Jessel Lumapas, a Filipino athlete, found her passion for track and field almost by accident. From being a playful child to becoming a national athlete, her journey has been filled with both challenges and triumphs. Despite limited opportunities, Jessel perseveres, fueled by her faith and a determination to excel. She shares her story and inspires aspiring athletes to stay focused and pursue their dreams.
A Catholic attorney reflects on the lessons he’s learned from his Bernedoodle, Sugaree, and how her simple act of surrendering a tennis ball mirrors the joy of surrendering to God’s will. He draws parallels to the Grateful Dead’s lyrics and his own journey of faith.
Eid ul-Adha, also known as the Feast of the Sacrifice, is a significant occasion celebrated by Muslims worldwide. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham in the Judeo-Christian tradition) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God’s command. However, God provided a ram to sacrifice instead, symbolizing Ibrahim’s unwavering faith and obedience. Celebrated on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Eid ul-Adha marks the end of Hajj and is associated with prayers, feasting, and the exchange of gifts.
Indika is a new narrative adventure game from Odd Meter that follows a lowly nun trying to fit in at a monastery. She’s tasked with delivering a letter across a cold Russian wasteland along with a male companion and the Devil. Throughout her journey, she grapples with complex questions about religion, logic, and the power of prayer.
The game’s unique gameplay and antagonistic design choices have sparked controversy and debate. The grueling bucket-filling sequence and seemingly meaningless level-up system serve as satirical critiques of religious rituals and dogma. However, Indika also explores more fundamental aspects of faith, encouraging players to question and challenge their beliefs.
Despite its potential to wallow in cynicism, Indika ultimately presents a compelling crisis of faith for its troubled protagonist. It doesn’t answer any question it poses, leaving that for players to take up with their own beliefs.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) narrowly averted tragedy when his two teenage sons were swept out to sea by a rip current during a Florida fundraising trip shortly after his appointment as speaker in the fall. The boys, 18-year-old Jack and 13-year-old Will, were rescued by lifeguards on jet skis after being spotted by a passing parasailer. Johnson confirmed the incident to The Washington Post but declined to provide further details. He recounted the harrowing experience in an interview with The Atlantic, crediting divine intervention for the survival of his sons. The incident brought up discussions about faith with former President Donald Trump, who has consistently courted evangelical Christian voters. Johnson, an evangelical Southern Baptist, has enjoyed Trump’s support since taking over as speaker in October 2022. Trump praised Johnson’s efforts as speaker despite their slim majority, describing him as a ‘very good person’ who is ‘trying very hard.’
Jon Bon Jovi is facing a challenging recovery from vocal cord surgery and has turned to faith and religion for solace. He believes that his healing journey is in God’s hands and that he is doing everything possible alongside the Lord to regain his full health.
