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Shalom Sistas: Living Wholeheartedly in a Brokenhearted World
Starred Review, Publishers Weekly : Fans of Elizabeth Cunningham, Anne Lamott, and Nadia Bolz-Weber will be delighted with this new, exciting voice.
SH ·l m' / sis A woman who loves people, follows the Prince of Peace, and never gives up her sass. Shalom, the Hebrew word often translated as "peace," was a far cry from blogger and podcaster Osheta Moore's crazy life. Like a lot of women, she loved God's dream for a world that is whole, vibrant, and flourishing. But who's got the time? So one night she whispered a dangerous God, show me the things that make for peace. In Shalom Sistas, Moore shares what she learned when she challenged herself to study peace in the Bible for forty days. Taking readers through the twelve points of the Shalom Sistas' Manifesto, Moore experiments with practices of everyday peacemaking and invites readers to do the same. From dropping "love bombs" on a family vacation, to talking to the coach who called her son the n-word, to spreading shalom with a Swiffer, Moore offers bold steps for crossing lines between black and white, suburban and urban, rich and poor. What if a bunch of Jesus-following women catch a vision of a vibrant, whole, flourishing world? What happens when Shalom Sistas unite?
SH ·l m' / sis A woman who loves people, follows the Prince of Peace, and never gives up her sass. Shalom, the Hebrew word often translated as "peace," was a far cry from blogger and podcaster Osheta Moore's crazy life. Like a lot of women, she loved God's dream for a world that is whole, vibrant, and flourishing. But who's got the time? So one night she whispered a dangerous God, show me the things that make for peace. In Shalom Sistas, Moore shares what she learned when she challenged herself to study peace in the Bible for forty days. Taking readers through the twelve points of the Shalom Sistas' Manifesto, Moore experiments with practices of everyday peacemaking and invites readers to do the same. From dropping "love bombs" on a family vacation, to talking to the coach who called her son the n-word, to spreading shalom with a Swiffer, Moore offers bold steps for crossing lines between black and white, suburban and urban, rich and poor. What if a bunch of Jesus-following women catch a vision of a vibrant, whole, flourishing world? What happens when Shalom Sistas unite?
246 pages, Paperback
Published October 3, 2017
71 people are currently reading
1326 people want to read
About the author
Osheta Moore
2 books72 followersOsheta Moore is a writer and podcaster in Los Angeles, as well as wife to an urban pastor, mother of three, and economic justice advocate for women in developing countries. Moore has consistently been a voice for peacemaking, justice, and racial reconciliation. Her work has been featured on numerous websites and blogs, including Sojourners, SheLoves Magazine, A Deeper Story, The Art of Simple, ReKnew, and Rachel Held Evans’ blog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
December 20, 2021
A book of calls and challenges to be not peacekeepers (enacting vengeance out of our own strength) but peacemakers (vessels of God's love and strength to the world around us). While some stories and steps were hard to follow, this book was one of encouraging love and light in a dark world. I appreciated discussing this text with our book group, as well.
June 15, 2017
Osheta Moore is a writer who makes you feel; truly feel! She helps you understand things in a better light. She makes you laugh, cry, sing, and dance. I am so thankful she is my sista.
In this book, Osheta gives lessons she has learned in her own life through some tough situations she has had to face. Each time, she has found Jesus, or Jesus found her. He made her a peacekeeper in the process no matter what she faces.
"When God wants to take charge of the world, h doesn't send in the tanks. He sends in the poor and the meek."
You will be inspired as you read this book to live your life in a more full way than ever as you face the tough world. You will long to form a sisterhood with those around you who might even be tough for you to reach out to.
At the end of the book she gives amazing encouragement with "Shalom Steps" to take for our day-to-day lives. She also shares some neat recipes that are mentioned here and there as you read it. I am itching to try lavender honey.
I have learned to have reconciliation with myself and with others after reading loving words that I read in this book. They really pushed me on where I needed it. Through my actions, I feel a great peace and joy.
The fact that I was so moved by this book is a big deal. I have a hard time reading a lot of Christian books, because they tend to be too perky and less realistic to me. I had stopped reading many of them because I was tired of getting bored by them, but this book was never boring. I mean, Osheta says at one point, "glitter is life" and I cracked up laughing at a few of her remarks (but I don't want to ruin them for you, so you'll have to read the book to learn some of them). Reading this was like having a conversation with a friend who is letting me in on her life as a way to encourage my own. I love that (as Osheta would say on her podcast "Shalom in the City").
"While the blood of Jesus covers my sins, I want the dust from his sandals to cover my life."
Amen.
In this book, Osheta gives lessons she has learned in her own life through some tough situations she has had to face. Each time, she has found Jesus, or Jesus found her. He made her a peacekeeper in the process no matter what she faces.
"When God wants to take charge of the world, h doesn't send in the tanks. He sends in the poor and the meek."
You will be inspired as you read this book to live your life in a more full way than ever as you face the tough world. You will long to form a sisterhood with those around you who might even be tough for you to reach out to.
At the end of the book she gives amazing encouragement with "Shalom Steps" to take for our day-to-day lives. She also shares some neat recipes that are mentioned here and there as you read it. I am itching to try lavender honey.
I have learned to have reconciliation with myself and with others after reading loving words that I read in this book. They really pushed me on where I needed it. Through my actions, I feel a great peace and joy.
The fact that I was so moved by this book is a big deal. I have a hard time reading a lot of Christian books, because they tend to be too perky and less realistic to me. I had stopped reading many of them because I was tired of getting bored by them, but this book was never boring. I mean, Osheta says at one point, "glitter is life" and I cracked up laughing at a few of her remarks (but I don't want to ruin them for you, so you'll have to read the book to learn some of them). Reading this was like having a conversation with a friend who is letting me in on her life as a way to encourage my own. I love that (as Osheta would say on her podcast "Shalom in the City").
"While the blood of Jesus covers my sins, I want the dust from his sandals to cover my life."
Amen.
December 21, 2021
Moore’s first book details the 12 ways she found to be a “Shalom Sista,” and each of the 12 points has a chapter where she delves into what that would look like in the real world.
All her stories are good ones & she says things in a very accessible way, but sometimes it’s a little hard to follow the connections she’s making. I also assumed, so perhaps this is on me, that this book would focus more exegetically on her Biblical findings when she studied Shalom in depth, and less on a prescribed way for us to live.
It’s worth a read, and you can certainly see the beginnings of her next work, Dear White Peacemakers, in the final couple chapters of this one, but it won’t be a favorite of mine in the genre.
Also worth noting, there is a study guide online for this book which was very helpful for our book group discussions.
All her stories are good ones & she says things in a very accessible way, but sometimes it’s a little hard to follow the connections she’s making. I also assumed, so perhaps this is on me, that this book would focus more exegetically on her Biblical findings when she studied Shalom in depth, and less on a prescribed way for us to live.
It’s worth a read, and you can certainly see the beginnings of her next work, Dear White Peacemakers, in the final couple chapters of this one, but it won’t be a favorite of mine in the genre.
Also worth noting, there is a study guide online for this book which was very helpful for our book group discussions.
July 10, 2017
Earlier this year, I was introduced to the Shalom in the City podcast with Osheta Moore. I began to hear stories of living as a person of peace. The idea of being a person of peace in the way Moore speaks of was new to me. Moore asks us to consider what it means to bring peace to our homes and cities by the ways we live and approach our lives. Being a Shalom Sista is not a sitting back and doing nothing kind of way of bringing peace. Instead, being a Shalom Sista means living life intentionally to bring joy and peace in the lives of those we interact with most. Yes, Moore agrees that we can be peacemakers globally, but it starts by bringing the kingdom of God to those closest to us.
The biggest concept I grasped from this book was the fact that bringing peace actually helps me bring peace into every area of my own life and bring a wholeness to who I am. "Shalom is what happens when the love of God meets our most tender places." Shalom is God bringing wholeness to us so that we can bring wholeness to others.
Shalom Sistas will allow you to explore some different areas of your life - places where Shalom can be found. Moore takes you on a journey to better understand God's interaction with you in these different areas of life. To recognize that wholeness is found in believing we are who God created us to be. And that we can believe the best of others around us even more.
This book is full of grace and truth. Of calling us out on the areas where we sit back thinking we don't have a voice, and encouraging us to find words where they seem few. Moore encourages us to step into the tough areas, recognizing that God sustains the efforts that we put forward. The words of this book are a driving force for hope, change and bringing peace into the world.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for this honest opinion.
The biggest concept I grasped from this book was the fact that bringing peace actually helps me bring peace into every area of my own life and bring a wholeness to who I am. "Shalom is what happens when the love of God meets our most tender places." Shalom is God bringing wholeness to us so that we can bring wholeness to others.
Shalom Sistas will allow you to explore some different areas of your life - places where Shalom can be found. Moore takes you on a journey to better understand God's interaction with you in these different areas of life. To recognize that wholeness is found in believing we are who God created us to be. And that we can believe the best of others around us even more.
This book is full of grace and truth. Of calling us out on the areas where we sit back thinking we don't have a voice, and encouraging us to find words where they seem few. Moore encourages us to step into the tough areas, recognizing that God sustains the efforts that we put forward. The words of this book are a driving force for hope, change and bringing peace into the world.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for this honest opinion.
September 27, 2017
I've been following the Shalom in the City podcast since close to the start and have been so encouraged to find a forum for such candid honesty about how to move towards peace in our communities, homes and world. That said, a lot of times podcasters who write don't always give me something new. Shalom Sistas was one of the more uniquely wonderful books I've read about hopeful resistance lately (and I've read several lately).
I am an avid note taker and this book gave me about 6-7 pages of notes: things I want to think about, quotes that breathed life into my tired bones, action steps to start implementing.
Moore gives practical action steps to live out wholehearted living and loving. She spoke about her own experiences she's worked through and she brought me to tears several times. Even though some of our experiences are very different, the way she explained her thoughts and feelings, not only made me understand her, but explained how I could use her experiences to better understand myself. I was encouraged by the unguarded vulnerability she shares in the book. It reminded me that courageous sharing is how we can heal as a community.
This book spreads grace and hope around with joy like confetti. It also gave me a dose of courage to be the best version of me I can be. And Lord knows I needed it. At a time where more and more people live in their echo chambers, this book gives me hope and ideas to bring more hope. What a gift to me and anyone who reads it.
I did receive a free kindle advance copy to read but am purchasing several as gifts for Christmas. I recommend this book with lots of hope that more of us can be brave and kind.
I am an avid note taker and this book gave me about 6-7 pages of notes: things I want to think about, quotes that breathed life into my tired bones, action steps to start implementing.
Moore gives practical action steps to live out wholehearted living and loving. She spoke about her own experiences she's worked through and she brought me to tears several times. Even though some of our experiences are very different, the way she explained her thoughts and feelings, not only made me understand her, but explained how I could use her experiences to better understand myself. I was encouraged by the unguarded vulnerability she shares in the book. It reminded me that courageous sharing is how we can heal as a community.
This book spreads grace and hope around with joy like confetti. It also gave me a dose of courage to be the best version of me I can be. And Lord knows I needed it. At a time where more and more people live in their echo chambers, this book gives me hope and ideas to bring more hope. What a gift to me and anyone who reads it.
I did receive a free kindle advance copy to read but am purchasing several as gifts for Christmas. I recommend this book with lots of hope that more of us can be brave and kind.
November 23, 2017
Osheta is so relatable. This books felt like having coffee with a girlfriend and sharing laughter and tears. Consider this your manual on moving forward into real and intentional friendships while tackling the tough subjects with both grit and grace.
October 8, 2020
I cannot recommend this book enough. If you’re considering getting it- do it! It is truly good for the soul. Every time I read it, it felt like sitting down to coffee with a caring, honest, inspiring, wise (and hilarious) mentor. Will definitely be rereading this book and gifting it.
August 26, 2017
Quick. Run, stat. Pick up a copy of the pending release and be changed by Moore's clear, sassy, inviting voice.
October 8, 2018
There are many things to love about this book: vision, humility, audacity, humor, compassion, a story of a life of faith being lived well, real talk about attempts to parent and engage in community from a place of love...
As a man, it was interesting to read a book whose voice assumed as the reader I was female and that was written explicitly as if talking only to women even while many of the teachings seemed easily transferable to my (potential) life.
There were only two things that I found troubling in the book.
1) The presumption of pacifism as the only way to understand Jesus' relationship to violence which completely ignores, for example, Luke 22:36 and Matthew 10:34-36. Clearly, there is a rich tradition of Christian nonviolence but the presumption that the Gospel is clear and unambiguous on this point is sloppy and/or dishonest.
2) Moore's leaning on Hebrew words and her (mis)understanding of Jewish custom to move some of her arguments forward. Many Protestants seems to get caught up in referencing 'shalom' in ways that, frankly, if they are not going to reference on wrestle with a history Christian anti-semitism feels like cheap cultural appropriation. Moore goes past that to talk about "shiva sisters" (pp199-200) in a way that lands on me as a mix of touching attempts to understand folks with different spiritual practices (not clear out of any relationship with real people or just reading) but also she gets shiva wrong when she identifies it with "kind words" provided to mourners. (Custom is that people who show up at a Jewish house of mourning bring food and sit quietly or talk among themselves and not approach mourners to initiate conversation. People are to engage and be responsive to conversation initiated by those in mourning but NOT approach them in ways that burdens them with any host-like responsibilities.)
To be clear, I think Moore's arguments are interesting but could be made without Hebrew-references.
As a man, it was interesting to read a book whose voice assumed as the reader I was female and that was written explicitly as if talking only to women even while many of the teachings seemed easily transferable to my (potential) life.
There were only two things that I found troubling in the book.
1) The presumption of pacifism as the only way to understand Jesus' relationship to violence which completely ignores, for example, Luke 22:36 and Matthew 10:34-36. Clearly, there is a rich tradition of Christian nonviolence but the presumption that the Gospel is clear and unambiguous on this point is sloppy and/or dishonest.
2) Moore's leaning on Hebrew words and her (mis)understanding of Jewish custom to move some of her arguments forward. Many Protestants seems to get caught up in referencing 'shalom' in ways that, frankly, if they are not going to reference on wrestle with a history Christian anti-semitism feels like cheap cultural appropriation. Moore goes past that to talk about "shiva sisters" (pp199-200) in a way that lands on me as a mix of touching attempts to understand folks with different spiritual practices (not clear out of any relationship with real people or just reading) but also she gets shiva wrong when she identifies it with "kind words" provided to mourners. (Custom is that people who show up at a Jewish house of mourning bring food and sit quietly or talk among themselves and not approach mourners to initiate conversation. People are to engage and be responsive to conversation initiated by those in mourning but NOT approach them in ways that burdens them with any host-like responsibilities.)
To be clear, I think Moore's arguments are interesting but could be made without Hebrew-references.
October 9, 2017
"Shalom. The Hebrew word often translated as “peace” in the Bible, shalom is God’s dream for the world as it should be: whole, vibrant, flourishing, unified, and yes, at peace. Shalom is God’s dream for his love to bring wholeness and goodness to the world and everything within it, including you and me."
In Shalom Sistas, Osheta Moore shares biblical insight and practical stories from her own life with warmth, honesty and humour. In the book she discusses 3 areas she hopes to see Shalom in: Shalom with God, Shalom within Ourselves, and Shalom in Our Relationships- and through these come her 12-point Shalom Sistas Manifesto. There are practical pointers to inspire the reader to live out each of the manifesto points. I love how empowering Osheta is, she firmly believes that we can each bring Shalom in our right-now everyday contexts. This book is written to guide and cheer us on the way.
"And really, if you strip away all the trappings of peacemaking as a disposition or an occupation, you’ll see that is what the best peacemakers do: make their corner of the world a little more whole and welcoming than it was before they came on the scene."
In Shalom Sistas, Osheta Moore shares biblical insight and practical stories from her own life with warmth, honesty and humour. In the book she discusses 3 areas she hopes to see Shalom in: Shalom with God, Shalom within Ourselves, and Shalom in Our Relationships- and through these come her 12-point Shalom Sistas Manifesto. There are practical pointers to inspire the reader to live out each of the manifesto points. I love how empowering Osheta is, she firmly believes that we can each bring Shalom in our right-now everyday contexts. This book is written to guide and cheer us on the way.
"And really, if you strip away all the trappings of peacemaking as a disposition or an occupation, you’ll see that is what the best peacemakers do: make their corner of the world a little more whole and welcoming than it was before they came on the scene."
December 25, 2021
I read this book as part of a study with friends and this book lended itself well to discussion. I liked parts of the story and a few chapters will stick with me, however by the time I finished that book I had already forgotten some of the earlier chapters. The chapters of race were the most interesting and I plan to read Osheta Moore’s book Dear White Peacemakers. I loved that Moore included stories from her own life but at times the narrative style felt a little hard to follow, she would jump into a story and it would take me time to try to determine the context. I wouldn’t tell someone not to read this book but if a friend asked for a book recommendation I could think of others I’d rank above this one.
April 30, 2018
Osheta Moore is a spicy, spunky Southerner with a pure heart for Jesus. My favorite kind. This book draws from her Lenten practice of seeking Shalom, God's peace for his kingdom in her current life circumstances, no matter where she's landed. Drawing on the points of her Shalom Sistas Manifesto (which you can see on her website - http://shalominthecity.com/), this chapter dives deep into the practical steps of peacemaking in your personal life, your relationship with God, with others, and with the world. I feel like this would be a great companion to so many of the books I've read, podcasts I've listened to, and conversations I've had lately. It's just so APPLICABLE right now.
October 7, 2017
Shalom Sistas is a compelling and uplifting book. I laughed, I cried, and most of all I was challenged to consider the ways I live God's shalom in my day to day life. Osheta Moore encourages and challenges readers to make a difference in their own circles. We learn how little acts of shalom bless those around us and create wider circles of change in the world. I heartily recommend this book!
January 4, 2020
Such a fantastic book.
September 29, 2020
Love her heart, her relatability, and her sass! Osheta’s message is inspiring and practical. We can do this, sistas.
May 2, 2021
I loved everything about this book. Especially the practical small ways we can be Christ to others. Life is overwhelming right now and this made it feel manageable and spoke to my heart
March 1, 2022
I loved this book. I found it so easy to read with such great content!! I had rented it from the library but will be purchasing my own copy!
September 26, 2017
Sometimes I get overwhelmed by what I can't do in this phase of life - I can't drive without the demand for kid music; I can't read more than a paragraph in a book without interruption; I can't attend protests or marches. Sometimes I wonder what I CAN do. How can I make a difference in the midst of my own everyday story?
Osheta Moore answers that question with grace and enthusiasm. In "Shalom Sistas," she reminds me what everyday peacemaking looks like. It looks like getting to know my neighbors; it looks like loving and empowering my kids; it looks like giving myself grace when I mess up.
Osheta's conversational style made "Shalom Sistas" a fast and encouraging read.
**As part of the Shalom Sistas launch team, I received an advanced copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.**
Osheta Moore answers that question with grace and enthusiasm. In "Shalom Sistas," she reminds me what everyday peacemaking looks like. It looks like getting to know my neighbors; it looks like loving and empowering my kids; it looks like giving myself grace when I mess up.
Osheta's conversational style made "Shalom Sistas" a fast and encouraging read.
**As part of the Shalom Sistas launch team, I received an advanced copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.**
January 19, 2026
I read this with a small women’s group church book study and we all enjoyed it. My biggest take home was the creation of a list of my “joy triggers” to use when the world seems dark and depressing, which is the current norm here in the US. Spending time here on GR is on the list!
October 18, 2017
If you want to be a part of real peace - in your own life, the kind that passes understanding - in the world today, this book is for you. Osheta engages you with honesty and humor and you will walk away with steps towards being the peacemaker you want to be in the world today. You will feel like you are sitting down with a friend when you read this book, that you found someone who has lived in the trenches of peacemaking to give you advice and laugh with you along the way. A must read!
September 26, 2017
I am a Shalom Sista because I am a peacemaker, not a peacekeeper. Moore walks us through what that means in making room for Shalom in our everyday lives. As a WOC the world is throwing so many punches, and they are all landing. Shalom Sistas is a response that speaks directly to our hearts. We are moved to make room for Shalom. I can't recommend this book enough.
October 4, 2017
From the moment I began reading Shalom Sistas: Living Wholeheartedly in a Brokenhearted World, I wanted to tell all my friends that they, too, should give Osheta Moore a chance. I remember joking on Facebook that it was rare of me to savor a book but I was taking my time with this one. And then it took me an entire summer and into fall to reach the final pages. It wasn't for lack of love for Moore and all her book stands for. Oh no, Moore is a champion peacemaker and a superb storyteller. And she's funny, very very funny.
The truth is, I needed the luxury of time to let Moore's words properly marinate the deepest of deep parts of my soul in a manner that would allow me to fully process the manifesto points of shalom and make way for a new way of living and thinking.
In the pages of Shalom Sistas, I learned from Moore what it means to truly be a peacemaker, a Shalom Sista in such a time as this. I learned that I, too, am invited, beloved, am enough, will see beauty, will rest, will choose subversive joy, will tell better stories, will serve before I speak, will build bridges, not walls. I will choose ordinary acts of peace. I will be a peacemaker, not a peacekeeper. In other words, I will live out a life of shalom because Christ loved me first and goes before me.
By the way, I didn't come up with the above statements on my own. They're the manifesto points found in Shalom Sistas, the ones I've been chewing on over the last several months.
There's so much more I could say about Shalom Sistas. But I have a feeling you'll need to read it for yourself. Go on, I dare you.
As part of the Shalom Sistas launch team, I was given this book for free by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
The truth is, I needed the luxury of time to let Moore's words properly marinate the deepest of deep parts of my soul in a manner that would allow me to fully process the manifesto points of shalom and make way for a new way of living and thinking.
In the pages of Shalom Sistas, I learned from Moore what it means to truly be a peacemaker, a Shalom Sista in such a time as this. I learned that I, too, am invited, beloved, am enough, will see beauty, will rest, will choose subversive joy, will tell better stories, will serve before I speak, will build bridges, not walls. I will choose ordinary acts of peace. I will be a peacemaker, not a peacekeeper. In other words, I will live out a life of shalom because Christ loved me first and goes before me.
By the way, I didn't come up with the above statements on my own. They're the manifesto points found in Shalom Sistas, the ones I've been chewing on over the last several months.
There's so much more I could say about Shalom Sistas. But I have a feeling you'll need to read it for yourself. Go on, I dare you.
As part of the Shalom Sistas launch team, I was given this book for free by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
August 15, 2017
Shalom Sistas is a book for every woman who looks at the world and wonders how she can be a peacemaker, who wonders how to live out her calling in God’s kingdom. Out of all of the books on peacemaking and justice I have read in the past few years, Shalom Sistas is by far the most practical, the one I know I will turn to again and again. (I’m already starting my second read-through.) Osheta writes with a voice that is fun, sassy, and wise. She is accessible without being trite or syrupy, and she can reference Augustine and Beyonce with equal ease. Reading this book feels like sitting across the table from a friend in a coffee shop, telling stories and hashing out the day to day struggles of life.
I love that the picture of Shalom Osheta lays out is organized around the framework of a twelve-point manifesto. The Shalom Sista Manifesto flows through four distinct areas: Shalom with God, Shalom with ourselves, Shalom in our relationships, and Shalom in our world. This layout makes it extremely easy to recall her various points (not to mention providing the possibility for some Pinterest-worthy wall art, if that’s your jam). In the month since I’ve finished it, the steps that have stuck with me most powerfully have been practicing subversive joy and telling better stories. These two alone are beginning to change the way that I live.
Shalom Sistas is a book you will not want to miss, whether you read it alone or in a small group study. It is applicable to women from all walks of life, so grab some copies and some friends and step into a life of living wholeheartedly in this broken-hearted world.
I love that the picture of Shalom Osheta lays out is organized around the framework of a twelve-point manifesto. The Shalom Sista Manifesto flows through four distinct areas: Shalom with God, Shalom with ourselves, Shalom in our relationships, and Shalom in our world. This layout makes it extremely easy to recall her various points (not to mention providing the possibility for some Pinterest-worthy wall art, if that’s your jam). In the month since I’ve finished it, the steps that have stuck with me most powerfully have been practicing subversive joy and telling better stories. These two alone are beginning to change the way that I live.
Shalom Sistas is a book you will not want to miss, whether you read it alone or in a small group study. It is applicable to women from all walks of life, so grab some copies and some friends and step into a life of living wholeheartedly in this broken-hearted world.
September 26, 2017
Shalom Sistas: Living Wholeheartedly in a a Brokenhearted World has given me so much to think about. I've listened to the author's podcast and read her writing online for a while now, much of it on the topic of pursuing Shalom. So I wasn't expecting to learn so many new things, and be challenged in so many different ways.
Because Osheta is so funny and a great story teller, I was expecting to fly through this book. It is an easy read for sure, but I kept slowing down to think about how to live out what Osheta is talking about in my particular life.
I highly recommend this book for readers who:
- Want to really live out Jesus' Kingdom commands, not just argue what they mean
- Like practical, down to earth, lived-out Christianity (her theology is sound, but her point is the practice.)
- Enjoy their faith, justice and compassion with a side of snark and humor
- Are looking for a book to encourage trust in Jesus in our own hearts and bodies AND in our relationships AND out in the world.
If you're interested in more of my thoughts on this book, I posted about it on my blog as well:
https://reemeyer.com/2017/09/21/i-am-...
(I received an advance electronic copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I did buy a copy as well, knowing I'll want to give this book as a gift.)
Because Osheta is so funny and a great story teller, I was expecting to fly through this book. It is an easy read for sure, but I kept slowing down to think about how to live out what Osheta is talking about in my particular life.
I highly recommend this book for readers who:
- Want to really live out Jesus' Kingdom commands, not just argue what they mean
- Like practical, down to earth, lived-out Christianity (her theology is sound, but her point is the practice.)
- Enjoy their faith, justice and compassion with a side of snark and humor
- Are looking for a book to encourage trust in Jesus in our own hearts and bodies AND in our relationships AND out in the world.
If you're interested in more of my thoughts on this book, I posted about it on my blog as well:
https://reemeyer.com/2017/09/21/i-am-...
(I received an advance electronic copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I did buy a copy as well, knowing I'll want to give this book as a gift.)
October 3, 2017
This is a book the world needs right now. Deep down, I think we all long for wholeness and flourishing, no matter what our religious or spiritual background might be. And some days, that ideal seems SO VERY far away. But Shalom Sistas is a book of hope. One part autobiography, one part invitation, Osheta weaves practical steps for peacemaking with hopeful visions of a future we all want to manifest; everything whole, nothing broken or missing, the world as it should be. Her writing is down-to-earth and sassy. She is the kind of author you know you could go to coffee with and walk away friends. My favorite part of the book is Osheta’s emphasis that peacemaking is for everyone. Most of us don’t have a platform or influence or a huge non-profit or the ability to drop everything and join the Peace Corps. But we do have our jobs, our children, our neighborhoods. We have tiny corners of the world where we get to make peace and do good. And that is enough. In fact, it’s more than enough. It’s what the world needs right now. I’d highly recommend this book and can't wait to lend it to friends.
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November 11, 2017Let me tell you. I love, love, LOVE this book! I have been following Osheta's blog for years and more recently her podcast as it has been SUCH a blessing to my life. I talk about so often that my friends can often anticipate when Im going to quote Shalom in the City. So when I found out that she was writing a book I immediately preordered 2--one for me and one to share with a friend. Ya'll...BEST DECISION EVER. This book has been such a blessing. It has caused me to rethink so many things in my life--the stories I tell about people, how I engage with rest. I love that this book is not a regurgitation of her blog or podcast (as I have experienced with other writers) but a wholly new endeavor that still stays true to her voice. The idea that we as women are uniquely qualified to bring wholeness and goodness to our communities, around conversations of race and marginality, around rest, is SO important, so countercultural, and such a powerful message to the church today.
After I read it and gushed about how awesome it was, my friends got super excited about it, so now we are going to start a book club so we can read it together. So excited to read it again!
After I read it and gushed about how awesome it was, my friends got super excited about it, so now we are going to start a book club so we can read it together. So excited to read it again!
September 25, 2017
We are enough. I know I need to be reminded of this once in a while. Even when the darkness of the world seems overwhelming we need to be confident in the fact that we can be wholehearted peacemakers right where we are at.
Osheta Moore has written a beautiful book that will set you on a path towards peace and she guides you there with easy to remember manifesto points such as: I will choose Subversive Joy, and “I will tell better stories. She is also a kindred spirit and wonderful story teller. She reveals serious truth yet she does it in a relatable way. Her message is practical, funny and full of wisdom. I often feel like we are simply sitting and chatting about life over a cup of coffee or dancing out the dark with a Joy Anthem.
Shalom Sistas has helped me see the beauty in myself and in the world around me! I am continuing to learn more about my place as Imago Dei...an Image Bearer of God and how that translates to peacemaking in my life. Osheta's passion for peace shines brightly and I promise you will be encouraged!
Osheta Moore has written a beautiful book that will set you on a path towards peace and she guides you there with easy to remember manifesto points such as: I will choose Subversive Joy, and “I will tell better stories. She is also a kindred spirit and wonderful story teller. She reveals serious truth yet she does it in a relatable way. Her message is practical, funny and full of wisdom. I often feel like we are simply sitting and chatting about life over a cup of coffee or dancing out the dark with a Joy Anthem.
Shalom Sistas has helped me see the beauty in myself and in the world around me! I am continuing to learn more about my place as Imago Dei...an Image Bearer of God and how that translates to peacemaking in my life. Osheta's passion for peace shines brightly and I promise you will be encouraged!
October 31, 2017
In a world that has been feeling increasingly heavy, I have been struggling so much with how to practically engage and make a difference without being completely overwhelmed. This book has given me the encouragement and tools to do something and not feel helpless to make a difference. It has encouraged me that the small choices of our everyday matter. That if we devote ourselves to just one thing or one person today and do it wholeheartedly that we are practicing shalom.
I love that Shalom Sistas is broken down into manageable manifesto points that made it easy to actually apply them in my everyday life as a stay-at-home mom. I also appreciated the fact that she reminded the reader that they can't do all the points, all the time. Too often, it is easy to get discouraged and feel like if I can't do it all then why bother. Learning to have grace for myself through the process was so important
I love that Shalom Sistas is broken down into manageable manifesto points that made it easy to actually apply them in my everyday life as a stay-at-home mom. I also appreciated the fact that she reminded the reader that they can't do all the points, all the time. Too often, it is easy to get discouraged and feel like if I can't do it all then why bother. Learning to have grace for myself through the process was so important
October 5, 2017
I can often feel overwhelmed by the brokenness before me, inside me, all around me... but this book has brought so much hope and encouragement! Osheta brought me into her world with grace and sass by telling her story and giving practical ways to live out shalom in my everyday life. From being evacuated by Hurricane Katrina to the infamous “Jeep Driver” in the school pick up carpool lane… I finally felt like someone could relate. Her manifesto points will have you wanting to paint your kitchen wall with chalkboard paint so you can visibly be reminded of tangible action to “live wholeheartedly in a broken world”. I highly recommend this book to any woman who needs to be reminded that she is enough, wants to learn how to build bridges, not walls and be a peacemaker rather than a peacekeeper - buy this book and get those manifesto points up on your walls!
December 2, 2024
Osheta Moore lays out practical steps to living into Shalom: "Calling myself a Shalom Sista meant I focused on fully living God's dream of wholeness for me in a brokenhearted world."
12 core beliefs and action steps that have shaped my practice as a Shalom Sista.
Shalom with God:
1: We are invited.
2: We are beloved.
3: We are enough.
Shalom with ourselves:
4: We will see the beauty.
5: We will rest.
6: We will choose subversive joy.
Shalom in our relationships:
7: We will tell better stories.
8: We will serve before we speak.
9: We will build bridges, not walls.
Shalom in our world:
10: We will choose ordinary acts of peace.
11: We will show up, say something, and be still.
12: We will be peacemakers, not peacekeepers.
This was a 5 star book for me, and just what I needed to remind myself that "peace is not a thing to achieve. It's a way of being."
12 core beliefs and action steps that have shaped my practice as a Shalom Sista.
Shalom with God:
1: We are invited.
2: We are beloved.
3: We are enough.
Shalom with ourselves:
4: We will see the beauty.
5: We will rest.
6: We will choose subversive joy.
Shalom in our relationships:
7: We will tell better stories.
8: We will serve before we speak.
9: We will build bridges, not walls.
Shalom in our world:
10: We will choose ordinary acts of peace.
11: We will show up, say something, and be still.
12: We will be peacemakers, not peacekeepers.
This was a 5 star book for me, and just what I needed to remind myself that "peace is not a thing to achieve. It's a way of being."
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