Reasonably Happy

religious inspiration

Harper's informs a diverse body of readers of cultural, business, political, literary and scientific affairs.

Important American periodical dating back to 1850.

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"... Dozens of real-life case examples, detailed descriptions of self-help action steps ... [to help] overcome anxiety, depression, rage, self-hate, or self pity ... "--Cover.

Movie stars, entertainers, game-show hosts, jugglers, plate-spinners, gospel choirs, corporate executives posing with over-sized checks, household name-brand products, smiling children in leg braces-all were fixtures of the phenomenon that defined American culture in the second half of the twentieth century: the telethon. Hundreds of millions watched these weekend-long variety shows that raised billions of dollars for disability-related charities. Drawing on over two decades of in-depth research, Telethons trenchantly explores the complexity underneath the campy spectacles. At its center are the disabled children, who, thanks to a particular kind of historical-cultural marginalization, turned out to be ideal tools for promoting corporate interests, privatized healthcare, and class status. Offering a public message about helping these unfortunate victims, telethons perpetuated a misleading image of people with disabilities as helpless, passive, apolitical members of American society. Paul K. Longmore's revelatory chronicle shows how these images in fact helped major corporations increase their bottom lines, while filling gaps in the strange public-private hybrid U.S. health insurance system. Only once disabled people pushed back in public protests did the broader implications for all Americans become clear. Mining insights from great thinkers such as Adam Smith, Edmund Burke, and Alexis de Tocqueville, along with contemporary cultural figures like Jerry Lewis, Ralph Nader, and several disability rights activists, Telethons offers a provocative meditation on big business, American government, popular culture, Cold War values, and "activism" both narrowly and broadly defined. As highly popular entertainment, telethons schooled Americans about how to feel about their bodies, fitness, health, and appropriate ways to interact with people whose bodies did not fit norms determined by advertisers. The programs also taught them about when to weep and how to cure guilt through "conspicuous contribution." Longmore's astute observations about psychology, economics, and society reveal how writing off telethons as kitsch and irrelevant has enabled many individual attitudes, corporate practices, and government policies to go unquestioned. Ultimately, Telethons reveals the passion, humanity, resistance, and triumph that were not center-stage on these popular telecasts by offering insights into the U.S. disability movement past and present.

In this helpful guide by Vicki Tiede, women are gently reminded to turn toward God and away from despair. When Your Husband Is Addicted to Pornography addresses the struggles women experience when they are shattered, betrayed, and alone. Writing from personal experience, Vicki Tiede offers daily readings and questions on six important topics: hope, surrender, trust, identity, brokenness, and forgiveness. She helps readers grow in healing and hope in the midst of marriage trials. By describing one of the "hidden sins" in our churches and culture that destroys marriages, the author offers biblical advice on a workable plan of action. She shares the stories of twenty-five women who have known this deep anguish, and she helps bridge the gap in the healing journey so many other materials leave out. She comforts readers and refreshingly points hurt women toward the one who calms the raging seas. Allowing God to meet your greatest needs is a long and learned process, but he promises to help you every step of the way. Questions and daily readings are suitable for both individuals and small groups.

This is the story of two girls; ordinary, but with their own individual traits. Every girl has to express her individuality some way, and these two are no exception.Maria is not afraid of growing up; she’s only concerned with how she’ll make her mother proud of her achievements. Born in a village in North Bedfordshire, she has a dream of going to university and perhaps write a book, but struggles with autism.Storme – Stephanie – at 18 has her own struggle; she’s trying to break away from an upbringing in a North London estate, an upbringing that no girl should ever experience. Her guardian Ella is far from an ideal foster mother.These two very different girls, from very different backgrounds, are brought together at university, but with their unusual friendship comes great shock and tragedy. Will a strong bond help Storme and Maria face a world that is often against them? Storme is a revealing and honest dramatisation of what today’s young people have to face.In Bel Ravenne’s debut novel, the reader will be able to emphasise with both of the girls in some way and will be drawn quickly into this gripping story. Storme is unique in its narrative style; the story is split between a third-person account of Stephanie’s life and first-person journal entries by Maria. Will these two girls grow increasingly able to face realities in this difficult and demanding world? Storme will appeal to female teen readers aged 13-18. Bel has mainly been inspired by Jacqueline Wilson.

Even though we want to be content and trust God, we can still feel overwhelmed by worry. Filled with encouragement and practical help for overcoming anxiety, this 12-session Bible study for women explains what God says about contentment and offers ways to apply it to daily life.