About Sarey? What is there to say?
Isn’t it interesting that the things you’d most want to tell people about are the very things that they probably have no interest in knowing?
I don’t seem to conform to people’s expectations of me, though it’s not really because I’m trying to be that way. I’m just trying to live a life of integrity – to have the space between what I say I believe and what I actually do be a small space, a small space that is ever dwindling. So that means, I suppose, that sometimes I seem like I’m all stuffy and religious. And other times it seems like I have a broken moral compass. (Or that perhaps I have swapped out my moral compass for Jack Sparrow’s compass.) In fact, I don’t think either of those things are true. I just dabble in things that make people uncomfortable. But that is an understatement. I don’t dabble. I dwell. I dwell in a place that makes people feel uncomfortable, and even myself sometimes.
I think, for instance, that living a life of non-violence is far more important for me to be doing, and far more difficult for me to be doing, and far less socially acceptable for me to be doing, than to live a life of sexual repression, which for all of the hue and cry against it, is still really quite popular. After all, a blatant sex scene in a movie or story gives it an NC-17 rating, but gratuitous violence that scars the pysche might, MIGHT rate a PG-13. Honestly, I think we have it backwards.
::shrugs::
But then again, non-judgmentalism is part of non-violence. A lack of violent deeds, violent words, and violent thoughts. It is revolutionizing my life, attempting to live this way. Or if you will, resurrecting it.
And so… Does this help you figure out who I am? I hope so. Will it help you recognize me in the grocery store? Er, probably not. To that end…
I live in Buffalo, a place where we didn’t notice that the rest of the country was in a recession because it all just seemed so familiar to us. I do, in fact, shop at Wegmans which might be the best chain of grocery stores in the world, though the one nearest me is crowded all the time, and for reasons I haven’t figured out yet, it does not have a hummus bar. (What’s up with that? I ask you.) I’m thirty-three, though I can apparently pass for twenty, and when I’m fifty I’m sure I’ll appreciate that. I’m single and straight, so the fact that I’ve found a beautiful man (also single and straight) who happens to be on the verge of enlightenment, makes me every so grateful to a merciful God, and I look forward to proposing to him. I am a writer and a priest. I have no parish and I’m pretty happy about that–I’m an itinerant preacher in the Episcopal Church and content to preach and teach as I can, and mostly to write. What do I write? Non fiction: systematic and pastoral theology, exegesis & self-help in books, articles, and subscription-based newsletter form. Fiction: fantasy, science fiction, horror romance and erotica, both in novel and short story form. Fan fiction: novel & short story form. Am I published? I’m working on it.
And, it’s all a work in progress. I used to think that things always stayed the same. I suppose that’s how my parents liked it to be. And yet, it was always an illusion, a fake, false looking glass that had the reflective surface painted over with an image of what they wanted to look like. I’ve come to realize that we’re all always changing, and that the joy comes when we decide how we want to change and then allow that growth to occur without pouring the equivalent of weedkiller all over ourselves, because let’s face it – nobody knows how to be our own worst enemy like we do, ourselves.
So one day in fifth grade I allowed myself to change. I made a little bet with myself. I treated it like a scientific experiment, letting the emotional distance protect me. I was shocked at the pleasant result. Twenty years later, I’m still growing. I hope I never stop.
Sare Liz,
I’ve been reading your fanfic, The Day the Earth Stood Still on fanfiction.net and loved your last author’s note. I’m actually writing a research paper on fanfiction and why these literary communities exist. I was wondering if I could use your comments in my paper, of course giving you credit for your words. If you are okay with this, all I would need is the name you want me to give credit to, either you real name or a pen name will suffice. Please let me know and keep up the amazing writing.
Jada,
No worries. I’d love to be able to read your final paper, if you’re willing to send me a copy, as well. What class are you doing your paper for? What’s your thesis? You can give credit to me, real name, The Reverend Sarah E. Gordy. Let me know if you need anything else.
Peace,
Sare
hey sare,
I’ve also been reading your FF, which I really enjoy. I am actually considering going back to church, thanks to you and one other priest: the bishop of the LA diocese. My son attends an episcopal school, so I get news about the church often. Anyway, I find I am drawn to the compassion and acceptance in your words and his. I’m not sure if I want to join any church, at this time, but you have compelled me to find out more. If you ever come to southern california I would love to meet you. You seem like a pretty cool chick!
~jennifer schmitt/frantic-daydreamer
Jennifer,
I’m glad you’re liking the fic, and I’m glad you’re thinking about working out your spirituality in a community. Choose wisely, because not every church (even when it’s been a part of your particular faith tradition, or family tradition) fits everyone. One size does not fit all, but the good news is that there are lots and lots of good churches out there, in every denomination. Look for one that fits you.
I don’t know the bishop of LA, but I’ve been at a few conferences with priests from that diocese, and all the ones I’ve meet seem like really incredible and invigorating people. Get your inspiration wherever you can.
I’ve never been to the gloriously sunny state of California, much less the southern portion of it, but keep in touch and if I’m in your neck of the woods we can have coffee. If you twitter, follow me there. I’m an inconsistent blogger (though I’m working on that), but I’m a frighteningly consistent twitterer. I’m sure that lends insight into my psyche, if only I could be bothered to look…
Peace,
Sare
Hiya, Sare.
Probably an inappropriate way to greet an elder (Older Human Being! Someone who was born before me? Gah!), but I get a feeling neither of us are much for conventions- which I actually find quite gratifying, in most instances. Not that I don’t respect my elders (Hispanic child-rearing forms have that quite ingrained in to me, thank ya muchly) – and I find myself quite respecting you.
Odd- The only reason I found your work in the first place was because of a recent (and altogether somewhat obsessive) binge on Alice in Wonderland AU-ness, with a romance between Alice and our beloved Hatter at the Front. (Hatter? Tarrant Hightropp? Reginald?) I found Frabjous Day- and I’m still blushing, Mind you. Anyway.
I think this is the first time I’ve been able to learn more of another writer without starting a direct conversation- Fanfiction.net allows mostly for reviews on story, but there is that barrier between praising writing and actual conversation. So I found this link after snooping a bit on your profile- and I’ve read just about every entry.
I find you inspiring, honestly. I’m about to become a full-ranged adult, myself, with many problems and questions you’ve raised here- and it’s been gratifying to find someone else seems to share some of my ideas, especially when it comes to Religion.
I guess I should cut off, before I continue rambling. xD There is a possibility of it degenerating into a fangirl-esque tirade. So thanks for the read, and the feel-good end to this evening.
Be Blessed, Happy, Full, and High (on life)
-Luna.
Luna,
When people in whatever congregation I happen to be serving ask my how I would like them to address me, and at that point they expect to hear something along the lines of ‘Reverend Gordy,’ or perhaps even ‘Mother Sarah,’ if they are traditional they are discomfited to hear I prefer they call me Sare. If they are less so, they are relieved. I figure, if God can call me Sare, which God does, then it’s fair game for everyone else. I’ve had people speak of me in the most disrespectful manner, all while using my correct title and address. It is the core of your message that I care about.
And isn’t it interesting, the ways we end up being connected to people? Meet through a friend, random encounters out in public, being referred by someone or something… and whether it is that we’ve found what for us will be a great and impactful work of literature, or the latest guru that will in fact change our life for the better, or the friend or acquaintance that will walk with us on the path as we become a discernibly better person… how we encounter those people, whatever their level of interaction in our life, is always a curious thing.
There is a difference, I think, between internet stalking and reasonable research. Your behavior sounds like reasonable research. It’s all good. Besides – I put that link on there for a reason; I want people to find this blog.
I like people to be comforted or challenged by the things I say. Sometimes it starts brushfires, but so be it. I feel like what I say needs to be said, and isn’t often enough heard by those who yearn for a voice to speak to the tension that they feel. Alternately, I could be full of shit. This is also quite likely.
We encourage full-range and even free-range adults. Even more so, I love walking with people as they become mature human beings. You may not be surprised to find out that this is a voluntary process that does not often occur in the first half century of life, though of course, it can. Also, being a mature human being really has nothing to do with being a responsible adult. But more on that later…
But really, feel free to ramble, babble, and fangirl. The most interesting things spontaneously pop out when we gush. The Holy Spirit is allowed elbow room when we do that. Weird-cool-divine shit happens in those moments. And there is every hope that I’ll be blogging more often – I hope you will feel free to comment whenever and wherever and for however long you like on each one.
Peace,
Sare
Love your work on ff-enjoy your writing