Colors of Hope: A Devotional Journal from LGBTQ+ Christians

by Melissa Guthrie (Editor)

Colors of Hope draws upon the iconic Pride flag and raises a call to embody our beliefs. Using Gilbert Baker’s original flag and its eight colors and themes—sexuality, life, healing, sunlight, nature, art and magic, harmony and serenity, and spirit—readers are invited to reflect, engage, and apply discoveries. The devotions present a range of views, all full of hope, paired with thematic journal prompts and calls to action. The book includes an invocation, introduction, weekly reading, daily reflections, benediction, and list of resources. Colors of Hope is an expansive resource for personal growth and collective change. “Hoping in color” brings the joy, beauty, and power of the rainbow to life.

Featuring contributions from Tyler Heston (he/him), Alysha Laperche (they/them), Sandhya Jha (she/they), Nadia Tavera (she/they), Andrew Deeb (he/him), William DeShay C. Jackson (they/them), Melissa Guthrie (she/her), Renair Amin (she/they), Brendan Y. Boone (he/him), Allen V. Harris (he/him), and Marian Edmonds-Allen (she/they).

160 pages, Paperback

Published April 26, 2022

Reviews

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the deep honors of being a progressive Christian pastor on this platform talking about books is when someone sends me a DM asking for resources. Sometimes it’s someone reconstructing their faith after leaving a more conserving tradition. Sometimes it’s someone looking for some way to talk to a family member about being LGBTQ+ and faithful.

I had the pleasure of receiving an advanced copy of Colors of Hope: A Devotional Journal from LGBTQ+ Christians edited by Melissa Guthrie for a book study I was in for Lent this year.

I absolutely loved the structure of this book which offers a essay for each color of the rainbow followed by four pages of writing prompts that invite readers to reflect on their own inward journey as well as their activism. I really enjoyed the spaciousness of the reflection questions to give myself time to sit with each essay and myself.

I recommend Colors of Hope to those who want their faith life enriched by the perspective and stories of LGBTQ+ Christians or who enjoy a pace of reading that allows for reflection.

Thank you Chalice Press for the advanced copy.

[Thomas (Tom) Baynham,Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and insightful. The contributors weaving the history of the PRIDE flag, mixed with scriptural references, and their personal faith journeys was powerful. I chose to read "Colors" as part of my daily devotion discipline. I recently recommended the book to a friend who does LGBTQ+ art work on a commercial basis. The reflections (Wonder, Resist, Embody, Create, Hope, Stretch, and Share) offers the opportunity for one to reflect on the devotion and its effect on their own personal journey of faith. "Colors" is designed to minister to LGBTQ+ Christian allies as well as LGBTQ+ Christians.

[Ryan Motter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A refreshing collection of essays that invites readers to reflect on how Gilbert Baker’s Pride Flag waves in their own life, and a great congregational resource with questions and reflection prompts that invite conversation that moves beyond the usual comfort zones. I think “devotional” doesn’t quite capture what this is, because each piece is longer and deeper, and really needs to be approached not just by an individual reader but with a group. If congregations are seeking to understand their own journey in the light of the Queer Community, they should start here.

[PottWab Regional Library]

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