A Year of Humility
Every January, instead of making resolutions, I choose a theme to guide my year—a single word or idea that serves as my compass. It’s a tradition that has helped me focus on growth, connection, and purpose without the pressure of perfection.
In 2023, the theme was Simplicity. This year, it’s Humility.
Why humility? Because it’s the antidote to so much that divides us—pride, ego, and fear of the unknown. It invites us to admit what we don’t know, to ask hard questions, and to extend grace to ourselves and others. It’s also deeply tied to the topics I explore in my upcoming book, Jesus & Me: Questioning God, Life, and Everything in Between (releasing January 14, 2025).
Go to AYearofHumility.net for info, activities, and resources!
The Search Party
My debut novel is released on April 15th! Get it everywhere books are sold.
Uncertain: Ethical Considerations for Supporting Faith Deconstructing Clients
Uncertain: Ethical Considerations for Working With Faith Deconstructing Clients
This 3-hour continuing education workshop from Kirk Sheppard, LPCC-S (author of “Jesus & Me: Questioning God, Life, and Everything in Between”) explores the complexities of supporting clients who are deconstructing their faith, particularly within Christian traditions. Deconstruction is a deeply personal and often challenging process that involves critically examining long-held religious beliefs and practices.
The training focuses on ethical considerations counselors may encounter, such as maintaining client autonomy, navigating confidentiality in the face of family or community pressure, and addressing power dynamics inherent in religious contexts. Utilizing the Feminist Ethical Decision-Making Model, participants will learn to apply ethical frameworks that emphasize collaboration, cultural sensitivity, and empowerment.
The workshop integrates practical therapeutic approaches, including Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT) to address relational disconnection, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to reframe cognitive distortions, and Narrative Therapy to help clients re-author their spiritual journey. Case studies and interactive exercises provide hands-on learning to equip counselors with tools to manage ethical dilemmas and personal biases in practice.
By the end of the training, participants will:
Understand the ethical challenges of supporting clients during faith deconstruction.
Apply feminist ethics and therapeutic frameworks to navigate these challenges.
Engage with practical strategies to foster client growth, autonomy, and well-being.
Cost $45. Register here.
3 Hours of Ethics approved by the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board
Approval #: MCST01258892
Book Release: Jesus & Me - Questioning God, Life, and Everything in Between
My memoir/self-help book, Jesus & Me: Questioning God, Life, and Everything in Between, releases today! Find out more here.
MICHAEL AND JANE by Kirk Sheppard at Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati
Celebrate local writers at the workshops at Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati’s 10-Minute Connections: Unity scripts! Each of these 10-minute plays received readings earlier this year in a Studio Series event where the audience voted for their favorites. They were each so well-loved that you can see them all in a workshop format! This event is free, but registration is required.
MICHAEL AND JANE by Kirk Sheppard is part of this night of staged readings. Jane has been accused of shoplifting and finds herself in the holding cell of a local amusement park. There, she meets Michael, who is also being detained - and you won't believe why. They form a bond that unites them unexpectedly.
Plays also include:
Grape and Grain by Liz Coley
Block History by Roger Collins
Health and Care and Marriage by Victoria Hawley
Stall Talk by Josie Palmarini
A Sad Vampire by Aleah Vassell
trueFRINGE
Kirk is one of four storytellers at trueFRINGE, part of the Cincinnati Fringe Festival.
Tickets are available here.
Webcam
Cory needs to pay for school and thinks taking his clothes off online is a great way to do it. His best friend has objections - and other feelings, too. Maybe sex work wasn't such a great idea after all? Or maybe it was. It's complicated!
It’s A play about intimacy, loneliness, and sex work.
You can see it one-night only at the Cincinnati Fringe Festival. Tickets and passes are available here.
Cincinnati Fringe Festival
Join Kirk - and the entire Cincinnati theatre community - for a two week celebration of new works, alternative theatre, and the best community at the Cincinnati Fringe Festival. Produced by Know Theatre, this annual event is not to be missed. Kirk will not only be covering it for his theatre blog, The Sappy Critic, but he also has a one-night only production of his newest play, “Webcam.”
Check out the website for tickets, passes, and more information!
