Written by Michael Worrall

Last week I said we want to be choosy eaters, not gluttonous consumers. Being a choosy eater doesn’t only involve choosing which foods, but also portions and parts. When having fried chicken (or fresh fish), a choosy eater will eat the meat and leave the bones. If you’re vegan - eat the pistachio and leave the shell.

Many things we consume in our listening, reading, and watching will contain some bones, shells, gristle, or stems - that doesn’t necessarily mean we shouldn’t consume them. It means we should make sure what we chew and digest is nourishing.

With that, here is week 2 of Quarantine Corner - eat the meat, spit out the bones.

Listen: This Cultural Moment - by John Mark Comer & Mark Sayers
(Available on any podcast platform - Spotify, iTunes, etc…)

This Cultural Moment is a podcast about following Jesus in the post-Christian world. If you are curious about how to wholeheartedly follow Jesus amidst the shifting sands of our social, political, and cultural landscape you will find this podcast engaging and enlightening. Make sure you begin with episode 1 entitled - “What is Post-Christian Culture.”

Read or Listen: The Book of the Dun Cow by Walter Wangerin Jr.
(Audiobook available on Hoopla)

The Book of the Dun Cow is technically young adult fiction, but don’t let the genre dissuade you. Walter Wangerin Jr. portrays the battle between good and evil in a vivid and heart-wrenching story. There are few stories that better depict the corrosive and corrupting effect of sin, pride, guilt, and shame. Likewise, there are few stories that better depict the beauty and power of compassion, sacrifice, and love. Read or listen and be swept up into longing for the restoration and reconciliation of all things.

Watch: Dunkirk (for Rent on Amazon)

Sticking with the “Dun” theme. Dunkirk tells the story of Allied troops trapped on the French beaches of Dunkirk awaiting rescue by sea as the German army closes in. The film creatively follows key characters to give you a full picture of the rising tension between hope and fear, sacrifice and safety. Will rescue come? Can the Allied troops hold onto hope while they wait? Watch to find out and to be formed in your own longing & waiting.

Bonus Read or Listen: “This is Water” by David Foster Wallace
(Listen here)

“This is Water” is David Foster Wallace’s 2005 commencement speech to Kenyon College. Wallace reflects on much of life and culture in this speech, but he powerfully addresses the importance of thinking with compassion and charity in a world that breeds self-centeredness. While Wallace ultimately concludes that life and truth are subjective, his speech is nonetheless worth your time and consideration.