Click this cover image to read this story.
‘LET ME TELL YOU A STORY’
DE-MYSTIFYING MENTAL ILLNESS—This week’s cover story introduces an author and Georgetown University chaplain who can help all of us reach out to the millions of families struggling with mental illness in our communities nationwide. On a pragmatic level, David Finnegan-Hosey talks about his own struggle with bipolar disorder—and then offers practical advice about how our congregations can become more welcoming places. In our interview, this week, David says, “I didn’t write this just to dump my story on others. I wrote this to create space for others. We all need to be more open and honest and together we can beat back some of the stigma about mental health in the faith community.” We also provide some helpful links to learn more, so that you can start a conversation with friends—and you may wind up bringing a helpful new awareness to your congregation.
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HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS
Click the image to read Stephanie’s column.
PLAN AHEAD FOR MOM! You’ve got less than a week to make plans for honoring the beloved Moms in your life. Stephanie Fenton recounts the history of the American version of this annual festival—and she offers some very helpful web links to help you make this a special day.
ASCENSION—Christians following the traditional church calendar know that Pentecost is coming. But, before that is the ancient observance of the Ascension of the Lord.
THROUGHOUT MAY—Two special national observances honor centuries of American Jewish history and Asian Pacific American heritage. Our column has links to resource-rich Library of Congress websites for both months.
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Click this image to read about Muslim books.
RAMADAN MUBARAK!
COMING MAY 16—That is likely the first day of the fasting month of Ramadan, so we want to greet our Muslim readers early, this year. And for non-Muslims who work with Muslims and have Muslim friends and neighbors—remember that their month-long fast is coming during a season with long days in the Northern Hemisphere. Think about ways you can be a supportive friend. Next week, on May 14, our magazine’s Cover Story will focus on Christian-and-Muslim relationships. This week, we take a look at the challenges Muslim writers and readers face in trying to get their books published in the U.S., these days.
Want to see all the holidays? www.InterfaithHolidays.com
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RODNEY’S BACK!
LET’S GO TO MESA VERDE—Our longtime readers know Rodney as The Spiritual Wanderer—because his columns and gorgeous photographs have been a popular feature in our online magazine for a decade. This week, in two columns, Rodney takes us to one of the oldest centers of civilization in North America: Mesa Verde. First, Rodney introduces us to the extraordinary landscape and story of Mesa Verde. Then, in a second column (with more eye-popping photos), Rodney tells us what it’s like to actually scale these sheer rock walls.
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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.
Click the image to read Ed’s review.
Among Ed’s free reviews and columns are:
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- AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR—The movie is so jam-packed with action and colorful characters that it certainly is exciting, if a bit disorienting as well, writes Ed. (4 out of 5 stars)
- PETER RABBIT—This beautifully crafted film is handicapped by a rather silly plot. (3.5 stars)
- THE LEISURE SEEKER—You won’t want to miss this film if you’re a fan of Helen Mirren or Donald Sutherland. (4 stars)
- ANNIHILATION—This sci-fi suspense film may remind viewers if Alien. It’s notable because of its strong female cast. (4 stars)
- YOU WERE NEVER REALLY HERE—Ed writes, “Scottish director Lynne Ramsay serves up a dark film with an anti-hero wielding a ball peen hammer in such a way that you will never look at it again amongst your tools in the same way.” (4 stars)
- HEART OF NUBA—You’ll have to make a point of seeking out this deeply moving documentary, set in a war-torn region of Africa, but the search is well worth the effort, Ed writes this week. He gives the film 5 stars.
- CHAPPAQUIDDICK—Ed gives this gripping drama—based on real-life headlines involving the Kennedy family in 1969 (5 stars). In addition, Ed offers a personal column reflecting on memories of that traumatic news event.
- A FANTASTIC WOMAN—Ed gives 5 stars to the Best Foreign Language Film selection that features a transgender star in the title role. For its groundbreaking gender themes, he also reaches back to 1999 and recommends Boys Don’t Cry.
- ISLE OF DOGS—5 stars for Wes Anderson’s latest quirky creation! But Ed does warn that it may not be the best choice for younger children.
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