Learning to Jump

by Sean McDowell

Learning to Jump seeks what sustains us during troubled times. Across a range of spaces, from the ancient Celtic ring forts of the Aran Islands, to an artist’s studio, to an old woman’s dressing table, these poems attend to urgencies too often neglected in the press of everyday obligations. Here are celebrations of making and of things well-made, expressions of gratitude, and acts of preservation, along with meditations on those befores and afters defining peoples’ a child loses a front tooth, a poet takes religious vows, a man dies of a heart attack in the street. To counter the pain of grief, these poems discover—in a hummingbird feeding, in a goat giving birth, in wind heard through dry stone walls—images of beauty and mystery that connect us with nature and each other. Whether focusing on how to cut boards with a handsaw or paint in egg tempura, make chicken soup from scratch or read Ulysses to pieces, this book also honors skills passed on and hard-won habits that enrich ordinary days with meaning. Only by paying such scrupulous attention can we trust our many leaps and the ground we land on.

Kindle Edition

Published August 11, 2025

About the author

Dr. Sean McDowell is a gifted communicator with a passion for equipping the church, and in particular young people, to make the case for the Christian faith. He connects with audiences in a tangible way through humor and stories while imparting hard evidence and logical support for viewing all areas of life through a Biblical worldview. Sean is an Assistant Professor in the Christian Apologetics program at Biola University.

Sean still teaches one high school Bible class, which helps give him exceptional insight into the prevailing culture so he can impart his observations poignantly to fellow educators, pastors, and parents alike.

Read more about Sean on his website.
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