One of the great legacies of the New Journalism is the dignified portrayal of all types of people. When done well, it is a wonderful affirmation of the image of God in all people (and often the doctrine of total depravity).
Such writing, I've found, is helpful for me as a developing pastor. It teaches me how to observe and listen well, how to ask good questions. It also provides a sufficiently full picture for me to reflect on each subject, to consider my response to him as if he was my neighbor or a member of my church. Perhaps most importantly, such writing calls from me compassion and sympathy, a first step towards showing mercy.
Such writing, I've found, is helpful for me as a developing pastor. It teaches me how to observe and listen well, how to ask good questions. It also provides a sufficiently full picture for me to reflect on each subject, to consider my response to him as if he was my neighbor or a member of my church. Perhaps most importantly, such writing calls from me compassion and sympathy, a first step towards showing mercy.
Here are three very different portraits of grief that I found to be compelling. They are all stories which center around women and all involve health concerns.
The first story, found in The New York Times, is the autobiographical account of a woman in New York as she pursues motherhood through surrogacy.
In the second article, Newsweek reports a growing trend to take infant photos of stillborn children. They profile the non-profit Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. [Photographers: Check this organization out. I don't know how well I could handle it, but what a powerful ministry this is.]
Last, New York follows a young, successful woman in her late-twenties who has been diagnosed with Usher's syndrome. She is simultaneously losing her sight and vision. (Note: According to one of the comments, while published recently, this article was written a couple years ago.)
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