Waiting on the World to Change
Gaza real estate, USAID, and dreams about slowing down
“It’s necessary for everyone to see where we can’t avoid fighting for the space to thrive, but it’s also necessary for everyone to be involved in building the institutions that are required for thriving.”
What’s Catching Our Eye
Location, Location, Location? We’re still wrapping our heads around President Donald Trump’s statement that war-ravaged Gaza has the potential to be the “Riviera of the Middle East.” After two years of war and a feebly maintained ceasefire, the region seems an unlikely spot for a tear-down and reno job. However, former Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Michael Oren, writes in The Free Press that Mr. Trump’s “wrecking ball” approach can’t necessarily be considered a bad one. Noah Rothman of National Review disagrees.
Slow Down, You’re Moving Too Fast. CT writer Evan Howard deep dives into modern monasticism for insights on how to live more intentionally in a fast paced world, and he’s not alone in looking to scratch that itch. Larissa Phillips left the city to slow her life down but discovered rural life wasn’t a walk down easy street. And, The New York Times’ list of “$300,000 Homes on Prince Edward Island” (home of fictional Anne of Green Gables) has us all longing for simpler times. Stuck at our desks, we’re listening to Steve Cuss’ Being Human podcast and learning to be well wherever we are.
The More You Know. President Trump is delivering on his campaign promise to unearth the remaining details of John F. Kennedy’s assassination. New York Magazine offers a helpful “Whadda we know?” to get you caught up.
Dive Deeper
On Monday, USAID employees attempted to return to the office after a court blocked the Trump administration’s order to freeze work, only to be rebuffed at the door and sent home again.
Here’s how you can understand this headline better …
Listen to our Tuesday Deep Dive with Roger Berkowitz (Episode 146) about power, populism, and the plight of the refugee.
Read CT senior writer Emily Belz’s article, “Is This the End of USAID?,” for a deeper understanding of what USAID funds around the world and how Christian organizations are responding to the new executive order. Reporter Jill Nelson explores how Ukrainians are coping with the loss of vital support.
Listen to Episode 149 of The Russell Moore Show to hear Russell’s powerful reminder about Jesus, our refugee King.
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Episode 144 with national security expert Elizabeth Neumann is a grounding conversation about extremism — why it grows and how the Christian antidotes of love and community can nurture a more peaceful spirit. If you’ve worried about extremism in your community — its violence or polarizing rhetoric — you’ll find practical application here.
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