If you could step inside the story of one woman in the Bible, whose story would you choose? Twenty African-American women answered this question by sharing their personal stories. Their stories and imaginative glimpses into the lives of the biblical women they chose make up this collection. Among the women you will meet are Iesha, Tammy, and Peggy. Dr. Iesha, who chose the biblical Deborah, is pioneering the way to holistic medicine that integrates physical and spiritual care. Tammy, a modern Woman at the Well, is a survivor of childhood trauma who discovered the "living water" and now accompanies other women on their healing journeys. Peggy, a modern Syrophoenician mother, debates with God as she advocates for her children who have learning differences. "Questions for Reflection" invite readers to think about their own life stories either alone or in group settings. Questions "For Further Exploration" give suggestions for individuals or groups who wish to pursue the issues raised in the stories in greater depth. Readers will discover that the stories in the Bible are our stories. The story of God's people, the canon, is not closed. It continues to reveal God's love and justice through the lives of today's women and men of faith. This is the story into which we are all invited.
About the Author: The age-old tradition of storytelling lives on in the craft of author Bebe Baldwin. In her stories, both ancient and modern women spring from the pages to change the lives of her readers. For many years she has used stories to advocate for social justice with women, people of color, and people with disabilities. Baldwin is an ordained Presbyterian minister. She earned her Master of Divinity with honors in theology from the United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. She is the author of Faith under Fire: Stories of Hope (The Reformed Church of Hungary), numerous articles, and the editor of Reverberations: Clergywomen (Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area). Among the honors she has received are the Nancy Jennings Award for advocating with and for people with disabilities, presented by Presbyterians for Disability Concerns, and along with her husband Rolland, the Rodney T. Martin Award presented by the Presbyterian Health, Education, and Welfare Association in recognition of their work toward a more just and inclusive society. In Living Water, Living Stories, her skills in biblical interpretation, her ability to listen and inspire trust in interviewees, and her love of storytelling come together with her passion for social justice.