You're invited to my table party
Hey there!
Did anyone notice that I changed the header image last month? I really didn't like the only and I thought this was way more fun :) If you are here for something specific, here's what you'll find in this email, so scroll on down to find your fancy:
New essay (just for email subscribers!)
Book review of the month
Links + interesting articles
My latest published writing
New podcast episodes
Books, shows & podcasts I've been loving
July Essay: The Unknowns
If you're like me, you are wondering what's really going to happen with your child's education this year. My kids are only in preschool, but I am still mentally prepared to hear classes will not resume, even as we near closer to starting after Labor Day.
A mask mandate goes into effect here on Friday and the public schools will not start until "at least" Labor Day now. Who knows what the coming weeks will bring? Living in the "now and not yet" can be a difficult and frustrating, but it can also prod us to truly be in the moment.
And as "mask politics" becomes ever more divisive and present, my hope is that you will get back to your roots of scripture. Yesterday, I read Micah 6:8, which says: "The Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God."
The message to me was clear: Step away from social media arguments (Twitter can seriously make my blood pressure rise) and ask yourself about the things within this verse. Are you doing what is right? Are you loving mercy? Are you walking humbly? That's your job. So do your job and live in the present and believe that God has tomorrow in His hands.
Bits That Are Worth Your Time
Traveling Barbecue Baptist Church. I'm obsessed with this church.
Couple under house arrest after refusing to sign COVID-19 quarantine agreement. Not a political statement, but this ain't right.
Best version of Amazing Grace ever. Preview of heaven right here.
How to trust your instincts and to free yourself from overparenting. Thought provoking for all you tired mommas!
Former agnostic on how he met Christ. These stories are always incredible.
Reading: "In Extremis: The Life & Death of War Correspondent Marie Colvin"
Watching: Dead to Me Season 2 (Netflix)
Listening: Risen Motherhood Podcast
New Writing From Me
✔️ My first piece at Charisma Magazine on how churches have an opportunity step up and be a lifelong support for women facing unplanned pregnancy. I spoke with a women who runs a Pregnancy Center insdie of a church in Hawaii!
✔️ My latest for ERLC talking about how non-profits are so important always, but especially in times like this. They know the very specific needs of the communities they serve -- and we can love others well through them!
✔️ My first for Verily Magazine about how neighborliness increased in this time of COVID.
✔️From the blog: Wailing on the Couch is not a Strategy (a shout out to the book of Hosea!)
Searching for Sunday by Rachel Held Evans
Maybe I'm super late to the game on reading "Searching For Sunday," but I'm glad I finally did it. I never followed Rachel Held Evans super closely, but became more intrigued by her work in the aftermath of her tragic death last year. I saw the respect so many figures of faith had for her, even when they disagreed with her over major theological issues. But, there's a reason "Searching for Sunday" was a massive hit.
There is a whole generation of Christians out there desperate to hold on to their faith, but unsure of how to do so. They've been hurt by the church, evolved in their thinking about the world and feel "different" than the people they assume to be in modern church pews.
The truth is, many people find it difficult or scary to venture out of their childhood denomination or church home base -- or don't even realizes there are church spaces for them and who they are today. Rachel also resonates here (and in all her writing) because she's so raw about her doubts, fierce about justice and honest about her inner thoughts.
So many people feel their questions, doubts and skepticism are unwelcome -- and in some churches, that's true. But what i love about this is that, even in all of her frustrations with the Church, Rachel can't help but conclude, she (the church) is needed -- with all of her bumps and bruises. In one of many quotes I could pull out, she writes:
"In my struggle to find church, I've often felt that if I could just find the right denomination, or the right congregation, if I could just become the right person or believe the right things, then my search would be over at last. But right's got nothing to do with it. Waiting around for right will leave you waiting around forever.
The Church is God saying: 'I'm throwing a banquet, all of these mismatched, messed-up people are invited. Here, have some wine."
"Worth Your Time" Podcast Episodes to Catch Up On
1. Richella Parham: Finding Freedom From Perfection -- Loved this convo for a wise, sweet woman who wrote an incredible book! 2. Casper Ter Kuile: The Power of Community & Ritual -- Casper was a blast to talk with and not my typical guest -- but totally made me think about what community means in a time when people are leaving church.
Verse of the Day:
"Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.'"
Isaiah 30:21
Is there anything you'd like me to comment or include more about in my emails? Let me know! Blessings :)
Love,
Ericka