According to the United Nations, 1 in 5 children between the ages 6 through 17 are unable to attend school. The number of girls who attend school falls short in matching the number of boys. In South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa cultures expect girls to get married and start families at very young ages. Schools […]
Music and the Gospel: “Girl,” Maren Morris Read More »
Jesus’ encounters ten lepers in Sunday’s gospel. Lepers experienced people shunning them. The lepers in the gospel call to Jesus, ask him for compassion, and Jesus grants it. The voices in “Beautiful People” feel second class to those with more money and things. The need for superficial things can blind some people to the beauty and
Music and the Gospel: “Beautiful People,” by Ed Sheeran, ft. Khalid Read More »
The gospel this Sunday asks us “What is faith?” Like a good song, faith can move us and connect us to the world and people around us. Faith in ourselves, our friends, teachers, and parents gives us strength to overcome difficult moments and climb mountains. Faith sets our hearts on who gives us life and
Music and the Gospel: “Sunday Best,” Surfaces Read More »
When someone we love dies, the relationship can seem lost. Spirit this week deals not only with loss but also resurrection. The stories in this issue tell us that while someone is no physically be with us any longer, their presence within us stays and lasts. Louis Tomlinson’s song “Two of Us” reminds us that
Music and the Gospel, “Two of Us,” Louis Tomlinson, Easter Sunday Read More »
Holy Week is time to reflect on the last days of Jesus’ life—his last supper with his friends, his trial, crucifixion, and death. Throughout his ministry, Jesus teaches humility, compassion, and forgiveness. In his final actions he lives out his message in wholehearted love for us. The song “Becoming” expresses how we look to Jesus
Music and the Gospel: “Becoming,” Jason Gray Read More »
All relationships start out on a foundation of trust. We have a right to feel safe and secure. If we don’t, the relationship becomes toxic. Breaking trust changes not only how we view ourselves and others, but it can also leave permanent scars. Sometimes we have people we can turn to, people who will support
Music and the Gospel: “Learn To Let Go,” Kesha Read More »
Throughout our lives we make many decisions. Some are no-brainers. Some are difficult and scary, even painful and heartbreaking. Spirit follows the inner workings of one young woman’s thought process as she weighs her options, her conscience, and the advice of those around her to make the best choice possible for all involved. The song “Light
Music and the Gospel: “Light On,” Maggie Rogers, 4th Sunday of Lent Read More »
Making mistakes is a part of growing up. Sometimes we learn the hard way that our actions have consequences and affect not only ourselves but also those around us. Not studying for a test may result in a low grade, staying up too late may lead to oversleeping in the morning, inattentive driving can lead
Music and the Gospel: “Second Chances,” Imagine Dragons, 3rd Sunday of Lent Read More »
Painful emotions can throw off our sense of self and purpose. Some of us face the challenge, slowly adjust, and move on. Painful experiences push us to grow, expand what we are capable of, and strengthen how we handle things. The song “Walk Me Home” is about moving through a tough time (either by embracing
Music and the Gospel: “Walk Me Home,” Pink, 2nd Sunday of Lent Read More »
This week’s SPIRIT talks about the expectations we place on ourselves and that others place upon us. High school is a stressful time that challenges us to balance academics, social lives, work obligations, and activities like sports or music. At times, all these responsibilities can feel like weight of the world on our shoulders and
Music and the Gospel: “Guiding Light,” Mumford & Sons Read More »