Embracing self-worth rather than misplaced pride is the way to affect the change we want to see. It starts in you
As I look at the world and the hate therein
I can’t help but wonder if the root lies within,
you and me and the pains no one sees,
The pride, and punishment, an inner disease
embodied in the way we treat ourselves,
Reflected in each word and deed
Embracing a worth that is rooted in pride.
Or rejecting the worth vibrant inside
in who we are, unable to be whole,
Allowing the pains of life to take their toll,
Through self-harm and deprecation,
and societal havoc in each nation
Wondering where change is to be found,
Allowing ourselves to be…
Embracing the emotions that come from all sized heartbreaks…
Even small heartbreaks leave a scar,
Telling a story of who we now are.
A tale of a journey into our heart,
Slowly letting someone take part
in the joys and pains of the past and the present,
In moments of tumult and quiescence.
Your world and spirit not crushed or shaken,
But sadness lingers, and loneliness awakens
A hint of longing for a gentle touch,
Knowing another call might just be too much
in this odd time of growth and transition,
Your life, and theirs, in a new position.
Negating the impact is the instinct.
Ignoring heavy feelings hovering over…
A story about learning to redefine recovery and focus healing attention to oneself before others.
“So You Love an Alcoholic” were the words that caught my attention in a stack of pamphlets at my first Al-Anon meeting (a support group for friends and family of alcoholics). “Why am I here?” I thought to myself as I fruitlessly looked for the stereotypical AA pot of coffee. Even though I knew the answer to my question I had yet to fully grasp the reality of my situation.
The youngest attendee by fifteen or more years, I felt out of place and confused. I kept reminding myself, “Your fiancé is in recovery. Things are only temporary. It will…
And the desperate need for the humanities in our time.
As someone who holds a Bachelor’s in Theology, a Masters in Asian Religions, and who is in pursuit of a Ph.D. in Religious Studies I get asked why I study religion ALL the time. Often I get asked with a tone of disbelief, people wondering what the point is. Occasionally the question gets old but ultimately it is one I love answering because I truly believe that what I study is worthwhile for many reasons.
It is difficult to see the value of the study of religion at first glance. There are not many jobs associated with the field, and…
Keeping the lessons of the past. Living in the present. Not held to a moment in time.
I love stories! I love it, even more, when I can try to explain away a hurtful situation in story form. Although there can be many benefits to sharing stories of heartbreak and putting our hurt into words, it doesn’t come without its dangers.
One of my favorite radio programs/podcasts is The Moth. The Moth is many things, ultimately it is a platform for people to share their stories with others. These are well-crafted, personal stories that have the ability to connect you with that person in five to ten minutes. They range from powerful, to sweet, to funny. …
Trust is both something earned and undeservedly given.
New years, and new days, don’t rid ourselves…
Harmonious relationships come from staying in tune with…
Emphasizing shame over grace, Evangelical purity culture brought more harm than good, losing sight of what’s most important.
In recent years many people have spoken against the “purity culture” produced by Evangelical Christianity, emphasized in the Bible belt of the United States in the late 90s and early 2000s. People have been calling it out for its sexism, shaming, and overall unhealthy view of relationships, sex, and I believe an unhealthy view of God as well.
I grew up in this “purity culture” and I don’t recall all of the various young women retreats I attended with fondness. In these retreats worship, speaking, and ideas of purity were all over emotionalized and didn’t seem genuine or applicable to…
