Pain, Poetry, Joy, and Rest - with Smiley Abrams

Poet and spoken word artist Jason “Smiley” Abrams joins this episode to talk about his process of writing poetry, and how performing it transports him back into the emotional space that the poem responded to. Smiley shares how God met him through dark times in his life and how he got his name. Smiley also reflects on mentoring, the church, and campus ministry in the age of COVID. Smiley shares two of his poems from Curing the Midas Touch, and this episode includes excerpts from Smiley’s spoken word album 3:13 AM, including clips from WYD, Hopelessness Disease, Trust God Period, and Darkest Valley. We have show notes for you at profsinrooms.com and bonus material on Patreon! To donate to production costs, visit profsinrooms.com or become a patron. Resources from this episode: • Smiley’s Website • Smiley’s Spoken Word Album: 3:13 AM • Smiley’s book Curing the Midas Touch at Amazon or Bookshop.org • Find Smiley on: Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter • Andy Abrams Foundation • Special Resources on Patreon: ◦ Cut conversation Justin and Stephen had about politics (free) ◦ Stephen’s recent devotional message from a local youth group (free) ◦ Smiley talks about his artistic influences (all patron access) ◦ Smiley talks about publishing his book (all patron access) ◦ Justin reflects on leaving a legacy (all patron access) ◦ Conversation about teaching and technology in 2020 (all patron access) ◦ Justin and Stephen reflect on the conversation with Smiley (tier 2 and 3 patron access) About Jason “Smiley” Abrams: Jason "Smiley" Abrams is an inspirational speaker and poet. He has been in full-time ministry since 2008. He is the author of Curing The Midas Touch. He currently resides in Mississippi, serving as an Area Ministry Director for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship supervising college ministry in the entire state of Mississippi, Memphis, and West Florida. Smiley is also the co-founder of The Andy Abrams Foundation, a nonprofit in honor of his late father. His first spoken word album, entitled 3:13 AM, is available now on all music streaming platforms.

Credits: Regular Theme Music by Josiah Enns. This episode was recorded on the land of the Wahpekute, Anishinabewaki, and the Očeti Šakówiŋ (Sioux). We may receive commission from Amazon or Bookshop.org for purchases made through some of our links. Thank you for your support.