Summer Resources for Spiritual Sustenance

As we move into the long days of summer, some of Shalem’s board and staff have put together a list of books, movies, poetry and other resources that are contemplatively grounding and inspirational.  Enjoy!

BOOKS

Tilden Edwards (Founder and Senior Fellow)

Margaret Benefiel (Executive Director)

Susie Dillon (Interim Development Director)

Jackson Droney (Director of Operations)

  • Embody: Five Keys to Leading with Integrity by Karoline M. Lewis.  Using stories of women leaders in the New Testament, the book explores five essential qualities of Christian leadership.  The author uses poetry and reflection exercises to invite readers to explore these themes more personally in their leadership setting.

Ann Dean (Director of Leading Contemplative Prayer Groups & Retreats Program)

Liz Ward (Co-Director of Spiritual Guidance Program)

  • Ladder to the Light: An Indigenous Elder’s Meditations on Hope and Courage by Steven Charleston. Steven Charleston has served as an Episcopal bishop and continues to be a justice advocate for Indigenous peoples, a voice for honoring creation, and a leader in spiritual renewal.  In his powerful reflections he shares his personal prayer experiences and gives us important insights into the spiritual resilience of North America’s indigenous peoples.  He offers us deeply grounded hope and wisdom as we move through challenging times.

Ruth Taylor (Director of Technology)

Leah Rampy (Program Staff)

Sallie Chatfield (Board member)

Westina Matthews (Board member)

POETRY

Susie Dillon (Interim Development Director)

Kiok Cho (Board member)

  • Oh my God, Trinity Whom I Adore
    by Elizabeth of the Trinity

O my God,
Help me to forget myself entirely
that I may be established in you
as changeless and calm
as if my soul were already in eternity.
May nothing trouble my peace
or make me leave you,
O my Unchanging One,
but may each minute
carry me further
into the depths of your mystery.
Give peace to my soul;
make it your heaven,
your beloved dwelling
and your resting place.
May I never leave you there alone
but be wholly present, in living faith
wholly vigilant, wholly adoring,
and wholly surrendered
to your creative Action.

MOVIES

Rhett Engelking (Board member)

  • A Hidden Life, a film by Terrence Malick. May 20 was the 114th birthday of Franz Jagerstatter, a conscientious objector who refused to fight for the Nazis in World War II. The movie was directed by Terence Malick who has done some other contemplative and visually breathtaking movies such as The Tree of Life, To the Wonder, and Days of Heaven.  It is currently free on some streaming services and purchasable on Amazon.
  • Grace and Grit.  This movie is based upon an autobiography of the relationship of Treya and Ken Wilber. It is billed as a story of courage, transcendence, and eternal love as chronicled in the globally acclaimed book, Grace and Grit. It will be released June 4.

OTHER

Tilden Edwards (Founder and Senior Fellow)

Scott Rohr (Board member)

May 05, 2021 by Shalem Institute
Subscribe
Notify of
guest

0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Mission

Our mission is to nurture contemplative living and leadership.

Vision

In 2025, Shalem will be a dynamic and inclusive community, empowered by the Spirit, where seekers engage in transformation of themselves, their communities, and the world through spiritual growth, deep connection, and courageous action.

Cancel