Good afternoon all. As you can see, it's been two years to the day since my last post. I want to start by introducing some of the new modifications I've made to the blog. Over the past two months I've made significant changes to the blog including style alterations, adding new content, and even changing the domain address.
First, I've added a WRITINGS page to the blog. This section contains much of my writing over the past 10 years including past sermons, communion devotionals, and camp devotionals. In recent years, I've been drawn to the act of writing my own psalms and sonnets which will now find a home on my blog. Finally, you can read my Master's thesis and a grad school essay if you're looking to fill a couple hours.
Second, I've included a VISUALS page to the blog. This section contains a few short videos I've made. It also has a gallery of photos I've taken in recent years with a little blurb about where the photos were taken. Third, I've incorporated a CAUSES page to the blog. This section is comprised of two causes that I am most passionate about: The Hope Film Series and its effort to support The Marcus Ewing Memorial Fund.
So why The Single Pacifist? About a month ago now, I was up late one night making additions and subtractions to the blog. I decided I couldn't go to sleep until I settled on a new domain for the blog. Based on my friends' blogs and others I've read, the domain name traditionally reflects an aspect of the writer's identity. That is to say, the domain name often reflects how the writer views himself or herself.
Of course, the writer must find a way to match their identity with domain names that are available. While I was typing in multiple domain names only to find someone else had already stolen my idea, I started to think about some key threads woven into the fabric of my life thus far.
The more I thought about it, the more I recognized that being single and a pacifist are two major threads of my identity that have spanned most of my life and continue to do so. And wouldn't you know it, no one had yet to claim that domain name. Thus, The Single Pacifist was born.
Moving forward, I aim to write about a variety of life experiences. However, I would be remiss if I did not dedicate time to writing about what it's like to be single and non-violent when surrounded by married couples in a world that becomes more violent by the day.
In a world of ever growing violence, the single pacifist also takes on literal meaning as advocates of non-violence can feel like they're the only one in favor of peace. Both at church and in the world, the single and the pacifist often times are made to feel like a second-class citizen. Or at least that has been my experience. But more on that later.
For now, I hope you take time to visit the new additions to the blog. And whether you are single or married, pacifist or not, Christian or undecided; I think we can all agree life is a precious gift that is not to be wasted, nor destroyed. Thank you for your time. Again, my name is Chris and I am The Single Pacifist.
CJE