Callie J. Smith

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All Those Who Wander: The Spiritual Practice of Walking

Dec 1, 2023

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by

Callie J. Smith

in grief and memory, hope and imagination

I could have driven to the coffee shop. I’d have stayed warmer and drier. But that wasn’t the point. The point was that it was time for a walk. So, inside heavy wool coat, hat, scarf, and mittens, I set out on foot into the swirl of damp snowflakes. They stuck everywhere: on my nose,…
Pausing with Whatever: Practices of a Monk in the World

Sep 6, 2023

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by

Callie J. Smith

in grief and memory

The titles on my bookshelves don’t fully reveal what those shelves or their books actually hold. Because I have the habit of tucking notes into my books for safekeeping, I never quite know what will fall out when I open a book. Not a great organizational method for my correspondence, this tucking away of notes…
On Joy and Summer Trees

Jun 20, 2023

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by

Callie J. Smith

in grief and memory, hope and imagination, spirituality and creativity

Are there memories whose goodness has surprised you? Though not a poet, I took a workshop earlier this year which involved writing a poem that explored the divine through joy. Inspired by the vividness of Li-Young Lee’s sense-awakening poem “From Blossoms”, I tried writing about a kind of remembering moment that has taken me by surprise,…
On Getting Our Energy Back: Reflections for Mental Health Month

May 3, 2023

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by

Callie J. Smith

in grief and memory

“Many of us seem low on energy,” began my church’s newsletter article. “The past several years have taken a toll,” the article said. I paused. The stresses and strains of recent years may go without saying, but I feel glad whenever someone does say how strange and exhausting life can still feel. I saw a recent article…
A Novel for Lent

Mar 8, 2023

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by

Callie J. Smith

in grief and memory, spirituality and creativity

“We tend to associate this time of year with devotionals or books for study,” I wrote recently in Christian Theological Seminary’s CTS Connections newsletter. It was a piece reflecting on my recent novel, Kat’s Dreams. I continued: “In the case of Kat’s Dreams, though, I chose to set this story during Lent – and I envision…
The Miracle of Dust (Kat’s Dreams)

Feb 15, 2023

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by

Callie J. Smith

in grief and memory, hope and imagination, spirituality and creativity

Sometimes it’s from the dust and ashes that God brings blessing and even new life.

About the author

Callie J. Smith writes about women who, like her, are finding themselves. Her stories and essays explore everyday things like hope, creativity, and grief.