Who Am I Without the Name Tag?

Who Am I Without the Name Tag?

Who are you without your job, your accomplishments, your relationships, your personality traits, or what other people think of you?

I thought that would be an easy question to answer.

It wasn't.

In fact, I spent more than a week staring at a blank page, unable to describe myself without relying on the roles and titles I'd accumulated throughout my life. What began as a simple journaling exercise turned into a deeper exploration of identity, worth, belonging, and the uncomfortable realization that I may have tied too much of my value to what I do rather than who I am.

This is the story of the question that stopped me—and the truths I discovered while searching for an answer.

Read More
Unpacking Jere: A Different Kind of Growth Project
Personal Growth, Faith & Life, Reflection Jere Van Patten Personal Growth, Faith & Life, Reflection Jere Van Patten

Unpacking Jere: A Different Kind of Growth Project

Who am I without the titles, accomplishments, responsibilities, and roles I've spent a lifetime building? That question launched a six-month journey of self-discovery, healing, and honest reflection. In this post, I share why I've begun asking harder questions, examining old patterns, and learning that growth isn't always about finding new answers—sometimes it's about becoming honest enough to face yourself.

Read More
What’s at the Top of Your Heart?

What’s at the Top of Your Heart?

Lately, I’ve been spending a lot of time struggling with the Lord in prayer—over my health, my work, my relationships, and the uncertainty that seems to follow all of us from time to time. This week, I’m reflecting on faith, Gethsemane, lost sheep, prodigal sons, and the reminder that God doesn’t wait for us to have everything figured out before He comes looking for us. Sometimes what's at the top of our heart is exactly what we need to bring to Him.

Read More
The Ripple Effect of a Life in Theatre

The Ripple Effect of a Life in Theatre

Inspired by the Tony Awards, this reflection became something much bigger than a celebration of Broadway. It became an opportunity to look back on the people, performances, mentors, friends, students, and moments that helped shape the man I am today. From the first show I saw at thirteen to the classroom and rehearsal hall where I now spend my days, theatre has touched every corner of my life. This essay explores the ripple effect of a life in theatre—the extraordinary power of art to inspire, connect, and transform—and why, even now, I still believe there's time for one more dream.

Read More