Parable of the Brown Girl: The Sacred Lives of Girls of Color

by Khristi Lauren Adams

The stories of girls of color are often overlooked, unseen, and ignored rather than valued and heard. In Parable of the Brown Girl, minister and youth advocate Khristi Lauren Adams introduces readers to the resilience, struggle, and hope held within these stories. Instead of relegating these young women of color to the margins, Adams bring their stories front and center where they belong. By sharing encounters she's had with girls of color that revealed profound cultural and theological truths, Adams magnifies the struggles, dreams, wisdom, and dignity of these voices. Thought-provoking and inspirational, Parable of the Brown Girl is a powerful example of how God uses the narratives we most often ignore to teach us the most important lessons in life. It's time to pay attention.

Genres: Nonfiction, Race, Religion, Church, Christian, Faith, Christianity

166 pages, Paperback

First published February 4, 2020

About the author

Khristi Adams is a Speaker, Author and Advocate. Khristi is an ordained Minister with American Baptist Churches USA. She is the Firestone Endowment Chaplain and instructor of religious studies and philosophy at the Hill School in Pottstown, PA. She also works as co-director of Diversity at the Hill School. Previously she worked as Interim Protestant Chaplain at Georgetown University Law Center & Georgetown University, Associate Campus Pastor for Preaching & Spiritual Programming at Azusa Pacific University in Southern California and former Director of Youth Ministries at First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens in Somerset, NJ. Khristi is passionate about youth advocacy and is committed to work that affirms the wholeness and self-worth of black girls and women. Khristi is also the Founder & Director of “The Becoming Conference,” that began summer of 2017 (iambecoming.net). The Becoming Conference is an annual conference designed to empower, educate & inspire girls between the ages of 13-18. Khristi is a graduate of Temple University with a degree in Advertising and a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary where she obtained a Master of Divinity degree.

Reviews

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very valuable read for me in several different ways. First and foremost, Khristi Lauren Adams shares stories of young brown women she has encountered through her life and illustrates time and again how these young women feel other-ed, oppressed, and isolated in their lives--then shares how she utilized Scripture to help these young women realize that they are valued and loved by the God who made them. As someone who has never nor will ever have to cope with the struggles women such as these are required to face, this book also gave me a very small glimpse into hardships I cannot hope to fully understand, and seeks to bolster my resolve to treat these women with open ears and an open heart. I would recommend this to everyone; it moves somewhat slowly because there are real issues being discussed, but is an enormously worthwhile read.

[Raegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is meant to minister to black and brown girls, and I feel like it does a phenomenal job of that, but since I’m not a part of that target audience I won’t comment further. As a white person and educator reading this to increase her own understanding of the unique needs of black girls, I found this book enlightening and extremely helpful in deepening my cultural awareness. It is a Christian book; however, even if you aren’t religious, you can skip the Biblical interpretations and still find plenty of valuable insights.

[Melissa Flo-bix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rev Adams wrote a book that is for black girls, that does not shy away from the particular ministry and needs of black women, and yet is a book that should be read by everyone. In Parable of A Brown Girl she exemplifies womanist theology by making the voices of black girls the ground from which theological inquiry springs. She will teach you how to be a pastor, a minister, a thinker, a writer, and and advocate. This book should be read by all of us as we undo the myths and stereotypes of black women's sexuality, strength, and anger. Rev Adams exposes the harms of these cliches, and instead opens space for the complicated, beautiful, and rich lives of women who refuse to be only one thing. I'm grateful for every girl I met in this book, and for Rev Adams letting us see her at work in healing, elevating, and celebrating black girls.

[Tia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be a more nuanced take on how the specific trials of being a Black girl can be healed through an understanding of scripture, spirituality, and God’s love. It’s rare to find a book that also references Black feminist and political thought while not shying away from Christianity. Each of the 7 parables deeply resonated with me as a Black woman and an Educator who has taught many Black girls. My one, somewhat small, complaint is there were several typos in the book that should have been noticed by a quality editor.

[Lauren Carlisle]

This book is written for an audience I’m not apart of, so I’m not going to give it a rating. Parable of the Brown Girl is for Black, African American, and African girls to find their worth and freedom in Jesus. Adam’s words, and sharing the words of others, would be a great help to girls and women who are searching for belonging and community.

[Susan Mangigian]

I may come back to this. Too much happening while I was in this bookclub to continue.

[Cassandra Naka · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Parable of the Brown Girl, Khristi gives a voice to the often-overlooked experiences of black girls. Browsing through the table of contents there were some chapters that I was more excited to read than others, but I found deep truths in every single one of them. I liked how Khristi ended every chapter by reflecting on what the girls' experiences taught her. The scripture and reminder of how God sees and understands every black girl is so needed. As a counselor and advocate for black girls, Khristi brings a wealth of stories and wisdom. I'm excited to read more from her.

[Traci Rhoades · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book features some common misunderstandings about brown girls in America. Using a number of examples, these misconceptions appear common for the majority of brown girls growing up here. The stories shared brought up my own memories and left me with plenty to think about. It raised my awareness of assumptions we can make.

[Nadia L. Hohn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good read. I love how it drew from personal experiences, interviews, and scripture. What a beautiful look at the divinity of Black girls.

[Dawn · Rating 1 out of 5]

I think this book had potential to be an excellent resource both to young black women and those of other races to understand their difficulties and challenges. But the author miserably failed. The book was short, superficial, fluffy, and full of theological errors. I would even go so far as to say biblically inaccurate and dangerous to black girls who want to grow in their likeness of Christ. I believe the author to be accurate in saying black girls need to embrace their bodies, culture, and how God designed them, but this isn’t done in conforming God to their standards as the author seems to be suggesting, but by embracing His standards, who he says we are and should be, not in our own strength, but His. I did not take notes to point out every theological error, but there were a lot. First huge red flag was toward the beginning of the book where she called Jesus weak. I’m baffled to think any Bible believing Christian could believe this, let alone one that graduated from seminary…. Just to learn she graduated from one that “In its early years it used to be the best. Now among the worst.”

Overall the book was a very quick read. I would never recommend it, though I didn’t feel it a complete waste of my time as it did open my eyes in understanding to at least one challenge black girls struggle with growing up that I was not aware of. I would strongly caution anyone reading the book to take its teaching with a grain of salt and seek out better quality books from reliable biblical teachers in learning how to embrace your identity and live Godly lives, not one that is self-focus and biblically inaccurate.

[Rebekah Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was looking to get my hands on Khristi Lauren Adam’s book on singleness, but this was the only one of her books my library had. I decided to give it a chance, if only to get a feel for her writing style. Am I ever glad I did.

As someone who doesn’t “get” racism, this is hands down the best book on racism I have ever read. Khristi Lauren Adams does not point fingers or rage against the sins of the past. She delves right into the lives of modern day black girls and details the struggles that are unique to them with a gracious and compassionate eye.

Until now, I’ve followed the racism argument asking, “But how are we different? And why does skin color have to matter ever so much more than anything else? Why are we stuck here?”

Khristi finally managed to do it. She managed to show me the plight of the black woman who, while relatable in her humanity, has inherent struggles imposed upon her by culture that are different than my own.

This is a book that has done what a good book is created to do: reshape my worldview.

(I especially loved her comments on race and feminism and the need for distinction therein.)

Thanks, Khristi, for putting your heart’s work into a format that this white woman could grasp.

[A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful stories! I can totally relate to many of the girls' stories in this book. Adams, who is a counselor, did an amazing job of capturing the vulnerabilities of these young girls. No one, other than brown girls, really understand what its like to have to deal with so much psychologically at a young age. The expectations placed upon us, trying to please everyone and be strong for everyone. We are weak sometimes and its ok to be weak. No one has the capability to be strong all the time without breaking. I really enjoyed this book not only for their stories, but for the knowledge that I can help my little brown girl by listening, paying attention, not assuming, listening, encouraging more, LISTENING!! No matter the age, it's important to always listen to these young girls. They are using dealing with something and sometimes the words we say or the actions we show can either discourage or encourage. Let's always aim to encourage.

[Moriah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Khristi is speaking truth to and on behalf of a group of people (black Women and girls) who are misunderstood and misheard. It was a gift to hear the stories of so many young women who have felt voiceless or misrepresented, chastised or forgotten. She encourages healing and wholeness for black women and girls and encourages to find that in Jesus. She is telling stories on behalf of girls and women who walk through life a different way from myself and she wants others to see these girls and the struggles they face.

A couple other things: 1. Don’t love the way she writes. It’s pretty choppy.
2. theologically I don’t 100% follow her. She’s a little unrooted and bounces around using a good number of scriptures out of context.

A good book for getting a window into an experience separate and different from my own. I always appreciate reading things like this. And helpfully done in the parable-style vignettes.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had an idea about what this book would be like and I was wrong. It was better.
I thought it might be about Jesus's parables with even more marginalized people, no. Modern parables centers black girls. It was amazing.
Sociological, psychological, etc. There were connections to scripture later in each chapter and church/faith were mentioned often by some of the girls and the author. The focus was on the black girls and the difficult conditions in these United States.
I am sad I read it at such a scheduled pace of one ch per day for Advent, and when I read it again (and I will) I will take it much more slowly with time to think and process.
I had this on my shelf for a few years and chose it specifically after the recent election for my first book in Advent.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the subtitle of this book: The Sacred Lives of Girls of Color. Adams uses her pastoral heart and wisdom to write these beautiful parables. She uses the real life stories and voices of her students which makes it all the more powerful. I think of the book The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien. The things brown girls carry are vast and far reaching. The labels and expectations we project on them are heavy. They live lives of dignity, beauty, and contribution to the world. Their lives are so sacred. Thank you to Adams for reminding us. May we live in a way that reflects that.

[Daniel Kleven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book because the author did an interview on the Truth's Table podcast last year, so I added it to the list. I'm glad I did. Breaks down so many stereotypes of what a "black girl" is "like," and helps you begin to see people as individuals. Tiffany Gill blurbed the book like this: "essential reading for teachers, principals, administrators, parents, counselors, after-school program leaders, and anyone seeking to better understand the lives, complexities, and brilliance of black girls." As someone on that list (a teacher), I'm seeking to better understand -- this was a great book.

[Jennifer Layte · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can tell I’ve appreciated a book of nonfiction when two things happen:
1) I finish reading it in less than a week (I am typically a painfully slow reader), and
2) I want to sit back and listen and learn from (but also ask questions of) the author some more.

This book has fulfilled both terms. Thank you, Rev Adams, for teaching us through these girls by your demonstrated humility and wisdom in learning from them yourself.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a substantive work about the lives of girls of color and how they are impacted by negative stereotypes. It is an important work that is thoughtful and well organized, however, the book is riddled with typos. It is unfortunate that the publisher did not provide Adams with an editor. If they did provide an editor, that person did not do their job. This could be a five star book if the typos are corrected.

[Des · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, I saw a little bit of myself in each brown girl mentioned. In many spaces, I felt a breath of fresh air knowing the little girl in me was not alone. I healed a little piece of me that I had long forgotten about. As a mom to two brown girls, this book put in the forefront upcoming things I needed to pay attention to and prepare for. Would recommend this book to any brown girl. Young or old. The author articulates her messages so well and ties everything to scripture.

[Andie S · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an incredibly thought-provoking read. Each parable beautifully illuminates the multi-dimensional, unique, and often overlooked lived experiences of Black and Brown girls. These stories emphasize how vital it is to find relationships where you are accepted exactly as you are—whether with friends, family, or within community. There are strong references to Christianity and scripture, which may not resonate with all readers. However, regardless of faith, this is a valuable and insightful read.

[Brandon Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful and incredible

Adams’ work in this book exposed many of the parameters and difficulties young women of color face in our society. I was fascinated to learn these biases, and challenged to consider how I may not perpetuate them. These young women deserve our respect, our help, and our love. Thank you to Adams for sharing these reflections, thoughts, and words to encourage action!

[Ryan Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adams’ book is small, but important. She both connects young black women to the beauty of Christ theologically and explores how so many decks are stacked against them sociologically. This book offers value to those who the powerful in society too often devalue, or at least create abundant barriers between them and value.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure I've ever read a book where I felt SO seen.

That just laid out many of my own experiences and the experiences of my friends.

Despite being raised Christian, I often have a hard time connecting to to the faith and having this book acknowledge me as a black woman and connecting me directly to God? It was really beautiful.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really different book for me, and - due to the religious nature - not a text I would have picked up on my own. However, after listening to the author give a presentation to educators, I knew I wanted to give the text a chance. I learned a lot, reflected quite a bit on my own practice as a teacher, and sometimes even appreciated the connections to scripture.

[Loryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a white woman raising a daughter who is a person of color, I am so glad I found and picked up this book. Hearing stories of challenges young black/brown women face, and having scripture applied to those situations was very enlightening for me. I am glad to have been able to read this book, and am grateful that I now have a resource for my daughter to read so that she can be encouraged herself!

[Symone · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was touching reading about the different personal experiences of brown girls that normally go unspoken. The different sources were interesting to read as well. I don't believe some of the scriptures were applied correctly though and I definitely feel if more scriptures on endurance were added it would've helped.

[Kennedy C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

like so mang other brown girls, specifically black women of the diaspora, i see myself in SO MANY of these pages! it was kind of a hard read because the pages are my lived experience and seeing it make it feel too real. i wish it would’ve explored God’s perspective a little more than just a quick anecdote after the scripture

[Marta Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I’ve read in months that I was compelled to keep a pen in hand, underlining and taking notes on almost every page. It was such an honor to learn the stories of these sacred lives. If you’re looking to expand your ideas of God, start by learning the stories of brown girls.

[Cara Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s like I’m on vacation or something, reading all the books, all at once. But really, I loved Adams’ approach: her own story, the stories of girls she know, scripture + general statistics - all to remind us of the stories we need to read, absorb and learn from.

[SoSo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a complete 10/10. I was able to relate to all the chapters in some capacity and it gives a deep dive into black history, livelihood, and girlhood. My inner child resonated with all of the struggles mentioned and I’d recommend to anyone and everyone.