Rituals

I am up at 4:34 am, as we wait for the downpours Hurricane Laura is supposed to bring to NYC. There is an occasional drip-drip outside, but nothing else. I have been thinking a lot about rituals, lately. Sometimes, rituals get a bad rap. They are considered to just be routine or things on aContinue reading “Rituals”

A Lesson on Father’s Day

By: Gabriela Yareliz Father’s Day and Mother’s Day are often avoided by people who have experienced childhood trauma. Some people have experienced pain caused by one or both parents, so they distance themselves from the holiday and deeper yet, from the person it celebrates. Father’s Day isn’t a holiday I like to embrace. Sometimes, itContinue reading “A Lesson on Father’s Day”

Ravi Zacharias

By: Gabriela Yareliz This week, we mourned a fierce man of faith, and a personal hero of mine, Ravi Zacharias. He is someone I have quoted extensively and studied with extensively. A man who was determined to reveal faith to the rational mind. A man determined to make us all seekers of truth, in aContinue reading “Ravi Zacharias”

Emotional Undercurrent

By: Gabriela Yareliz This morning, I was speaking to friends of mine, in my home church in Florida. We send a text on Saturday mornings, when we pray for each other and our families. He and his wife are two of the most amazing people I know, who live their lives in full ministry— God’sContinue reading “Emotional Undercurrent”

Studio Update 28

By: Gabriela Yareliz I have been here, guys. I am alive. It has been several surreal days. Standing in line on tape outside of grocery stores. Eating all my snacks in one week. Started watching The Office. Went outside after two weeks inside and got a migraine. (Am I allergic to fresh air, now?) IContinue reading “Studio Update 28”

Studio Update 26

By: Gabriela Yareliz Find yourself someone who makes your face hurt from smiling and makes your heart so full. Update: The ants are gone. They must all be partying in the orchid pot. Also, my accountant screwed up my taxes— so we are getting that fixed. Imagine you wake up and the IRS has takenContinue reading “Studio Update 26”

The Convenience of Religion

By: Gabriela Yareliz I grew up in the churches where you could find half the church in a hospital room holding a prayer vigil, as someone held the sick person’s hand, while praying. It didn’t matter who walked by. The prayer was loud. Hell, we prayed for the nurses, doctors and whomever was sharing theContinue reading “The Convenience of Religion”

Studio Update 23

By: Gabriela Yareliz Today, as many Christians around the world, I spent time deeply reflecting on the cross. It always brings tears to my eyes, not because of its darkness, its gory nature or the subject of death. None of these things alone are what compels a deep surge of emotion in me. To me,Continue reading “Studio Update 23”

Studio Update 20

By: Gabriela Yareliz Have you found yourself doing something you don’t usually catch yourself doing? Stress can sometimes make us do weird things. Sometimes, we clench our jaw, and sometimes, we even sort of hold our breath. I have caught myself, on occasions, reminding myself to breathe. Ridiculous, I know. I used to find IContinue reading “Studio Update 20”