Today’s News at a Glance:

1. Taylor Swift’s tour has left a wake of generosity behind.

2. Pray.com is humbled and honored as the number 1 faith-based media company on Inc.'s 5000 list.

3. We revisit our favorite good news story of the week.

Welcome to Good News Monday - time to focus on the positive and reorient ourselves for the week ahead. We believe news shouldn’t just be a constant stream of bad news, depressing stories, and fear-mongering. This world is definitely chaotic, but there’s beauty everywhere - small moments for us to see the simplicity of God’s grace and love.

We’re glad you’re here. We pray this take on the news leaves you informed and transformed.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

Dear Lord,
What an incredible promise this is! In our moments of doubt, fatigue, or fear, remind us that our strength does not come from ourselves but from You, our ever-present help and sustainer. Whether facing challenges at work, in our relationships, or in personal struggles, may we lean into You, knowing that with Your strength, we can overcome, endure, and triumph. We declare trust in You today. Not trust not in our abilities or successes, but in Your unending grace. When we become arrogant or boast in our own strength, remind us that Your Spirit is what truly breaks down barriers. Thank you, Lord, for this assurance and for the constant presence of Your Son, our source of strength, hope, and victory. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Smaller Bites

Here’s today’s news: cut short and sweet with a prayer…

1. Taylor Swift: Singing to the Tune of Generosity

Pop icon Taylor Swift is using her Eras Tour as an opportunity to donate to food banks across the U.S., presenting checks that will help supply thousands of pounds of fresh produce. In addition to her food bank contributions, Swift surprised her 50-member trucking team with a $100,000 "life-changing bonus," with whispers of more charity to come as the tour continues. Economists have hailed Swift's tour as a massive economic boon, and her philanthropic efforts are being celebrated as a wonderful example of generosity and attention to causes that matter.

Lord, we thank You for the inspiring acts of kindness and generosity displayed by those in positions of influence. May Taylor Swift's selfless giving be a reminder to all of us to look beyond ourselves and care for the less fortunate. Encourage our hearts to share our blessings with others, and may the melody of compassion resonate in our lives. Amen.

2. Humbled & Honored: Pray.com Rises to the Top of Inc’s 5000 List

 Pray.com has achieved significant recognition, rising to the top of Inc's 5000 list for 2023, ranking #3 in media, #27 in the state, and #116 overall. Through innovation and trust, Pray.com has become a beacon of hope, reaching over 12 million people worldwide, and pioneering connections with influential leaders and institutions to promote prayer and mental and spiritual health. Embracing technology as a means to foster faith, Pray.com has created AI tools to help pastors evangelize and witnessed millions of lives change through various media, such as prayers, meditations, and podcasts.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the success and impact of Pray.com. May this achievement not only be a milestone for the company but also a beacon of hope, faith, and compassion for many around the world. Continue to guide and inspire those who seek to make a positive difference through innovation and dedication to Your principles. Amen.

3. As It Turns Out, Being Like Christ is Good for Your Mental Health

A recent study has found that performing acts of kindness brings joy and can tangibly improve mental health symptoms, especially in reducing depression. The research focused on cognitive behavioral therapy methods, with the random acts of kindness group showing a significant positive impact on cognition and emotions. This concept of kindness and its positive effects align with Christian teachings about love, joy, and connection with others, reflecting a profound truth about the benefits of selflessness and the potential for kindness therapy in mental health treatment.

Heavenly Father, inspire us to embrace the simple yet profound act of kindness, recognizing its power to heal and bring joy to ourselves and others. May we become ambassadors of Your love, reflecting the virtues of selflessness, compassion, and connection. Guide us to act not just with words but with deeds, spreading healing and hope in a world that needs Your touch. Amen.

Taylor Swift: Singing to the Tune of Generosity

The beloved pop icon, Taylor Swift, is not just serenading fans with her music; she's now hitting a high note of generosity. With the beat of her Eras Tour, Swift is making stops not only to perform but to give back to food banks across the U.S. A standing ovation, anyone?

The Sound of Swift's Charity
Economists have hailed Swift's Eras Tour as a massive phenomenon impacting the U.S. economy. Everyone seems to be benefiting, from stadium venues, record labels, and ticket vendors. But in a melodious twist, food banks are joining the chorus of beneficiaries.

The tour kicked off with a bang in Arizona, where Swift presented a check to the Arizona Food Bank Network that's as hefty as some of her hit singles. This generous donation will fill tractor-trailers with 40,000 pounds of fresh produce.

From Coast to Coast: A Symphony of Giving
Based on the needs in Washington state, Seattle's Food Lifeline likely received a similar bountiful gift from Swift. Though they've chosen to play coy on the exact amount, they did confirm the funds would be used for fresh produce. Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, Three Square Food Bank, and Food Bank of the Rockies are among the other lucky recipients of Swift's charity.

Beth Martino, CEO of Three Square, mustered an encore of praise, stating, "It is really meaningful to get a gift from someone who, like Taylor Swift, has the ability to bring so much attention to our cause." And let's face it, when Taylor Swift gives you a shoutout, you know you're in the big leagues!

More Than Just a Song and Dance
Swift's generosity doesn't end at food banks. She also surprised her 50-member-strong trucking team with a $100,000 "life-changing bonus." Now that's a way to keep the band together! As the tour continues through Florida, Louisiana, and Indiana, the whispers backstage hint that more charity may be in store.

Reflection
Taylor Swift's generous contributions are a beautiful illustration of the Christian principle of giving. In Matthew 25:35, Jesus teaches, "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat." Swift's selfless acts resonate with the message of compassion and generosity and inspire many to look beyond themselves and care for the less fortunate.

Swift's generosity serves as a harmonious reminder that the gift of giving is a melody we can all sing along to. Encore, Taylor, encore!

Humbled & Honored
Pray.com Rises to the Top of Inc’s 5,000 List

We wanted to take this moment to recognize our company, Pray.com, and all the dedicated employees that work tirelessly to bring hope, love, and compassion to the world. We are honored to celebrate Pray.com’s spot as the #1 faith-based media company on Inc.'s 5000 list for 2023. With a ranking of #3 in media, #27 in the state, and #116 overall, Pray.com has achieved a milestone that goes beyond statistics. Our company has emerged as a beacon of hope that transcends profit and reaches into the hearts of millions.

Pray’s CEO and Founder, Steve Gatena, considers the success a "reflection of the passion of our customers and the diligence of our team” and speaks to “the power of our mission to grow faith, cultivate community, and leave a legacy of helping others.” Our growth tells a story of passion and purpose. Co-founders Steve Gatena, Mike Lynn, Ryan Beck, and Matthew Potter have built a platform that reaches more than 12 million people worldwide.

Through Faith and Dedication
With awards like the Best in Business Award for 2022 and Best Workplaces in 2023, Pray.com has become synonymous with innovation and trust. Michael Lynn, co-founder and CFO, says our growth is not just about numbers but passion, drive to make a difference and a relentless pursuit of greater milestones. In the words of Ryan Beck, co-founder and CTO, we have "been able to make an impact economically and spiritually.”

God has opened doors for Pray.com to impact the world. We were the first company in history to work with the President of the United States to promote prayer on the National Day of Prayer. We became the only mental & spiritual health company to work with the US Surgeon General to improve health outcomes for the faith community. With a passion for eradicating the mental health epidemic, we were the first app ever invited to the Vatican to support spiritual and maternal health and equip churches with technology worldwide. These connections have opened doors to work with respected leaders like Drew Brees, T.D. Jakes and Dr. Phil, to create clinically studied prayer therapy for people of all ages.

Tech & Spiritual Growth
Matthew Potter, co-founder and the head of strategic relationships, emphasizes the company's vision for innovating, uplifting, and transforming one prayerful moment at a time. Pray.com has embraced technology as a medium to foster faith. We have sought to prove that faith and technology can blend seamlessly, creating a space where hope finds its voice and reaches the ears of millions. Because we believe so strongly that technology and faith don’t need to be at odds with each other, we were the first company to create AI tools and technologies that help pastors evangelize and disciple at scale. At the crossroads of innovation and providence, we have joyfully witnessed millions of lives change through prayers, meditations, and podcasts like “Bible in a Year with Jack Graham”, the fastest-growing podcast of 2022.

Pray.com's success serves as a poignant reminder of what can be achieved when faith is at the core of our endeavors. In the words of Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." This milestone is a living embodiment of this truth, a reminder that anything is possible with faith, dedication, and encouragement.

As It Turns Out, Being Like Christ is Good for Your Mental Health

A New Study Finds that Performing Acts of Kindness Improves Mental Health Symptoms

In a world that often seems rife with division and despair, a recent study offers a joyful ray of hope. Researchers have discovered that the simple act of performing acts of kindness towards others is not just a moral good but brings tangible improvements to mental health symptoms.

We would all preach to each other that acts of kindness and altruism give you joy, but this study goes beyond the abstract and into the concrete, showing that these simple gestures of goodwill can be more effective in reducing symptoms of depression.

A Boost to the Mind
The study sought to test cognitive behavioral therapy methods, a non-pharmaceutical treatment for depression and anxiety. It focused on random acts of kindness, fun activities, and cognitive reappraisal techniques.

The random acts of kindness group stood out, leaving a much bigger impact on positive cognition and emotions early on, fostering social connection, and often outperforming other strategies.

Jennifer Cheavens of Ohio State University, a co-author of the study, expressed surprise at how easy it was for the participants to perform the kind acts. The study went further to argue that this kindness therapy could be a significant "add-on therapy" to most mental health disorders.

Who said this first?
The concept of loving one's neighbor and performing acts of kindness is not a new revelation but rooted in the very fabric of our faith. In 1 John, we are told that sharing the gospel brings joy (1 John 1:4). This is not just in preaching, but in deed. In Galatians 5:22, the Bible teaches about the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These virtues reflect the very nature of God. When we have His Spirit dwelling within us, and that Spirit is actively moving through us to action, we experience joy.

We are encouraged in 2 Corinthians 9:7 to give out of joy, not religious compulsion or guilt. The essence of Christ-like living is not pious and joyless. Rather, it is self-sacrificial and joyful. To be selfless and joyful may seem paradoxical to the world, but to us believers, it’s foundational. Jesus said in Mark 9 that whoever wants to be first in His kingdom must be a servant of all. We know in order to get ahead in God’s Kingdom, we serve the people around us with joy and without expectation of anything in return.

Connecting with Others
The significance of kindness in the study also emphasizes the importance of connection with other people. In a time when social isolation poses a real threat to well-being, the act of reaching out with a kind gesture becomes not just a moral act but a life-affirming one.

Cheavens has tapped into a profound truth: Getting out of our own heads through acts of kindness seems to benefit our well-being. The connections we make through kindness help us grow as individuals and as a community.

Reflection
The study’s findings present a golden opportunity for Christians to be light-bearers in a world in need of healing. It calls us back to the simplicity of the Gospel, where love for our neighbors is not just a command but a pathway to joy and mental well-being. Indeed, the world would be a much better place if more of us took this research to heart. The actions may be small, but their impact is profound. The next time you reach out with a kind gesture, remember, it's not just good for others, but it's good for you too.

"Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." - 1 John 3:18. May these words inspire us to become ambassadors of kindness, spreading love, joy, and healing in a world that dearly needs it. Amen.

Disclaimer: These articles are based on available information as of the publication date. Please follow our publication for future updates and developments regarding this ongoing story.

All Reporting Fact Checked by: https://editor.factiverse.ai/home

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