Click Jacqueline’s photo to read her story.
From Censorship to a Courageous Call for Compassion
MEET JACQUELINE BUSSIE—”Each of us is loved by God without limits—and so is every single person we will encounter each day. The one question I hope people will start asking themselves is: How will I treat the next person I meet so that I am honoring our common humanity?” That’s how Christian scholar and popular author Jacqueline Bussie sums up the message of her new book, Love Without Limits.
However, in our Cover Story this week, you’ll learn that Bussie has earned such a reputation as an “Outlaw Christian” that her new book almost did not see the light of day. She found herself caught in the chasm of LGBTQ acceptance—or condemnation—separating what is described as “Christian” culture today.
Thank goodness her book was published this month! We explain why this is a terrific and inspiring choice for small-group leaders. Bussie is a long-time educator and knows how to hold a reader’s attention—and how to suggest great ideas for further small-group reflection. You’re going to want to share this week’s Cover Story with friends in your small group!
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Click this image to read Kathy Izard’s story.
AND, SPEAKING OF UNLIMITED LOVE …
GodSigns—This week, columnist Suzy Farbman tells the story of Kathy Izard, based on Kathy’s inspiring new true story: The Hundred Story Home—A Memoir of Finding Faith in Ourselves and Something Bigger. A graphic designer and young mother, Kathy was moved to launch an ambitious program to house some of the chronically homeless in Charlotte, NC. She not only succeeded, but brought her entire community to discover a greater compassion for these neighbors who usually remain invisible.
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Click on this famous photo of Pope John Paul II visiting Poland to encourage workers in the 1980s—to read our Labor Day column.
HAPPY LABOR DAY!
THE VALUE OF LABOR—This year, in addition to your plans for picnics, family travel, shopping and other kinds of celebration—spend a little time considering the core values behind American Labor Day. This week’s Holidays & Festivals column is packed with intriguing details about Labor Day’s history—and connections with our religious traditions as well. Want more? We’ve also got our own list of Great Books on Labor—very helpful if you’re looking for one last good book to finish off the summer. And, we did not forget that our readers love those links to holiday recipes, as well. We’ve included links to three great websites that will help you stir up something delicious for Labor Day.
Want to see all the holidays? www.InterfaithHolidays.com
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Click this award to read our column.
FRONT EDGE PUBLISHING
HOPE TO WIN A BOOK PRIZE?
Each year, there are more than 6,000 competitions for book awards. In the third part of our series about book prizes, David Crumm offers some important Dos and Don’ts for authors and their friends who are aspiring to claim one of these honors. We’ve also got a link in this column to our list of Top 5 Regional Book Awards, a list that includes our own home state’s Michigan Notable Books.
Want to learn more about publishing today?
Please, share this home address with friends: www.FrontEdgePublishing.com
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FAITH & FILM
Click the movie still to read Ed’s review.
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.
Among Ed’s free reviews and columns are:
- PUZZLE—This complex story about a woman who discovers her unusual talent for assembling puzzles is sure to generate spirited discussion, Ed writes. (4 out of 5 stars)
- DON’T WORRY, HE WON’T GET FAR ON FOOT—What a delightful visual parable of reconciliation from director and screenwriter Gus Van Sant! Based on John Callahan’s autobiography of the same name, the title comes from one of the sardonic cartoons that made Callahan beloved and controversial. (4.5 out of 5 stars)
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Click this movie still to read Ed’s review.
THE CAKEMAKER—Writer-director Ofir Raul Graizer’s first film may be slow-paced, but it also is a fascinating exploration of grieving, loneliness and the fluidity of sexual boundaries usually thought of as rigid. (5 stars)
- MAMA MIA! HERE WE GO AGAIN—Some fun and some good music can’t make up for a muddled plot, Ed says. Nevertheless, if you know what to expect, you may have fun. (3 stars)
- THE PROPHET JOB—Curious about this famous figure from the Bible? Ed recommends an Australian video that’s free to watch online.
- LEAVE NO TRACE—Based on Peter Rock’s 2009 book, My Abandonment (a novel inspired by a true story), this film offers a refreshing look at outsiders and insiders, refusing to demonize anyone, as so many films do. (5 stars)
- BLACKkKLANSMAN—Based on the memoir of policeman Ron Stallworth, Spike Lee has written and directed one of the most important films of the year. (5 stars)
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