Behind the scenes
The friends we meet through words
It will come as no surprise to you to learn the two of us are both voracious readers of Christian nonfiction and literary fiction. We also love to take in stories and information in other forms such as movies and documentaries.
Our tastes diverge a bit on memoirs, mysteries and podcasts (Karen’s more interested) and sci-fi, poetry and audiobooks (Bill’s). But we can both point to favourite works that have shaped our thinking and our lives – and to authors and artists who have blessed us repeatedly through their insightful work over the years. We’re sure you can too.
Good writing in particular is delightful to find and savour, whether as a child on the path of literacy or an adult getting a lifechanging “read this” recommendation. The works and authors we read over and over again become like good friends – of course everyone reading this column will have biblical texts and other Christian books that fill that role.
In his essay in this issue, Preston Pouteaux reminds us of the joy, and companionship and good writing, and of the life-changing gifts it can bring. We think you’ll enjoy how his reflection is heavy on hope and light on pandemic, so to speak.
These days we’re trying to be all about the hope. Please check out our Invitation to Create on the opposite page. We hope this friendly, noncompetitive call will give you a nudge to haul out your notebook, paints, papier-mâché, guitar, camera or whatever your creative tools are.
We’d love to see what you create after reflecting on where you have met God during this last challenging year.
There’s a lot more in this issue to feed your soul, including a sober yet ultimately hopeful consideration of how we can live and die and
Good writing is delightful to find and savour, whether as a child on the path of literacy or an adult getting a life-changing “read this” recommendation.
care for others well – even in light of the widened availability and presence of euthanasia in Canada.
Fewer limitations mean medical assistance in dying, if it hasn’t already, will eventually enter your social circles. David Robinson of Regent College serves us well with his thoughtful contribution to this conversation.
We hope you enjoy this issue. Behind every story is a writer who did thoughtful work with you and all our readers in mind. Although we might not ever meet in person, we are glad to be part of the Christian community with you.