Happiness Isn’t Hope (Part I)

There was a time when I was happy. But happiness is a fading thing. Along with other emotions - the bad ones too - it comes and goes, all the while making you think they will stay forever. From happy to sad, from sadness to anger, from anger to absolute exhaustion, bitterness and sometimes forgiveness. …

Depression Firsthand

I looked at the hospital discharge packet. The doctor had me listed as a patient who had "depression." I'm not sure why but seeing it on paper made it that much more real. A couple of months after I had my son I began experiencing intrusive suicidal thoughts. What alarmed me was not merely the …

The Trail Ahead

Written July 7, 2020. Edited January 4, 2021. The year is 2020 and the COVID pandemic has reportedly claimed the lives of over 1.68 million people worldwide. Believe it or not, it's been the least of my worries. The past few years have been trial-some, but this one is doing a number on me. If …

A Brief Aspect on Death

It's 12/30/20. My grandpa passed away a couple of nights ago due to complications from COVID-19 and my brother also lost his life this year from being ambushed in Afghanistan on 2/8/20. Both were unexpected. Both, still feeling deeply for. If there's one thing I'm beginning to acknowledge about death is that it doesn't discriminate, …

I Entered the Stock Market

I decided to enter the realm of amateur and expert investors. The Stock Market has proven time and time again to be an abundant source of income for the well-studied and I thought I could try it out. By the way, did you notice how I'm not saying "trying my luck?" There's this huge misconception …

A Master’s Degree in Worship

Attending seminary was not always something I wanted to do. I honestly had no idea they existed. I think I was reading the bible by myself one night and thought, "I want to study more, but I need help. I want to go to school for it." A quick google search assured me there was …