2021 is looking just as insane, if not more so, than 2020. So what are we to do with all this crazy news flooding our feeds? In this episode, Holly reflects on ways of engaging with current events in a way that doesn't fill us with pride and anxiety.

[0:23] Intro (the Joker movie, and Jonathan Pageau's commentary on it)

For this Valentine's Day special, Holly suggests five ways you can love and support the spoonie in your life, whether they are a significant other, family member, friend, or perhaps even an acquaintance. 

[1:09] Intro (lockdown loneliness)

The spoonie life is often a lonely one, especially during a nation-wide lockdown, but solitude doesn't have to be a bad thing. In fact, Christians have sought out solitude from the beginning in order to commune with God and wrestle with their demons (sometimes literally). Holly discusses how she has been trying to make the most out of enforced isolation by learning from monasticism and reflecting on the spiritual reality. She also discusses the Penguin Classics collection Early Christian Writings and how the lives of Sts. Herman of Alaska, Ignatius of Antioch, and Polycarp of Smyrna can inspire and challenge us when faced with disease and death.

For more resources, see The Life of Antony by St. Athanasius, The Lord of Spirits podcast, and Dn. Michael Hyatt's podcast series on the apostolic fathers.

[0:24] Intro (St. Herman of Alaska)

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Feeling productive isn't always easy, especially when facing significant health challenges. Holly discusses her own struggles with being productive and how her illness has helped her view restful activities in a new light. Also Dn. Nicholas Kotar's novel Song of the Sirin, his podcast In a Certain Kingdom, nonsensical Covid regulations, and why traditional prayers are wonderful tools. 

For prayer ideas, see St. Philaret's morning prayer, these intercessory prayers, and these introductory prayers. Also, every (biblical) psalm ever.

[0:24] Intro (lockdown #2)

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What's the point of life when everything that previously gave you purpose is stripped from you? Holly discusses feelings of worthlessness that commonly accompany chronic illness, systematic mass murder in Denmark, and why and how to see value in every human. Also Metropolitan Kallistos Ware's The Orthodox Way, Brandon Sanderson's Elantris, and what zombie lepers have to do with the Christian destiny. 

[0:23] Intro

We'd love to hear from you! Leave a comment or send a message through our website, or follow us on social media @SpoonieTeaTime. If you'd like to support more content like this, you can make small one-time or recurring donations through Buy Me a Coffee. Every little bit helps!

Providing context for future episodes, Holly gives a brief overview of her journey with arthritis. She talks about first noticing symptoms as an undergrad, getting the unexpected diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis, and where she is at today. Also Kenneth Oppel's Silverwing and why animal protagonists can be so much fun. 

We'd love to hear from you! Leave a comment or send a message through our website, or follow us on social media @SpoonieTeaTime. If you'd like to support more content like this, you can make small one-time or recurring donations through Buy Me a Coffee. Every little bit helps!

What are spoonies and why should we care? Holly discusses Christine Miserandino's influential blog post that describes what it's like to have a chronic illness. Also Sarah J. Maas's novel Throne of Glass and why Harry Potter is way less interesting than every other character in the eponymous series. 

We'd love to hear from you! Leave a comment or send a message through our website, or follow us on social media @SpoonieTeaTime. If you'd like to support more content like this, you can make small one-time or recurring donations through Buy Me a Coffee. Every little bit helps!