Burnout = Isolation, Masculinity Crisis, IT'S CORRN 🌽
Autumn in Richmond is just great. Would you look a those leaves?!
From around the web
1. Burnout and Isolation
Feeling worn down? Maybe it’s not an issue of pure burnout. Maybe you’re just lonely. In this piece from the NYT, Tish Warren Harrison interviews Curt Thompson – a Christian counselor and psychiatrist. If this one speaks to you, three thoughts: 1) Make some time in your calendar 2) Reach out to a friend 3) Share what you’re feeling. Not being alone is half the battle.
2. Liturgy in the Wilderness
What you pray shapes how you live. Jesus gave us the Lord’s prayer to shape the contours of our imaginations and who we actually are. Dan Marotta wrote a book on this very topic. He is many things: An Anglican Priest, a Richmonder, an RCLI Fellowship alum, a guy with a well-kept beard. In his new book, he “shows how the Lord's Prayer provides a framework in our secular age for understanding, believing, and living in light of Jesus Christ.”
3. The Center for Gospel Music
Hezekiah Walker is a Grammy-winning gospel singer and he’s planning to open a Center for Gospel Music at Virginia Union. The vision is to help people learn about and enjoy gospel music – and to make Richmond the hub for all things gospel music. More info here.
4. Bon Secours in Hot Water
This piece from the NYT highlights some concerning practices pursued by Bon Secours Mercy Health – right here in Richmond – alleging that they “used the poverty of Richmond Community Hospital’s patients to tap into a lucrative federal drug program.” Bon Secours has stated that they exist “to extend the compassionate ministry of Jesus by improving the health and well-being of our communities.” More on their response here.
5. The Crisis of Masculinity
On this podcast episode of “Plain English,” Derek Thompson explores why America has a crisis of masculinity. Men account for less than 40 of new college graduates and roughly 70 percent of drug overdose deaths. Thompson interviews author Richard Reeves about his new book on the topic. Really thought-provoking, even if you don’t agree with everything in here.
6. Christianity and Public Life: A New Org!
This non-partisan institution just launched, called the Center for Christianity and Public Life (CCPL) up in Washington D.C. From a friend’s description: “What we know is that the future of American democracy is inextricably tied to the character of Christianity in this country. The question is not whether Christianity will influence our future together as Americans, but how Christianity will influence our nation’s future.” The mission of the organization is to: “to contend for the credibility of Christian resources in public life, for the public good.” I can get behind that.
Bulletin Board
EVENTS
InfluenceHer (Oct 22)
Our friends at Needle’s Eye Ministries are hosting a conference for Christian Women in the marketplace this weekend. Tickets are still available. Buy tickets
David Bailey and Andy Crouch in DC (Oct 24)
“Can Our Culture be Remade?” David and Andy will address this question at an event on Monday night, at the National Press Club in DC. A video should be available after the event. More info here
Nuggets of Joy
Because a little something good warms the soul
The CEO of Corn
I love this kid. My five-year-old loves this kid. This kid is my power animal. My north star. Were he to announce a 2024 presidential run – I would be all in. ITSS COORRNN!