Your Top Parallel Posts of 2023
A Brief Review of the Year
This Substack is living proof that anyone can keep a New Year’s resolution.
Back at the start of 2023, I committed to writing regularly out of a desire to creatively connect with others and in preparation for the launch of my book, Parallel Faith. With over 30,000 reads later, I am pleased to say that it has been a challenging but fun way to help decode discipleship for the average Christian, like you and me.
I’ve had a huge influx of new subscribers over the last couple of weeks, so below are the top posts of 2023 (measured by Substack’s mix of views, engagements, and comments) to introduce you to some of my work or remind you of your favourite from the past year.
Why not give one or all of them a read?
Coming in at Number Four
#23 How C. S. Lewis saved my book
I hope you will still like me as your agent after this! :-) These were the words written on Friday, June 17, 2022, by my agent, Don Pape, after reading the first draft of my book, which later became Parallel Faith, available this September. Don has over thirty years of publishing experience having worked at such houses as Doubleday, WaterBrook and NavPres…
Girl Power at Number Three
#26 The spiritual longing of Barbie
Copyright: Mattel If you had asked me which film everyone would talk about in the Summer of 2023, I never would have guessed it would be about a doll created back in 1959. Following the massive global box office success of Barbie (over half a billion dollars and counting), I have heard there are more movies on their way based on nostalgic toys, including…
Here’s a Festive Hit at Number Two
#39 The Unlikely Story of "O Holy Night"
Amid the utter insanity of the Christmas film that is Home Alone, there is a moment of sweet spiritual clarity when Kevin walks past a church at night in search of comfort and joy. First, he notices a lit nativity scene with Mary, Joseph, and shepherds gathered around a baby in a manger. Then, his attention is drawn to the sound of "O Holy Night" echoin…
And at Number One…
#21 Why Jesus is not your influencer
In today's digital landscape, social influencers reign supreme, capturing the attention of the online world. Like Kylie Jenner or Jake Paul they share endless reels, posts, and videos about their personal experiences whilst advising on topics such as fashion, travel, health, business, or family.
So there you have it. The number one post of 2023 was all about Jesus. Sounds like a fitting way to set the tone for the year ahead.
Oh and this happened in 2023…
Launching my book Parallel Faith has been a blast!
I am still in the middle of the Book Tour speaking in Churches around the UK and it has been amazing sharing about helping people take steps towards Jesus from any starting point. The best thing about releasing a book is the quality of the conversations you have as a result.
Here is what one reader told me about Parallel Faith this week:
It challenged me and made me reflect on all the people I’ve had chances to disciple but either left it at the first step or not followed through with spending time with them …. But it also challenged me with the thought of how we help people “belong” but then non-judgementally allow the Holy Spirit and Jesus’ kindness lead us to repentance and change… I loved the book Dave, thought provoking… REALLY practical (I haven’t read many Christian books with as many practical examples as yours)….
Make a resolution to add the book to your New Year’s reading list and grab a copy below:
I love that it was about Jesus! While I started Parallel Faith in 2023, I will finish it in 2024. Love all the chapters I’ve read so far!
Thanks Dave, I’m going to follow up with those I’ve given a Parallel Faith to. Happy New Year and May 2024 be even more Jesus-filled 🙏