Rowan Finley
Bio
Father. Academic Advisor. Musician. Writer. Aspiring licensed mental health counselor. My real name is Jesse Balogh.
Stories (598/0)
- Top Story - January 2024
Should We Always Be an Open Book?Top Story - January 2024
One thing that I have learned over the last several years is that I shouldn’t be too honest or vulnerable with just anyone. In the past it was nice to be able to say that I was an open book. I was to the point that people knew I’d basically answer any question. Over time people around me realized this, and would ask me all sorts of personal questions that I felt obligated to always answer. Talk about painful! I have learned that we shouldn’t be a completely open book to just everyone. As the old quote goes, “Don’t cast your pearls before swine.” That quote is appropriate when thinking about sharing your heart and soul with people. I think it’s important to seek the right people to be vulnerable with because when you do, it builds relational intimacy. I think at the end of the day we’re all seeking meaningful relationships, not heartbreak, right?
By Rowan Finley 4 months ago in Humans
Intercession
When I was younger, and even now, from time to time, I get frustrated with God. I question God in my heart. “Why do you put such heavy burdens in my heart for people? I see their suffering a mile away.” Walking miles in the shoes of other people leaves me feeling so worn down and exhausted. The sadness, the pain, the need for healing, and the desire to see people free from addiction… It all adds up and it feels overwhelming to my heart. Empathy is a gift and huge responsibility from what I am learning. Empathy is used by God to bring people to action. I’m called to act and follow the compassion or burdens that are God-given. It’s beautiful and exciting. Sometimes it feels very urgent, in how I should respond quickly to the brokenness of others before me. Here are some questions I ask myself: Is time running out for people? Is time running out for me to respond? What limits do I have? How can I rely on your power more, God?
By Rowan Finley 5 months ago in Confessions
Puppet Master
Holly didn’t feel like going home. It had been a long time since she’d been to a church. The last memories of going to church were when she had gone with her grandmother for Christmas services and sometimes on Easter. She was feeling in the Christmas spirit and a little braver than usual. It had been a long day at work and she was exhausted from working on several marketing projects. I didn’t feel quite right, going home to an empty house because she knew she’d feel lonely when she got home.
By Rowan Finley 5 months ago in Horror