Thanks DG. I really appreciate that. I don't think it comes as any surprise that one of those five is the voice of Jesus. In no way do I think Jesus is the only way, but His example is the one that works best for me.
Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Gandhi for their messages of non-violence and peace.
Rev. Michael Piazza for his way of explaining God's inclusive love as it pertains to lesbians and gays. (Yes, that's my boss.)
Maya Angelou for her brilliant way of using language.
There are so many others ...
Thanks Shameless.
If you were recuperating in a hospital, who would you want in the bed next to you, excluding relatives?
A great conversationalist who also understands the value of quiet time.
What has given you the most pleasure in the last year?
Seeing my sister get married to a wonderful man. I love spending time with my family, and, with three brothers and a sister, their spouses and seven nieces and a nephew, it is rare that we can spend any time together. What a great reason to do so!
What's something that we would be surprised to learn about you?
Well, certainly not that I am a bleeding heart liberal Christian ... maybe that, despite quite a bit of musical theater on my resume, I really am not a good singer.
If your house were on fire, what would you grab on the way out?
I am looking around my room, and there is no possession for which I would risk my life. As long as Mike and Bill and my dog get out of the house, we are good to go. If I could, I would grab a small wooden chest that has some things I cherish from and about my mom.
If we asked an important person in your life to describe you, what would he or she say? How accurate would it be?
This is the toughest one all day. Whatever Rev. Piazza would say would be, perhaps unfortunately, accurate. He would start by saying, jokingly, "He is not a well woman." I think he would say that I get frustrated too easily about minor things and that I have trouble focusing on work because I really would prefer always to be doing theater. Despite that, he, I think, would say, that I am a passionate person of faith who is committed to the causes that I believe we are called to as Christians. I hope he would say that I am a talented actor.
What’s something that you’ve never done, but have always wanted to try?
Skydiving ... despite being afraid of heights.
What’s the last great gift that you gave someone? And, that you were given?
My brothers and I bought my sister and her new husband a pair of sterling silver candlesticks for their wedding, because my mom always gave candlesticks with a note that said "My father gave me two pieces of advice when I got married: never go to bed angry and have dinner by candlelight, tonight." Since my mom is not here to give them, we did. I got Truman, my puppy, for my birthday last year. He is pretty special.
"I am open, and I am willing,
For to be hopeless would seem so strange.
It dishonors those who go before us,
So lift me up to the light of change."
Holly Near
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