Thank God it’s Friday
This is excerpted from my TGIF column at SOLA Network.
ARTICLES FROM AROUND THE WEB
Alan Noble: Christian, Your Suffering Isn’t Pointless
“To endure an affliction with courage, you must have hope that God is working your good even when you can’t imagine what that good could possibly be. That has to be OK.”
Joseph Lanier: Pastoral Fortitude: Courage in the Ministry of Word and Prayer
“Fortitude is the habit of mind and action of those who are united to Christ to readily bear all things for the sake of the good, even in light of difficulties and sufferings of self and world.”
Cara Daniel: Love That Makes Room: Serving Families with Disabilities
“As we journey to the throne, may our churches show love to families of all types. “And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me’” (Matt. 25:40).”
NEWSLETTERS, BOOKS, MEDIA, AND MORE
Brett McCracken: Trustworthy Truth Tellers
“Gospel proclamation is the best thing we can do, ultimately, for restless souls. More than anxiety medication, more than a comfortable bed, more than helping them unclutter or reduce hurry in their lives through lifestyle adjustments, they need Jesus himself.”
Aaron Lee: Live at Peace with Your Pastors
I thank God for the ministry of Pastors Jerry Hwang, Jon Szeto, and Steve Loo in my life.
Aaron Lee: Related Works
Substack: My Reasons for Writing Prayer Poems, The Greatest Challenge for Christians. Book Review: Is This It? The Difference Jesus Makes in Your Quarter-Life Crisis by Rachel Jones. Listen to our TGIF playlist on Spotify. Join my Asian American Worship Leaders Facebook group. Keep in touch on X and Instagram.
FEATURED THIS WEEK ON SOLA NETWORK
“In this episode, we explore the profound history of Japanese American incarceration during World War II, the role of the church, and the importance of storytelling for healing and understanding. Featuring insights from Pastor Tom Sugimura, Tommy Joe, and Pastor Ted Esaki, this conversation highlights faith, resilience, and the power of community in the face of adversity.”
AALC Interviews Spotlight: Grace Yim
Find more AALC Interviews and watch our 2026 AALC Breakout Sessions, 2026 AALC Panels and Testimony and all plenary sessions.
Jason Ho: (Asian) America’s Got Talent
“The temptation to use our talents and gifts for our own glory and happiness is continually fed with every scroll, show, and ad we consume. Years of hard study and achievement coupled with a culture of self-achievement too easily justify the pursuit of the American Dream. Particularly for those who have more recently immigrated, this has become the wrong measure of success.”
Moses Y. Lee: What John Calvin Taught (Me) About the Diaconate
“The deacon was not the congregation’s most decorated volunteer. The deacon was how the church loved the stranger at its gates.”
TGIF: Roundup for August 21, 2026
Engaged but Not Alarmed: Reading the News with Hope / ‘I Wouldn’t Change Anything’: The Pain and Blessing of Hard Adoptions / Saying ‘Here I Am’ in the Digital Age / A Rabbit, a Dryer, and a Pastor’s Wisdom / A Veil Before the Eyes of the Enemy: On Tolkien, Foolishness, and the Ordinary Means of Grace
SOLA Network: TGIF Subscription
Get our TGIF installments delivered straight to your inbox for free every Friday. Join today so you never miss out.