Heroin(e): We Are All Broken and Beautiful
I’m lying in my bed today because I just had oral surgery. It’s not a big deal, but the anesthesia wipes me out, and it
Reading Black Literature as American Literature
I first read Toni Morrison’s Beloved in high school. It was one of the only books I had ever read by a Black author. I
Develop Your Spirituality by Starting Small
What if we had a way to alleviate depression and anxiety, to protect against substance abuse and self-harm? What if there were answers to the
Domestic Monastery
“Raising small children, if it is done with love and generosity, will do for you exactly what private prayer does.” –Ronald Rolheiser, Domestic Monastery I
Time and the Luxury of Ethics
“Ethics becomes a luxury as the speed of our daily life increases.” – Judith Shulevitz talking to Ezra Klein (Episode: Sabbath and the Art of
Curated Reading: Putting Down the Algorithm
I recently enjoyed a New Yorker essay about Metallica. That’s right, the heavy metal band that my mother’s friends fretted about during the “Satanic panic”
Favorite Books I Read in 2022
Here are some of my favorite books that I read in 2022: My favorite novel My favorite novel was The Midnight Library. I’ve spent a
6 Favorite Shows and Movies We Watched in 2022
Our favorite shows and movies that we watched in 2022: Abbott Elementary Our whole family has enjoyed this quirky mockumentary about an elementary school in
3 Things to Watch This Weekend
Here are 3 things to watch this weekend. We had an unexpected family movie weekend, where we watched My Big Fat Greek Wedding and then Wakanda Forever
People to Follow Across the Political Divides
As we reach the other side of the 2022 elections—our country as polarized as ever—I want to offer some suggestions for people to follow who
Two Picture Books (for Everyone) With Characters With Down Syndrome
On my quest for chapter books that include characters with Down syndrome, I received dozens of recommendations for picture books. We’ve featured some of those
God’s Love Is the Answer to Depression
God’s love is the answer to depression. I know that’s the type of declarative statement I’m not supposed to make. I know that religion has
Down Syndrome Awareness Month Book Giveaway
{GIVEAWAY CLOSED} Down Syndrome Awareness Month BOOK GIVEAWAY! Enter to win all 9 books, including all 4 of Heather Avis’ books, my memoir, and favorite
What Math Can Teach Us About the Divine
I am a fan of order. Not hospital corners and Marie Kondo drawers, necessarily. But I like having a cubby for each member of the
Main Characters With Intellectual Disabilities in Chapter Books
Are there any chapter books with a main character who has Down syndrome or other intellectual disabilities? I’m so grateful for books like RJ Palacio’s
Hospitality and Welcoming Strangers
I’ve been thinking about philoxenia lately, which is the Greek word for hospitality. It literally means “love of the stranger.” (Contrast it with xenophobia, fear
The Song of Our Scars
So many of us are carrying so much pain in our bodies and minds, which may be why I am loving The Song of Our
Bible Studies for Your Group
If you are looking for a way to study the Bible on your own or in a group, here are a few suggestions. Bible Study:
Three Summer Reads
These are my first three reads for the summer: Futuristic sci-fi: Sea of Tranquility Historical fiction: Horse Contemporary mystery: The Madness of Crowds What is
Summer Reading: The Midnight Library
It is time for summer reading lists!!! And yes, I hope To Be Made Well will be on the top of many lists this summer,
The Ambiguities of Abortion
Quick Links: There’s a Better Way to Debate Abortion by Peter Wehner | THE ATLANTIC How the End of Roe Would Change Prenatal Care by
