Ragan’s poetry echoes of his past and reflects thoughts and words that visualize his hope for the future. He has lived his life with truth, joy and some grief. All three feelings share the positives of his book. I am delighted to welcome you to his story, and pleased to be known as his friend.

—Jeannette Clift
George Founder and Artistic Director A.D. Players Theater

Having known Ragan and his work for many years, I am not surprised by this honest confession of raw grief. The reaction to death for many people of faith is an embarrassment that is to be covered by holy emotions and spiritual shoulds. This collection of poems is like the lancing of festering, aching wounds in response to dismissive invitations to accept that “time will heal the hurt.” Recognizing that in all of life and especially in the shadow experience of “waiting for the fog to part,” we learn “eternity’s lessons.” Holy Ghosts frees us to feel and keep on feeling. It is not a curse to feel; it is a curse to miss the opportunity to move from the present to the eternal, and to reject the idea there has “to be ignorance in order for faith to come into play.”

—Bill Heston
Executive Pastor,
First Presbyterian Church, Houston

I am so glad the world will finally know what I’ve known for over 30 years. Ragan Courtney is a true poet. Enjoy!

—Mark Lowry
Singer, Songwriter, and Comedian

Ragan Courtney’s vulnerability is so real in these poems that you can almost hear his voice in the vivid imagery. Sometimes gently and sometimes with force, he coaxes light out of the darkness of loss and sorrow. With each poem he helps us yield our fears of death and dying bit by bit, calling us to “believe a bit more, sing a bit louder and pray a bit deeper.” It is a glad irony that he shows us another way to celebrate life and all of its mysteries. I was profoundly affected by the raw and rich beauty of Holy Ghosts.

—Jeanie Miley
Author of Fierce Love and Meeting Jesus Today