The Fall Collection: TO THE MOUNTAINS
MASTHEAD
Sarah Steele, senior editor
Ashley Whittemore, editor
Kimberly Kralovic, editor
Heather Lobe Johnson, editor
Kimberly Phinney, editor-in-chief
Listen to the poets of The Way Back to Ourselves Literary Journal perform their work with our podcast, The Poetry Corner, a spin-off from The Way Back Podcast, hosted by Edward Holmes and Deidre Braley.
485 Miles
Jaime Schaffer stands on a divide between two versions of herself; join her in her discovery in “485 Miles.”
In the Shadows
Poet Ashley Whittemore paints a picture of the quiet, soulful place “In the Shadows” of the mountains, where we can meet God and find a deep sense of His presence.
The Untamed Mountains
Hannah Sanders reflects on her childhood memories of the peace and harmony the mountains provided in her otherwise tumultuous upbringing.
On Horeb
Hannah Blankenship Herrera takes us through the victories and pain of several biblical scenes with the prophet Elijah in “On Horeb”.
Wildflower
Follow Megan Huwa on a nostalgic drive through the mountains in her poem “Wildflower.”
Creatio Ex Nihilo
Journey with Kimberly Phinney to the iconic mountains of the Bible and the important events that happened there in her poem “Creatio Ex Nihilo.” Also enjoy her original watercolors, all inspired by the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.
Every Colorado Hike
Megan Willome is late to her hike and learns that the hardest part is the trek down; reap from her experience in the poem “Every Colorado Hike.”
On the Mount
Poet Jessie Flowers shares “On the Mount,” a piece with references to Hebrews and how the Lord’s companionship can help us frame our suffering.
Winding My Way Toward Peace
Elizabeth Wickland explores the history of a mountain, all that has happened there, and who it formerly belonged to in both her poem “Winding My Way Toward Peace” and her watercolor “The Valley of the Flowers.”
Terra Viventium and Photography
Amy Buchanan’s poem “Terra Viventium” invites us to find the goodness of the Lord, even in the face of grief or the arduous climb to a new place. Her photos take us to a variety of stunning mountains from Wyoming to Switzerland.
I Am Not Lost
In her poem, “I Am Not Lost,” Heather Lobe Johnson takes us on a three-part journey of her faith—from firm, to wrestling, to at rest.
Descent to Grace
Influenced by the Christian allegory, Pilgrim’s Progress, Sarah Steele takes us on a hike in “Descent to Grace,” represented as well by her photography and watercolor art.
View From the Bottom
In her poem “View From the Bottom,” Nikki Walser shares a relatable and vulnerable experience so many of us have known: to climb, to fall, to surrender, and to begin the climb again.
Just a Few More Steps and Other Poems
In her poems, “Just a Few More Steps” and “Smokey Mountains Ascent,” Deborah Rutherford shares her journey of grief and faith.
Mountain Peaks
Poet Dabney Baldridge takes us to the “Mountain Peaks” in the evocative language and unique form of this concrete poem.
The Broken Pilgrim
In “The Broken Pilgrim,” poet Amanda Nowlin wanders through her long journey and finds her way home to restoration.
As the World Goes Mad
Poet Kassi Wilson leads us to the peace of a mountain retreat—a reprieve “As the World Goes Mad.” Her poem is a quiet rebellion to the shouting world around us, and a deep breath in the rituals and rhythms of being in nature.
The High Places
Are our prayers a futile attempt at earning a specific outcome or God’s affection? Or can we rest assured in the mountainous, unchanging love of our Maker? In her poem “The High Places,” Laura Love leads us on a journey through these questions.
An Ode to the Mountains
In her poem “An Ode to the Mountains,” Sam DeCosmo returns to a sacred mountain, finding deep connection with God, her grandfather’s memory, and peace in the pines.
Hands Full of Soil
In his poem “Hands Full of Soil,” Matt Nash guides us through a mountainous journey in the way only a spiritual director can.
Start your journey.
It starts today— in the small steps you take, the hands you hold, the prayers you say, the art you make, and the hard things you conquer… The way back isn’t as far as you think.
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