Newsletter - 4-17 - Walking with a limp and other things
Recovering from a car accident, free audio sample of my book, and a few things I'm reading
So it’s been a while since I’ve done a newsletter update here, though I’ve written a few things. Part of the reason is that I’ve been really busy with a thousand projects and the end of the semester and my new book releasing in May. The other big reason is this: I was in a serious car accident a few weeks ago, while traveling in Nashville. While I miraculously suffered no broken bones or internal injuries, my left leg had a serious contusion that left me a bit more immobile. It’s healing quite well right now, though I’m still walking with a bit of a limp.
I don’t much like being injured, though I know nobody who relishes it, but I especially hate it because it gets in the way of all the things I have to do or want to do! This is a busy season with teaching, my kids in school (including a graduating daughter), and a book launch (have I mentioned I have a book releasing?).
Walking with a limp has been a metaphor for this season. My mother is suffering from dementia and not doing well. We had some minor flooding in our home in February. I had this car accident. And the mass shooting in Nashville was super close to us, affecting so many friends. And yet in some ways, a limp is good for us, reminding us of our frailties and failures, of our dependence on God. When Jacob wrestled with God he came away marked, a bit scarred, a new man. Being close to our weaknesses can do that for us. So in some ways, it’s been a sweet season of closeness to God. Easter, with its reminder of the reality of the resurrection, was especially meaningful this year. I cried more and was not ashamed of it.
A few updates:
If you missed it, here’s an excerpt from my new book, Agents of Grace.
If you are an audiophile (like me), you might enjoy this sample chapter of the audiobook version, read by yours truly.
I had the opportunity to sit down for a podcast with my friend Michael Sobolik, who worked for years in the Senate on foreign policy and now works at a think tank and writes for many publications such as Providence Journal. I asked him about Ukraine, China, just war, etc.
What I’m reading:
This coverage of the Covenant School tragedy by World Magazine was really good.
Here’s another piece that demonstrates genuine concern about an anti-immigration measure in Florida that could hurt Christian ministries.
The Wall Street Journal calls out the smearing of Justice Thomas.
I enjoyed this reflection by Kevin DeYoung on Tim Keller—where they agree, where they disagree, etc. When it comes to cultural engagement, I probably lean a bit more toward Keller but highly respect both men and am grateful for their ministries.
Trevin Wax on the “anatomy of an online storm.” So good. Be wise before joining an online mob.
Books I’m reading:
I’m still making my way thru the gargantuan Biblical Critical Theory by Chris Watkins. Loving it. Highly recommend it.
I’m also reading Three Days on the Brink by Bret Baier about FDR at Potsdam. Fascinating.
And in between Bill Simmons and Collin Cowherd podcasts on the NBA and NFL, I’m listening to A Man of Iron: The Turbulent Life and Improbably Presidency of Grover Cleveland. Yes, I’m reading a bio of Grover Cleveland and enjoying it.