"Despair," writes Joan Chittister, "cements us in the present; hope sends us dancing around dark corners trusting a tomorrow we cannot see. Despair says that there is no place to go but here. Hope says that God is waiting for us someplace else. Begin again." This is one of the selections in an anthology assembled by Therese Johnson Borchard, marketing and public relations coordinator for the National Center for Pastoral Leadership in Annapolis, Maryland.
This paperback contains scripture, reflections, stories, and prayers for the 40 days of Lent by some of the premier women spiritual writers of our time. Beatrice Bruteau presents her thoughts on becoming transparent so God can shine through us. Kathleen Fischer celebrates the spirituality of caring while Kathleen Norris muses on the beauty of discipline. Other authors include Joyce Rupp, Elizabeth A. Johnson, Megan McKenna, Susan Muto, and Phyllis Tickle. An interesting aspect of this Lenten resource is its roll call of fascinating images of God such as Woman of Transforming Power, Mother Wisdom, Guardian of My Soul, and All is Possible.