I believe we are called to be helpers, not heroes. I know many believe that Jesus is the “Savior of the world,” but I am leaning more toward an idea that shows Jesus was the “Helper of the world.” When I think of the word “savior” I think of “hero.” When I think of the power of such a word, I am reminded of the words of Carter Heyward, an Episcopalian priest and feminist theologian who advanced a new understanding... Read more
No one needs to know what you are against. Jesus said that we would be known based on how we love others as we love ourselves. Indirectly, I am aware of what Jesus was against only because Jesus showed all of us what he was for. Jesus was for love, for inclusion, for mercy, forgiveness, and grace. If I know what Jesus was for and I claim to follow Jesus, is there any good reason to stand up and let... Read more
Now that Elizabeth Warren dropped out of the race, and everybody forgot that Tulsi Gabbard is still running, suddenly I have cause for female-oriented outrage. That’s right. Evidently, because Warren is no longer running for President, I should be reeling with devastating emotions because it’s apparent that a woman will not be the next President. Does the nation think so lowly of Gabbard? I mean, if it’s just about getting a woman in the white house, Gabbard seems like she... Read more
It’s rather serendipitous that on the same day that I was questioning my own meaning and purpose and considering whether to continue advancing my own ultimate goal, that a large package arrived in the mail. I wasn’t expecting a package. When I opened it, I found that it was filled with 40 books. The best day ever, right? My children helped me unpack the stacks of books and there was one in particular that stood out—even my daughter noticed it... Read more
An excerpt from Enfleshed: Making Monogamous Relationships Real I worry about the state of our relationships. Such is why I am so focused on understanding eroticism. History has been unkind to the erotic, abusing, distorting, manipulating and perverting the very essence of it. Eroticism has been altogether adulterated. I believe the consequence of such shifting has resulted in the perpetual loneliness that humanity faces. It is because we do not understand eroticism that we do not know how to maintain... Read more
One of my greatest struggles with relating to another is knowing when, where, and how to present authentic feedback or ask genuine questions. An authentic connection requires an ultimate vulnerability—meaning we are open to the possibility of wounding, and these wounds can cause pain to us or the Other. We don’t like pain, though, do we? We created conditions around our entire existence to protect us from or altogether prevent pain. When we enter any kind of mutual relation, however,... Read more
God, hear my prayer: I have been so distracted. I feel disconnected—from you and from others. My thoughts are disorganized. The more I try to reorganize, the more I try to take inventory, the more overwhelmed I feel. My head feels heavy. My flesh feels heavy. I feel like I am dragging a glacier around with me. Is it the season? The lack of sun? Is it the cold, dry air that makes me feel like I cannot breathe? Is... Read more
Erotic embodiment begins with exploring our anxieties and past trauma so that we can heal ourselves. From there, we can learn how to confront the conflicts that burden our relationships. We can strip down the layers of shame, resentment, and fear to reveal our authentic, naked selves. As I have learned from my own marriage, it requires not only tough love but tough work. Being married (or committed) is a process that ebbs and flows through highs and lows. Many... Read more
Apparently, I am a prude. But not just prudish, I am allegedly racist as well. I discovered all of this because I dared to offer criticism on the content of the middle of the break concert performance at a football game. I dared to question the intent of the chosen choreography and costume selections. I seem to always get into trouble when I ask questions. Am I outraged? No, not really. I am barely angry. I am confused. I am... Read more
Everybody wants somebody else’s attention because everybody wants somebody to love. If that isn’t more than apparent— thanks to the wonders of social media— then it’s time for a wake-up call. We seek attention day in and day out. Pay attention to my blog, to my podcast, watch my video, read my post—status update, story, tweet; pay attention to my clothes, to my hair—fresh extensions, new wig; look at me put my makeup on, look at me lift these weights,... Read more
Danielle Kingstrom
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In