Looking Forward With Hope

Theological schools are currently facing a perfect storm of jeopardies that threatens their future prospects and even survivability. The squall is all the more menacing for free-standing seminaries that are not connected to a university, and especially for free-standing mainline Protestant or mainline denominational seminaries. This book brings together a stellar and diverse cast of administrators and professors working within different theological schools to reflect on the present crisis of theological education, and on the question of the possible future of mainline Protestant and mainline denominational theological schools in the United States.

Theological schools are currently facing a perfect storm of jeopardies that threatens their future prospects and even survivability. The squall is all the more menacing for free-standing seminaries that are not connected to a university, and especially for free-standing mainline Protestant or mainline denominational seminaries. This book brings together a stellar and diverse cast of administrators and professors working within different theological schools to reflect on the present crisis of theological education, and on the question of the possible future of mainline Protestant and mainline denominational theological schools in the United States.

“Moving Forward arrives at a moment when inspiration, insight, and optimism are in short supply. Karine Jean-Pierre delivers all three in abundance.” —Stacey Abrams, author of Lead from the Outside “Karine Jean-Pierre illuminates her path to insider status so others can follow in her footsteps.”—Essence “Jean-Pierre inspires us to get involved in politics—every single one of us, no matter where we are from or who we are.”—The Atlantic Most political origin stories have the same backbone. A bright young person starts reading the Washington Post in elementary school. She skips school to see a presidential candidate. In middle school she canvasses door-to-door. The story can be intimidating. It reinforces the feeling that politics is a closed system: if you weren’t participating in debate club, the Young Democrats and Model UN you have no chance. Karine Jean-Pierre’s story breaks the mold. In Moving Forward, she tells how she got involved, showing how politics can be accessible to anyone, no matter their background. In today’s political climate, the need for all of us to participate has never been more crucial. This book is her call to arms for those who know that now is the time for us to act.

"When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on."Franklin D. RooseveltI've been hanging onto my knot-filled rope for what seems forever. Is there room for one more knot? I doubt it. Eating disorders and mental illness, in general, do that to you, secretly tearing you apart from the core until there's no vision left. 2019 was to mark the start of my recovery from a long-term eating disorder. It was to be a new beginning. With the help of a newly-found passion, photography, my inner knotted rope was unravelling, clearing the way for embracing new opportunities now and in the future. I had much to look forward to. Plans were big for 2020, but the year had hardly started when COVID-19 spread throughout the world. I'm Sam; I live in Geelong, a beautiful city within Victoria, Australia, and this feeling of hanging on is nothing new. Maybe you feel you have been hanging on for most of your life, too. The universe certainly did that for all of us in 2020. This book is a real-life story and pictorial account of survival and resilience, about that year. Resilience is a roadmap chronicling my journey through 2020, holding onto that rope and hoping for a miracle. While I have written and photographed the story from my family's perspective, it's relevant for all. We each have our own story of struggle and, together, our stories reflect the experiences of our greater society. Many of us have surprised ourselves with our ability to hold onto our rope through the really tough times and bounce back.Resilience is about adjusting our vision and nurturing self in a challenging year. Go ahead, give yourself a well-deserved hug! You deserve it.

If you've ever thought, "There must be more to life than this," The Art of Non-Conformity is for you. Based on Chris Guillebeau's popular online manifesto "A Brief Guide to World Domination," The Art of Non-Conformity defies common assumptions about life and work while arming you with the tools to live differently. You'll discover how to live on your own terms by exploring creative self-employment, radical goal-setting, contrarian travel, and embracing life as a constant adventure. Inspired and guided by Chris's own story and those of others who have pursued unconventional lives, you can devise your own plan for world domination-and make the world a better place at the same time.

Elizabeth Smart follows up her #1 New York Times bestseller (October 2013), My Story—about being held in captivity as a teenager, and how she managed to survive—with a powerful and inspiring book about what it takes to overcome trauma, find the strength to move on, and reclaim one’s life. Author. Activist. Victim—no more. In her fearless memoir, My Story—the basis of the Lifetime Original movie I Am Elizabeth Smart—Elizabeth detailed, for the first time, the horror behind the headlines of her abduction by religious fanatic Brian David Mitchell and his wife, Wanda Barzee. Since then, she’s married, become a mother, and travelled the world as the president of the Elizabeth Smart Foundation, sharing her story with the intent of helping others along the way. Over and over, Elizabeth is asked the same question: How do you find the hope to go on? In this book, Elizabeth returns to the horrific experiences she endured, and the hard-won lessons she learned, to provide answers. She also calls upon others who have dealt with adversity—victims of violence, disease, war, and loss—to explore the pathways toward hope. Through conversations with such well-known voices as Anne Romney, Diane von Furstenburg, and Mandy Patinkin to spiritual leaders Archbishop John C. Wester and Elder Richard Hinckley to her own parents, Elizabeth uncovers an even greater sense of solace and understanding. Where There’s Hope is the result of Elizabeth’s mission: It is both an up-close-and-personal glimpse into her healing process and a heartfelt how-to guide for readers to make peace with the past and embrace the future. From the book: “I was not willing to accept that my fate was to live unhappily ever after. Everything—my family, my home, my chance to go to school—had been given back to me, and I didn’t want to miss a second chance of living my own life.” —Elizabeth Smart “There are two types of survivors: the ones who did not die, and the ones who live. There will be those who will always remember and be the victim, and ones who just won’t. You have to go on, you have to learn, and you have to heal.” —Diane von Furstenberg

Come on a transformative journey in What's Next? Moving Forward with Optimism and Positivity towards HOPE! This guidebook is a beacon of light for individuals facing life's struggles, adversity, and societal challenges. Whether you're navigating personal hardships or championing social change, this book will be your roadmap to cultivating hope and resilience. In a world often clouded by uncertainty, this book offers more than just comfort. It provides inspiration, motivation, and practical tips to tap into the power of hope in overcoming life's toughest trials. You’ll discover how to harness your emotional and mental strength – taking meaningful action in both personal and professional spheres. But this book isn’t just a pacifier or an attempt to offer reassurance. It is an empowering manuscript that is steeped with insights and responsive guidance. If you’re looking for a source of renewal, positive energy, and upliftment, this book is for you. Plus, your journey doesn't end with reading. In fact, the closing pages will be symbolic of the start of an adventure that is filled with newfound optimism and purpose. In these uncertain times, know this: you are not alone in your challenges. I won’t just tell you what's next. I’ll show you how to shape it. Are you ready to carve out the path to a brighter, more optimistic future? Then, let’s dive in…together!

What we See, Why we Worry, Why we Hope: Vietnam Going Forward explores key factors that affect Vietnam’s ability to move forward as a global economic player. While we see challenges, we see many reasons for hope, including a new generation of leaders. "We – the Vietnamese entrepreneurs and businesspeople – who have the wish of making Vietnam a better place to work and live have both worries and hopes for our home country. The authors have done a nice job of presenting a new Vietnam, a multi-colored society and an emerging market economy, with a simple and fun-to-read style. The book delivers many important messages to western readers and I appreciate the efforts by the authors trying to bring Vietnam to the world, and the world to Vietnam." - Vu Quang Hoi, Chairman, The Bitexco Group "A cogent and compelling look at contemporary Vietnam with all its complexities and contradictions.Vuong Quan Hoang and Nancy Napier have given us a well-written and accessible guide to understanding the changes that Vietnam has gone through in the last decade. This book will be of great use to anyone wanting to understand Vietnam today" - Anya Schiffrin, Columbia University, School of International and Public Affairs "The book is very well written and the stories are inspirational. The book has great value to be read by all Vietnamese, especially the younger generations." - Loke Kiang Wong, Retired Captain Singapore Navy, Contributor to Vietnamica.net