Name: Jennie Pollock
Occupation: Writer and Editor
Specialist Subject: Reading between the lines of our moral and ethical assumptions.
I love my life. I love this world that we live in in general, and my little corner of it in particular. I’m thankful for my family, my friends, and the opportunities I’ve had to see and experience far more of the world than I ever dreamed I would.
Yet in the midst of this thankfulness, lies an awareness that alongside the beauty and the joy, the love and the generosity in this world lies pain, fear, hatred and grief. The tiniest moment of attention to a TV, a newspaper or a roomful of people will tell you that this world is not as it should be. Despite the best efforts of the best minds of every nation since civilisation began, somehow we still haven’t worked out how to flourish as human beings in a world designed perfectly to meet our every need.
I want to help.
I want to listen behind the noise of every day life, to hear the whisper calling from deep within.
I want to peer past the lights and the sparkle and the razzle-dazzle to see the solid blocks of truth behind the glittery illusions.
I want to read between the lines of what Western culture thinks and feels and believes to read the words of truth fighting to be seen – or to be concealed.
I want to help to pull back – no, to tear down – the curtain that veils our understanding and expose the reality that we have spent so long trying to hide from ourselves.
The Bible tells us that truth is not a restrictive, condemning, imprisoning thing, but a liberating one. My passion is to help people find that freedom by finding the truth.
This blog is one part of my attempt to do that. Many of the articles you’ll find here look at some of the big, contentious issues facing Western culture today. Rather than necessarily proposing solutions to these issues – most of which are far too complex for one person to solve in a single blog post! – you’ll see me trying to see through to the truths, the facts, the assumptions underpinning the opposing positions and revealing them for what they are.
Often, I’m sure, I’ll get it wrong. You’ll point out my error, we’ll chat (politely, please – I reserve the right to block comments from people who I feel are simply seeking to criticise, condemn or otherwise be offensive to me or my readers), and I’ll come to see things more clearly – and that’s good. That’s the way it should be.
I hope you’ll join me on this journey into the realms of reality – it’s been a fun ride so far.
Any questions, contact me at: jennie [at] jenniepollock.com
Potted History:
Before becoming a full time freelance writer and editor, I was (in reverse chronological order): Communications Director at King’s Church Kingston; Finance Assistant at Newfrontiers; Senior Editor of UK Media and Communications at Newfrontiers; Administrator/ researcher/ proofreader/ copyeditor/ general dogsbody at the think tank Theos; and PA/ road manager/ banana bread baker for Bill Drake Music Ministries.
Before that I lived on a ship for two years as a teacher to the children of some of the senior crew members. I wrote the official Port Reports at the end of each port visit, and wrote a couple of (slightly tongue-in-cheek!) plays for the school to perform.
I have an MA in Philosophy, a BEd in English and a commendation in tea-making from several former colleagues.
I am an active member of Grace London, where I’m learning and growing all the time, and I love London above almost anything else (yes, even chocolate).
As for the future, if my life has taught me one thing, it’s that God’s plans for me are far bigger and wilder than my own, so I’m just buckling up and enjoying the ride. Who’s with me?
Picture Credit: Tanya Marsh
on Mar 16th at 5:50 am
I like your new hair style. You look a lot like cousin Katie now!
on Mar 16th at 8:52 am
Thanks! I knew I didn’t look like me, but couldn’t think who I reminded me of!
on Dec 23rd at 3:04 am
I just plain love your blog. Reading it is like having right there with me and our having one of those wonderful conversations that we used to have. Miss you! Congrats on your new position. What a wonderful gift from the Father to you. He has been preparing you all these years just for that and for NewSong 40. Abundant blessings to you my friend!
on Dec 23rd at 6:49 am
Aww, thanks Lorraine. Wish I was there having one of our great conversations. Love you and miss you loads. Merry Christmas to you and Paul. Xx
on Jun 25th at 11:00 am
Jennie this is fantastic! What a wonderful, Godly woman you are 🙂 Cxxx
on Jun 25th at 11:39 am
Thank you so much, Caroline! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
on Mar 12th at 3:21 pm
Hi Jennie Just linked in from godandpolitics. Have been reading some of your blogs and like your work very much. I will continue to follow. Keep up the good work !!! Best wishes Graham
on Mar 13th at 3:38 pm
Ah, thank you, Graham. I really appreciate that. 🙂
on Mar 7th at 11:24 pm
Hi Jennie, I would love to join your blog. So, how do I do this? Please pardon my silly question as I’m rather a dinosaur with technogy, hence my question.
Sandra Hoopmann, Adelaide, South Australia.
on Mar 13th at 3:23 pm
Hi Sandra,
Thanks for your message. I have just signed you up, using the email address you used to submit this comment. You should have received an email asking you to confirm this subscription. Please follow the instructions in the email, and you’ll receive a message every time I post on the blog.
Thanks so much for following.
Jennie
on Sep 4th at 9:40 am
Enjoyed your thoughts on Romans ch.12 1-8 today in “Daily Bread”, Jennie. Quite a coincidence, I read verses 9-21 as the Epistle yesterday. I am a Parish Reader in a small rural church in Co. Wexford, Ireland. I agree with so many of your views. Thanks a mill. Pat
on Sep 4th at 9:47 am
Thank you so much, Patricia. Really appreciate the encouragement.
on Dec 31st at 11:21 am
Jennie,
I just want to thank you very much indeed for your commentary on Isaiah in Daily Bread. My wife and I have found it most encouraging so thank you again. Donald Curry.
on Dec 31st at 1:51 pm
Thank you so much, Donald. That’s really encouraging. It was a wonderful set of passages to reflect on for the Christmas and New Year season – I really enjoyed digging into them.