An Unexpected Journal

Finding Joy in All Circumstances

In a world chasing happiness, how does one find true joy? In a faith that promises joy as one of its benefits (Galatians 5:22), Christians should have the market cornered on joy, but do we? What is the original meaning of joy and what is the use of it? In this issue, contributors share examples of joy, some hard won and at the end of a trial. We hope these pieces will help you find the definition of joy in your own life.

Contributors"Review of What is Heaven Like? By Richard Eng": Jasmin Biggs on the theological truths found in a children's book.
"Again I Say: An Excerpt From In Their Mother's Arms": a novel excerpt by Donald W. Catchings, Jr. on a post-apocalyptic dystopia.
"Joy and the Mind of the Reader": Annie Crawford on why we should read.
"Meticulous Mycologist: How Beatrix Potter Inspired C.S. Lewis": Carrie Eben on joy in Beatrix Potter.
Poems "Broken Blessings" and "Jubilee": Joshua S. Fullman on God's gifts.
Poems "Home at Last" and "Song of Songs": Ann Gauger on longing and love.
"Joy - Brief": Soujourna Howard on joy through pain.
"The Shoes": a short story by Kim Jacobson on finding spiritual joy.
"Joy, Hedonism, and Scientific Utopia": Jason Monroe on a truly good life.
"Joy as Life's Fuel": Seth Myers the pursuit of joy.
"Joy in the Mystery": Annie Nardone on joy and donegality.
"Review: Mere Evangelism": Josiah Peterson on a new work on C.S. Lewis.
"The Crown Because of the Cross: The Inseparability of Suffering and Joy in the Thought of C.S. Lewis": Megan Joy Rials on suffering and joy and "A Review of A Green and Ancient Light by Frederic S. Durbin" on a worthy successor to C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien.
"Gratitude and the Happiness Machine": Zak Schmoll on the root of joy.
"Father Stu: A Story of Faith and Flaws, of Dreams and Determination": John P. Tuttle on an authentic biopic.
Poems "Joy's Arrival" and "Hidden in the Boughs": Sarah Waters on coming together.
"Joy (And Truth and Love): Some Johannine and Pastoral Reflections": Donald Williams on a Johannine look at joy.

Photography contributions by Tommy Darin Liskey
.Cover Art
Our cover illustration was created by Chilean artist, apologist, and physician Virginia de la Lastra.

Fall 2022
Volume 5, Issue 3
240 pages