Unlike the Sensible Shoes series, which emerged out of my work as a pastor and spiritual director, Shades of Light required extensive research into fields in which I have no professional expertise, namely, issues of mental health, art, and the life and work of Vincent van Gogh. I’m grateful to all who contributed their gifts as I wrote this book.
First, I’m humbled and honored by the courage of those who were willing to share with me their personal stories of how mental illness has impacted their lives or the lives of those they love. Many have suffered in silence. Though you are not named here, know that I have heard you and seen you. I hope this book gives voice to your pain and helps ease the burden of isolation and shame. Thank you for being vulnerable and brave. You have so much to teach us about perseverance and hope, and I thank God for you.
Many people generously gave their time in interviews and offered input on early drafts, including counselors, psychiatric nurses, physicians, chaplains, social workers, artists, and art historians. I am deeply grateful. Special thanks to James Johnson, Jane Gray, Cathline DeWitt, Nancy Betker, Elizabeth Bates, Barbara Hoffman, Elizabeth Ivy Hawkins, and Peter Berg.
Thanks to Debra Sportel, who first invited me to watch painters in action and served as inspiration for Gran’s style and philosophy of painting.
Thanks to Heather Monkmeyer, Jennifer Andersson, and Rachel Sangster, who introduced me to the beauty and creative possibilities for prayer collage.
Thanks to Jenni Jessen for the gift of her inspiring painting, Dancing in the Dark, a beautiful image of God’s hand being a safe and sturdy resting place.
Thanks to Curtis Dykstra and Marjo Jordan, who shared their passion for birding with me. I now listen and watch in an entirely new way to our feathered friends.
Thanks to Jo Barrie for stepping out in faith and inviting me to Australia to lead retreats in 2017. Seeds of Wren’s story were planted while I was there, and I’m grateful for the connections with new friends Down Under.
Thanks to Donna Kehoe, who took me to the Nelson-Atkins Museum after a speaking engagement in Kansas City. Vincent caught my attention that day and became firmly implanted in my heart.
Thanks to Hugh Cook for editing an early draft of the manuscript with skill, perception, and the gifts of a teacher.
Thanks to my faithful team of early readers who challenged and encouraged me by asking great questions and offering insightful suggestions. Special thanks to Lisa, Rebecca, Debra, Amy, Michelle, Therese, and Kathleen. You gave me pages of feedback and ideas, and this is a better book because of you.
Thanks to Krisha and Sharon for midwifing this book with me from its first breath. You held me in prayer the whole time, and I’m so grateful.
Thanks to Mary Peterson for holding my story with love and compassion, and challenging me to prayerfully explore God’s invitations to do something new with art.
Thanks to my niece, Meaghan, for helping with art research and showing me how to paint. You are fearlessly creative, and I’m so proud of you.
Thanks to the gifted team at InterVarsity Press. It is such an honor and privilege to partner in ministry with you! Special thanks to my discerning and encouraging editor, Cindy Bunch; my creative and passionate marketer, Lori Neff; and the talented cover designer, David Fassett, who caught the vision for the heart of the book and expressed it so beautifully through art. Thanks, too, to Stephanie Jewell, who helps me connect with readers; Kathryn Chapek, who often works wonders in supplying books for events; Allison Rieck, who generously accommodates my style in her copyediting; and Jeff Crosby, who embodies grace and humility in his leadership.
Thanks to my readers, who encourage me on this journey. So many of you are already working on behalf of those who need support, compassion, and advocacy. I know you will continue to say yes to God’s invitations to travel deeper into his heart and extend his love and grace to others. I hope Wren’s story inspires you, comforts you, and enlarges you as you seek to be faithful to God’s call. And I hope you continue to pursue life in community. May you find trustworthy companions, in joy and in sorrow.
Thanks to my family. I love you and couldn’t do any of this without you. To my sister, Beth, who always picks up the phone. You tell the truth, make me laugh, and endure adversity with your own inimitable brand of moxie. To Mom and Dad, who have always been my biggest cheerleaders. I’m so grateful for your love and generosity. To my son, David, who partnered with me in the development of this story, from start to finish. Your creative gifts and profound insights astound me, and I’m always learning from you. To my husband, Jack, who faithfully pours out his life in loving sacrifice to enable all my yeses. In the words of a favorite song, “God blessed me with you.”
Thanks to Vincent, whose story has deeply touched my soul. I hope this book tenderly honors both his frailty and his faith.
And to Jesus, our Man of Sorrows, acquainted with grief. Thank you for calling me to the journey with you. Thank you for the privilege of serving you. Thank you for what you endured for the sake of love. All of this is for you.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.