“There are many reasons people move to a remote island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean,” writes Heather Ardrey. “Some are in it for the adventure. Some are in it for the money. Some are in it for the nostalgia, having grown up here. But many of us are running from something.” Although island-living is far from the current reality for most of us in midwinter, the journey Heather describes offers reflective words for anyone who is in the middle of a transition. Where do I wish to run? What am I fearing? And what words might God have for me in this journey? These in-between moments can feel harrowing — until you remember that you are held.

“I’m in my mid-thirties — I should know what I want to do with my life. I should know what God wants of me. But it felt hard to ask God those questions, and it felt harder to listen for the answers.”

The journey of self-discovery can be deepened through exploration — through journaling, through discussion, and through reading. Books stand out to us as a unique opportunity to expand our world, especially when we dive into stories that describe another person’s experience. We’re reminded of this article by Laura Veltman on reading the diverse American experience and this one by Mindy Erdman on expanding our minds through new books, social media, and news outlets. Reading widely helps to enlarge our hearts and enrich our understanding, and even helps us to know ourselves and God better. So invite yourself out to tea with a good book — we give you permission.

“Especially for my Christian friends, consider this exercise as part and parcel of a Christianity where we profess a Triune God — diversity and yet unity of personhood — or where we need four voices, four Gospels, to tell the story of the Cross, or where Pentecost is multilingual, many-tongued, all of which can voice Truth.”

You’re Invited!

Last Call! Book Club begins February 11. Join Women Scholars and Professionals this spring for a discussion of Habits of Hope: Educational Practices for a Weary World. Register now to receive your 40% discount for a copy of the book and prepare for online discussions about a Christian understanding of hope in academia. We hope you can join us! Our first meeting is coming up on February 11 at 9:00 pm (eastern).

Would you (or someone you know) enjoy working with Women Scholars and Professionals? We’re looking for people with skills in marketing & communications and editing & content. Check out our job listings!

Pray with us! You can join our online, 30-minute guided prayer meetings on Fridays at 8 am, 9 am, and 12 pm (Eastern). Can’t come? Send your prayer requests anyway by emailing us at wsap@intervarsity.org. Ready to pray? Join the Zoom meeting here for those Friday meetings.

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OTHER EVENTS

Believers in Business. As the largest Christian MBA gathering in the country, the 2025 Believers in Business Conference is a key intersection of the Christian MBA and Christian professional communities. For more information and to register, click here.

Four More Things We Loved This Week

1. It’s a truth universally acknowledged that England must host epic celebrations for Jane Austen’s 250th birthday.

2. “What might it look like for you to trade in worldly wellness for a deeper—if more demanding—spiritual peace in union with Christ?” Nicole Massie Martin writes on a “discipleship of discomfort.” (Christianity Today, unlocked)

3. It’s a topic that comes up often at our Friday prayer meetings — What is mine to do? Read more in “How To Get Clear On The Most Important Work Of Your Career.”

4. Body-doubling: a simple but effective tip for supporting someone with ADHD.