Hey everyone, 

Thank you to those of you who took the time to get out there and vote this past Tuesday! While we will need to wait to see the final outcomes of important runoff elections like Georgia, many analysts are viewing Tuesday’s results as a referendum on Trump. Moreover, it was encouraging to witness so many historical wins like Wes Moore, Maryland’s first Black governor; Robert Garcia, the first openly gay, formerly undocumented immigrant to be elected to Congress; and Andrea Campbell, the first Black woman to be elected to statewide executive office in Massachusetts. Leaving colonized faith looks like holding all voices as important and giving preference and support to vulnerable communities afflicted by institutionalized injustice. We celebrate everywhere this reality breaks through.  

And now, this week's highlights! 

Jonathan’s recommendations: 

• Lord Jesus as a shepherd of sheep in need of guidance, protection, and provision is my favorite image of Him in times of stress and desperation. And I have felt stressed, anxious, and in need this election season. So, for me, this pastoral word (0:53-5:06) from award-winning author, previous Shake the Dust guest, and my pastor Rich Villodas is a gift. Regardless of our political leanings, we should be welcome in the house of the Lord just as Matthew the tax collector and Simon the Zealot both sat at the feet of Jesus. And we should all be challenged to submit our allegiances to the One who called us to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly after God.