Together, their stories paint a portrait of a religiously and culturally diverse corner of the Middle East disappearing, and the people saving it with their stories. Each voice puts us in front of an essential question: What is the deepest part of ourselves, the one thing that can never be taken from us?

I found in [these letters] stories of men working hard to be countercultural to our training. We wished to leave behind the more arid and shallow masculinity of traditional male friendships.

In the midst of declines in attendance and donations, many congregations find themselves at a crossroad: How do they live out God's mission in this time and place when they seem to have less and less assets to do so?

I wrote this book because I wanted to change the narrative [on immigration] and help people be more informed about this complex issue.

But, when finally, I learn the ring-ness of human things, how rhythms pulled away aren’t left behind at all. I know I walk in shoes that are not mine.

Mary Jo Robinson writes poetry that illuminates how the sacred may be found in ordinary nature.