It’s been a tiring year of significant loss. Loss of life. Loss of “regular life”—family, friends, work, school, and more I find I need to do something to recognize this loss and grief as life opens up to a “new normal.” A ritual. An embodiment. Something by myself or with others that helps recognize, externalize, move forward. I wrote what…
Category: Blog
How We Honored Our Vaccination
It was two weeks after my second Pfizer shot. So, to honor the end of the I-must-isolate-from-everyone and my-mask-is-my-only-defense phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, I did a thing. I did a thing with friends and my husband who were also just two weeks out from their second shot. First, we hugged. I’ve had millions of hugs from those who live…
A Biblical Case for Women in Church Leadership: Name the Women
If I were to make a biblical case for women in church leadership, I would start with the stories of women in scripture. Women who acted independently of male authority. Women who did the work of God. I would tell you about Eve, the mother of the living, who was created fully in the image of God and charged to…
BIG Emotions Bothering You? Try a Ritual!
Some people have emotions that are steady and manageable. Some people are never knocked over by their emotions. NOT ME. I’ve always had BIG emotions. And not in a bad way—I love a lot, so that brings BIG pain. Sometimes the pain comes when I lose someone, and sometimes it’s just because they are in pain. I feel things. Patriarchy…
COVID You Thief!
COVID, you thief! You robbed me and I’m mad. I tell myself to be grateful because I still have a job. Grateful my family is safe and healthy. Grateful for so much. . . And I AM grateful. I recognize my privilege. But the grateful feelings don’t cancel out the anger. I AM grateful. At the same time, I am…
A Crown of Beauty for Ashes
Many of you know that for the first 8.5 weeks of the pandemic, my husband and I were separated. We lost his dad and he went to Syria to grieve. No one could have predicted border and airport closures. He returned to us one month ago. . The challenges of those weeks were innumerable. I focused on my job and…
Black Lives, Enneagrams, and Intentions
Today, I’m raising my voice for black lives—here is why I haven’t before and why I do now. Let’s start with personality. Some students think I’m an enneagram 8, the Challenger. I’m not. I’m a 1, the Reformer (I prefer “Reformer” to “Perfectionist” because I like to deny my ugly truth). Since I’m a strong, bold, teacher, my students think…
How About a Divorce Ceremony?
“No one who walks down the aisle hopes to divorce in the future. But statistically many American marriages end in divorce. While divorce may be a relief, it is also filled with pain and questions. We need to pastor divorced people in a way that ensures they find peace with God and other Christians. Besides counsel and other help, we…
Let’s Sing Songs about Biblical Women!
I grew up on kids’ Bible songs. I walked and lept around the living room as we sang about the healing of the lame man. I hit hits my fists together to show how “The Wise man Built his House” and I joined my hands over my head to show that “His Banner over me is love.” Even today, my…
Why I’m *Mostly* Quitting Social Media: My Enneagram Type
I’m an enneagram 1 wing 2 and social media is toxic to me. I have long poked fun at those those enneagram-cult-people. . . But a couple of them have gotten me hooked (you know who you are). I’m a 1 wing 2 and social media is toxic for me. Besides being self-critical (as noted in this post) I am…