When we feel “swallowed” by grief or shame, it is precisely from that place that redemption begins. It is from the dark belly of the fish that we must cry out. And if our call is sincere, Jonah reminds us, G-d will answer. We will be spit back out onto dry land.

Abraham’s story offers interfaith work a common lexicon. The power to do that work starts in Abraham and in his radical trust that God would take care of him. If we can only trust in that same way, we can change the world.

Each Friday in The Christian Citizen, we publish a Religion News Roundup with summaries of religion news stories and links for those who want to read more.

Dobson’s greatest contribution in his time was simply using all the avenues of Focus on the Family to open up larger conversations in the Christian community about marriage, family, and parenting.

The realization that everyone is a part of me and that I am a part of them brings me joy. It fills me with awe. It makes me feel embraced and full of hope. But it also challenges me to my core, knowing that I must throw everything into making oneness and wholeness a reality in my world.