And then we all got the flu...

Nothing like coming down from the high of our NYC CARRY Media™ tour with a case of the flu. 

Glam to grunge happens really quick. 

Seems everyone is getting hit with something, these days. In fact, I was supposed to be in L.A. later this week for a leadership interview, but the person I’m supposed to be interviewing has COVID. 

I hope you and your household either avoid what’s going around or recover quickly! I rested a ton, binged my new favorite show “The Last Kingdom” on Netflix and did exactly ZERO laundry. I didn’t try to carry it all, for once. And, guess what? The world kept spinning. The sun STILL came up. 

Before I move on, a big THANK YOU. I asked for your prayers in my last message because I was embarking on a media tour in NYC for CARRY Media™, my new entrepreneurial venture. It went so well. And, I felt all your thoughts, all your warm wishes, all your prayers. Thank you for being kind to this sister! 

We don’t come from the same backgrounds, we’re not all parents and we have different circumstances, but we need each other. Especially with the baby formula crisis. I don’t have babies, anymore. You may not, either. You might not have children. But, we can all help with this crisis. And, I encourage all of us to chip in. The more and more I get loud for CARRY™ and beat the drum for mommas in the workforce, the more passionate I am about how this country needs to do more to support moms, dads and families. How a country values families reveals the character and health of that country. 

Don’t think it’s your responsibility? I get it. I hear that a LOT. But, consider this: if we make it difficult for families to have children, we’ll start having FEWER children. Then, we have a labor shortage. Which leads to an economic crisis. And, THAT, my friends, impacts us all. Supporting families isn’t just the right thing to do. It’s the smart thing. 

Here are a couple of ways you can help with the crisis and a very HELPFUL ARTICLE: 

1. If you’re a nursing mother, consider donating your milk to either The Mothers' Milk Bank or The Human Milk Banking Association. 

2. Not nursing? Me, neither. LOL. But, YOU CAN HELP MOMS WHO ARE by checking smaller stores and drug stores for baby formula which is out of stock in the bigger box stores. Find out who needs help in your community, office, or church and grab what they need and deliver it to them.  

3. There are many social media groups DEDICATED to infant feeding and formula. Point your people there!

The most important thing? Call a pediatrician with questions. 

Okay, I’m off my soapbox, now. Man, woman, parent, non-parent, I’d love to hear how you’re helping out! Until we connect again, you can stay in touch with me on Instagram. 

You are a wonderful community and I couldn’t be prouder to be alongside you all…

The Paula Faris 'Faith & Calling' Podcast

Episode 65 with Shauna Niequist — 

If you're in a season of chaos, change or loss, this week's episode is a must-listen. New York Times bestselling author, Shauna Niequist, is offering up a spark of hope and an extra dose of courage for anyone needing a reminder that even when everything seems lost 

—

peace and goodness are still possible. And who of us couldn't use that reminder right now? In this episode, we unpack the heart of her latest book, "I Guess I Haven't Learned That Yet" which was written during a season of major upheaval for Shauna. We discuss how change is unavoidable and the importance of taking care of yourself in each season. 

Listen Now!

Episode 66 with DeVon Franklin — What happens if at first glance your convictions don't align — at all — with the industry you've been called to? If you're this week's guest, you boldly stand firm, follow God's lead and find out it's not only possible to survive, but thrive... all while keeping the Sabbath! This week I spoke to award-winning film and TV producer, New York Times best-selling author and someone Oprah calls "a different kind of spiritual teacher for our times" — DeVon Franklin. With over two successful decades in Hollywood under his belt and plenty of "God nods" along the way, hear what DeVon calls his biggest ongoing struggle and how he combats it daily. Listen Now!

FARIS FAVORITES

1. Summer is ON THE HORIZON and these are my go-to glasses for summer for 2 reasons. First, they are good-looking glasses, fit every face and come in fun colors. Did someone say flaming orange? They actually STAY on your face even when you are sweating! Second, you CAN NOT beat the price — Their classic style (which is my favorite) is only $25, and get this...YOU CAN DO A VIRTUAL try on to pick your style and color!! 

2. His producing stamp is on movies like "The Pursuit of Happyness," "Miracles from Heaven," "Heaven is For Real" and "Breakthrough and The Star"… DeVon Franklin is now tipping his hat to the women (his mom, his grandmother and seven aunties) in his life who stepped in after the passing of his father. In “It Takes A Woman”, an Audible Original, DeVon interviews his mom and aunts, and how their “village of love” shaped him into the man he is today. Photo via audible.com3. Trying to eat healthier? I have the BEST summer salad for you and it’s 5 ingredients — arugula, pinenuts, lemon, fresh parmesan and the MAGIC ingredient… HOT HONEY! Literally throw a heaping amount of arugula in a bowl or on a platter. Toast your pine nuts in a good amount of truffle oil. Watch them close because they will BURN easy… get them nice and brown! Let it cool a little bit then pour all the goodness on top of the arugula, squeeze on the lemon juice, throw on some fresh parm (microplane grater/zester is the way to go with a hard block of fresh parm) then plate it up and drizzle with hot honey. Take a picture and tag me so I know you’re trying it out!