Editor’s Note: Johnna Ryan is the Summer 2024 Ernest C. Hynds Jr. intern at Good Faith Media. We are excited to have her on board and for all that she will teach us and contribute to good-faith conversations.
What story, verse or passage from your faith tradition’s sacred texts has significantly influenced/shaped your life?
My favorite passage of the Bible, and one that has been a comfort in especially trying times, is Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. It is easy to get frustrated and scared, especially when things are not going as expected. But when I am confused or think everything is going wrong, Ecclesiastes says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
Even if I do not know why something is happening, I know that though there are tears now, a time for joy is coming. Life wouldn’t be complete without both the weeping and the laughter.
Who are three people (other than your family) who have shaped your life and worldview? And why?
The first person who comes to mind who has shaped my life and who I am as a person is my karate instructor, Cameron Miles. Mr. Miles taught me for nine years, four of which I taught alongside him.
I have known him for over half my life, and he has always pushed me to do the best that I can. He set an example of a person who always gives to others first with time, effort and compassion. He also showed me what a joy it can be to teach and help those younger or less experienced than you.
Mr. Miles has contributed significantly to the development of my character. The best thing he ever did for me was to encourage me to leave and grow rather than stay and remain the same. I would not be the person I am today without his example and encouragement.
Next is my kindergarten teacher, Dr. Judy Bolen. Mrs. Bolen was my only public school teacher, and she instilled in me a deep love for stories. Not only did I start reading chapter books under her teaching, but she was adamant about each of her students learning how to write and write well.
Mrs. Bolen instructed our class to write short stories, and she was the reason I began writing. Her encouragement and love for stories inspired me to continue writing and reading throughout my childhood. Without her influence and contagious passion for stories, I would not be where I am today.
Lastly, I will never forget my camp leader, Evan Phillipson. While his presence in my life was short-lived and only lasted four weeks, Evan was a huge part of my spiritual growth. He was one of the first people I met who poured into me and actively supported my spiritual growth. I still fight to be braver and fight harder because of what he taught me. Because of Evan, I try to never back down because of fear.
List three of your “desert island” books, movies or TV shows.
Besides the Bible, my first desert island book would have to be my favorite novel, “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.” It is a masterful piece of writing by Lewis Carroll. Driven by Alice’s character and perseverance, it is a book that has been near and dear to my heart for many years.
I would also bring Ovid’s “Metamorphoses,” a staple of ancient classical literature and a dictionary of modern plots and character archetypes.
Lastly, I would absolutely need to bring Rick Riordan’s “Percy Jackson” books with me. These books began my love for Greek mythology and are still my favorite series.
What is one of the most critical issues people are facing today?
One of the most concerning issues facing many today is complacency, often generated by widespread misinformation. People receive much of their knowledge and news from the Internet and social media, where things can be fabricated. This can lead to complacency or “non-movement.” What people need is to step out of their comfortable shells and take a chance to see what they can do to help someone in the world.
What are a few of your hobbies?
As an English major and a writer, reading and writing are some of my favorite ways to pass the time. I have always loved all mediums of story sharing, including books, movies, TV shows and video games. I also enjoy listening to and watching musicals. My favorite physical activity is the art and sport of karate, which I have actively practiced for over nine years.
If you could freeze your life into an already-lived 10 seconds, what would they be?
I will never forget running across the original Olympic stadium in Olympia, Greece. But even more so, I will always remember walking across it.
After running the stadium, I took a deep breath and walked across it. I sat beside the track on the tiny slope, covered with scruffy grass. That place, where thousands of feet from across the world and throughout time had walked, was now joined by my own footprints.
I tried to freeze time in the beauty of that moment forever. I felt truly connected to all the countless people, ancient and modern, who have walked along that stadium.
Our tagline at Good Faith Media is, “There’s more to tell.” What’s your “more to tell”?
I have rarely found a book or movie I did not like, because they are all stories. Every book shares a new tale, and every movie shows you a new adventure.
They are all stories, and all stories can do something. Stories are one of the most beautiful forms of communication imaginable. They can bring different people together. Stories unite and draw out emotions across different places, people and backgrounds.
Stories unite our world.
I have so many stories to tell, all stuck in my head, just itching to escape. If even one of my stories can bring people together, then I will have achieved everything I need.
God has given me a gift for writing, and I will use it to bring people together.
Reflection and resources at the intersection of faith and culture through an inclusive Christian lens.