A favorite writer's words

’Inside our chaotic world, i’ve chosen something entirely other,
to lose the sense of self in Liturgy and veneration
and then awaken to it again,
finding oneself strengthened and armed.

This is the direct opposite of the deconstructing, disassembling and dissembling projects of our age.’

— Marly Youmans

Ever since my brother, a writer and editor with the inside scoop on all things literature, sent me the note - ‘ you have to read this book’ - I was curious about the work of writer Marly Youmans. He was talking about Marly’s exquisitely written story Charis in the World of Wonders. Within a week I garnered my copy (it is aesthetically gorgeous, by the way). I was riveted from cover to cover, and then promptly ordered a handful of copies to gift to anyone I felt would resonate with her way of telling story with such intricate & beautifully woven language.

I’m awaiting her forthcoming release, Seren of the Wildwood, due out next month. But perhaps even more wonderful than knowing she’s creating new work is stumbling upon her recent youtube video sharing with us a bit of her own personal story: her reasons that have brought her to the Orthodox faith, recently becoming a catechumen of the Church.

As an artist who relishes words, I am hoping to abundantly find words to express what it is that has drawn me to become an Orthodox Christian, bathed in incense, venerate icons, feast on Holy Communion and experience a complete paradigm shift in my view of worship and salvific living. I’m sharing Marly’s brief thirteen minute post, as a resounding yes of my own faith and all that continually draws me deeper into Orthodoxy. She shares her spiritual path as movement toward and embracing

beauty
mystery
trees (!)
tradition,
the role of makers,
transcendentals,
and restoration.

Like Marly, I too was - and continue to be - struck most deeply by the Beauty of the Church and all its implications, including the soul’s upending and change of trajectory toward restoration.

Here’s the video, her glorious words, wrapped in a lovely understated subtlety…