Part of teaching people to make sense of an ancient manuscript (in 2025) that was written to a different people group, in a different time, in a different culture and setting, with specific meaning requires nuancing broad ideas and attempting to bridge the gap between middle eastern religion & western post-modernism. The 30-45 minutes I am given rarely covers everything I want to teach and so I spend hours prepping & studying to be able to relay it over in a way that makes sense. A lot of times I know that I’ve barely planted an idea in someone. But sometimes you get someone that locks in and suddenly they get it and it’s the best thing in the world. Case in point — had a guy who had never sat in any sort of religious setting and he got to experience his first ever teaching via my mix of chaos & charts & witty snippets. He approached me afterwards and said, and I quote “You made that Jesus guy seem really kind. He’s actually pretty fucking awesome huh?” — and although I wouldn’t have used that exact phrase to explain the thought, it was clear that he got the main point clearly & concisely. It is a blast to unpack religion + explain it to people in a way that makes sense while simultaneously healing the trauma that I carry from childhood. And if that a person walks out encouraged to love their neighbor more? Or check in on their elderly family? Or give money to a charity that needs it? That’s a job well done.
Jan 3, 2025
Related Recs
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between others. it’s something i’ve always been good at and take pride in doing in the everyday. i just want to make the proverbial “it“ mean something.
whether that be small, like recommending a local shop to a friend looking for something. or “big“, like referring someone to a future partner or job. it can be done with or without words, whether through advice or a simple nudge.
i like to bring people together, create communities, or provide jumping off points. without sounding grandiose, i feel like my life’s work is to inspire.
i think eventually i’ll settle my jittery hands on a specific craft that acts as a visual language to accomplish this, as i've always been fond of art. but, i don’t think that’s all that’s in store for me, one big grand statement. i think my impact translates into everything i pursue.
May 26, 2024
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Context is that I'm severly and chronically depressed (yes, we all are, probably, I know) so when anything breaks through that thick framing in my mind it is... interesting? And this prompt of "reccomending" that's sparking overall genuine sharing of niche personal joys/experiences is definitely interesting, and kind of giving... AND possibly even lightly serving...
Jan 23, 2024
👍
when people ask me about my job i‘m often tempted to launch into all of my frustrations, which sometimes i do
but sometimes i tell them, “it’s hard work, but i really love what i do” and it feels good to say!! i don’t have to self-flagellate for a stranger who just told me that they could “never” do what i do and make myself a martyr
i’m being honest but i‘m highlighting the best parts of my job instead of highlighting the worst parts—and i find myself a lot happier when i repeat this process for all aspects of my life
i love my partner, i love my pets, i love my city, i love my job. there are always things to complain about but there are also always things to celebrate
Dec 7, 2024
Top Recs from @marianoleonczik
florinegrassenhopper riotgrrrl brendanooooo slowdazzle buck_mcgraw and indianjones — we did it. Not only did we successfully meet for drinks, but we also schemed the hostile takeover of this app from tyler tonight.
In all seriousness — weird that an app I downloaded in April would make genuinely want to drive back into Brooklyn during end of day traffic for a happy hour. Great app filled with great people.
Jul 20, 2024
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I feel like there’s a special connectivity on this app that I haven’t felt in a long time, maybe since early 2010’s tumblr. The fact that you can’t promote yourself like IG is wonderful. The fact that there isn’t mass video content like Tik Tok is great. It’s not this monetized / paid sponsorship app. People are here because they want to be a part of something with nothing to gain besides friendship. Seeing the URL -> IRL meetups warms my heart so much (waiting for an NYC or Brooklyn meetup).
Thanks for your participation on this niche little app. I smile reading all the recs and all the comments and all the asks. Hope we’ll all be here for a long time.
Jun 15, 2024
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I think a life rule for me is to surround myself with people who know more / are smarter / are cooler than me and just absorb their aura by listening / observing them. It’s made me the incredibly smart / cool person you all know and love.
I just never thought I’d feel the same way about URL friends. I’m constantly listening to the songs I see posted here, reading the articles, subbing to newsletters, and googling topics that get tossed onto the feed.
It’s nice to know you can become a more rounded person by just absorbing what your mutuals post on here. I’m going to sit on my couch, have a cocktail and digest my lovely feed. Happy Sunday!
Sep 15, 2024