Minding Our World
Each of us must find a way to love the world. You have found yours.
With these words, from Sue Monk Kidd’s latest work, comes the first validation of a young girl’s determination. The Book of Longings takes place in the first century and its main character, Ana, is a spirited, brilliant, rebellious young woman determined to find her voice at a time and in a culture that diminished and inhibited women.
The words are spoken to thirteen year old Ana by a very young Jesus, who eventually, through a complicated series of unforeseen events, would become her husband. But this is not his story…it is Ana’s and it is her determination, resilience and passion that makes for an inspirational and absorbing tale.
I write about this today because I have not been able to put aside those powerful words. I’ve spent lots of time since finishing the book, trying to figure out exactly what they mean and if and how they may apply to me. If we are all challenged to “love the world,” how are we to do this? I think of Ana.
Early on, she is fascinated by stories of […]
