What headlines caught your eye this week?
For us, it was stories about the populations we serve, the emerging hope research we participate in, the church culture that we operate within, and also, some stuff that was just fun to read.
So, in case you're interested, here's what we've been passing around our in-office email chain...
Becky liked...
An Adult's Guide to Social Skills, for Those Who Were Never Taught
The New York Times offered an interesting insight into the lives of many of our Life Launch clients. “Learning social skills can be difficult if you weren’t exposed to traditional group dynamics as a child, if you struggle with a mental illness like anxiety or depression, or even if you just didn’t have a lot of positive role models when you were growing up. Young people tend to learn how to manage their own emotions, recognize those of other people and manage them both effectively by socializing. If these weren’t skills you developed growing up, don’t worry. You’re not alone.”
Glenda recommended...
Recent widows need financial guidance after a spouse’s death
The “brain fog” that follows a death is real. And for widows, it can have lasting financial consequences. CNBC has 5 financial suggestions for a new widow.
Our favorite? “Don’t rush into major irrevocable money decisions right away. With important financial choices ahead, speed can make a mess of things. When you are in the midst of grief and mourning, your brain functions differently.”
Julie read...
The Business Case For Hope: Creating The Future You Want
Stand in the Gap is at the forefront of hope research (thanks to our partnership with OU Tulsa’s Hope Research Center). So it’s always interesting to read how hope science is showing up in other parts of society.
Hope researcher, Dr. C.R. Snyder “believed that life is made up of many thousands of instances in which you think about and figure out how to get from Point A to Point B.”
TJ recommends...
Show Me the Way: Daily Lenten Readings
TJ Warren finds himself coming back to Henri Nouwen’s Lenten readings every year. Originally recommended to our staff by our founder, Buddy Stone, the book offers meaningful devotions and prayers for each day of Lent.
From today’s reading, “…to pray is to make free time for God, even when you’re very busy with important matters of one kind or another. Every time you make free time for God, you clear up a bit of the descending path, and you see where you can plant your feet on the way of love.”
Francois shared...
Thank God, American Churches are Dying
Look, it’s no surprise that church in America looks different than it did 20, 30, 40 years ago. But the Wall Street Journal argues that “a religious renewal could be on the horizon.”
Since churches are our most important partners, it’s vital that we understand the spiritual landscape. According to this article, “Those with denominational affinity will be sad to see a certain kind of church fall away. But the success of new models shows significant groups of people looking for ways to live faithfully, albeit in a less structured way.”
