Shemaiah Gonzalez

Shemaiah Gonzalez is a freelance writer who holds a B.A. in English Literature and a M.A. in Intercultural Ministry. She thrives on moments where storytelling, art, and faith collide. Published on Busted Halo and America Magazine among others, she is obsessed with being well-rounded as she jumps from Victorian lit to Kendrick Lamar, from the homeless shelter to the cocktail party. A Los Angeles native, she now lives in Seattle with her husband and their two sons.

Choosing Joy

Once we know we are loved, it is easy to choose joy. This is what Father Greg Boyle, SJ, learned as he has ministered to ex-gang members in Los Angeles....

No Guarantees

Each week, my junior high-school math teacher had us write a note to ourselves at the top of our class notebooks. Dear Me, Lord willing, Test on Friday. Every instruction about the future...

A Sense of Serenity

This past year, my family decided to watch the entire Seinfeld series. My children are now old enough to get the jokes, and enough time has passed for my...

Seeing Like Jesus

Editor’s note: Throughout July, we’re hosting 31 Days with St. Ignatius, a month-long celebration of Ignatian spirituality. In addition to the calendar of Ignatian articles found here, posts on dotMagis this month will...

Grace at Rock Bottom

When I converted to Catholicism 15 years ago, a family friend mailed me a copy of The Complete Stories of Flannery O’Connor with a note that read, “Welcome to...

Why God Makes Us Wait

I have heard that God always answers prayer. Sometimes the answer is “Yes.” Sometimes it is “No.” And sometimes it is “Wait.” There was a time when God’s answer to...