DC is a city of sirens. I cannot make a phone call outside without having to pause for ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars to go by. They are the ambient noise to which I fall asleep, sometimes even puncturing my rest as tragedy and crime ravage the night. They are a nuisance, an interruption, … Continue reading American Privilege: A Thanksgiving Tale
Month: November 2016
My Favorite Things: Writing
Those old-school black and white composition notebooks were my favorite for writing down stories as a kid. When family came at Christmas, I wouldn't let them leave until everyone had spent some time with at least one of them. I liked coming up with elaborate plots but never finished stories. I also loved to write poetry—both … Continue reading My Favorite Things: Writing
The Christian’s Fear
I am a theologically conservative, politically liberal, Masters degree-holding, Christian, African-American woman. I have endured the scorn of the theologically liberal for being too conservative. I’ve received the reproach of the politically conservative for being a heretic. I’ve experienced the distrust of the uneducated for being elite. I’ve been accused by nonbelievers of being a … Continue reading The Christian’s Fear
I Know You to Be Kind: Responding to those who chose differently
In the days since the election, I've seen people grapple with how to respond to their friends who voted for Trump. I offered platitudes about staying engaged and trying to see things from others' views. I hadn't really had to personally to do this however because, until yesterday, I didn't know of any friends who made that decision. … Continue reading I Know You to Be Kind: Responding to those who chose differently
Crying from a Life Raft: A request of my white Christian brothers
Less than a week ago, I sat in the backwoods of West Virginia on fall retreat and listened to a pastor explain how we as Christians could understand God better when we live in community. He used his knowledge of his wife to illustrate. He thought he had known her very well as they were dating … Continue reading Crying from a Life Raft: A request of my white Christian brothers
Two Years and a Day
Today is historic. Since 2005, I haven't lived in any one place for more than two years. I lived in Luang Prabang for two years before making my exit. I spent a year and eight months in Seattle before moving abroad. Cambridge, Massachusetts was home for a year and ten months before I left for … Continue reading Two Years and a Day