by Vella Karman | Apr 2, 2025 | Belonging, Bonfires & Stars
I grew up with an intense fear of abandonment. I was one of those kids who clung to my mom when she wanted to walk out the door, especially if it involved a weekend away. And that was because when I was little, I was in some unsafe situations that weren’t great...
by Vella Karman | Mar 19, 2025 | aWkwaRd, Belonging, Bonfires & Stars
Jesus died so you’d never have to feel rejection again. Before you tell me I’m crazy, hear me out. He died so that we could be accepted by God. The cross means you’re accepted in heaven, you’re part of the church, and you’re adopted as a child of God. These are...
by Vella Karman | Mar 12, 2025 | Belonging, Soli Deo Gloria
A few months ago, I started praying a new prayer. I don’t know why, actually. The prayer wasn’t supposed to ease anxiety. But that’s what happened. It’s slowed my racing heart, increased my joy, and…believe it or not…started making it easier to...
by Vella Karman | Mar 5, 2025 | Author News, Belonging, Book Reviews
My friend stole my birthday. I met Noah about a year and a half ago now. We’re in an apprenticeship program together. We’re the kind of friends and classmates that don’t say much, but know we care about each other. We’re kinda like siblings. You see,...
by Vella Karman | Feb 26, 2025 | aWkwaRd, Belonging, Soli Deo Gloria, Uncategorized
Time to get real: I still keep my safety blanket on my bed. Yeah, I turn 20 next Monday and the tiny blanket my grandparents gave me as a toddler still graces my pillow. It’s soft. It’s familiar. It’s comforting. And it’s wildly unpopular....
by Vella Karman | Feb 19, 2025 | Belonging, Bonfires & Stars, Soli Deo Gloria
On Sunday, my pastor talked about real relationship with God versus religion. He put it this way: religion is a relationship with rules. Faith is a relationship with God. (Those weren’t his exact words, but they’re close enough.) It’s so easy to trade a...
