Find Your Way Home: Words from the Street, Wisdom from the Heart

by Women of Magdalene, Becca Stevens

I remember the first day I came home. There were four beautiful women walking out onto the porch to say hello. This was the home I’d almost forgotten about. Thank you, God, for leading me home.




Have you ever felt lost?Do you long for a group of friends?Will you ever find your way home?



In this remarkable book, the women of Magdalene ask questions that all of us ask, and they share their own joyous, painful, uplifting answers. Inspired by the classic Benedictine Rule, the women have written down 24 rules they live by in the Magdalene community, a place of healing and grace.







“Magdalene is living out the call and making something of the Kingdom happen.” -Tony Campolo, author of Speaking My Mind “With honesty and urgency, Becca Stevens and her fellow pilgrims from Magdalene reveal the insights gained on their personal journeys to wholeness.” -Gloria Gaither, Christian recording artist

“Magdalene has a tremendous track record of bringing recovery, hope, and independence to women in need.” -Bill Frist, M.D., Former U.S. Senate Majority Leader



“In Find Your Way Home there are 24 rules...designed to provoke people into discovering that God loves you as you are right now. And that God loves the possibility within you.” -The Most Rev. Dr. Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop, Episcopal ChurchMagdalene is a residential community of women who have a criminal history of prostitution and drug abuse. The women live together in a series of Magdalene homes, supporting themselves and each other through the work of Thistle Farms, a bath and body-care business run by those in the program. For more information, go to www.thistlefarms.org.



Becca Stevens is the author of Hither & Yon , Finding Balance , and Sanctuary , nominated by Christianity Today as best spirituality book of 2005. Featured on CNN and in other national media, she is an Episcopal priest at St. Augustine’s Chapel at Vanderbilt University.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, Spirituality

119 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2008

Reviews

[Chris Haak · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick firsthand perspective of women who have participated in the two year recovery program at Magdalene House. Our church is starting a sister project in our community and I was happy to learn more about this amazing program.

[Jo Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been purchasing some body care products from a local gift store, Handmade, and learned more about the maker of them: Thistle Farms. The products are made by a residential community of women in Memphis who have survived lives of prostitution, violence, and abuse. These women live together and support one another through their work at Thistle Farms. The founder is the author of this book, and Sanctuary, which I'll review as well.
I was originally drawn to Find Your Way Home because it's based on and inspoired by the classic Benedictine Rules...some of the residents have written down some of their reflections about those 24 rules they've adapted in the Magdalene community. It's an inspiration, and the author is, as well.

[Amy Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a compilation of writings from the women connected with Magdalene (a two year residental community for women coming off the street; often with over 100 arrests per person). They live there for free for up to two years, no staff on site. What moved me the most is the power of a key -- many mentioned it. Both to be trusted with it AND to now have a safe place to be. I think of keys differently now.

[Jessica Brazeal Slaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short but powerful guide from the women of Thistle Farms about the principles that guide their community. If you aren’t familiar with Thistle Farms, they are an incredible organization in Nashville supporting women leaving prostitution, abuse, and addiction. They sell amazing products as well, made in house by the women. I highly recommend the Citrus Wood Body Butter. They are an example and so is this book.

[Alix Stricklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a simple little book, but both heartfelt and hopeful. I appreciate the introduction, which really lets you know where these women come from and what they have come through. It is indeed miraculous that they are able to find good and make it a part of them after all of their terrible trials. Very motivating!

[Christie Purifoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reminds me how blessed are the poor in spirit and how much I need their gentle wisdom.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book filled with stories of hope when we enter genuine communities of care!

[Stephanie Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book describing the work and principles of Thistle Farms. Very inspiring.

[Alan Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lenten series sermons were guided by this book. This is a very personal, dramatic, and inspirational book about Magdalene project in Nashville.