Weekly Outlook - Sabbath vs. self-care

Dear readers, The Outlook has shut down for five days of sabbath. This message, like our social and website posts, is pre-scheduled. Our staff is small, and our work is intricately connected. If one person takes time off, others must step up to cover. Our amazing staff is happy to support one another, but a complete shutdown allows for a more sustainable staffing structure.  In her editorial announcing our sabbath, Outlook editor Teri McDowell Ott reflects on the example set by six-time Olympic medallist Simone Biles during the Tokyo games when she stepped away from competition to focus on her mental health.  Burnout does not have to be our cultural norm.  As Aaron Stauffer outlined in his recent article for us, there are actions we can take to overcome burnout. But sometimes, the best thing to do is nothing.  By the time this message reaches your inbox, I will be more than a week into my vacation, which includes five days with friends at a remote lake and time in Texas meeting my twin nephews.  Making time for sabbath is difficult but necessary work. I pray that you also find ways to rest this summer.  Peace, Rose Schrott Taylor Digital Content Editor

Sabbath vs. self-care by Rebecca Gresham A Well-Trained Wife: My Escape from Christian Patriarchy reviewed by Amy Pagliarella If you’re ever blessed with a sabbatical … by Rachel Young Disarming Leviathan: Loving Your Christian Nationalist Neighbor reviewed by Raymond Roberts In case you missed it... Lazy sabbath: A journey through parenthood and rest "To fully live into sabbath, maybe we need to admit to being lazy in the best kind of way," writes Katrina Pekich-Bundy. The Holy Spirit in the Christian Life: The Spirit’s Work For, In, and Through Us  Peterson’s theology of the Holy Spirit begins with the understanding that we live in the age of the Spirit, and there is a growing awareness of and appreciation for spiritual matters. — Philip J. Reed Meet ‘The Autism Pastor’ Lamar Hardwick: Preacher, author, cancer warrior Hardwick recently retired as lead pastor of Tri-Cities Church in East Point, Georgia, as he receives ongoing treatment for stage 4 cancer. — RNS A sabbath won’t always save you. Sometimes you need to start something new. Reflecting on the 1984 fantasy film “The Neverending Story,” Karie Charlton shares her decision to dissolve her call. The intentionality of sabbath “When we welcome sabbath, we welcome the holy,” writes Maggie Alsup. New show ‘The Promised Land’ tells Moses’ story in the style of ‘The Office’ RNS spoke with writer and director Mitch Hudson, who is also a crew member on 'The Chosen,' about what's next for the new series. Overcoming burnout Aaron Stauffer explores a new path to sustainable leadership in the church.