About Me

I am a big believer in the idea that names say a lot more about a person than what one might originally think. A word or a name conveys multiple layers of meaning beyond the most recognized or the first understood. I also believe that one can take on many names; I point you to the many names for the Christ, as example. In honor of this belief, I offer to you a brief insight into myself by sharing the definitions of the words that make up the name of this blog. I hope the name conveys the ideals I hold in tension; my desire for holiness, my quickness to anger, and the fact that I still love and am loved because of or despite these things.


ce-les-tial /səˈlɛs ʧəl/
adjective

1. pertaining to the sky or visible heaven;
2. pertaining to the spiritual or invisible heaven; heavenly; divine;
3. of or pertaining to celestial navigation;
4. (initial capital letter) of or pertaining to the former Chinese Empire or the Chinese people.

noun

1. an inhabitant of heaven;
2. (initial capital letter) a citizen of the Celestial Empire.

fig¹ /fɪɡ/
noun

1. any tree or shrub belonging to the genus Ficus, of the mulberry family, esp. a small tree, F. carica, native to southwestern Asia, bearing a turbinate or pear-shaped fruit that is eaten fresh, preserved, or dried;
2. the fruit of such a tree or shrub, or of any related species;
3. any of various plants having a fruit somewhat resembling this;
4. a contemptibly trifling or worthless amount; the least bit;
5. a gesture of contempt.

tree /tri/
noun

1. a plant having a permanently woody main stem or trunk, ordinarily growing to a considerable height, and usually developing branches at some distance from the ground;
2. any of various shrubs, bushes, and plants, as the banana, resembling a tree in form and size;
11. ...the cross on which Christ was crucified.

I am a recent graduate of Yale Divinity School, earning a Master of Divinity degree in May 2012. Prior to attending Yale, I double-majored in Linguistics and Religious Studies at Rice University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in May 2009. I have a passion for language, and am most intrigued in the way that language shapes one's understanding of the social environment. How does language give or maintain power?

I am preparing to enter Candler School of Theology in August 2012 to being work towards a Master of Theology, with a focus in ethics and women. My goal is to graduate from this program with an acceptance to a PhD program that would let me examine the relationship between ethics and the status of women in the Christian church.

Outside of academics, I am passionate about cooking, writing and interior design. Due to chronic knee problems, I am no longer able to follow two of my passions, fencing and dance. I struggle to replace those activities with yoga and running, and hope to learn some of the meditative martial arts. I have also recently decided to take up gardening, so wish me luck!

To find out more about me, browse through the archives!