Long before I was paid to write, I was a writer. And today, while writing is only a small part of how I pay the bills, it remains a significant part of who I am.

American author Joan Didion once said she writes “entirely to find out what I’m thinking, what I’m looking at, what I see and what it means.” I think that’s true of many writers. I also write to connect, to provide some reassurance, and perhaps levity, to those who, like me, find faith and life both challenging and amusing.

We live in a world of angry people seeking outrage much as an addict scrambles for meth or crack cocaine. I hope not to outrage, but to bring a little comfort, perhaps some amusement and maybe a little inspiration.

Years ago, I was privileged to explore the concept of a Ministry of Writing under Tom Mullen, a Quaker author, pastor and professor. I learned from him that writing can be a personal ministry and vocation. If I have any success in this writing, it is thanks to his help. If I fail, don’t blame Tom, I never claimed to be his best, brightest, or most talented student.

Jeff Hutson

“He willed to create great souls comparable to lilies and roses, but He has created smaller ones and these must be content to be daisies or violets destined to give joy to God’s glances when He looks down at his feet.”

St. Thérèse of Lisieux (Little Flower), in Story of a Soul
Dutchman’s breeches. One of Spring’s prettiest little flowers.

Getting it Right

I’m just a guy sharing my faith journey and trying to account for the hope that is in me. I am not a trained Catholic theologian. A variety of authoritative sources are available on my Resources page. If you believe I’ve made a mistake in describing the Catholic Church and what Catholics believe, please let me know.

Dutchman’s breeches photo by

USGS Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab

from Beltsville, Maryland, USA,

Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.