Today, August 2, 2025, marks one hundred and one years since the birth of the African American writer and activist James Baldwin; and inspired by his life and work, I have come to two conclusions about the meaning of secularism.
“Quaring” The Rhizome of Love Island: Making Romance Camp But (Almost) Never Subversive
At the time this essay is published on this blog, it is the summer of 2025, and Dami Hope and Indiyah Polack are in a relationship. A gorgeous and fashionable couple who each have a significant presence as content creators on social media, they met on Season 8 of the hit British reality dating show... Continue Reading →
Invisible and Alive
Last night or early this morning I had a dream about my uncle. When I woke up and he was gone (again), I felt lost. Hours later, I still do. Then I had a dream that my teeth fell out. I’ve had this dream so many times that it doesn’t frighten me anymore. I sat... Continue Reading →
Roots
I am from Reinhold Niebuhr and Cornel West on every bookshelf in the house From Holy Communion and Black History Quiz Bowl. I am from "I brought you into this world and I'll take you out" And "Your grandaddy was a freedom fighter." I am from kudzu Whose stubbornness and beauty flourish Even When it's... Continue Reading →
Angel Number
The first spell I learned Was when my friend pointed at a digital clock and said, "Eleven eleven. Make a wish." 11:11 One one one one In every half second My heart prays eleven times eleven times That you were still alive I don't wish that you would come back Because every story that told... Continue Reading →
Zen Buddhism, Kierkegaard, and the Duty to Love Your Neighbor
When it comes to the comparative study of Buddhism and Christianity, many scholars, theologians, and religious practitioners recognize the similarities and differences between the doctrines of these two religions. For instance, an academic journal known as Buddhist-Christian Studies explores “comparative methodology and historical comparisons” as well as highlighting “thoughtful articles, conference reports, and book reviews”... Continue Reading →
My Mom and Richard III Might Have Been Onto Something
Now is the winter of our discontent Made glorious summer by this sun of York Words that play On the cassette player of my childhood memories. Chilly Autumn evenings waiting In the mini-van For my dad to pick up the pizza. Me, my brother, And my mom, before cell phones detached us all from each... Continue Reading →
Healing Our DNA: An Ecowomanist Reflection
A reflection assignment from my Ecowomanism class: When we were asked to consider what in the earth is healing, I first thought of worms. Worms eat dirt and waste, and their waste in turn makes the soil healthy and nourishes the plants that we eat for food. We need worms, bees, and spiders. We need... Continue Reading →
Snakeskin
I have spent countless nights thinking about many of the things I ever said or did that were self-centered, unthoughtful, or toxic or problematic. There are people I have mistreated, especially at times when I didn’t know or like my own self very much. Now that I’ve matured and learned some life lessons (since my... Continue Reading →
First Semester Reflections: Reconciling Magic With My Christian Faith
I do wrestle with reconciling magic with Christianity....The God I have a personal relationship with is one of compassion, forgiveness, and understanding, and who challenges Her children to be brave and stand up for justice and righteousness.