Unapologetic selfhood has been the way in which I walk through this world for as long as I can remember. I loved to scream-sing show tunes in the car with my family and loudly proclaim opinions all throughout my childhood. I have never been one to make myself smaller or more palatable. I am me.
Allison appears focused, in a pink tank top and high bun as she spreads marshmallow fluff on her arm. Someone can be seen on the right side of the frame in a tie-dye T-shirt and messy bun.
If you have stumbled upon this blog post, you might be wondering who this quirky, eccentric but down-to-earth character is. My name is Allison Nash. I was born in New Albany, Indiana, raised in Shelbyville, Indiana, and moved to St. Louis, Missouri after graduating from Earlham College. I studied English and Education and now teach at a school in St. Louis.
Photo shows Allison (second from right) alongside three of her Earlham classmates, Elijah Sadler, Thomas Jordan, and Daniela Joseph. They are all wearing caps and gowns, with various cords and stoles for school achievements.
If you notice, I just listed a lot of places and not a lot of self. Selfhood and Place was the main area of exploration for my Junior Research Seminar in undergrad. Place can be an important part of identity. Rev. Alan Dicken from Week of Compassion has asked, “Where do you call home?” Home for me is St. Louis. Or home for me is Shelbyville. Or home for me is Camp Bedford. Do you see how using place as a way to define identity can be complicated? I hope to explore this more when I head to Camp Bedford later this summer.
I grapple a great deal with who I am. I was really forced to consider this during the first week of my Peace Intern Summer. During my week filled with wonderful and engaging presentations, I was asked to introduce myself, and each presenter was prompted to give us an additional question to answer.
Some, like Rev. Lori Tapia from Obra Hispana, asked about something everyday, like our favorite ice cream flavors. Mine is either Ben and Jerry’s The Tonight Dough or Mint Chip.
Some asked questions about our Peace Intern summers and our motivations. Chris Dorsey from Disciples Home Missions asked about what drew us to the Peace Internship. My draw to the Peace Internship comes from several sources, but mainly the generous, kind-hearted, and courageous Peace Interns that have come before me, like Rev. Sarah Zuniga and Grace Dearhamer.
And some have asked about how we see the world, like Fiyori Kidane from Global Missions, who asked where we saw our paths leading us. I told her I like where I’m at. I enjoy teaching and learning from students. I like the cultural diversity of St. Louis. I told Fiyori I don’t know where I’m going next but I’m enjoying the moment I am in.
The moment I am in is so spectacular.
Allison stands in the center of the photo, with Tom Jordan to her left and Ashton Awbrey to the right. They stand outside the Greyhound bus station, a grey brick building.
I arrived in Indianapolis at the Greyhound bus station and have spent most of my time in the guest house at Allisonville Christian Church. The members and staff of Allisonville have been so incredibly kind; I will be forever grateful for all that they have done.
A table full of snacks gifted to the Peace Interns by Allisonville Christian Church. Tons of snacks are shown including popcorn, Oreos, and Nutri Grain bars.
We spent the week talking to some of the coolest members of the Disciples Community, learning from Jim Higginbotham about Healthy Boundaries, and Rev. Dr. Nelia Beth Scovill about ethics.
When we weren’t talking to thoughtful and curious leaders of our community, we were spending time learning and laughing together as a Peace Intern team.
Allison, in overalls, Ella, in a grey T-shirt, and Maggie, in a navy T-shirt stand at the pulpit at Allisonville Christian Church. They are all laughing. Rainbow ribbons form the shape of a cross behind them.
It has been a joy getting to know the other Peace Interns. Maggie is funny and thoughtful, goofy and curious. Ella is smart and creative, hilarious and kind. I have been so blessed to spend the past week in their company learning with and through them. Hopefully, you will grow to love them through their blog posts.
Allison, Ella, and Maggie smile as they look out the doorway of a wooden, topsy-turvy house. The house has several windows at weird angles.
So, I don’t know who I am. But I do know that knowing someone involves seeing them and caring for them. I am so excited to get to meet so many people this summer, to know them and love them. And I hope that in the process, you can get to know me, too.
Rev. Josh Jackson, Rev. Sarah Zuniga, Rev. Joyce Coalson, and Rev. Beau Underwood all lay hands on Maggie and Allison. Maggie and Allison stand in front of the rainbow ribbon cross wearing masks and heads turned down in prayer.
Rev. Sarah Zuniga, Ella Gordon, and Allison Nash smile for a photo in front of the Allisonville Christian Church Pride float. They wear colorful outfits. Behind Sarah, a paper crown can be seen behind Sarah, and behind Allison there is a large wooden rainbow heart.
Will you pray with me?
Dear Creator,
Thank you for the kindness of strangers. Thank you for the laughter of new friends and the joy of reconnecting with old friends. Thank you for bringing new stewards of your goodness into my life and in the lives of those around me. May we go forth into the world with your generosity and gentleness.
In her holy name we pray,
Amen.