Every month I read, listen to, and watch content that edifies and encourages me greatly. I have decided to start regularly sharing some of these to support other writers and creators, but also in the hope that you discover more of what is uplifting, true and beautiful too. ( click on the titles for direct links).
Podcasts
This discussion about humility on the Holy Unhappiness Podcast ( Episode 8) was convicting but also refreshing to listen to. Hannah Anderson wrote the book ‘Humble Roots: How humility grounds and nourishes the soul’ which I am looking forward to reading.
The Pastor Writer Podcast is a firm favourite of mine. It is a great resource for any aspiring writer who wants to obey the call to write faithfully, or any lover of good faith building books. Episode 207 with Douglas McKelvey on the writing of his book ‘Every Moment Holy Liturgies’ inspired and encouraged me in God’s ability to lead the writing process.
Articles
This article by Daniel Seabaugh on striving to be the wisest person in the room.
This article by Heidi Kellog on loving the church anyway, despite its myriad imperfections.
This list of 7 edifying films to watch this season looks interesting… and I can certainly vouch for the last one ‘Surprised by Oxford’ which I watched recently- excellently done.
Mackenzie Chester writes beautifully and honestly about faith, vulnerability and motherhood.
Amy Medina on the necessity of needing each other.
Tim Wilson reminds us of what we should already know- the rich blessing of having older believers in the church.
Books
‘Talks to Farmers’ by Charles H. Spurgeon. This book has been tabbed within an inch of its life. There are passages in this that caused me to stop reading and ponder for a long while on nearly every page. It is that good. Not many could take verses of scripture relating to farming analogies and bring such depth of gospel exhortation out of it. A masterpiece in demonstrating that Christ is indeed before all things, and in Him all things hold together.
“ To see God in little things, to believe that there is as much the presence of God in a limb falling from the elm as in the avalanche which crushes a village; to believe that the guidance of every drop of spray, when the wave breaks on the rock, is as much under the hand of God , as the steerage of the mightiest planet in its course; to see God in the little as well as in the great- all this is true wisdom.
Think, too, of God working among solitary things; for grass does not merely grow where we take care of it, but it also grows up there on the side of the lone Alp, where no traveller has ever passed…and you, solitary child of God, dwelling, unknown and obscure, in a remote hamlet; you are not forgotten by the love of heaven. He makes the grass grow all alone, and will He not make you flourish despite your loneliness?…He makes the grass to grow, and He can make your heart flourish under all the oppressions and afflictions of life, so that you will still be happy and holy though all the world marches over you; still living in the immortal life which God Himself bestows on you, though hell itself sets its heel upon you. Poor and needy one, unknown, unobserved and downtrodden, God makes the grass to grow, and He will take care of you” - Charles H. Spurgeon from ‘Talks to Farmers’ pg 171-172.
Grace and peace to you and yours,
Ishah x