The Warren & the World Vol 6, Issue 27

The Warren & the World is Story Warren’s weekly newsletter, providing a round-up of our favorite things from around the web as well as a review of what was on our site over the past week. We’re glad you’re here!

Around the Web

The Most Important Thing Parents Can Do This Summer

Jamie Love writes about taking advantage of the time available for family during the summer.

Summer is one of my favorite times of the year. It takes us past the blistery cold and blanketing snow of the winter. Summer gets us beyond the heavy rains and muddy grounds of spring. But better than this, is the opportunity to spend concentrated time with the grandchildren. Each summer we are treated with the comings and goings of our children’s children. At times we will have all ten.

It is not light that is needed, but fire.

David Winston Swanson shares his thoughts on Frederick Douglass’ speech, ““What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?”, in honor of the holiday this week.

Independence Day is always a good day to re-read Frederick Douglass’ famous speech, “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?”, given to an abolitionist group that had gathered in Rochester on July 5, 1852 to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Douglass – the former slave, abolitionist, and renowned orator – used his speech to draw attention to the absurdity of African Americans celebrating a holiday which did not include them in its nostalgia for independence.

Historical Fiction Books About The Civil Rights Movement

Melissa Taylor has a list of recommended books for middle-grade on the Civil Rights Movement.

Whether in the classroom or at home, kids ages 9 – 12 (middle-grade readers) need quality historical fiction chapter books that illuminate our history. In this case, the Civil Rights Movement. These novels contain memorable characters and plots. Although they’re fiction, this often helps bring the history to life in a way that kids won’t soon forget.

5 Cautions for Your Spiritual Disciplines

Tim Challies shares cautions from Richard Rogers for us as we seek spiritual disciplines.

We are all familiar with the spiritual disciplines and most of us are aware their importance to a healthy Christian life. Most of us practice the disciplines of reading scripture, praying, fellowshipping with other believers, and perhaps even fasting. But a few cautions may be in order as our familiarity with the disciplines may lead to a kind of contempt. In his excellent little book, Holy Helps For a Godly Life, a work on the spiritual disciplines, Richard Rogers offers 5 cautions meant to ensure we are using them rightly.

Around the Warren

Fantasy Fiction, and the Places it Takes Us

Naomi Van Calster discovers the power of fantasy literature to foster imagination.

Fantasy is a relatively new genre to me.
It used to be one of my forbidden things, out of concern that the magic which is often included might make it unbiblical. Granted, there still is fantasy I wouldn’t read. But then there are books in every genre I wouldn’t read, and banning a specific genre doesn’t treat the root of the issue:
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Phil. 4:8)

I’m Just No Good at Rhyming

Laura Peterson reflects on the good of plain old silliness.

I’ve been thinking a lot about my grandfather lately. He was an adventurous guy, and in his later years that adventurousness extended to his wardrobe, particularly his funny hat collection. Each holiday had its own festive accessory, perhaps one that played music or moved around. A turkey hat for Thanksgiving, for example, and a Santa hat with lights and a long tail that danced when you turned it on at Christmas. One of his favorite words to use with his grandkids was “goofy.”