Once upon a time, there was a young adult who was struggling in her faith. But the people in her Bible study shamed her for asking questions – she was causing the newer believers to stumble by planting doubts in their heads. This happened in more than one group, in more than one church. Exhausted… Continue reading Choosing the path of most resistance
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What is going “no contact” costing society?
I usually save my book reviews for Instagram, but every now and then comes one that turns you into the author’s personal evangelist. Recently, that book is No Contact by Noelle Mering. It’s affected me deeply because the subject matter is intensely personal. I’ve been the one to go “no contact” with close friends, and… Continue reading What is going “no contact” costing society?
“Your church has a lot of rules”
“Your church has a lot of rules.” My husband said this to me as we packed for a long weekend in Colorado Springs: our first trip as a family of four. We were trying to figure out which days we wanted to spend at the Airbnb. I said I’d prefer to be home by Sunday… Continue reading “Your church has a lot of rules”
“Mama needs wine.” No, Mama needs to get off social media
In many ways, the “Same, Lindsay” trend is the latest manifestation of "Mama needs wine" culture. At best, it's an attempt to empathize with the very real struggles of motherhood and postpartum depression. But it falls far short of that. Is it relatable? You bet. But is it actually helpful? Hell no. This is not… Continue reading “Mama needs wine.” No, Mama needs to get off social media
What I gave up to be a stay-at-home mom
I’m 37 years old and never had a “career” in the traditional sense. I graduated college with a degree in English Literature and uncertain ambitions, except writing a bestselling book one day. In the years between college and graduate school, I did write a book. It sold much better than I expected, so I considered… Continue reading What I gave up to be a stay-at-home mom
Jewishness in Catholic Mass vs. Messianic Judaism
Some Christians are surprised that I went down the liturgical path of Christianity, considering my Jewish background. “Why not be a Messianic Jew?” they ask. There are many reasons I started Anglican, and ultimately came home to the Catholic Church. But long before that came to pass, I dabbled a bit in the Messianic world. … Continue reading Jewishness in Catholic Mass vs. Messianic Judaism
The beautifully complex legacy of David
A woman at church asked me recently if David was a family name. I said my son is named for his grandfather, who died three months before I got married. I always knew if I had a son, I’d give him the name David: not just to honor my dad, but also because it represents… Continue reading The beautifully complex legacy of David
An honest review of “two under two”
For exactly three months, I will have two children under two. There’s still about three weeks left of that stage, at which point “two kids, two and under” begins. Perhaps it’s too early for a “review,” but I had some thoughts anyway. I knew it was going to be hard. I knew I was going… Continue reading An honest review of “two under two”
Rome sweet home
I’ve had a few different names in my life. Birth name: Sarah Elizabeth Caplin New legal name after baptism: Sarahbeth Caplin New last name after marriage And now, this Divine Mercy Sunday, another one: Joan, after Joan of Arc. My confirmation saint who has been leading me to Christ since I was ten years old.… Continue reading Rome sweet home
Reflections during my final week as a Protestant
Last weekend, a chunk of my OCIA class were baptized at the Easter Vigil, and became Catholic. This weekend, on Divine Mercy Sunday, another group of us who have already been validly baptized will be confirmed. At tonight’s class, we broke into discussion groups to share how we’re feeling during these final days before Coming… Continue reading Reflections during my final week as a Protestant