Hi John, Wow, wow, wow. What an incredible week it’s been, my friend! In big moments like this, I’m reminded why I do what I do. I get to share my heart through my work. But it’s also the small moments, like meeting one of you in person, that truly humble me. I’m so grateful to have such incredible people walking this journey with me. I’d love to share a bit more with you, including a book signing, a shy fan, and some honest thoughts on impostor syndrome. Surprise: 📚🌈
Cartoon: Blessings Though! 🙃
Dad Joke: Down the stairs 🪜
Quote: It’s always the child’s fault.🗣️
Original Cartoon: Of Course You Exist 🏳️⚧️🌟 |
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I can’t contain my excitement, friend!!! My new book, The Rainbow Sheep, is finally out! If my work has ever meant something to you, I’d be so grateful if you’d consider picking up a copy. Get one (or more) for yourself, your kids, or other kids in your extended family, your library, school, or church. AND AND AND please please please leave a positive review on Amazon or wherever you buy/bought it. It helps more than you may realize. It’s a joyful, colorful story about love, belonging, and being exactly who you are, and I’d love your help getting it into as many hands (and hearts) as possible.
I had a great book-signing event at Indigo Books. The manager ordered 25 in but warned me that when authors sell 5, that is considered a great success They all sold! She was thrilled, and so was I. By the way, I purposely did not make it a religious story. There is no mention of “God” or church or anything like that at all. Why? Because I want it to appeal to as many people and groups as possible. This is about love for anyone anywhere anytime. Diversity rocks! |
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| This cartoon is so sad but true… In this community, we celebrate all and every sheep, no matter the color of your wool! |
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| I wrote a book on how to fall down stairs without hurting yourself. It’s a step-by-step guide. |
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| “It’s the way Protestants bring up children. In the interests of promoting modesty in children — a Christian virtue — they massacre self-esteem. It’s always the child’s fault. Because if it wasn’t the child’s fault, it would be their fault.” — Joan Didion, quoting her therapist in Joan Didion, Notes to John. |
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| That quote above struck me hard when I read it. It feels accurate. I know that, generally, Catholics have their Catholic guilt. But that’s different. You make a mistake, repent and receive forgiveness, and move on. But Protestants are taught that deep down we are sinful to the core and always will be. That does take a devastating toll on one’s self-esteem. It did mine. So much so that to this day, I have a hard time accepting that someone would love me as I am, and an even harder time accepting that they would even like me as I am. A little story: Earlier this week, Lisa and I drove to Halifax, a four-hour drive away, to meet friends, hang out, eat out, and enjoy a couple of days of mini-vacation. One morning, we went to one of our favourite breakfast spots. Our server was very kind. When we were finished and getting ready to pay and leave, she shyly asked me if I was the NakedPastor. I said yes, and we had a lovely little encounter. She said she followed me for years, appreciated my work, and was so happy to meet me. Afterwards, my friends said, “You’re famous!”. Those words didn’t seem to sink in. I still can’t believe someone would follow me, love my work, and be excited to meet me. It doesn’t seem possible or real. Imposter syndrome? But it’s not just about feeling like an impostor. It’s about feeling like I don’t deserve this, or that they don’t really know the real me, or if they did they would reject me, or that I dare not slip up, or that it has nothing to do with the quality of me or my work but some fragile, magical blessing that could be withdrawn at any time. Know what I mean? It’s like the people I met at my book signing. They were thrilled. Some couldn’t believe I lived locally and have followed me for years. I do fly under the radar here. It made me start to really wonder if it could be because I’m still hiding, hiding from the risk of being exposed as the dirty, rotten sinner that I am… that I’m supposed to be, theologically. I often wonder how much light I’m hiding from the world because of this nefarious theology that sticks to me like mud. Obviously, the cure to all this is knowing that I am okay, just like you are! |
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| I drew this cartoon by hand. I have many trans friends who need support, especially these days. I call it Of Course You Exist, because erasing people is the first step to justifying their persecution and annihilation! |
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| Here it is: Of Course You Exist It’s been a while since I featured an original cartoon! If you’d like to see what I’ve been busy with, I’d absolutely LOVE for you to take a look at my collection and see if anything catches your eye and (most importantly) touches your heart! |
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| This week has reminded me that even in moments of doubt, connection brings us back to ourselves. Whether it's a kind word from a stranger, a message from one of you, or the joy of seeing The Rainbow Sheep in someone’s hands, it all matters. Thank you for being here. Thank you for believing in this work. And thank you for reminding me, over and over again, that love really does have the final word. Much love my friend, David P.S. In case you forgot while reading this newsletter, my book The Rainbow Sheep is out NOW! I would LOVE for you to consider adding it to your cart. I know you’re going to love it! |
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NakedPastor Gondola Point Road Quispamsis, NB E2E 1H6 |
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