Monthly Archives: January 2011

Why church-based social media doesn’t always result in tighter community

Posted on January 31, 2011 by elizabeth

My column for the OC Register this week focuses on how churches engage their congregations using social media. I thought the feedback from pastors and outreach coordinators was interesting. What do you think? Have you experienced anything similar? Different?

Posted in OC Register Column | 3 Comments

You can take the person out the cult, but you can’t take the cult out of the person

Posted on January 30, 2011 by elizabeth

They have to do that themselves. And from what I’ve noticed, many of them don’t. The reality is, recovering from a spiritually abusive church takes time and effort. It is hard work. The individual must be dedicated and willing to … Continue reading →

Posted in Cults, RecoveringEvangelicalsAnonymous, RecoveringFundamentalist, Religion | 24 Comments

Detachment: finding my way to God by not finding {a reflection on T.S. Eliot’s “Ash Wednesday”}

Posted on January 28, 2011 by elizabeth

I’m in a strange place. Which is to say, I’m in a place I’ve never been before, a place I do not recognize. If I could name it, I would, perhaps, call it: acceptance. A non-judgmental acquiescence to what is. … Continue reading →

Posted in Faith, RecoveringEvangelicalsAnonymous, RecoveringFundamentalist, Religion | 13 Comments

Books for your spiritual journey (my top 5 picks from 2010)

Posted on January 26, 2011 by elizabeth

I’ve put together a list of books that rocked my world in 2010. Here they are: Lit, by Mary Karr. A gritty, heartbreakingly honest account of Karr’s descent into alcoholism. This books breaks you before it heals you. Karr’s poetic … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Books | 12 Comments

Eau de Poo

Posted on January 25, 2011 by elizabeth

I went to switch loads of laundry only to discover the freshly washed clothes smelled like poop. Thinking I could solve this problem with like 8 sheets of fabric softener, I crammed the clothes in the dryer. That’s when I … Continue reading →

Posted in Her Royal Mommy-Ness, Humor | 18 Comments

Why reading the Bible is so difficult for me

Posted on January 24, 2011 by elizabeth

After months of pleading by my very patient friend, Paul Merrill of The Seed Company, I finally wrote a piece about my issues with the Bible, why reading it is so difficult for me and my hesitant journey back to God. Despite … Continue reading →

Posted in Faith, RecoveringFundamentalist, Religion | 10 Comments

Playboy for iPad?

Posted on January 24, 2011 by elizabeth

First it was a Playboy app for iPad. Then it was an iPad compatible magazine download. Now it’s a Playboy web-subscription service. With how quickly the information changes, how is a concerned parent supposed to keep up? My column for … Continue reading →

Posted in OC Register Column | 2 Comments

Why we left Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa

Posted on January 22, 2011 by elizabeth

Several readers have asked me why we left Calvary Chapel several years ago. This was a difficult post to write since I hold a warm, affectionate debt of gratitude to this church which was, for a few years, a place … Continue reading →

Posted in Faith, RecoveringEvangelicalsAnonymous, RecoveringFundamentalist, Religion | 116 Comments

A dynamic pit-sniffer

Posted on January 21, 2011 by elizabeth

I really dislike writing bios about myself–especially when I’m required to write it in third person POV. The temptation to be a smart-ass is practically overwhelming. Elizabeth Esther is a dynamic writer! Speaker! And professional pit-sniffer! I mean, have you … Continue reading →

Posted in Humor, SmartAssery, Uncategorized, Writing | 8 Comments

A Deeper Story: because hiding out in church bathrooms is ALL the rage, dontcha know?

Posted on January 20, 2011 by elizabeth

I’m honored and humbled to be a contributing writer for a new site that talks about the hard things, the doubt, the angst, the worry and fear surrounding faith and and our stories. This is A Deeper Story: Tales of … Continue reading →

Posted in DeeperStory | 5 Comments