Ever since I can remember, I’ve loved to read. I love and read just about everything. But rarely is there a book that captures my heart, soul and mind deeper than I could ever imagine. But Pastor Nadia Bolz-Weber’s book Pastrix has done just that!! (Seriously I think everyone should read this book. It is pure grace!)
I saw Nadia speak when she spoke at the ELCA National Youth Gathering in New Orleans. Not only were my youth hanging onto her every word but I was too. Nadia is REAL! And so I was super stoked to read her book!
I got my wisdom teeth out on Sept 9 and her book was released on the 10th. I downloaded it onto my Kindle that day and was totally pulled in from the very first word.
I found myself laughing, crying and experiencing so many emotions as I read Nadia’s words. I read as she shared about learning about the Haiti earthquake and that their cantor’s friend was killed. Tears ran down my face as I thought of my own friends and our experience of losing this dear soul in our
lives.
I read as she shared the stories of those in her congregation at House for All Sinners and Saints. I especially found myself listening and reading about the man who was struggling with mental illness. I thought of those in my family who daily struggle with this illness. Nadia reminded me again that we all–including them–are beloved children of God. (I honestly wish people saw these individuals like Nadia does!)
I was constantly highlighting as I read Nadia’s words. I think I’m going to have to buy the hard copy too. This book is a gem. And if you are only going to read one book this year, please make it this one!!
You see, God always shows up. I leave you with this words from Nadia’s book. “This is the resurrected God to whom we sing. A God who didn’t say we would never be afraid but that we would never be alone. Because this is a God who shows up: in the violence of the cross, in the darkness of a garden before dawn, in the gardener, in a movie theater, in the basement of a bar (Pastrix; Nadia Bolz-Weber, P.200).”
You see God calls us all to the table; to gather around bread and wine where we come together in all our brokenness and messiness. And I think more often than we care to admit our lives are more broken and messier than we think or even realize ourselves.
Nadia, thank you for a beautiful book filled with pure grace!!