The work of writing almost always accompanies those who make a home in the academy. Where do you find yourself crafting words? Throughout the day, you might be surprised at how often your creative energy is expended through words — in lecture notes, in research, in books, in scholarship, in grading, even in a simple email reply. We’re reminded of Carmen Imes’s gentle prayer for writers, a simple tool for bringing the sacred together with our daily work: “…for those responding to the world’s needs with pen in hand, let this be your prayer.” How might God use your written words to bless others today?

“Help me articulate truth beautifully, precisely, and lovingly. May I not be so enamored with the sound of my words that I neglect sound content. Enable me to present these ideas in a winsome way that does justice to their importance.”

Word-craft and expression will certainly find opportunity for celebration in April’s National Poetry Month. In a time when tensions run high and focus is easily shattered, poetry can serve to ground us in the real, the beautiful, and the true. Ruth Goring’s encouragement to read poems contemplatively offers an avenue into a fresh spiritual discipline that might be just what is needed these days. Don’t miss our collection of poems from that series, or take a peek at some favorites at the Poetry Foundation. Take all month to soak up the beauty of words — and perhaps you’ll find some new ways to bless others with your own.

“What does reading such poems, in such a way, give us? Sensory experiences, images, symbols that can awaken our delight in beauty, which always honors the Beautiful One. That can open up our empathy. That can give a shape to our sadness and help carry us through it. As we notice our visceral responses to poems, we can become more present to our body and bring that awareness into our dialogue with God.”

You’re Invited!

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.

A Lenten Prayer Experience. How are you observing Lent this year? There is still time to join us for a gentle rhythm of prayer based on the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius. Click through for sign-up information and more details!

FROM OUR FRIENDS AT INTERVARSITY PRESS

Transform Your Writing: A Workshop (June 23-27, 2025) Do you feel called to write but wish you had more time to focus on it? Would you like to improve your craft or learn to write more effectively? Do you need encouragement or consultation to discern next steps on your writing? If so, the Transform Your Writing workshop might be for you. Space is limited, so apply now!

• IVP Faculty exam copies. Professors can request a free exam or desk copy. Register for a professional account to access this benefit!

• Are you an InterVarsity alum? Use promo code IVCFALUMNI to get a 25% discount at ivpress.com.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

Ages & Stages: How Women Work & Lead Across Seasons of Life. This spring the DePree Center at Fuller Seminary joins Women, Work, & Calling at The Denver Institute for Faith and Work to host a four-part webinar series explores the challenges and opportunities unique to distinct seasons of life through the experiences of women who have lived and led through them. Click through to learn more.

The Faculty Theological Collaborative (August 4-6, 2025) supports Christian professors at secular universities in faith-informed research and teaching. Cosponsored by Regent College, the Center for Christianity and Scholarship, and the Consortium of Christian Study Centers, this three-day workshop at Duke University provides advanced theological training, living examples of the unity of faith and scholarship, and rich fellowship with Christian faculty across institutions and disciplines. Click through to learn more.

Four More Things We Loved This Week

1. Were you the victim of any pranks this April 1? You can read about six of the greatest April Fool’s Day jokes in history, including Burger King’s Left-Handed Whopper.

2. Can Women Be Pastors? Sandra Glahn breaks it down for those who are asking.

3. Sociologist Martha Beck suggests that prioritizing creative pursuits can alleviate anxiety.

4. How an audiobook narrator organizes her days.