What Is Bringing Us Joy In July
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.
Pink: All I Know So Far (documentary): If you are familiar with the rock star, Pink (also spelled P!nk), you are likely wondering, “Why is the preacher listening to Pink and watching a movie about her?!” Quite simply it’s because Pink and her music have brought me joy for a long time. Some of the lyrics may be R-rated and the content not for young ears, but she performs with an energy and zeal that makes me smile—and laugh! This documentary follows her preparations to perform to a sold-out stadium of over 140,000 people—all with a husband and two young kids in tow.
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reed (book): Like the Pink documentary, this book recommendation has nothing to do with faith or church. It was simply an engaging and entertaining “beach read,” even though I read most of it on my back porch area. Set in the early 1980s, it is the fictitious story of the four adult children of a rock star who throw a huge party in Malibu every year. Again, it’s not for young eyes and has R-rated moments, but it was a relaxing trip, and I loved getting to know these characters.
Hymn of Heaven by Phil Wickham: And here is a recommendation created for the church! Phil Wickham is a fantastic worship leader and recording artist whose newest album feels like a glimpse of heaven. I’ve quoted the title track to multiple people since its release at the end of June, particularly this second verse: “Every prayer we prayed in desperation / every song we sang through doubt and fear / In the end we’ll see that it was worth it / When he returns to wipe away our tears.”
all good things to each of you,
Dr. Darian