In Wisdom's Path: Discovering the Sacred in Every Season by Jan L. Richardson

by Jan L. Richardson

This perennial favorite is now available in a beautiful hardcover edition! Known for her distinctive intertwining of word and image, artist and author Jan Richardson ( Night Visions , In the Sanctuary of Women ) returns to the rhythms of the sacred year, offering a compelling book of reflections, prayers, poetry, and art that invites us to notice the presence of God in each season. From the "Cave of the Heart" in Advent through the "Daily Way" of Ordinary Time, In Wisdom's Path serves as a companion in our search for the sacred. Richardson's evocative full-color artwork appears throughout.

Genres: Poetry, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Faith

Paperback

First published June 1, 1999

About the author

Jan is an artist, writer, and ordained minister in the United Methodist Church. She serves as director of The Wellspring Studio, LLC, and travels widely as a retreat leader and conference speaker. Known for her distinctive intertwining of word and image, Jan’s work has attracted an international audience drawn to the welcoming and imaginative spaces that she creates in her books, online blogs, and public events.

A native Floridian several generations over, Jan grew up in Evinston, a small community near the university town of Gainesville. The rural landscape, community traditions (including the annual Evinston Thanksgiving dinner in the park that has been taking place for more than fifty years), and lifelong relationships fostered a rich sense of place, imagination, and ritual that continue to shape Jan's life and infuse her work.

Jan is the Visiting Artist at First United Methodist Church of Winter Park, Florida, serves on the faculty of the Grünewald Guild in Washington State, and is part of Saint Brigid of Kildare Monastery, a community that draws from Methodist and Benedictine traditions. She makes her home in Central Florida with her husband and frequent collaborator, the singer/songwriter Garrison Doles.

Reviews

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, which can be read as a daily meditation, follows the liturgical calendar of the Christian faith in a mystical and candid feminist way. I appreciated Richardson's frank sharings about her own questions/questionings; and, I especially appreciated how she read ways in which one can use the seasons of the church to meditate on life's happenings. Her allusions to other theological writers of all faiths gave me a hefty "to read" list, which I am quite excited anout. This is a serene, honest, and contemplative work fueled by an individual's quest to understand life while never forgetting to consider a feminist lens when engaging with the traditionally patriarchal institution that is Christianity.

[LuAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy the combination of poetry, collage and author's reflections in this devotional like book I've been through a few times before. I relate to the author's questions as well as experience of mystery and darkness as well as light we encounter in our lives with God.

[Trudy Franzen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book of poetic writing for the Seasons of the Liturgical Church. No need to be part of a Liturgical church to enjoy! All Scripture based.

[Brandi Diamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't say enough good things about this book. Richardson reminded me of all the reasons I am a feminist and a Christian. Often the church forgets that women hold up half the sky and often do much of the work of the church.

I read this as a devotional as I went through the ecclesiastical seasons. Since this book is small, I was not reading it every day, just usually at the start of a seasonal change. Every opportunity that I had to use this book as part of my morning devotions I rejoiced - Richardson always has some to say that is very relevant to my life.

I have to admit that in the end, I couldn't wait any longer and so I finished the last sections at one sitting. Richardson is so gifted -to be able to make her art and write such wonderful prayers. I am so blessed to have met her through this book.