Last week I wrote about Savitri Hari, a Hindu woman who finds the sacred in the small, menial things of the world. Tori Isner, a Native American, also finds the divine in -- to me -- unexpected ways.

Sweat ceremonies clean and heal, both physically and mentally. They purge the mind, bring clarity, and test participant's endurance, strength and courage. They're holy places where people renew their inherent deep and natural connection to the universe.

Before I presume to draw up my holiday gift wish list, it might be politic to put my Thanksgiving thank yous out there. Here goes. This year I'm grateful for.

I know that the Church has committed untold amounts of suffering and evil in the name of Christ. (There is no religion, philosophy, or worldview, for that matter, that hasn't, all to greater or lesser degrees of distortion).

If my purpose is to create change, to help bring about the end of legalized discrimination against LGBT people, my actions should be such that they are effective at bringing about that change.