Thursday, May 15, 2025

Welcome!

This issue … according to both Scripture and science, beauty may be one of the deepest ways God reaches us.

P.S. ⬇️ — Beauty points to God.

Signals & shifts

Quick hits from around the world and under the radar—where faith, culture, and global currents intersect. Curated to help you see, pray, and act with Kingdom clarity.

📱 What if you stopped doomscrolling for just two weeks?
A recent study found many (75%) felt noticeably better mentally after just two weeks off the endless scroll of bad news and social media. Improved attention spans, sleep, and well-being.

🌍 UK experiencing a 'Remarkable spiritual shift'
After a decade of street ministry in London, evangelist Stephen Johnson tells says he’s never seen hearts more open to the gospel.

🔔 The first American pope. How will Leo XIV lead the Roman Catholic Church? (video)

✝️ President Trump becomes the first president since Eisenhower to change religious affiliation in office. He was confirmed as a Presbyterian (Presbyterian Church USA). “I now consider myself to be a non-denominational Christian.”

🔭 Watchword. “… God has chosen to work through people. Even when it is the Lord himself initiating something, earnestly desiring to do it, He still needs us to ask.” —Dutch Sheets

🎨 We’re wired for beauty. Your brain is designed to crave beauty. Milliseconds after seeing something lovely, your mind lights up with pleasure. Beauty heals. It points us back to the Creator. Awe boosts immunity.

Awe and the art of being a better human

At The Smart Edit, we’re passionate about exploring the ways of Jesus—discovering what it truly means to know Him and grow as his apprentice. Cultivating a true sense of awe draws us deeper into the way of Jesus—it’s a key to becoming the kind of people He’s forming.

In our fast-paced, hyper-efficient world, we risk losing touch with something essential: the art of being deeply human.

Amazingly, awe might be a key to getting it back.

🧬 Studies show that awe lowers inflammation by reducing stress.

But awe does more than heal. Awe reorients us. It shrinks ego. Reduces self-focus. Opens the door to humility and joy.

You don’t have to go the Grand Canyon or gaze at the Sistine Chapel ceiling this week. Awe is already all around you:

• A stunning sky or a quiet forest

• A symphony or moment of genius

• A small act of kindness

• A deep idea, an epiphany

• A moving story or spiritual encounter

Ultimate Awe—“One thing have I desired of the Lord … to behold the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple.” — Psalm 27:4

We weren’t made just to perform or produce—but to behold. To become.

⚡️ Prompt to ponder: Where could you welcome awe today and this summer—to become more alive, more truly human?

How awe boosts your immune system (Epoch Times)

The power of awe (Mayo Clinic)

SIgn up for the Smart Edit here.

Scam to awe

Awaken awe. Recover your humanity. 7 ½ mins.

(via The Babylon Bee) A concerned husband assured his wife on Wednesday he was only reading Song of Solomon to study profound theological doctrine.

Impending Doom

The Pour Over believes the news can be a force for good, helping people find rest and comfort in Christ while spurring them on to action.

Instead of, you know… creating division and a feeling of impending doom.

Join 1 million+ Christians who receive TPO’s politically-neutral, anger-and-anxiety-free, Christ-first news coverage.

Sign up for free today!

📩 SIgn up for the Smart Edit here.