Cultivating Cheerfulness: Disposition and Practice

From C.S. Lewis to Luka Dončić: Celebrating Joy in Unexpected Places

On this Christmas-season Good Faith episode, host Curtis Chang welcomes back "founding friend" David French to showcase how he can give thanks in all circumstances even amid a depressing news cycle. Through five surprising "gratitudes" (from Dune and Luka Dončić to family healing and C.S. Lewis), the conversation offers a timely guide to cultivating Christian joy, resilience, and hope in anxious times. French shares why his hope isn't rooted in a "five-point plan," but in the character of God and the "light and high beauty" that can break through dark moments—even illustrated by a powerful story of forgiveness after a Michigan church shooting.

(00:02:22) - Living with Tension: Blessings and Challenges

(00:05:11) - Practicing Cheerfulness and Gratitude

(00:08:52) - #5: Anticipating Dune Part Three & the importance of joy and fun.

(00:18:22) - #4: Luka Doncic & appreciating greatness

(00:26:50) - Transcendence, and the Need for Beauty in dark times.

(00:27:55) - #3: Michigan Mormons' Response to Tragedy

(00:29:22) - The Power of Redemptive Acts

(00:33:35) - #2: Gratitude for his wife & granddaughter's health after medical challenges.

(00:40:32) - #1: The Enduring Comfort of C.S. Lewis

(00:49:44) - The necessity of hope and joy, especially for young people.

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Mentioned In This Episode:

• Trailer: Dune Part Three
• Trailer: Dune Part One
• Trailer: Dune Part Two
• Highlights: Luka Doncic
• Read/Watch: Victims raise money for Michigan Church shooter's family

• Mere Christianity
• The Last Battle
• The Great Divorce
• The Screwtape Letters
• Space Trilogy
• Till We Have Faces

More From David French:

• David French's New York Times pieces HERE
• Follow David French on Threads

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The Good Faith Podcast is a production of a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization that does not engage in any political campaign activity to support or oppose any candidate for public office. Any views and opinions expressed by any guests on this program are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Good Faith.