One Little Word newsletter - November 28,2022
A midterm election analysis, The Thrill of Orthodoxy by Trevin Wax, a tribute to Michael Gerson, and walking pastors through burn-out
I’m writing this from Chicago, where we are here for Thanksgiving visiting my family. It’s a balmy 38 degrees here and we’ve already had Portillo’s Italian beef sandwiches and Lou Malnati’s deep dished pizza. If you know, you know.
I love this time of year and while I am unapologetically listening to Christmas music already, I’m thankful for Thanksgiving and the opportunity to assess the year and give thanks to God. Sometimes, many times, this holiday comes in the midst of hardship and pain and loss. I think of this prayer by the prophet Habakkuk:
Though the fig tree does not bud
and there is no fruit on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though the flocks disappear from the pen
and there are no herds in the stalls,
yet I will celebrate in the Lord;
I will rejoice in the God of my salvation!
The Lord my Lord is my strength;
he makes my feet like those of a deer
and enables me to walk on mountain heights!(Habakkuk 3:17-19)
“Yet, I will celebrate in the Lord.” Reminds me of Job’s words, “Though he slay me, yet I will trust him (Job 13:15).”
Here are a few things I’ve been working on:
I’m wrapping up final edits for Agents of Grace which will release next May. This is a personal plea for unity in a church that is increasingly divided, not over matters of orthodoxy, but petty disputes over tertiary issues. I share some of my own journey of experiencing hurt and how God helped me forgive and some words on which fights are worth waging and which are not.
I’ve had some speaking engagements lately in Houston, Colorado Springs, and a few other places. I’ve enjoyed that immensely.
The children’s book, The Biggest Best Light that I coauthored with Bri Stensrud, is out and I”m hearing a lot of good feedback on it. It will be 50% off from Nov 24-28th at the Harvest House website.
Several churches are using The Characters of Christmas for advent season.
A few things I’ve been reading:
Tyler Bauer wrote a book review posted on The Land Center website for Jason Thacker’s Following Jesus in a Digital Age. An important tool in understanding how to live as Christians in a technologically consumed age.
Fred Bauer has a really good analysis of the past midterm election:
"The 2022 midterms also indicate the limits of disruption. Instability likely increases the appetite for candidates and parties who seem steady."
My friend Trevin Wax walks readers through the Christian path of constant repentance, reminding us that sanctification is a process. It’s the Lord’s strength and grace leading us through. If you’ve not check out his book, The Thrill of Orthodoxy, you should.
"Orthodoxy sets before us a God who not only saves sinners but transforms sinners into saints."
Tara Isabella Burton has a thought-provoking piece on the way therapy-speak has changed the way we make decisions:
"Feelings have become the authoritative guide to what we ought to do, at the expense of our sense of communal obligations."
I loved this newsletter from Claire Gibson shining light on FTX’s downfall and what this means for us as a nation living in “economically perilous times.”
It was incredible to read about Ukraine’s Prison Fellowship serving Russian POWs. What an example to follow.
This is an excellent critique and review from Brian Mattson on Stephen Wolfe’s The Case for Christian Nationalism.
I’m still shocked that Michael Gerson, died. Michael was a speechwriter for President Bush, columnist, and advocate for the vulnerable. I had a chance to meet and interview him a few times and, early on in my career, he was someone who helped shape my public theology. Yuval Levin remembers Michael Gerson with this thoughtful tribute.
“When he had some power in the world, he was moved by righteous anger at injustice to the weak. But when he was powerless himself, he was moved by gratitude for the good in his life.”
Andrew Walker writes to encourage pastors through burn-out:
“Pastors really do actually matter in shaping the worldview of their congregation, especially among young evangelicals.”
Books I’m reading:
I’ve started Reading the Times: A literary and theological inquiry into the news by Jeffrey Bilbro. I really enjoy Bilbro’s insights on how we are unconsciously shaped by the news.
I just finished former VP, Mike Pence’s book, So Help Me God. I came away really moved by this book, especially the last few chapters.
Lastly, a gentle reminder that if you are looking for a good place to invest in for your end of year giving, would you consider donating to The Land Center for Cultural Engagement?