We are living in a non-literary age in which books often serve more as decorative enhancement than mind, or even soul, enlightenment. Research over the past nearly two decades has revealed a decline in the individual daily reading time of average Americans from merely 22 minutes to now less than 17. This dearth in reading […]
The Waltz
As I recline upon my bed, without sleep and bombarded with imagery, the scene takes shape in my mind… A grand ballroom swims into view. The chandeliers are lit. The guests are arranged. The symphony swells. A lovely lady, cloaked in elegance, steps out from a crowd. A gentlemen moves forward to offer his hand. […]
A New Chapter
There are moments in life Divinely established for reflection. No doubt these moments vary from individual to individual. For this husband, father, teacher, and bibliophile the eve of my fortieth birthday serves as such a moment. The eyes of my soul gaze back upon the decade of my thirties. BLDG 28, the church I help […]
Good for the Soul
Exhausted and soaked in sweat, I sank into the cool leather of my couch. I knew that if Danielle saw me, in all my post-workout glory, lounging on our living room furniture, I would bear her ire; but at this moment I was willing to endure my wife’s displeasure for a moment of reprieve for […]
The Power of Narrative
I grew up entrenched in American evangelicalism. I was weaned on Biblical tales, bedecked as Moses or David at fall festivals, earned my Awana badges, and, by age 15, was preaching in fiery fundamental fashion. I claimed a depth of Scriptural knowledge, having memorized multiple chapters from the book and crafted an ability to talk […]
The Modern Inkling
Throughout the tumult of the mid-20th century a small but significantly influential group in Oxford, England, gathered nearly every Tuesday morning at “The Eagle & The Child.” Cloaked in a veil of smoke and over a scotch or brandy, they would quip, jest, and read their literary works aloud, subjecting themselves to the ingenious praise […]