SPIRITUALITY & RELIGION

Miracles and Other Reasonable Things: A Story of Unlearning and Relearning God

by Sarah Bessey
Howard: S. & S. Oct. 2019. 240p. ISBN 9781501155468. $26; ebk. ISBN 9781501155475. REL
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Beginning with the devastating effects of a car accident, Bessey (cohost of the Evolving Faith Conference; Jesus Feminist; Out of Sorts) describes how that moment impacted both her physical and her spiritual life. Realizing that her idea of miracles “was too narrow and restrictive,” she describes her faith, past and present, through her experiences as a mother, wife, writer, and noted lecturer on spirituality. Bessey weaves encounters pre- and postaccident, including the opportunity to meet Pope Francis, which she recounts as a complicated experience, as well as her glimpses of living “a life of shalom,” or faith in God’s abundance. The author concludes by sharing her story of learning to pray again and accepting a life, and a body, that is different from the one she is used to.
VERDICT Blending theology and memoir, Bessey’s latest is a well-written reminder of seeing the miracles in life’s highs and lows.
Reviewed by Karen Venturella ­Malnati, Union Cty. Coll. Libs, ­Cranford, NJ , Oct 01, 2019
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