“The Glorious Cross of Jesus”: An exhibition of 70 photographs by Jason Lock. Each photo captures the shape of the cross occurring in everyday surroundings—in sidewalks, fences, doors, and kitchens—some more subtly than others, and is thoughtfully paired with a verse of Scripture that speaks to an element of the photo. Though the cruciform shape in some photos is no doubt staged, in most it occurs naturally. I love how the artist is able to see the message of the cross being proclaimed by such mundane things as cracked paint, chain links, hydrants, and fruit flesh.

Jason Lock, Consuming Fire, 2011-12. Heb. 12:28-29: “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for ‘our God is a consuming fire.'”

Jason Lock, Lion of Judah, 2011-12. Rev. 5:5: “Then one of the elders said to me, ‘Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.'”

“My Bright Abyss: Meditation of a Modern Believer” by Christian Wiman, New York Times book review by Kathleen Norris: In this “daring and urgent” memoir, well-known poet and Poetry magazine editor Christian Wiman recounts his journey into and through the Christian faith. Written after his cancer diagnosis, this book, he says, is where he hopes to “speak more clearly about what it is I believe.” In it he reflects on human longing, art, imagination, suffering, tradition, and modernity. Thanks to Emily G. for flagging this to my attention! 

“Learning Lamentation,” a video by Bifrost Arts: “One of the things that many churches need to reclaim is the biblical practice of lamentation in worship.” The Psalms guide us in how to do that, giving us words to relate to or grow into, speaking to our fears, doubts, and grief.

“Letter to a Parent Grieving the Loss of a Child” by John Piper: Written to a mother who gave birth to a stillborn son.

“The Drop Box”: Two years ago, director Brian Ivie read a story in the L.A. Times about Lee Jong-rak of Seoul, South Korea, a pastor who built a depository off the side of his house to accept unwanted babies into his family. Inspired by this living example of selfless love, Ivie sought out Pastor Lee to be the subject of a documentary and ended up becoming a Christian during the production process. The film is currently in studio negotiations. Here’s the trailer: