Monthly Archives: January 2016

I Don’t Know What to Do with This Day

18 Monday Jan 2016

Posted by in Current Events, Holidays, Pop

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imageHonestly, I don’t know what to do with Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.  It’s not my day to claim.

The struggle of my black sisters and brothers is not mine and yet, I am connected to it.  My skin is white.  My benefits are great.  And even though the privilege of a white woman isn’t perfect, it’s still pretty darn good.

I can drive in rich neighborhoods without worrying who will pull me over if I’m driving four miles over the speed limit, walk in department stores without much thought to who is watching me and apply to jobs knowing that my resume will at least get a glace.  So the struggles that King mentioned aren’t about me or people who look like me.

So, what is this day about?

Right now to me this is the day I step aside to learn and to listen.  It’s the day when I listen deeply to the deep pain of my friends.  It’s the day when I examine my times of “whitesplaining,” of the times I didn’t speak up and the times I worried more about what others thought of me instead of the hard journey of those who continue to struggle. And then I offer a prayer of reconciliation to God my parent and my sisters and brothers of color.

This is the day I examine how I can become a better leader, how I can learn from the example of Dr. King the Prophet and live boldly as I continue to carry the light of Christ into the world.

This is the day I think about the ways I can push the shadows in the world aside and shine more light.  This is the day when I reflect on how to love more and use that love to erase the growing hate in our communities.

This is the day when I speak to and with those who are privileged as we share ways for us to be better allies.  This is the day when I recommit to the covenant of the complete body of Christ knowing that a good portion of the body is disregarded by other parts.  And this is the day when I send light and love to my sisters and brothers of color as they continue their march to true equality.

I still don’t fully know what to do with this day.  All I can do is walk humbly with my God and my neighbors and hope I can do better this coming year.

*****

One year from now I will probably be reading this and think that I had so much more to learn.   This is a work in progress and I’m open to your thoughts.

Our Jedi Power

06 Wednesday Jan 2016

Posted by in Pop, Wordpress Blogger University

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Most professions have their own Jedi power.  This just happens to be mine.

If you could name your Real World Jedi Power, what would you claim?

This post is an assignment for WordPress’ Blogging University.  Participants were asked to embed a Tweet or other social media links.

Single in the Sanctuary – My Stuck Story

04 Monday Jan 2016

Posted by in Life, Pop, Single in the Sanctuary

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No matter your marital status – what are ways you can get unstuck in 2016?

At various points of each of our lives, we find ourselves stuck – in our work lives, romance lives, family lives and any other facet of our lives.

In 2003, I was incredibly stuck in each area of my life.  I recall that I hadn’t dated anyone in years – in fact, I forget how long it had been since I had an actual date.  My weight had skyrocketed, and I didn’t find myself attractive anymore.  Additionally, my professional life had walked backwards a few steps and hadn’t moved forward in a year or two.  I had applied to seminary and wasn’t accepted at my top choice.

At 30 years old, I had found myself spending each Saturday night at a pottery painting place because – who would want to date overweight, underaccomplished Michelle?  At least I was making some fabulous pieces of art…

I suppose the catalyst of change was beginning a weight loss program in 2004.  As I lost 40 pounds, I also began to gain back the confidence I had lost.  The chain reaction of one change led to dating once again and, eventually, finding a more suitable job for me.

Losing weight was not the reason other parts of my life changed.  At this point, I’m in a wonderful relationship even though I weighted as much as I did in 2003.  Confidence comes from within – not our external accomplishments and appearances.  Our assurance and genuine worth stems from the spark of the Divine that resides in each one of us.

Sometimes it just takes a bit of time to find the confidence, inspiration and Spirit once again. And one agent of change – whether small or large – will be the catalyst for our lives to move out from our current mud trap.

Confession: currently, for me, my place of being stuck centers around creativity in my professional and extracurricular life.  I have a terrific life but just feel like my inspiration well is dry.  By continuing to try and believing that the creativity/confidence/etc. already exists within me and that the Holy Spirit is giving me what I need, I know that this time of “stuck” will loosen.

So do you find yourself stuck in one area of your life- whether in your attempts to date, your hopes to find another position or your plans to fulfill a dream?  Have you lost hope?

Just keep going.  We will find our stickiness gone soon.

My 2016 Blogadventure

04 Monday Jan 2016

Posted by in Life, Pop, Single in the Sanctuary

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IMG_2703 (2)For the past few years, I’ve been keeping up with my blog here at michelletorigian.com.  I’ve been posting on various other sites such as The Huffington Post and New Sacred.

But now it’s time to take this to the next step.

While you’ll still see many various theological and pop culture topics here at this blog, you’ll notice that I’ll be writing more about marital status and the progressive Christian church.

Writing and discussing these issues is very much part of my call.  I’ve begun a regular feature called “Single in the Sanctuary” to shine lights on the joys and struggles that non-marrieds (single, divorced, widowed, etc.) face inside and outside the church.  By facing these topic head on, we leaders of the Church will connect with more people who may feel alienated from the pews.

As part of stretching my writing and promoting boundaries, I’m taking part in WordPress’ Blogging University.  Through accountability, I’m hoping to throw aside any doubts and mild writer’s block to continue this journey on which I’m called.

In the upcoming weeks, I’ll be starting a new group on Facebook called Single in the Sanctuary for non-married progressive Christians and our friends.

I’m also wanting to know what are some topics non-married progressive Christians would like to see me address.  Please comment below if there’s a topic you would like to see featured in an upcoming post.

Finally, please make sure to spread the word about Single in the Sanctuary and this new conversation for progressive Christians.

Many blessings as you walk the smooth and dusty roads of 2016 – whether alone or with a love, with family by chance or by choice!

Michelle