solid, so can one’s relationship with Christ. And maybe, that quote then becomes something different:
I’ve trusted him; now, I understand.
OMgosh. I’ve been following this for years. And I’m surprised you can still relate the story to your faith, You’re amazing. This manga has been placed in the category Smut. lol
Thank you.
And…really? I was wondering where the series would go, especially with it being physical and up front in the first couple of episodes.
You’ve given me a reason to drop one of my shows this season. 🙂
I just want to say that it won’t be a stupid story that’s all about sex. I have heard that Yamato and Mei do not even have sex in the series. There’s profanity and more mature subject matter compared to most shoujo series, but it isn’t really 18+ content from what I hear.
Dangit…now I’m back in. Too many series this season for me. 🙂
LOL!
I don’t even know why it’s smut. Well, the first chapters showed how the main guy and another guy( who will figure in the story later ) were not greenhorns ,,, that they were experienced biologically. But that’s all. Don’t drop it. And I’m sure if you’re watching the anime, it won’t be that bad. Mangas are more graphic than animes.
I had no idea this became an anime! I’ve followed the manga for a while, and though it’s not my usual genre, I still really like it. Mei is a relateable character, one that is deep-thinking and thought-provoking. Though the series is considered as smut, it’s really not that bad. It’s defiantly not aimed at 18+ audiences, so no worries.
I think you make a really great point – we’ll never totally understand God, never fully be like him or relate. He’s somehow far away and close at the same time. He isn’t tangible or visible, but we put our lives into His hands. It’s irrational, illogical, and dangerous; It’s love. I think describing His love as a tidal wave is perfect.
I hope you continue with the series! The manga is great, and it’s amazing to see Mei and Yamato change together. Not to give too much away, but just like in Kokoro Connect, Mei feels like she can never live up to anyone else. She thinks Yamato is almost this Godly character, someone she can’t get close to, as hard as she tries. She doesn’t understand how someone like him can loved such a flawed girl like herself. I think many Christians (myself included) feel the same toward God and struggle with this, even though we know it’s a fact He loves us.
Thanks for the kind words and as always, for the insightful comments. After reading the series themes you mention, I’m definitely interesting in continuing to see where this series goes!
I’ll chime in and say I’ve seen the manga series and it really isn’t what I consider smutty. The main protagonists have quite the pure relationship for a good portion of the series. Some of their friends are a little promiscuous, so there are some scenes of intimacy in the manga. I doubt they’d include that in the anime, especially since it doesn’t concern the main protagonists.
The relationship between Mei and Yamato is actually well developed on both sides, so it is worth it to continue on. Once again you insert a great Christian analysis where I least expect it. Keep it up!
Thanks for the kind comments, as always, as well as the insight! 🙂
I think it is good to add that many people come to accept Christ during the time when they feel a deep need in their life. Mei is lonely, Yamato comes and befriends her, and she responds in the most natural way — confused and happy at the same time. I have heard many conversion stories from different people wherein they are in a hard circumstance and then someone comes and help them. God does sometimes manifest himself in our life “like a tidal wave.” Still, sometimes we are too busy with life, job, school, friends, and others that we don’t even notice that he is actually manifesting himself. Sometimes it is when we are in need, alone, and away from the world that we can see God trying to “befriend” us. When we notice this, we feel happy that there is someone who wants to help us, and then we end up trusting him.
Thanks for sharing. Wise words, indeed! 🙂