An Introduction to Anam Cara
We, Janelle, and Alan, would
like to introduce our readers and fellow writers to the value of an anam cara
to share your writing with and speak into your life. You will notice we focus
on our relationship in this post.
Anam cara is an ancient Celtic
term for “soul friend.” One blog post cannot cover the gift of an anam cara,
but we hope this post will encourage you.
Janelle’s words
I first heard the words ‘anam
cara’ at the Inscribe fall conference in 2012 from the keynote speaker, Nancy
Rue. The words have always resonated with me.
My ‘soul friend’ is someone I
met initially through Inscribe. Alan and I established our connection through a
shared friend in the organization via social media. She felt we had
similarities that would allow us to be an avenue of support for each other. Who
knew that simple introduction would lead to genuine support and encouragement,
not only in writing, but in many other avenues of life as well? God did, I expect.
My ‘anam cara’ is someone I
can ask for a critique knowing it will be honest, gentle, and
encouraging—something too often missing in my circle of writer friends. We also
bounce ideas back and forth and swap life stories. This is a delightful
blessing I didn’t know I was seeking, but needed. The Lord has always provided
what I need, when I need it, and it has been no different here. I am infinitely
thankful for my anam cara.
Alan’s Words
What is friendship? What do we
mean when we call someone a friend? How much do I care for my friends? How much
do my friends care for me? These are some questions flowing through my mind as
I consider the value of an anam cara.
An anam cara is a unique relationship
to embrace and cherish. Such a friendship can teach us how genuine a
relationship can be. For instance, if Janelle asks me how I am doing, I don’t
respond with flippant words like, “I’m good or not bad.” I am open with her.
Our Anam Cara Relationship
We haven’t met each other in
person yet, live miles away from each other, and are part of different
generations. These facts do not reduce the strength of our bond. We chat on
social media a few times every week. We include discussions on our writing and
personal matters. This is because we care for each other.
An Anam Cara Blessing
We
close this post with a blessing from poet John O’ Donohue from his classic, “Anam
Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom.”
“A Friendship Blessing. May you be blessed with
good friends. May you learn to be a good friend to yourself. May you be able to
journey to that place in your soul where there is great love, warmth, feeling,
and forgiveness. May this change you. May it transfigure that which is
negative, distant, or cold in you. May you be brought in to the real passion,
kinship, and affinity of belonging. May you treasure your friends. May you be
good to them and may you be there for them; may they bring you all the
blessings, challenges, truth, and light that you need for your journey. May you
never be isolated. May you always be in the gentle nest of belonging with your
anam Δ‹ara.”
Janelle lives in Medicine Hat, Alberta, with husband, Sandy, their three mostly grown kids and two Shelties. She has been a member of Inscribe for over ten years and has served in the past as FellowScript Editor and webmaster.
Alan
lives in a small village called Deroche, British Columbia, with wife, Terry,
and their poodle, Charlie. He enjoys walking on the dike near his home, where
he finds inspiration for his writing. He occasionally writes articles for
FellowScript Magazine and is a regular contributor to the InScribe Christian
Writers’ Fellowship blog. His website, https://scarredjoy.ca, is under
construction.
