Embrace

Renée Altson January 30th, 2012

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This is my first Steve Brown Etc. blog post for the year 2012. With so much going on in many different facets of life and culture, it is almost easy for me to forget how new 2012 really is.

I don’t make new year’s resolutions anymore. After decades of broken promises and disappointed efforts, I started picking a new year’s word to remember and operate from for 12 months. I’ve had some interesting words since starting this, but I never make the conscious choice&# … (Read More)

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I Choose Hope… Ick!

Renée Altson December 5th, 2011

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For many of us, the holidays are an especially difficult time of year. Memories, losses, desires, wishes – these all tug simultaneously on us as we think of the season. Anger, frustration, sorrow, joy – we are often caught in conflicting emotions, and at times, we just numb ourselves out all together.

There is a lot of faking cheer this season; people looking to fit in, people wanting to “be good,” people unable to feel what is really inside of them, people inte … (Read More)

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Expectations Beyond the Pages

Renée Altson October 10th, 2011

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On Friday I had a sad and difficult encounter with someone I had apparently disillusioned. Without going into the specifics (though they can be found on my facebook page), the ultimate issue was that a woman had been greatly inspired by my book Stumbling Toward Faith but felt “kicked in the gut” by the person I am today; the Renee Altson that was writing on facebook.

This woman called me “evil” and refused to accept (or even consider) that I had any relationshi … (Read More)

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Living Broken & Safe

Renée Altson June 20th, 2011

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Last month, I spent two weeks in a local psychiatric hospital.

I was deeply struggling with things, having a difficult time with my future, and needing some time in a "safe place." I was in a locked unit with no access to sharp things (not even a pen!) or other dangerous objects, and I was carefully monitored and frequently watched. I was there for two weeks, at one time not considered a lengthy stay, but in these current days, exceptionally long.

My husband a … (Read More)

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I hate Easter, with a passion.

Renée Altson April 25th, 2011

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I hate Easter, with a passion.

It could be rightly assumed that I hate all the trappings of Easter, which I do. I certainly recognize the joy that children get from their plastic eggs, the great hunt, and gobs of trinkets and candy. Then there is the fun of shopping for new clothes–particularly those lovely dresses for little girls, frequently strung with barbaric beads, cheap lace, and crafted out of polyester, the ultimate in uncomfortable, itchy, and ugly mate … (Read More)

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Stumbling Toward Faith – Renée Altson

Erik Guzman July 12th, 2007

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Renée Altson's father was a Sunday school teacher who would rape her while reciting the Lord's Prayer. Stumbling Toward Faith is her story.

On this edition of The Brown Sessions, Renée talks with us about her journey through hell and how she struggles and stumbles toward faith despite her ordeal.

Renée Altson's nonfiction and poetry have been published in journals and anthologies nationwide. Her blog ianua.org has received wide accla … (Read More)

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