Dear friends,

Music played an important role in the writing of my new book Blessed Are the Others. As Beethoven said, “Music is the mediator between the soul and the sensual.” Or as Nietzsche quipped, “Without music, life would be a mistake.” 

While I was writing this book, my beloved dad passed away on April 27 at the age of 80. Blessed Are the Others is dedicated to Padre or “dear old dad” (D.O.D.) as he liked to sign birthday cards. Here’s a picture of D.O.D. trying to grin after telling me a joke the day before he died. 

In Padre’s honor, I’m sharing a “Blessed Are the Others Playlist” of the 80 songs – plus a few – that inspired me while I was laboring with this little baby. Some of them make me laugh. Others make me cry. All of them make me feel alive. 

I don’t expect you to listen to 80+ songs! But I do warmly invite you to check out some of the music that helped me process my grief, unlock joy, and say yes to the Beatitudinal Way of Jesus... Read More

Dear friends,

I’m delighted to announce that my new book is being released on September 24! 

It’s titled Blessed Are the Others: Jesus’ Way in a Violent World 🙂 You can visit this baby’s online home here. 

I believe Blessed Are The Others is my best work yet, and I can’t wait for you to read it. This little book has received numerous glowing endorsements from diverse people I deeply admire. Here’s a sample:  

“This book is required reading for those who understand the need for a deep connection between subtle analysis and empowered spirituality, especially as it relates to the prophetic Christian tradition!”  Dr. Cornel West, philosopher and activist 

“Blessed Are The Others is a profound and transformative journey into the depths of human suffering, resilience, and the pursuit of justice. Through personal narratives, historical reflections, and spiritual wisdom, Andrew DeCort challenges understandings of compassion, equips us to navigate complexity with grace and courage, and invites us into the paradoxical joys of Jesus’ ‘Beatitudinal Way.’” 

Dear Friends,

The Chicago March on the DNC yesterday was powerful.

We marched in the streets to protest the United States’ funding of Israel’s devastation of Gaza. Together we embodied our resistance to the impoverishing, unimaginative binary of Democrat versus Republican, conservative versus liberal, Trump versus Harris — an adversarial democracy. We united around our shared commitment to universal human dignity, security, and peace for all people, especially for our beloved but besieged and bombed Palestinian neighbors.

Many things will linger in my memory from today. Here are just a few:

The protest was huge.

Many thousands of people came out and marched together for the dignity and security of our Palestinian neighbors. I met people from Wisconsin, California, and across the US and the world.

The protest was peaceful.

I observed many people expressing kindness and care to one another. People who accidentally bumped into one another or stepped on each other’s toes apologized and made sure everyone was safe... Read More

Dear friends,

I hope this finds you well!

I haven’t published Stop & Think  for a month. I’ve been writing like crazy but totally immersed in finishing my next book. I can’t wait to share its title, cover, and order link with you soon. BitterSweet is planning to publish it on September 24^th.

I think this is my best work. It comes from a very deep place in my soul. I hope you’ll check it out.

Until then, I’m delighted to share a short story with you from a day in my life with my mom. In many ways, it gets to the heart of what my new book is all about.

Yours with gratitude,

Andrew

Wiping My Mom’s Butt: True Religion

I wiped my mom’s butt last night for the first time in my life. It was a full-circle moment — from her wiping mine as a helpless baby to me wiping hers as a 78-year-old woman.

Why share that “private” moment at home here publicly?.. Read More

Dear friends,

The shooting at former President Trump’s rally today was reprehensible. In its wake, “Civil War” and “Prayer” are trending together on Twitter.

So, how should followers of Jesus pray in a time of so much uncertainty, grief, and fear?

Why not pray the way that Jesus himself taught us from the beginning of his movement? Jesus offers us a seven-part spiritual practice.

I believe it’s exactly what we need to orient ourselves in crisis moments like this. Here’s a quick refresher:

1. Our Father in heaven

When we pray with Jesus, we enter into the presence of our Father. And so, hate for the other must be surrendered. In our most basic identity, we are not enemies or aliens. We are siblings in God’s family. Praying with Jesus reminds us that we are we.

2. Hallowed Be Your Name

When we pray with Jesus, we renounce a false familiarity with God. God is not our group’s mascot or political weapon... Read More