Note from the Editor

Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.
– Proverbs 13:12 (NIV)

Waiting is hard. But, hard or not, when you’re a Christian, waiting on God is just a part of everyday life. In fact, it is a crucial part. Even as a God-fearing woman, there have been innumerable times when I knew what I wanted and I wanted it now, with all the patience of Veruca Salt (can I get an “Amen” from my impatient people?). But waiting reminds us of several important truths: 1) you are not in control — God is; 2) you do not know what’s best — God does; 3) God is not a cosmic genie here to grant all your wishes. He’s your Heavenly Father. He can tell you no. He can tell you it’s not the right time. And – while it pleases Him to give you your heart’s desires – His goal is to shape you to become more like Christ. And so, examine yourself and ask, will you stop loving God if your hopes have not yet become reality? If your prayers remain unanswered, if you can’t feel His presence, if longing has turned to weariness in the depths of your bones, will you stop loving Him? Stop following Him? Stop believing in who He is? These are the questions He will sometimes challenge us with. There are times when we hope and we long and we wait, and nothing seems to change. But when that happens, think of Jesus asleep in the boat while his disciples encountered the storm. Think of how they shook him, asking, “Teacher, do you not care (…)?” And remember – after He calms the storm – what He says to them in response: “Have you still no faith?” (Mark 4:38-39)

In Issue 15, our writers have experienced hope deferred. Many in this issue display discouragement as they wait on God and wrestle with the purpose of the suffering and intense longing in their lives. Here you’ll find poets who yearn for lost innocence and for the Eden-like state of heaven. You’ll find storytellers who wrestle with unanswered prayers of having children or a spouse. Others long for rest, and for freedom from worry, from mental anguish, and from the consequences of sin. The writers and characters here give a sense that they are holding their breath, waiting and watching for God. But while some let their hearts grow weary, many cling desperately to the source of their hope, to the One who will sooner or later plant the tree of life in their barren soil. Through the cracks, and the doubts, and the sicknesses of heart, these writers will show you Jesus – His goodness, His love, and the abundant hope we have in Him.

Thank you to all the writers and artists who have entrusted Heart of Flesh with your work. We’re truly blessed by your creativity and craft. Thank you to Katie Yee for all of her meticulous hard work in reading submissions and helping with the selection process. Of course, I also thank my husband and children for their constant love and support.

And thank you, for reading our 15th issue. I hope that the God of all hope touches your heart through the creative offerings of these talented people.