Jilleen Westbrook, Ph.D. joined the staff of the Thrive Center for Human Development in 2022. She earned her Ph.D. in Economics from Claremont Graduate University and has taught at Temple University, University of Southern California (USC), and the Claremont Colleges. Her academic work involved empirical investigations of psychological effects on markets that result from policy decisions. Before joining, the Thrive Center, she worked as a consultant. Dr. Westbrook has long been interested in issues of faith and well-being, particularly in the practices that encourage mental, physical, and spiritual health.
Last Sunday, the second Sunday of Advent, and throughout this week has been an opportunity to reflect on peace. In this contribution, discover how it fits into the Advent season, some history, a relevant scripture, and practices that can help you cultivate personal peace in an uncertain world.
Hope is always available, but not always accessible. When people we know and love walk away from religion, we can still help them develop a belief system that offers sources of hope, strength, and meaning. This article will help us help them find hope again. As we do so, we are living out love.
