If you’re a frequent visitor to my small corner of the internet world, you may have noticed that I’ve been posting a lot more poetry this year.

There’s a big reason for this. I’m aiming at putting together a book of theologically inspired poetry. The plan is to create a 200-250 page text that also shows some of my own hand drawn art, in my own style.

Although most will be included, not every poem I’ve published on my blog will be added. I’m looking critically at my own work and including only those that fit exactly what I’m looking for.

I’m not sure how this book will look in the end, or if it will be professional enough to be noticed. I don’t even know whether it will sell or if there is even a market for it. So, all in all, it’s a step of faith.  One thing I am very conscious of avoiding is a kitsch and cheesy publication.  My hope is that it will be intelligent, confrontational, vulnerable, hopeful, and interesting.

My philosophical approach will be as it is with my approach to this blog and social media; an attempt to contribute material that not only stands with or pushes against, the countless number of theology blogs, but stands out, in a positive way, from them.

Therefore, I’m envisaging something that has a unique voice and character to it; has a consistent, edgy, Christian theological theme that will be worthy of the reader who reads it and perhaps walks away having encountered Jesus Christ somewhere through it.

Of the list of options I could have chosen for my first serious publication, I believe that this is the right path forward. It will function as my somewhat simple and unique entry into a market already flooded with theological commentary and theological journalism.

Of course, whether I can pull this all together or not, all depends on timing. My first ministry is to my family and consequently, the book will come second to my own study and homeschooling dad role.

Like Karl Barth and his first publication, Epistle to the Romans, I’d like to view the final product, similar to this blog as being a letter to friend, to family; a point of contact with the Christian diaspora in modern Babylon; a gathering point “for comrades; for fellow men and Christians, who possibly out of the same confusion [pain; circumstances; brokenness] I found myself in, were also able to reach out for the Bible; and with them in an invisible community, read this old text.”

Your prayers would be appreciated.