An Evening With The Poet Christian Wiman

Last night with my son-in-law Craig and pastor friend James I heard the poet Christian Wiman at Davidson College. He grew up in a very religious small town Texas family.  Left it all when he went to college. Then at 39 came (or recame?) to faith when he fell in love and discovered he had a life threatening illness.

He and a pastor down the street had many conversations. In his case God was the evangelist (in any case, truly!) As editor for many years of Poetry Magazine is story of his own odyssey has surprised and touched many.  His book Bright Abyss is a gem. I recommend! Currently he co-teaches a course on worship with Miroslav Wolf at Yale Divinity School.

He especially recommends memorizing poetry – like Gerard Manley Hopkins! I’m glad we went.

Leighton Ford

Photo credit: poets.org