After 56 years, today is the last day of my full-time journalistic career. It began in June 1970 when I interned with The Boston Globe, and continued in Oregon, Texas, New York, North Carolina, and Texas again. Along the way, I’ve written freelance articles for 450 publications and was editor in chief of two: World (1994–2021) and Christianity Today (2025–2026).
I’m thankful for all of it. I’m particularly thankful to God and to my wife of 50 years, Susan. One of my favorite novels, The Second Coming by Walker Percy, ends with these two sentences: “Am I crazy to want both, her and Him?” (Him with a capital H.) Then the answer: “No, not want, must have. And will have.”
In the past decade, I’ve also been blessed to have two extraordinary deputy editors, Michael Reneau and Bonnie Kristian. I’ve been blessed to have two wonderful administrative assistants, June McGraw at World and Ronda Patton at CT. I’ve been blessed to be able to assist many talented young writers.
You may notice that I used the passive voice in the last paragraph, because God has been the active voice in all this. Some readers have asked whether I will be active in retirement. The answer is yes, in four ways, as long as God gives me the strength.
First, CT has published 17 of my articles on homelessness during the last four months. I’m putting 13 more on my Substack during upcoming months. I also write about other subjects, and I hope you’ll subscribe: It’s free, and you can sign up here.
Second, my wife and I have a small foundation, Zenger House, that for the last five years has given ten prizes each year to professional journalists who do ground-level reporting that recognizes we are both spiritual and material. We are continuing with that and adding this year similar contests for college and high school students, with $1,000 prizes for good writing. If you’re a teacher or have children or grandchildren, please let them know.
Third, I write a monthly Olasky Books newsletter. It’s also free, and if you’re interested in my reading recommendations, please sign up here.
Fourth, I love my church, Grace + Peace Austin, and if you’re in Texas, I hope you’ll visit.
I remember three people, all dead now, who helped me. Jacqueline Wollan, Newton High School journalism teacher. John Burke, my first editor at the Globe. Joel Belz, the wise and brave founder and CEO of World. My goal in the remaining years that God gives me is to help others as I was helped.
And now, as Bilbo Baggins says, This is the end. I am going. I am leaving now. Good-bye!
