Roots & Branches — Imprint Magazine

Imprint's 2023 issue draws inspiration from the literal and metaphorical vitality of trees to reflect on the past, dwell in the present, and imagine our future.

Letter from the Editors

This year’s theme of “Roots & Branches” emerged out of a late fall conversation when the dropping of leaves was putting a punctuation mark on the passage of time, and has bloomed into a particularly personal and moving issue.

Yardwork

Once again, life was unkind to Gary.
So he went to the shed

The Grain of Memory

Inheriting my family’s film camera is a tangible reminder that the past stays with us, and has led me to reflect on how memories are made.

Short Time or Long

Throughout the Epistles, Paul displays inspiring patience and humility that brings a tear to my eye. It’s quite supernatural and something I wish I had.

Dumplings

Disconnected from our cultural legacy by my family’s attempts to assimilate, I found a belonging that transcends culture.

When in Doubt: My Journey to Restoration

I began to understand that God knew me so intimately and knew exactly which "buttons to push" for me to willingly turn to surrender to him.

The Granny and the Little Boy

“Look, Granny, a helicopter, a helicopter right beside me!”
The Granny scanned the sky. “I don’t see anything,” she said.
“That’s because it’s on my leg.”

Formed with Every Fibre

Lessons from a forester, a professor, and a luthier.

Breadcrumb Tales

The co-founders of Grace Toronto children’s library think through the importance of fairy tales and explore how stories root themselves in our hearts for a lifetime.

Vellichor

I view the spiritual life much like I view used bookstores—something I engage with in the here and now and yet I am simply existing on the edge of the great story that has come before me.

Slava! Tracing the Roots of a Rallying Cry

The human experience of glory coalesces around moments like Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s defiance of the Russian invasion of his country. But what was the significance of his rallying cry?

Orchid & Oak

The thing about yearning to be an oak tree is that you miss out on the beauty and glory of being an orchid.

Reach

It takes a lot of vulnerability to reach out, not knowing if someone will do the same. It’s easier to stay put and pretend we don’t care. But growth only happens when we reach out.

Next-Door Neighbour

My experience during the pandemic taught me to see my homeless neighbours and acknowledge the reality of their lives–and our responsibility to respond.

Empty Nursery

Lord, be with those who are walking the lonely path of childlessness.

Our God is Love

“I am in the
Father
and the Father is in me”
These words were heard like thunder crashing down upon the sea—

Roots & Branches Issue Team

Karlo Matt Rian Ong, Layout Editor
Katrina Togeretz, Layout Editor
Renata Cunha, Social Media Manager

Joel Faber, Lead Editor
Caitlin Condit, Associate Editor
Sharon Lam, Associate Editor
Alvin Ng, Associate Editor
Tammy Storey, Associate Editor

Contributors

Kan Cheung, Michelle Choi, Maria Faber, Jeffrey Hynds, Christine Kang, Kelly Anne Meagher, Gwen Sampson, John Sampson, Aileen Thomas, Corrina DiLella Cameron, Shalene Diep, Sam Elkana, Wladimir Figueiredo, Leemarc Lao, Rae Minos, Bettina Oghinan, Ryan Saballa, Kyle Simpson