It has been a long while since I had the pleasure of being introduced to a writer who touches my heart and challenges my mind as much as Carol Lynn Pearson (www.clpearson.com). I have also had the distinct pleasure of hearing her speak in two different public forums and she is as engaging and charming in person as she is in her written work.
Pearson crafts her words with the gentleness of a mother cradling a newborn, yet couples it with great power and meaning. No word is wasted. She presents her understanding of truth with no apology, no reticence, and without the aggression or hostility which so often accompany passionate writing. She does not demand agreement, only offers her thoughts for consideration.
For those who disagree with her (who are brave enough to read something outside their own comfortable sphere), a foray into her work will expand the mind, soften the heart, and give opportunity to own beliefs and values on more solid footing.
For the oppressed whom she champions, those who feel like lone salmon constantly swimming upstream, reading Pearson is the solace of looking over to find you aren’t, after all, swimming alone.
For those who espouse her beliefs, reading her work is like coming home, being wrapped in a down comforter, snuggled up in mom’s favorite rocker with a cup of hot cocoa. It is the comfort of the familiar heart, the place where you are understood.
I have a shelf in my bookcase now dedicated to my growing collection of Pearson’s writings. She is articulate, passionate, skillful, and she loves chocolate. Does it get any better than that?
I'm trying to get back in the habit of writing every day. Lately, I've been working on character sketches. Some of those will find their way here, in the form of individual comments to this post.
Comments
Pearson crafts her words with the gentleness of a mother cradling a newborn, yet couples it with great power and meaning. No word is wasted. She presents her understanding of truth with no apology, no reticence, and without the aggression or hostility which so often accompany passionate writing. She does not demand agreement, only offers her thoughts for consideration.
For those who disagree with her (who are brave enough to read something outside their own comfortable sphere), a foray into her work will expand the mind, soften the heart, and give opportunity to own beliefs and values on more solid footing.
For the oppressed whom she champions, those who feel like lone salmon constantly swimming upstream, reading Pearson is the solace of looking over to find you aren’t, after all, swimming alone.
For those who espouse her beliefs, reading her work is like coming home, being wrapped in a down comforter, snuggled up in mom’s favorite rocker with a cup of hot cocoa. It is the comfort of the familiar heart, the place where you are understood.
I have a shelf in my bookcase now dedicated to my growing collection of Pearson’s writings. She is articulate, passionate, skillful, and she loves chocolate. Does it get any better than that?