THE WAY BACK TO OURSELVES
Literary Journal
The Way Back to Ourselves Literary Journal Presents:
M A S T H E A D:
Editors: Sarah Steele, Kimberly Kralovic, and Ashley Whittemore
Founder and Editor-in-Chief: Kimberly Phinney
MAY YOU HEAR THE PEACE OF WILD THINGS SPEAK INTO YOUR SOUL.
Listen to the poets of the Spring Collection: Renaissance read their work with our NEW podcast, The Poetry Corner from The Way Back Podcast, hosted by Edward L. Holmes II and Deidre Braley. FALL COLLECTION coming soon…
Wonder of a Word, Meteorite, and Other Poems
In here essay, “Wonder of a Word,” Kristine Amundrud demonstrates peace in the storm and God’s kindness through words. Then, Kristine writes about healing, searching, and faith in three stunning nature-infused poems, “Meteorite,” “Lionheart,” and “Wild Angels.”
Blown From Polar Fur
Join Civil Winters in the frigid arctic as she photographs the deepest winter and contemplates life’s truths in “Blown From Polar Fur.”
The Wonder of Nurse Logs
In her beautiful art and essay, “The Wonder of Nurse Logs,” Hannah Sanders explores the power and beauty of the intergenerational care found in nature and humanity.
Forest Gifts and This Worldly Grace
Sue Fulmore explores how the patterns and rhythms of nature speak truth into our daily lives in her essay “This Worldly Grace,” and in her poem “Forest Gifts,” she draws us into the wealth of beauty to be discovered in the Autumn season.
There Is a Tree in the Woods
Walk with Jennifer Houti in “There Is a Tree in the Woods” as she introduces us to the tree that has seen her—and taught her to see.
Ferns Unfurling: Essay with Photography
In “Ferns Unfurling,” Bethany Peck touches on the rebirth of the once dead earth. Along the forest floor lies emerging life. There’s tremendous joy in the new spring season.
An Audacious Hope
In “An Audacious Hope,” Kelly Meagher equal parts mourns and accepts her season of life, crediting both pottery and poetry for guiding her toward healing.
Renaissance of the Soul
Caity Neub reminds us of the power of words and the open seat for each of us at the Lord’s table in her essay “Renaissance of the Soul.”
Museum Corner
In her essay, “Museum Corner,” Cheryl Eichman looks to the puffin for inspiration.
Worth Restoring
In her essay “Worth Restoring,” Kristine Amundrud explores the tension between the sorrow of this life and the effort it takes to make all things new.
The Art of Teshuva: When Will You Return?
In his short essay “When Will You Return?” Matthew Nash explores the devastating sorrow of wrongful actions and the restoration found at the end of the difficult work of forgiveness.
Scattering My Scarecrows
In her essay “Scattering My Scarecrows,” Civil Winters explores how a Japanese wheat farmer changed her perspective on hope and second chances.
Tattered Gal of Dust and Others
In her moving works, Deborah Rutherford writes about beauty, redemption, and restoration through the lens of the changes of life we all face and a woman’s deep need to be whole and loved.
Chasing the Light
In her essay “Chasing the Light,” Sarah May makes a practice of looking for the light sprinkled throughout life’s darkest days.
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.
Blood and Wild Raspberries
In her essay “Blood and Raspberries,” Hannah Doorenbos writes about finding God in the hardest places.
Back from the Dead and Other Stories
In her essays, Erika Clay poetically tackles mental health struggles and other complexities one faces with identity.
Despite My Father, I Believe
In her vulnerable personal narrative “Despite My Father, I Believe,” Lara d’Entremont writes about a difficult childhood with her father and the healing journey God has led her on over the years.
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.
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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