Grace in the Rearview Mirror: Four Women Priests on Brokenness, Belonging, and the Beauty of God

by Kelly Demo, Mary Luck Stanley, Samantha Vincent-Alexander

"These stories are poignant, inspiring, moving and, above all, real."
—Michael Curry

Have you ever wondered if God is missing in the mundane? Four women priests have found God in the most unexpected in a dive bar, at the drugstore, and even at the grave. As we go about our everyday lives, the divine can feel grappling with the realities of cancer, infertility treatments, searching for a birth story, and honoring the divine in a child with autism. Yet God was there all along. This book is a guide to help you name God’s presence in your own history. Reflection questions and instructions are included for writing and sharing your spiritual autobiography in the hope that you, too, discover grace in the rearview mirror.

142 pages, Paperback

Published April 28, 2023

Reviews

[Elizabeth Felicetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steeped in scripture and theology from four seasoned priests while evoking sensory experiences of everyday life and death, plus a generous helping of humor. I wish this book had been around when I was discerning ordination as a young woman. An excellent choice for church book studies or retreat

[Mark Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is terrific. I found it to be inspirational. The authors are doing some sophisticated theology without hitting people over the head with church doctrine and abstract concepts. Stories are one of the best ways to learn about God and these authors are wonderful storytellers. I was moved by their vulnerability. It takes courage to share your grief, your loss, and your crying jags with the world. Reading this work, I was moved to tears several times – in a good way. While describing well the pain that is a part of every authentic life, they also proclaim the grace and resurrection that God can bring. This book is well written and readable. I highly recommend it.

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A marvelous and much needed perspective from smart, funny and vulnerable female Christian leadership. Bought as a gift and then read it all the way through. Will be getting my own copy to re-read and reference. So many good lessons here including an instruction guide at the end on how to write your own spiritual autobiography.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a priest, I related to these stories so deeply. Drawing on their own experiences in ministry, these four women welcomed me into their friendship, their ups and downs, and reminded me of all the reasons I answered God’s call in my own life. What a wonderful read!

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for Bible study. I thought the writing was uneven—some authors better than others.