Happy Friday, fellow anime lovers!
Everyone loves gifts, right? Today’s topic is receiving gifts. Do you remember receiving a birthday or Christmas present that you particularly loved? What about ones that weren’t on your list? Maybe your grandma knitted you another pair of wool socks, or your parents bought you a shirt in your least favorite color. Did you still give thanks? I know that I sometimes struggle to be grateful, forgetting that what I’m receiving is still out of love and beneficial for me. Naofumi from The Rising of the Shield Hero has been in the same predicament.
Anime Devo
Shield Hero begins with Naofumi entering an isekai world when he and three other heroes are each given one of four powers; the thing is, the one Naofumi receives is seen as the weakest and is the least revered. As a result, Naofumi goes through trial after trial to prove himself because of a gift he never asked for. But ultimately, Naofumi realizes how special his gift is and he uses it for the betterment of the world.
In his letter to the church in Corinth, Greece, Paul writes, “…and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.” (1 Corinthians 12:5-6, ESV). All of our gifts may help us to do different things, but all come from God and will serve to better His kingdom.
If your gift isn’t flashy—maybe it’s a gift with administrative matters rather than music—or it’s something you don’t really want—a gift for speaking, perhaps, when you suffer stage fright—you might be ungrateful. You might ignore it, avoid it, or like Naofumi, become bitter about it. But as Paul explains, our gifts are critical, and they are given to us by a God who knows what we need and what is ultimately best for us. And the blessings of a loving Father is something to be grateful for!
Weekly Mission: Read 1 Corinthians 12 to find out about some of the spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit. Take this spiritual gifts assessment to drill deeper down.
Memory Verse: For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. - Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
BtT in Review
Nothing enhances the experience of watching a favorite anime as watching one that starts with a great OP! Find out our top picks for the top Spring 2024 Anime Openings from some of the latest hit shows.
We announced the winners of our BtT-chan Challenge! Congratulations to the winners and runners-up, and thank you to all who entered!
Inspired by Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, our artist Zion presented a piece she drew, a monologue she wrote, and her reading of it entitled To Himmel, the Human.
In need of manga and light novel recommendations? We’ve got you covered over at the Reader’s Corner, where this week, our reviews included new volumes of Insomniacs After School and Unnamed Memory, and last week the premieres of Sword Art Online: Kiss and Fly and Babel were among them. We also wrote another team review for My Not-Sew Wicked Stepmom, covering the recently released volume four!
Our Twitch stream has launched! Come follow and chat with Whit as she draws anime-style art!
If you haven’t seen the latest masterpieces from our Fanart Fridays check out some of the latest works, including a special Father’s Day commemoration for Maes Hughes from Fullmetal Alchemist and a dedication to the Wuthering Waves character Changli.
Just because Father’s Day is over doesn’t mean you can’t get Dear Old Dad another gift. Check out our suggestions for the anime-loving father in your life!