Podcast Summary: The BEMA Podcast – Episode 444: Karen Stiller — Holiness Here

Release Date: April 3, 2025

In Episode 444 of The BEMA Podcast, hosts Brent Billings and Marty Solomon engage in a heartfelt and insightful conversation with guest Karen Stiller, author of Holiness Here and several other literary works. This episode delves deep into Karen’s journey as an author, her exploration of holiness, and the personal experiences that shape her writing.

1. Introduction to Karen Stiller

The episode begins with Brent introducing Karen, highlighting her authorship of Holiness Here and her extensive work in writing, editing, and publishing.

Karen Stiller shares personal anecdotes, painting a vivid picture of her life in Ottawa, Ontario. She discusses her love for daily walks, her three adult children, and her beloved Bull Mastiff, Russell, who became a warm topic of discussion among the hosts.

Karen Stiller [00:33]:
"I have three adult children, one of whom still lives with me, my 24-year-old son and his giant dog... We have a Bull Mastiff named Russell who I love very much."

2. Karen’s Journey as an Author

Karen provides an overview of her 28-year writing career, which began at a small weekly newspaper in northern Saskatchewan. She emphasizes the importance of versatility in writing, having ventured into copywriting, journalistic writing, and eventually creative nonfiction.

She recounts her transformative experience pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Nonfiction at age 50, where she honed her craft, learning to write in scenes, embrace sensory details, and the critical role of revision.

Karen Stiller [05:57]:
"Every draft I do, every chapter in Holiness Here, I probably rewrote, you know, 39 or 40 times, paying attention to every sentence."

3. Exploring Holiness in Holiness Here

The core of the discussion centers around Karen’s book, Holiness Here. Marty shares his Goodreads review, praising the book for its profound content and beautiful writing.

Karen explains her motivation for writing the book, sparked by a priest’s prayer for grace to lead a holy life. She delves into the dual nature of holiness as both a state of being and doing, emphasizing that holiness is an identity bestowed upon believers through Jesus.

Karen Stiller [12:50]:
"We are holy because of what Jesus did. We have been named holy, and then we get to be holy. So it's a being and doing thing."

4. The Practicality of Holiness

Karen and the hosts discuss the tangible aspects of holiness in everyday life. Karen highlights the common struggle among long-time Christians to accept their holiness, often feeling unworthy.

Karen Stiller [14:53]:
"People who were longtime Christ followers would say, 'I'm not holy. I am not holy.' And I think, well, you are."

Marty emphasizes the book’s ability to intertwine grand theological concepts with ordinary, relatable moments, making the idea of holiness accessible and actionable.

Marty Solomon [20:15]:
"It was just a very human, everyday, common... this is the kind of book on holiness."

5. Influences and Literary Inspirations

Karen discusses her admiration for authors like Frederick Buechner and Anne Lamott, whose honest and poetic writings have significantly influenced her own style. She appreciates Buechner’s ability to articulate profound truths in beautifully crafted sentences and Lamott’s grit and humor.

Karen Stiller [22:25]:
"With Buechner, it was the beauty of the writing... poetic honesty, the ordinary stories."

She also shares her commitment to maintaining an authentic voice, ensuring that her writing resonates with readers on a personal level.

6. Audience Impact and Feedback

Karen expresses gratitude for the positive feedback from readers who feel seen and encouraged through her honest sharing of personal struggles and triumphs. She acknowledges that sharing her vulnerabilities helps others recognize their own holiness.

Karen Stiller [19:10]:
"People are so kind and they say thank you for helping them see that they are holy."

7. Future Projects and Personal Insights

Karen outlines her future endeavors, including:

• Writing Coaching: Transitioning to help aspiring writers develop their craft.
• New Writing Projects: Continuing her personal writing journey with a focus on books that form readers.
• Potential Podcast: Exploring the theme of books that influence and shape us.

She also shares personal insights into her love for walking, both in the bustling streets of downtown Ottawa and during challenging hikes, which serve as a source of creativity and reflection.

Karen Stiller [27:12]:
"Walking is a huge part of my writing life. It's a great thinking time, a great writing time, and a great reminder of who my city is."

8. Personal Touches and Conclusion

The conversation concludes with light-hearted exchanges about audiobooks, favorite dog breeds, and personal reading habits. Karen provides her contact information for listeners interested in her work, emphasizing her openness to engaging with readers.

Karen Stiller [36:03]:
"KarenStiller.com is sort of headquarters, so that's the best place to go."

Brent and Marty express their appreciation for Karen’s contributions, both as an author and as a source of inspiration for recognizing personal holiness.

Notable Quotes:

• Karen Stiller [05:57]:
  "Every draft I do, every chapter in Holiness Here, I probably rewrote, you know, 39 or 40 times, paying attention to every sentence."

• Marty Solomon [12:50]:
  "We are holy because of what Jesus did. We have been named holy, and then we get to be holy."

• Karen Stiller [19:10]:
  "People are so kind and they say thank you for helping them see that they are holy."

• Karen Stiller [22:25]:
  "With Buechner, it was the beauty of the writing... poetic honesty, the ordinary stories."

Connect with Karen Stiller:

• Website: KarenStiller.com
• Instagram: @KarenStiller (featuring pictures of her dog, Russell)
• Substack: Accessible through her website

This episode offers a profound exploration of holiness through Karen Stiller’s personal and professional lens, providing listeners with both theological insights and relatable life experiences. Whether you’re familiar with her work or new to her writings, this conversation is a compelling invitation to reflect on personal holiness and the transformative power of honest storytelling.