Stories of Connection
This collection is founded by one of our ambassadors, Andrew, who is seeking out the stories of leaders in the community as well as exploring the connections between stories that have been shared with us.
By definition, trauma is something that happens TO us: a deeply distressing or disturbing personal experience, or a severe injury that causes significant harm. I believe much of the trauma we experience occurs due to ...
I have been afraid to share this story for some time, but now I know that means that I must, because we are not bound by our terrible past; we are not constrained by our ...
The following essay is adapted from a talk I gave at the YMCA of Greater Richmond 2023 DEI Symposium on May 19, 2023, and is part of my Sojourn, America series of stories and essays. ...
Faith. A word instantly comforting to some and off-putting to others, because it can be deeply intertwined with our upbringings. Some of us enjoyed the faith traditions we experienced growing up, others ran away from ...
She said, “Can we go to the beach?” I hadn’t realized it at the time, but a picture I recently shared of my sister and me was of a time we went to the beach ...
This is National Suicide Prevention Week and YESTERDAY was 12 weeks since Maya died by suicide. I didn’t realize how much I was hurting subconsciously, but Fridays are always a bit different now since we ...
Human connection can be found in some of the most unexpected places. In December 1989, during my junior year in high school, I had the opportunity to travel to Moscow as part of a student ...
“Are we just waiting for everyone on the other side to die, so we can declare victory?” This might be the question we ask ourselves as we observe our behavior and the behavior of others ...
This is 50! This is gratitude! In celebration of my 50 years on this planet, I am inspired to share 50 things I am grateful for. My calling. For people to experience hope and revelation ...
“Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning.” I have loved this verse and sentiment since my mother first taught it to me. It guided me as a child and young ...
