If you asked any of my family members to describe my grandfather, it wouldn’t take long for them to mention his laugh. As an author and former preacher, Grandpa Hayden had lots of opportunities to practice the art of storytelling. As an instigator of shenanigans in his younger years, he also had lots of fuelContinue reading “The Greatest Joke Ever Told”
Author Archives: jeshuahayden
Dreaming in the Depths: Ella Mine and the Problem of Overwhelming Suffering
Have you ever been blindsided by something that left you feeling completely helpless? On a windy afternoon in the autumn of 2017, I was caught off guard by a huge wave while bodysurfing in the Indian Ocean. I’d been catching waves with a friend for a long time that day and was having a blast.Continue reading “Dreaming in the Depths: Ella Mine and the Problem of Overwhelming Suffering”
Fireworks (An Autumn Prayer)
The street is slick with rain as I make my way through the neighborhood past shuttered windows and closed doors. I’m headed to the place where the road bends for a visit. It’s been a while since we talked. Leaves skid dryly across the road to my right like rustling stalks of corn, like a letter as it’s opened. I watch themContinue reading “Fireworks (An Autumn Prayer)”
August, Adam Duritz, and the Art of Rejoicing in the Rain
At some point during my college years, I started going for long walks in the rain. While this practice may sound strange to you, it wasn’t that unusual as far as I was concerned. I’d loved rainfall for as long as I could remember. Everything about it was magical to me – the pattering ofContinue reading “August, Adam Duritz, and the Art of Rejoicing in the Rain”
Emmaus
I read some poetry todayby a man who talked about the earthlike an old friend.It was just a neat ideauntil I stepped onto the deckand heard in the creaking of wooden boardsthe tones of a voice I recognized,until I felt in the windthat welcome breath of soil after rain,until I saw in the patchwork quiltContinue reading “Emmaus”
The Celts, the Coronavirus, and the Kingdom of God
With all the news and chaos surrounding the recent spread of the Coronavirus, you may have forgotten that today is St. Patrick’s day. I sure haven’t. March 17 is an opportunity for the people of the Emerald Isle to celebrate their history and cultural heritage. It’s also an opportunity for those of us who wishContinue reading “The Celts, the Coronavirus, and the Kingdom of God”
Brokenness, Beauty, and the Ballad of Samwise Gamgee
There’s a great moment near the end of The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers that I’ve been pondering recently. The scene is set in Osgiliath, a military outpost on the edge of the noble kingdom of Gondor. Osgiliath is under siege, targeted by dragons that are dive-bombing it from the sky and ripping its rampartsContinue reading “Brokenness, Beauty, and the Ballad of Samwise Gamgee”
The War and the Waymaker: Echoes of Easter in 1917
What do World War I and Holy Week have in common? Earlier this week, my dad and brothers and I watched Sam Mendes’ acclaimed war film 1917. It’s an amazing movie. The acting is terrific, the narrative is gripping, and the cinematography is unreal. If you’ve seen the film, then you know what I mean. 1917 was nominated forContinue reading “The War and the Waymaker: Echoes of Easter in 1917”
The World We’re Made For
I can’t stop listening to “Where I’m From,” the new single from one of my favorite bands, Colony House. Here’s why: The song begins with these lines: Where I’m fromIlluminated lanterns glowAnd never flickerWhen storm winds blow The singer, Caleb Chapman, is telling us about his homeland. The first image that he uses to describeContinue reading “The World We’re Made For”
Jesse’s Favorites of 2019
As the new year begins, one of my favorite things to do is look back on the books, movies, and music that were most impactful and thought-provoking for me throughout the past year. I love year-end favorites lists because they encourage thoughtful reflection on art and gratitude for the stories that shape us. In lightContinue reading “Jesse’s Favorites of 2019”
Words for Wayfarers 