My Ten-Year Journey to Becoming a Nun
Catastrophes attract a lot of people to religious orders. The first time I visited the Community of St. John Baptist (CSJB), the Episcopal convent I now lead as the Sister Superior, it was Presidents Day weekend in 2002, and in the wake of 9/11 six of us had come to explore the possibility of taking vows. We all slept in the guest wing. One of us snored so loudly I didn't get a wink of sleep the whole weekend.
Ever since I was a little kid, I'd been drawn to the idea of being a nun. But in Rome, Ga., where I grew up surrounded by Southern Baptists and Methodists, becoming a nun seemed as likely as becoming an NFL quarterback. I pushed the notion deep down and spent a lifetime passing for someone else—for someone richer, for someone high-powered working in advertising, for a wife. But no matter what disguise I donned or personality I tried on, I never belonged.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Level Plains officer saves two from burning car in ditch
DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN) — A Wiregrass police officer has been recognized for helping save two people from a fiery fate. 'The flames were so hot that I could feel the hair on my arms,' said Officer Brandon Bass. This week, the Level Plains Police Department honored Bass, a Patrol K-9 Officer, with the Life Saving Award. On May 24, Bass responded to a call on Highway 84 and Gladys Street after reports of a car running off the road and landing in a ditch. But when Officer Bass arrived on the scene, the situation was worse than imaginable. 'The car was bursting into flames. Multiple bystanders were yelling for help…There was two inside of the vehicle. At that time, we kind of take it as we don't know how many was in there. We gotta quick jump into action.' Thanks to the help of three Good Samaritans and a level plains reserve officer, Bass was able to remove the two people from the burning vehicle safely. With the potential of a serious injury or even death staring him in the eye, Bass said he didn't hesitate to help save those in the car. 'They say we train for a lot, but some stuff you just can't train for. You have to make that decision just that quickly. I would want someone to do what I did for my family.' According to Bass, the Life Saving Award is not just handed out regularly. Even though he did not jump into action with the thought of winning the award in mind, he did say it felt good to be recognized for his work. 'In law enforcement, we don't get recognized for what we do. We have a bad name and most people don't know what we deal with on a daily basis. To see that we're recognized for that, it actually shows the good that we do; that we do really care about people.' Bass explained that he was just extremely happy that both individuals were able to make it out safely. The Level Plains officer also wanted to extend his appreciation to the Henry County Sheriff's Department for their assistance in the rescue. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Registration open, date announced for 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Lambeau Field
GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – Officials announced the date for the 13th annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Lambeau Field, also noting that registration for the event is now open. On Saturday, September 20, Lambeau Field will host one of the largest annual stair climb events in the nation, the annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Lambeau Field. The event, which is a powerful reminder of the sacrifice made by thousands on September 11, 2001, continues to grow every year with an anticipated 2,500 participants in 2025, up from the 2,300 in 2024. Sheboygan police sergeant, public works employees help rescue kitten stuck in storm sewer The thousands of participants nationwide from across the fire service community, their families, friends, and supporters, will embark on Lambeau Field to pay respects to the lives lost and those who were willing to sacrifice their own. 'The 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb is a powerful reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and unity which defines the fire service,' said Chief Matthew Knott of the Green Bay Metro Fire Department. 'Each year, we are humbled by the incredible support from our community and are proud to honor the 343 firefighters who gave everything on that tragic day. Together, we climb to ensure their legacy lives on and to support the critical work of the NFFF.' During the event, participants climb the equivalent of 110 stories, the height of the World Trade Center towers. Each climber carries an honor badge displaying the name and photograph of one of the fallen firefighters, symbolically completing the heroic journey. Upon reaching the equivalent of the 78th floor, the highest point firefighters reached on 9/11, climbers will ring a fire bell in solemn tribute. Swing into summer by supporting the Miracle League of the Fox Valley 'Each year is as meaningful as the next as we pay tribute to the 343 firefighters who selflessly put others ahead of themselves on 9/11. We deeply appreciate the support of our partners, volunteers, and climbers who make this event possible. Their dedication ensures we never forget the sacrifices made,' said Bob Schulz, president of Pierce Manufacturing. The event is co-sponsored by the Green Bay Metro Fire Department and Pierce Manufacturing. All funds raised from the event will benefit the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Participants are encouraged to register early at Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
The Baltimore Ravens already boast one of the most dangerous rushing attacks in the NFL led by a dominant piece in Derrick Henry, but the happenings of free agency leave the AFC North champs with an opportunity for a reunion and upgrade to their backfield reservoir.
The Baltimore Ravens already boast one of the most dangerous rushing attacks in the NFL led by a dominant piece in Derrick Henry, but the happenings of free agency leave the AFC North champs with an opportunity for a reunion and upgrade to their backfield reservoir. originally appeared on Athlon Sports. No team ran the ball better week to week than the Baltimore Ravens did last season. A staggering 187.6 yards per game represented a brutalizing ground presence that bullied opposing defenses and made them a tough out in the postseason. Advertisement The hope is that they again maintain that reputation while taking things further into the winter months. Baltimore boasts the resources to get the job done with the duo of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry set to lead the way again. Focusing on Henry, his brilliance produced 1,921 yards and 16 touchdowns on 5.9 yards per carry last season. At the level which he performs, Henry does not appear to be one that needs help handling his share of the load. But could the Ravens seek it out anyway? All talent acquisition periods of the offseason are long gone, but former Baltimore running back J.K. Dobbins remains a free agent. SportsCasting's Gia Nguyen offered up a potential Ravens reunion with Dobbins who spent his first three seasons with the team. Advertisement "Another interesting destination would be a second stint in Baltimore with the Ravens, where he started his NFL career. Dobbins could provide some insurance for an aging Derrick Henry, while giving the Ravens a formidable 1-2 punch in the backfield." Henry and Justice Hill have essentially formed that "1-2 punch" since Dobbins' departure. Henry has done an admirable job of producing on the reps given to him, but there is an argument for lessening the burden on an aging veteran. Dobbins posted 905 yards and nine touchdowns for the Los Angeles Chargers last season, so there is recent enough evidence to argue in favor of a reunion. The Ravens could add some backfield muscle and Henry insurance at a very low cost. As of now, there is no traction on the Ravens making any changes to the structure of their backfield, but it would not be much of a surprise for Baltimore to install a "just in case" piece sometime this summer. Advertisement Related: Ravens Land Two Tight Ends in NFL Top 10 Related: 'Remarkably Consistent' Ravens Dubbed Second-Most Complete Team This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
