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.
Get Hard? Life Lesson from Gold
🕑 4 minutes
Imagine a child has a strict teacher and shares their struggle with the parent/caretaker. The adult may say, ‘Chin up! This experience is prepping you for the real, cruel world.’ Or maybe the parent takes action and inquires with the teacher or school.
Or maybe the parent tells the kid their presence actually helps break the cruel world–they are challenging to the teacher’s way of working/thinking.
Life throws so many hits we may be tempted to “Get Hard.”
Breakdance: Wisdom From/For The Heart
🕑 7 minutesMy daughter joined a Breakdance class last year. She always loved dancing and had a natural “popping” ability, so I showed her some styles online and Breaking caught her.
It might seem peculiar compared to e.g. swimming or soccer, but the style was as normal to me as street drummers or people passing with purple mohawks (I grew up in cities and various cultural circles).
But this was the first time I got to get close.
It’s one thing to hear about crews and listen to beats as a kid. It’s another to see your own kids rocking out.
And every time she had class, it was like all was well with the world..
Remix Your Life: A Note on Being vs. Labelling-Up
🕑 4 minutesI find it hard writing bios for my social media accts.– is it just me? Passionate about people, beats, geeking on both HP and government policy… I think about sounds, planets, cheering others on… and the minute a label nears (“woman” “mom” “american” “dutchie” “bookworm” “basshead”) I’m limited. I’m claustrophobic.
How many times have you labelled up?
6 Christmas Gifts from the Universe
🕑 5 minutesLast day of the year, and while many are feeling more carefree and hopeful, some are just trying to survive (connect people, pls).
The Christmas season can be rough, and means different things to different people,
But I keep thinking about Stars…
Lights in the street and homes, lights like hope in the dark season. A highlight in the Jesus Christmas story in that new star appearing on the horizon when he was born. If I think about God’s heart, I wonder if that was more than just a flare.
Here’s my take on 6 “Christmas” gifts thanks to the Christmas story. Enjoy and take with you into the New Year.
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)
