Writing about religion, psychology, politics, and other impolite dinner conversations
Thus, the way that I will distinguish spirituality and religion is this: Spirituality is to believe that at one's core, you can tap into a guiding force of Love and that there is a powerful life force (whatever you call it) that moves us in the direction of healing and wholeness.
I think the real reason I am writing this post today is because I have been struggling to finish the last chapter of my book: a chapter entitled "Still Christian?" It's not that it's not written - it is.
The freeze response may occur in a religious context when people feel stuck or trapped in a harmful situation and they don't see viable options before them to get out or find safety. This could be anything from sexual, narcissistic, financial, or emotional abuse being perpetrated on church members, to simple faith deconstruction like questioning whether hell is real in a system where this is prohibited.
We have officially reached the anniversary of Covid being declared a pandemic. If, over the past year (or more) you have found yourself numb, detached, checked out, unmotivated, and in a word, frozen: then this post is for you.
The response you probably didn't even know existed. Today we are going to talk about an often-overlooked trauma response that is near and dear to my heart: the Please / Appease response and how it shows up in religious and political climates.
Joe Biden is President. Kamala Harris is a historic Vice President. A 22-year-old poet stole all our hearts, and she referenced Micah and vines and fig trees like I did a couple weeks ago! When I grow up can I be her, please? Executive orders are being signed, an impeachment trial is being planned, all … Continue reading Ideologies of fear vs love
He was learning that the Qu’ran was filled with commandments to kill the infidel and about jihad and that Muslims were dangerous, bad people.
I have decided to not be a “wolf in sheep’s clothing” but rather to be out of the closet about what I stand for. This is especially important in the context of a Christian counseling practice, where others might easily assume things about my beliefs.
(from 1-27-16) We are asked in class to introduce ourselves and share about our career path. I have been writing my way through my twenties and this writing helps me to orient myself to where I am and where I have been. The story I share comes with ease, though it is a deep reflection … Continue reading ebbing and flowing
(12-28-15) My friend unwraps Reese’s bells with the greatest deliberation and sets them before himself on the counter. One, two, three, four. He stuffs them all into his mouth at once because they taste better that way. Tears roll down my cheeks, my abs ache, I can’t breathe. I laugh every time just remembering it. … Continue reading joy, and undoing the knowing
