Friday Finds (21 August)
I’m pleased to share my recommended reads, songs and podcast episodes for this week!
1. Ekstasis Magazine: We, the Cacti
A breathtaking essay by Sung Chang on art, vulnerability, creation, and eternity. He writes: Are cacti insecure? Is that why they dawn thorns? Vulnerability produces thorns. But vulnerability also blossoms flowers.
2. Why We Need Wonder in Our COVID-19 World
Faith Chang writes: During this global pandemic, it can feel like the world is shrinking as we’ve been more homebound. Yet when we read the news, it can also feel like it’s spinning wildly out of control. Might I commend you to wonder?
3. What Benjamin Franklin Said About Eternity
In this devotion, Paul Tripp shares a poem written by Benjamin Franklin, and how it speaks of the human heart’s longing for eternity.
4. A Young Victorian Mum Has Died and Is Now With Christ
Murray Campbell recounts the story of a Chinese woman named Christine who found Christ while seeking answers in her battle with cancer. He recounts: “In learning about the person and work of Jesus Christ, she didn’t feel repulsed or angry at God for her cancer, rather her life was transformed by the beauty and warmth of Jesus.”
5. The Pandemic Project
Nigerian American rapper Toby Nwigwe raps about life, faith and culture. “The Pandemic Project” is filled with original beats and fireeee lyrics.
6. Shane & Shane – Vintage Album
Shane & Shane has released a new album filled with old hymns popular in the 90’s and 00’s. They have done a wonderful job refreshing old tunes filled with timeless truths. Songs include “Awesome God”, “I Could Sing of Your Love Forever”, and “As the Deer”.
7. Shoes Off Podcast – Diana Nguyen
This episode made me feel so validated! A daughter of refugee parents from Vietnam, Diana Nguyen shares how she learned to celebrate her culture and to reconcile with her single refugee mum.
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