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Photo by Jan Christopher Becke
As I write today’s newsletter and attempt to process each striking headline I’ve had the displeasure of encountering this week, I simply find myself, in a word: exhausted.
After 10 years working in political media, you’d think I’d have learned how to better detach from the chaos by now. And while I have come a long way, I prefer to think that numbness to the daily reminders of the fallen nature of this world would actually signal a much deeper, problematic sickness in my soul: a detached nihilism.
So, here’s a brief synopsis of that you might have missed this week that’s worth your attention:
1.) Trump pardoned 18 co-defendants in Georgia’s 2020 election case
Why this matters: While it was more of a symbolic gesture than anything else (none of the recipients are currently charged in federal court), it signals to any future election fraudsters that Trump will provide cover if they attempt to cheat the system.
2.) The longest government shutdown in America’s history has ended
Why this matters: After a pathetic 42 day long shutdown, our public sector can finally return to working for all Americans (wink wink). Ok but actually, this is good news for all of us, especially as we head into the holiday season.
3.) 20,000 more pages of Epstein documents were released to the public
Why this matters: If the released content prove to be accurate, it further confirms the theory that Trump knew about Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal trafficking of underage girls. The bill to release the full Epstein files has reached 218 votes, and will now reach the House floor. To learn more about the documents, read this.
4.) Oathkeepers’ Founder announced plans to re-launch a militia
Why this matters: Trump commuted his sentence for “seditious conspiracy” (set for 18 years) and he jumped right back into his old life. This raises flags for upcoming civil unrest and violence, especially as we approach an election year. Learn more here.
And now, some hope. As Christians, we must always keep a proper perspective of God’s sovereignty and present reign over the kingdoms of this world. That said, we are not excused from grieving with those who grieve, sharing each other’s burdens, fighting for biblical justice, or guarding our hearts against bitterness. We must (/are commanded) to pray for our leaders and neighbors—especially those we despise—and signal to the world that there is a hope worth fighting for. When we launched our faith-based initiative, the J29 Coalition, our mission was based on Jeremiah 29, to “seek the peace and prosperity” of the cities to which God has carried us unto exile until the day He returns, to “pray to the Lord for [them], because if [they] prosper, you too will prosper.”
As we enter this weekend, I’d encourage you to join me in meditating on Matthew 6:19-21, focusing your eyes on a future that no king, people, or government can destroy: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth…and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
What Else We’re Reading
NCR: The Gospel from exile: A deported migrant’s story
In the midst of confusion, God spoke to me differently, without temple, without platform, without microphone, only with the obstinate presence of silence. In that silence, I came to understand that exile is not only a geographic place, but a spiritual condition. Anyone who has had to release a life, a certainty or a familiar land has also passed through their own inner exile. I discovered that authentic faith is nourished not by stability, but by trust. I remembered Mary hurrying to the mountain; Ruth walking behind Naomi; Hagar in the desert hearing her name spoken by God. All of them experienced loss as a sacred threshold.
And I understood that the Gospel, when lived from the margins, becomes a seed of radical hope. Where the world says “failure,” God says “flourishing.”
The xxxxxx: Who We Choose to Be: A Reflection on the Character of Veterans
Veterans know what military service actually is: a gathering of citizens who choose identity not by birthplace or status but by commitment...That is what binds veterans—not bravado, not politics, not uniform. Choice and commitment.
Mediaite: Grijalva Finally Sworn In, Adds Final Signature Needed on Discharge Petition to Release Epstein Files
Newly sworn in Representative Grijalva (D-AZ) was the final signatory on discharge petition to release the Epstein files. With 218 votes, the full vote will now move to the House floor.
Intelligencer: The Beginning of the End of MAGA
Trump’s charisma fused the disparate factions of MAGA and kept a great deal of peace within the Republican tent. When he exits the scene, there will be a bloody contest for the future of the movement and the Republican Party itself.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Trump pardons 18 co-defendants in Georgia election case, but it won’t void state charges
This week, President Trump pardoned 18 of his co-defendants in the Fulton County election interference case. While none of the recipients are currently charged in federal court, this move signals a gesture of approval and protection to those involved in election racketeering in Georgia’s 2020 presidential.
New York Times: Trump Signs Bill Ending Longest Shutdown
Wednesday night, President Trump signed a spending package into law, ending the longest government shutdown in America’s history.
The xxxxxx: He’s Acting Pretty Damn Guilty
And we shouldn’t lose sight of one more thing: Trump, at least, seems very much to believe there are still more damaging [Epstein files] revelations to come. He wouldn’t have cranked up the pressure on Boebert and company yesterday if he thought the stuff we’d already seen was the worst of it. Whatever the high-water mark of this scandal is, we likely haven’t hit it yet.
National Review: The Groypers Are So Wrong About America’s Opportunities
“The United States of America, even in a bad year, even under policies that are suboptimal, is still the greatest place for opportunity on this earth…no one ever said that achieving the American dream was going to be easy. No politician is coming to save you. The person who has the most influence over your quality of life is you.”
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