Spilling the Light: Meditations on Hope and Resilience

by Theresa I. Soto

At once deeply compassionate and spiritually empowering, this collection of inspirational poetry provides pastoral care and an encouragement for authentic living. In this 2019 volume of the inSpirit Series, one of the most creative voices in Unitarian Universalism today tends to our souls and emboldens us to become our truest selves. Rev. Soto’s poems of hope and resilience validate our identities and our humanity—especially for those of us marginalized by mainstream culture.

Genres: Poetry, Nonfiction, Spirituality

62 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2019

Reviews

[Leah Tame · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoughtful collection of poems

Here you will find hope to brighten your darkest days, the message that we all have purpose, and that together we can work towards a better world. The poetry here is beautiful. I especially liked "Bring your broken hallelujah here". I highly recommend this book.

[Becky Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful. Inspirational, not in the sense of being given hope, but in the sense of sharing breath with fellow travelers. This is an excellent collection of poems for our time and all time.

[Hawthorne Post · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book of poetry was uplifting while at the same time surprisingly original. If you are looking for clever rhyming, look elsewhere. Rev. Soto does not constrain themself to rhyme. Instead, they craft the right word in the right place to squeeze the deepest of meaning out of the simple with the complex. The words are strung in lines of precision. Read the book, you will be changed for the better.

[Judi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theresa wraps truth in hope and beauty

I read something of Theresa's on Facebook many months ago and commented that they should write a book. They replied that a book was in the works and I was so pleased when I saw it available to buy.
Truth is hard to wrap in optimism and loving instruction simultaneously but Theresa makes it look effortless.
I enjoyed every word.

[Dani Beale · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful collection of poetry. Each poem is a breathtaking and unapologetic dive into Rev. Soto’s mind and experience. Their words have pulled me more towards empathy, compassion, and action in social justice. This is a must-have for anyone wanting a deeper understanding of marginalized identities and ways to bring about justice in our daily lives.

[Chase Lockwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring

I am not someone who usually reads poetry although I can enjoy a poem. Someone whom I respect suggested that I read this book so I downloaded it. Once I started reading, I could not stop. These poems are needed now, for this moment in this world. You may not realize it but your spirit needs this book.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little book of poetry feels like getting a letter from a friend; every time I open it up, I end up spending more time reading than I'd planned. Soto's images are gentle, calming, even when they're describing scary things. I love them so much.

[Lane Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my go-to books for readings in Unitarian Universalist worship. Deep theology. Beautiful poetry. Important justice challenges. And reminders of who we are as a collective. I cannot thank Rev. Soto enough for writing this gem!!

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Meditations on Hope and Resilience.” Thought-provoking, sometimes challenging poems by the queer UU poet/minister, mentor to others. Published in 2019, but they seem even more relevant now. I will return to them regularly.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

According to the book cover, these poems are an offering to queer, disabled, brown beings, but I felt like the contemplations transcended to anyone grappling with ‘am I enough’?
“-America, is this freedom?” Is a powerful call to action.

[Lyn Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will save lives. I am going to need several loaner copies.