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.
To Dive Again and Other Poems
In her poems, Alexis Ragan explores the depths of the human experience and God’s saving grace.
April Crowns and Other Poems
In his poetry, Steven Searcy explores fatherhood and faith through the beauty of nature and innocence.
On First Reading Mary Oliver at The Sourwood Inn and Other Poems
In her poetry, Kimberly Phinney celebrates poetry, nature, and God’s provisions through romantic verse and imagery.
The Orange Tree
In her poem “The Orange Tree,” Tiana Minks uses the evocative metaphor of an orange tree to communicate the human experience of depression in light of a God who saves.
From Life to Death to Life and Other Poems
In her poetry, Sarah Steele writes about revival, prayer, and journeys through evocative nature and color imagery.
Rekindled
In her poem “Rekindled,” Stephanie Nygaard captures God’s delivery and light in a season of difficulty.
Holy Spirit, Help
Nathaniel Evans poem, “Holy Spirit, Help,” reads like a fervent prayer, as he asks God’s Holy Spirit to help him through his faith walk and the difficulties of this life.
Moonbeam Benediction
In “Moonbeam Benediction,” poet Stephanie Nygaard writes about the pain of sleepless nights and worry and how God’s assuring presence greets her in the darkness.
Breakthrough and Silence
In her poems, “Breakthrough” and “Silence,” Penelope Guzzo explores the complex feelings one experiences during existential searching and difficult relationships. For Penelope, it is only when she rests in God that she finds a way through the challenges.
October Sky and A Mind Full of Sorrow
Poet Pat Severin explores the ups and downs of living in two poems. “October Sky” celebrates the beauty of the natural world and God’s creation during this time of year. While “A Mind Full of Sorrow,” explores depression and the redemption and comfort one can find in a personal relationship with the Heavenly Father.
Boating in the Open Ocean
In his poem “Boating in the Open Ocean,” Andrew Roberts crafts a compelling narrative and metaphor for man’s struggle against the natural and spiritual world.
Grief
In her poem “Grief,” musician and writer Jenny Rose Verdoni writes about the stages of grief and the healing that is promised to us as children of God.
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…