Derek Rabelo’s father prayed that his son would be a professional surfer. But Derek was born blind in 1992, and his father’s dream seemed impossible. Seventeen years later, however, Derek decided that not only did he want to surf — he wanted to surf the legendary waves on the North Shore of Oahu. Derek’s courage… Continue reading Blind Surfer Derek Rabelo Conquers Waves Fearlessly
Falling Plates: when death is just a memory
by Maria Krump, guest writer What if it is true? What if, all of a sudden, you find yourself…THERE. On eternity’s shore. But your feet don’t really know where “there” is, do they? They want to. And they keep aching for firm ground, for something, anything to land on, to find that footing and balance… Continue reading Falling Plates: when death is just a memory
I Am Today’s Christian Woman: Let’s Talk About Sex
In August 2012, I accepted a full-time job as Today’s Christian Woman’s online editor. It’s been just over a year since that fateful day, and ever since, I’ve been intentional about learning exactly what it means to live life as a Christian woman. Thanks to the amazing articles, interviews, and reporting I’ve been able to… Continue reading I Am Today’s Christian Woman: Let’s Talk About Sex
From Wheaton College to TIME Magazine: Elizabeth Dias’ Advice to Aspiring Journalists
“All journalists are insecure overachievers-learn how to make mistakes and own them. Your mistakes don’t define you.” This was one of many memorable phrases shared by TIME Magazine reporter Elizabeth Dias at Wheaton College’s Homecoming weekend 2013. The weekend marked her fifth year college reunion, and she came to campus as a guest of the… Continue reading From Wheaton College to TIME Magazine: Elizabeth Dias’ Advice to Aspiring Journalists
In Today’s News: Breaking Bad, Sexting, Government Shutdown, and more
The news is pretty depressing. “If it bleeds, it leads,” my Medill journalism school professors used to say–almost daily. I’ve managed to stay far, far, away from the crime beats in the newsroom, but that doesn’t change the fact that life (at least, according to newspaper headlines), sucks most of the time. Today’s headlines are… Continue reading In Today’s News: Breaking Bad, Sexting, Government Shutdown, and more
3 Pieces of Advice Every Wheaton College Student Should Know
This post was written in under 60 minutes tonight as part of ChicagoNow’s “Blogapalooza.” Every blogger (420 of us) was given the challenge to write advice to a person, group, pet, or thing in less than an hour, so as a 2011 Wheaton College graduate and current staff member with Wheaton’s journalism certificate, I wanted… Continue reading 3 Pieces of Advice Every Wheaton College Student Should Know
The Navigators’ 20s Mission: Chicago
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
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