Oh friends, I am GIDDY as I type the introduction to today’s post, because you get to meet one of my dear friends, Alia Joy. Alia’s new book, Glorious Weakness, just released a couple of weeks ago, and if you don’t already know her, she’s a writer’s writer, a soul-barer, a Four on the Enneagram and someone who gives the rest of us permission to know we’re not alone in our pain. She’s been a mentor, an editor and an... Read more
Last weekend, Theo and I spent the extended weekend in Mississippi. As happened with Oregon just a couple of weeks before, my husband and I counted it as a chance to kill two birds with one stone – two birds encompassed by visiting family and getting the chance to share about my book. So, we set up an event with my father-in-law, James Meredith, and a justice slinger I’m rather fond of, Jemar Tisby. We found a local bookstore to... Read more
Another Tuesday, another dollar …is that how the phrase goes? I’ve got an author I’d like you to meet: Ryan Pemberton is a local minister and friend, who also happens to have written a story-driven memoir about calling. Like Ryan, words give me life – but even if words are in our bones, there’s no guarantee that the rest of the world is going to resonate with the stories we tell (nor does it mean that publishers will pick up said words). Curious as to how... Read more
It happened again, as it always does: I bit off the head of the master. As in, of our boys’ martial arts instructor. He was trying to tell me that I needed to make sure to keep their belts secure, because belts are a big deal in martial arts. And I know that. I get that, I guess. But I also live with two small humans who have a certain order to cleanliness that is unmatched. Hotwheels live alongside books... Read more
Happy Tuesday, friends! Although I’ve not read Alexandra Kuykendall’s new book yet, everything she says is exactly what I need to hear. We’re living in a world where division seems to reign more than love …and, perhaps like you, I need the reminder that all I’m to do is simply love the people in front of me. End of story. Enjoy this interview with Alex on her new book, Loving My Actual Neighbor, and be sure to leave a copy at the end... Read more
As per the Tuesday usual, I’ve got another book and another author for you! Roy Goble is no stranger to leadership, nor is he a stranger to me or to using his privilege for good. I’m grateful for his influence in my life over the last fifteen years and can’t wait to introduce you to him and his new book, Salvaged. As per the usual, leave a comment if you want to win a copy! — Tell us a bit about... Read more
A couple of weeks ago I took the stage in front of a group of college students. Granted, they’re not my first audience, mostly because they’re a generation already steeped in justice and in a knowledge of privilege. This is the language they speak, the fight they raise fists toward, the beat of their marching feet. The night was casual, informal at best. Old enough to be their mother, I felt out of place – not smart enough for their... Read more
Whether you’re tuning in for the first or for the hundredth time, it’s an honor to host other writes in this place. Christie Purifoy, author of Placemaker (and Roots & Sky before it) is no exception. She’s a writer’s writer, and at least in my mind, also a younger version of one of my favorite authors, Annie Dillard. So, check out this interview with her and leave a comment at the end to win a copy of her new book! — Tell... Read more
As any reader of The Color of Life now knows, I grew up in the Pacific Northwest. Returning to my roots – be it the church of my childhood or the stories of Oregon’s racist history I didn’t learn in the fourth grade – not only became a sizable part of the book but a big part of learning to color outside the lines, especially when it comes to conversations of justice, race and privilege. In that way, as my... Read more
Once again, I’ve got a book and an author I think you’re going to want to check out! Lisa Van Engen is a new friend, but I don’t think either one of us intend to dwell in that newness for very long. Personally, I’m SO excited to dig into Lisa’s book, especially as a parent of young, justice-minded children. Check out the interview with her and head over to your local bookseller to pick up a copy of And Social Justice... Read more
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