PORTFOLIO
This page features published writing by Johanna Jackson. It includes essays that relate to Forward in Faithfulness as well as other creative projects.
To see visual art, click here.
Essays are posted in reverse chronological order.
Friends Journal,
Oct. 2022
A tender look at the process of bearing and transforming pain. What are some ways that we provide care to one another? What are some ways that conflict avoidance can get in the way of that care?
IT'S NOT A LUXURY: EIGHT QUAKER ARTISTS ON THE HEALING POWER OF ART
Friends Journal,
Sept. 2022
A beautiful, uplifting article about how several artists transformed grief into beauty. This highlights Friends with their gifts of puppetry, quilting, poems, songs, film, and dance.
KESTREL NEST BOXES: A SOURCE OF REVERENCE AND BEAUTY
The Natural Farmer
June 2022
Take a step onto a Pennsylvania farm and watch a surprising day unfold. Part natural history, partly a call to reverence, this essay captures a sense of wonder and playfulness by staying present. Note: We are working with the editors of this article to receive an online copy soon.
DISCERNMENT DURING LOCKDOWN: BEGINNING MINISTRY IN PANDEMIC TIMES
What Canst Thou Say,
May 2022
Written for Quaker audiences, this article focuses on a call to ministry that unfolded during the first few weeks of the pandemic. it describes the bravery and faith needed to start a new endeavor during uncertain times.
VOGEL'S & FOSTER'S: LEAVING A MARK AFTER 144 YEARS
The Sun Times News,
Dec. 2021
This article is a news update about the closing of a small business in Chelsea, Michigan. It explores the townspeople – from orchestra teachers to accountants to clerks – who moved in and through the building during its history.
VISIONS OF A STRONG QUAKER FUTURE
Friends Journal,
Oct. 2021
This essay summarizes Johanna and JT's work with the Listening Project. What do Friends under 55 say about Quaker systems? This article has been called "eye-opening an thought-provoking" by Friends Journal.
SMASHING CHAINS
(Poem and Collage)
Communities Magazine,
Fall 2021
With beautiful collages that convey something that words cannot, this personal, delicate poem shares about a time that consent was violated. Specific content about the event is not included. Note: This file takes a minute to download.
Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, June 2021
Johanna offers suggestions for building new Quaker structures that support and nourish everyone – particularly rural Friends and younger Friends who may be far from their peers.
Friends Journal, May 2021
This essay imagines and explores what it would look like for different generations to mentor each other. What might we learn? What might we find? It centers on a community of Friends in State College, Pennsylvania
ON BELONGING: QUAKERS CAN BE MORE INVITING
Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, April 2021
Johanna Jackson and Melissa Rycroft make a call to expand Quaker membership so that it fits with contemporary realities. This article is publicized through Philadelphia Yearly Meeting.
Johanna interviews several Friends about their 12-step programs, describing ways that healthy faith communities can support recovery. This article was published in Friends Journal, January 2020.
INVOLVING THE NEXT GENERATION: CHESTNUT GAMES AND TEACHABLE MOMENTS
Journal of the American Chestnut Foundation, Aug. 2014
Aimed at environmental educators and teachers, this essay offers ideas for hands-on youth programs that celebrate one of Pennsylvania's native trees.
