I am a Type A/Creative, recovering evangelical Christian, a poet, writer, self-sabotaging contemplative and community advocate living in the heart of the rural prairies, the buckle in the Bible belt of Canada, near Landmark, Manitoba.
I recently learned there’s a stage of life called ‘the hag’. Not maiden, mother, or crone, hag comes somewhere in midlife and fiercely defies anyone’s desire to label her. Beauty, decorum and other (particularly patriarchal) productivity ideals be damned. She is often shunned by patriarchal men, religious fundamentalists, and – surprisingly (or not) and sadly … More The Hag
On April 15, the Shekinah Formation program graduated 10 students as Spiritual Directors and released them into the wild. We weren’t perfect students and we won’t be perfect directors. We were brave, and kind, and even had some fun with each other now and again, didn’t we, guys? After two years, we learned how to … More The Graduation Announcement Post
*CW: spiritual abuse, rape. —
Recently I had the opportunity to watch the movie Women Talking, which was nominated for two Academy Awards and took home the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay. … More A Review of Women Talking (warning: contains spoilers)
For some, this post may feel like drawing lines in the sand and pulling out the label-machine and slapping a bunch of those big ol’ stickers around that say, “Hello, my name is _.” At the risk of sounding like I’m justifying my position before I’ve even begun, I want readers to know, I’m not … More (un)Biblical Fundamentalism and Literalism, Part Three: Inerrancy and Biblical Idolatry
The history of how the Bible was written, decided on (voted in/out) and translated is available for all to learn – from many historians and theologians better than me. In the years following the death of Jesus, the Jewish leaders (authors, followers, biographers, teachers, church and community) all had a vested interest in nailing down exactly … More (un)Biblical Fundamentalism and Literalism, Part Two: Culture, Context and Critical Thinking
Let’s talk about Bible literalism and scriptural inerrancy. I’ve been sitting on this topic a long time and continue to have trouble narrowing down what I’d like to say. So this is an invitation to a three part article series. I’ll try not to leave you hanging and actually complete all three. A few reminders, … More (un)Biblical Fundamentalism and Literalism, Part One: Humans and a History of Storytelling
I meditated outside today, using the phrase “I am one with God. I am one with all matter and energy.” This follows with my March meditation theme and the word “embody.” Listening to the sounds of the snow melt, water droplets hitting the ice, water droplets hitting the snow, water droplets hitting other puddles of … More The Great Melt
If you want a gorgeous yard, don’t fluff the blades of grass, get down to work on the roots and soil. The grassroots is the most fundamental, basic level of well, grass, but also ideas or political movements. Freedom is a grassroots value of America. Love is a grassroots part of marriage. Reading and writing … More Weeding out the Root: Getting to the heart of why the “freedom” convoy is not Christian love in action
My spiritual journey in adulthood has been marked by the themes of both connection and separation. I’ve always been a leader and a writer, using my gifts to write poetry, reflect on current events, discern the needs of others and encourage them on their journey. I’ve worked in politics, education, and religious institutions as a … More My Journey to Becoming a Spiritual Director
In most of my posts on this blog I had envisioned staying on topic or presenting my thoughts on a faith issue, instead of a personal, slice of life reflection. I already have a personal blog and this one being different enables me to explore life a bit differently, while also reaching out to others … More Beyond Deconstruction
The Prairie Thistle 