CS Lewis and the Woman He Loved, Joy Davidman

An intriguing conversation with C. S. Lewis Chair Terry Lindvall about Joy's influence on Jack's life.

[@shelleyirwin6104]

Her son Douglas says in an interview that he also prayed for his mother and felt the Holy Spirit fill the church he was in. And then she went into remission. He attributed that to the fact that he couldn’t live in a foreign country at that young age so far away from his other parent. So Jesus answered his prayers 🙏🏼

[@carlosreira2189]

That is indicative of apostolic unction.

[@rebekahwilson7703]

“And God Came In”…One of the most beautiful things I’ve ever heard.♥️

[@angelawright7691]

This was one of the most wonderful conversations that I've had the pleasure of listening to--at the very end, Patti saying 'let's take this on the road' I couldn't agree more! moving, impactful, deeply touching... C.S. Lewis and Joy.. their stories, their life together.. their love.. all FOUR! wow)))

[@tamarakuhn1634]

“Marriage has many pains but celibacy has no pleasures.” ~Samuel Johnson (one of C.S. Lewis’ favorite quotes)

[@mortalclown3812]

Johnson's life seemed heartbreaking in its solitude. Emanuel Swedenborg was another bachelor - one who seemed to be quite romantic.

[@LS-ei7xk]

@@mortalclown3812 Both marriage and celibacy are great mysteries. One needs to offer up both states (speaking as one who is celibate, but who had wanted to marry for a long time. But not now.)

[@FriendOfChrist]

The more I learn about CS Lewis the more I learn I don't know enough.

[@childofGod3n1]

Awesome telling of C.S. and Joy's relationship. I love his books and now I want to know more about his wife. Thank you!

[@christinahall2587]

Douglas, Joy’s young son, had an encounter with Jesus at the local church. He ( Douglas ) said he prayed with every fibre of his being that his mother would live. He felt impressed that he needn’t worry anymore and Joy went into remission almost immediately. She lived almost four more years. By that time Douglas was almost fourteen. When Joy got sick again Douglas went back to the church and encountered Jesus again but this time Douglas just prayed, ‘ Thy will be done ‘. Douglas is a great man of God today and his wife Merrie has an awesome testimony ! There are many videos concerning them on KZbin 🌟✨🕊

[@daniellamcgee4251]

I guess it's whatever belief helps them through. Trying to make sense of a tragic senseless death can lead people to religion and faith. There is comfort in the belief of having more time together in heaven. I have an elderly relative who became an atheist and is less crippled by guilt, shame, and self punishment. She enjoys life so much more as she is able to be more present, and giving. She was diagnosed with stage 4 terminal cancer, and the chemo eventually stopped working. Her oncologist encouraged her to travel overseas to her home country, as she wanted to, to see family and friends before admission into palliative care. She left in a wheelchair, and returned two months later without the wheelchair chair. The day before flying she had climbed a mountain with a friend in a different country! That was 8 years ago, and test results from a few days ago continue to be 'all clear'. She is a completely well person with the diagnosis of terminal cancer. Her immune system response is faster than the cancer cell division, despite having the second most aggressive form of cancer cell. It helps that she is older as cell division is slower. She has had two friends who believed in God, one Christian, who have died within months of diagnosis, with the same cancer. My relative didn't pray once, yet her immune cells have learned to fight the cancer cells from the chemo. Her case has been presented at global cancer research conferences. Treatments are being developed with new understanding based on my relative's response to chemo, so her survival will help countless others survive. My relative did not once pray through her ordeal. She does not pray now. Nor did she 'smoke' or 'go off the rails'. (Ha ha!) As an atheist, she celebrates life, science and a new love after being widowed. She does many things, including supporting a mental health charity. Her partner is much older than her, and at 95 years, he continues to do volunteer work. He is also an atheist (and doesn't smoke!) He had a horrific fall and a brain bleed last year, and after a couple of weeks, completely recovered. No prayer involved. My point is that atheist have their testimonies, too! Their life outcomes are no different to people who pray. God is capricious with who he rewards and cruelly punishes, it seems!! It must seem unfair to Christians who pray that my atheist relative and partner are still happily living, when their Christian loved one's may not be. Some will be, and some won't be . It is tragic that praying didn't cure Joy of cancer. I sincerely wish it did! Especially for Douglas's sake.

[@MrsKuhn.2]

I loved this. I didn't want it to end.

[@daneumurianpiano7822]

My mother, the reader of the family, had open heart surgery in 1971. The night before, we were in her room cracking peanuts and cracking jokes. Her doctor didn't like her dream about there being a sausage factory next to the operating room. She outlived her doctors' expectations by 25 years, and was my introduction to Lewis and the Inklings.

[@mona2242]

💗🙏💗

[@kathyh4804]

That’s beautiful

[@lindarussell2690]

❤️❤️❤️

[@nancyrobinson7764]

Praise God, miracles happen every day, sadly many see them as coincidence. I have saw many in my life so far. There is no other possible explanation. 🙏🏽✝️

[@revonda5204]

What a fabulous story. Thank you for sharing. 😊

[@tannisfalkenberg3731]

The interviewer and the one interviewed did a superb job! I loved CSLewis!

[@pamelathomas4864]

Thoroughly enjoyed this presentation put a true perspective on C S Lewis life and faith with his much loved wife

[@jenniferpratt8883]

This was just wonderful! I loved every minute of it. Thank you so much for the wonderful insights into C S Lewis and Joy and their life together. God bless🙏😘

[@celinebowman6309]

I am currently reading Patti’s book on them and really enjoying it!! So happy I came across this discussion of it! I have since ordered two of her other books!

[@GayIdle]

I absolutely loved Becoming Mrs Lewis! It was obvious the depth of research Mrs. Callahan had immersed herself in to write this book. Beautifully written. Thank you for this interview!

[@rutharia6809]

Thank you for posting

[@LS-ei7xk]

Haven't read it yet, but would like to. Came upon this video "by accident".

[@carismacatalyst1289]

Wounderful, thank you very much. A lovely fragrance of a hidden Blessing both left for us to enjoy. 🕊

[@deborahmoriarty5245]

Excellent book. Very well written. I could not put it down! I like this genre of weaving historical fact with the author filling in the blanks with how things might have been. Years ago I read one about Jane Austen that was written based on letters of hers that was found but the author filled in the blanks. It makes the person come alive.

[@stevenwiederholt7000]

"And God Came In..." This happens to a great number of people. :-)

[@lindaphillips4246]

for sure. I always had loved God, as long as I could remember, but one particular, frightening, night, God came in and ... wow...it changed my life.

[@ramonsanchez7219]

@@lindaphillips4246 ii8iiikkiiu

[@kikupub71]

Amen

[@lynlockrey7372]

Thank you for such a most enlightening conversation about the lives of C S Lewis and Joy. I am a fan of C S Lewis's writings and this video was such an informative and delightly deep experience. God bless you both. Lyn Lockrey, Australia.

[@moniquevamado]

Cannot wait to get this book. The timing of coming across this is astonishing for me.

[@Sharon32210]

WOW , you two nailed "Love " at all its levels in a supernatural way that would make no sense in the natural. God is amazing in the lives of those who are seeking Him. This conversation is one of the most powerful I've ever heard in the hand of two people sensitive enough to handle the depth of it. I watched it three times and wept through it three times Many thanks for sharing your talents with us.

[@JoeKawano]

20:14 or so For Joy who had a deep wound of not being listened to by men, C.S. Lewis came through as an inexhaustible well of listening to her.

[@frank_a]

What an interesting conversation. Thank you both!

[@kathyh4804]

Loved the last quote by Samuel Johnson! Thank you 🌷

[@kristalt.7404]

Listeninf to this made my day, beatiful. ❤❤❤

[@conniebartholomew5255]

I just finished reading and recommending on FB this amazing book. And more amazing is that my husband, who is a science scholar is right now sitting here reading it. I’m loving this interview.

[@nancyrobinson7764]

Awesome! So often Scientists ,Doctors and atheists need to be hit in the face with miracles to believe. As my dear cousin ( a believer in Christ) was crossing over, her husband,(a Dr)and oldest daughter saw my cousin’s face morph into her father’s, a godly man. My dearest uncle had came to take her home!

[@prettyboygirl]

Your book was truly entertaining and very informative! Thank you for sharing this beautiful love story with the world!

[@patbiggam8138]

This book is a good read, a page turner. Back story developed by the author is plausible, in keeping with the characters. Also we learned about CS Lewis' brother. Very interesting.

[@natashalobanova8141]

Such a treat! Thank you both!

[@kayecurren3342]

What an excellent conversation about Lewis and Joy. I learned so much. Now, Lord, which fascinating book shall I read?

[@bellabb5127]

Both of you such good storytellers, you make sure to touch on small details/side comments that are more revealing of Joy & Lewis. Love it!

[@ramongarcia7531]

Loved it. I enjoyed it very much. Thank you for posting it. (BTW., Malta is not in the Indian Ocean--West Africa/Asia/Australia. But in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea--Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia).

[@MJY58]

Patti it was a great interview. It is great to hear you speak it's been many years. This is one book I might have to look for.

[@NinawithSonshine]

Beautifully put.

[@desireuys2794]

Thank you. Enjoyed this thoroughly. Pity we could not hear the questions.

[@marilynadams349]

Thank you for this

[@elizabethivey9326]

Loved this book.

[@dbrunaccini]

Excellent video & New informative story.

[@lillianmcgrew217]

Love this ❤❤

[@ewazizemska781]

Thank You ❤🌿🌹🌿❤

[@katharinedavis4947]

Fascinating interview. K

[@probro9898]

To say he had nothing to do with women between his mother and Joy is simplistic. There was the whole episode of Mrs Moore.

[@keithawhosoever5384]

I think Joss Acklin played CS Lewis in a TV production of Shadowlands . Probably a more accurate version than A. Hopkins. Interesting talk 👌

[@daniellamcgee4251]

Thankyou! I didn't know a T.V. version existed until I read your your comment. I looked up the details. For anyone interested: Joss Ackland as C.S. Lewis Claire Bloom as Joy. Director: Norman Stone Original release: B.B.C. 1985.

[@keithawhosoever5384]

@@daniellamcgee4251 I hope you enjoy it Daniella..🙏🆓🇬🇧

[@stellabenoit8983]

I need to purchase this book

[@user-lw3ei4ve5c]

Unfortunately the intimacy of letter writing seems to be a art of the past. Such a beautiful purity of heart💞

[@anniepais700]

I'm just reading this book- wanting to understand more. Which of the four loves is love of self? The healthy love of self- is maybe the 5th love.

[@fayedavin2381]

I have to get that book!

[@phyllisjohnson1019]

Excellent ! Thank you for this.

[@katharinedavis4947]

That was interesting Joy's mystical experience. I had one , which settled all my questions. I'd been investigating other religions. My life was turned around completely. K

[@carolvanrooyen2488]

I read “A severe Mercy” by a friend of CS, Sheldon Vauken... what a great book that gave insight into CS and his relationship with God, a man of integrity & much more...would love to read “A grief observed but am struggling to find a copy... is it still in print?... loved this interview and will most definitely get the book they’re discussing about Joy!

[@arslp]

Look on eBay if you don't mind a used book. My husband has one, but I cannot send you his :)

[@rickhughesprints]

I love that book, too. He has another book that is also great, Under the Mercy.

[@LS-ei7xk]

I somehow found *A Severe Mercy* to be depressing. Don't know why.

[@paulsarodh5460]

Superb

[@lindaphillips4246]

too bad that the echo doesn't allow us to hear the questions well. Thanks for this amazing insight into Lewis's amazing life. We know the author, but now we can know the man a little better and also give more significance to the amazing woman who chose to marry him.

[@anitarushlow4022]

Gotta say, the audio for the Q & A was terrible. :( Otherwise just an awesome talk! Yes....take it on the road. I think there are many of us who would benefit from learning more about C S Lewis. Thanks

[@christianealshut1123]

It's going to come out on Kindle next week and I'm definitely going to get it - I remember watching Shadowlands many years ago and I heard this was going to be vastly different...I just finished the biography by Abigail Santamaria and she strongly leads towards portraying this as a seduction and Joy comes across as kind of a calculating, opportunistic minx, but I guess the "truth" lies somewhere in between. Shadowlands made it seem that Lewis would not have married Joy if she weren't dying. it was pretty maulin, though in a quiet way - and from this interview I gathered that Callahan portrays all ther aspects of love in this relationship. So it would be interesting to have this filmed one day too.

[@patticallahanandpatticalla2135]

Oh I can't wait to hear what you think! Yes, the story is always in between other's opinions. I wanted to know what JOY felt and thought and lucky for us we have letters and poetry!. Enjoy!

[@harrietthespy2119]

Hi Patti (this is Mary Clinard Borge from Auburn/PhiMu)🤗 Just wanted to say what a fabulous interview/conversation and can’t wait to read your book on Joy. I think it’s really interesting to think of Joy setting her sites on Lewis and going to get him for herself as romantic, as opposed to some kind of predatory, minx-y scheme. I think if we look at how he responded the more he knew her, and especially when she passed away, it doesn’t actually matter whether she planned to meet and connect with him in a deeper way than he initially knew from early on, or it was a “Godincidence” that they became life partners; either way they brought so much to each others’ lives, and beyond them to her sons’, Warnie’s and others’ BECAUSE she sought him out. And for Bill Gresham to want to mess with that relationship after he had been so incredibly, serially unfaithful to her, and abusive to his sons, is just beyond unconscionable. What I’ve read and heard, Bill was almost the opposite of Joy and Lewis, in that he was always looking to debunk mystery and wonderment, and they were experiencing it, questioning it, then giving fully into it together for the good of each other and others! Though he was diagnosed with schizophrenia, my guess, as a trauma therapist, is that Davey had C-PTSD from being raised in an alcoholic, sometimes abusive, fractured home with Bill. This makes me very sad because chances are good he would’ve been mentally healthy had he not been exposed to his father’s narcissistic maltreatment😢. Great interview on a fabulously interesting couple, y’all!! Thanks!!

[@janetfedeles3964]

I just finished the book and loved it. Now I want to read more! Including their publications and other books by Patti Callahan.

[@lauravanniekerk4719]

Interesting that there were 2 lady names in the family meaning happy: Joy, and Merry. The Lord has an amazing sense of humor sometimes

[@user-lg8fe7qb5h]

LOVE ❤️ is our only ANSWER. Let's FEAST on LOVE and Fast on Evil. 'Love One Another As I Have Loved You 'Jn13:34

[@rebekahwilson7703]

Douglas helped with the filming of the Narnia movies.

[@hemsty2]

At 34:35 Malta is an island in the Mediterranean and no way did Douglas own it - its an independent country

[@paulsarodh5460]

Rockin

[@janiemalina6283]

❤️🤗👍!!!

[@AKMcCoyInc]

Why was all their letters destroyed?

[@JoeKawano]

28:03 Joy’s ex-husband tells C.S. Lewis that she went there to get him-wasn’t that true? That doesn’t sound like it would warrant that…”He was very mean, -a very cruel man… “

[@shamanamarshall1469]

She may have wanted to be with him. Sure. But the ex husband is being cynical and putting her down by saying ""get him"", casting her as a predator. It's like rejected men do, they belittle, they call the ex a who're, a bitch,

[@JoeKawano]

@Shamana Marshall - Would you call someone a bitch if said someone kept your children away from you in another country, and that permanently?

[@jankeelliott7801]

She DID go off to get him,that was exacly what I learned from her collected letters. As a Christian she had no ground for divorce. She just thought Lewis was more fun. Till the end of her life she kept contact with her exhusband and confided in him,so how impossible can he really have been?

[@graceweber2822]

@@jankeelliott7801 Shadowland made me think she was arrogant and played Lewis like a fiddle.

[@ellenmarch3095]

@@JoeKawano That depends. Is the "you" in question an abusive ass? Asking for a friend.

[@humblehalfacre8464]

Patti is certainly vicarious in this.

[@missmurrydesign7115]

Delicious...

[@eliotreader8220]

so he was in love with Joy when he was writing about Narnia?

[@anellasharpes1265]

Does God really love when you are going through some really hard time in your life. does he cause you pain and say he doesn't want you when you get into a relationship with others people. you get in a relationship with and promble accursed. I don't know where I am with GOD he say he is not loving me he is trashing me bad for those who really love and saying I hard this person and others please let me know and understand who God really is. he say I don't belong to him he think I belong to the devil.

[@barbararenner5473]

Who is the man in this discussion?

[@owlfethurz8377]

Under the heading, it says Terry Lindvall.

[@Pugsycat]

Terry Lindvall used to be the head of the film department at CBN/Regent University in Va Beach, VA, in the late 1980’s.

[@SusanWashington11]

WHY don't you mention the older woman with whom C.S. Lewis lived for years B4 he met Joy?

[@patticallahanandpatticalla2135]

Because we were talking about Joy, not Janie Moore. But that could be another interesting subject for sure.

[@SusanWashington11]

Leaping as your narrative does, from his loss of his mother, when he was a child, directly to his connection with Joy, and emphasizing his connection with men prior to meeting Joy, is misleading, particuarly considering the length and the depth of his connection to the older woman in the years b4 he met Joy.

[@mindakahn9964]

Buy the book and read it. I bought the audio version because I like to listen while I work. The narrative is so monotone it’s monotonous. Clearly it’s a well written book, but the audio version is a horror.

[@natenkristy]

I liked the Audible version, and the Kindle version.

[@DeborahohDeborah]

No wonder Joy was jealous, a woman traumatized by a previous filandering and physically abusive husband

[@finallythere100]

That and we all have flaws that are not of our choosing.. PC says she repented over it again and again, and that they forgave each other for their flaws. Inspirational!

[@chrisblester37]

I really enjoyed this story but the movie I saw was a big let down only 1 son ? And many of the best stories were poorly done were they would have made the movie done correctly. Like Jack tell Warney he was to get married. Or the fact she never moved to his town down the road and his visits ,both times he asked her to marry him and may more movie destroyed and a wast of Anthony Hopkins.

[@frankk.777]

Marriage has many pains but celibacy has no pleasures…

[@christinepaige2575]

...unless it feeds your soul by serving a Godly purpose

[@harrietthespy2119]

The likely reason Joy was so triggered in her jealousy is because she had been married to a serially unfaithful husband before Lewis!

[@daniellamcgee4251]

I wanted to hear more about Joy. Unfortunately, the erroneous anti-aetheism prejudices from the start have set the tone and put me off. 'Smoking' and 'going off the rails'. Really??? Academic credibility instantly lost. I understand that Christianity is inseparable from Joy and Jack's story, but this false and judgemental premise is disappointing. Maybe the book would be would be less biased.

[@bobbieolsen7264]

…He started smoking,🚬 the terrible bastard… you better turn your nose 👃 up, I may have enjoyed the great story of CSL if it wasn’t from a big me little you stand point!

[@kathyh4804]

That hit home to me too.... I also smoke 😂

[@tinekedijk7385]

L