Check out this week’s collection of interesting articles selected from around the web. There’s bound to be something here that interests you:
1. “The Gospel of Hope for Self-Haters” by Tony Reinke and David Powlison
A wonderful interview over at Desiring God on the subject. Powlison’s new book on anger actually touches on this subject and so those taking our Anger course on Wednesdays this January will get a chance to look at and discuss some of this. Check it out.
2. “Spiritually-Morally Divided Co-Parents in Blended Families” by Brad Hambrick
A great discussion of parenting when parents do not share the same values. Hambrick lists six “do-nots” to help parents better serve their children.
3. “An Odd Sort of Mercy: Jen Hatmaker, Glennon Doyle Melton, and The End of an Affair” by Gina Dalfonzo
My friend Gina has written an absolutely beautiful piece and response to the growing Evangelical embrace of same-sex marriage. She looks at the subject through the lens of a 1951 “Catholic” novel on love. She points to the distinct difference between “greater and lesser” loves and explores the beauty of God’s restrictions on love. Gina isn’t just a great writer, but this piece is particularly insightful and worthy of your time.
4. “Is There a Jesus Personality?” by Brad Hambrick
Brad gets another highlight this week as he reflects on C.S. Lewis’ famous Mere Christianity. In exploring a particular quote from the work he points to the value of different expressions of the one identity we all share in Christ. Our uniqueness and differences are valuable and are not loss in our union and conformity to Jesus. This is a good and worthwhile reflection.
5. “I Have Borderline Personality Disorder, and I am Not a Monster” by Megan Embleton
My experience counseling those with BPD has been limited and I am still seeking to understand it and understand treatment better. Regardless of the approach one takes to BPD, however, the valuing of the people who suffer from it is of the utmost importance. I regularly tell my trainees and students that we don’t counsel problems, we care for people. This is a sweet and heartbreaking reflection from one who suffers from BPD. Listen to her heart through her words and let it shape you as a counselor and as a person.
Pastor Dave Online 