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A Weekly Encounter: Fifty-Two Meditations of Hope
A Weekly Encounter: 52 Meditations of Hope joins inspirational quotations by world-renowned personalities from throughout history with Bible verses to offer a year’s worth of thought-provoking weekly meditations.
With quotes from world leaders such as Thomas Jefferson, thinkers such as Aristotle and Confucius, and countless other writers, philosophers, religious leaders, social activists, and sports stars, the individuals quoted represent diverse cultures, national origins, creeds, and historical periods. The quotations show that whether secular or spiritual, these iconic figures have often meditated on the magnanimity of the Creator.
With this book, their words are blended for thoughtful meditations on various related ideas within each of the fifty-two “Thought of the Week” meditation topics based on biblical verse. In addition to the weekly meditations, a list of carefully selected readings is provided for further exploration of the concepts presented.
The book is organized into nine thematic chapters, which can be read in any order. And while the chapters look at issues such the church, love, light, and joy, the focus of the book is meant to offer hope in the message of Jesus Christ’s resurrection and salvation.
With quotes from world leaders such as Thomas Jefferson, thinkers such as Aristotle and Confucius, and countless other writers, philosophers, religious leaders, social activists, and sports stars, the individuals quoted represent diverse cultures, national origins, creeds, and historical periods. The quotations show that whether secular or spiritual, these iconic figures have often meditated on the magnanimity of the Creator.
With this book, their words are blended for thoughtful meditations on various related ideas within each of the fifty-two “Thought of the Week” meditation topics based on biblical verse. In addition to the weekly meditations, a list of carefully selected readings is provided for further exploration of the concepts presented.
The book is organized into nine thematic chapters, which can be read in any order. And while the chapters look at issues such the church, love, light, and joy, the focus of the book is meant to offer hope in the message of Jesus Christ’s resurrection and salvation.
150 pages, Paperback
First published September 16, 2015
388 people want to read
About the author
Erwin K. Thomas
17 books58 followers"I Am Presence's Mindfulness. This is the Way it is." WaPaSaCa June 25, 2024 (1st Appearance)
In 2010, Guyanese-born Erwin K. Thomas, PhD served as vice president of the Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR) Old Dominion University, Virginia Beach, VA. After 28 years, he retired as a professor and director of the Graduate Program from the Department of Mass Communications & Journalism at Norfolk State University, VA. He formerly taught at the University of Wisconsin– Milwaukee (1978–79), SUNY–Oswego (1972–74), and University of Guyana, Georgetown (Summers 1981 & 1988).
Thomas did research at the University of Guyana, University of the West Indies–Cave Hill, Barbados, Port of Spain, Trinidad, and Mona, Jamaica. He graduated from the University of Missouri, Columbia–PhD International Journalism & Broadcasting (1978), Brooklyn College of CUNY–MS Broadcasting (1972), and University of Oregon, Eugene–BS Radio-TV & Film (1970). His doctoral dissertation was entitled, “The Beginnings of Broadcasting in The West Indies, 1920–1949 (Barbados, British Guiana, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago).
He was the recipient of a Ford Foundation Fellowship (1975–78), awarded a Gannett Foundation Scholarship (1975–76), named by the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC), a Fulbright Senior Specialists Candidate (2002–07), and was a consultant to the Ministry of Information, Georgetown, Guyana. Thomas was a radio newscaster at KWAX-FM, Eugene, OR (1968–70), producer-director BCTV, Brooklyn, NY (1970–71), desk assistant CBS Radio Network News, NYC (1972), producer-director OSUTV, Oswego, NY (1972–74), news writer Columbia Missourian (1974), reporter KBIA-FM (1975), and KOMU-TV Columbia, MO (1976—77). His Plain Talk series were aired on WSLJ-TV, Watertown, NY (1973–74). Shows on which he worked on crew positions at BCTV were aired on WNET-TV & WNYC-TV–NYC (1970–72). At Norfolk State, he was news director of WNSB-FM (1980—85).
Thomas has authored Make Better Videos with Your Camcorder (TAB Books 1991); co-edited a Handbook on Mass Media in the United States and Mass Media in 2025, Greenwood Press (1994 & 2001) respectively; A Weekly Encounter (2015), Keys of Faith (2016), Gifts of God (2017), Life’s Passages: From Guyana to America, and Guyana’s Seawall Girl (2018), Heaven Bound (2019), Dfurstane’s Spiritual Beliefs, and Sunlit Streams of Water: Devotions for Religious Naturalists (2020), A Life of Prayer: Devotions & Pandemic (2021), and Devotions on Ailments: Physical & National Ills (2022) with Amazon.com. He is a member of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC) – Religious Interest Group, PEN America, Virginia Writers Club, and Hampton News Writers. His research interests are International Media Systems, social media, Ethics, Devotionals, and World Religions & Beliefs.
Thomas had been a lifelong member of the Church of the Holy Apostles–an ecumenical community of Episcopalians and Roman Catholics, Virginia Beach, VA–where he served on the Vestry Council, was a Eucharistic minister, and social media administrator. He is married to Mary Barta Thomas–a retired librarian of Tidewater Community College, Chesapeake, VA, and they live in Charlottesville, VA.
In 2010, Guyanese-born Erwin K. Thomas, PhD served as vice president of the Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR) Old Dominion University, Virginia Beach, VA. After 28 years, he retired as a professor and director of the Graduate Program from the Department of Mass Communications & Journalism at Norfolk State University, VA. He formerly taught at the University of Wisconsin– Milwaukee (1978–79), SUNY–Oswego (1972–74), and University of Guyana, Georgetown (Summers 1981 & 1988).
Thomas did research at the University of Guyana, University of the West Indies–Cave Hill, Barbados, Port of Spain, Trinidad, and Mona, Jamaica. He graduated from the University of Missouri, Columbia–PhD International Journalism & Broadcasting (1978), Brooklyn College of CUNY–MS Broadcasting (1972), and University of Oregon, Eugene–BS Radio-TV & Film (1970). His doctoral dissertation was entitled, “The Beginnings of Broadcasting in The West Indies, 1920–1949 (Barbados, British Guiana, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago).
He was the recipient of a Ford Foundation Fellowship (1975–78), awarded a Gannett Foundation Scholarship (1975–76), named by the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC), a Fulbright Senior Specialists Candidate (2002–07), and was a consultant to the Ministry of Information, Georgetown, Guyana. Thomas was a radio newscaster at KWAX-FM, Eugene, OR (1968–70), producer-director BCTV, Brooklyn, NY (1970–71), desk assistant CBS Radio Network News, NYC (1972), producer-director OSUTV, Oswego, NY (1972–74), news writer Columbia Missourian (1974), reporter KBIA-FM (1975), and KOMU-TV Columbia, MO (1976—77). His Plain Talk series were aired on WSLJ-TV, Watertown, NY (1973–74). Shows on which he worked on crew positions at BCTV were aired on WNET-TV & WNYC-TV–NYC (1970–72). At Norfolk State, he was news director of WNSB-FM (1980—85).
Thomas has authored Make Better Videos with Your Camcorder (TAB Books 1991); co-edited a Handbook on Mass Media in the United States and Mass Media in 2025, Greenwood Press (1994 & 2001) respectively; A Weekly Encounter (2015), Keys of Faith (2016), Gifts of God (2017), Life’s Passages: From Guyana to America, and Guyana’s Seawall Girl (2018), Heaven Bound (2019), Dfurstane’s Spiritual Beliefs, and Sunlit Streams of Water: Devotions for Religious Naturalists (2020), A Life of Prayer: Devotions & Pandemic (2021), and Devotions on Ailments: Physical & National Ills (2022) with Amazon.com. He is a member of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC) – Religious Interest Group, PEN America, Virginia Writers Club, and Hampton News Writers. His research interests are International Media Systems, social media, Ethics, Devotionals, and World Religions & Beliefs.
Thomas had been a lifelong member of the Church of the Holy Apostles–an ecumenical community of Episcopalians and Roman Catholics, Virginia Beach, VA–where he served on the Vestry Council, was a Eucharistic minister, and social media administrator. He is married to Mary Barta Thomas–a retired librarian of Tidewater Community College, Chesapeake, VA, and they live in Charlottesville, VA.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
September 4, 2018
52 weeks of meditation that included quotes the Bible and from people that are well known. Positive and inspirational insight on helping us become better.
November 28, 2019
This devotional joins inspirational quotations by world-renowned personalities from throughout history with Bible verses to offer a year’s worth of thought-provoking weekly meditations. With quotes from world leaders such as Thomas Jefferson, thinkers like Aristotle and Confucius, and countless other writers, philosophers, religious leaders, social activists, and sports stars, these individuals quoted represent diverse cultures, national origins, creeds, and historical periods. Interestingly, the quotations show that whether secular or spiritual, these iconic figures have often meditated on the magnanimity of the Creator.
With this guide their words will encourage thoughtful meditation on various related ideas within each of the fifty-two “Thought of the Week” topics based on biblical verses. In addition to the weekly meditations a list of carefully selected readings is provided for further exploration of the concepts presented. This easy-to-use book is organized into nine thematic chapters which can be read in any order. And while the chapters look at issues such as the church, love, light, and joy, the focus of the book is to offer hope in the message of Jesus Christ’s resurrection, ascension, and salvation.
With this guide their words will encourage thoughtful meditation on various related ideas within each of the fifty-two “Thought of the Week” topics based on biblical verses. In addition to the weekly meditations a list of carefully selected readings is provided for further exploration of the concepts presented. This easy-to-use book is organized into nine thematic chapters which can be read in any order. And while the chapters look at issues such as the church, love, light, and joy, the focus of the book is to offer hope in the message of Jesus Christ’s resurrection, ascension, and salvation.
November 17, 2018
A Weekly Encounter by Erwin K. Thomas is a most thought provoking and original devotional. The author brings together examples from both Christian and non Christian sources and how they relate to scripture and how to live as a Christian. I appreciate how the author thinks outside of the box to bring such a Christ-centered and thoughtful devotional. Well done.
I received this book for free from Goodreads in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received this book for free from Goodreads in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews