Lewis Barlow
Journal
Articles & essays for readers
Reflections on stories, place, identity, and the choices that shape a life.
Stories · Reflections · Perspectives
From the author
Articles & Essays
Choose a title below — each opens the full essay on this site, with its own introduction and questions for reflection.
Patterns We Repeat
When the Habit Is Not the Real Problem
By Lewis Barlow ·
Sometimes the behavior everyone can see is not the real problem. Lasting change often begins with a different question: what is this behavior doing for the person?
Read the essay →When Character Takes Shape — Essay 01
The Child Who Wouldn’t Take No for an Answer
By Lewis Barlow ·
Some children ask more questions than others. They want to know why. Character is shaped not only by the qualities we possess, but by what we learn those qualities can accomplish.
Read the essay →Youth & Consequences
When a Teen Stops Listening
By Lewis Barlow ·
There comes a moment in many families when a parent realizes that the child who once listened closely now seems to question almost everything.
Read the essay →Youth & Consequences
The Family We Find Outside the Family
By Lewis Barlow ·
There comes a time when a teenager begins looking beyond the walls of home.
Read the essay →Browse the Journal
By topic
Family & Relationships
Parents & Adult Children
Youth & Mentorship
Character & Integrity
Patterns & Choices
By series
Patterns We Repeat
When Character Takes Shape
Youth & Consequences
By book
Teens in Truth: A Journey Beyond
Trials of a Father
Between Two Worlds: A Single Bond
Beyond the books
Writing beyond the books
Thoughts and observations from Lewis Barlow.
Every essay is published right here, so nothing leaves the site. New reflections are added regularly — return often, or share any piece with the icons beneath it.
See the books →