Interview with Jeannie Kendall

Psalm 23 is one of the most familiar and beloved passages in the Bible, even to those who would say they have no faith. But the risk is that in its familiarity we can overlook how both theologically rich and personally challenging Psalm 23 is.  

In her new book He Refreshes My Soul, Jeannie Kendall helps us blow the cobwebs away from this psalm. Taking each verse in turn, she invites us to marvel anew at every rich phrase and discover a treasure trove of truth, challenge and encouragement that will help us draw closer to the Good Shepherd. 

Jeannie, can you tell us a little about yourself?

I was born and brought up in Cornwall, giving me an abiding love of nature. I spent many years ‘in exile’ (!) in London, working as a secondary school teacher, then training for counselling and setting up and running a counselling service. After some years doing that I trained for ministry and served in two churches, in Streatham and in Carshalton Beeches. I am now officially retired although still active preaching, training, interviewing prospective ministers and of course writing! I am married with two grown up children and two grandchildren. I love now living near the sea again, this time in Dorset. 

Why did you decide to write He Refreshes My Soul? 

A couple of years ago our church here in Christchurch did a series on Psalm 23. I was asked to preach one week and was given just a short phrase, which surprised me. However I really enjoyed delving in to a small section, and so when I was asked to speak at the North Western Baptist Association ministers’ conference, I decided to use the opportunity to explore the psalm more fully. Right at the end one of the ministers there said to me ‘I’m guessing this is your next book’. It had never occurred to me but I immediately knew that was right. All of my books (this is the fourth) have had a very specific beginning, this was the one for this one. 

Who have you written this book for? 

Because this psalm is so well known, I am hoping it might appeal to those who would not normally read a Christian book but who know the psalm, perhaps from a funeral service. I think too that Christians will be surprised by how much depth there is in a psalm which may be so familiar that it kind of drifts over them when they hear it. 

There are lots of books on Psalm 23, what makes yours different?

I think several things. It begins with an imaginative piece: David looking back on his life as the psalm emerges from his thinking. Many of the links with the psalm, whether to music (who thought there would be a link with a rapper?) or other aspects of our lives today. It is an excellent book to use in groups as well as individually, with the combination of questions to reflect on and creative ideas to try. 

How did you go about writing/ researching this book?

There were of course the usual range of commentaries etc as I wrote, but the research was quite wide ranging for this book: I listened to a lot of music I might not normally listen to! 

You state that because Psalm 23 is so well known ‘we can overlook how both theologically rich and personally challenging it is.’ Can you tell us about something that really surprised you as you looked again at this psalm?

Several things, but I think to choose just one, it was exploring the phrase ‘You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.’ I had always taken it for granted, but when you think about it, the phrase is extraordinary. Why would we want that? I won’t give any spoilers, but I was really intrigued by that as I explored. 

We live in an industrialised world which is very different to the world of the shepherd in Psalm 23. Can we really gain meaningful insights from such a different society today?

That is true, and yet the truths cross all cultures. Yes, we need to explain a little some of the imagery, but the themes are universal and across time. To give just one example, in the chapter on the anointed head and overflowing cup we look among other things at the theme of welcome. That is across all cultures and a basic human need. 

You include questions for reflection and also creative ideas to try. Why have you gone for this approach and what do you think it adds to the book?

For various reasons I have become much more aware of the whole area of neurodiversity and how differently we are wired. For some of us, we may not glean as much from words as we do from more creative ways of engaging with themes. Even if words are one of our main ways of engaging, we can often be surprised and enriched when we use creative ways. We are all much more creative than we realise: children of an incredible creative God. 

You also have a lovely endorsement in the book from your grandchildren. What does that mean to you?

It means so much! I learn so much from them both and they bring me so much joy. I pray for them and all my family that my writing will draw them closer to Jesus. 

What was the most challenging element of writing this book? 

Taking a step back from something very familiar to me to look through fresh eyes. 

And what was the most rewarding element of writing this book? 

Two things: being able to link the psalm with so many things including some of the psychology which I am familiar with. And also finding creative ways to suggest for readers. The book in general is rather different from things I have written before and that was enjoyable. 

What do you hope readers will most get out of reading this book?

My prayer is always that anyone who reads the books I write will be drawn close to our wonderful God.  And here specifically that this familiar psalm will come alive in a new way. 

In one sentence, how would you describe He Refreshes My Soul?

A brand-new journey through something which might be familiar territory but which has many surprises along the way. 

Is there anything we can pray for you?

As always, that readers will be blessed, strengthened, encouraged and challenged.