"Dear Jon" weekly recap: Sep 7
Everything published on "Dear Jon" this week, with links and summaries.
Every weekend, I send out a summary of what’s been published the previous week. Paying supporters get access to everything below (~5+ posts per week, threads, chats, and other benefits). Free subscribers still get access to ~1-2 posts per week. To make sure you can access all this faith- and hope-filled content, please consider becoming a paying supporter today. You’ll be investing in quality writing, helping others find hope as well, and fill your inbox with more of what really matters.
UPDATE:
I’m going to be evolving this weekly recap a bit. It’s now going to include links to other articles or books I’ve read that I think are worth your time. I want this to be a way not just to catch up on my writing, but on other writing as well. I’ll include those at the bottom.
Announcement!
Reminder that we’re back to doing our monthly Zoom hangouts. This month’s will be on Thursday, September 26, at 7p CT. If you want to join, all you have to do is become a paying supporter and you’re in! Sign up below.
“That Was Stupid” Podcast
Monday
Tuesday
Friday
Other Reads Worth Your Time
This piece is maybe one of the most important pieces you’ll read in the “quit lit” genre this week. It’s from author
. And while it isn’t from a Christian perspective, I think it’s important. (Warning, there is some language in it.) It’s a response to a recent article in talking about why Gen Z needs to lighten up and drink more. I’m generally a fan of TFP and almost had one of my own pieces published by them over the summer. But I think this piece misses the mark. Dana’s rebuttal, however, is spot on:My friend
has a new book coming out called “You Are Not Your Trauma.” It’s good. Really good. Confronting my past trauma over the last year has led to a lot of freedom. If you’re interested in the topic, please pick up Caroline’s book on Amazon.Speaking of books, I wrote the forward to another book called “Desert Vineyards.” It’s about confronting the lies that keep us in bondage. The author, Sarah Matzke, was so entrenched in lies she had an affair with her husband’s best friend. The book is about believing those lies and the long climb to restoration. Remember, you’re never too far gone for a fresh start. It’s for anyone who needs hope, especially whose story intersects with infidelity in some way. Buy Sarah’s book on Amazon as well.
Lines I really liked this week
From
:Removing alcohol is a fraction of the work. Because alcohol wasn’t my problem. Alcohol was what I used to deal with my problems. I’ve removed the alcohol but guess what? The problems are still here. I just show up to them differently.
Also, I want to point out that there need not be a bottom or a problem for someone to question their relationship with alcohol.
Read the full piece here.
From Chris Harper at
, explaining what happened when he prioritized his computer over his son. Knife to the heart:I was distracted because I thought finishing the project was my priority. My son thought he was a distraction because work was the priority. That's where I failed; I led him to believe he was the distraction.
When priorities are out of line, interruptions become distractions.
If you’re a man, you’ll especially want to read the full thing.
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That’s it for this week! See you on Monday.
Jon
Thanks for the shout out, friend. Appreciate you, your words, and this journey we are all on together 🙏🏼
Thanks so much for the mention and for your generous words, Jon. I feel honoured to be in such beautiful company here!