Wondrous grappling. Losing oneself in the scouring for meaning. Knowing it’s life to immerse in stories, but you might miss something in the immersion. I think I recognize you’ve always been inventorying the culture’s mores and values. If I’ve understood this, even if I haven’t, I’m with you. You’re a real one. You deserve supporting. This is a crushing piece. (I’ll have to tell you a stupid story sometime about J.D. Salinger, my early life’s hero.) Way to go! I will share and encourage others to share, and look forward to that next piece of spun sugar. But this was the meat and potatoes.
Very nice piece, Jenna. I was puzzled that you lost subscribers (even some of the freeloaders, of which I am one) after you previous post on beauty. I somehow missed that one and went back to read it. It was very enjoyable, even uplifting.
Thanks, James! And for the record I'm joking about the freeloaders. I don't do this for the money (good thing because I'd starve!). I appreciate your kind words, always.
It would be nice if Substack had a shared subscription format, like “read 10 for $10/month” or something. There are so many people putting out good writing, and I’d love to show financial appreciation for many of them, but I’m a little shy of Elon Musk’s level of resources.
But I absolutely promise to buy your book when it comes out! (I’m hoping the thought of publishing a book has crossed your mind.)
You have a great idea, James! I think this was an option a while ago -- or something similar -- but I'm not sure if it is anymore. And you are very ambitious for me. I just appreciate your readership and kind words. I'll let you know if that book ever gets written!
Two words: Joseph Epstein. Each collection of his essays is a treat for me and many others, as would be a collection of your favorites. Check out his _Gallimaufry, A Collection of Essays, Reviews, Bits_ if you’re not already familiar with him.
OK, now I promise to stop being ambitious on your behalf for at least the rest of the year. ; )
Certainly, we don't have to look far to see and realize the angst and instability of the things happening in the world nowadays. We definitely have our own particular level of all this in the 21st century, but it's always been this way since the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden.
As a Christian, a follower and disciple of the one and only Lord Jesus Christ, I am able to put this in the perspective of eternity rather than just the here and now. The world, even as the beauty of God's own creation, is now a dark place which is why in John 8:12 Jesus tells us, "I am the light of the world, If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
In 1 John 2:15-17, the apostle John writes as a warning to fellow believers in Jesus, "Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever."
And in the famous Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6:34-37, Jesus ultimately asks a question we all should ponder, "“If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?"
Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and He came that we might experience life to the fullest, starting here and now, then for all eternity. This is where I find my hope, and I pray it provides hope for others as well.
You always strike the right chord, Jeff. Thank you for reminding me of the overflowing riches (undeserved) bestowed on the faithful. I hope you had a good Thanksgiving.
You can pack a lot into a post. Very rich writing and thinking. You do capture the essence of restlessness. Is that Isadora Duncan with the scarf?
Thank you, sir! The woman with the scarf is Paulette Dubost. That was a good guess -- both have the French connection!
Wondrous grappling. Losing oneself in the scouring for meaning. Knowing it’s life to immerse in stories, but you might miss something in the immersion. I think I recognize you’ve always been inventorying the culture’s mores and values. If I’ve understood this, even if I haven’t, I’m with you. You’re a real one. You deserve supporting. This is a crushing piece. (I’ll have to tell you a stupid story sometime about J.D. Salinger, my early life’s hero.) Way to go! I will share and encourage others to share, and look forward to that next piece of spun sugar. But this was the meat and potatoes.
Very nice piece, Jenna. I was puzzled that you lost subscribers (even some of the freeloaders, of which I am one) after you previous post on beauty. I somehow missed that one and went back to read it. It was very enjoyable, even uplifting.
Thanks, James! And for the record I'm joking about the freeloaders. I don't do this for the money (good thing because I'd starve!). I appreciate your kind words, always.
I knew you were kidding! : )
It would be nice if Substack had a shared subscription format, like “read 10 for $10/month” or something. There are so many people putting out good writing, and I’d love to show financial appreciation for many of them, but I’m a little shy of Elon Musk’s level of resources.
But I absolutely promise to buy your book when it comes out! (I’m hoping the thought of publishing a book has crossed your mind.)
You have a great idea, James! I think this was an option a while ago -- or something similar -- but I'm not sure if it is anymore. And you are very ambitious for me. I just appreciate your readership and kind words. I'll let you know if that book ever gets written!
Two words: Joseph Epstein. Each collection of his essays is a treat for me and many others, as would be a collection of your favorites. Check out his _Gallimaufry, A Collection of Essays, Reviews, Bits_ if you’re not already familiar with him.
OK, now I promise to stop being ambitious on your behalf for at least the rest of the year. ; )
Thanks for the tip -- and inspiration. And I'll take all the borrowed ambition I can get.
Certainly, we don't have to look far to see and realize the angst and instability of the things happening in the world nowadays. We definitely have our own particular level of all this in the 21st century, but it's always been this way since the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden.
As a Christian, a follower and disciple of the one and only Lord Jesus Christ, I am able to put this in the perspective of eternity rather than just the here and now. The world, even as the beauty of God's own creation, is now a dark place which is why in John 8:12 Jesus tells us, "I am the light of the world, If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
In 1 John 2:15-17, the apostle John writes as a warning to fellow believers in Jesus, "Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever."
And in the famous Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6:34-37, Jesus ultimately asks a question we all should ponder, "“If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?"
Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and He came that we might experience life to the fullest, starting here and now, then for all eternity. This is where I find my hope, and I pray it provides hope for others as well.
You always strike the right chord, Jeff. Thank you for reminding me of the overflowing riches (undeserved) bestowed on the faithful. I hope you had a good Thanksgiving.
I appreciate you saying that, I always enjoy your depth of thought in your excellent writing.