Out From the Shadows

J. R. O'Neill draws on his experience growing up in an alcoholic family and on his more recent journey through the dark valley of depression to create poetic portraits for psychospiritual growth and maturity. These sanctified memories--together with many other spirit-captivating encounters with God in biblical stories, nature, and community--make this a good read for anyone interested in feeding the soul, and especially for those lost in or emerging from the shadows of depression or addiction.

About the Author :
J. R. O'Neill has been a parish pastor for twenty-six years. A graduate of Seattle University, Wartburg Theological Seminary, and Luther Seminary, he currently serves as Lead Pastor at Cross of Glory Lutheran Church, Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. He lives with his wife, Denise, in Champlin, Minnesota. He and Denise are grateful parents of two grown daughters and are happy grandparents of two grandsons. Jerry Amon attended the St. Paul School of Art and the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. He has received numerous local and regional awards including special recognition by the Minnesota Museum of Art for a historical review done in metal sculpture. He has sculptures and watercolors in thirty-eight states. Jerry lives with his wife, Kris, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They are proud parents of two grown children. These days Jerry enjoys building toys and furniture and, as much as possible, being a loving grandfather to three grandchildren.

Review :
Pr. Jerry O'Neill has given us a marvelous gift. Pr. O'Neill dedicates his book, ""to fellow sojourners in and coming out from the shadows of depression and addiction."" His book, however, reaches beyond these specific life burdens to touch those whose lives are mired in many forms of clay. His is a deeply human book which trumpets the wonders of God's grace in stunningly creative ways. Hope is writ large on almost every page. This work could easily be read by folks of many backgrounds as a daily devotional enterprise. I expect to return to it again and again for spiritual sustenance along life's way. Richard A. Jensen Carlson Professor of Homiletics Emeritus the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago Poetry is a language of truth and beauty. Its sparse character calls us to say as sharply as we can what we see and hear, both in the world as it is and in the world of our experience. In Out from the Shadows, Jerry O'Neill takes us into his confidence. With lovely and loving images he shares parts of his biography some might choose to keep private. In the telling he reflects the impact of honest but compassionate remembering. He also speaks as one who travels with us as we seek to make sense of all that comes our way. In his poems, Jerry reveals the power of God in images that crave a melody. It is no surprise that he is a songwriter whose journey of faith exceeds careful theological discourse. These poems sing in a way the reader will long remember. Victor Klimoski Director, Benedictine Center of St. Paul Monastery, St. Paul, MN Our journeys take us in unexpected directions as our lives flit across the stage. Jerry O'Neill shares intensely personal glimpses of life that readers will relate to as the shaping moments that create us all as unique beings. It is noteworthy that this collection exists only because Jerry chose to continue his growth as a person of faith by writing poetry. Jerry's newfound passion takes the risk of embracing another unexpected life turn and sharing that with us all! Also noteworthy is Mr. Amon's art work that visually and conceptually connects with the poetry. The illustrations show a sensitive hand and there are striking moments like the arrows that literally pierce the text in the same way that the poem describes the arrow piercing both the flesh and the boy's image of his mother. Keith J. Williams Professor of Art and Art History Concordia University, St. Paul, MN