Description
Women have often remained hidden in history, including religious history. Yet even nameless women can be honored, and their faith and actions can inspire us even when we don’t know exactly who they were. And when we do know the names and biographic details of women who have lived more recently, we can commit ourselves to keeping their memories alive. This book attempts to honor many women who have come before us by connecting their stories across time as a resource for our own devotional lives.
Originally intended for the 31 days of Women’s History Month in March, these undated entries permit readers to begin these devotions at any time of the year. Each day’s devotion features an illustration and brief biographical sketch of the featured woman, a Scripture that connects a biblical woman’s story with a more recent “HERstory,” as well as a prayer-poem, a question for personal meditation or group conversation, and an idea for action inspired by the women’s stories. The biblical women of faith are primarily Hebrew or early Christian women but also include Egyptians and Samaritans. The historic women with whom they are paired include women of many faith traditions, as well as various ethnic and national backgrounds. From the medieval mystic Julian of Norwich to the contemporary Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the women herein offer today’s readers inspiring models for the life of faith today.
Reviews
“Lynn Domina’s imaginative, elegantly written collection combines prayer and education. Carefully chosen and creatively combined scripture passages are paired with signal women in history whose lives illustrate the text and vice versa. Each entry includes a provocative question, a lovely prayer, and strategically directed action suggestions. Intended for March, Women’s History Month, these pieces are useful all year long. With luck, more months’worth of these marvelous meditations are forthcoming.”—Mary E. Hunt, Ph.D., Co-director Women’s Alliance for Theology, Ethics and Ritual (WATER)
“Lynn Domina invites us to be in community with women who have lived out their faith in tangible and remarkable ways. As she connects each woman’s story to Scripture, we are asked to imagine how our own lives fit into history—our history—and how we might influence the days to come if we are willing to trust our convictions. The graceful, straightforward entries call us to remember, to consider, and to take action. This collection will not only inspire and inform a variety of readers; it will also serve as a helpful resource for those who work in the fields of ministry, spiritual direction, and social activism.” —Amy Lyles Wilson, MA, MTS, Spiritual Director and Writer, Nashville, TN
“What does a woman's life of faith look like in the real world? Lynn Domina draws inspiration from a host of powerful examples, from Julian of Norwich to Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, to create a unique devotional for the modern seeker. Devotions from Herstory is a volume of hope and light.” —Sophfronia Scott, author of This Child of Faith: Raising a Spiritual Child in a Secular World
Author Bio
Lynn Domina, A writer, teacher and traveler is the author or editor of several previous books, including Poets on the Psalms. Her work also appears in many periodicals, including The Christian Century, Christianity & Literature, and Poetry Daily. She earned an M.Div. from The Earlham School of Religion, where she took courses in the Ministry of Writing. She currently serves as Head of the English Department at Northern Michigan University and lives with her family in Marquette, MI.
