I’ve been pondering the relationship between hope, cynicism and faith lately. In this fraught national period, it’s easy to slip into an attitude centered on the mistrust of others. While it’s necessary to hold each other accountable, cynicism is a terrible motivator. Hope is what will sustain us, and faith gives us the power to hope and actively fight against cynicism.

The apostle Paul preached hope even as he suffered for his faith: “Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” (Romans 5:1-5)

I go back to this list often and find new insights in it each time. I love how, in number ten, the author calls cynicism “inherently uncreative, unconstructive, and spiritually corrosive.”

I love this so much I included it in my sermon yesterday.

Literary heroines who inspire us to be our best selves.

The power of empathy…and Craigslist…and humor in parenting.

What would be on your More/Less List?

This is fantastic: Man knits sweaters of famous landmarks, then visits them. Be yourself! Do what you love!

Brotherhood…and sisterhood!

Where were you at 8am yesterday morning?