So this week has been a road of recovery to a bit of anger to disappointment. On Tuesday I finally mustered up the energy and I did another overhaul on my room. I cleaned, dusted, organized and gave stuff away. It took about 5 hours and it was completely worth it. After I was done I lit some sage and prayed for new intentions, renewed energy, and the ability to be myself fully and completely. I slept 4 hours that night but woke up with my prayers answered. I feel the urge and need to pray has returned. I'm still behind in school, but my grades are still in the 90s and I've made a cut in the studying I need to do.
Well, I'll cut to the chase. I'm a little depressed. I was supposed to have a date tonight with a guy that I met at Pride.I felt rather slick how it all played out. I had seen him of Facebook through mutual friends. I saw him walking, so I left the church booth and just casually started walking parallel to him. We started talking and ended up trading numbers. I know next to nothing about him, but I can tell he's what I would go for. Cute, facial hair, community involved, and roughly around the same part of my path in life at the moment. It was looking forward to finally getting to know someone new face to face, rather than through text message and then setting a date. He let me know yesterday that he wasn't feeling well and needed to take some time to rest up. So, instead of letting my wacky emotions run a muck I'm taking it as is and leaving the ball in his court. What else can I do, ya know? At least that is what I'm telling myself. Its just disappointing. I even had my outfit picked out.
I'm doing my best to bring it all to God. The disappointment. I keep wanting to tell myself that it just shouldn't feel like a big a deal, that I'm obviously over reacting. But I think it is also a nasty combo of the fact that I've realized that this Sunday will be two years of me being single (only??) and that Josh and Charlie are finally getting married. So does this disappointment trigger other things that might not be resolved or are sensitive? Absolutely. And for that reason I shouldn't let that voice get the better of me. Still, it doesn't make it feel any better. What do I feel? I feel like I've been rejected, which is absolutely ridiculous. But I guess as soon as something makes a wrong turn in the dating scene that's exactly how I feel. I take it personally. Which in this case there is no reason to. But at the same time I'll also myself to feel what I feel and try to dig around and ask "why?". In fact, the more I write about the better I feel. I guess the only thing left is the "what if". What if he doesn't reschedule? If I never hear back then he wasn't interested in the first place? Or he's just too busy? Those are thoughts I try not to dwell on, they won't do any good. If I never hear back then it might just be a bit awkward if I run into him. Let me put it like this: If this had been last year I would have already been trying for a reschedule. Desperate, right? So I do think that right there shows some growth and maturity on my end. Something to be proud of.
I think in the end it goes back to fear. Fear of what? I'm not sure what I'm afraid of. In this case it feels more than a fear of being alone. Its almost like I've been invalidated. Which, again, of course, is absurd. My first reaction is to take it personally and there is absolutely no reason to. Now the question is is this my heart or my head talking, or are two sides of my head bouncing around? Either way, I know better and at least I know better and I think I'm doing a good job at keeping it all in check.
All I can do is live, and let God in on all of it. I do believe as St, Paul says that our sufferings have been joined with Christ. Somehow in ways that I don't understand, God understands. And I truly believe that.
A recent conversation at church has had me thinking. The text at hand we were discussing was in Jeremiah. We were talking about how blunt the prophet speaks with God, and how conversations between Jews and God tends to be rather frank (in fact, if my memory serves correctly, I heard a sermon over this same text when I was in Canada many moons ago which was geared in this direction). Christians seem to have lost that frankness. From my understanding, the God in Judaism is seen as the God of the good and bad, and Satan's role is significantly different from that of the New Testament. I definitely remember getting the indoctrination when I was a kid that if something bad happened then it was most likely Satan's fault (an idea which I have long abandoned). I was always taught never to be angry with God. I grew up never questioning it like it just wasn't an option in my mental capacity. I can't recall ever wanting to be angry with God. Well, maybe once. Josh. After it ended with Josh, looking back I wanted to be pissed off with God. What was all that for? Was all that extended pain necessary? It was then that I gave up on what I call "hallmark card" theology. You know, the cliche "everything happens for a reason". I couldn't find a reason for my pain, so I immediately adapted a "shit happens" theology, some things happen for a reason, most things don't, and somethings things that aren't supposed to happen do. I was a victim of the later. Something in the cosmos happened which wasn't supposed to and it happened to me (or so I thought). Looking back, I see the growth and potential which I accomplished. But it doesn't help the fact that I feel like I'm still recovering.
Now, could I go on an anger rant toward God? Yes. But that would not be fair toward God. I'd just be digging around for crappy things that have happened and I'd just let God have it. But, I am becoming aware that it is perfectly okay to tell God "this sucks, do something!" when and if I need to. Ugh. I just hate confrontation. Always have. I hate conflict. God knows. But if I can't tell the one person what exactly is on my heart, then what's the point? Just something to be aware of.
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Friday, October 18, 2013
Here we go...
I've been tired lately. Very tired. No matter how much sleep I get my energy levels never really pick up during the day. It's like most of my gusto has been sucked out of me and my desires to get things done are at a minimum. Homework and music have been at a halt the past few days.
I've wondered if I have sleep apnea. In fact, I've wondered if I've had it for awhile. It seems my sleep quality has significantly diminished the past few weeks. I know that I breathe with my mouth open. And, well, I know that my weight hasn't helped the situation either. There could be other things at play here. I could be depressed. I could just be overwhelmed. My emotions could just be in a funk. Hopefully maybe getting some of this out will help. After all, this is the reason why I started this blog in the first place.
I was lacking on energy on Wednesday and had to stay a bit after school and I knew I probably wouldn't be able to get to church to vest for Evening Prayer in time. So I let Martin know and decided to just attend and participate instead as a usual Reader. Being at St. Paul's I feel has brought Martin and I closer the past few months. We'd always catch each other at Starbucks in-between services at Grace and would always chat away about our preferances toward high church and the like. It seems that both of us have opened up to each other recently. In any case I'm very glad to call him a friend and a Brother in Christ. He's a nurse, teacher, studier of psychology, and gay. I figured he would be the perfect person to open about something I've been thinking about for awhile.
This is my outlet, but it is the internet and I won't divulge all the juicy details of the conversation. Sorry (even though the nature of the conversation is probably something which needs take place more publicly, but I'm not willing to be that ginny pig). It does involve how I perceive my self and my walk with God. The conversation did put things in perspective and it came to the one thing which I've been lead to over and over again this year: I have a low view of my self and beat my self up unnecessarily. And I don't know what to do about it.
There is a disconnect somewhere. It's hard to put in words. Let me try and put in a few frames. I view God as my comforter, caretaker, and friend. I'm running a marathon. God is always there to cheer me on and hand me water and tell me when I need to rest (sometimes I even listen...). If I trip or stumble, then it is no big deal. I carry on. If I absolutely cannot go on, then God is there help me walk to the car and drive me home. No judgement, no disappointment. This reality should be enough to carry me through. At times it is, even.
The other frame would look opposite to what I just said. Me running the same marathon and just pushing. If I rest too long then I'll fall behind. If I don't finish then I won't be able to prove whatever it is I'm trying to prove. If I don't make it, then I'm a failure. If I don't make it then my Ego begins to go crazy and in the end my Id slams back in full force and the Super Ego is nonexistent until both of said their say and in that period I've been able to find some rest. It's a pattern which has been cycling for years and with the help of therapy/spiritual direction I can see it clearly now.
Kicking against the goads. The title of this blog. The ox being my true self. The being God created me to be and to be loved. The Goad-Bearer, the false self; the projection of everything that I feel I should be, and the Goad, the manifestation of perhaps everything that I don't like about myself. I've never felt more like a Susan Howatch character.
I'm wondering if this my Id reacting. The constant need to rest. In the busy I've been facing there are perhaps things which I've been ignoring. Being single always gets easier when school starts. But then again I've never known how to take care of the "single" part of myself for the fact that I'm pretty sure its impossible. The needs which a relationship meets can't be met directly by anything else. Friendship meets some of the needs. God knows when I lack social interaction I can get pretty screwy (maybe volunteering a Pride tomorrow will be a good recharge). But the needs of sex, intimacy, and support of companionship can't be met any other way. Then again, culture is not on my side. Gay culture is more couple and family oriented than ever. If you are single then the stigmas of something being "wrong" are strongly attached. And it is Bakersfield where the battlefield for slim-pickings is already pretty fierce.Gay male culture is also highly sex charged. It's pretty much okay to go fuck crazy with whomever you can find ( as long as they aren't in committed relationship, of course. But Open Relationships seem to be making a strong come-back since the 70s). I on that end feel its just to keep it in my pants for reasons of spirituality, health, and reputation (although like every gay male I have a past. Then again, sex is a whole other blog post.
The problem with blogging or writing emotional at times is that it is too easy to get wrapped up in the moment and take on tunnel vision and its difficult to take a step back. So far I've thought about how I view God and what my reality is like. How does being single play in all this? I really don't know. I tend to fixate on it. Is this a major contributing source? Maybe. Maybe not.
I think the more important question is where is God in all this? I really don't know. Or better, where should God be in all this? Why am I not letting God in? And then I have to ask myself, this right here a reality, or this just me poking myself with the goad saying "be better!" I'd like to think that at this moment I feel very sincere and that in that sincerity I am asking the right questions.
I've wondered if I have sleep apnea. In fact, I've wondered if I've had it for awhile. It seems my sleep quality has significantly diminished the past few weeks. I know that I breathe with my mouth open. And, well, I know that my weight hasn't helped the situation either. There could be other things at play here. I could be depressed. I could just be overwhelmed. My emotions could just be in a funk. Hopefully maybe getting some of this out will help. After all, this is the reason why I started this blog in the first place.
I was lacking on energy on Wednesday and had to stay a bit after school and I knew I probably wouldn't be able to get to church to vest for Evening Prayer in time. So I let Martin know and decided to just attend and participate instead as a usual Reader. Being at St. Paul's I feel has brought Martin and I closer the past few months. We'd always catch each other at Starbucks in-between services at Grace and would always chat away about our preferances toward high church and the like. It seems that both of us have opened up to each other recently. In any case I'm very glad to call him a friend and a Brother in Christ. He's a nurse, teacher, studier of psychology, and gay. I figured he would be the perfect person to open about something I've been thinking about for awhile.
This is my outlet, but it is the internet and I won't divulge all the juicy details of the conversation. Sorry (even though the nature of the conversation is probably something which needs take place more publicly, but I'm not willing to be that ginny pig). It does involve how I perceive my self and my walk with God. The conversation did put things in perspective and it came to the one thing which I've been lead to over and over again this year: I have a low view of my self and beat my self up unnecessarily. And I don't know what to do about it.
There is a disconnect somewhere. It's hard to put in words. Let me try and put in a few frames. I view God as my comforter, caretaker, and friend. I'm running a marathon. God is always there to cheer me on and hand me water and tell me when I need to rest (sometimes I even listen...). If I trip or stumble, then it is no big deal. I carry on. If I absolutely cannot go on, then God is there help me walk to the car and drive me home. No judgement, no disappointment. This reality should be enough to carry me through. At times it is, even.
The other frame would look opposite to what I just said. Me running the same marathon and just pushing. If I rest too long then I'll fall behind. If I don't finish then I won't be able to prove whatever it is I'm trying to prove. If I don't make it, then I'm a failure. If I don't make it then my Ego begins to go crazy and in the end my Id slams back in full force and the Super Ego is nonexistent until both of said their say and in that period I've been able to find some rest. It's a pattern which has been cycling for years and with the help of therapy/spiritual direction I can see it clearly now.
Kicking against the goads. The title of this blog. The ox being my true self. The being God created me to be and to be loved. The Goad-Bearer, the false self; the projection of everything that I feel I should be, and the Goad, the manifestation of perhaps everything that I don't like about myself. I've never felt more like a Susan Howatch character.
I'm wondering if this my Id reacting. The constant need to rest. In the busy I've been facing there are perhaps things which I've been ignoring. Being single always gets easier when school starts. But then again I've never known how to take care of the "single" part of myself for the fact that I'm pretty sure its impossible. The needs which a relationship meets can't be met directly by anything else. Friendship meets some of the needs. God knows when I lack social interaction I can get pretty screwy (maybe volunteering a Pride tomorrow will be a good recharge). But the needs of sex, intimacy, and support of companionship can't be met any other way. Then again, culture is not on my side. Gay culture is more couple and family oriented than ever. If you are single then the stigmas of something being "wrong" are strongly attached. And it is Bakersfield where the battlefield for slim-pickings is already pretty fierce.Gay male culture is also highly sex charged. It's pretty much okay to go fuck crazy with whomever you can find ( as long as they aren't in committed relationship, of course. But Open Relationships seem to be making a strong come-back since the 70s). I on that end feel its just to keep it in my pants for reasons of spirituality, health, and reputation (although like every gay male I have a past. Then again, sex is a whole other blog post.
The problem with blogging or writing emotional at times is that it is too easy to get wrapped up in the moment and take on tunnel vision and its difficult to take a step back. So far I've thought about how I view God and what my reality is like. How does being single play in all this? I really don't know. I tend to fixate on it. Is this a major contributing source? Maybe. Maybe not.
I think the more important question is where is God in all this? I really don't know. Or better, where should God be in all this? Why am I not letting God in? And then I have to ask myself, this right here a reality, or this just me poking myself with the goad saying "be better!" I'd like to think that at this moment I feel very sincere and that in that sincerity I am asking the right questions.
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Kicking against the goads.
The single most fun part of setting up a blog is coming up with a name or title. Not the color schemes or perusing the templates. It's all about the name. Its gotta be catchy. Its gotta be unique. It should be personal. So, why kicking against the goads? Here's why.
In Acts 9, Saul is traveling when he has his conversion experience with Jesus. Jesus asks, "Why art thou persecuting me? Is it hard for thee to kick against the goads?" The part about the goads is only mentioned in the Kings James Version and a few other English translations. The reason? The goads is not mentioned in the earliest manuscripts of the text which were found after the KJV was translated. It is however mentioned by Paul later in Acts 26 and was a popular proverb used by both Greek and Latin writers.
Goads (or pricks) were long blunt sticks with a sharp mental point on one end. The end would be used on an oxen to guide the way they were supposed to go. If an oxen became stubborn and deviated from the path they would do so going into the goad, cause a tear in the skin. Goads were used as a parable to compare authority. Whether or not Jesus mentions the goads in Acts 9 is little of interest to me concerning the blog title. What is important however is the image the texts expresses: learning to be guided and not cause pain to oneself.
I know. I can almost hear my contemporary contemporaries, "What a violent image! Where's the free will? First its sheep, now oxen!" And on some level I agree. But for me learning not to kick against the goad isn't about learning the rules and being uniform with the rest of creation's order, it is about learning to be human, redeemed by ever-sacrificing love of God. It's about making mistakes, and hopefully learning from them. In fact, if I had to guess most of what will follow in this blog will reveal that I am always in a state figuring out whether or not I am actually with or against the goad.
God spoils me. His mercy has endured in ways that I don't understand. I can't tell you how many times I've gotten off the hook with something I did (or shouldn't have done) and the consequences were minimal or next to none. And I am so ever thankful. But that doesn't mean that when I really need a reality check that the prod won't come along and give warning that I'm veering. Its happened before.
In Acts 9, Saul is traveling when he has his conversion experience with Jesus. Jesus asks, "Why art thou persecuting me? Is it hard for thee to kick against the goads?" The part about the goads is only mentioned in the Kings James Version and a few other English translations. The reason? The goads is not mentioned in the earliest manuscripts of the text which were found after the KJV was translated. It is however mentioned by Paul later in Acts 26 and was a popular proverb used by both Greek and Latin writers.
Goads (or pricks) were long blunt sticks with a sharp mental point on one end. The end would be used on an oxen to guide the way they were supposed to go. If an oxen became stubborn and deviated from the path they would do so going into the goad, cause a tear in the skin. Goads were used as a parable to compare authority. Whether or not Jesus mentions the goads in Acts 9 is little of interest to me concerning the blog title. What is important however is the image the texts expresses: learning to be guided and not cause pain to oneself.
I know. I can almost hear my contemporary contemporaries, "What a violent image! Where's the free will? First its sheep, now oxen!" And on some level I agree. But for me learning not to kick against the goad isn't about learning the rules and being uniform with the rest of creation's order, it is about learning to be human, redeemed by ever-sacrificing love of God. It's about making mistakes, and hopefully learning from them. In fact, if I had to guess most of what will follow in this blog will reveal that I am always in a state figuring out whether or not I am actually with or against the goad.
God spoils me. His mercy has endured in ways that I don't understand. I can't tell you how many times I've gotten off the hook with something I did (or shouldn't have done) and the consequences were minimal or next to none. And I am so ever thankful. But that doesn't mean that when I really need a reality check that the prod won't come along and give warning that I'm veering. Its happened before.
Saturday, October 12, 2013
R.I.P good old Myspace
It happened one day over the summer. It had been months since I had last blogged. I logged into my Myspace account and I noticed the entire layout was changed. They were gone. All my blog entries between 2004 and 2013 were gone. Poof. Vanished. Half of my biography at this point in my life. Everything from becoming Episcopalian to breaking up with Paige, turning 21, coming out, getting sucker punched by Matt, Jason, Jonathan, Joel, and Josh.
With the exception of the occasional entry in Breaking the Profane, I rarely blogged. And how I have missed it. I didn't realize the grounding and outlet that it gave me. And now, almost as if I am feeling called, I am ready to get back in the game.
This blog of mine will function must like a journal. I do write in my journal sometimes, but the difference is in the content. Writing in the journal for me requires thought and planning on some level. It also contains some things which I might deem as too personal to be plotted on a corner of the internet. Blogging; however, is a channel where I can freely in a space where editing is unlikely to happen.
My intentions for this blog are simply this: a place to unwind and get my thoughts in order. Will anyone follow? Unlikely, and that's perfectly okay. This blog will chronicle how I'm doing, feeling, and thinking. I'll wrestle with and untie my emotional knots and figure out how God is speaking to me. If anything, like the old MySpace blog, I'm sure the entries to follow will provide ideas for the theology blog Breaking the Profane (another project which I've taken a hiatus on and have been meaning to revamp).
I'm hoping to get the habit built to blog once a week. Dare I say my mental health the duration of the semester might partly depend on in.
With the exception of the occasional entry in Breaking the Profane, I rarely blogged. And how I have missed it. I didn't realize the grounding and outlet that it gave me. And now, almost as if I am feeling called, I am ready to get back in the game.
This blog of mine will function must like a journal. I do write in my journal sometimes, but the difference is in the content. Writing in the journal for me requires thought and planning on some level. It also contains some things which I might deem as too personal to be plotted on a corner of the internet. Blogging; however, is a channel where I can freely in a space where editing is unlikely to happen.
My intentions for this blog are simply this: a place to unwind and get my thoughts in order. Will anyone follow? Unlikely, and that's perfectly okay. This blog will chronicle how I'm doing, feeling, and thinking. I'll wrestle with and untie my emotional knots and figure out how God is speaking to me. If anything, like the old MySpace blog, I'm sure the entries to follow will provide ideas for the theology blog Breaking the Profane (another project which I've taken a hiatus on and have been meaning to revamp).
I'm hoping to get the habit built to blog once a week. Dare I say my mental health the duration of the semester might partly depend on in.
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