Want to get weekly reading recommendations from Sojourners editors? Sign up for our newsletter here.
This week, I’ve been thinking a lot about losing.
It began when I lost a tennis match over the weekend. I played perhaps my best tennis, but it wasn’t enough. I was proud of how I adjusted, maintained composure, and simultaneously pushed myself and stayed within my limits. But losing sucks, and I never want to lose.
In the sports circles I come from, we’re fond of saying we hate losing more than we love winning. I can’t say I fully agree with that. Some might say I’ve lost my edge. My teammates, opponents, coaches, and one-too-many camp counselors might find themselves bewildered that I no longer have an uncontrolled passion for competition in every possible facet. They might wonder if I no longer love winning, or worse, if I no longer hate losing.
The truth is that my passion for winning and losing has simply matured as I have. I see bigger and grander victories ahead, and I no longer see life as a competition with others, or even a competition at all. Competition is a key part of what makes life enjoyable, for me, but it is not life itself.
This week has been one where loss seems as close as it might ever be — losses significantly more important than tennis matches. Thinking of politics as sports is deeply unhealthy but understanding and identifying when we are losing is important. Loss is never inevitable, but neither is victory. Let the 10 articles below help as we take stock of our losses and organize for victories tomorrow.
1. What Would the End of Roe v. Wade Mean? Christian Leaders Respond
A leaked draft suggests the Supreme Court is considering overturning federal abortion rights. For some Christians, this would be a victory; for others, a disaster. By Mitchell Atencio via sojo.net.
2. The Librarians Are Not Okay
We can’t start the long-term work of recovering from the burnout and demoralization of the last year until we acknowledgment as much. By Anne Helen Peterson via Culture Study.
3. I Paid Off My Loans. As a Christian, I Still Hope Biden Forgives Yours
Capitalist brain rot says student loan forgiveness is unfair; God tells us to forgive generously and resist exploitation. By Matt Bernico via sojo.net.
4. Yes, the Left Should ‘Vote Harder’
The fate of abortion rights in this country might depend on it. By Sam Adler-Bell via NYMag.com.
5. Christian Bigotry Drove Me from Faith. Trauma Led Me Back
The question isn’t how I can be a Christian given that many Christians hate me. Instead, the question is: How can you? By M.K. Anderson via sojo.net.
6. After Years of Loud Debate, Conservatives Quietly Split From United Methodist Church
After decades of rancorous debate over the ordination and marriage of LGBTQ United Methodists, a schism finally came ‘without fanfare, but full of hope, faith, and perseverance.’ By Emily McFarlan Miller via RNS.com.
7. Faith, Doubt, and Murder in ‘Under the Banner of Heaven’
Does true faith look more like unbending certainty, asks a new TV series, or making peace with uncertainty? By Sergio Lopez via sojo.net.
8. An Indigenous Bible Translation Reframes Christianity's Connection to Nature
The First Nations Version of the New Testament places humans within, rather than above, the natural world. By Liuan Huska via Grist.
9. Are Sanctions Actually Nonviolent?
When sanctions lead to shortages of food, diapers, and other necessities, are they better than warfare? By Aleja Hertzler-McCain via sojo.net.
10. The Untold Story of the White House’s Weirdly Hip Record Collection
Jimmy Carter’s grandson John Chuldenko is unlocking White House mysteries. The record collection is an archive of the nation's music taste back in the ’70s. By Rob Brunner via washingtonian.com.
Got something to say about what you're reading? We value your feedback!
