Setting the Record Straight

What is a critic? Someone who can’t do what you can do so they want to criticize your stuff. – Martin Lawrence (this quote has been paraphrased. Specifically the word, stuff, to avoid using profanity.)

Being a Christian will never limit me as a writer. I’m not a big fan of labels because I know if people can label you, they can limit you. I’m a Christian and a writer, but I’m not a Christian writer. I don’t want to be put in a box and have my content be specifically aimed to just a Christian demographic alone.

I’m a Christian with an edgy side. Still saved, though. (Just in case anyone gets that twisted.)

I want to reach people from all walks of life. Doing so doesn’t come without being criticized, though. I write about all kinds of things and it’s not always clean, cookie-cutter, wholesome stuff. Some of it’s going to be controversial, raw, direct and vulnerable. I’ve personally struggled with the vulnerability aspect because it’s scary to share my truths and experiences and touch topics that others may want to write on, but won’t because of what others think and the criticism, especially from the naïve, judgmental, church-community types. I’ve been saved since I was seven and I’ve seen how bad this can get. And the older I get and the closer my relationship with Christ grows, I’m learning to let go of a lot of some of my once longtime, limited beliefs on things I once held so tightly to.

I have noticed the criticism, pull backs, internet trolls, social media status updates of someone trying to come for me… I see it. Is what it is. Stay upset, I guess.

Having a difference of opinion, different political views, perspectives and thoughts on different things won’t send me to hell or have me excommunicated from “the church.” My thing is if you don’t like my content, you don’t have to read it. Criticism comes with the territory of being a writer. I’m used to it. But I’m still going to share my stories, thoughts, and material boldly and unapologetically.

Critics criticize, it’s what they do.

Writers write. It’s what they do. It’s what I do. And I’m doing very well. No hate here, just love.

A Year Of Being Ghosted

Ghosting: the practice of ending a personal relationship with someone by suddenly and without explanation withdrawing from all communication. I’ve been ghosted by every guy I’ve met within the past two years. About six to be exact. · The first guy pursued me and then got shady whenever I asked him about what he did for a living and where he lived. When he started dodging and avoiding questions, wouldn’t initiate dates, and slowly stopped keeping in touch with me altogether, eventually, all communication ceased. · The second guy was someone I met through a family member. He was super cool, very smart, handsome, and funny, but didn’t want to be in a relationship and acted like he didn’t want to be seen with me publicly. When we had plans to meet for an outing, he didn’t show up, and then texted me about a week later with an apology. We chilled at my place a few times, had a few phone conversations, and exchanged occasional texts, but eventually he stopped responding to me

Teacher Table Talk: When Parents Attack

As an English teacher, a core belief I’ve held close since the beginning of my career has been the importance of relationship building. I believe that if great relationships between teachers, students, and parents are established at the beginning of the school year, everything else will fall into place. Authentically modeling, practicing, and establishing mutually respectful and professional relationships within my classroom has been the bridge for effective communication, solid classroom management, and creating a safe and effective learning environment that fits each of my student’s needs. And though I’ve seen and experienced the benefits of great relationship building, unfortunately, there have been times when some students and parents have not been receptive or interested in my efforts to establish connections that would best serve all parties involved. I’ve also noticed and shared spaces with other educators, school counselors, and administrators who’ve experienced the same. And

How To Respond To A Nasty Email

Technology has made many people bold, rude, and incredibly messy. Often to the point where some may hide behind words they’ve typed instead of verbally communicating a message they want to convey. Such can be the case when it comes to sending emails. Ah, emails. You know what they are. Electronic messages that can be quickly drafted, sent, and misinterpreted (because you can’t always interpret tones or emotions through them). Which is why it’s key to know how to respond to nasty emails if they should ever come your way – especially in the workplace. As a working professional, there have been plenty of times when a coworker or superior sent an email my way that was petty, mad disrespectful, and unprofessional. And before I learned how to properly utilize email etiquette, my first instinct would always be to clap back. I just felt the need to respond and to communicate that I wouldn’t allow anyone, no matter who they were, to disrespect me. And while I haven’t taken things too far

Making Waves