The Woodlands
Reflections on faith, love, and living a full-hearted life in a complex, restless age.

In a noisy world, many of us hunger for meaning—for a way of living that’s true to our deepest hopes and longings. We want wisdom that speaks to both the mind and the heart. We want faith that meets us where we really are—in the complexities of modern life.

The Woodlands is not just another newsletter. It’s a companion for the road.

Here you’ll find reflections that help you:

  • See grace at work in the everyday

  • Navigate life’s joys and sorrows with courage

  • Deepen your relationship with God (or perhaps rediscover it)

  • Live with love, hope, and purpose in this complex

Each week, you’ll gain new ways of seeing, thinking, and living—rooted in ancient wisdom but fully alive to today’s world.

What You’ll Receive

All subscribers receive:

• One full-length reflection each week—written with depth and warmth, drawing on Scripture, philosophy, lived experience, and real-world stories

• Occasional updates about special projects or resources

Your paid subscription helps fund ministry in under-resourced communities—supporting adult literacy, early childhood education, and summer camps for youth.

As thanks, paid subscribers also receive:

• Full access to the complete Woodlands archive (over 100 essays and growing)

Why Substack? Why now?

We live in a time when faith can feel either shallow or embattled. I believe there’s another way: honest, thoughtful, open-hearted Christian reflection that invites people in—not just “the already convinced,” but anyone drawn toward love, courage, and meaning.

Substack allows me to offer this writing directly to readers—without filters or gimmicks—and to build a community of people on the journey together.

About Me

I’m Jake Owensby: bishop, writer, philosopher, and fellow traveler on this path. I’m a Bishop in the Episcopal Church, Chancellor of the University of the South, and the author of seven books on faith and the art of living in a complex, restless age.

But most of all, I’m someone who believes that love is stronger than death, that grace is real, and that even now, it is possible to live a full-hearted life.

User's avatar

Subscribe to The Woodlands

A companion for your search for meaning, hope, and love in a restless world: stories and reflections from Christian faith.

People

A bishop, writer, and philosopher exploring how Christian faith helps us live with love, courage, and meaning. Author of seven books.