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Still Crazy: Love, laughter and tears from the world of the Sacred Diarist
by Adrian Plass'I think I need to explain why I decided to call this book STILL CRAZY. Firstly, because I've been at this writing-and-speaking business for quite a while now, and the passion to share my thoughts still hasn't subsided. Secondly, because I am more and more convinced that a healthy dose of the right kind of crazy might be just what we need to cope with the ups and downs of modern life, and of faith.'Join me as we explore some of the strange, funny, puzzlingly pointless little side turnings that, generally speaking, we are too busy to bother with but which might just lead us to the place where we need to be: one place. One thing. One person.'Lots of laughs along the way. A few tears. It can feel a bit crazy. We'll get there.' From the IntroductionFrom the challenges of growing old (un)gracefully to reflections on the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic, this is a wide-ranging collection with lashings of Adrian's trademark humour. Whether considering the paradoxes and contradictions of faith and the church, or the unexpected blessings encountered along the way, this collection is thought-provoking and encouraging in equal measure.There are fresh entries from the Sacred Diary and new insights into the world of the Shadow Doctor, and finally Adrian considers the mystery of love, and ponders its power to help us change our world for good.
Still Evangelical?: Insiders Reconsider Political, Social, and Theological Meaning
by Shane Claiborne Soong-Chan Rah Karen Swallow Prior Mark Labberton Jim Daly Lisa Sharon Harper Mark Galli Tom Lin Robert Chao Romero Sandra Maria Van Opstal Allen Yeh Mark S. YoungShane Claiborne, Red Letter ChristiansJim Daly, Focus on the FamilyMark Galli, Christianity TodayLisa Sharon Harper, FreedomRoad.usTom Lin, InterVarsity Christian FellowshipKaren Swallow Prior, Liberty UniversitySoong-Chan Rah, North Park UniversityRobert Chao Romero, UCLASandra Maria Van Opstal, Grace and Peace CommunityAllen Yeh, Biola UniversityMark Young, Denver Seminary
Still Going Strong: Memoirs, Stories, and Poems About Great Older Women
by Janet Amalia WeinbergIt's terrible to get old? Life is all downhill after fifty? That's what our youth-centered culture may think but don't be duped. Selected as a finalist for 2006 Independent Publisher Book Awards, this book can change how you think about aging, even make you feel good about getting old! “. . . a liberating change is happening, a change as momentous as the liberation movements of the 1960s and 70s. It brings respect for older people, appreciation for maturity, and the promise of a more balanced culture.”—from the Introduction by Margaret Karmazin and Janet Amalia Weinberg. Discover a new, positive way of looking at aging with Still Going Strong: Memoirs, Stories, and Poems About Great Older Women. This exuberant, inspiring anthology celebrates the vitality of older women and shows them having adventures, facing loss, enjoying romance, and feeling more capable and confident than ever. The 42 authors included in the collection know that life after middle age is not the diminished state dreaded by our youth-centered culture, but rather, a time of growth and fulfillment, enriched by the wisdom of experience and perspective. Get a taste of the passion, wit, and wisdom of some of these women: From “Why Vermont” by Elayne Clift:“It was great not to be driven by achievement. I was learning the art of laid-back living. Spending a day writing, or reading, was heavenly and I was reminded of my freedom whenever a friend said, ‘I'd give anything to be doing that!’” From “Gray Matters” by Marsha Dubrow:“. . . finally [I] have decided to enjoy being a gray. It links me with a powerful sisterhood, complimenting each other on our gray badge of courage. A woman with dreadlocks resembling pillars of salt approached me on the street and said, ‘You go, girlfriend. We're gray and we're proud—and gorgeous.’ We smacked high fives.” From “Katherine Banning: Wife, Mother, Bank Robber” by Melissa Lugo:“Crazy, you say? Well, wait till you hit 90 and realize you still want to live, that even though you're way past menopause you want another child, and that even though your breasts make tracks in the mud, you still want a lover, and that even though your hands shake, there are still things that you didn't get to do (like going to the Olympics and bringing home the gold) things you want to do, that you will do. Then, see what you're capable of. And you'll be perfectly sane. Senility, temporary insanity, it's all bull. Old folks know exactly what they're doing. One of the good parts about being an old fart is that you have a license to be loony tunes, to live the wild way you didn't have the balls for before. At 90, you see, your dignity's gone the way of dirty diapers, and your life is heading the same way fast. You have nothing to lose except the moment.” From “A Different Woman” by Joan Kip:“My relationship with Seth is, I tell him, my great experiment. He calls me on every one of my tightly-held protections, and his pleasure in meeting my body is matched by my own freedom to respond. Ours is a relationship with no hidden agenda, no commitments. Our occasional evenings of uncomplicated delight are the intertwining of two desires who touch down and embrace one another, knowing they will meet again, sometime, somewhere. And while sex is not absent from our meetings, it is, rather, my compelling ache to be touched and held and to touch and hold that pulls me back each time to Seth. Like the newly-born whose being depends upon the enfolding presence of a parent, those of us who are now so old, glow more warmly when we, too, may share our tenderness.” Still Going Strong counters demeaning stereotypes of “little old ladies” by offering positive, empowering views of women over fifty. It is a hopeful voice that speaks to any woman facing her own future.
Still Guilty
by Pat SimmonsCheney Jamieson made a difficult decision in the past, and now it's affecting the lives of three men she loves in surprising and unexpected ways. Cheney's twin brother, Rainey Reynolds, is bitter after a former girlfriend terminates a pregnancy that he welcomed. When he learns that his sister made the same choice years earlier, Rainey lashes out at her with disdain, especially since their father is a respected OB/GYN in the community. Cheney is now saved, but Rainey's not buying the whole "I'm delivered from my past discretions. " He doesn't believe God forgives every sin. Cheney's husband, Parke K. Jamieson VI, is expected to sire the next generation of Jamiesons, but complications from Cheney's botched abortion makes carrying a baby to full term impossible. The only hope is Parke's illegitimate son, who was in foster care until he was recently adopted. Parke is praying like he never has before because he knows Jesus is the ultimate judge who can overturn any of man's laws. Could Cheney be paying for the sins of her father, Dr. Roland Reynolds? It sure seems like it as some family members accuse her of forcing him to confess to an old crime that the Reynolds would rather forget. Still Guilty, the third installment in Pat Simmons's popular Guilty series, reminds us that sometimes we don't have any control over things that are set in motion, but God is always there to help us weather the storms.
Still Here: Embracing Aging, Changing, and Dying
by Ram DassMore than thirty years ago, an entire generation sought a new way of life and looked for fulfillment and meaning in a way that no one had thought to look for these things before. This was the Woodstock generation and they were led on their quest by the man who was there before all of us: Ram Dass. He left his teaching post at Harvard to embody the role of spiritual seeker, he showed us all in one of the greatest spiritual classics of this century how to begin to find peace within ourselves in his 2 million-copy bestseller, Be Here Now. Ram Dass went on to lecture around the world, to build foundations, and to dedicate himself to the service of others. A few of his readers followed him, but most went into business, had children, built houses, and set the larger questions of meaning and fulfillment aside. Now, we find we need Ram Dass again. As we enter the later stages of life, the big questions of peace and of purpose have reappeared, this time demanding answers. Our old friend Ram Dass has returned, inviting us to join him on the next stage of the journey. With him we explore the joy, pain, and opportunities of the ripening seasons of our lives. Writing with his trademark humor and wisdom, sharing stories from his own life and meditation exercises to integrate the teachings, Ram Dass once again provides a new perspective on the territory that lies ahead. "Ram Dass is a superb writer. His example of gentleness and loving compassion is infused with profound wisdom of the heart and mind, a welcome sense of humor, and a savvy effectiveness in the real world." -San Francisco Chronicle
Still Here: Embracing Aging, Changing, and Dying
by Ram DassMore than thirty years ago, an entire generation sought a new way of life, looking for fulfillment and meaning in a way no one had before. Leaving his teaching job at Harvard, Ram Dass embodied the role of spiritual seeker, showing others how to find peace within themselves in one of the greatest spiritual classics of the twentieth century, the two-million-copy bestseller Be Here Now. As many of that generation enter the autumn of their years, the big questions of peace and of purpose have returned demanding answers. And once again, Ram Dass blazes a new trail, inviting all to join him on the next stage of the journey. .
Still Jewish: A History of Women and Intermarriage in America
by Keren R. McGinityOver the last century, American Jews married outside their religion at increasing rates. By closely examining the intersection of intermarriage and gender across the twentieth century, Keren R. McGinity describes the lives of Jewish women who intermarried while placing their decisions in historical context. The first comprehensive history of these intermarried women, Still Jewish is a multigenerational study combining in-depth personal interviews and an astute analysis of how interfaith relationships and intermarriage were portrayed in the mass media, advice manuals, and religious community-generated literature. Still Jewish dismantles assumptions that once a Jew intermarries, she becomes fully assimilated into the majority Christian population, religion, and culture. Rather than becoming “lost” to the Jewish community, women who intermarried later in the century were more likely to raise their children with strong ties to Judaism than women who intermarried earlier in the century. Bringing perennially controversial questions of Jewish identity, continuity, and survival to the forefront of the discussion, Still Jewish addresses topics of great resonance in a diverse America.
Still Life: A Memoir of Living Fully with Depression
by Gillian Marchenko"I stand on the edge of a cliff in my own bedroom." Gillian Marchenko continues her description of depression: "I must keep still. Otherwise I will plunge to my death. 'Please God, take this away,' I pray when I can." For Gillian, "dealing with depression" means learning to accept and treat it as a physical illness. In these pages she describes her journey through various therapies and medications to find a way to live with depression. She faces down the guilt of a wife and mother of four, two with special needs. How can she care for her family when she can't even get out of bed? Her story is real and raw, not one of quick fixes. But hope remains as she discovers that living with depression is still life.
Still Listening: New Horizons in Spiritual Direction
by Norvene VestIn this inspiring volume, spiritual directors share the wisdom gained from their personal experience in helping those who face challenges and crises. Everyone struggles from time to time, and spiritual direction is the careful and compassionate listening one person offers to another as both experience the presence of God’s spirit. Practiced by clergy and laypeople throughout the history of the Christian tradition, spiritual direction can open a pathway to guidance and support as well as a greater awareness of grace. In this collection of eloquent and honest essays, a wide variety of spiritual directors from different faith traditions reveal how they employ this practice, as they accompany those dealing with challenges such as drug addiction, abuse, poverty, church drop-outs, gay and lesbian issues, death and dying, and social justice. These pieces also address spiritual direction in settings from congregational to corporate, consider the needs of different generations, and examine using art as a healing tool. Gathered together by a leading practitioner, these candid and loving accounts offer solutions, suggestions, and hope for everyone who feels called to service in this way. Contributors include: Joseph D. Driskill (Pacific School of Religion, Berkeley, CA); Juan Reed (Chicago, IL); Rich Rossiter (Oak Park, IL); Sandra Lommason (Davis, CA); Howard Rice (Santa Rosa, CA); Tom Cashman (Federal Way, WA); Steven Charleston (Episcopal Divinity School); Barry Woodbridge (Rancho Cucamonga, CA); Margaret Guenther (Washington, D.C.); Betsy Caprio Hedburg (Culver City, CA) and Kenneth Leech, (London), Janet Ruffing, and Norvene Vest.
Still Lives: Jewish Photography in Nazi Germany (Jewish Culture and Contexts)
by Ofer Ashkenazi Sarah Wobick-Segev Rebekka Grossmann Shira MironHow German Jews used photographs to document their experiences in the face of National SocialismStill Lives is a systematic study of the ways Jews used photographs to document their experiences in the face of National Socialism. In a time of intensifying anti-Jewish rhetoric and policies, German Jews documented their lives and their environment in tens of thousands of photographs. German Jews of considerably diverse backgrounds took and preserved these photographs: professional and amateurs, of different ages, gender, and classes. The book argues that their previously overlooked photographs convey otherwise unuttered views, emotions, and self-perceptions. Based on a database of more than fifteen thousand relevant images, it analyzes photographs within the historical contexts of their production, preservation, and intended viewing, and explores a plethora of Jews’ reactions to the changing landscapes of post-1933 Germany. Here, the authors claim that these reactions complement, complicate, and, sometimes, undermine the contents of contemporaneous written sources.Still Lives develops a new methodology for historians to use while reading and analyzing photographs, and shows how one can highlight an image’s role in a narrative that comments on, and assigns meaning to, the reality it documents. In times of radical uncertainty, numerous German Jews used photography to communicate their intricate, confused, and conflicting expectations, fears, and beliefs. Through careful analysis of these photographs, this book lays the foundations for a new history of the German-Jewish experience during the National Socialist years.
Still Me: Life as a Work in Progress
by John Alan TurnerHe thought he’d be better at this Christianity thing by now. All his life, John Alan Turner has wanted to be different, to be better than who he is, to improve. Instead, he helped plant a church that folded within a year. He got divorced. He was diagnosed with depression. His car was rear-ended and totaled, which left him with life-altering injuries. It seemed like the harder he pushed to become the person he was supposed to be, the farther away it fled. And now, here he is after all these years, saying, "I’m still me." But in his journey, he has learned difficult lessons about stillness, about surrender, about silence. In Still Me, Turner helps readers examine their own lives and the difference between the life they thought they would have if they tried hard enough and the transformed life God offers to each one of us if we have the courage to sit still and surrender to the silence.
Still More Church Chuckles
by Dick HaferFrom all over the country, members of all church denominations are clamoring for more Christian cartoons from award-winning artist Dick Hafer. This, then , by popular demand, is the third offering from the "Cartoon Commando." Be prepared to hold your sides as you enjoy over 100 cartoons aimed at the big balloons of pride, greed, infighting, elitism and unidentifiable potluck casseroles.
Still More High School Talksheets: 50 Creative Discussions for Your Youth Group (TalkSheets)
by David W. RogersThe best-selling TalkSheets series just got even better. With Still More TalkSheets for High School Students and Still More TalkSheets for Middle School Students, busy youth workers will find everything they need to lead and facilitate meaningful discussions with young teens. Filled with 50 reproducible TalkSheets, helpful hints, and optional activities to help youth ministry teams effectively facilitate great conversations — without a lot of prep work — youth workers can easily engage students for a whole year of dialogue. Each book covers issues of life and faith, including relationships with God and others, and what it means to live a life like Jesus. Students will participate in the learning while they take part in conversations about things that really matter.
Still More Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks: 100 More Attention-Getting Stories, Parables, and Anecdotes
by Wayne RiceA captivating, skillfully chosen illustration communicates more, is remembered longer, and has greater impact than thousands of words that offer abstract truth but tell no story. Jesus knew the value of story. He consistently sprinkled his talks with parables, stories, and illustrations to drive home the point He was making. In the best-selling tradition of Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks and More Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks, comes a third volume of lively, effective illustrations, stories, parables, and anecdotes, compiled by veteran youth worker Wayne Rice. Some will make listeners laugh, some will make them cry, and all of them will make kids think. This all-new collection of illustrations comes from the personal files of many of today’s most popular youth speakers. Guaranteed teenager friendly, Still More Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks will give a youth minister fresh ways to help kids understand and apply important truths for their lives.
Still More Middle School Talksheets: 50 Creative Discussions for Your Youth Group (TalkSheets)
by David W. Rogers"Walk into any middle school youth group and you’ll hear the same thing—herds of students talking! But when you’re tired of hearing them talk about things that make your head hurt (you know, the latest video game or their favorite song!), give them something worth talking about! The best-selling TalkSheets series just keeps going… In Still More TalkSheets for Middle School Students, you’ll find 50 creative ways to get your youth group talking about things that matter. The one-page, reproducible handouts are compelling and thought provoking. Not only that, they’re easy for you to use: You’ll find helpful hints and optional activities that can help facilitate great conversations. Inside the pages of this book, you’ll find topics that cover issues of life and faith. Your middle school students will be engaged with and thinking about topics like: • Communicating with and hearing back from God • Choosing to follow God rather than the crowd no matter what kind of peer pressure you might face • Exploring what the New Testament has to say about when Jesus is coming back • Being committed to intentional prayer • And 46 more!"
Still More Stories from Grandma's Attic
by Arleta Richardson Patrice BartonArleta Richardson's beloved Grandma's Attic Series returns with Still More Stories from Grandma's Attic and Treasures from Grandma's Attic, the third and fourth books in the refreshed classic collection for girls 8 to 12. These tales recount humorous and poignant memories from Grandma Mabel's childhood. Combining the warmth and spirit of Little House on the Prairie with a Christian focus, these books transport readers back to a simpler time to learn lessons surprisingly relevant in today's world. Richardson's wholesome stories have reached more than two million readers worldwide. Parents appreciate the godly values and character they promote. Children love the captivating storytelling that recounts childhood memories of mischief and joy. Ideal for home, school, or church libraries, or to give as a gift certain to be treasured.
Still More Stories from Grandma's Attic (Grandma's Attic Series #3)
by Arleta Richardson"Tell me a story, Grandma." These magical words unlock marvelous tales of days gone by ... days of horse-drawn buggies and fancy carriages, hoopskirts and high-buttoned shoes ... days remembered only by Grandmother, that natural storyteller of all loving families who knew a simpler, perhaps richer, time more than 100 years ago. Come with us now into Grandma's attic, that storehouse of many forgotten treasures and #151;each piece reminding Grandma of a story from her childhood. ... The day her brother's tadpoles mysteriously turned up on Pa's chair ... the surprise party to which she invited everyone but the guest of honor ... and dear old Grandpa Hobbs, who often forgot what day it was ... but could recite much of the Bible by heart. Arleta Richardson has written the beloved Grandma's Attic series as well as the Orphans' Journey series. Now retired from her career as a college professor, a librarian, and an elementary school teacher, she lives in California where she continues writing and public speaking.
Still Moving: Recent Jewish Migration in Comparative Perspective
by Morton WeinfeldThe aftermath of World War II was a period of massive Jewish migration. More than a million Jews came to settle in the new state of Israel; hundreds of thousands moved to North America, Australia, and France, while tens of thousands resettled themselves elsewhere in Europe and the world. Emigration was, in turn, paralled by large-scale movement among second-generation Jews from the great urban centers to the suburbs. Until recently it has seemed as though the Jewish people had, in the words of the Bible, reached a situation of rest and landed inheritance. However, there is considerable evidence that Jews are still moving: from the former Soviet Union, to and from Israel, and within nations where they have been long resident. Still Moving examines the causes and character of contemporary migration in Israel and throughout the Diaspora.The contributors to this volume adopt a cross-cultural comparative approach. Part 1 establishes the context of the new migration globally with specific concentration on its effects on the institutions of Israeli democracy. Part 2 surveys immigration to Israel in the 1990s with particular emphasis on the wave of Russian emigres since the fall of the Soviet Union. Internal migration from rural to urban centers is also explored. Migration to the Diaspora is covered in part 3. The Jewish identity of Soviet Jews is compared to their American and Canadian counterparts. Economic performance and problems of multigenerational families among emigres are also treated, as are the controversies surrounding politically motivated emigration from Israel. Part 4 focuses on the changing nature of the Diaspora and its relations with Israel. Beyond its grounding in Jewish culture and history, Still Moving frames questions that are central to understanding contemporary migration in general: Does immigration accelerate or retard the abilities of host countries to restructure economically? How does greater ethnic diversity affect the social and cultural life of cities? What factors help immigrants integrate into the wider community? Does immigration contribute to the creation of a marginalized underclass? Still Moving will be essential reading for historians, sociologists, Jewish studies specialists, and policy analysts.
Still My Forever: A Novel
by Kim Vogel SawyerCan a frustrated composer find new inspiration with the woman who once made his heart sing? From the bestselling author of Freedom&’s Song comes a charming romance inspired by a real historical figure. &“A melodious second-chance romance.&”—Publishers WeeklyFour years after leaving town to make a name for himself as a composer, Gilbert Baty has returned temporarily to Falke, Kansas. Now, he&’s trying to keep everyone from learning the truth about his disastrous years in New York City. He hopes to start writing music again in Falke, but he can&’t help being distracted by Ava Flaming, the brown-eyed baker to whom he was briefly engaged before he ended things—and who still stirs feelings in him he knows he has no right to pursue. Ava had thought she was past the loss of Gil Baty. But to her dismay, she&’s as drawn to him as ever. The situation only gets worse when Gil establishes a youth band in Falke, showing once more what a good man he is. But when the band has a chance to compete in a statewide competition, Ava faces the prospect of heartbreak again. Could music take Gil away forever this time? Or might God be stirring in Ava&’s and Gil&’s hearts a new song that will draw them together for good?
Still Restless: Conversations That Open the Door to Peace
by Jan David HettingaMany things prevent us from allowing God to be the manager of our lives. For some, it's a longing for social justice they don't see Him bringing about. Others fear losing more than they would gain. Still others have been wounded and believe a God of love would have stopped the hurt from happening. In response, we create our own kingdoms, attempting to organize life to get what we want. The problem is that we are not truly equipped to run our world well, no matter how hard we try. Still Restless relates good news: God has always had time for honest seekers, even when they have hard questions or objections for Him. The proof is in the life of Christ. Jesus met for one-on-one conversations to share the way to truth and life, and He rarely used the same approach twice. The gospel is designed for everyone, no matter one's experiences or personality. Jan Hettinga walks through these gospel encounters to demonstrate how talking with Jesus is a good thing to do, particularly in today's fast-paced modern world. Conversations with Christ lead to a spirituality that shuts down evil and empowers good. They produce a faith that surrenders control right from the beginning, embracing the relief of following a leader who cares for you. What would you give to travel back in time to make an appointment with Jesus, to talk to God in flesh and ask your questions face-to-face? Hettinga uncovers the path to that opportunity today. Get ready for the conversation of a lifetime and a manager you can trust completely.
Still Room for Hope: A Survivor's Story of Sexual Assault, Forgiveness, and Freedom
by Alisa Kaplan"These were boys we knew, boys we trusted. 'They wouldn't do that to you,' she insisted. I wanted to believe her. But I couldn't..."On July 6, 2002, sixteen-year-old Alisa Kaplan woke, sick and disoriented, in the passenger seat of her car. She'd been at a party the night before, but there was a big blank hole where her own memories of the night should have been. So what happened at that party? Why couldn't she remember anything about the night before? As the appalling, terrifying details of that night began to surface, it ignited a media frenzy and a storm of controversy with Alisa trapped at the center: A straight-laced, straight-A student, sexually assaulted by three male friends-all caught on videotape.Her fight for justice pitted her against some of Southern California's most powerful families, and made her the target of a devastating smear campaign. Despite the evidence, the corruption and humiliation of her first trial resulted in a hung jury, and sent her spiraling into the oblivion of meth addiction.But on the threshold of her last chance and darkest moment, Alisa discovered: There was still room for hope.Now she recounts her gripping story of transforming from victim to survivor: How she got a second chance, broke her silence, and found faith and grace in God on her way to rebuilding a stronger, meaningful life. Courageous and heartbreaking, Alisa's hope-filled account demonstrates that redemption is always possible, and forgiveness can transform anyone.
Still Standing
by Nicole S. RouseRenee Thomas wakes up one Monday morning longing for change. For years she's been a faithful wife, supportive mother, and successful hotel executive, but recent events have taken her over the edge. ?After thirty-five years of marriage, she has learned that her husband, Jerome, fathered a child with another woman. Before Renee can fully accept what happened, Jerome hints that his 16-year-old love child wants to live with them. In addition to her troubles at home, a power struggle with a new executive threatens her job security, and a longtime friend confesses his undying love. Afraid she's heading for a breakdown, Renee desperately struggles to get a handle on her life.?On that same day, Jerome Thomas wakes up thanking God. Renee was his high school sweetheart, and though he's given her plenty of reasons to end the marriage--bouts with alcohol, a long-term affair, and conceiving a child out of wedlock--she fought for their love. Knowing he doesn't deserve Renee or the life God has given him, Jerome plans a special romantic weekend for his wife, unaware that his marriage is on the brink of divorce. ?As Renee and Jerome struggle through a turning point in their lives, an unfortunate accident ends the life of a loved one. Now faced with their toughest challenge, will Renee and Jerome give up on God and the life they built together, or will they firmly stand on God's promises and trust in the plans He has for their future?
Still Standing: Following Jesus Even When It Hurts
by Lina AbuJamraFaithfully walking—and uncovering joy—on a road paved with suffering.The Christian life is marked with great suffering. We live in a fallen and broken world full of disappointments and the loss of dreams. And there is a cost to following Christ—often painfully felt in close relationships.In her book, Still Standing Lina AbuJamra shares how God&’s refining process makes Him bigger in our hearts and transforms us into people who are like Him. Our pain can lead to despair and bitterness, or it can make us more like Jesus. But we must be willing to undergo the refining process—and this hurts.Lina shows us the truly amazing and beautiful reality that we can have joy amidst the most difficult of circumstances. Without denying the real pain many of us carry, Lina shows Christians how to rediscover joy. She shows us how God&’s presence is our guarantee for joy no matter what we&’re going through. Lina looks to current and biblical stories to show us how refined people can be used by God to persevere and build His kingdom.I love talking about God&’s radical calling of His children and what it means to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, especially when it hurts. If there is one thing that continues to surprise me as I follow Jesus, it&’s the difficulty of the journey, the unexpected delays, the detours, the disappointments, and the waiting. Despite what I know about God, I still catch myself taken aback by the amount of suffering endured in the pursuit of one&’s calling. It is my hope that this book inspires hope in the hearts of followers of Jesus who have encountered suffering as they have pursued obedience to Christ.Still Standing is an updated edition, previously published with the title Stripped.
Still Time to Care: What We Can Learn from the Church’s Failed Attempt to Cure Homosexuality
by Greg JohnsonCharting the path forward for our churches and ministries in providing care—not a cure— for our non-straight sisters and brothers who are living lives of costly obedience to Jesus.At the start of the gay rights movement in 1969, evangelicalism's leading voices cast a vision for gay people who turn to Jesus. It was C.S. Lewis, Billy Graham, Francis Schaeffer and John Stott who were among the most respected leaders within theologically orthodox Protestantism. We see with them a positive pastoral approach toward gay people, an approach that viewed homosexuality as a fallen condition experienced by some Christians who needed care more than cure.With the birth and rise of the ex-gay movement, the focus shifted from care to cure. As a result, there are an estimated 700,000 people alive today who underwent conversion therapy in the United States alone. Many of these patients were treated by faith-based, testimony-driven parachurch ministries centered on the ex-gay script. Despite the best of intentions, the movement ended with very troubling results. Yet the ex-gay movement died not because it had the wrong sex ethic. It died because it was founded on a practice that diminished the beauty of the gospel.Yet even after the closure of the ex-gay umbrella organization Exodus International in 2013, the ex-gay script continues to walk about as the undead among us, pressuring people like me to say, "I used to be gay, but I'm not gay anymore. Now I'm just same-sex attracted."For orthodox Christians, the way forward is to take a close look at our history. It is time again to focus with our Neo-Evangelical fathers on caring over attempting to cure.With warmth and humor, as well as original research, Still Time to Care provides:Guidance for the gay person who hears the gospel and finds themselves smitten by the life-giving call of Jesus.Guidance for the church to repent of its homophobia and instead offer gospel-motivated love and compassion.
Still Wrestling: Faith Renewed through Brokenness
by Les Ferguson Jr.In the aftermath of a double murder, a destroyed family, and a shattered faith, Les gives hope to others wrestling with God through a dramatically different study of the Bible’s characters.Life happens to us all. When good turns to bad, the journey from bad back to good can seem impossible. In this candid book, Pastor Les Ferguson shares his true story of when he struggled to believe not that God existed but that he cared. The questions of faith and doubt shared in Still Wrestling show Les’s journey through tragedy to a deep, renewed faith. Les approaches God’s word from a perspective entirely different from the average Sunday school book. He guides readers through a study of the Bible’s characters by examining their humanity, seeing their fears, and acknowledging their weaknesses, exploring our own brokenness through the broken characters of God’s Word.