It’s been quite a year. With all the losses of 2020, one plus has been more time for me to write. Many new people started reading and following the blog this year, and for the first time, I’ve published several excellent guest blogger’s posts. Along with everyone else, the COVID pandemic was top of mind for me, and that was reflected in the themes of my writing.
As a way to review this year, below are the top posts of 2020 on this blog. If you haven’t had a chance to read these articles yet, this might be an interesting time to do so.
5. The Need for Sacred Moments
Based on new research published this year, this post explores the human need for connection.
4. Lessons from the Monks for the COVID-19 Pandemic
In light of the pandemic, this post unearths insights from one of my favorite books: The Cloister Walk, by Kathleen Norris.
3. “Done” with Religion
This is a personal confession with some of my struggles with church and religion, in light of new research published this year on people who are “done.”
2. Suffering in a Pandemic Age as a Christian
Featuring insights from my friend, Deanna Thompson, this post explores Biblical spaces for coping with tragedy.
1. Psychological Factors in School Success
This was, by far, the most popular post on the blog this year. It revisits themes of posts I wrote years ago, but seemed to find new popularity – particularly in South Africa – in light of students made to learn at home.
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Reviewing this year in writing like this makes me wonder about what themes and developments will arise in 2021. Hopefully one of hope!