It’s been a while since I rummaged through my saved posts on Substack. There are so many, and it’s hard to keep up. I think I’m doing myself a favor by unsubbing from a few that may be in areas beyond my interest (though still well done!). But then I subscribe to a few more. Below are some that I wanted to share because I thought they stood out among the treasures of Substack.
I’ll start with the crown jewel of this collection: Redemption by Walter and Jessie Harrington. Honestly, I cried all the way through this post. Maybe you won’t cry, but you’ll be blessed.
What a story of redemption! What a testimony! But could we really believe it? Could that really have been what God told us in our darkest moment? What if I was just making it up? What if it was just my heart longing for joy, coping through loss? What if we believed it, and then it didn’t happen? Would our hopes be crushed? Would our faith be lost? Is even asking these questions a sign of doubt that would lead to not receiving this good news? We were confused and anxious. But the Lord is better than our anxiety. - Walter and Jessie Harrington
That post is a WOW … but here are some other shiny keepsakes:
Ronald Claiborne captured for us the beginnings of our common experience in The Pandemic Struck Three Years Ago. Aside from all the memories this stirred, he presents pictures taken at this time and they tell their own story. “‘There is no reason for undue anxiety — the general risk remains low in NY,’ tweeted New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.”
Heather Holland’s Because We Have is a heart-toucher!
The Evolution of Rescued Revisions is Holly Rabalais’ wonderful excursion to Denhim Springs, Louisiana where she traces the life and almost death of a store of treasures that is operated by Rivers Dupree. “In January 2020, Rivers was finally able to hire his first employee to work at the store three days a week. This would allow him more time to focus on creating more custom pieces for the store. Except, life threw a curveball. In March, COVID-19 hit the U.S. and closed the doors of all non-essential businesses.” Her interview with Rivers is so inspirational. Don’t miss Holly’s roundup of posts and things of interest in The 2023 March Collection.
Another entrepreneur makes the treasure hunt when Anne Kadet shares with us the delightful (like everything she writes) story of Alex Baka Rolls Three Million Bagels Per Year. “Mr. Baka is one of roughly 60 professional bagel rollers working behind the scenes in New York's 250-odd bagel shops.” I just found this story so beautiful, especially reading about his marriage and plans at the end of the story.
The Duck Commander, Phil Robertson, is known for his plain talk and practical advice. I really liked what he had to share here, Your Feelings Are Liars - Don’t Rely on Them To Tell You Everything About God. “Following my wicked heart is the last thing I want to do. I’d rather go with God’s Word.” Thanks, Phil.
It seemed like for a time everyone was writing about the Asbury Revival. I wanted to share some thoughts but so many were doing so in such profound ways, I decided to keep my ignorance secret and not say anything! A few I saved…
Why Students in Kentucky Have Been Praying for 250 Hours by Olivia Reingold.
Revive Us Again by Dan Darling
May it Be in Us, May it Be in Me by Bradley Gray
Catholic Reflections on Revival by Gary Houchens
Revival Happens in the Streets by Shannan Martin
I’m glad I didn’t miss Jamie Reed’s jaw-dropping expose, I Thought I Was Saving Trans Kids. “By the time I departed, I was certain that the way the American medical system is treating these patients is the opposite of the promise we make to ‘do no harm.’ Instead, we are permanently harming the vulnerable patients in our care.”
A few quick links:
Chris Martin is exposing the dangers and struggles of the social internet in his new book The Wolf in Their Pockets (Which I have read and highly recommend). Notice this post, A Darker Consumerism.
Jimmy Carter’s White House Diary - Jillian Hess.
Death Stings, It Also Teaches by Wade Hodges. Read his Lentin reflections on Ecclesiastes.
I’ll end with the warm and heart-touching account, The Miracle in the ICU Waiting Room by Brian McCutcheon.
In case you missed a few things I wrote…
For You, a reflection on Isaiah 53:5.
Most popular on my Sermon Substack now: Building Bridges
Most popular on my Hope Remains Substack: Through the Fog of Grief
I know, that’s more than you can possibly read and keep up with. I get you! But pick some of the ones that seem most interesting. I’ll look forward to sharing some more with you next time. As always, I’d love for you to link to what you’re reading and liking these days.
Rummaging Through the Treasures
Excellent John! I love what you are doing here.