Jackie Riley is senior copy editor for Nurturing Faith Journal and Nurturing Faith books and handles customer service for Nurturing Faith books. She previously served for 20 years as managing editor of Baptists Today / Nurturing Faith.
- What story, verse or passage from your faith tradition’s sacred texts has significantly influenced / shaped your life?
Philippians 4:11: “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”
- Who are three people (other than your family) who have shaped your life and worldview? And why?
I feel the need to include family:
As a child and teenager, I saw how kindly my “Mama” treated all people – regardless of the color of their skin or occupation or life circumstance. She invited them into our home, fed them and conversed with them as equals. I learned from her example respect for all and how to give whatever I can, with no expectation of reciprocation.
As a college student, I became acquainted with Jimmy and Maudie Hutto through my work as a summer youth director at the church where he served as pastor. In the following years, they helped me discern my call to ministry and modeled what servant leadership meant both as friends and as co-workers.
As a 30-something adult, I joined a very active single adult group. The director was a volunteer “missionary, counselor, substitute parent, event planner and so on” who devoted himself fully to his calling as a layperson. He demonstrated what giving of self and service to all look like (and he’s still teaching me that lesson).
- List three of your “desert island” books, movies or TV shows.
I don’t read books for pleasure, as I read them for a living! I don’t care much for movies or TV either. But there are two movies I’ve watched repeatedly, Pretty Woman and Forrest Gump. And, I enjoy most anything on HGTV.
- What is one of the most critical issues people are facing today?
I am very concerned with the way people are confusing faith/religion/Christianity with politics and feeling the pressure to follow political views that contradict their faith teachings and convictions.
- What are a few of your hobbies?
Playing piano, working crossword puzzles, doing yoga, walking and playing with my dog.
- If you could freeze your life into an already-lived 10 seconds, what would they be?
With the exception of a couple of sub-par choices in relationships and jobs as an adult, I’ve been content with most parts of my life. But I wouldn’t mind reliving the carefree, fun times of my college years in Baptist Student Union.
- Our tagline at Good Faith Media is, “There’s more to tell.” What’s your “more to tell”?
I may be of retirement age, but there are a lot of books and authors out there waiting for me to add my touch and us as a company to tell their story.
Reflection and resources at the intersection of faith and culture through an inclusive Christian lens.
