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.
The Artist
In his moving short story, “The Artist,” Zaher Alajlani, tells an unlikely revival story through the life of Cristian, a lovelorn youth.
The Unseeing of a House Sparrow and Other Poems
In his collection of three poems, Ion Corcos reflects on life, family, and love through the imagistic and complimentary lens of nature.
Finding Your Worth Through Awakening
In her essay “Finding Your Worth Through Awakening,” Kimberly Kralovic deep dives into mental health and anxiety and shares the redeeming message of God’s rescuing.
Loss to Gain
In her poem “Loss to Gain,” Ashley Whittemore learns there is great and unexpected beauty in loss.
Mountain Laurel Living
In her poem “Mountain Laurel Living,” Bethany Peck writes about loss, suffering, and faith through the metaphor of the Mountain Laurel.
Dreams, Death, and Legacy: A Personal Essay
In her personal essay, “Dreams, Death, and Legacy,” writer and activist Gabriella Badmus processes her grief after the passing of her grandparents and looks to her faith and the future as ways to honor them.
Strong
In “Strong,” poet and disability advocate Anna Wild reveals an intimate narrative in third person, which tackles her struggles with illness, faith, acceptance, and betrayal.
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…