Walking on Water

As a young man who loved the violent films of Martin Scorsese and the soothing sounds of Gregorian chants, I wanted to reconcile these seemingly contradictory passions.

Madeleine L’Engle offers wise words of encouragement for integrating our faith and our art. While I’d enjoyed her science fiction novels like A Wrinkle in Time, I was surprised by the practical, down-to-earth aspects of Walking on Water. This book slowed me down, allowing child-like wonder to return. She challenged me to develop a daily creative practice because one day off ends up disconnecting us for three.

We all have to ‘feed the… show more.

I was in my mid-thirties in the midst of a spiritual and creative awakening when I discovered Madeleine L’Engle’s classic young adult fantasy, A Wrinkle in Time, and from that moment I was hooked on her writings—nonfiction as well as fiction. I suppose I could have chosen any of L’Engle’s books to recommend here, as I have read and been inspired by all of them. Yet Walking on Water seemed most appropriate because it addresses the connection between spirituality and creativity more directly than any of her other books, and it was that connection that helped unblock my longstanding… show more.

For me, Madeleine L’Engle’s novels, especially her fantasy A Wrinkle in Time, were enriched when I came across her writing about her creative process and the role her spiritual faith played in her work. L’Engle was a Christian, but she wasn’t afraid of questions—she didn’t think anyone should be. I re-read this book periodically, to refill my creative well with words from a wise voice about how our creative work should be an integrated part of our whole lives.

I would be remiss if I didn’t include a book that discusses the spiritual aspect of creativity, considering my considering Christian faith and a Creator who designed us to live out our purpose, creating a life that becomes his masterpiece. In this book, L’Engle explores the connection between art and faith, addressing what it means to be a Christian artist. The beautiful and insightful essays explore what she views as the prime tasks of an artist: to listen, remain aware, and respond to creation through one’s own art.