Weathering life's storms like Janice Dean; A love letter to TV; Another Angel story

3 Things this week and a poem

The leftovers have been eaten. We've done a Costco trip to restock the fridge (and drain the bank account). Thanksgiving has come and gone.

But we remain grateful.

I hope you had a sweet Thanksgiving if you celebrated in Canada.

Thanks so much for spending some of your weekend with Things I Wrote Down. Here are three things and an a poem.

1. Weathering life’s storms like Janice Dean

I want to weather life’s storms like Janice Dean.

I had a surprise and sweet exchange with the Fox News meteorologist on X this week. She famously covers hurricanes, and she’s been at the centre of other storms.

She was a catalyst helping the women at Fox, including Megyn Kelly, turn the ride in the sexual harassment scandal that took down Roger Ailes. (Their candid interview about the experience and reflections on those dark times—as well as their take on Bombshell, the film based on the experience—is one of the most fascinating podcast interviews I've listened to).

I first became aware of her when she really risked everything to take on the governor of New York during the unconscionable nursing home scandal during the pandemic. Her hero husband, a NYC firefighter who lost his colleagues in 9/11, tragically lost his parents in the malpractice and mishandling of nursing homes, choosing to mingle the infected with the most at risk rather than accepting help from the T word.

Dean also lives with MS, a disease my family is familiar with as our most beloved uncle Dave bravely battled the disease for over 40 years. From track star to wheelchair he lived a life of joy and always brought it to others, wherever he went.

I was blessed to read this article about Dean and how she intentionally lives, serving others while taking care of herself. It’ll inspire you if you’re in the midst of a storm.

2. A love letter to TV

I saw this post on LinkedIn from TV producer Paul Haber, and it captured so much of how I feel about creativity.

He writes, as he transitions into new work, the following:

As a producer in the field, I learned to juggle countless variables, always staying one step ahead. In the studio, my focus shifted to bringing ideas to life and crafting stories that would resonate with millions.

The thrill of seeing your vision materialize on screen is unparalleled. Not every project comes together flawlessly, but when it does, the satisfaction is immeasurable. Watching your work alongside friends and family and hearing feedback from viewers near and far – these moments make every challenge worthwhile.

What the audience doesn't see are the countless hours of dedication behind each show, story, or series. Some projects flow effortlessly, while others test your resolve.

I feel these words so deeply. I've experienced similar things bringing stories to life, especially She Has A Name. And while I'm more on the periphery of DANIEL, this is exactly where Matt and Dan are right now as we bring this new project to life at Unveil.

Even though I don’t know him, I wish Paul well in his new creative pursuit!

Great things happen on LinkedIn. If you’re there, let’s follow each other—here’s my profile!

3. Another Angel story

This year I really increased my output of Christmas content over at Skit Guys. The short plays are used by churches across North America. It's an honour to bring stories and truths from the Bible come alive in new ways and to make people laugh in church.

This week Operation Forerunner was released. Gabriel has just left the temple. Zechariah is suddenly mute. Now Rapha and Tromos, two angels, prepare for an on-Earth mission to ensure the miracle child John, who will prepare the way for the Messiah, will be safe.

It's part of my new Even Angels series. If you need Christmas content for your church, here's an easy-to-produce skit for that moment between the worship and the sermon.

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A poem

Sorry to bring up the pandemic twice now. I should be fined.

I've been revisiting some of the poems I put out as a daily. creative exercise through that experience (not knowing lockdown would be more than 80 days, which is when I stopped).

This poem, about running to the arms of Christ, means something.

I hope it blesses you today and that you keep running in that direction. Or start. For, it's the warmest, safest embrace.