The Rapture & Substack
I welcome both.
Two things you should know about me:
I visit four websites regularly. Three of them are for my day job.
I have only recently, begrudgingly accepted that I have to participate in the algorithm of it all if I want my work to be seen and heard.
I share both of these things so you understand how radical it is that I have chosen to learn something new on the internet.
In recent weeks, I have thought more and more about how I interact online. I’ve often argued, and truly believe, that the digital world we’ve created isn’t real, and yet, I continue to participate. Why?
My brain, like everyone else’s, is a little addicted to this whole thing. I like to see what people are up to. I’m interested in reading people’s educated and reasonable opinions on things like world events, politics, and Sabrina Carpenter. Also, if I’m being honest, I like to get my little notifications. It’s a dopamine hit! Who doesn’t like a little dopamine?
This week, while scrolling my very specifically curated TikTok algorithm, I came across several videos where people (mostly women) were providing instructions and tips for The Rapture, which this group believes will happen September 23rd, 2025.
Though I was not raised religious, a rare thing in Appalachia, I’ve heard about The Rapture my entire life. When my dad’s friends would try to persuade him to “read The Bible,” he would jokingly reply, “Oh, I am, that’s why I can’t go to church. I don’t want them to spoil the ending!” Growing up in Catholic school gave him a very interesting sense of humor about these things.
For those of you who might want to be prepared for September 23rd, here are some of The Rapture tips I’ve heard:
When you start moving up into the air, don’t hold onto anything and don’t look down!
Gather up copies of The Bible and write a letter explaining what has happened so others can be saved.
Give away your Earthly possessions! You can’t take them with you.
If you aren’t signing over the deed to your house before September 23rd, clean it to prepare for whoever takes it over. (Thoughtful!)
Keep your phone unlocked so those who are left behind can use it. (I’m not sure why they would need to, but this is also pretty thoughtful!)
Despite my raising, I do now identify as Christian. I’m one of those progressive ones, though, which are still a bit of a rare breed where I live. I see Revelations for what it is in its historical context, a book written by someone wanting revenge on the Romans for their persecution of Christians, not some end of days prediction of what’s to come.
Could I be wrong? Sure! I actually don’t feel like I need to have answers or certainty about everything. Remaining curious is a gift. If The Rapture happens tomorrow, I welcome it. It might be a nice change of pace.
But before we find out, I’d like to at least formally welcome you to this new thing I’m trying out, my Substack.
A friend mentioned Substack to me a few weeks ago. My podcast, Mountain Laurels, is about to enter its second season. It has been such a joy to produce, but I’ve been feeling like I don’t really have a sense of what people think about the show. What they’d like to hear more of, who they think I should talk with, what they think I should talk about. These things do matter to me. Of course, I want people to like the show, but I also think some of the best art is made with community, and I want listeners to feel some community around my podcast.
To be clear, I have no interest in telling you what you should think or how you should be. This isn’t really that kind of podcast. I’m just genuinely interested in your reactions, your reflections, your curiosity.
So what can you expect from my Substack?
You’ll be able to find all episodes of my podcast here. They’ll also still be available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and now YouTube! I’ll also be posting some musings like this when the inspiration hits.
For paid supporters, I’ll be offering access to extended interviews. As it turns out, I love to chit chat and have been known to record for three hours. I’ll also be offering some other types of content to paid subscribers early.
With that being said, if you’re not able to become a paid subscriber, that’s totally fine. You will not hurt my feelings. Offering it even feels a little weird. Like, in THIS ECONOMY?! Trust me, I’ve said that to myself several times. But as a beloved friend once said to me, there are people who want to support you, so let them.
Money isn’t the only way you can support me. Listening, sharing, and following my work is already a huge support, and I thank you!
Now all of the formalities are out of the way, I want to let you know you can expect new episodes of Mountain Laurels beginning October 9th, unless Jesus comes back. I’m not 100 percent sure I’d get Raptured, but I like my chances.
So glad you're here!