A Message to Guide Us

Guideposts is a publication I had seen on my grandmother's nightstand for many years before I ever picked it up and read it. I had assumed it was an "old person's" magazine because everyone I knew who read it was old! I was mistaken.

Guideposts is an inspirational magazine. Its small format (5x7) makes it perfect to tuck in a purse or backpack, and the stories are short and uplifting.

Each issue opens with a message from the Editor-in-Chief, Edward Grinnan. It is sincere, welcoming, and refreshing. As this is a magazine that encourages faith in God, it is good to see that its writers and editors share the faith.

Features range from stories about missionaries to finding the true meaning of a holiday. Family is emphasized, as is charity, kindness, and Christianity.

The October issue features an article written by John Wallach, a New York journalist, about a camp in Maine designed to bring together young people from Palestine and Israel for three weeks of summer "peace". It is informative, inspirational, and leaves the reader feeling that there really are good things happening in our world of uncertainty. In light of our recent tragedies, its timing was impeccable.

A short essay called "Mama's Dream" was especially touching, as it delves into the wishes of the author's mother. It looks at how her longing to become a writer became a reality without anyone realizing it. It is heartwarming and again--inspiring.

The departments that are featured each month include Pass It On, What Prayer Can Do, Caregivers, The Up Side, His Mysterious Ways, Abundant Table, and Family Room. These are short contributions written mostly by freelance writers, and are incidentally the best way for freelancers to break into this publication, which is not an easy one to break into! They pay their writers exceptionally well, too--another plus that is becoming more and more sparse.

Guideposts features other publications as well. Angels on Earth, Guideposts for Teens, and Guideposts for Kids are all either print or online publications that stress the same values for each specific age group. Angels on Earth tells heartwarming stories of people whose lives have been directly touched by divine intervention.

If Christianity or belief in God are not appealing, then this magazine won't be either. However for those who rely so heavily upon their faith, especially in these tumultuous times, there is much to be gained by reading Guideposts. And the most significant part of practicing faith comes from passing it on. I like to take my copies to hospitals and nursing homes to share with others after I've read them.