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Jane: A Memoir
“This beautifully written memoir by Jane Stanley is a compelling story of an intriguing life. After all the ins and outs and ups and downs of her life, and coming out on top, Jane Stanley is a living testament to William Faulkner’s dictum about man ‘not merely enduring, but prevailing.’ Read this book, and you will be better and wiser for it.” David Sansing, historian and author of Mississippi Governors and A Troubled The Governance of Higher Education in Mississippi
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 12, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 20, 2019
The Rev. Dr. Jane Stanley's memoir is funny, frank, sometimes heartbreaking, and, above all, inspirational. This is the real-life story of an introspective and highly intelligent woman whose life experiences ultimately lead her to become a modern-day prophet in the most unlikely of settings: an impoverished, forgotten neighborhood in the tourist haven of Gulfport, Mississippi. Jane bravely chronicles the highs and lows of her life and spiritual journey, climaxing with an epiphany at the age of 57 that leads her to start a non-denominational ministry committed to teaching spiritual truths to that under-served community.
As a Biblical scholar and accomplished educator (PhD. and EdD.), Jane has a gift for distilling ecclesiastically arcane topics into language and concepts more easily understood by those of us outside of the seminary. Her genuine love for "the least of these" is not only preached from the pulpit, but also exemplified in her church's involvement with feeding the hungry, providing clothing, and assisting with rent, utility bills, and medical expenses. Jane and the members of her church, The Nourishing Place, have also established tutoring, mentoring, and scholarship programs for local students K-12. Black, White, Asian, rich, poor, gay or straight, Rev. Jane takes TALKING ABOUT the love of Jesus and turns it into LIVING the love of Jesus.
The evolution of Jane's spiritual growth from the staid, restrictive, and exclusive Southern Baptist teachings of her youth into a more inclusive and personal spirituality is one of the threads that binds Jane: A Memoir together. Another strong through-line in the book is Jane's commitment to and love of her family--past, present, and future.
As a member of Jane's eclectic congregation, I'll end this review with her own words about us : "The opportunity to share and lead worship with this loving, supportive, gregarious group thrills me. I am passionate about them in a way I never though possible. I've seen their fears. I've heard their beliefs. I've been by their side in joy and in grief. I know what most of them think, and what many of them hope for. My desire is to open a window in their minds, clear out the false teachings they harbor, and set them free. I want to lead them to enlightenment. Their own enlightenment. I try to do this in bits and pieces." (p. 248).
As a Biblical scholar and accomplished educator (PhD. and EdD.), Jane has a gift for distilling ecclesiastically arcane topics into language and concepts more easily understood by those of us outside of the seminary. Her genuine love for "the least of these" is not only preached from the pulpit, but also exemplified in her church's involvement with feeding the hungry, providing clothing, and assisting with rent, utility bills, and medical expenses. Jane and the members of her church, The Nourishing Place, have also established tutoring, mentoring, and scholarship programs for local students K-12. Black, White, Asian, rich, poor, gay or straight, Rev. Jane takes TALKING ABOUT the love of Jesus and turns it into LIVING the love of Jesus.
The evolution of Jane's spiritual growth from the staid, restrictive, and exclusive Southern Baptist teachings of her youth into a more inclusive and personal spirituality is one of the threads that binds Jane: A Memoir together. Another strong through-line in the book is Jane's commitment to and love of her family--past, present, and future.
As a member of Jane's eclectic congregation, I'll end this review with her own words about us : "The opportunity to share and lead worship with this loving, supportive, gregarious group thrills me. I am passionate about them in a way I never though possible. I've seen their fears. I've heard their beliefs. I've been by their side in joy and in grief. I know what most of them think, and what many of them hope for. My desire is to open a window in their minds, clear out the false teachings they harbor, and set them free. I want to lead them to enlightenment. Their own enlightenment. I try to do this in bits and pieces." (p. 248).
December 23, 2023
Loved this book
I recently moved to Gulfport Mississippi and was looking for a new place to worship. I was told to check out The Nourishing Place. I met a really nice woman named Jane, who is the Pastor. She preaches like she is telling a story and is easy to follow.
I found this book on her and after reading it, I realized that she too has had a hard life. It gives me great hope that things in my life can improve. I just need to find and learn God's plan for me.
I recently moved to Gulfport Mississippi and was looking for a new place to worship. I was told to check out The Nourishing Place. I met a really nice woman named Jane, who is the Pastor. She preaches like she is telling a story and is easy to follow.
I found this book on her and after reading it, I realized that she too has had a hard life. It gives me great hope that things in my life can improve. I just need to find and learn God's plan for me.
January 5, 2025
I enjoyed reading this memoir by Jane Stanley, who was a close friend of my late grandmother Gail Cotton. A very heartfelt description of memories and thoughtful reflection on community.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews