RAW: A Poetic Journey is one of the most unique books of poetry recently published. It draws upon the collective pains, joys, frustrations and ecstasies from women and men who have been variously disappointed and rejected by fellow believers while maintaining a faith in Christ.
Earlier this year, Aimée Maude Sims, editor at NuWine Press, called for online poetry submissions in a "This is my Story" contest. Much to her surprise, numerous Christians from various nationalities, sexual preferences, and denominations submitted their work. Aimée then had the privilege to select the entries published in RAW. Capping off this unique opportunity, Grammy nominated musician Jennifer Knapp agreed to introduce the collection.
RAW is divided up roughly in half between two major themes: conflict and revelation. A careful reading provides an uplifting and challenging experience. The darker more painful selections are nicely contrasted with victorious, uplifting ones. In its entirety, RAW demonstrates the eternal truth that centered upon Christ we can transcend so many differences of theological conviction. For it is in Christ that barriers are broken and walls fall. The stories represent a major task ahead for the Church. Christ has called us all to be agents of healing and forgiveness.
A perusal through the list of contributors reveals a group of men and women whose faith has carried them through some very hard times. Each has clung to a good God who loves in order to weather the storms of life. God’s love is so vast and variegated that it encompasses the fringes. Jesus came for the outcasts, and I believe he would be named among these, too. For, his mission reaches into the broken places. And such are we.
I proudly contributed two poems published in RAW. And, as the divine sense of humor has it, my public writing journey began with a piece on Burnside "Protestant Planks: A Lesson in Grace" that discusses Knapp's lesbian lifestyle and her recent album LETTING GO. I find it humorous that she introduces a book in which I am first published. Evidently there is a connection between Ms. Knapp and me. I greatly admire her candor and generous spirit.
RAW is what I have been for a long time. My life has been truly unorthodox so when I read the contest guidelines for real prayers and heart cries, I knew that I needed to be among them.
Visit the NuWine Press website for more information about RAW and future releases. RAW is available for sale on Amazon.com in print, for Kindle, and for Barnes and Nobles’ Nook Reader.
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