by tashmcgill | Nov 22, 2012 | Love & Marriage, Spirituality
I write on a regular basis for a Christian column of young writers. Recently I wrote this piece which continues to sit with me as I ruminate on friendship, home, love and marriage these days. Within a Christian culture where women are still largely defined in relationship to their husbands and children, when ideas of ‘godly womanhood’ are overflowing bookstore shelves and womens’ events are all the rage – if the traditional church’s answer to singledom is ‘Trust in the Lord and wait..”, I’m not convinced that the liberal church has a better answer either. In fact, I’m not sure what the Church is really saying at all.
Is It Really Ok To Be Single? – originally published here
These days, it’s rare to find a mainstream media commentator that raises their voice in a way that resonates with the church– but I read an opinion article by Shelley Bridgeman a couple of weeks ago that did just that. The writer asked the questions “Is it really ok to be single?” from the premise that society by and large still discriminates in many ways against those who are unmarried, either by choice or circumstance. (more…)
by tashmcgill | Nov 15, 2012 | Spirituality, Youth Work
Have you met my friends The Youth Cartel? When I say friends, I really mean that. Marko has been a trusted confidante, guide and thought-provoker both in life and youth work, and Adam became a good friend during my brief time at Youth Specialties in 2009. The great thing about friends, is that often they think in similar ways you do, so you find synergy and a sense of buoyancy, as well as companionship on the road to revolution.
This last weekend in Atlanta, a bunch of people became better friends with The Youth Cartel, with each other and found some companionship on the road to revolution. (more…)
by tashmcgill | Nov 7, 2012 | Culture & Ideas, Love & Marriage
I’m currently in one of my favorite writing spaces; facing south west as the Pacific Surfliner cruises out of Los Angeles and towards San Diego.
The airport today was a flurry of businessmen rushing off the plane, followed by exhausted parents of small people giddy with dreams of stars on Hollywood Blvd and the theme parks of Anaheim. The NZ Maori rugby team were in transit to London. And I, a tapestry of weaving emotions felt like I was both leaving and coming home.
What is home, anyway? I’ve been defining and redefining home my entire life. I’ve found home in places, events, moments in time, music, bars. But home is people too, so maybe the old adage is true, home really is where the heart is and the heart can only be found with people. (more…)
