I think it is truly beautiful to see others care for those they do not know. The empathy and energy that it requires is sometimes more than I am willing to extend, sometimes. It’s a problem I have- I am detached from so much that it is both a strength and a weakness. To a point, it can appear as though I am nihilistic, perhaps even numb to the pain and suffering of the world. I am not numb. I... Read more
A rather necessary distinction is needed thanks to another week of scandalous tweets and insta-outrage. The distinction between Christ privilege and white privilege. The following words will not argue against the idea that white privilege exists, however. I am not here to refute the claim that those with white skin have shields protecting them from suffering. No. My aim is simply to highlight some of the baffling things that many of us may be guilty of saying and what it... Read more
Some would say that I ride fences. Others would say that I fear making a mistake. Still others would reduce me to someone who merely has a weak constitution. That the very idea that I don’t like to pick sides means that I develop an anxiety over having too much choice. Others would insist that not choosing a side is choosing a side, although I have not quite worked out the math of such an equation. If I offer no... Read more
Self-doubt is what kills desire. Which ultimately, can destroy your sex life. It is self-doubt that keeps us from an absolute surrender to another. Self-doubt is that nagging voice inside that says “You cannot wear this; you look ridiculous—look at those love handles!” Self-doubt says: “You cannot start trying new things at 36! You are too old.” Self- doubt says: “She won’t like this, so why would I even suggest it”!? Self-Doubt is a Noxious Weed Self-doubt is also a... Read more
After spending hours watching the Democratic debates, I suddenly feel as though my whole way of life, and all that I experience, is a lie. Apparently, the economy is not providing for me. I was informed that unless I am a big corporation, that I won’t succeed. I won’t make anything for myself. I cannot rise above my own standard of living if I attempt to. Stuck I am stuck, in the middle of chaos, and so long as Trump... Read more
Let me start off by saying this: I don’t believe the collective “we” really wants to understand one another. Understanding the Other means: we must connect with them. If we connect with them; we humanize them. If we humanize them, we cannot demonize them or use them as our scapegoat. Them. Them. Them. We rely on them to blame, shame, and target. It is them who bears the burden of our anger and inequality. It is us who are righteous... Read more
The center of the storm. Is it the center of suffering? The storm I have been facing—it’s been relatively calm. But only because I have refused to continue moving outward from the center of this storm that is my life. Of course, I am being dramatic. Unlike the inner-workings of an actual center of a storm, take for instance a tornado; I have a little bit more control over how long I hover in this center. I can resist the... Read more
Have you ever read a book that compelled you to look at what you have been practicing and think to yourself, “Oh shit! I have been doing it all wrong”? For me, Confident Humility by Dan Kent, is that book. In order to become your full self, you have to resist that urge that justifies becoming full of yourself. How do you do this? By practicing confident humility- a third option. An option that most of us have seemingly already... Read more
How dare you ask for an apology! Or so that’s how the message goes. If you look around, it seems that everyone, everywhere are demanding the ultimate “I am sorry” and the requests are taken as the grandest of offenses. Never mind what has been said or done; who would have the nerve (especially in this society of all societies) to ask for an apology?! If you have been paying attention to the news cycles, you’ll see a common demonstration... Read more
The Church is Queer A defiant yet definitive statement, boldly proclaimed by Lenny Duncan, pastor and author of Dear Church; a Love Letter from a Black Preacher to the Whitest Denomination in the U.S. A statement that I believe should be echoed throughout all avenues and social applications. What is “Queer”? To be queer is to be beautifully unorthodox. To be queer is to deconstruct all of the societal norms and definitions that force us to choose box A or... Read more
Danielle Kingstrom
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