A Timely Honor as Ramadan Begins for Muslims around the World

ENJOY THIS INSPIRING STORY IN VIDEO OR Q&A FORMAT: Our publishing house team is celebrating with Muslim author Najah Bazzy, who has been named one of USA Today’s Women of the Year.

Visit our Front Edge Publishing website to see a 3-minute video about Najah’s work, which is streaming courtesy of WXYZ-TV Channel 7, the ABC affiliate in southeast Michigan.

AND—right here in our Read the Spirit online magazine you can read the USA Today profile of Najah, including a Q and A with Najah about the major influences in her courageous life—and links to the other Women of the Year honorees nationwide.

Please share these inspiring “good news” stories with friends this week via social media and email.

Nearly 2 Billion Partake in Worldwide Fasting Month

HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS COLUMNIST Stephanie Fenton reports on Ramadan 2023. And,  yes, Stephanie includes links to some delicious recipes that many Muslim families enjoy when they break their fast after sunset each night.

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More Holidays & Festivals—

Hindus honor Lord Rama

AS STEPHANIE FENTON REPORTS—The story of Lord Rama has been read, recited, and reviewed by Hindus worldwide, during a period known as Ramayana Week—all leading up to the climactic festival, Ram Navami.

Passover is coming April 5

WITH ANTISEMITISM ON THE RISE, the annual Jewish-community practice of offering “model seders” is an important opportunity for non-Jewish community leaders to learn about the long tradition within Judaism of protecting religious freedom. The Jewish community in Michigan hosted such a seder for leaders of other religious groups as well as diplomats representing other countries around the world.

 

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WANT TO SEE ALL OF THE UPCOMING HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS?—It’s easy to find our annual calendar of global observances. Just remember the web address: InterfaithHolidays.com

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From Our Authors—

Larry Buxton

Do You Really See That Person?

IN HIS LEADING WITH SPIRIT video this week, Larry Buxton springs from a Gospel story of Jesus’s deep attention to the people he encountered—to a reflection on the recent death of his brother Craig. It’s a moving reminder that we all need to open our eyes, ears and hearts to the people we meet each week. In fact, Larry tells us, “We learn that seeing doesn’t begin with eyesight—it begins with insight.” You may want to share this wise video with friends this week.

AND BY THE WAY, if you’re looking for great inspirational reading for the balance of Lent, you may want a copy of Larry’s Thirty Days with King David: On Leadership.

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Howard Brown and Shining Brightly

Consider these pathways to greater awareness

IF LARRY BUXTON’S ‘INSIGHT’ is leading you toward expanding your awareness of others, check out Shining Brightly author Howard Brown’s latest podcasts this week. This link will take you to Howard’s website, where you’ll find a new podcast with Claudia-Sam Cataford Sauvé, your Soul Connection Coach and Yoga Master—as well as a podcast with Francois Lupien, a noted motivational speaker who also is a gold medal Tae Kwon Do Canadian champion.

And if you haven’t read Howard’s memoir, you’ll find it available on Amazon in Kindle, paperback and hardcover editions.

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Bill Tammeus on Barbara Mahany

‘Paying Attention to Everything the World Offers Up’

CONTINUING THE THEME that Larry and Howard are exploring this week, journalist Bill Tammeus reviews Barbara Mahany’s new The Book of Nature for the Earthbeat section of The National Catholic Reporter. Click here to visit that website to read Bill’s full review. In last week’s issue of ReadTheSpirit magazine, we featured an interview with Barbara as our Cover Story. Meanwhile, Bill was completing his own column on this remarkable new Book of Nature. In his column, Bill urges readers to get a copy of Barbara’s new book. Why? Because, he writes: “Mahany asks readers to do something Buddhists have been urging the world to do for centuries: Pay attention, be mindful. In other words, walk neither on a city sidewalk nor on a path through the forest with your eyes focused on your smartphone. She issues a call to notice the sacred and the inexplicable all around.”

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Faith & Film

ED McNULTY, for decades, has published reviews, magazine articles and books exploring connections between faith and film. Most of his work is freely published. Ed supports his work by selling the Visual Parables Journal, a monthly magazine packed with discussion guides to films. This resource is used coast-to-coast by individuals who love the movies and by educators, clergy and small-group leaders.

Here are some of Ed’s most recent free reviews and columns:

• KNOCK AT THE CABIN—(Streaming on Peacock) Ed writes, “The stakes in director M. Night Shyamalan’s new film, based on the 2018 novel by Paul Tremblay, are high. In most horror films it is just the survival of the protagonists, but in this tale it is nothing less than the survival of the whole world.”
• OPERATION MINCEMEAT—(Streaming on Netflix) “For those of us who missed 1956’s The Man Who Never Was, Netflix’s current film, directed by John Gladden and adapted by Michelle Ashford from the book by Ben Macintyre, will introduce us to one of the great deceptions of WWII.”
• CREED III—(In theaters) “There is no trace of Rocky Balboa in this, the ninth installment of the franchise that began with 1976’s Rocky. Like the other films, this one is not just about boxing, but about the personal struggles of the man wearing the gloves.”
• CLOSE—(Streaming) “‘Close’ well describes the friendship of two Belgian boys in Lukas Dhont‘s heartbreaking film.”
• THE QUIET GIRL—(Streaming) “Irish director Colm Bairead, with his co-writer Claire Keegan (author of the book the film is based on) has given us a touching story of a young girl from a dysfunctional family provided a chance to blossom despite her distracted parents.”
• JESUS REVOLUTION—(In theaters and streaming) Ed McNulty sees thematic parallels between this fictionalized look back at the ’60s Jesus movement and the dance movie Footloose.
• ZORA NEALE HURSTON: CLAIMING A PLACE—(Streaming) This PBS-sponsored documentary is well worth streaming, Ed tells us.

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Exploring ‘God of a thousand voices, a thousand lights and gazillions of colors’

THIS WEEK, OUR COVER STORY is a new interview with author Barbara Mahany, whose books about everyday spirituality challenges us to see the world around us with new eyes. In her new Book of Nature, Barbara dazzles readers with spiritual adventures we can discover among natural wonders in our own back yards.

Please enjoy this cover story about ‘The Book of Nature’ and take a moment to share it with friends via social media and email.

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From our authors—

Daniel Buttry on Dr. Gustavo Parajón

Sometimes, our books literally help the needy

THIS WEEK, Daniel Buttry—the co-author of Healing the World: Gustavo Parajón, Public Health and Peacemaking Pioneer helps us to explain why this book quite literally helps needy families in Nicaragua. Please read this Front Edge Publishing column and consider ordering a copy of this inspiring biography of Parajón.

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Howard Brown and Shining Brightly

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

THIS WEEK, Howard Brown’s Shining Brightly podcast series focuses on the importance of getting screened for colorectal cancer. In Howard’s life, it was a routine screening that spotted his advanced cancer and allowed his team of doctors to chart a course that helped him to survive. Had he been screened even earlier, Howard now tells audiences nationwide, his struggle would not have been so dire. Had he not been screened at all, he would have died.

That’s why this message is so urgent, Howard tells everyone he can reach. This link will take you to Howard’s website, ShiningBrightly.com, where you’ll find a podcast with Ron Perry, the Executive Vice-President of Micro-Tech Endoscopy, which is saving lives, providing better quality patient care and making healthcare more value-driven. While you’re there, you’ll also find a new conversation with wellness expert Michelle Sugiyaman on “Mindful Nutrition.”

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Holidays & Festivals

Passover is coming April 5

Jewish Communities host ‘model seders’ to spread the message of religious freedom

WITH ANTISEMITISM ON THE RISE, the annual Jewish-community practice of offering “model seders” is an important opportunity for non-Jewish community leaders to learn about the long tradition within Judaism of protecting religious freedom. This week, the Jewish community in Michigan hosted such a seder for leaders of other religious groups as well as diplomats representing other countries around the world.

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In the midst of Lent

STEPHANIE FENTON  has written about the start of Western Lent and about Clean Monday, when the Eastern Orthodox churches begin their Great Fast of Lent.

Looking for inspirational reading for Lent? If you have not already enjoyed Our Lent: Things We Carry by David Crumm, you can find that daily reader in paperback and Kindle editions on Amazon. Also, for Lent 2023, we also are recommending Rachel Srubas’ thoughtful new book, The Desert of Compassion, which we featured in a Read the Spirit Cover Story in early February this year.

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WANT TO SEE ALL OF THE UPCOMING HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS?—It’s easy to find our annual calendar of global observances. Just remember the web address: InterfaithHolidays.com

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Faith & Film

ED McNULTY, for decades, has published reviews, magazine articles and books exploring connections between faith and film. Most of his work is freely published. Ed supports his work by selling the Visual Parables Journal, a monthly magazine packed with discussion guides to films. This resource is used coast-to-coast by individuals who love the movies and by educators, clergy and small-group leaders.

Here are some of Ed’s most recent free reviews and columns:

• KNOCK AT THE CABIN—(Streaming on Peacock) Ed writes, “The stakes in director M. Night Shyamalan’s new film, based on the 2018 novel by Paul Tremblay, are high. In most horror films it is just the survival of the protagonists, but in this tale it is nothing less than the survival of the whole world.”
• OPERATION MINCEMEAT—(Streaming on Netflix) “For those of us who missed 1956’s The Man Who Never Was, Netflix’s current film, directed by John Gladden and adapted by Michelle Ashford from the book by Ben Macintyre, will introduce us to one of the great deceptions of WWII.”
• CREED III—(In theaters) “There is no trace of Rocky Balboa in this, the ninth installment of the franchise that began with 1976’s Rocky. Like the other films, this one is not just about boxing, but about the personal struggles of the man wearing the gloves.”
• CLOSE—(Streaming) “‘Close’ well describes the friendship of two Belgian boys in Lukas Dhont‘s heartbreaking film.”
• THE QUIET GIRL—(Streaming) “Irish director Colm Bairead, with his co-writer Claire Keegan (author of the book the film is based on) has given us a touching story of a young girl from a dysfunctional family provided a chance to blossom despite her distracted parents.”
• JESUS REVOLUTION—(In theaters and streaming) Ed McNulty sees thematic parallels between this fictionalized look back at the ’60s Jesus movement and the dance movie Footloose.
• ZORA NEALE HURSTON: CLAIMING A PLACE—(Streaming) This PBS-sponsored documentary is well worth streaming, Ed tells us.

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The Quest for Authenticity in Christian Community

THIS BOOK IS ABOUT MORE THAN GENDER—For most readers, the compelling reason to read this new book by Cynthia Vacca Davis is to learn what it feels like when people find themselves exiled from the iron gates of rigid religious communities. There are millions of these refugees all across America. If you are not one of those refugees yourself, Cynthia’s book explains to the rest of us—including active members in the many churches that welcome minorities—that some of our Christian neighbors may be carrying profound wounds as they try to find new homes. Even as we extend a welcoming hand to these exiles, years may pass before those wounds heal, if ever.

Please, read this overview of Cynthia’s new book and share it with friends who could use this good news, this week.

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From our authors—

 

Daniel Buttry on Gustavo Parajón

This Peacemaker’s Story Is Circling the World

THIS WEEK, everyone involved in the global effort to publish Healing the World: Gustavo Parajón, Public Health and Peacemaking Pioneer is sharing news about the timeliness of Parajón’s story. As his inspiring biography spreads around the world, the entire team of collaborators on this publishing project (from the UK to the US and Latin America) is praying for former President Jimmy Carter and his family, since Carter played such a crucial role in Parajón’s life and the former president recently endorsed Parajón’s memoir. Please, share this story with friends this week.

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Gen. James Dozier

Hear the inspiring interview

PODCASTER GREG KRINO, who interviews guests with special insights into leadership and resilience, this week posted an hour-long podcast with retired Major General James Dozier, author of a memoir that touches on both of those themes: Finding My Polestar. In the 1980s, Dozier was held by terrorists in Italy, the highest-ranking U.S. soldier to have undergone such an ordeal. Dozier’s memoir tells his story, focusing on the list principles (collectively the “polestar”) that guides him through life and helped him to survive his captivity.

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Howard Brown

Surviving Stress

THIS WEEK, Howard Brown’s Shining Brightly podcast series turns to a challenge millions of us grapple with every week: surviving stress.

This link will take you to Howard’s website, ShiningBrightly.com, where you’ll find a podcast with Dr. Peggy Gleason, headlined “Rise from the Ashes of Burnout.” And you’ll find a podcast with Dr. Mort Orman, called “Your Ultimate Guide to Dealing with Stress.”

Care to learn even more about resiliency in the midst of stress? Howard is taking part in a March 19-23 online event—a five-day series of talks streamed by more than a dozen experts under the banner, Stress Control Summit. Here’s a link to sign up for free streaming of events in this series.

Of course, there’s an even easier way to learn from Howard about resilience. Get a copy of his book, Shining Brightly, from Amazon. In the summit later this week, he will be talking about some of the stories in that memoir.

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Rodney Curtis

 

Look up! Look up!

THE NEW ZEALAND TRILOGY concludes this week at author-and-photographer Rodney Curtis’ website. Want to learn more about this creative guy and his adventures? Check out Rodney’s Amazon Author Page.

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Holidays & Festivals

 

Got your Green ready?

AS HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS columnist Stephanie Fenton reports: “Around the world this week, revelers will remember the legendary Saint Patrick of Ireland, while embracing Irish culture through food, music, costuming and more.” (And, yes, she’s got links again this year to various versions of the famous Breastplate.)

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2023 World Sabbath of Religious Reconciliation

IF YOU ARE IN MICHIGAN ON MARCH 19, 2023—You’ll love this colorful, diverse celebration of peaceful affirmations from many different faith traditions. Click on this link to visit the World Sabbath website for more details on the event, which will be held at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan, this year.

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In the midst of Lent

STEPHANIE FENTON  has written about the start of Western Lent and about Clean Monday, when the Eastern Orthodox churches begin their Great Fast of Lent.

Looking for inspirational reading for Lent? If you have not already enjoyed Our Lent: Things We Carry by David Crumm, you can find that daily reader in paperback and Kindle editions on Amazon. Also, for Lent 2023, we also are recommending Rachel Srubas’ thoughtful new book, The Desert of Compassion, which we featured in a Read the Spirit Cover Story in early February this year.

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WANT TO SEE ALL OF THE UPCOMING HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS?—It’s easy to find our annual calendar of global observances. Just remember the web address: InterfaithHolidays.com

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Faith & Film

ED McNULTY, for decades, has published reviews, magazine articles and books exploring connections between faith and film. Most of his work is freely published. Ed supports his work by selling the Visual Parables Journal, a monthly magazine packed with discussion guides to films. This resource is used coast-to-coast by individuals who love the movies and by educators, clergy and small-group leaders.

Here are some of Ed’s most recent free reviews and columns:

• JESUS REVOLUTION—(In theaters and streaming) Ed McNulty sees thematic parallels between this fictionalized look back at the ’60s Jesus movement and the dance movie Footloose.
• ZORA NEALE HURSTON: CLAIMING A PLACE—(Streaming) This PBS-sponsored documentary is well worth streaming, Ed tells us.
• MR. AND MRS. LOVING—(Streaming on Amazon) Ed suggests that viewers who appreciated the 2016 film Loving may want to reach back to 1996 and see this earlier film about the same couple who struggled to break racial barriers.
• IN VIAGGIO: THE TRAVELS OF POPE FRANCIS—(In theaters) “As former President Jimmy Carter leaves the public stage it is good to be reminded that another elderly peacemaker is still going strong, the Pope, who takes seriously his namesake’s mission to the poor.”
• THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN—(In theaters and streaming on HBO) Ed writes, “Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson are at the top of their form as villagers at loggerheads.“
• DEVOTION—(Streaming on Paramount+) “Director J.D. Dillard along with screenwriters Jake Crane and Jonathan Stewart have given us a fact-based film that commemorates a friendship that transcended the racial barriers of the times.”
• RRR—(Streaming on Netflix) “Set in British-ruled India in 1920 S.S. Rajamouli’s spectacular film is a patriotic reworking of history from which Mahatma Gandhi is totally absent.”
• WOMEN TALKING—(In theaters) “Sarah Polley’s newest film, which she wrote as well as directed, was adapted by Polley from Miriam Toews’ 2018 novel of the same name.”

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Shhhhh! Can you hear it? See it? Feel it?

COVER STORY—Popular Day1 radio host Peter Wallace has an inspiring new book of daily readings in which he invites all of us to pause for a moment in the midst of our chaotic lives—because, if we do, we might feel some nudge from God. That’s why he calls his new book, A Generous Beckoning.

This week, ReadTheSpirit magazine Editor David Crumm talks with Peter about the way this book offers a warm and welcoming invitation to readers. Please, read this story and share it with friends on social media or email—or on Goodreads. If you do, you just might find a friend who will enjoy reading the book along with you.

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And Speaking of Goodreads … 

Why Goodreads may be the world’s slowest social media—and why that’s a good thing

IN OUR FRONT-EDGE PUBLISHING COLUMN, this week, David Crumm writes about how his adventures in Goodreads in recent months has led to discovering—seven surprises. If you’re already a member at Goodreads—or if you’ve wondered about joining this community—you’ll find David’s column is a helpful introduction to what you can expect.

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From our authors—

Howard Brown

‘Shining Brightly’ podcast welcomes Jackie Bailey

Howard Brown’s Shining Brightly podcast continues this week with Jackie Bailey, talking about the need to speak out about our trauma as a resilient step toward wellness. (Howard’s podcasts are easy to find. Follow that link to his homepage, where all of the current episodes are listed.)

Also this week, Howard posted a podcast with Denise Belisle called Three Levels of Relationships. And, if you missed it, last week we wrote about the challenge of launching author podcasts, a challenge that Howard is welcoming this year.

These truly are stories you’ll want to share with friends.

ALSO THIS WEEK, Howard’s memoir Shining Brightly was chosen by Pretty Progressive online magazine for inclusion in a list of The Most Inspirational Books About Cancer.

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Larry Buxton

 

 

Larry’s back …

… AND HE’S WONDERING HOW LEADERSHIP CHANGES AS WE AGE. That’s the theme of Larry’s newest video for early March, 2023, in his popular series Leading with Spirit.

AND BY THE WAY, if you’re looking for great inspirational reading for the balance of Lent (see our Lenten coverage, below), you may want a copy of Larry’s Thirty Days with King David: On Leadership.

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Rodney Curtis

 

This week, he’s way down under.

THE DAZZLING DARK (AND LIGHT) of caving. This week, Rodney Curtis is back with another eye-popping array of photos. Last week, if you missed it, Rodney Curtis introduced us to his latest travels in New Zealand.

Want to learn more about this guy and his adventures? Check out Rodney’s Amazon Author Page.

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Holidays & Festivals

It’s Purim!

AS HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS columnist Stephanie Fenton reports: “With the start of Purim at sundown March 6, fruit-filled cookies are served, outrageous costumes are donned, plenty of wine is consumed and comical skits entertain audiences.”

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Oh, the colors you’ll see!

THIS WEEK also brings the colorful festival of Holi, which now is celebrated around the world in communities connected with Indian culture.

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All Christians are in the midst of Lent

STEPHANIE FENTON  has written about the start of Western Lent and about Clean Monday, when the Eastern Orthodox churches begin their Great Fast of Lent.

Looking for inspirational reading for Lent? If you have not already enjoyed Our Lent: Things We Carry by David Crumm, you can find that daily reader in paperback and Kindle editions on Amazon. Also, for Lent 2023, we also are recommending Rachel Srubas’ thoughtful new book, The Desert of Compassion, which we featured in a Read the Spirit Cover Story in early February this year.

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WANT TO SEE ALL OF THE UPCOMING HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS?—It’s easy to find our annual calendar of global observances. Just remember the web address: InterfaithHolidays.com

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Faith & Film

ED McNULTY, for decades, has published reviews, magazine articles and books exploring connections between faith and film. Most of his work is freely published. Ed supports his work by selling the Visual Parables Journal, a monthly magazine packed with discussion guides to films. This resource is used coast-to-coast by individuals who love the movies and by educators, clergy and small-group leaders.

Here are some of Ed’s most recent free reviews and columns:

• IN VIAGGIO: THE TRAVELS OF POPE FRANCIS—(In theaters) “As former President Jimmy Carter leaves the public stage it is good to be reminded that another elderly peacemaker is still going strong, the Pope, who takes seriously his namesake’s mission to the poor.”
• THE MAN IN THE BASEMENT—”Director Philippe Le Guay and writers Gilles Taurand and Marc Weitzman raise important issues of Antisemitism, and of free speech and its limitations, in this complex story of a comfortable French family.”
• THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN—(In theaters and streaming on HBO) Ed writes, “Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson are at the top of their form as villagers at loggerheads.“
• DEVOTION—(Streaming on Paramount+) “Director J.D. Dillard along with screenwriters Jake Crane and Jonathan Stewart have given us a fact-based film that commemorates a friendship that transcended the racial barriers of the times.”
• RRR—(Streaming on Netflix) “Set in British-ruled India in 1920 S.S. Rajamouli’s spectacular film is a patriotic reworking of history from which Mahatma Gandhi is totally absent.”
• SAINT OMER—(In theaters and streaming) “This film will leave you pensive about motherhood and even more about how culture and prejudiced expectations can poison the life of an outsider.”
• WOMEN TALKING—(In theaters) “Sarah Polley’s newest film, which she wrote as well as directed, was adapted by Polley from Miriam Toews’ 2018 novel of the same name.”

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Q&A: How does ‘Christian Ethics’ translate into a ‘guide for daily living’?

COVER STORY—To mark the one-year anniversary of Dr. David Gushee’s timely book, ‘Introducing Christian Ethics,’ he sat down with Read The Spirit magazine Editor David Crumm for a Q&A about the most urgent issues the world is facing. Please, enjoy this thought-provoking Cover Story and take a moment to share it with friends via social media and email.

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From our authors—

Howard Brown

‘Shining Brightly’ podcast launches with a flourish of inspirational ideas

DID  YOU KNOW that most new podcasts fail before the fifth episode? Shining Brightly author Howard Brown wanted to prove that he’s committed to inspiring his audience on a weekly basis by launching his podcast with the first five episodes! Then, he will add a fresh episode each week.

His first five episodes illustrate the breadth of the compelling ideas and personal stories he plans to share. Episodes called “Gratitude Is the Attitude” and “10 Ways to Say Thank You” are full of practical “take aways” that can make your day a little better than it was before you listened. But Howard also is known for sharing real-life stories that illustrate the truths of human resilience. Episode 3 in this new series is about a basketball player who fell victim of sudden cardiac death on the basketball court—while Howard and other friends were playing ball with him—and how that fallen player managed to revive and struggle toward recovery.

These truly are stories you’ll want to share with friends.

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Suzy Farbman

New York City teacher Joyce Greenleaf discovers a second career in LA as an actor.

SUZY FARBMAN RETURNS THIS WEEK WITH A GOD SIGNS COLUMN about a New York City elementary school teacher who has found a remarkable second career on the West Coast as an actor. No, she’s not a big star, but acting fulfills her beloved vocation of creative expression. Please, enjoy Suzy’s column and share it with friends.

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Bob Alper

Tamron Hall: 3 comedians who ‘are very dear to my heart!’

THIS WEEK, TAMRON HALL hosted Bob Alper and his Laugh in Peace comedy colleagues: standup comics Susan Sparks and Gibran Saleem. If you need a little inspiration this week—and maybe a chuckle or two—watch this 9-minute video.

Want to laugh along with Bob anytime? We publish two of his books that collect some of his most popular stories. There’s Thanks. I Needed That. And, we also publish Life Doesn’t Get Any Better Than This.

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Rodney Curtis

‘Greetings from the Edge of the World’

DO YOU RECOGNIZE THIS PLACE? Of course it’s a challenge! But, if you’re curious, you’ll definitely enjoy author and photographer Rodney Curtis’s stunning photographs—and entertaining travelogue—from … Well, go see!

Want to learn more about this guy and his adventures? Check out Rodney’s Amazon Author Page.

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Holidays & Festivals

With Clean Monday, all Christians are observing Lent

HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS COLUMNIST STEPHANIE FENTON WRITES THIS WEEK: about Clean Monday, when the Eastern Orthodox churches begin their Great Fast of Lent. Since Western Christians began Lent with Ash Wednesday last week, this means that the Christian world is observing Lent together, now. And, yes, Stephanie does include links to recipes for that delicious Greek bread associated with Clean Monday.

Looking for inspirational reading for Lent?

MILLIONS OF CHRISTIANS make a point of daily devotional reading during Lent. Our team at the publishing house recommends several books, this year:

FIRST, if you have not already enjoyed Our Lent: Things We Carry by David Crumm, you can find that daily reader in paperback and Kindle editions on Amazon.

SECOND, for Lent 2023, we also are recommending Rachel Srubas’ thoughtful new book, The Desert of Compassion, which we featured in a Read the Spirit Cover Story in early February this year.

PLUS, we also are pleased to recommend the latest Kindle edition in the best-selling Lenten series launched by the late Bishop Kenneth Untener back in 2000: The Little Black Book for Lent 2023. David Crumm reviews this new edition and shares the inspiring story of this worldwide outreach from Ken’s team in Michigan.

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WANT TO SEE ALL OF THE UPCOMING HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS?—It’s easy to find our annual calendar of global observances. Just remember the web address: InterfaithHolidays.com

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Faith & Film

ED McNULTY, for decades, has published reviews, magazine articles and books exploring connections between faith and film. Most of his work is freely published. Ed supports his work by selling the Visual Parables Journal, a monthly magazine packed with discussion guides to films. This resource is used coast-to-coast by individuals who love the movies and by educators, clergy and small-group leaders.

Here are some of Ed’s most recent free reviews and columns:

• IN VIAGGIO: THE TRAVELS OF POPE FRANCIS—(In theaters) “As former President Jimmy Carter leaves the public stage it is good to be reminded that another elderly peacemaker is still going strong, the Pope, who takes seriously his namesake’s mission to the poor.”
• THE MAN IN THE BASEMENT—”Director Philippe Le Guay and writers Gilles Taurand and Marc Weitzman raise important issues of Antisemitism, and of free speech and its limitations, in this complex story of a comfortable French family.”
• THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN—(In theaters and streaming on HBO) Ed writes, “Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson are at the top of their form as villagers at loggerheads.“
• DEVOTION—(Streaming on Paramount+) “Director J.D. Dillard along with screenwriters Jake Crane and Jonathan Stewart have given us a fact-based film that commemorates a friendship that transcended the racial barriers of the times.”
• RRR—(Streaming on Netflix) “Set in British-ruled India in 1920 S.S. Rajamouli’s spectacular film is a patriotic reworking of history from which Mahatma Gandhi is totally absent.”
• SAINT OMER—(In theaters and streaming) “This film will leave you pensive about motherhood and even more about how culture and prejudiced expectations can poison the life of an outsider.”
• WOMEN TALKING—(In theaters) “Sarah Polley’s newest film, which she wrote as well as directed, was adapted by Polley from Miriam Toews’ 2018 novel of the same name.”

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‘What If …’ Stan Lee had created a new Christian realm for comics?

COVER STORY: Is this outlandish speculation? No! This week, Day1 radio host Peter Wallace tells the largely forgotten true story of how Stan Lee considered developing a fresh approach to “Christian comics.” Peter knows the story because he was involved in the project. Please, enjoy our cover story and share it with friends via social media and email.

 

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When all HOPE is lost!

Why AI isn’t ready for prime-time publishing.

IN THIS FRONT EDGE PUBLISHING COLUMN, David Crumm illustrates some of the many failures of the latest AI to illustrate stories from religious traditions—to simply taking a vacation. If you enjoy this column, please share it with friends on social media and email.

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Holidays & Festivals

Mardi Gras, Shrove Tuesday, Ash Wednesday

HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS COLUMNIST STEPHANIE FENTON WRITES THIS WEEK: “With Lent quickly approaching and Easter on the horizon, Western Christians enter the season of repentance on Ash Wednesday—after, of course, making any last indulgences the day before, on Fat Tuesday.”

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WANT TO SEE ALL OF THE UPCOMING HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS?—It’s easy to find our annual calendar of global observances. Just remember the web address: InterfaithHolidays.com

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Faith & Film

ED McNULTY, for decades, has published reviews, magazine articles and books exploring connections between faith and film. Most of his work is freely published. Ed supports his work by selling the Visual Parables Journal, a monthly magazine packed with discussion guides to films. This resource is used coast-to-coast by individuals who love the movies and by educators, clergy and small-group leaders.

Here are some of Ed’s most recent free reviews and columns:

• BLONDE—(Streaming on Netflix) In Ed’s new review of the controversial movie, Blonde, he disagrees with other critics and says there is value in this dark tale of misogyny in Hollywood.
• THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN—(In theaters and streaming on HBO) Ed writes, “Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson are at the top of their form as villagers at loggerheads.“
• DEVOTION—(Streaming on Paramount+) “Director J.D. Dillard along with screenwriters Jake Crane and Jonathan Stewart have given us a fact-based film that commemorates a friendship that transcended the racial barriers of the times.”
• RRR—(Streaming on Netflix) “Set in British-ruled India in 1920 S.S. Rajamouli’s spectacular film is a patriotic reworking of history from which Mahatma Gandhi is totally absent.”
• SAINT OMER—(In theaters and streaming) “This film will leave you pensive about motherhood and even more about how culture and prejudiced expectations can poison the life of an outsider.”
• LIVING—(In theaters) Ed highly recommends this remake of an Akira Kirosawa classic.
• WOMEN TALKING—(In theaters) “Sarah Polley’s newest film, which she wrote as well as directed, was adapted by Polley from Miriam Toews’ 2018 novel of the same name.”
• A MAN CALLED OTTO—(In theaters) Ed says the original version of this film is delightful, as well, although Americans prefer not to read subtitles—and, of course, Tom Hanks is great in this English-language remake.

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In Lent, facing our fears helps us return to Christian community

IN AN INSPIRING NEW BOOK, published just in time for Lent 2023, Presbyterian pastor and author Rachel Srubas asks us to confront the overwhelming anxiety so many people feel these days after years of pandemic, global warfare and rising violence. Rachel reminds us that God always is calling us toward compassionate community—especially during the Lenten season that leads toward Easter. Please, enjoy this interview with Rachel about her new book and then share a link to this story with friends via social media and email. Why share this story? Because someone you know might enjoy reading this book along with you during the seven weeks until Easter.

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From Our Community of Authors—

Daniel Buttry on Gustavo Parajón

IN A NEW PODCAST WITH WORD & WAY’S BRIAN KAYLOR, Daniel Buttry talks about the inspiring life of public health pioneer and peacemaker Gustavo Parajón. This is a fascinating overview of Parajón’s life as Kaylor asks Buttry to talk about “how this man was able to navigate all of these very dangerous waters.” You can enjoy this conversation via Spotify.

Or, to get the whole story, you can visit Amazon and order Healing the World: Gustavo Parajón, Public Health and Peacemaking Pioneer in hardcover, paperback or Kindle editions.

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‘5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Became A Professional Comedian’

STAND-UP COMIC BOB ALPER seems to be popping up everywhere in early 2023! Last week, we reported on his latest “Laugh in Peace” Christian-Muslim-Jewish comedy show in New York City. This week, thanks to an interview with Yitzi Weiner in Authority magazine, we’ve got this fun—and very thought-provoking—5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Became a Professional Comedian. Whether or not you’ve ever considered trying stand-up comedy, there’s a lot of wisdom for weathering life’s challenges in Bob’s advice, especially the need to laugh along the way. One of Bob’s Big 5 lessons is: “There’s holiness in making people laugh.”

Want to laugh along with Bob anytime? We publish two of his books that collect some of his most popular stories. There’s Thanks. I Needed That. And, we also publish Life Doesn’t Get Any Better Than This.

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Celebrating the ‘International Impact’ of Howard Brown’s work

At Front Edge Publishing, we celebrate when our authors are honored for their good work in the world. We encourage our authors to post such news items on their websites and social media. This week we are celebrating with Howard Brown, author of the new memoir Shining Brightly, who has won an International Impact Book Award.

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Holidays & Festivals

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Holidays & Festivals columnist Stephanie Fenton reports on the many expressions of love circling the globe. This holiday is about far more than candy, Stephanie reminds us. Please enjoy her entire column and share it with friends.

Children’s Valentines Brighten Food Bank Deliveries

Former Read the Spirit contributing columnist Emily Brown now is a TV news reporter for KPAX, a CBS affiliate owned by Scripps in Montana. This week, Emily reported on a special holiday touch that local children added to food deliveries to homebound seniors in that area.

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WANT TO SEE ALL OF THE UPCOMING HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS?—It’s easy to find our annual calendar of global observances. Just remember the web address: InterfaithHolidays.com

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Faith & Film

ED McNULTY, for decades, has published reviews, magazine articles and books exploring connections between faith and film. Most of his work is freely published. Ed supports his work by selling the Visual Parables Journal, a monthly magazine packed with discussion guides to films. This resource is used coast-to-coast by individuals who love the movies and by educators, clergy and small-group leaders.

Here are some of Ed’s most recent free reviews and columns:

• THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN—(In theaters and streaming on HBO) Ed writes, “Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson are at the top of their form as villagers at loggerheads.“
• DEVOTION—(Streaming on Paramount+) “Director J.D. Dillard along with screenwriters Jake Crane and Jonathan Stewart have given us a fact-based film that commemorates a friendship that transcended the racial barriers of the times.”
• RRR—(Streaming on Netflix) “Set in British-ruled India in 1920 S.S. Rajamouli’s spectacular film is a patriotic reworking of history from which Mahatma Gandhi is totally absent.”
• SAINT OMER—(In theaters and streaming) “This film will leave you pensive about motherhood and even more about how culture and prejudiced expectations can poison the life of an outsider.”
• LIVING—(In theaters) Ed highly recommends this remake of an Akira Kirosawa classic.
• WOMEN TALKING—(In theaters) “Sarah Polley’s newest film, which she wrote as well as directed, was adapted by Polley from Miriam Toews’ 2018 novel of the same name.”
• A MAN CALLED OTTO—(In theaters) Ed says the original version of this film is delightful, as well, although Americans prefer not to read subtitles—and, of course, Tom Hanks is great in this English-language remake.

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