Cover Story: Are you ashamed of your body? Here’s good news …

RAGAN SUTTERFIELD ON ‘THIS IS MY BODY

FROM OBESITY TO IRONMAN—Christian author and environmental activist Ragan Sutterfield shares the true story of how his physical life began to fall apart—until his faith led him into a much healthier spiritual journey. Yes, Ragan now competes in extreme sports, but this new memoir isn’t boastful. It’s not designed to make you feel even guiltier than you perhaps are feeling right now. This is a humble, friendly and inspiring story that you’ll enjoy whatever your physical condition may be. As spring dawns across North America, it’s a perfect time to welcome Ragan as a friendly guide.

INTERFAITH PEACEMAKERS

LOOKING TO ASIA—When you think of Asia, do you you think of competitors or enemies or terrorism? All this month, global peacemaker Daniel Buttry is celebrating heroic interfaith peacemakers from Asia. Want to see all 100-plus stories? Tell friends about www.InterfaithPeacemakers.com
New this week …

OUR VALUES

OPEN CARRY is a legally controversial issue, right now. It also challenges Americans’ personal values, sociologist Dr. Wayne Baker writes this week in his OurValues series.

HOLIDAYS and FESTIVALS

ALL THE HOLIDAYS—Tell friends about www.InterfaithHolidays.com. This week …

FILM, FAITH and POPULAR CULTURE

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DOING GOOD IN THE WORLD

GOOD MEDIA builds good community in so many ways …

INSPIRING REAL-LIFE STORIES

BENJAMIN PRATT—A special “Thank you!” to Peter Wallace and the website for the Day1 radio network for publishing our interview with Benajmin Pratt about his new book. We’ve heard from many readers about the inspiration they’ve found in Ben’s true stories. (STAY TUNED, because next week Ben returns to the pages of ReadTheSpirit with a special challenge to readers who love classic literature about the natural world.)

BULLYING IS NO LAUGHING MATTER—Our anti-bullying comic section, this week, features a thought-provoking comic from Marty and Spud. Remember: We always let readers print out, share and repost our materials, as long as you credit our website. This week’s comic is a great discussion-starter for parents and teachers.

LINCOLN SCHOLAR DUNCAN NEWCOMER published a nationwide call to organize discussions for the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s death (April 15, 1865). We invite you to share news about Lincoln events in your part of the world by emailing [email protected]

THE THIRD-WAY NEWSLETTER

KEEP IN TOUCH—The new www.ThirdWayNewsletter.com is part of the changing Christian landscape that is welcoming diverse men and women.

DAVID GUSHEE—The author of Changing Our Mind spoke on Saturday at A Stirring in Irving, California. Hundreds of people attended and moving stories of both inclusion and exclusion were shared. His next appearances …

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