Excellent or Praiseworthy – January 2025

Everything listed below was helpful, encouraging, or informative to me during the month of January. I hope it blesses you.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

—Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

1. To (Almost) Die is Gain

Beautiful. Powerful. Vulnerable. I love the idea of being “in the ready position” for death. This is one of the best things I’ve read in a long time.

2. What is the Meaning of Pain?

“To recognize that some degree of pain is part of the human experience helps those who must confront it chronically realize that its presence alone does not demand extreme measures to address it.”

3. Two 2024 Moments (in Paris) Define Western’s Culture Vibe Shift

I always enjoy reading Brett McCracken’s take on cultural trends and shifts. This article ponders the cultural significance of two moments from 2024.

4. Humanity’s Universal Addictions: What is the Cure?

This is a podcast conversation about addiction. I appreciated the honesty, vulnerability, and grace.

5. To the Parents of the Wild Ones

Parents need loads of grace. Melissa Edgington gives parents permission to breathe and trust God in the process of raising “the wild ones.”

6. Sacred Fire: A Vision for a Deeper Human and Christian Maturity

This is the best discipleship book I’ve ever read. Hands down. At a few points, Rolheiser’s Catholic theology comes forth, such as praying for the dead, but overall, this book is profound in ways I rarely see in modern books. So much wisdom. A must-read!