The First 3 Christmas Gifts: A Little Life Encouragement
It’s been a rough year. Some of us have lost so much. Lives, livelihoods.. but dammit, we can’t lose hope. Covid has turned our world upside down, but there have also been some bright spots, like really “seeing” people.
But as the year closes, gratitude and Gift-giving are on some minds. I thought a reflection on the first “Christmas” gifts might boost us all. Who doesn’t like a gift?
I’ll start with this: the gifts given to Jesus are gifts for each of us.
Of Stars & Men: A Note on Grief, Love & Life
🕑 6 minutesPart of this blog has been about coming out about stuff. Being vulnerable, daring to share. That’s why it’s sometimes quiet– not because I’m not writing, but because I’m not posting, not letting go.
This time was different. I wasn’t writing. These are the first words penned since I lost
Rebel Christian ABC’s
🕑 5 minutesFor anyone who thought ‘I want nothing to do with God, or “Christians” because of what they do, say, put into policy’ (read: USA, White House), or for any who had the bible used against them, outcasts not “good enough” for “Church,” or those who asked too many questions, had too many ideas, or just didn’t fit. To all who wonder if unconditional love is real, if God cares, or if there are better things to come.. This if for you. <3
Rebel Christian Alphabet. Rock heartily.
A – Always look up, because this world will break your heart and press your soul like a coffee bean–read: crush.
B – Be Weary of people who claim to be Christian, or quote scripture(s) but have a way, rhetoric or straight-up deeds that are anything but Christ-like.
C – Compassion is the Compass
D – Don’t be Afraid to Stand Up for what you believe in, Speak Out for those who can’t speak for themselves, and Fight Hard to the Finish (usque ad finem)
10 Life & Sex Lessons Mom Never Told Me: #10. Sex = A-Bomb, for Better or Worse
Final post in #UnashamedList series. Written especially for youth navigating issues like sexual integrity, porn addiction, (sexual) abuse, etc.
Series intro and full 10 Day list here.
Sex was a massive part of my youth. I’ve shared snapshots of how hard it is being sexualized at an early age throughout this series. I’ve come out about the insidiousness of porn, upsides of “waiting,” and consequences of just doing everything you think is right.
But everything is more complicated Today.
That’s me on my 17th Birthday. No Instagram, Twitter or Tinder back in the 90’s. No Selfies or Filters to daily challenge my self-esteem. If a party got crazy, any d* pics were probably taken with a throwaway camera. There was no Social Media to torch a reputation or courage.
And when I went through a “tomboy” phase, LGBTQ wasn’t even on the radar…
There’s so much pressure on youth today. Few places to just Be. #MadRespect for all walking through it daily…
10 Life & Sex Lessons Mom Never Told Me: #9- Get Yourself Checked w/a Friend
Day 9 from the #UnashamedList. Written especially to support eg youth navigating issues like sexual integrity, porn addiction, sexual abuse, etc… Series intro here.
You’ve got to do it sometime.
I’m going to be honest. I don’t know if getting tested for STD’s is so normal now that it’s trend. I heard Trevor Noah (The Daily Show) joke once about Chlamydia and how everyone has it.
Oh really?
But if you’ve never been checked out and have been sexually active–from intercourse, to just oral sex– Get. Yourself. Checked.
10 Life & Sex Lessons Mom Never Told Me: #8- Your Body Means Something, It’s OK to Wait
Day 8 from the #UnashamedList, a special series written to support any youth navigating issues like sexual integrity, porn addiction, etc… Series intro here.
We live in an instant gratification society.
Almost everything is at our fingertips, with a click or swipe. Waiting is a special skill.
Especially with sex: how foreign the idea of waiting might be…
Still, I wish I did. What’s more, I wish someone told me this was even an option. Waiting, sexual integrity, and my body as valuable property weren’t topics I was busy with.
Music, crushing and fun was.
Kids.