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.

.

.

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.

.

.

 

---

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.

.

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.

.

.

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.

.

---

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.”

.

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.

.

 

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.

.

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

..

---

.

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.”

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

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.

.

.

---

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.

.

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.

.

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.

.

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.

.

---

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.

.

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

..

---

.

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.”

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

‘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.

 

.

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.

.

.

---

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.”

.

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

..

---

.

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.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

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.

.

.

---

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.

.

.

‘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.

.

.

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.

.

---

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.

.

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

.

.

---

.

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.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

What shaped such a great soul?

COVER STORY—For many years, we have been publishing columns by Lincoln scholar Duncan Newcomer, recalling Lincoln’s prophetic wisdom for our nation. In our Cover Story, we recall a few of those memorable columns to spark your reflections this week. Please, if you find this helpful, share this column with friends via social media and email.

.

.

More Holidays & Festivals

Celebrating Col. Clifford Worthy’s courage in Black History Month

IN FEBRUARY 2023, our publishing house is not alone in celebrating retired Col. Clifford Worthy’s courage in facing both the rigors of service in the U.S. Army and the caregiving challenges of his family life with a disabled son. His memoir, The Black Knight, tells the story of his remarkable life of service and faith to both country and family. Now that Col. Worthy is the oldest living Black graduate of West Point, the entire nation is asking him to share his memories. This year is the 75th anniversary of the order by President Harry Truman integrating U.S. armed forces—and CBS News plans to broadcast a story about Worthy and other Black pioneers in the armed forces this month. Please, celebrate with us by ordering your own copy of The Black Knight.

 

Are you ready for Valentine’s Day?

Holidays & Festivals columnist Stephanie Fenton reports, this week 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.

.

Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes

Stephanie Fenton also writes about the continuing inspiration millions around the world draw from a site where a young French girl first reported an apparition of the Virgin Mary on February 11, 1858.

.

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

.

---

Need a Truly Inspiring Story?

A new short film about a friendship formed while winning a war with cancer

THE FRIENDSHIP OF DR. ERIC RUBIN and HOWARD BROWN spans more than three decades and two successful battles with stage IV cancer. This 6-minute short-film, just released this week, tells that inspiring story of good medicine, the power of hope and the potential of resilience in such a life-and-death struggle.

.

.

Need a Good Laugh?

Sign Up to ‘Laugh in Peace’

‘LAUGH IN PEACE’ is what Rabbi Bob Alper calls the Christian-Muslim-Jewish comedy shows that he has been staging for many years. Now, Bob and standup comics Susan Sparks and Gibran Saleem are presenting three shows in New York City: February 6, 20 and 27. Of course, many of our magazine readers won’t be in New York City this month—so Bob and his friends also have arranged to sell tickets to a streamed version of the event. So, wherever you live, you can enjoy this breath of fresh air—Christians, Muslims and Jews enjoying a night of good humor, a show that even those skeptical critics at The New York Times consider a must-see event. CLICK ON the image, above, or on this text link to visit the website for streaming sales.

If you happen to be in the New York area, here’s the web page for in-person tickets to the event.

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.

.

---

.

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:

• WOMEN TALKING—”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.”
• ON SACRED GROUND—(Streaming) “Co-writers/directors Josh and Rebecca Harrell Tickell (along with co-writer William Mapother) have given us a social justice visual parable dealing with the environment as well as the mistreatment of indigenous Americans.”
• ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT—(Streaming on Netflix) Ed’s review says this gripping new version of the classic anti-war novel should not be compared to past versions, because it adds so much new material to the original story.
• 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.
• BROKER—(In theaters) Ed also recommends this unusual Korean film about orphan children.
• ARGENTINA 1985—(Streaming on Amazon) “The arc of history may bend toward justice, but according to Santiago Mitre’s Oscar-nominated film it takes a hell of a lot of risk, courage, and effort to achieve this.”
• PINOCCHIO—(Streaming on Netflix) Ed urges viewers to see what he calls a masterpiece of animation as well as a provocative lesson about the dangers of Fascism.
• AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER—(In theaters) “James Cameron’s sequel to Avatar is violent but so beautiful that it is well worth the long wait.”

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Jones’ Prophetic Lessons for Today

COVER STORY—Anyone following the news about conflicts in India, today—and conflicts in our own divided American communities—can learn from the prophetic wisdom of E. Stanley Jones. In early 2023, John Harnish—the author of a book that reintroduces us to Jones’ wisdom—is hitting the road for a series of public appearances to talk about the relevance of Jones’ life lessons. In this cover story, Harnish explains some of the parallels between Jones’ life and the challenges we face today. Please, read this story and share it with friends.

.

.

And speaking of global peacemakers—

We’re celebrating Amazon best-seller status for ‘Healing the World’

LAST WEEK’s Read the Spirit Cover Story focused on the launch of our new Gustavo Parajón biography Healing the World. This week, our Marketing Director Susan Stitt reports on the best-seller status that inspiring book achieved as the book began shipping from Amazon.

.

.

The Black Resistance Tradition

Can We Overcome Our Founding Racism?

IN HIS COLUMN THIS WEEK, Dr. David Gushee writes about the challenges Americans face and the hard-earned wisdom that Black leaders can contribute to finding a constructive path forward. Please read this column in the Baptist News Global website and share it with friends.

.

---

Need a chuckle?

Meet Rabbi Bob Alper, Standup Comic

THANKS TO MICHAEL STEIN’S Longshot Leaders podcast, we can share this 45-minute interview with Rabbi Bob Alper. That first link will take you to Stein’s website, where you can enjoy the podcast. Then, if you care to read more, check out Bob’s Amazon Author Page, where you will find his two funny and heartwarming memoirs.

.

.

Need a shot of inspiration?

Howard Brown talks with Mark Turnbull

THIS WEEK, Shining Brightly author Howard Brown talks with our friend Mark Trunbull, who has hosted a number of our authors on his nationwide podcast.

.

---

Holidays & Festivals

Candlemas, Groundhog Day and Imbolc

Holidays & Festivals columnist Stephanie Fenton reports, this week: “Whether you celebrate Candlemas, Groundhog Day or Imbolc—or even more than one of these—do so with the unifying themes for this time in February: renewal and hope. The first days of February bring new beginnings, as the Gaelic festival of Imbolc marks the start of spring and Groundhog Day begins with hope for an early spring season. For Christians, Candlemas brings the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple and an early recognition of Jesus as the Messiah.” Please enjoy her entire column and share it with friends.

.

Four Chaplains:

Congregations Honor Interfaith Heroism During World War II

THIS WEEK, STEPHANIE FENTON also tells us about the interfaith heroism of The Four Chaplains, who are honored to this day in chapels and congregations nationwide.

.

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

.

---

.

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:

• ON SACRED GROUND—(Streaming) “Co-writers/directors Josh and Rebecca Harrell Tickell (along with co-writer William Mapother) have given us a social justice visual parable dealing with the environment as well as the mistreatment of indigenous Americans.”
• ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT—(Streaming on Netflix) Ed’s review says this gripping new version of the classic anti-war novel should not be compared to past versions, because it adds so much new material to the original story.
• 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.
• BROKER—(In theaters) Ed also recommends this unusual Korean film about orphan children.
• ARGENTINA 1985—(Streaming on Amazon) “The arc of history may bend toward justice, but according to Santiago Mitre’s Oscar-nominated film it takes a hell of a lot of risk, courage, and effort to achieve this.”
• PINOCCHIO—(Streaming on Netflix) Ed urges viewers to see what he calls a masterpiece of animation as well as a provocative lesson about the dangers of Fascism.
• AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER—(In theaters) “James Cameron’s sequel to Avatar is violent but so beautiful that it is well worth the long wait.”
• THE WHALE—(In theaters) “Darren Aronofsky’s new film, the script adapted by Samuel D. Hunter from the latter’s own play, is a powerful parable of remorse, self-punishment, and attempted reconciliation.”

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

A New Book with Leadership Lessons We All Can Use

COVER STORY: In an era when a Russian dictator can declare a war that kills thousands—and when angry political factions around the world routinely touch off deadly violence—millions of us are wondering: Is there a better way to live?

Indeed, there is: We can look to the life of Gustavo Parajón (1935-2011), a Nicaraguan doctor and pastor whose life as a courageous peacemaker unfolds in a new biography Healing the World—Gustavo Parajón, Public Health and Peacemaking Pioneer. 

Our Cover Story this week is a conversation with the book’s co-authors, one in the U.S. and one in Nicaragua, about life lessons we all can learn from Parajón’s deep love of the people he met each day. Please, read this story and share it with friends via social media and email. At the end of this new story, we also feature links to four videos about Parajón to enjoy and share, as well.

.

.

‘Shining Brightly’

Howard Brown’s new book is a chorus of 365 voices

INSPIRATION FOR EACH DAY OF THE YEAR—Need a boost each morning—a kick-start message to encourage you to get out there and become active in your community? This month, Howard Brown and 364 other inspiring writers are launching The Art of Connection, a day-by-day reader that you can start anytime you feel you need a bit of encouragement to engage others in positive ways.

.

.

Holidays & Festivals

Lunar New Year of the Rabbit

Holidays & Festivals columnist Stephanie Fenton reports on one of the world’s biggest festivals: the Lunar New Year celebrated in China and many other Asian nations—as well as in Asian communities around the world. Among the questions she answers is: If this is the Year of the Rabbit, why are we showing an illustration of a lion?

.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day

NOW MORE THAN EVER—We all need to be aware of the rising tide of antisemitism, a problem that Stephanie Fenton points out in this week’s column about this global observance, marked each year on January 27.

AND, FOR MORE ON WHAT EACH OF US CAN DO: Journalist and author Bill Tammeus has written and spoken extensively about Holocaust education. In this recent column, Bill writes about the 30th anniversary of the Midwest Center for Holocaust Education as well as other resources you may want to check out. (And, if you read that column, you will find Bill’s review of the new Gustavo Parajón biography right after Bill’s Holocaust coverage.)

.

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

.

.

.

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:

• PINOCCHIO—(Streaming) Ed urges viewers to see what he calls a masterpiece of animation as well as a provocative lesson about the dangers of Fascism.
• ROSEWOOD—(Streaming) Ed has reposted his review of this powerful 1997 film about the Rosewood Massacre, which took place 100 years ago.
  • To learn more: Recently, we published Henry Brinton’s overview of the Centennial of the Rosewood Massacre.
• AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER—(In theaters) “James Cameron’s sequel to Avatar is violent but so beautiful that it is well worth the long wait.”
• THE WHALE—(In theaters) “Darren Aronofsky’s new film, the script adapted by Samuel D. Hunter from the latter’s own play, is a powerful parable of remorse, self-punishment, and attempted reconciliation.”
• BABYLON—(In theaters) Ed urges anyone interested in the movie to go see it in a big-screen theater before it inevitably comes to streaming.
• EMPIRE OF LIGHT—(In theaters and streaming) “Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes (American Beauty) pays homage to the cinemas of the 80s while tackling such issues as racism and mental illness in his new film.”
• THE FABELMANS—(In theaters and streaming) “The Fableman/Spielberg family is a combination of dreamers and realists, of eccentrics and down-to-earth folk, who love each other but also find themselves at odds with one another.”
• THE MENU—(Streaming on HBO Max) “Director Mark Mylod and his distinguished cast must have had a blast bringing to life this dark satire written by Seth Reiss and Will Tracy.”
• EMANCIPATION—(Streaming on Apple+) “Director Antoine Fuqua and screenwriter Bill Collage have created the most compelling story of a freedom-loving slave that I have seen.”
• SHE SAID—(Streaming on Peacock) “If ever one doubted the importance of a free press, this film centering on two NY Times reporters should be invoked!“

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.