What Is Bringing Us Joy In September
Once a month, I enjoy sharing with you about my latest favorites in music, movies, TV shows, books, and podcasts. One of my favorite questions to ask friends when we get together is, “What is bringing you joy lately?” I love hearing the variety of answers to this question! My hope is that in sharing what brought me joy will help you to reflect on what brought you joy.
Coda (movie): Two out of three recommendations involve singing. Are you surprised? Whether or not you love music as much as I do, Coda is a heartwarming film for many other reasons. The title is not only a musical term but also an acronym for Child of a Deaf Adult. This is a story about a high school student named Ruby who is the hearing child of deaf parents and sister to a deaf brother. We quickly discover, however, that Ruby’s great love is singing—even though no one in her family can hear her. It is a beautiful, coming-of-age story about identity and family and much more. Do know that there is a lot of adult language and situations, so it’s definitely for more mature audiences.
Sing! Global Deluxe Edition by Keith & Kristyn Getty (music): You will hear me reference a lot in the near future an online conference I attended last week that was all about congregational singing and especially singing of hymns. Keith and Kristyn Getty are originally from Ireland and are known as modern hymn writers. They celebrate the old hymns while also writing theologically-rich, new hymns for the church. These are songs not meant to be solos but are for all of us. Singing hymns like those on this album deeply forms our faith.
Mudhouse Sabbath by Lauren Winner (book): Winner is now a professor at Duke Divinity School, but this was her first book before she became an academic. She grew up in the Jewish faith and came to the Lord in her 20s. In this lovely little book, she talks about how some of the Jewish practices are now forming her faith as a Christian. The title comes from a coffee house where she would often practice sabbath, and her time there deepened her understanding of sabbath. It is an easy and applicable read for spiritual formation.
all good things to each of you,
Dr. Darian