"I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ." -Mahatma Gandhi I left the church behind years ago for many reasons--most of which involved the long journey of accepting the person I was and falling in love with that person. A person the church told me growing … Continue reading Christians: So Unlike Your Christ
Creative Writing – Nonfiction
Don’t Say Gay!
Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash "Don't say gay" Afraid they'll catch it--or afraid it'll be passed on to the next generation Trying to control the narrative of a story that isn't theirs to tell. Isn't theirs to live. A narrative that's unfamiliar to them. To be unfamiliar is something to be hated "You're not … Continue reading Don’t Say Gay!
September Creative Writing Challenge – Day 9: The Father
Photo by Julie Johnson on Unsplash When I was younger, my father used to take us camping every summer. I remember the camping trips were the highlight of the year, and we waited eagerly for the weekend when we would go out into the middle of nowhere for three to five days, pitch a tent, and make … Continue reading September Creative Writing Challenge – Day 9: The Father
September Creative Writing Challenge – Day 6: The Treasure
Photo by Roman Kraft on Unsplash There are many definitions for the word “Treasure.” According to Merriam-Webster, treasure can be “wealth (such as money, jewels, or precious metals) stored up or hoarded; wealth of any kind or in any form; a store of money in reserve; something of great worth or value, also: a person esteemed as rare … Continue reading September Creative Writing Challenge – Day 6: The Treasure
Moving Past “I want…” and into “I am…”
Photo by Clever Visuals on Unsplash I usually try to have a writing craft book in my “currently reading” pile or bookshelf, and right now I’m reading DIY MFA by Gabriela Pereira. I’m really enjoying her writing style, and she presents her tips, tricks, and knowledge to her readers in an easy-to-follow way that allows readers … Continue reading Moving Past “I want…” and into “I am…”
Inspired by Life
What is Your Philosophy on Life? Just recently, I was asked to write an ethics statement for my views on education, and my mind kept jumping way out of scope to the values I hold in life. I had to squeeze them all down to fit into a classroom philosophy of teaching, but my life … Continue reading Inspired by Life
Love and Loving Unconditionally
Love and Loving Unconditionally I've heard it a thousand times. "I will love the person, but hate the sin." I truly believe that most Christians who make use of this popular phrase truly mean well. I also think that they've heard it so many times that they don't consider how conditional that makes their claim … Continue reading Love and Loving Unconditionally
Love is…
*Begins sappy writing* "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always … Continue reading Love is…
NOH8
I don't know who you are, and you don't know me. However, we have a mutual Facebook friend, and that's how I came across and was able to read the words you don't even realize have torn me down. You claim that you have never used hate, bigotry, or harassment to promote your beliefs, but … Continue reading NOH8
Reflections from the Past and Dreams for the Future
Reflections from the Past and Dreams for the Future Tonight I was rummaging through some of my past writings, both way back when and in the more recent past, when I came across a writing from when I first began the coming out process to my friends and co-workers. Mostly, it was about Nick and … Continue reading Reflections from the Past and Dreams for the Future
Joshua's Musings 