Erwin McManus: The Futurist

By: Gabriela Yareliz Erwin McManus is one of my favorite thought leaders. He is a pastor, philosopher, writer and futurist. I identify so much with how he communicates Jesus and authentic faith living. Born in El Salvador, McManus has overcome so much. Christ found him, and since then, he has dedicated his life to sharingContinue reading “Erwin McManus: The Futurist”

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”

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 29

By: Gabriela Yareliz Guys, somehow, I survived the day without caffeine. Between the fighting upstairs, washing and blow drying my hair and finishing up Aisha (an entire Bollywood movie)— I went to bed at 2am. Yup. That movie started when I got in the shower and ended when my hair was fully dry. That justContinue reading “Studio Update 29”

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 27

By: Gabriela Yareliz I stared down at the New Yorker page at the colorful painting. It looked so familiar. I then glanced over at my painting in my studio and then again at the page. I glanced again at the painting and then the page. Of course it was familiar. On the page was theContinue reading “Studio Update 27”

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”

Studio Update 25

By: Gabriela Yareliz I am up like a kid, under the covers while the space heater hums in the background, waiting to get in trouble because I should be asleep. There is no one to berate me. My apartment still has a coolness to it from having the window open all day. Yesterday’s rain remindedContinue reading “Studio Update 25”

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”