What's David French Thankful For? Finding Hope and Joy in Ordinary Things

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

Books Mentioned by C.S. Lewis

• Mere Christianity
• The Last Battle
• The Great Divorce
• The Screwtape Letters