Saturday, January 7, 2012

My real name is.....

Well, after almost four years of blogging, the day has finally come that I am coming out from behind my pseudonym and blogging under my real name.

This is a little scary - vulnerable, but also exciting. I am no longer afraid of being in trouble for speaking up - speaking out - speaking my mind. And the family members I was concerned about hurting are much more aware of the facts discussed here than when I started. So although it will probably still be painful for them to read, it won't be as devastating,,,

So, hi. My name is Jeannette.............

15 comments:

Erin said...

It's very nice to meet you, Jeanette. :)

I remember when I made that decision, and it turned out to be a good one.

I'm glad to hear things are more out in the open with family. It sounds like maybe some things have improved?

Erin said...

Oops, sorry. I missed the two Ns in your name.

Jeannette Altes said...

Hey, Erin. Thanks!

Yeah I think this is a good move - I've been thinking about it for a while. It's gonna feel a little weird at first to not answer as Katherine... ;-)

As to family, when I first started this blog, I was so afraid of getting 'in trouble' for speaking up/speaking out, that the only way I could do it was under a pseudonym. I was concerned about hurting family, too.

Really, though, the one I was most concerned about was my sister. And we have talked a lot in the last few months - I don't think there's anything in here we haven't touched on. I am not going to encourage her to read it, but if she found it....I think she'd be okay. The rest of my family I'm not as concerned about anymore.

When I started, I was also afraid of 'getting in trouble' with the church I had walked away from. Now, if someone from there finds this and wants to rumble.....bring it! :-)

Erin said...

I'm so glad to hear you are feeling more freedom. That has to be such a step toward healing for you.

I love to see your resolve. :)

Jeannette Altes said...

Thanks! It does feel good - like another way of stepping out of the shadows and into the light. It's still a little scary - I am making myself a little more vulnerable. But it is time.

It's good to here from you - how're you doing with school and life...?

Erin said...

Things are good! I'm still in school full time, probably will be for 4 -5 more years. But it's going well and I REALLY love it. I'm learning counseling and all kinds of amazing things. It's such a good fit. Thanks for asking!

Barb said...

Wow. Such a big step. I remember the first blog I posted I accidently posted under my real name and almost had a heart attack. Later I came out with my real name and had another heart attack. Then just the other day I actually named the church in question. I'm so proud of you. It is so hard for those of us who have been hurt to finally say, "THIS IS ME!!" It is part of the process of hurt and redemption. I'm so proud of you! Hi Jeannette. Nice to meet you.

abmo said...

Hi Jeannette, glad to meet you finally :-) I pray thet God will lead you every step of the way in your new endeavor.

nestus venter
(abmo)

Jeannette Altes said...

Erin, cool! I'm glad you're enjoying it. I believe you are going to make a damn fine counselor. :-)

Jeannette Altes said...

Hey, Barb! I was thinking of you as I made the decision - remembered when you 'came out into the light', as it were. It wasn't as scary as I thought it would be...but I haven't actually posted a new post under my name yet, so.....

Jeannette Altes said...

Hey, Nestus! Good to hear from you. Thanks. He has been and I know he will continue. :-)

Anonymous said...

Hi, Jeannette.
I appreciated you words in response to Caleb over at Rachel's.
It always eases the burden when someone else chimes in with agreement and their own wisdom and understanding on issues.
Mara,
Who took on Solomon Rodriguez but ended up talking mostly to Caleb.

Jeannette Altes said...

You're welcome, Mara. I usually try not to engage with people who want to prove I'm wrong, but I also don't like seeing religious nonsense go unanswered. I liked your responses, too. :-)

T-Childs said...

Hi Jeannette, I of course don't know your story but I get the feeling that being part of a church at some point was hurting you. For a Christian who has never been to a church and never been part of a Christian community I always worry about this as I am in the process of trying to get involved with a church or other Christians at this time, and I worry that it won't be what I am looking for; I have read horror stories about people's experiences in church. Please keep blogging, and for yours and everone else's sake, be honest! At the end of the day if we are merely honest, some truth might just come by default.

Jeannette Altes said...

T-Childs, welcome. Thank you for your comment. Thank you for the encouragement. I have been hurt by churches and church systems... but I also have found healing with close relationships with other honest believers. Having friends that are believers is important, but finding them is the trick.

I pray Papa sends your way someone who is a friend and believer that you can have that closeness with. In my experience, it does not have to be inside a church - and the deepest connections for me have flourished outside the church.

I will keep writing. It has been difficult lately, finding my voice. And this transition to using my real name has made things a little wobbly for a bit. But I still have much to say.

Again, thank you for the encouragement.