16 Adventure, Return, and the Making of a Peacebuilder with Joanna Mumford (Pt2)

SHOW NOTESWord of the Year: ReturnFantasy novelist and student passionate about grassroots peacebuilding and interreligious hospitality, Joanna Mumford returns for part two of our conversation, this time unpacking her most recent of the year: return.After several years of adventure, Joanna’s most recent focus word surfaced a few months into the year while she was reading The Voyages of Saint Brendan. Our conversation explores what it means to go back to a place, a calling, or a season you thought you’d left behind, and to discover you’re not the same person returning.We talk about the spiritual discipline that grew out of her years of adventure (generosity), and how trusting God with an unexpected new season has reshaped her capacity to give her time, presence, and attention to others.What we cover:- What it looks like to trust God when the horizon shifts and He calls you back to something you thought you’d left for good- How years of spiritual adventure grew Joanna’s capacity for qualities she values that matter in her calling- A closing reflection from Frederick Buechner on story, calling and how our creative work can make a differenceMentioned in this episode:- The Voyages of Saint Brendan (traditional Irish tale)- 2 Corinthians 9:6- Frederick Buechner quote, originally published in A Room Called RememberIf you missed part one, you’ll want to go back and listen to Joanna’s story of patience and transformation entering a new season in her calling with peacebuilding and justice before diving into this episode.About the Guest: Joanna Mumford is a writer and student with a heart for grassroots peacebuilding and interreligious hospitality. The traditionally published author of multiple fantasy novels, she is currently completing her Masters in Peace & Justice from St. Stephen’s University (New Brunswick, Canada) where her thesis will focus on storytelling and the inner transformation of the peacemaker. For more of Jo's musings on grassroots peacebuilding and interreligious hospitality follow her new Substack skyejo.substack.com.CONNECT WITH EMILY:Website: emilygrabatin.ca/creativeslowstartThe Heart's Calling SubstackWelcoming Slow Growth conversationsThis is a space for the sacred, the soulful, and the slow creative. Welcome to the journey. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theheartscalling.substack.com