Libby Carroll studies professional writing, liberal arts, art history and philosophy at Baylor University. She is a summer 2022 Ernest C. Hynds Jr. Intern at Good Faith Media.
1. What story, verse or passage from your faith tradition’s sacred texts has significantly influenced / shaped your life?
The story of Hosea and Gomer has proved transformative for my faith, as it has helped me to understand God’s radical love for his children. It is a story that I find myself returning to time and time again.
2. Who are three people (other than your family) who have shaped your life and worldview? And why?
First, I would point to the countless individuals in my church, at camps and within various discipleship organizations who invested time and energy into mentoring me. These people exemplified Christ’s love to me at times in my life where I struggled to see his character anywhere else.
Next, I must mention Suzanne Veiga, who taught me during my freshman year of high school. Her passion in the classroom proved to be infectious and ignited my love of learning. The careful attention, direction and encouragement she bestowed upon me provided me with the confidence to pursue my ambitions.
Now, the people who are most influential in my life are my college roommates. They challenge me to engage with perspectives different than my own and encourage me in nuanced thinking. I am thankful every day for the grace these treasured friends demonstrate towards me.
3. List three of your “desert island” books, movies or TV shows.
My favorite book, The Brothers Karamazov, is on the top of my list. Rather than growing tedious, the book becomes more valuable to me each time I read it. I would also bring Greta Gerwig’s Little Women, my comfort movie, and Julian of Norwich’s Revelations of Divine Love for devotional reading.
4. What is one of the most critical issues people are facing today?
A former mentor often encouraged me to seek to understand, rather than seeking to be understood. Today, most of us do just the opposite: we strive for our own voices to be heard, rather than listening to the perspectives of others. The irony of this situation is evident — while everyone works to be heard, very few truly listen. I find this to be deeply concerning, as it fuels a culture of divisiveness and polarization.
5. What are a few of your hobbies?
In my spare time, I enjoy reading classic literature and non-fiction. Podcasts have recently grabbed my attention, as they provide a way for me to learn new things while performing more mundane tasks. When I am feeling ambitious, I also like journaling and creating visual art.
6. If you could freeze your life into an already-lived 10 seconds, what would they be?
If I could, I would “freeze” my high school graduation party. I graduated in June 2020, just after COVID-19 protocols had begun to change in Texas. Given the circumstance of the pandemic, our gathering was very small and consisted only of my family and a few of our closest friends. The result was an intimate evening filled with people that I love. Looking back, I would not change a thing about it.
7. Our tagline at Good Faith Media is, “There’s more to tell.” What’s your “more to tell”?
My “more to tell” is that there is always more to other people than we may assume. As I grow older, I am continually convicted to consider people in their wholeness rather than categorizing them in my thought. This places the emphasis on our common humanity instead of the factors that may divide us.
Reflection and resources at the intersection of faith and culture through an inclusive Christian lens.
