"An uncommon and intimate account of the lives of two conscientious objectors"--

Archbishop Elias Chacour, born in a small Arab village in northern Galilee, experienced the establishment of the State of Israel and the loss of his home when he was eight years old. His parents taught that violence is never an appropriate response to violence, and that Jesus' teachings and example provide a path to reconciliation and peace. Today he is recognized around the world as a peacemaker. He founded schools in Ibillin, Israel, where Christian, Muslim, Jewish and Druze students and teachers learn to respect one another and live together in peace. In this book young readers, as well as adults, are encouraged to become peacemakers wherever they live.

Blessed Are the Others: Jesus' Way in a Violent World by Andrew DeCort is a guide that navigates the teachings of Jesus through the lens of the Beatitudes. It offers a trail to a more fulfilling life through vulnerability, compassion, nonviolence, justice, and peacemaking, challenging conventional understandings of religious blessings and prosperity. Andrew calls this humane happiness. The book is not just about exploring spirituality but also delves into historical and societal context-specifically the influence of political unrest and conflict on the Ethiopian people. It emphasizes the importance of confronting and processing grief and focuses on the societal implications that arise from unresolved pain. Notably, Blessed Are the Others encourages its readers to engage with their pain, promote healing not vengeance, and find solace even amidst suffering. By acknowledging these struggles, the book underscores the transformative power of facing grief with honesty and courage. The book also features real-life examples of individuals like Etty Hillesum and Dietrich Bonhoeffer who chose mercy over judgment in the face of extreme injustice. It makes an appeal to its readers to foster a similar sense of compassion and understanding, treating the Beatitudes as a tool for navigating challenges such as poverty, grief, violence, and injustice. Moreover, the book explores the life and teachings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a Christian leader who spoke out against extreme injustice during World War II. Bonhoeffer's dedication to love, humility, and the courage to stand against oppression is extensively highlighted. His teachings and life offer insightful perspectives on love and humility as transformative powers even in the face of adversity. Blessed Are the Others discusses the seven decisions or way-stations on Jesus' Beatitudinal Way, beginning from poverty and transitioning all the way to persecution. It emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, compassion, and justice, and addresses the hurdles we may encounter on this path.

Words--positive or negative--carry enormous potential to create or destroy. It's always been that way, ever since God said, "Let there be..." The Power of Blessing explores the timeless words of Jesus in the Beatitudes and takes readers on a journey into the extraordinary world of blessings. It shows them how to use words to heal rather than wound as well as how to bless their loved ones more effectively. Readers looking for a way to jump-start their relationships will find the key in this book of blessings.

Spend this year meditating on the promises of God. In this devotional, Cheri Fuller and Jennifer Kennedy Dean invite readers to explore God’s promises each and every day and encourage them to reflect on how God’s hand is evident if only we look for it. Each reading includes a Bible verse from that day’s reading in The One Year Bible, a devotional, a prayer, and a quotation that relates to the promise of the day. Each day is an invitation to pursue a closer relationship to God and a reminder that God always keeps his promises.