Amid all the controversy, criticism, and celebration of Terrence Malick's award-winning film The Tree of Life, what do we really understand of it? The Way of Nature and the Way of Grace thoughtfully engages the philosophical riches of life, culture, time, and the sacred through Malick's film. This innovative collection traverses the relationships among ontological, moral, scientific, and spiritual perspectives on the world, demonstrating how phenomenological work can be done in and through the cinematic medium, and attempting to bridge the gap between narrow "theoretical" works on film and their broader cultural and philosophical significance. Exploring Malick's film as a philosophical engagement, this readable and insightful collection presents an excellent resource for film specialists, philosophers of film, and film lovers alike.

Inspired by Arthur Ashe’s bestselling memoir Days of Grace, a collection of positive, uplifting stories of seemingly small acts of grace from across the sports world that have helped to bridge cultural and racial divides. Like many people of color, James Blake has experienced the effects of racism firsthand—publicly—first at the U.S. Open, and then in front of his hotel on a busy Manhattan street, where he was tackled and handcuffed by a police officer in a case of "mistaken identity." Though rage would have been justified, Blake faced both incidents with dignity and aplomb. In Ways of Grace he reflects on his experiences and explores those of other sports stars and public figures who have not only overcome adversity, but have used them to unite rather than divide, including: Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi, a Pakistani Muslim and Amir Hadad, an Israeli Jew, who despite the conflicts of their countries, paired together in the 2002 Wimbledon men’s doubles draw. Muhammad Ali, who transcended racism with a magnetic personality and a breathtaking mastery of boxing that was unparalleled. Nelson Mandela, who spent twenty-seven years in prison for his commitment to social reform, peace, and equality yet never gave up his battle to end apartheid—a struggle that led to his eventual freedom and his nation's transition to black majority rule. Groundbreaking tennis legend Arthur Ashe, who was a model of courage, elegance, and poise on the court and off; a gifted player who triumphed in the all-white world of professional tennis, and became one of his generation's greatest players. Weaving together these and other poignant and unforgettable stories, Blake reveals how, through seemingly small acts of grace, we can confront hatred, bigotry, and injustice with virtue—and use it to propel ourselves to greater heights.

“Perhaps you hunger to finally end the struggle of living from a consciousness of fear and separation. Perhaps you yearn for a saner, wiser, more spiritually elegant way to move through our world. Perhaps you are weary of the dizzying pace of a culture that drives us ever further from our true nature. There is another way: a way of Grace. This book is a hand of friendship to help you come to abide in the living presence that you are and always were.”—Miranda Macpherson, The Way of Grace Many of us struggle to truly live what we believe spiritually. What if closing that gap wasn’t about trying harder, but something quite the opposite? The Way of Grace is a guide to spiritual surrender and nondual realization based on the practice of ego relaxation—a holistic, feminine approach to welcoming all of your experience and responding with compassion and wisdom in a world in need of your unique gifts. “Grace has four primary dimensions, or ways that it comes alive,” explains Macpherson. “Ego relaxation gives us access to these dimensions, so we can stop trying to beat ourselves into spiritual shape and yield instead to an unshakable presence within.” In The Way of Grace, she shares reflections, inquiries, and meditation practices for each phase of your journey: • Relaxing into the Ground of Grace—move beyond identification with your personality and return to the felt sense of your connection to Grace as your natural and ever-present foundation • Receiving the Blessings of Grace—move beyond “the spiritual poverty of lack” and rediscover the gift of life in every moment through the portals of trust, humility, patience, and joy • The Transforming Power of Grace—move beyond that which limits your full freedom through forgiveness, compassion, unwinding ego identity, and abiding in your boundless nature • Living the Embodiment of Grace—continue to surrender anything that binds you into self-centered patterns and behaviors and become a “Grace-delivery device,” the presence of love here on Earth “Grace will always deepen, season, and bring out the very best in you,” writes Macpherson. “You are its embodiment, always and forever.” The Way of Grace will be your steady companion to “live as the fountain we were made to be, letting the living waters flow to quench our parched and tired Earth.” Foreword by Russ Hudson.

This is a clear, concise, well-written book that is chock full of all sorts of information and references. While the text is certainly authoritative and well researched, the prose is accessible enough that the average reader can easily grasp the book's concepts and teachings. Anyone who would like to do a book by book study of grace in the New Testament epistles and the Bible as a whole will find this book immensely helpful. Therefore, I see this book finding a significant audience amongst all sorts of Christians. - Kevin Miller The Way of Grace opens up a whole fresh understanding of the gift of grace revealed through the New Testament epistles. In its concise examples of how grace works to build on our relationship with Jesus Christ, this book will assist many Christians in understanding the full power and extent of this infinite gift of God. - John Stanley "And therefore the Lord [earnestly] waits [expecting, looking, and longing] to be gracious to you; ... Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are all those who [earnestly] wait for Him, who expect and look and long for Him [for His victory, His favor, His love, His peace, His joy, and His matchless, unbroken companionship]!" (Isaiah 30:18a, c)

Laughter—the GPS System for the Soul Laughter was honored by the ancients as a spiritual healing tool and celebrated by the world's great religions. So why aren’t we laughing along the spiritual path today? What would happen if we did? In this personal and funny look at humor as a spiritual practice, Rev. Susan Sparks—an ex-lawyer turned comedian and Baptist minister—presents a convincing case that the power of humor radiates far beyond punch lines. Laughter can help you: Remove the fearful mask of a God who doesn’t laugh Debunk the myths that you don’t deserve joy Find perspective when faced with adversity Exercise forgiveness for yourself and others Reclaim play as a spiritual practice Heal—emotionally, physically, and spiritually Keep your faith when God is silent Live with elegance, beauty, and generosity of spirit Whatever your faith tradition—or if you have none at all—join this veteran of the punch line and the pulpit in reclaiming the forgotten humor legacy found in thousands of years of human spiritual history.

Many Christians have an easier time being saved by grace than they do living in grace every day. But grace is at the center of the life God calls us to--and reflects the heart of the One who calls.These studies in Grace will help you make the connection between grace as a remote biblical concept and grace as a lifestyle--a reality you experience day in, day out. Through an unfolding study of Psalm 23, you’ll learn how God--our Good Shepherd--is for you, how he longs to walk with you through temptation, sorrow, and even deep regret. You’ll discover God’s desire to make his joy your joy. Throughout, you’ll learn how enduring, powerful, and life-affirming God’s work in your life can be—and rediscover why it’s called amazing grace.Leader’s guide included!Grace group sessions are:Living in GraceGrace for RegretsSustaining GraceDelighting in GraceA Legacy of GraceGrace ForeverGrace to Share

Whether it’s starting a new job, graduating from school, welcoming a new baby, experiencing an empty nest, or simply facing the daily battles of life and faith, it’s comforting when someone comes along and says, “I’ve been here before.” It’s even more comforting when they share their lessons learned! This beautiful gift book offers just that—fresh perspective from those who have braved all sorts of seasons, gathering some lessons and laughs along the way. With more than twenty-five years of experience in work, marriage, parenting, faith, and music, the GRAMMY-nominated and Dove Award winning ladies of Point of Grace—beloved and longtime CCM artists—share the lessons God has taught them in these areas and many more: Faith Marriage Parenting Graduation New Jobs In-Laws Preparing for an Empty Nest Priorities and Routines Gratitude Worry Boundaries BONUS: A journaling section is offered in the back of this book so you can record your own lessons learned! Use this writing space to remind yourself of God’s great grace in your life, or use it as a perfectly giftable way to pass on your insights and advice to a loved one who might need your wisdom in a season of transition or celebration.

Tchividjian is convinced our exhausted world needs a fresh encounter with God's inexhaustible grace: His one-way love.

"Sarah Kaufman offers an old-fashioned cure for a modern-day ailment. The remedy for our culture of coarseness is grace…This is an elegant, compelling, and, yes, graceful book." —Daniel H. Pink, author of Drive In this joyful exploration of grace’s many forms, Pulitzer Prize–winning critic Sarah L. Kaufman celebrates a too-often-forgotten philosophy of living that promotes human connection and fulfillment. Drawing on the arts, sports, the humanities, and everyday life—as well as the latest findings in neuroscience and health research—Kaufman illuminates how our bodies and our brains are designed for grace. She promotes a holistic appreciation and practice of grace, as the joining of body, mind, and spirit, and as a way to nurture ourselves and others.