Here are some of the things that I’ve been reading, watching, and listening to lately. I would love to hear your thoughts if you check any of them out!
This is a great discussion about the ways in which our culture’s pursuit of thinness has seeped into the church and become a form of idolatry. (And it includes a link to the piece that I wrote for the May issue of Fathom Magazine, Not Pregnant, Just Fat!)
“While my friends are being shaped by motherhood and learning just how deeply they are able to love their children, am I not learning the same through their journey—how to love her when she simply doesn’t have the means to reciprocate? Maybe this is what it’s like to be a spiritual mother to my friends, even if they’re my age or older. Perhaps I learn the art of spiritual mothering, not only by mentoring younger women, but by dropping out of Friendship Math 101 and pouring myself out for my friends without keeping score.”
The Prosperity Gospel We Don’t Talk About Much
“My version of the prosperity gospel was not so much about God rewarding me by gifting me with something but by sparing me from something: suffering. I think all of us at some point are tempted to adopt a version of this prosperity gospel that says, ‘With faith and preparation, God will spare me from surprises, changes, or suffering,’ and we are easily shattered when they come.
Yes, I love Hallmark movies, and no, I am not embarrassed about it. 🙂
Michael Wear writes about dropping his infant daughter off at daycare: “We all have to live in the world as it is. I am grateful for the work that I do. I am excited about projects I have on my plate, and astounded that I get to do work that both allows me to earn money and feel like my work is contributing to the good of others. But there will always be a tension, and we must begin to acknowledge that the tension is one that is not wholly inevitable.”
“There’s a certain American ethos that encourages us to do for ourselves and to be embarrassed about having to borrow or, worse yet, to accept what we can’t repay. As a mother of young kids and a pastor’s wife, I feel this temptation toward self-sufficiency. My weeks are demanding and my weekends overbooked. I’m a high-energy, achievement-oriented person; always tempted to manage life without owing anyone. But accomplishing everything on my own only feeds my pride, isolates me, and leaves me desperate for applause.”
Accepting Ordinary Invitations and What Do I Say?
This is a really helpful two-part series on how to love well your friends who are artists.
Bringing a Tent Peg to a Sword Fight
A really hopeful piece on the lessons to be drawn from the Biblical story of Jael and Sisera.
Hannah Anderson’s post on Instagram about life choices
“Our culture tells us that our lives & identities are ours to create. That it’s simply a matter of making certain choices & chasing your dreams. We love this b/c it makes us feel strong & gives us a sense of control. We are masters of our fate. But there’s a downside.”
Keep Language Around Kids Body Positive During Swimsuit Season
I shared this post from Feeding Littles on my Instagram stories and many people seemed to find it helpful.
A friend told me that Tim Challies linked to Not Pregnant, Just Fat. I am really happy to see the message of that piece getting a wide audience.
