I appreciate the reflection… makes me wonder if I was part of that group of helpful and sane people that summer… regardless, my life was similarly changed that year when I came to understand that I couldn’t earn God’s approval. My experience wasn’t one of cult membership, but rather self-imposed bondage to religious works-righteousness. That transformation has marked me these 20-plus years as a turning point in my story; it makes me smile to read your recounting and believe that others were similarly affected.
Yes, Greg, you were, you were! That summer was almost beyond words in its impact on my life with God. I think of it often. Since you were there, you know there is so much more to the story than what I share here. It's so good to hear from you!
I am thankful that for all of the bad in our current timeline that one of the good things is that more and more people are understanding that what they went through was religious trauma, and they are on a healing journey that also includes helping others by sharing their story. I relate to what you are saying here in so many ways. I'm glad we are spiritually wondering and wandering together.
Rebecca! What a joy to find you here and what deep, deep challenge as well as refreshment your bring as you masterfully weave your experiences and what you have read to tell your own story. You challenge me to listen better and ask better questions—muscles I’ve needed to train all my life. I believe we overlapped in that Asheville season—book club—but my mind was full as ever with my own thoughts. I have missed so many opportunities to hear others’ thoughts by living in that navel-gazing space. Thank you for stretching my perspective and doing so with hauntingly beautiful images. Your writing tolls a chime resounding and clear that strikes me to my core: Lovely and poignant.
Kelsey, what kind, kind words--and how good to hear from you! I'm glad you found me here. You were, indeed, part of that Asheville season. So much going on for all of us. I've followed your substack and am looking forward to hearing what *you* have to say. :)
Well…I’m afraid the charcoal is still just that at the moment. Maybe someday it will turn to a different form of carbon—but I don’t currently see the glint of diamonds in my work. Rather than beaming out with brilliant, beacon-on-a-hill compositions, I use words to gather. I feast on others’ words like a woman starved, and point other beggars to the bread I’ve found. I have some more heart work to do before I’m able to lay out a nourishing feast of my own…
Thanks for sharing your journey.
Thank you for being here, Tanya.
I appreciate the reflection… makes me wonder if I was part of that group of helpful and sane people that summer… regardless, my life was similarly changed that year when I came to understand that I couldn’t earn God’s approval. My experience wasn’t one of cult membership, but rather self-imposed bondage to religious works-righteousness. That transformation has marked me these 20-plus years as a turning point in my story; it makes me smile to read your recounting and believe that others were similarly affected.
Yes, Greg, you were, you were! That summer was almost beyond words in its impact on my life with God. I think of it often. Since you were there, you know there is so much more to the story than what I share here. It's so good to hear from you!
Greg, I also meant to say that I mention the Muški Đački Dom in this post:
https://rebeccadmartin.substack.com/p/all-the-houses
:) :)
I wish your storywere more rare. Thank you for opening up, Rebecca.
Thank you, Megan.
I am thankful that for all of the bad in our current timeline that one of the good things is that more and more people are understanding that what they went through was religious trauma, and they are on a healing journey that also includes helping others by sharing their story. I relate to what you are saying here in so many ways. I'm glad we are spiritually wondering and wandering together.
Yes, my friend, to everything you say.
🤍
Rebecca! What a joy to find you here and what deep, deep challenge as well as refreshment your bring as you masterfully weave your experiences and what you have read to tell your own story. You challenge me to listen better and ask better questions—muscles I’ve needed to train all my life. I believe we overlapped in that Asheville season—book club—but my mind was full as ever with my own thoughts. I have missed so many opportunities to hear others’ thoughts by living in that navel-gazing space. Thank you for stretching my perspective and doing so with hauntingly beautiful images. Your writing tolls a chime resounding and clear that strikes me to my core: Lovely and poignant.
Kelsey, what kind, kind words--and how good to hear from you! I'm glad you found me here. You were, indeed, part of that Asheville season. So much going on for all of us. I've followed your substack and am looking forward to hearing what *you* have to say. :)
Well…I’m afraid the charcoal is still just that at the moment. Maybe someday it will turn to a different form of carbon—but I don’t currently see the glint of diamonds in my work. Rather than beaming out with brilliant, beacon-on-a-hill compositions, I use words to gather. I feast on others’ words like a woman starved, and point other beggars to the bread I’ve found. I have some more heart work to do before I’m able to lay out a nourishing feast of my own…