"Begin. Again."

Wrestling with Abraham & Isaac, (re)writing Augustine, and rapping llamas

Here’s my mid-week round-up of A Labor of Love: the creations of other writers, artists, poets, and podcasters that I’m happy to share with you. Let me know what you enjoy:

What if Augustine's Confessions had been written by a mother? Motherhood: A Confession by Natalie Carnes is a fascinating theological reflection.

Read or listen to The Lifeline by Pádraig Ó Tuama—a perfect poem for imperfect times.

Lately I’m loving Katherine May’s podcast How We Live Now. Check out recent episodes from Kaitlin Curtice, Kerri ní Dochartaigh, and Marjolijin van Heemstra.

For anyone who’s ever wrestled with last Sunday’s story of Abraham and Isaac—or had to let a dream die or a child go—this unforgettable essay from Ben Maddison is for you: Jealous of Abraham (The Sermon I’m Not Preaching This Sunday).

On a lighter note, you will never read Llama Llama Red Pajama the same way after hearing it rapped.

And one more

This week holds the anniversaries of our daughters’ births and deaths, as I shared in the latest Pray Both Sides reflection for paid subscribers (God as Rejoicer & Mourner). But this piece has been circling round my thoughts anew as I try to find my post-cancer bearings: 

“I am not naive enough to suppose that my life from this point will be free from anxiety. Worry always accompanies change and any worthy endeavor. I will surely struggle with whatever lies ahead. The ground we are on is still hard and rocky. But for the first time in my life, I am unafraid. There is no room for fear when we are all here together.” (The Other Side of Fear)

Thanks for being here with me, helping cast out fear. This week, this year, always.

As a regular Mayo Clinic patient, I am mildly obsessed with their art collection. This sculpture felt fitting to share this week. “Sisters” by Yanka Cantor.

This post contains an affiliate link, but buy that book from your local indie if you can.