Dear Reader,

In 1656, antiquary and lexicographer Thomas Blount added the word “redamancy” to his dictionary Glossographia, which interpreted difficult or rare terms. As the theme of this issue, redamancy combines the Latin verb redamāre, meaning “to love in return” with the English suffix “ancy” to create what Blount defined as a loving of someone that loves us, or “a loving again” (Glossographia). 

Releasing just four days after Valentine’s Day, this online issue celebrates the feelings of love in the air, from romantic to platonic and everything in between. Opinions Editor Cristina Pedraza argues in “Consuming Love” that consumerism has obscured the true meaning of Valentine’s Day and explores what love as resistance looks like. In the creative writing section, contributor Parnika Trivedi sees love through rose-coloured glasses, reflecting on how her understanding of the concept has evolved over time. 

Furthermore, this issue’s Artist Spotlight features singer-songwriter Naomi Jacob as she shares the inspiration behind her latest single, “First Love,” and God’s calling on her life to heal people through music, while Staff Writer Emma Helgason reports on the United Nations Day of Education Gala and the role education plays in peace building.

I am grateful that I love a God who does not simply love me in return, but loves me unconditionally. I hope that as you read this issue, you are reminded that you are loved, regardless of your relationship status or connection with the Lord. So, take the time to sit down and enjoy this issue. The Mars’ Hill team loved making it, and we hope you love it too! 

Sincerely,
Sadie McDonald