Two books about storytelling in this political moment

Last Sunday at the River, we wrestled with how Jesus used stories and shared history to attempt to connect with people who were suspicious of him and who saw him as a threat. Stories shape what feels “obvious” to us, and they can both reveal and reshape how we see ourselves and others. At the end of the sermon, Maddie offered a few book recommendations for folks looking to explore stories as a response to our current political moment. Today we're going to explore two of those books in a little more depth.

This week’s Resources of the Week offer two paths to practice listening and witness in our own lives: one by learning from the faithful stories of Christians in a hard historical moment, and the other by learning how we can share and receive stories courageously today.

For Such a Time as This: An Emergency Devotional
by Hanna Reichel
This devotional draws deeply on the lived stories and reflections of Christians during Nazi Germany, especially those connected to the Confessing Church resistance, whose faith was tested under real threat and ambiguity. It uses those voices as everyday witnesses to help us sit with scripture and our present moment with patience, humility, and grounded attention. Their stories remind us that faith grows through presence in the midst of fear and confusion.

Why it matters this week:
When our conversations feel urgent or polarized, listening to those who lived through incomparable fear with attentive faith can help us slow down, notice assumptions, and ask where God might be at work in our moment.

Try this: Read one reflection each day, journal about what lingers with you, and pray for the courage to notice God’s movement before rushing to conclusions.

I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times

by Mónica Guzmán

This book is helpful guide for engaging others' stories and sharing our own with curiosity. Guzmán’s work is a thoughtful guide to navigating deep divides but by cultivating fearlessly curious conversations grounded in wonder, humility, and careful questions. She draws from personal experience, research, and real-life dialogues to show how simple curiosity can bridge seemingly unbridgeable gaps in understanding.

Why it matters this week:
Jesus’ parables are invitations to say, “I never thought of that that way.” Guzmán shows how those moments of insight—when we’re genuinely surprised by another’s view—can happen in our own conversations if we’re willing to ask better questions and listen deeply.

Try this: Notice one person this week with whom you’ve felt divided, and ask a genuinely curious question like, “What shaped your view on that?” Then listen to understand before responding.

Reflection Prompt for the Week
​Where have you been sure you were right—without listening first?
Write that down. Then pick a moment this week to ask one question that opens instead of closes a conversation.