Some fragmented thoughts about a moving new book on disability, the cultivation of compassion, eating my way through Southern California, exvangelicals, and peace
I have two acquaintances with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. I have never been sure exactly what it is. This author's explanation is really helpful. Thanks so much.
Gorgeous newsletter from you, once again. Thank you! I’m so eager to read Atkin’s book. (And what a beautiful cover!)
Happy spring! Time to get our hands dirty in the garden. Yay! I’m hoping to soak some peas today and get them planted. Perhaps it’s wishful thinking but I just can’t wait much longer to plant something! 🌱
I'm very excited to check out both those books! A family member just got diagnosed with EDS, and my own medical condition often has me struggling to be kind to my body when it's not doing what I want it to do-- reading books about disability have definitely invited me to approach myself with more compassion and less emphasis on "cure." Thanks for your thoughtful reviews.
“My body and I are continually in the process of trying to learn to be kind to each other.” This sounds like a great book. Thank you. (Also your meals sound amazing! )
Thank you for sharing Atkin’s book and story. There are several people I love with EDS, and I also work at an eye clinic with a doctor who provides specialty eye care to EDS patients. The level of disbelief and gaslighting they face within the medical community is unreal. I really appreciate the way you shared this - as a condition that is legitimate and part of people’s lived experience. I’m excited to read Atkin’s book.
Thanks for sharing Polly Atkin's story. Her book sounds beautiful. As always, I so love how thoughfully you support other authors. Also, super excited about Sarah McCammon's book!
Keeping vigil over my husband in the hospital (not life threatening) and your newsletter, as always, reminds me there is a world of beauty, mystery and, yes, pain all around us and a anchoring place of Gods love within. Thank you so much.
Thank you for this nice long take on Polly Atkins life with falling and rising. What a gift to those of us more able bodied who often take our abilities for granted. I love her take on the difference of cure and healing. “Part of the problem with ‘cure’ is that people think of it as a switch that’s flicked; you go from the bad present to the restored perfection, which for many people has never existed. I think we can have a wholeness, a healthfulness, while still being disabled and living with limitation.” This helps me see my family member who is chronically ill in all his humanity of wholeness but with a limitation.
Also thanks for reminding us always to enjoy good food!
And best of luck with your sermons! Poor choices indeed! But you'll make it worth it!
My dear sister has Ehler's Danlos Syndrome, and in addition to being able to do cool party tricks with her joints, she also gives the best, softest hugs ever. Now in her 40s, her condition is making life more difficult by the year, and it's been enlightening to see how her health has shaped her outlook on life in similar ways to Polly's. It's been both hard to watch and inspiring.
Thank you for the book recommendations Jeff! I’m looking forward to reading them.
It was such an honor to meet you in person last Sunday in Santa Monica. One line from your sermon particularly stuck out to me. “Have we gotten so used to who we were that we can’t even imagine who we are becoming?” I used that in my opening remarks for a team retreat this week, and it was impactful. Thank you for always pressing me to think differently.
I’m glad you had so many good finds in food while in LA. I’m going to check out those you mentioned next time I’m in the area.
Hope the snow melts and spring springs sometime soon!
I have two acquaintances with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. I have never been sure exactly what it is. This author's explanation is really helpful. Thanks so much.
Gorgeous newsletter from you, once again. Thank you! I’m so eager to read Atkin’s book. (And what a beautiful cover!)
Happy spring! Time to get our hands dirty in the garden. Yay! I’m hoping to soak some peas today and get them planted. Perhaps it’s wishful thinking but I just can’t wait much longer to plant something! 🌱
I'm very excited to check out both those books! A family member just got diagnosed with EDS, and my own medical condition often has me struggling to be kind to my body when it's not doing what I want it to do-- reading books about disability have definitely invited me to approach myself with more compassion and less emphasis on "cure." Thanks for your thoughtful reviews.
“My body and I are continually in the process of trying to learn to be kind to each other.” This sounds like a great book. Thank you. (Also your meals sound amazing! )
Thank you for sharing Atkin’s book and story. There are several people I love with EDS, and I also work at an eye clinic with a doctor who provides specialty eye care to EDS patients. The level of disbelief and gaslighting they face within the medical community is unreal. I really appreciate the way you shared this - as a condition that is legitimate and part of people’s lived experience. I’m excited to read Atkin’s book.
Added these books to my reading list. Thank you.
Thanks for sharing Polly Atkin's story. Her book sounds beautiful. As always, I so love how thoughfully you support other authors. Also, super excited about Sarah McCammon's book!
I am just so grateful for YOU…sharing what feeds you and gently asking the same of us…THANK YOU, JEFF!! Christy M.
This brings my heartfelt thanks for your generosity in sharing, as well as receiving, our deepest, most spiritual thoughts~THANK YOU, JEFF!
Keeping vigil over my husband in the hospital (not life threatening) and your newsletter, as always, reminds me there is a world of beauty, mystery and, yes, pain all around us and a anchoring place of Gods love within. Thank you so much.
Thank you for sharing. I can't wait to read the books...and...your preaching is a gift!
Thank you for this nice long take on Polly Atkins life with falling and rising. What a gift to those of us more able bodied who often take our abilities for granted. I love her take on the difference of cure and healing. “Part of the problem with ‘cure’ is that people think of it as a switch that’s flicked; you go from the bad present to the restored perfection, which for many people has never existed. I think we can have a wholeness, a healthfulness, while still being disabled and living with limitation.” This helps me see my family member who is chronically ill in all his humanity of wholeness but with a limitation.
Also thanks for reminding us always to enjoy good food!
And best of luck with your sermons! Poor choices indeed! But you'll make it worth it!
Love this. Thank you for sharing it!
My dear sister has Ehler's Danlos Syndrome, and in addition to being able to do cool party tricks with her joints, she also gives the best, softest hugs ever. Now in her 40s, her condition is making life more difficult by the year, and it's been enlightening to see how her health has shaped her outlook on life in similar ways to Polly's. It's been both hard to watch and inspiring.
Thank you for the book recommendations Jeff! I’m looking forward to reading them.
It was such an honor to meet you in person last Sunday in Santa Monica. One line from your sermon particularly stuck out to me. “Have we gotten so used to who we were that we can’t even imagine who we are becoming?” I used that in my opening remarks for a team retreat this week, and it was impactful. Thank you for always pressing me to think differently.
I’m glad you had so many good finds in food while in LA. I’m going to check out those you mentioned next time I’m in the area.
Hope the snow melts and spring springs sometime soon!
Reviews of books I've yet to read; food; dry wit: what more could I ask for?
Especially loved the Bessey blessing.