Hi team. It’s Friday. We survived another week. Praise hands all around.

And as is my new tradition (does it count as tradition if you’ve only done it once? Who knows. Who cares.), I’m sharing the things I’ve been consuming or talking about endlessly this week.

1. Black and White: Racism in America on the Liturgists Podcast

Ok, so this is actually really old. It came out last March and I listened to it for the first time while running on a treadmill in a tiny gym in a random hotel in Maputo, Mozambique. I remember it vividly, and since then, I’ve gone back and re-listened to snippets several times. So when the Liturgists returned for their new season this week, I was reminded of this favorite episode that is increasingly relevant and important for everyone to hear. And as for the Liturgists as a whole, well, it’s one of my must-listens. But fair warning, it’s pretty progressive and free-thinking. Which I think is great. But just so you know.

2. Jen Hatmaker’s sermon Kingdom Justice from Austin New Church

Guys. Jen Hatmaker is my girl. And this sermon is pretty much a verbal summary of one of my favorite books of hers, Interrupted. But if you don’t want to spend hours reading a book, take 30 minutes to listen to this message. Short, sweet, and so to the point, especially these days. The image of a church looking like a bunch of barefoot people walking out into the world having spent themselves on behalf of those struggling and suffering is so beautiful and is just the reminder I need this week (and every week).

3. The Broken Way by Ann Voskamp

Ok, so I actually read this one at the beginning of January, but I was reminded of one of Ann’s amazing thoughts while reading Esther this week. Her point is this: we are the Esther generation. We are on the inside in positions of power SO THAT we can serve and advocate for those on the outside of the walls. Yes yes yes. This Esther generation concept has consumed a lot of my thought recently. Also, this whole book is beautiful and honest and challenging. I highly recommend it.

4. Fire and Stone by The Gray Havens

This album was big on rotation during my travels, but this week when I was tasked with brainstorming some new stuff to do with the worship band, I returned to the goodness. Stole My Fame always inspires car singalongs. And Far Kingdom is one of my all-time go-tos (and if you’re a First Pres person, you might be hearing this one soon-ish!). Mainly, these folks are great. They actually have a newer album out as well that also deserves a listen. But know that I’ve got Fire and Stone in constant rotation.

5. A selection of articles and speeches regarding the Executive Order last weekend

Not to get too political, but this week really has been focused on reading about, learning about, and responding to the Executive Order last weekend, particularly regarding refugees. Nearly 1,000 of us attended a session last night put on by World Relief outlining some of the implications of the hiatus of the refugee program – fascinating and important, in my opinion. If you’re unable to attend an in-person session, I suggest starting with this Gospel Coalition piece (written by one of the speakers I heard last night) and this piece from Preemptive Love Coalition (an organization I love and respect). In addition, I encourage you to read the order itself.

That’s what I’ve got this week, friends. What are you reading, watching, listening to, consuming, talking about? I’d love to check it out!

Also, as usual, none of these photos are mine. Thanks, Google Image Search!