Open Secrets: Poetry of Nature and Grace

By Pamela Ferguson

The poems in this delightful book, Open Secrets, focus on how we can discover spiritual truth from nature, the world around us and the creative arts. The first section, Nature and Grace, draws together insights from the natural world alongside poems inspired by gospel encounters where people find light and love through Jesus. The Deer's Cry, following St Patrick's Prayer, has poems that cry out for the protection of the natural environment, as well as for people who suffer in areas of conflict. The third section, The Artist, looks at how works of art can reflect the beauty and goodness of God our creator.
The poetry is followed by a short essay that explores the meaning of open secrets in relation to the gospel, nature, and poetry. The whole book points to the importance of attuning our hearts to hearing the voice of God in Christ, full of grace and compassion for all people and for all of his creation, and ever-present by his Spirit in the world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Resource Publications
• Release date: Nov 9, 2023
• ISBN: 9798385203222

Pamela Ferguson

Pamela Ferguson grew up in Nigeria and then moved to live near the border in Ireland. Pamela took an early interest in global mission and peacemaking. She worked with her husband Jim in Christian universities in Indonesia and Japan, and later in Belfast. They live in a coastal town with a rich Celtic heritage and have a special connection with international families there.

Book preview

Open Secrets

Poetry of Nature and Grace

Pamela Ferguson

Open Secrets

Poetry of Nature and Grace

Copyright ©

2023

Pamela Ferguson. All rights reserved. Except for brief quotations in critical publications or reviews, no part of this book may be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission from the publisher. Write: Permissions, Wipf and Stock Publishers,

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Resource Publications

An Imprint of Wipf and Stock Publishers

199

W.

8

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Eugene, OR

97401

www.wipfandstock.com

paperback isbn: 979-8-3852-0320-8

hardcover isbn: 979-8-3852-0321-5

ebook isbn: 979-8-3852-0322-2

version number 10/03/23

Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version NIV

Copyright

1973

,

1978

,

1984

,

2011

by Biblica, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved worldwide

Table of Contents

Title Page

Acknowledgments

Introduction

NATURE AND GRACE

Window

The Promise

Wind and Fire

Holy Trinity, Ashford in the Water

For This He Came

Wellspring

Leaf

Prayer in the Open Air

The First Sign

Haiku

Before and After (1st January 2021)

The Love that Conquers Death

The Healer

THE DEER’S CRY

The Cry of the Doe

What Holy Place

Abduction

Song for Peace

Bird

For the Love of Earth

THE ARTIST

The Aardappeleters

The Blessing (Vincent’s Almond Blossom)

The Space between the Notes – Debussy Impressions

Voyagers (Rembrandt’s Storm on the Sea of Galilee)

Visitation of Three

Dove

Love-Gift Affirmed

Words Exchanged

Psalm 131 (paraphrased)

OPEN SECRETS: The Gospel, Nature, and Poetry

Bibliography

This is a remarkable collection of poems: experiences, memories, world-shattering events, Bible stories all come together to give us an epiphany of the grace of God. Pamela Ferguson has the ability to notice the ordinary things and to reveal them in a layered way with extraordinary power and insight. And the prose which supports them gives a spiritual undergirding which leaves us hungering for a deeper knowledge of God.

—Harold Miller,

former bishop of Down and Dromore

Crafted to reveal the hidden, pulsating heart of creation and new creation, this collection sings with beauty, understanding, sensitivity, and above all, profound spiritual truth.

—Lynda Neilands,

author of 50 Five-Minute Stories

Pamela Ferguson observes the world around us perceptively and reflects carefully. She takes different dark situations and ushers in bright shafts of light. It is the heart of a woman who, in the twenty-first century, is listening to God and finding his loving presence in the midst of darkness and pain. This confidence shines through Pam’s writing and comes straight from her heart to mine. I am delighted to commend this beautiful poetry.

—Stephen G. Critchlow,

author of Mindful of the Light: Practical Help and Spiritual Hope for Mental Health

‘‘This marvelous collection of poems explores nature, the arts, biblical narratives, and personal experience to uncover hidden grace-filled depths. This is a book to read and re-read because these captivating poems keep on giving.’’

—Joy H. Alexander,

former lecturer of English and education

This is a book I’ll have by my bedside to lift up and be uplifted, taking me to that still center where God dwells. Pamela Ferguson has masterfully crafted these words to draw us into the ‘open secrets’ present all around us and in the Word who is God, and in the beauty and goodness which comes through creation and all the events of our daily life.

—Irene Jovaras,

member of the Focolare Movement

For Jim, Suzanne, Paul Jay, Rhys, Ruby, and Corah

May the peace of God,which surpasses all understanding,guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Acknowledgments

Thank you first of all to Jim my husband for being the sounding board for all my poems. Every writer needs one and I am abundantly blessed to live with someone who can be both my critic and ever-patient encourager. Thank you, Jim, for composing the complementary chapter on the theme, open secrets. I am so grateful for your insights.

Since my first poetry collection was published early in 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic, I’ve been encouraged by Association of Christian Writers groups that I’ve joined on Zoom, one led by Sarah Sansbury and another by Jack Lamb. Thanks to you both for your commitment and enthusiasm. I’m also grateful to Lynda Neilands for hosting a local writers’ group that has inspired and energized us.

Thanks