Some fragmented thoughts on the pervasiveness of religion in Filipino culture, excellent ham, candid conversations, TikTok, and a prayer for these devastating days
There’s something refreshing and centering about all these threads of travel and culture, spirituality and work, place and history. You’ve woven them together in an organic manner that I believe grounds us with authenticity that I find often dismissed by our American mainstream culture. Your prayer is “icing on the cake.” Thank you for this welcome gift.
"Move the heavens, such that they bless us with reminders of your provision." Thank you for this prayer, and the post. This line really stood out to me - I've been thinking and writing about the motions of stars and planets, and their hidden reminders of God's faithfulness even beyond the sky & clouds. The moon crossed in front of Mars a couple nights ago, and it was bitter cold but amazingly clear here in Chicago. What joy to see those bodies collide, what a reminder of his provision. Move the heavens, oh Lord. Then again, often the movements of those cold bodies feel more like absence than provision: then too: oh Lord, move the heavens today, that we might know you.
I second that sentiment from severett. Beautiful prayer and I really enjoyed your essay here. How wonderful for you to do the things you love best at the same time. I'll really loved the clothing and the story there as well. Thanks for sharing that. Safe travels!
In a country where 80 percent of the population still identifies as Catholic, it's no surprise that faith drives their businesses. Love fashion and travel writing, even more than spiritual writing, but all your writing is excelente. 😄
I loved reading about your thoughts and travels! Also, thank you for sharing the article by Roxane Gay—I’ve been thinking about that topic a lot lately and it articulated some things in ways I found really helpful.
There’s something refreshing and centering about all these threads of travel and culture, spirituality and work, place and history. You’ve woven them together in an organic manner that I believe grounds us with authenticity that I find often dismissed by our American mainstream culture. Your prayer is “icing on the cake.” Thank you for this welcome gift.
"Move the heavens, such that they bless us with reminders of your provision." Thank you for this prayer, and the post. This line really stood out to me - I've been thinking and writing about the motions of stars and planets, and their hidden reminders of God's faithfulness even beyond the sky & clouds. The moon crossed in front of Mars a couple nights ago, and it was bitter cold but amazingly clear here in Chicago. What joy to see those bodies collide, what a reminder of his provision. Move the heavens, oh Lord. Then again, often the movements of those cold bodies feel more like absence than provision: then too: oh Lord, move the heavens today, that we might know you.
Thanks again!
I second that sentiment from severett. Beautiful prayer and I really enjoyed your essay here. How wonderful for you to do the things you love best at the same time. I'll really loved the clothing and the story there as well. Thanks for sharing that. Safe travels!
Beautiful prayer, Jeff. I'd love to read your work on the Philippines.
Thank you, Jeff, for nourishing me and countless others with your well-written words.
I loved the prayer. Having lived just south of Pacific Palisades, am grieving with those in that area and in Altadena. May God have mercy on us all.
In a country where 80 percent of the population still identifies as Catholic, it's no surprise that faith drives their businesses. Love fashion and travel writing, even more than spiritual writing, but all your writing is excelente. 😄
Yet again I have been nourished by your words and the images you chose. Thank you, Jeff.
Thanks for this beautiful prayer. What is the best contact email for you? Is it jeffchu@substack.com? Grateful in Burbank, CA.
The Audacity of Persistence. I love that. And now I need to add the Philippines to my travel bucket list.
I loved reading about your thoughts and travels! Also, thank you for sharing the article by Roxane Gay—I’ve been thinking about that topic a lot lately and it articulated some things in ways I found really helpful.
Thank you, Jeff. This made me homesick in the best way.