RESURGAM

Spring Issue, 2025

Painting by Christiana Ulwelling

𓇢𓆸 From Dark Graves to Garden Light 𓇢𓆸

Letter From The Editor:

Dear Vessels,

When I began meditating on the word Resurgam, I knew it had grave-shaking, garden-making power. In Latin, Resurgam literally means, “I Shall Rise Again,” symbolizing the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Instantly I knew this would be the title of the next issue.

Inspired by the power of resurrection, I desired to create a place where people could let out their darkest of darks, to make room for light that heals, that frees from the inside out—through the gift of poetry and, as showcased for the first time in this journal, devotional essays. In other words, Resurgam: From Dark Graves to Garden Light is a masterpiece that reckons with this shift from death to life, illness to healing, hopelessness to hope. I am at a loss for words at the beauty that has emerged from this theme. To say that this journal is filled with life-changing words from so many real and raw writers is an understatement. In the spirit of Resurgam, I believe there will be deep transformation for the hearts that read this issue.

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In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Resurgam stands as a flame of hope in many ways this journal is dedicated to those living in the interior of psych wards right now, as we speak. Those who find themselves in sheer darkness, looking for Jesus. This journal also goes out to the Wounded Healer(s), inspired by Isaiah 53:5 which reads, “by his wounds we are healed.” Those who have embraced their wounds to make room for others to heal through the very wounds they share. This journal goes out to my family. Special thanks to Kimberly Phinney, and so many others, who emulate this so beautifully.

Be prepared for deep reckonings. Savor this journal. It is our most powerful yet. May these words give you a victorious spirit like Micah 7:8 which says, “Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light.” Deepest of gratitude to my amazing team, our image visionary, Gabrielle Johnson, and assistant editor, Courtney Moody. Without them, this wouldn’t have been possible—they’ve put true heart into this, a real labor of love. May each piece you take in inspires your heart with resurrection faith, knowing full well that no matter the mental or physical storms you’ve battled through, because of Christ, our body is rising, within the body risen. We shall rise again.

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Read more in my essay, Within the Ward, here.

Keep Burning Brightly,

Alexis Leigh Ragan