One of the Christian disciplines that is often misunderstood is the rule of life. For us in the 21st century developing a rule of life seems foreign and overwhelming; yet when St. Benedict began developing his rule of life in the 6th century; its purpose was not to be legalistic but to provide balance and discipline for living in harmony with each other and God. I invite you to move from the 6th century monastery to the streets of the 21st century. Magdalene is a residential community for women who have survived lives of prostitution, violence and abuse. As part of their recovery and healing, these women together with those who work and volunteer alongside of them have developed a rule for life. Their rule consists of 24 principles expanded upon in the book; Find Your Way Home: Words from the Street, Wisdom from the Heart. Published by Abingdon Press and written by the Women of Magdalene together with their director, Becca Stevens, Find Your Way Home consists of 24 chapters featuring reflections and thoughts from the women on each rule. The acknowledgement and introduction at the beginning of the book provide you with a history of how it came to be and the communal nature of it. The book ends with a chapter about Magdalene; its ministry and how you can help.
So why read Find Your Way Home? Read it to be inspired, comforted and challenged. Read it to learn, to gain courage and develop your own rule for living. Only 120 pages; written in the women’s own words each chapter is simply a series of short reflections meant to be savored and pondered. They do not have to be read in order or all at once but can be returned to repeatedly. This book written in straightforward language reflects the love of God and the grace of Jesus honestly and truthfully. Wherever you are on the journey of faith, Find Your Way Home will be a helpful companion.
Available as an e-book and in paperback; this book is affordable and accessible to all. It can be read for personal or community reflection. My favorite chapters are #8 Let God Sort it out, #13 laugh at yourself and #20 Love without Judgment. As you can observe by the titles, the rules in this book are tools to help us all live in harmony with God, each other and ourselves. Read Find Your Way Home: Words from the Street, Wisdom from the Heart, share in the healing power of love and learn more about this ministry at http://www.thistlefarms.org/
First published in Jackson FUMC newsletter - http://www.jacksonfumc.org/
So why read Find Your Way Home? Read it to be inspired, comforted and challenged. Read it to learn, to gain courage and develop your own rule for living. Only 120 pages; written in the women’s own words each chapter is simply a series of short reflections meant to be savored and pondered. They do not have to be read in order or all at once but can be returned to repeatedly. This book written in straightforward language reflects the love of God and the grace of Jesus honestly and truthfully. Wherever you are on the journey of faith, Find Your Way Home will be a helpful companion.
Available as an e-book and in paperback; this book is affordable and accessible to all. It can be read for personal or community reflection. My favorite chapters are #8 Let God Sort it out, #13 laugh at yourself and #20 Love without Judgment. As you can observe by the titles, the rules in this book are tools to help us all live in harmony with God, each other and ourselves. Read Find Your Way Home: Words from the Street, Wisdom from the Heart, share in the healing power of love and learn more about this ministry at http://www.thistlefarms.org/
First published in Jackson FUMC newsletter - http://www.jacksonfumc.org/
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