Time to share a little good news
'We sure could use a little good news today,” Anne…
Editorial: Giving thanks despite chaos
With an election behind us and holidays ahead of us, The Christian Chronicle’s Editorial Board took time to discuss what we’re thankful for — and to think seriously for a few minutes about what it means to be an international newspaper that covers a global fellowship that often finds itself caught up in the chaos and catastrophe that inevitably plague a sinful world.
First, we’re thankful we get to.
We’re keenly aware that not all of our readers, let alone all the people we write about, live in places where they have a First Amendment to protect their work. But we do. And we’re thankful for that. In this country, Christian journalists, writers and speakers understand that a document written more than 200 years ago protects what we do and how we practice our faith.
Related: Time to share a little good news
Second, we’re thankful that words crafted over 2,000 years ago set the standard for our work. When Jesus said, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, then you shall know the truth, and the truth will set you free,” he was talking to believing Jews among his disciples, not 21st century journalists.
But the principle of truth enabling freedom applies to discipleship of all kinds, including our professional practice of truth telling. We are thankful for the power of truth in all its forms and thankful we get to pursue it, report it and watch it work.
Finally, we’re thankful that we get to be a part of conversations — and sometimes begin conversations among our readers — that transcend the divisiveness and bitter dissension that too often fill the pages and screens and airwaves and pulpits and stages and living rooms of life.
Who is hungry, and who is helping? Who is struggling, and who is bringing solace? Who is sharing the Good News, and who is seeking the lost?
We’re thankful we get to tell stories that spread the light of truth. And we’re thankful you take the time to read those stories. — Cheryl Mann Bacon, for the Editorial Board
Editorial Board members share what they’re thankful for:
“Family. Friends. Fellowship. Time to write. Time to read. Time to travel. People who love truth. And seek truth. And, of course, two perfect granddaughters.” — Cheryl Mann Bacon
“I am thankful God’s kingdom is bigger than any nationality, race or language and that it will triumph no matter what happens in the world.” — Jeremie Beller
“I am thankful for God’s patience as we stumble from day to day, seeking to be who he has called us to be.” — John Edmerson
“I’m thankful for those who have fought against the injustices of this world to make a better tomorrow.” — Gabriel Grant Huff
The Christian Chronicle Editorial Board: From left, Bacon, Beller, Edmerson, Huff, Jackson, Mitchell, Ross and Tryggestad.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to share meaningful time with people I love in both mundane and memorable moments.” — Audrey Jackson
“With all of the medical issues I’ve endured this year, I am most thankful for my improvement of health. To God be the glory!” — Trindi Mitchell
“I am thankful for beautiful sunrises, sweet grandbabies, caring loved ones and so many other undeserved blessings that God bestows on me day after day.” — Bobby Ross Jr.
“I’m thankful for the people who don’t harvest to the very edge of their fields, who remember the poor and the stranger (Leviticus 23:22).” — Erik Tryggestad
The Editorial Board collaborates on the newspaper’s editorial each month. The group is a mix of full-time Chronicle staff members and volunteer contributors. Positions taken represent the Editorial Board’s consensus and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the paper’s Board of Trustees.
