Category Archives: Death / tragedy / suffering

This is what hope usually feels like

Posted on October 23, 2015 by Victoria Emily Jones

With this post I’m deviating a tad from the Jesus program to dwell on a painting that is particularly timely for me and my family, who in the wake of a cancer diagnosis are being forced to hope. My Aunt … Continue reading →

Posted in Death / tragedy / suffering, Western Art | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

The Christmas Truce of 1914

Posted on December 15, 2014 by Victoria Emily Jones

This December marks the centennial of the famous ceasefire along the Western Front during World War I. On Christmas Eve, 1914, along the four-hundred-mile frontline, enemy soldiers spontaneously emerged from their trenches, arms laid aside, to celebrate Christ’s birth together. … Continue reading →

Posted in Death / tragedy / suffering, Film, History, Inspirational, Poetry | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Unhappy, but joyful

Posted on September 7, 2014 by Victoria Emily Jones

I’ve been studying the Psalms lately, the church’s original hymnal. I’ve also been studying Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony—the composition itself, and its reception history—particularly its “Ode to Joy” theme. So I’ve been thinking a lot about joy, and the struggle for … Continue reading →

Posted in Death / tragedy / suffering, Music | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

“Jesus of the Scars” by Edward Shillito

Posted on October 28, 2013 by Victoria Emily Jones

I was unable to confirm whether Edward Shillito (1872-1948) was actually a soldier during World War I or only writing from the perspective of one. In any case, he lived during the horrors of the Great War and published this … Continue reading →

Posted in Death / tragedy / suffering, Poetry, Theology | Tagged , , , | 13 Comments

Roundup: On finding hope in this broken world

Posted on May 31, 2013 by Victoria Emily Jones

“The Glorious Cross of Jesus”: An exhibition of 70 photographs by Jason Lock. Each photo captures the shape of the cross occurring in everyday surroundings—in sidewalks, fences, doors, and kitchens—some more subtly than others, and is thoughtfully paired with a … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Death / tragedy / suffering, Western Art | Leave a comment

Boston bombings 4/15/13

Posted on April 15, 2013 by Victoria Emily Jones

Whenever tragedy strikes, no matter the scale, I find it difficult to form verbal prayers to God. Sometimes all I can do is sit and incline my heart in silence toward the One who knows all and is all, knowing … Continue reading →

Posted in Death / tragedy / suffering, Western Art | Tagged , | Leave a comment