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About the Book

Through her reflections on the story of Israel and the Christian narrative, the Rev. Dr. Cynthia Forde-Beatty gives the reader spiritual insight for holy living. Her meditations and prayers offer us the love language of holy words to hear the sacred call of transformation. This is a holy book of meditations and prayers that will seduce the reader into a love affair with the holy. Prepare to be transformed as you ponder the words that seduced the prophets and gave us the Love of the ages. - The Rev. Dr. Javier (Jay) Alanís, PhD, JD, former director of the Lutheran Seminary Program in the Southwest, Austin, Texas.

About the Author

“How do pastors and spiritual directors foster spiritual growth?” For the Rev. Dr. Cynthia Forde, a fulfilling ministry is a journey of numerous sought and unexpected transformations. Her fascination with transformation took root during her fine arts studies at Dana College, where she learned to blend creativity with spiritual reflection, paving the way for her pastoral ministry. A certified spiritual director since 1985, she obtained her Master of Theology from the Houston Graduate School of Theology and a Master of Divinity from Wartburg Seminary/Lutheran Seminary in the Southwest. Her unwavering dedication to spiritual direction led her to further studies, including a two-year certification program from Lebh Shomea School of Prayer by the Oblates at Sarita, Texas, and establishing Hosea’s House, a Sabbath House for Clergy. Her tenure in Lutheran congregations was not without personal trials, which significantly deepened her understanding of suffering and transformation. Forde holds a Doctor of Ministry in Spiritual Direction and is ABD for a Ph.D. in Ecumenism. She conducted numerous retreats and workshops on spiritual life and prayer. As pastor and spiritual director, Rev. Dr. Cynthia Forde is often asked, “How does spiritual transformation happen?” In the classic children’s story “The Velveteen Rabbit,” the Skin Horse explains to the Rabbit how to become real when a child loves you for a long, long time. Forde sees her role as a Skin Horse, focused on listening to God, who comes to us as the Crucified Christ. Someone Happens to Us. ____________________________________ The Rev. Dr. Cynthia Forde is a mother of four living children, a grandmother of eleven, and a great-grandmother of thirteen. She authored several acclaimed works, including The Spirit in the South, A Lost Sheep of Shenandoah, James Lea 1794, Caswell County, North Carolina, Vol. I-III. She also serves as a genealogist for the Swedish Colonial Society and is a group administrator for several DNA projects. She is married to Ronald S. Beatty, an MIT graduate, author, editor, and historian, with whom she shares a passion for genealogy, travel, and spirituality.