by Deborah Roof (Author)
No stranger to loss and life's surprises, Deborah Roof, recognizes the truth of her identity as a same-gender-loving woman and is as surprised as everyone else. She recounts her journey from complete despair to a vision of the loving luminous web of God in a room full of strangers. God's love for her, as well as her authentic identity, became undeniable.
As much as Roof loves a God-by-whatever-name-resonates-for-you, she also loves Christian scripture and works to find redemption even in the verses used as weapons. Roof invites us to take a close look at the words we use and the meaning we intend.
"Words, Wonder, and the Divine in You" is a journey and an invitation. Deborah Roof's generosity of spirit and openness about her truths encourages and supports others to look closely at their own journey, to be open to the Divine that surrounds us - and especially to the Divine within each of us.
This little book of wonders is for anyone who has been hurt by toxic religious institutions or for anyone who wonders if there's more to this human life - more wonder, more wisdom, more love.
--Roof, DeborahBack Jacket
Advance readers' praise
"Deborah Roof had a mystical experience in an AA meeting soon after coming out as queer. She later lets God nudge her to trade in her closet of brown garb for a wardrobe splashy with tie-dye. She doesn't try to sell readers on the merits of church but tells the truth that we can reliably- and more palpably-encounter the Divine outside of institutions ... This little book of wonders is ...for anyone who has been burned by toxic Christian theology or just needs their longtime faith exfoliated to get at the tender fresh skin underneath."
--Molly Baskette, UCC pastor, author of HowtoBeginWhenYourWorldisEnding
"Roof's book presents an original framework for introspection on the daily life of faith."--Sarah Drummond, founding dean of Andover Newton Seminary at Yale Divinity School"Engaging work, inviting us to reimagine our lives, and the church, as wondrous expressions of divine love--where God is still and always speaking!"--Anna Carter Florence, PhD, biblical scholar, Columbia Theological Seminary"With humor and heart-filled honesty, the words of this beautiful book will instill wonder in your soul, ignite your spirit, and bring love to the center of your life."--Karoline M. Lewis, PhD, biblical scholar, Luther Seminary"There is a heart beating in Roof's new book. [Her] generosity with her own life invites readers to discover a spiritual core in their own experiences."--Maren C. Tirabassi, UCC pastor, author, poet" A courageous, engaging, and unpretentious guide to help expand and deepen the reader's awareness of their own . . . spiritual connection and love-centered faith."--Thomas Warfield, performing artist, director of dance, NTID, Rochester Institute of Technology