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Lewis and Tolkien: The Synergy of Friendship

January 17, 2013 By Jean Wise

Lewis and Tolkien
Lewis and Tolkien has a special friendship. I read a few months ago the J.R.R. Tolkien wrote in a letter following the death of C. S. Lewis:

“But for his interest and unceasing eagerness for more I should never have brought The Lord of the Rings to a conclusion.”

We saw the Hobbit over the holidays and rewatched all three parts of the Lord of the Rings. What fantastic story telling. And to think, we may never have heard of Tolkien if it wasn’t for a friend.  But I have recently learned we may have never heard of C. S. Lewis either if it hadn’t been for Tolkien. Lewis and Tolkien had a relationship that nourished one another.

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

Proverbs 27:17

 

The encouragement and determination friends like Lewis and Tolkien gave to one another now enriches the whole world.
One plus one equals More.
When I become curious about the friendship of Lewis and Tolkien, I found a book by Colin Duriez titled Tolkein and C.S. Lewis, The Giftof Friendship. The heart of their friendship, though strained and distant at times, began with mutual support of one another.

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

I Thess. 5:11

Lewis listened for hours as Tolkien shared with their reading group, The Inklings, the developing chapters of The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings.
Tolkien’s faith influenced Lewis’s beliefs who eventually became a Christian.
Tolkien’s deep passion for imaginative stories awakened Lewis’ creative process and tales from Narnia emerged.
Both men found deeper meaning to life by knowing each other. Often writers are introverts and solitaries and both could have written by themselves to some success. BUT together, Lewis and Tolkien cultivated creativity, nurtured imagination, and energized each other to amplify the gifts that God gave them.
One plus one equals More.
I wrote about sisterhood on Tuesday and as I ponder friendship, I am filled with thankfulness for this priceless gift from God. God gave us each other for encouragement, support and sharpening. Then He mysteriously sprinkles us with His synergic spirit for His divine new math of:
One plus one equals More.
How has friendship like Lewis and Tolkien strengthen you?

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Filed Under: book review, spiritual lessons

Comments

  1. blankAnna says

    January 20, 2013 at 3:39 am

    This is so interesting. I want to get the book and learn more. It is wonderful how true fried s bring out the best in ourselves.

  2. blankJean Wise says

    January 19, 2013 at 12:48 am

    Hi Kendall. glad you like both of these guys as I do too. The book was certainly interesting like a bio of both. I never knew they wrote as much as they did and reading it as writer was insightful. We all need a writing sister to encourage us!

  3. blankJean Wise says

    January 19, 2013 at 12:47 am

    OOO I do want to meet in person someday, Dolly You are a very special lady!

  4. blankkendalprivette says

    January 18, 2013 at 1:43 pm

    love both authors. i had forgotten they were friends. thanks for that reminder. sisters play a huge role in keeping the blues at bay. and in my laughter. and in my energy.

  5. blanksoulstops says

    January 18, 2013 at 6:41 am

    oh, dear Jean, I hope you know that your encouragement means so much to me…your friendship so sweet…hope we can meet in person one day 🙂

  6. blankHugmomma says

    January 18, 2013 at 6:07 am

    I love the council and acceptance I get from my beautiful friends. It is hard to imagine I could ever be as big a blessing to them, but I hope they know how much they are loved and appreciated.

  7. blankLaura Boggess says

    January 18, 2013 at 3:47 am

    The friendship of these two great thinkers inspires me tremendously. I’m glad you are sharing about this, Jean. I really need to get that book! My friendships are so important to me. Life is so much more full with this kind of love.

  8. blankJean Wise says

    January 18, 2013 at 3:26 am

    Hi Nancy! Yes just the presence of a friend, listening and accepting is priceless. I think often just knowing they are there just in case I need them also helps without them ever doing anything at all. I have learned to be intentional about keeping in touch with friends and found the more I reach out, they more they reach out too. Love your line: support fosters strength. so right! Thanks for commenting

  9. blankJean Wise says

    January 18, 2013 at 3:24 am

    Encouragent along with gratitude are essential practices aren’t they, Clella? Lets keep building each other up!

  10. blankJean Wise says

    January 18, 2013 at 3:24 am

    isn’t it amazing, Karen, the strength we all get from friends? What a marvelous gift!

  11. blankNancy Ruegg says

    January 18, 2013 at 3:08 am

    I agree with Karen and Clella and would add: A true friend listens to understand, not to respond. She’s not simply looking for a segue to insert her thoughts and stories. When a friend seeks to understand, I feel supported. Support fosters strength.

  12. blankClella Camp says

    January 17, 2013 at 1:14 pm

    Encouraging words. One of my sweetest blessings is the encouragement I receive from my friends.
    Thank you.

  13. blankkaren evans says

    January 17, 2013 at 12:50 pm

    Friendship strengthens my life with focus, caring, and prayers. I would be most miserable without them.

Healthy Spirituality – a sacred space to nurture your faith, grow closer to God, and belong to a community, walking together on life’s journey. This blog is written by author, speaker and retreat leader Jean Wise

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