Christopher Closeup

Joy Marie Clarkson, the author of "Aggressively Happy: A Realist's Guide to Believing in the Goodness of Life," shares her insights on finding beauty in the world, even in dark times—and how relying on God can strengthen and guide us through those dark times.

1) Linsey Davis – the ABC News anchor, correspondent, and Christopher Award-winning author reveals how her son's request to see his grandmother in heaven inspired her new children's book. She also discusses her own daily spiritual practices that keep her grounded in faith.

2) Tribute to Father John Catoir – a tribute to the former Director of The Christophers who passed away recently at age 90. Includes audio clips that focus on his devotion to being a "messenger of joy." Host: Tony Rossi.

Susan Hood and Greg Dawson, the co-authors of the middle grade book "Alias Anna: A True Story of Outwitting the Nazis" share the history of Greg's Jewish grandmother, Zhanna, who survived the Holocaust in Ukraine due to her musical talents and the help of some Christian families.

Grammy Award-winning singer Mandisa discusses her memoir "Out of the Dark," why she wants to destigmatize talk about mental health and race in the Christian community, and how she finds God's joy, even in challenging times.

Sister Larraine Lauter, the co-founder of the charity Water With Blessings, recalls her mission trip to Honduras in which the death of a child from drinking dirty water inspired her successful efforts to provide mothers in impoverished countries with water filters that save lives. She also reveals how the people she serves have acted as reflections of Christ in her life.

Author, speaker, and radio host Katie Prejean McGrady discusses how to make Lent a life-changing experience for teens, and the ways in which she held onto her faith in God while having to evacuate her home while nine months pregnant due to a hurricane.

Don Tate, the Christopher Award-winning author and illustrator of "Poet: The Remarkable Story of George Moses Horton" discusses the stories of hope and faith he shares in his children's books, the role of faith in his own life, and the positive difference he is making for both African American authors and readers.

Author David Davis discusses his Christopher Award-winning book "Wheels of Courage: How Paralyzed Veterans from World War II Invented Wheelchair Sports, Fought for Disability Rights, and Inspired a Nation." He also touches on the role that Pope John XXIII played in making the Paralympics a success.

1) Deanna Witkowski– the musician and author of "Mary Lou Williams: Music for the Soul" discusses the jazz legend's road to musical success and her conversion to the Catholic faith.

2) Kelly Starling Lyons and Torrey Maldonado, Part 2 – the Christopher Award-winning authors discuss the ways they approach prayer and struggle in their lives.

Christopher Award-winning authors Kelly Starling Lyons and Torrey Maldonado discuss the power of faith and literature in their lives – and the ways they use their writing to bring light into the lives of young people, especially African American young people looking for characters they can relate to.