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Jeff Chu 朱天慧's avatar

Look at all your comments. Look at how you all are cultivating hope and paying attention to goodness, finding nourishment and seeking sustenance, even in the midst of the mess. Be encouraged.

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Mar 1
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Jeff Chu 朱天慧's avatar

I haven't read the book. Would you recommend?

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Nancy Bryan's avatar

I’d love to be in the drawing for a copy of the book! Nancy

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Ellen Ruby's avatar

Jeff, I live right outside of DC and with the inhumane liar in the WH destroying the lives of 1000s every day, how can we set aside our anger, and pray for his removal.

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Jeff Chu 朱天慧's avatar

I don't think those of us who are angry should set aside our anger. Maybe the invitation is to pay attention to it and to harness it rather than letting it overwhelm us. Though most of us don't have policy at our easy disposal, I don't want anyone to forget that we do have power—power to make someone else's day a little bit better and a little bit gentler, power to protest and badger our elected officials, power to give and to encourage, power to act justly, power to pray, power to turn the news off for a bit, power to organize, power to vote when the time comes.

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Ellen Ruby's avatar

Oops I would like to be entered in the drawing please.

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Jeff Chu 朱天慧's avatar

This made me laugh.

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Jenn Schultz's avatar

I appreciate this look into growing garlic. I've never been adept at growing much of anything, but I remember going through a season where God was clearly telling me that where I watered, he was growing things I couldn't see. To focus on the rhythm and practice, not rushing the outcome. This piece reminded me of that, and it's a lesson I always need. Also I'd love to be considered for the book giveaway, as I'd love to read more!

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Lydia's avatar

My pastor recently shared with me this quote from Ched Myers, "Hope is where your ass is". I've been finding that very true in this season, even when the world around me seems chaotic, and even my own life can feel overwhelming at times, the signs of Hope are still found in the little things all around me. I would love to be entered for the giveaway as well!

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thelinster (she/her)'s avatar

You are the best- the smell of garlic is as fresh in my mind as it would be if I had some! Would love to have the book- haven’t ordered yet.

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Ellen Ruby's avatar

Any recommendations to my initial comment.

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Beth Nelsen's avatar

I am finding hope in turning off the news and going outside in the fresh air and sunshine. The wind is a reminder of the Holy Spirit blowing through my life and lifting me up in dark days.

And despite the cold Iowa days I have a few brave tulips starting to emerge!

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LeAnn Solmonson's avatar

You made me go to the garden and check on my garlic! I am hopeful I will have an abundant crop.

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Sheeby's avatar

My most recent sign of hope was discovering that my water heater was no longer heating the water, leaving a message at the plumber at 6:00 pm yesterday, and having a technician replace the tempering valve before 11:00 this morning.

I honestly thought I would be without hot water all weekend. That, combined with everything going on, was very demoralizing. The quick service gave me hope that things can change as quickly to the better as we have seen it change to the bad.

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Jeff Chu 朱天慧's avatar

We recently had a hot-water issue in our house, and it made me consider how we take such modern conveniences for granted. Glad that yours, like ours, was resolved quickly.

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Jean Treider's avatar

I would love a copy of the book. Hope is hard to find right now but I try to find at least one thing every day.

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Ellen Ruby's avatar

Thank you for responding so quickly. I totally agree with you. Unlawful, unfair treatment of others doesn’t need to be responded to in kind, even when it makes you feel powerless.

I have been praying, cutting way back on reading the NYTs, and listening to the news, as well as contacting my reps. and senator regularly. The antichrist like figure in the WH feels like a Goliath. I guess I’m hoping for a David to strike him down to stop him from destroying more lives.

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Laura Burns's avatar

I am finding joy in the first tips of the daffodils pushing through the ground. But the thought of your garlic inspires me, green now with the promise of good meals ahead.

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Pamela Corcoran's avatar

A cloudy, windy, dark day in Central Wisconsin...it was tough to search for hope. But the chickens are laying more eggs, celeriac and parsley are sprouting in the experimental "soil snails," I love my family, and we have two Golden Retrievers.

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Jeff Chu 朱天慧's avatar

I think egg-laying chickens and Goldens just being themselves are such messengers of joy.

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