Friday Flow, #41

Chosen, hope, character

What’s up?

I’ve just discovered The Chosen. It aims to be the first show about the life of Jesus that spans multiple seasons—I say “aims” because it’s only in season 2, but the creators have 7 planned. It’s a pretty interesting show because it’s entirely crowdfunded, and the first season was the highest crowd-funded TV series or film ever. (I have no idea what the second highest might have been.)

It’s a really interesting show. It’s slow paced, and you can tell it’s low budget, but it’s thoughtfully written and while it wears its heart on its sleeve, it’s not cheesy in the way modern art by and for religious people often is—but that’s a topic for another day. The whole show tells the story of Jesus through the eyes of the people who encountered him. Each episode spotlights one such encounter—often a miracle—but where other shows would have focused on the wonder of the encounter, the show focuses on the impact on those caught up in it.

I’m probably a bit biased about it for the obvious reason that it’s about my faith. But I certainly walk away feeling like you can see why Jesus would have had the kind of following he did—not just because of his claims, but because of his character. At a time when we’re all pressured to make all kinds of claims, I’m reminded that the ability to back them up is what matters most.

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I hope you hope (essays)

Since last week I’ve, yes, written 7 more atomic essays and I’m on the last lap now. As I write this, I have only 4 more to go. Putting out these essays every week has been so much fun! I thought I could do it, but actually doing it has been delightful.

My favourite atomic essay this week was also the fastest to write. The first paragraph was all I had clear in my head at the start and about 45 minutes later, the whole thing was cooked. I don’t typically like stuff I write that quickly but I really liked this one, and I hope you do too.

Here’s where you can jump on the essay from this week:

Dọ́kítà Ayọ̀mídé 🚢 @DocAyomide

20/30 We struggle with compliments from faux humility—or feeling undeserving. 2 helpful thoughts from CS Lewis: “A man is never so proud as when striking an attitude of humility.” “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.” #Ship30for30

Dọ́kítà Ayọ̀mídé 🚢 @DocAyomide

We're weirdly socialised to resist compliments. Someone says you did good or look good—your first impulse is to go, "What, me? No, I'm just regular." You might not realise it, but you're implying the person complimenting you lacks judgment. Let's talk about it. #Ship30for30 https://t.co/0bj1TJZqmA

Here’s all the other essays from the past week:

• Day 19: A simple way to take a compliment

• Day 20: Non-random acts of kindness

• Day 21: Humour and horror: how we stay human

• Day 22: Communicating with honesty isn’t enough

• Day 23: Why misery is right to love company

• Day 24: 5 things about hope I hope you remember

• Day 25: What we mean by “Don’t judge me”…

• Today: Intelligence ≠ wisdom

What are you building? (proverb)

My essay today was about the why intelligence is overrated, so this Yoruba proverb is appropriate.

They who build a house—but not their character—may find none to share it with.

Talk soon,

Doc Ayomide

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