Such an INFJ thing, from someecards
I realized I've accumulated so many blogworthy links that it would be prudent to share them now instead of turning May into the longest What I'm Into post yet.
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If you only have time to read one link, HERE IT IS. The way Erika Morrison implements the idea of Plus One is changing lives- her family, the homeless men and women she meets, Deeper Story readers, me. I haven't had a chance to do this yet but boy, my eyes have been opened. I seriously want to be like Erika when I grow up.
My friend Clay is killing off his successful blog EduClaytion. Single tear. Consider following along as EduClaytion says goodbye. There's already an obituary and suggestions for the tombstone.
I love the way Sarah Bessey introduced the book she's writing. Watch the video and learn all about it. We need this book, Publishers!
A little writing humor: #realtalkfromyoureditor.
These are your kids on books. Freaking brilliant. I love when anything book-related goes viral.
The Agony of Writing according to Anna Quindlen. This particular advice might change my life: "I never knock off at the end of a chapter, or the end of a paragraph, or even the end of a sentence. I always stop in mid-sentence."
"Why in politics are we allowed to eviscerate those who disagree, or who merely don’t conform?" Quite an apt analogy here. An important reminder for us to watch our words, whether political. And something to keep in mind with the next links...
A lot has been written in reaction to North Carolina's Amendment One. You know me- I like to share articles that make people think, reflect, and ask questions. I trust you've come to your opinion honestly, just as I've come to mine. So to me, it doesn't matter which "side" you're on, so much as how you express it and relate to those impacted by your opinion. Here are the best posts I've read on the issue.
- Justin Lee, a gay Christian living in NC, offers a most grace-filled perspective. "As I’ve said before on this blog, everyone is the protagonist of their own story. Almost always, we do the things we do because we think they’re going to bring about something good. The people on both sides who voted on this amendment honestly believed they were doing the right thing. Whichever side you’re on, if you caricature those who disagree with you as merely bigoted, stupid, homophobic, sinful, or evil, you’ve greatly underestimated them as people." I've been really impressed by Justin's work with the nonprofit ministry Gay Christian Network. Members have varying opinions on how a gay Christian should live but they are able to work together regardless. Just as the Church should.
- NPR shows how Christians interpret the Bible as for or against gay marriage.
- Sarah Bessey shares 4 reasons she's not against gay marriage. "God does not need me to defend marriage. He does not need me to block other people’s decisions."
- Sharon Hodde Miller shares her thoughts, examining the polarizing language used in these debates. She calls for Christians to consider how their opposition has had horrible and at times tragic consequences for the gay community. She doesn't offer ideas on how to disagree yet still love but her thoughts are a good place to start.
- Rachel Held Evans wrote two fantastic posts. The first ends with important questions that I hope everyone will consider. The second is a call for stories. We cannot properly understand an issue if we haven't talked to the people affected by it. This is true of all matters.
I wish I didn't relate to the Top 5 Things Introverts Dread About Church.
Do you read Carolyn Weber's blog yet? Every week I learn something new from her. It's like I get to audit one of her literature classes for free! Is Reading a Trinitarian Act? blew my mind.
I love my Mom. I love the women that have been like mothers to me over the years. I do not begrudge them their special day. However, I'm not a fan of Mother's Day for a few reasons. Anne Lamott's Salon article offers some great insights. I especially loved the inclusive prayer in this open letter to pastors from a non-mom.
What's the best post you've read this month? What's the best post you've written on your own blog?
