Today’s Good News Friday post is by Alyson Rockhold, you can read about her in her bio at the end. This is a fantastic peek into her interests and perspective. I love the practical meditation practice and the delight she takes in highlighting global stories and life. Enjoy! And share with us some of your good things from this week.
Tell us something about your life in international development, faith, missions, cross-culturally…anything. Tell us something you have seen, heard about, done that is:
Interesting
Good
Kind
Beautiful
Generous
Lovely
Intriguing
Honorable
You get the idea. Tell us something good.
At first, this sweet comic reminded me of my marriage, which blossomed from the seeds of a high school friendship. However, the more I reflect on this simple drawing, the more it speaks to me of crossing cultures, sharing faith, and living a missional life. In each of those instances, the best, truest, strongest work is done gently, patiently, and over time.
Best Love Letter
I know what it’s like to fall in love with an unusual place: A place guidebooks advise against visiting, a place easily scorned or ignored. And I’m guessing many of you do, too. So, I hope this beautiful photo essay about Kabul will resonate with you as it did for me. There is so much terrible news out of Afghanistan, but this piece reminds us that “Kabul’s long and vibrant history gives it breath beyond the headlines.”
Best Medical News
Alabama boy certified as world's most premature baby
An infant in Alabama survived being born at 21-weeks-old! As a medical professional, this fills me with awe and gratitude for the medical advancements that made this possible. As an overseas worker, this fills me with sorrow over how many infants lack access to this level of care. My reaction to this article is a microcosm of my life as a medical missionary: celebrating advancements while also mourning inequalities. Maybe it’s a feeling you can relate to?
Best Hospitality
Family Opens Home to Family of Five from Afghanistan
My friend, Megan (another member of this community), shared this feel-good article with me. I like the line at the end, “Life has no meaning unless you’re helping other people and trying to make life easier for those that you meet.” The hospitality of this American family reminds me of the hospitality of Afghans in the book, The Places In Between by Rory Stewart. That book follows the true story of a Scottish man who walked across Afghanistan in 2002. It’s been years since I’ve read it, but I will never forget his endless amazement for the kindness, hospitality, and generosity of the Afghans he encountered.
Best Gratitude Practice
Gratitude at the End of the Day
I hope you enjoy this 4-minute gratitude meditation as much as I do! It teaches you to look over the past day and soak in all the good moments. With regular practice, it has made me more aware of my daily blessings. I’ll often find myself thinking, “Oh that was nice, I’ll have to remember it in my reflection tonight.” This meditation has made me a detective of grace, on the search for signs of God’s goodness in my daily life.
What are your good things this week?
Alyson Rockhold was a medical missionary in Zambia, Tanzania, and Haiti. She unexpectedly returned to the U.S. in 2020 and started a writing ministry during that time of transition. Click here to download her free 7-day devotional about Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God.” She also invites you to sign up for her encouraging monthly newsletter at www.alysonrockhold.com.
My good thing this week was holding a new coworker's baby. Missing my own nieces and nephews and it is always good to squeeze a baby.
I love the tree picture. (I love trees.) It reminds me of the book The Hidden Life of Trees.