Everybody can be great: If you are looking for a 60 second inspiration break, click here. If you want to see the only political ad that makes me say “Yes!” and “Finally!,” click here.
Without Comment: 1) Another new study finds that “highly religious” couples have fewer disagreements, and that the women in these relationships are happier and more sexually satisfied; 2) Gallup notes that 86 percent of Americans see political bias in news; 3) this study claims that fewer than one in four Americans has a friend who holds an opposing political viewpoint; 4) here is another survey noting that university faculty lean left (this one notes that 98 percent of the donations from University of Wisconsin faculty are for Dems).
Quotes Worth Requoting: There are three things I’ve learned never to discuss with people: religion, politics, and the Great Pumpkin. Linus
The Tension is Rising: While talking with Jason (our youngest son, and the publisher of The Pour Over, a 3x/week news summary for Millennial Christians), he and I both noted a growing agitation among our readers. More particularly, we both noted that if we say anything about COVID or the election we draw fire from all sides.
What to Do If People Are Agitated with You: While I am sure your email box only ever overflows with notes of affirmation, should someone eventually suggest you have the intellect of a garden rake, remember this: the book of Proverbs breaks people into three groups – the wise, the foolish and the evil – and suggests we adjust our response accordingly. By the way, you do not have to be a Millennial or a Christian to sign up for The Pour Over. It’s not Conservative. Not Liberal. Just Christian. It’s also free, helpful and it only takes 30 seconds to sign up. Click here.
New Holidays: The number of “holy-days” is growing. But with the exception of Juneteenth, the others (e.g., Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday and Prime Day) seem little other than brazen attempts to get us to shop. BTW, last week’s Prime Day generated $3.5 billion in sales, up 60% from last year.
Bad Feeling: I may be wrong, but it looks like another Nobel Prize season has come and gone and no one from Stockholm has tried to reach me. I talked with a guy who supposedly knew a guy who would talk to a guy who could put in a good word for me. I thought I was a lock. What do you have to do to win one of those things?
Question – Who Moved Further?: Over the last twenty years, the left has moved left and the right has moved right. Which group has moved the furthest?
Thinking Well About the Election: I recently had a chance to interview two prominent and long-serving senior pastors. The discussion was about shepherding a church during this contentious moment. I was not planning on making this broadly available, but I think their insights are too good not to share with everyone. Click here.
Closing Prayer: Show me, O Lord, Your mercy, and delight my heart with it. Let me find You whom I so longingly seek. Behold, here is the man whom the robbers seized, manhandled, and left half dead on the road to Jericho. Kind-hearted Samaritan, come to my aid! I am the sheep who wandered into the wilderness. Seek after me and bring me home again to Your fold. Do with me according to Your Will, that I may abide with You all the days of my life, and praise You with all those who are with You in heaven for all eternity. Amen. (St. Jerome, 347 – 419)