Faithful Rebel

Last month, author, activist, and book publicist, Erin Lane interviewed me about my work. Erin is a board member of the "Resource Center for Women and Ministry in the South" and we share many interests when it comes to reflecting on women in religion and women in leadership.

This was my first Skype interview and Erin created a warm, thoughtful, and thought provoking atmosphere as she presented important questions to me about my writing, work as a doula, and reflections on spiritual truth. I loved her final question when she asked me if I considered myself to be a "faithful rebel."

Take twenty minutes to watch the interview.

May you find it inspiring and insightful.

Thank you.
Amy

The Ocean, The Buddha, and The Nummies

I stand in the ocean. The water is warm, placid, and crystal clear. Little translucent fish swim around my legs. I hold my 22-month old son Taber in my arms. He rests his head on my shoulder. My husband puts his goggles on to check out a nearby Needlefish. It’s our family morning time at the beach. Having recently moved to south Florida, we are amazed by the world-renowned beauty found a mile away from our doorstep. 

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Giving Birth to Life and Death

My 18-month-old son blissfully naps and I decide to catch up on some emails. I look at my inbox and notice a request for advice. I open the email, curious. After reading the first sentence, I take a deep breath.

“I experienced my first stillborn birth as a doula. I am so confused.”

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"Missing Grandma" -- Meditations on my mother's mental illness

Today, my mother-in-law arrives.

My husband’s mother visits every four to five months. Her soft blouses predictably sport cheerful, butterfly designs. She enjoys drinking a cold Stella beer and walking barefoot in the backyard of our south Florida home. Her beautiful, white hair shines in the sun. She loves to read to our two-year-old boy Taber. He calls her “Nana.”

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Ending Corporal Punishment: Why you should never spank a child

Not long ago, laws protected the “rights of men” to use physical force to correct or punish their wives. A husband’s ability to assert his authority through corporal punishment was accepted as a social norm. Due to the dedicated efforts of activists working to improve the status of women, legal prohibitions forbidding any form of “chastisement” are now commonplace in most countries around the world. This is a good thing. While men’s violence against women continues to be a serious public health concern, it is no longer justifiable in courts of law. It is time to extend this basic dignity to the world’s children.

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The Hard Heart of Parenting

 My body tenses. Teeth clench. Heart hardens. 

 I don’t hurt him. I don’t yell. Yet, my heart hardens with frustration. 

My agenda to clothe my two-year-old collides with his interest in remaining naked. He wants to play with his trucks on the bedroom floor; I have a morning adventure planned. After several attempts to wrestle him into some clothes, he runs out of the room crying “No!” 

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Birth in America: Reflections on Power and Social Media

Meredith’s Story

“Amy, can you meet us at the hospital in an hour?” my doula client asks. “We are trying to decide what to do.”

“Of course. I’ll be there soon Meredith.” I hang up my phone and take a deep breath. 

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