About the Person Who Writes: Lezlie Christian

Born in west Texas, discovered south Louisiana when five, then left the States when almost 10. Singapore first, then Djakarta, Java; Medan, Sumatra; Ahwaz, Iran; Quito, Ecuador. Upon father’s death in a plane crash, returned to States to learn I didn’t fit in. Have always been introspective, but angry and silent replaced that when tossed in with 999 other students in my class, and completely invisible.

My grandfather took me under his wing, and taught me his craft: investigation. I worked, off and on, for 25 years as a private investigator, predominantly working criminal defense.

Studying Choy Li Fut Gung Fu saved my life. It taught me perseverence and self-control, and I lost my fear of talking to groups of people. It gave me a voice, and the techniques with which to protect myself, should what my voice says is unpopular.

My last several cases hurt me severely, with one client ultimately being put to death for protecting himself inside his home with a steak knife from a violent intruder intent on taking his life. I knew change had to come.

Teaching is what I decided to try while going through discernment for seminary, and ultimately the priesthood. Ten years wasted. Long, painful story. Turns out, teaching is something I do well, and I taught for ten years. The last three were hell, because my administrator changed, and the new one did not back teachers, only students. After discussion, censorship, and ultimately a demand for a “voluntary” resignation, I left teaching feeling I’d lost my way altogether.

I hold an Associate’s in Horticulture, a Bachelor’s in English Literature, and a Master’s in Professional Writing. Am at one of those indefinable places, predominantly because I don’t know what will come next, what will fall at my feet, or show in the sky.

My mask is gone. I don’t have to be happy all the time, so my students are happier (some actual science to back this up). I cannot be happy all the time. I cannot even pretend. I’m honest. I was honest with every person I interviewed as an investigator, and I was honest with my students. The latter cost me my second career.

So now I will use my voice, for good or ill (but preferably the former), without censorship. Welcome to my world, it’s full of true stories, and engaging fiction. The blog is to address things I have on my mind, things that trouble or delight me.

Join me, won’t you? Feel free to comment as you choose.