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WOMEN SHARE HOW THEY PRAY IN NEW BOOK: "How Strong Women Pray" explores women's communications with God.
Am I doing it right? Is anyone listening? Is there a "right" way and a "wrong" way? A "right" time and a "wrong" time? How does everyone else do it? Millions of people pray, but almost no one talks about it. A new book offers some of the answers.
"How Strong Women Pray" is an intimate spiritual journey undertaken by author Bonnie St. John to learn about prayer and how it plays a part in the lives of women. The vitality and importance of prayer in daily life is discussed by some of America's most inspirational mothers, politicians, entertainers, athletes and businesswomen. From the famous to the unknown, each of these women reveals her fundamental beliefs as they are expressed through her prayers. Often describing a turning point in her life, each of the subjects of the book shares her experience in a most personal and poignant way.
The book includes interviews with 28 women about their private communications with God, each a compelling revelation of faith. Notable women, including Maya Angelou, Barbara Bush, Edie Falco, Amy Grant, Nadia Comaneci and Susan Taylor, and those lesser known, a Hurricane Katrina rescue worker, an NYPD 911 first responder, and others, speak about prayer in first person.
Throughout, Bonnie St. John's own evolution in faith is revealed in intertwining chapters. The chapters are linked by common themes: grappling with a disability (Bonnie's right leg was amputated at age 5), dealing with death (her father died when she was 12), facing a demanding physical test (Bonnie is the first African-American woman to win Olympic medals in skiing); facing the pressure of politics (she was a Clinton White House staff member); healing from abuse and divorce. Each demonstrates actual experiences that underscore the remarkable and undeniable affect that faith can have in any individual's life.
Growing up in a family of modest means, Bonnie found ways to realize her dreams, going on from childhood trauma to graduate from Harvard, become a Rhodes Scholar and succeed in a material world, then in a spiritual realm.
"How Strong Women Pray" is a triumphant book about finding courage and love. It is an exploration of prayer as women from all walks of life practice it. Visit www.howstrongwomenpray.com/.
