“Stories can conquer fear, you know. They can make the heart bigger.” 
― Ben Okri

Here are some of the best stories discovered and re-discovered during the wonderful month of May:

>>The Abolitionists – I’m sharing a story I haven’t even heard yet. This documentary was released in May for a limited number of showings and I missed it. I’m praying it gets the attention needed to make it more widely available. And soon.  From the producer of  Schindler’s List, the film documents one team’s story on the front line war for justice. According to its website, “this is a story about the lost children and the rescue team’s exploits as they investigate and liberate enslaved children from around the world”. Our culture turns its face on some of the stories that need telling most urgently. Check out their website to get the full scoop. This film should be on all our radars.

>>Bono and Eugene Peterson  – I watched this conversation three different times. It reveals the story of a very unlikely friendship between Eugene Peterson, author of The Message, and the lead singer of U2, Bono. After watching this 21 minute video you’ll long for more hours to sit as a fly on the wall of this extraordinary day. They talk over the book of Psalms, its emotions and messiness.  At one point Bono sings the Lord is My Shepherd acapella, right there at the kitchen table in the Peterson’s Montana home. Also, I’m officially adopting Eugene as my pawpaw.

>>Top Four Books in May – The last few weeks were filled with some great books that need sharing!

1. Creativity, Inc by Ed Catmull – Part leadership guide, part Pixar memoir. It’s worth the price of the book for Ed’s insider portrait of Steve Jobs in the afterword.
2.Peace Like a River by Leif Enger – This was my second time to devour this book. I’ve always been reluctant to name a favorite novel. That would be like naming your favorite child, unfair and impossible.  But after a second reading, I am considering this as my #1.  I will probably dedicate a whole post to this one soon.
3. When We Were the Kennedys by Monica Wood – A most delightfully written memoir told from the author’s ten-year old self. I got a kindle deal for the book and audio and went back and forth between the two. I loved reading at night and listening on all my errands.
4. The Justice Calling by Hoang and Johnson – A convicting yet comforting guide to pursuing justice in your every day lives. This book rocked me to the core. Would be a fabulous book to dissect with a small group.

>>Ludovico Einaudi – I think the right music, at the right time, propels your daily story into just the right place. Good music tells a story, even instrumental.  I’ve gotten into the habit of opening Spotify to the sounds of this Italian musician and composer  anytime I need an ethereal soundtrack to mundane computer tasks.

What good stories did you run across this month?

(I’m linking up with Emily again! CLICK here to see what others have learned this month)