In 2017 Rebecca set out on a spiritual pilgrimage, a cross-country trip “Chasing Light” in a small RV with two large dogs and not enough books. She is currently writing a memoir about the journey.
She has taught at Appalachian State University, worked for a domestic violence/rape crisis agency, and in another life served three Lutheran pastorates.
Rebecca holds a BA from Wittenberg University, an M.Div. from Trinity Lutheran Seminary, and an MFA in Creative Writing from Queens University of Charlotte and was selected to receive a 2017-2018 North Carolina Artist Fellowship.She currently lives in beautiful New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment.
I Found God, Became A Pastor And Then Lost My Faith. Here’s What I Believe In Now.
Recorded: June 22, 2021
Posted: June 25, 2021
Ken welcomes Rebecca Gummere, award-winning author, advocate, former pastor and blogger. They discuss her recent popular article that appeared in the Huffington Post: "I Found God, Became A Pastor And Then Lost My Faith. Here's What I Believe In Now." Rebecca has been writing since the earliest days. Her academic career (which includes the MFA in Creative Writing at Queens University of Charlotte) sharpened those skills. A call to ministry came after her three children. It was prompted by two significant tragedies, including the tragic loss of her son, Cooper, just weeks after his arrival. She earned a Master of Divinity and her ordination. But after serving as a pastor in several churches, she experienced a serious crisis of faith. This interview takes us on that journey with her, and finally a nearly year-long cross-country pilgrimmage she calls "Chasing Light." At the end of the interview, Rebecca surprises Ken with a powerful story you will not forget. See our SHOW NOTES for more about Rebecca Gummere.
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The Podcast Official Site: TheBeachedWhiteMale.com
Rebecca’s work has appeared in the Huffington Post, O, The Oprah Magazine, The Daily Beast, Pithead Chapel, the Christian Science Monitor, Crack the Spine, The Gettysburg Review, The Rumpus, the New South Journal, the Waccamaw Journal, and on the Brevity blog.
Her essay, “Pilgrimage,” was named a finalist in The Masters Review Anthology Contest, Vol. VII, and appears in the anthology released Fall, 2018.
She is a two-time Pushcart nominee and has been awarded three North Carolina Regional Artist Project Grants (2013, 2015, and 2018). She has also been the recipient of two Fellowships from the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts (VCCA) and was selected to receive a 2017-2018 North Carolina Artist Fellowship for her memoir-in-progress about her recent nine-month cross-country pilgrimage.
Rebecca’s essay, “The Departure,” which appeared in the Summer, 2012 issue of The Gettysburg Review, has been reprinted by Redux Literary Journal.”
Rebecca is accepting a small number of clients for editorial brainstorming, feedback, and writing support. For more information contact her at blueheroneditorial@gmail.com.
More Pending
