Today we’d like to introduce you to Darryl Dawson.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Darryl. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started blogging about four years ago. My blog initially was about race and faith and how they interact. From there my writing took on current events such as politics and mental health while still viewing everything from the perspective of faith. Currently, I blog about anything I want. I also am the Editor In Chief of a podcast entitled “Clean Ears Podcast”, which is geared toward addressing current events from the lens of faith while also introducing its audience to the genre of Christian Hip Hop. I am also currently working on my Masters of Divinity with an emphasis on Biblical Counseling.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My road has been anything but smooth. From being comfortable with myself to being comfortable with putting my voice out in written form, the road has been bumpy, contained curves that I stubbornly refused to slow down for, and unexpected dips that I have yet to catch my breath from. Like the Mother to Son in Langston Hughes’ poem, “Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.”
One challenge I faced was actually becoming somewhat of a writer. I say “somewhat” because there is still so much more to learn, so much more to fine-tune and correct. Writing takes a level of patience that takes commitment to have formed in you if you don’t already have it (like me). Writing forced me to take my incoherent thoughts and form them into a readable prose that others want to read.
Another challenge was learning how to be vulnerable in my writing. I never wanted to write anything that wasn’t;t true about me. And if the road has been bumpy, then my writing should reflect that. Not just for personal honesty and accountability, but also because no one has a completely smooth road. Therefore, to be honest to myself and to the reality of others, my writing should reflect our struggles.
And lastly, being bold in expressing my faith has been a struggle. I believe in Jesus and I don’t want to lie about that. Finding a way to speak honestly about current events while looking through the lens of faith and spirituality is tough when you are worried about the perception. I have found that truth always lands where it needs to, and avoids where it isn’t wanted. Therefore, my only job is to speak the truth and leave the results elsewhere.
We’d love to hear more about your work
I am blogger at www.waitinonsunday.com. Along with my own blog, I write for the Collective, a part of the Clean Ears Show Podcast, and also have written pieces on Medium. I write on current events and issues of race, faith, and sexuality from the lens of Judeo-Christian faith. I look to see what my faith has to say about any and everything. I am known to write poignant, thorough and vulnerable pieces. What I am most proud of is that I am still writing after all these years.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was very energetic kid, physically and verbally. I talked a lot and couldn’t sit down! I was also very insecure and unsure of myself. I was smart and creative but didn’t see how that could valuable at the moment. I was very interested in drawing, reading, and watching a lot of television. I was a very curious (read: nosey) kid, always wanting to know what was going on. I was also very stubborn at times, always wanting my way and thinking I knew what was best – only to find out later that I was, once again, wrong. I grew up in a Christian home and to this day I am very grateful for that Although not an easy path by any means, my faith has guide through the rough waters of self-esteem, my sexuality, depression, and anxiety.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.waitinonsunday.com
- Email: ddawsonjr06@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/d_dawsonjr/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/darryl.l.dawson.5
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/D_Liazon
- Other: https://www.cleanearsshow.com/blog
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
