THE WAY BACK TO OURSELVES

Literary Journal

The Spring Collection 2024: RENAISSANCE

I T ‘ S H E R E !

M A S T H E A D:

Editors: Sarah Steele, Kimberly Kralovic, and Ashley Whittemore

Founder and Editor-in-Chief: Kimberly Phinney

RENAISSANCE (n.)- a renewal or rebirth; a new growth or burst of activity; a revival of the old or lost; a period of vigorous artistic and intellectual productivity

The Way Back to Ourselves is humbled to present a chorus of voices in our FOURTH publication. This beautiful collection is still just the beginning of what we hope to achieve as a community of faithful creatives. So, won’t you join us in welcoming these talented artists? Please, read widely. Comment. Encourage. Share. Connect. Some of our writers are quite established with multiple publications and awards, while other writers are newer voices with something powerful to say. We believe in nurturing both. Each piece brings a celebration for the human experience, the natural world, and a creator God. And together, they call us back to ourselves— back to quiet, meaning, and awe.

We hope you enjoy this RENAISSANCE and the MORE THAN FIFTY talented writers that lie herein. May they stir you AWAKE, push you toward FAITH, and beckon you to live the CREATIVE life God destined for you.

MAY YOU FEEL A REBIRTH SIMMERING IN YOUR SOUL.

FEATURED: Spring Stirring
poetry Kimberly Phinney poetry Kimberly Phinney

FEATURED: Spring Stirring

From gnarled trees to the farmer’s steaming coffee, Mary Folkerts gives her readers imagery in “Spring Stirring” that walks from the despair of death to the first hope of new life.

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Martyrpiece and Other Poems
poetry Kimberly Phinney poetry Kimberly Phinney

Martyrpiece and Other Poems

Courtney Moody writes about the laborious sacrifice of the artist’s work, the pain required to grow, and the beauty of a new age of renaissance in her trio of poems.

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Dandelion in February and Other Poems
poetry Kimberly Phinney poetry Kimberly Phinney

Dandelion in February and Other Poems

In “Dandelion in February,” Elizabeth Houseman recognizes those who truly see others and make them feel like they belong. “The Woman I Am” is both lament and anthem for accepting the path before you, even when it looks different than you imagined.

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The Dance of Sorrow: A Prose Poem
poetry Kimberly Phinney poetry Kimberly Phinney

The Dance of Sorrow: A Prose Poem

In her immersive and intimate prose poem, Bri Odom tells the tale of heartbreak, loss, and a renewal of faith as she moves through powerful nature imagery, like trees and storms.

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Hold the Divine
poetry Kimberly Phinney poetry Kimberly Phinney

Hold the Divine

In her brief yet poignant poem “Hold the Divine,” Mariana Mosli mediates on the great banquet that awaits us in the Spirit.

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Rain Is My Revival
poetry Kimberly Phinney poetry Kimberly Phinney

Rain Is My Revival

Joel Adcock shares his rhythmic poem called “Rain Is My Revival,” exploring how life’s rains can revive the soul.

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A Prayer for Spring
poetry Kimberly Phinney poetry Kimberly Phinney

A Prayer for Spring

Spring invites us to taste the promise of renewal, and “A Prayer for Spring” is a stunning depiction of hope. Cheryl Safarin provides strength, upholding us as we bloom.

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Start your journey.

It starts today— in the small steps you take, the hands you hold, the prayers you say, and the hard things you conquer…

The way back isn’t as far as you think.

COUNSELING AND SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS COMING IN 2024…