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 | 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...
by Vella Karman | Jan 29, 2025 | Belonging, Bonfires & Stars
I thought being part of a team would be completely different. I’m not sure if the dream let me down…it’s different than reality. As part of my writing apprenticeship, I work in an office for 40 hours a week. It’s set up like a job: five other...
by Vella Karman | Jan 15, 2025 | Author News, Belonging, Bonfires & Stars
I’m working on a huge project right now. I’m the managing editor for Fantastical Summer, a collection of summer-themed magical realism short stories from different authors. It will be released in May 2025 and for the next two weeks, submissions are open. Writers...
by Vella Karman | Dec 11, 2024 | Belonging, Bonfires & Stars
There has been a moment with each of my family members where I thought there was no way our relationship could survive. Too hurt. Too broken. Too messed up. I’d hurt them and they’d hurt me and all that compiled hurt was too much. There was no way we could ever...
