The 75th Frankfurter Buchmesse, the largest trade show for books, was held every year in Frankfurt, Germany. For worldwide business and trading, it is regarded as the most significant book fair on earth.
The Frankfurt Book Fair celebrated its 75th anniversary, celebrating literary and cultural diversity. With a series of activities prepared, one of the most anticipated this year is the chosen country to be the guest of honor, which is Slovenia. The country will present not just its diverse, unique qualities as an attractive place to travel but also as a country with a rich literary tradition.
This year, Citi of Books joined the largest book fair in the world. We were excited to present books written by our distinguished authors. In our assigned booth, a range of books—from fiction to nonfiction—would be on exhibit. A book included in the gallery was “Outrageous Fortune: Meditations on Living through a Pandemic and Troubled Times” by Stephen W. Locke.
Stephen W. Locke has spent 35 years as a Presbyterian pastor. He lives in California with his wife, Chris, and his three children. He has directed a series of lectures entitled “Religion in America: Seeking the Common Ground” in conjunction with California State University, Stanislaus.
Navigating through troubled times is often fearful, terrifying, and disappointing. We want to make decisions that move us along, but we are also fearful of making the wrong choice.
Fear is the big boulder that hinders our minds from making those decisions. To overcome fear, we must live our fears and not back out or escape them. By facing our fears, we will gain greater spiritual peace.
“Outrageous Fortune: Meditations on Living through a Pandemic and Troubled Times” also reminds us that we cannot give what we do not have. We must also heal ourselves first before we can heal other people. We need to comfort ourselves first with God’s words before we encourage others.
These meditations trace the emotional upheaval of our struggle as well as provide hopeful solace in the struggle itself. Philosophers, sociologists, psychologists, spiritual advisors, and theologians are useful sources for this journey.
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