Posts by writingjoy
News Flash: You Probably Won’t Marry a Virgin
We need to talk about sex. That much is clear from the response to recent posts on the damage done to individuals and couples by the purity culture. People have shared story after story of heartache, guilt, shame, and unmet expectations (or in many cases, flat-out unrealistic ones). Setting the merits of abstinence aside for a…
Read MoreWhat Beyonce’s Halftime Show Reveals about the Evangelical Love/Hate Relationship with Human Sexuality
Beyonce is like mushrooms – people either love her or hate her. My Facebook and Twitter feeds lit up as soon as Beyonce appeared on the Superbowl XLVII halftime stage. I had visual whiplash as “Beyonce sucks” scrolled by immediately before “Way to go Beyonce!” Some complained that the show wasn’t family-friendly and compared the…
Read MoreNo Matter What: My One Good Phrase
Micha Boyett and I would be best friends by now, if fate hadn’t intervened and spoiled our plans. Micha was originally on the World Vision team that traveled to Sri Lanka last summer, but had to withdraw when her husband got a job transfer and they had to move. I still hope to meet her…
Read MoreStorytelling Thursday: Shrapnel and Uhauls Don’t Go with Beach Vacations
It isn’t quite Death Valley. But it’s July in the Imperial Valley of California. The sun has baked everything into the same pale dusty beige, except for the almost-alien bright green patches of land served by irrigation rigs. We’re barreling westward in our matching pale tan van, beach gear tucked in behind suitcases in the…
Read MorePlaying Super Mario Brothers Is Not Wasting Time
“Mom, let’s see how strong you are at Mario.” My five-year-old waves a Wii remote at me. I remember what Scott told me two days ago: “That hour I spent playing Wii with him meant so much, Joy. Even though I’m terrible at it.” I smile, and close the lid of my laptop. “I’m weak at…
Read MoreWhat Is Your Best Vehicle Breakdown Story?
Stories express the complicated beauty of life better than lessons or lectures or one-liners ever could. I want to focus more on story-telling this year, and I’d love for you to join me on Thursdays. Next week, I’m telling a story about breaking down. Not mentally breaking down – this is about a car (or…
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