On "Being Real"

How much of who I am should be visible online? What if my "ex" finds out something I never shared?

As a communicator, I think I've been quite the politician, I must admit now, with great remiss. In retrospect, I think forgiveness will be granted considering the wide variety of views and places on the map in which my friends and social network inhabit. Sometimes it was just trying to keep peace with factions, folk I know who travel in parallel realities. I ended up being non-authentic sometimes.

But, it's the New Year, so I'm starting over! Get ready for some revelations. Like the time I... (You'll have to wait for that one.)

But, if I'm ever gonna fully find my Tribe - those I want to "do life" in community, I intend on being candid about what and I am, Who I'm following, and how that all works in "real time." I think that's some of what it's about when people "come out of the closet," so to speak. They want to be real.

Well, I am determined to be as candid online as off, although I don't have "a closet." What you see is what you get.

I know, that should be how it is-- we should be "real," but I'm not sure we always are. I think we all edit ourselves. I'm gonna do less of that.

I may not ever sell the screenplay that changes the world, or invades pop-culture's matrix, or ever lead "a congregation of the faithful," but I will have people that I can know who are "for real" and know that I am "for real."

Perhaps some people will go away--and that's fine-- while others will draw near.

So, I think the Pope (and I'm not Catholic - yet anyway!) gave good advice when he recently reminded folk to be "authentic" in online interactions. And "authentic" does not mean telling folk on what days you clip your fingernails and what not. I've seen things like this shared, and more --so have you if you've been online for any amount of time.

On Twitter my profile says this: "Playwright/Creative Consultant with eclectic prophetic vibe...

What does that all mean?

I hope to explore some of that, in detail, as well as talk here about my vocation, my feelings about culture, life, sexuality and romance, the Church, protestantism (from where I began and still have roots), the now-called "Emergent Church" (with it's good points and not-so good points) and how that all fits into a life that has included interaction with homeless folk, Hollywood stars and music artists and a few wannabees, as well as my one-time quest to convert Madonna through intercessory prayer, a successfully produced play I co-wrote in the L.A. Area and failed and successful relationships of various stripes and checkers.

And just when I thought being completely real wasn't interesting...

Other Projects

All of these are IDEAS I'm mostly working on conceptualizing, or in various stages of development. Some have been either "axed" or are perhaps more accurately, "are evolving."

www.justicenetwork.org

www.renovationcity.org

Most recently, I'm been discerning and feel possibly called to prayer ministry.

So, again-- building a site: Praxis Community

That's all I'll share for now. It's kind of overwhelming me, just looking at it.

Career, Vocation and Fun

Been in part-time ministry, in drama group, theater, including dinner theatre, led small groups, taught Sunday School, been a guest speaker, hosted a retreat once, asked to speak in various community settings. Wrote for a magazine and a pilot program and consulted on various media projects.

Been a butcher, a baker and a candlestick maker"-- not really.

But been an-- Armed Guard and Driver, Worked for a Silicon Valley "start-up" and experienced all the madness that goes along with it; Was a PR Assistant at Robert Half International on Sand Hill Row. (That's supposed to be prestigious, I'm told.) Also a Technical Recruiter.

Last but not least... (Well, maybe.)

For Fun

Won a contest with friends years ago for a production number we did based on the Wizard of Oz, using Lene Lovich's song HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS. I was the Tin Man. It was weird and pre-Jesus in my life. Just looked up the song for the link-- wow, what a time. I think I was drunk.

More Fun

Spent way too many years in the gym trying to buff and beautiful, competing with the rest of the insecure men in Southern California.

Rest of the time in church and going to movies at the $3 Tuesdays on Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena.

And dating. Lots of dating. Lots of repenting.

Tidbits: Part I

I'm originally from Maryland, but lived mostly in Southern California and more recently the Bay Area, from '96 to until '08.

I still miss the Bay Area, particularly Gilroy, Santa Cruz, San Gregorio Beach (take the route over the mountain from Woodside--very peaceful and serene), occasional visits to Monterey, "the City" (San Francisco--that's what it's called there)and Berkeley.

Through a series of events I landed in Tampa Bay, Florida--where I spend time some years ago.

I'm unattached, but live in a house with two other adults and three kids--who are a joy to be around, most of the time.

Looking for work, have an interview this afternoon. Someday would like to be in full-time "lay ministry."

Former Baptist and Anglican, now an "almost Catholic." Kicking and screaming some of the way--but I think that's where God is leading me. Do I agree with everything in the Catholic Church? Let's save that for another time.