First-time author brings psalms to life with poetry, essays

New author Stephen Huebner said he drew inspiration for his foray into writing from when he had a young family. Now, as he approaches celebrating his retirement, he looks forward to sharing his insights with the wider community.

Huebner, a part-time resident of Longboat Key, published his first book, “A Word for Our Time: Psalms Essays and Poetry for the Soul,” just before the end of the year.

The collection of essays and poetry, published by Covenant Books, offers a commentary on bible psalms, looking back through the past 500 years of writing on Christian faith.

Courtesy image

"Poetry is very personal, but I try to make my poetry enduring," he said. "You can read it wherever you are in life."

Huebner said he aimed to make his works pithy and relatable yet enlightening.

“It’s a little introduction to ancient words,” he said. “Then I included my anecdotal articles that I’ve written over the years.” 

He constructed the book in four parts but said readers can easily flip through it for their favorite passages or whatever inspirations they seek for the day.

“I chose the psalms because they cover every human condition,” he said. “They go to the depths of the soul, and they have conversations with God.”

Huebner has run his New Jersey-based business for 45 years, and while he would typically be on the Key this time of the year, his home in the Spanish Main Yacht Club area is still in need of repair from the 2024 hurricanes. However, when he returns, he looks forward to planning book signings and working with local retailers. Until then, his book remains available for purchase through online retailers.