Will It Play in Peoria?

Ever hear this one?

“Have you ever played Peoria?”

“Peoria? Oh, yes — I spent four years there one night!”

I’m here all night, folks. No, really, I’m actually here, all night, in Peoria!  

Tonight I’m “playing” Peoria and giving a talk with Sister Helena Burns on Authentic Friendships in a Social Media Age to the “First Saturday” group at St. Philomena Catholic Church. We will uncover the role of friendships in our lives, particularly how friendships play into our innate needs to be accepted, supported, and loved. And given we live in a digital age, social media has changed how we develop friendships, for better and worse, and Sister and I unpack this from a spiritual lens.

Will it play in Peoria? (Who knew a Wikipedia page existed to answer this very question?!) Time will tell if it plays well. I sure hope and pray it will. This topic energizes and strengthens me; one that allows me to infuse my charisms of evangelization, faith, and leadership. I’m certainly feeling called to continue writing and speaking on this subject.  

Next time I’m asked, “Have you ever played Peoria?” My response? “Peoria? Oh, yes — some of my favorite spiritual friends live in Peoria!”

Peoria, I’m excited and honored you invited me. In the meantime, enjoy a sneak peek of my talk, courtesy Wordle.