I’m 24 years old, and I just accepted a “discipleship-making” internship with the Navigators’ 20s Mission in Chicago. It’s the Navs’ first internship program like it in the United States. I love the community they have already fostered and will continue to create in the city, but I gotta be honest: I hadn’t heard of… Continue reading The Navigators’ 20s Mission: Chicago
Category: Christian Life 101
Help End Sex Trafficking in Chicago: Run the TraffickFree 5K
As a journalist, I come across controversial topics on a regular basis–but none have captivated me like human trafficking has. I’m passionate about raising awareness about the criminal activity that claims an estimated 300,000 minors each year within the United States (and countless more in countries around the world, including Honduras). As much as I… Continue reading Help End Sex Trafficking in Chicago: Run the TraffickFree 5K
Urban Violence Really Sucks
I’ve lived in the greater Chicago area since 2007. Since then, Chi-town has become the most violent city in the United States. Even though the Chicago homicide rate has decreased 34 percent this year compared to 2012, people are still dying every day. 54 people were shot dead in Chicago during the Zimmerman trial in… Continue reading Urban Violence Really Sucks
My Philadelphia Adventure with Shane Claiborne at the Simple Way
I’m a journalist with experience reporting all over Chicago, so it wasn’t unusual for me to send up a few prayers as I boarded Philadelphia’s public transit system on my way to interview author/activist/peacemaker Shane Claiborne at his nonprofit, “The Simple Way,” in North Philadelphia. I tried to keep facts like “Philadelphia is one of… Continue reading My Philadelphia Adventure with Shane Claiborne at the Simple Way
How Should Christians Respond to SCOTUS’ DOMA ruling?
It’s been a big week for the Supreme Court, SCOTUS, DOMA, Prop 8, and churches nationwide. As I’ve watched profile pictures change on Facebook, hashtags trend on Twitter about #equality, and browsed online photo galleries displaying happiness and tears of joy come from couples who can finally, legally, engage in federally-recognized unions, I’ve been bothered… Continue reading How Should Christians Respond to SCOTUS’ DOMA ruling?
Five Reasons Why I Have the Best Dad Ever
It’s Father’s Day, and with that, here are five reasons why my dad is the best dad ever: 1. He’s been married to my mom for 32 years. In addition to being Father’s Day this week, my parents also celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary this week. This is a staggering statistic in a society where… Continue reading Five Reasons Why I Have the Best Dad Ever
Before I die, I want to . . . (see the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup)
Party with Jesus (yes). Speak a second language (Spanish). Write a novel (in the works). Drop it like it’s hawt (done). Go to Thailand (eventually). Love where I live (done). Go to New Zealand (and Australia). And yes, as the loyal Chicagoan I am, I’d also like to see the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup… Continue reading Before I die, I want to . . . (see the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup)
Expressing faith, hope and creativity at the Write to Publish Conference
I sat on an editors’ panel on behalf of Today’s Christian Woman and Christianity Today at the Write to Publish Conference hosted at Wheaton College today, and the most poignant thing I heard was about the creativity Christians so often fail to express authentically. “So many Christians are afraid of offending God,” artist, poet, and… Continue reading Expressing faith, hope and creativity at the Write to Publish Conference
The Four-mula For a Successful Life: JUST DO IT
I’m a 24-year-old Christian Millennial. More than 40 percent of my peers are underemployed, living at home with their parents, or “working” unpaid internships until they “make it.” The statistics are depressing, but the reality is, I think many of us are underestimating our abilities. Like Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes… Continue reading The Four-mula For a Successful Life: JUST DO IT
How Do We Save Journalism?
With the way the journalistic economy is trending right now (downward spiral), it would be a miracle to think all print publications will survive worldwide. As stated in this Guardian article, “Losing money is not a business model. It is a going-out-of-business model.” The Washington Examiner will cease daily publication in June, and every time… Continue reading How Do We Save Journalism?