The Saints & The Poets

by Shun Lee Fong

What does it mean to be a creative artist? And how does faith intersect with creativity, entertainment, and the arts? In this collection of essays spanning over a decade in the arts and entertainment industry, Shun Lee Fong explores those very topics with genuineness and vulnerability. Whether artists are amateurs or professionals, the depth of Shun Lee’s insights will carry them to new levels in their craft – both creatively and spiritually."Creativity is tough, and doing it professionally can be brutal. That’s why 'The Saints & The Poets' is so timely. Whatever pressure, deadlines, or urgency you’re facing, this book is a chance to pause, reflect, and restart. Few outsiders understand the demands of a creative life, but here is a writer who not only understands it, but he’s been there. On our most challenging day, 'The Saints & The Poets' reminds us of the hope that can transform everything we do." ~ Phil Cooke, Executive Producer of The Hillsong Let Hope Rise"'The Saints & The Poets' moved me to think, to pray, to contemplate, and to discuss it with my creative friends and associates. Shun Lee has done a fabulous job of capturing the life, the struggles, and the joys of being both a Christian and an Artist. I found 'The Saints & The Poets' encouraging, inspirational, thought-provoking and full of personal stories and biblical truths. I would like to give this as a gift to every Christian who walks into Hollywood for the first time, and then again 10 years later to remind them of what it’s all about." ~ Karen Covell, television producer and Executive Director of Hollywood Prayer Network"Shun Lee delivers a new classic on art, creativity, and faith, with a clear and deep commitment to all three. Artists of all sorts would do well to contemplate his thoughts and incorporate them in their respective crafts. Thought-provoking and clever, this is the best creative manual since Madeleine L’Engle’s 'Walking On Water.'" ~ Valerie Bourdain, artist, author & public speaker"Shun Lee has created something extraordinary for every artist, poet, and saint in his new book 'The Saints & The Poets.' This rich, engrossing journal for creatives has gripped me! I feel like quoting every favorite line from each chapter. Read each word to get the full effect..." ~ Jeff Saxton, filmmaker & author of 'The New Pharisee'"Shun Lee ushers the Creative into very relatable territory. He prompts us to reflect upon the questions and insecurities that plague us as we stare at a blank laptop screen, look into either end of a camera lens, walk onto any stage, or face a casting row of judgment. But he doesn’t leave us in our artisan angst! Shun Lee recalls the very human and very flawed 'heroes' of the scriptures, who faced similar dilemmas, and in turn encourages us to face another script, another shoot, another performance… because Immanuel – God is with us!" ~ Dan Rupple, CEO of Mastermedia International"I opened 'The Saints & The Poets' anticipating a lovely read from a thoughtful young man whom I know to be full of spiritual truth. What I didn’t anticipate was that I would became completely enraptured by his transparency, warmth, and depth. As a creative himself, Shun Lee relates to the insecurities, fear, and ego that often run amok in a life in the arts. His experiences and insights will resonate with every creative. But to pigeonhole his audience to the artistic community alone limits the power and potential of this devotional memoir. Whether you’re a writer, musician, actor… or a biologist, dentist, or marketing wiz… don’t we all yearn to embrace and fully embody that Divine spark within us? And that is precisely the beauty and universality of this book. It will speak to your soul, nudge you out of your comfort zone, propel you closer to the Source of all creation – and encourage you to to express all that He’s designed you to be." Nancy Stafford, Actress & Author of The Wonder of His A Journey into the Heart of God

204 pages, Paperback

Published November 15, 2016

Reviews

[Neil · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It moves at a good pace; it held my interest throughout the entire book. I can see myself going back and rereading it, but just reading it a chapter per day, as it is written in such a way as to encourage the reader to think about and ponder what is written on the pages. It is a collection of essays covering several years of the author's life as he shares various 'life lessons' learned while working and ministering in Hollywood.

There are some 'basic gists' that I took from the book. The first is a logical process to realize that everybody has some level of creativity within them. The progression goes something like: [1] God is creative, [2] God created us in His image, [3] ergo, we are creative as well. We have to have some level of creativity, because being creative is a part of who God is and He created us in His image. Granted, each person is uniquely creative in his or her own way, and that creativity can find expression in what we love to do [even if it the jobs where we work day-in and day-out].

Another 'gist' that I took from the book was the need for grace and mercy; there is a time for speaking 'the truth' and 'holiness', but it must be tempered with grace, mercy, and love in order for there to be lasting spiritual impact in a person's life. I Corinthians 13 talks about this, when it says how even if we speak with the voice of an angel, if we lack love we are nothing [my butchered paraphrase].

I do know the author; we worked in ministry together twenty years ago and have stayed in touch over the years [on-again and off-again], so reading the book for me was an enjoyable experience as it reminded me of various discussions we had had over the years. This book had the flavor of similar insights and inspirations from prior conversations, and I enjoyed his sharing his pearls of wisdom learned over the years.

A couple "things" [chapters] I especially enjoyed:
"Appetite for Distraction" - I could relate to this chapter on many levels. He discussed how easy it was to become distracted when trying to work, even by household chores that one would normally avoid trying to do. I find myself easily going down the rabbit trails of interesting articles on the Internet. I'll pop over to Yahoo or MSN.com or some other news website to see what is going on in the world. From there, it is easy to follow a broken trail of 'interesting articles' and completely lose track of time until I have no time left to work on whatever assignment that is due. He ends the chapter with a list of suggestions on how to combat being distracted when one is trying to finish a task at hand.

"Outside a Stained Glass Window" - described an experience the author had when looking at both sides of a stained-glass window. From inside the church, the stained glass was a beautiful work of art, what with the sunlight streaming through and illuminating the glass. From outside, it was a bunch of misshapen pieces of glass embedded in metal; hardly appearing to look like a work of art. What I took from this was that while "Christian art" can be wonderful and beautiful, ideally it also ministers to people who are not Christians. If "Christian art" is not ministering to non-Christians, then perhaps the Christian artist needs to reconsider the message he [or she] is presenting so that it is recognizable by both Christians and non-Christians alike. If non-Christians cannot see the Good News of the Gospel as presented by Jesus, then we need to do seek out a better way to get our message across.
And, for those who are wondering [or 'have to see' a disclaimer], I did not receive any kind of financial benefit for this review. I paid for my own copy of the book; it was money well-spent.

It was a good book; I am glad I read it. Again, I could see myself rereading it in the near future, but taking it a chapter at a time to savor it more fully.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic, inspiring book about the unique challenges and motivations of living as an artist and a Christian.