I am blessed with many wonderful friends. Consistently, they humble and amaze me when I see their formal credentials in black in white. (I’m just glad these fine folks will talk to me about life, parenthood, and what’s for dinner!)
Allan Hugh Cole, Jr.
My friend Allan has a new book coming out soon, and I encourage you to visit his website and check out all of his wonderful resources. From managing grief, to soothing anxiety, to connecting with the spiritual lives of children, his body of work provides insight into some of the most important ideas in the human experience.
From his “Bio” page:
Allan Hugh Cole Jr., a noted author, serves on the faculty of Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Austin, TX. He is appointed to the Nancy Taylor Williamson Distinguished Chair of Pastoral Care. He holds several academic degrees, including the Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from Davidson College, the Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, the Master of Science (social work) from Columbia University, and the Doctor of Philosophy from Princeton Theological Seminary.
The author or editor of six books, he is the founding editor of the Journal of Childhood and Religion, an on-line publication of Sopher Press. For more information, see www.childhoodandreligion.com. He also serves on the editorial boards of two journals, Pastoral Psychology and Insights: The Faculty Journal of Austin Seminary.
He is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), having served congregations in New York. Currently, he holds membership in Grace Presbytery (Dallas, Ft. Worth, Northeast Texas).
He is married to Tracey Cole and they have two daughters.
A Spiritual Life: Perspectives from Poets, Prophets, and Preachers (Westminster John Knox 
Press), will be published in early 2011 and is available for pre-order. It includes essays by Gail Godwin, Sheri Reynolds, Greg Garrett, Lauren Winner, Will Willimon, Marjorie Thompson, Michael Lindvall, Philip Wogaman, Ted Wardlaw, Homer Ashby, Deborah Block, Elizabeth Damewood Gaucher, Ismael Garcia, Albert Hsu, Brad Braxton, Donald Capps, Kerry Egan, Bonnie J. Miller-McLemore, Richard Osmer, Deborah van Deusen Hunsinger, Michael Jinkins, Elizabeth Liebert, Stephanie Paulsell, and Allan Hugh Cole Jr.
http://www.amazon.com/Spiritual-Life-Perspectives-Prophets-Preachers/dp/0664234925/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1284090393&sr=1-6.
Esse Diem 
I noticed a familiar name on the list of people who contributed to the book…. 🙂
Indeed, it’s true! But I am only one of many people sharing experiences in this fine book. I think the diversity of thoughts and ideas in this collection is much of its strength.
Thank you, Elizabeth, for your warm words about the book and my work. Even more, thank you for being a part of this new book, for contributing such an exceptional essay, and for enriching so many lives with your writing and person. I’m honored to have your voice speaking in the new book to questions of the spiritual life.
Thank you!
Sounds like a very interesting read. I’m always interested in reading things that help me grow spiritually. Really would like to check him out, get this book. I’ve always wanted to publish a book about my walk with Christ, and I’d like to start getting inspired by others who do similar things. 🙂 Good post!
Thank you for your comment! I hope you will read this collection of essays as well as “get inspired” in your own writing to share your experience. The process of articulating some of my most private thoughts and beliefs in this essay was a major step for me in my own spiritual growth. It is not always easy, but I think it is so valuable. Go for it!