The Star in My Heart : Experiencing Sophia, Inner Wisdom

by Joyce Rupp

Joyce Rupp's extraordinary reflections on Sophia-Feminine Wisdom in the Hebrew Scriptures-have become a classic. For ten years, this collection of quieting verse and meditative writing, with mandalas and suggestions for spiritual journaling, has gently invited readers to explore the inner journey. Rupp's healing images invite us to dip into Sophia's quiet guidance and come away refreshed. Thoughts from the Author This book was born on a sunny day as I sat among the myriad colors and fragrances of my friends' rose garden. I was watching over their two-year old, Elizabeth Ann, who was delightfully playing among the flowers, talking to them, laughing, and splashing the roses with her little watering can. It was there that I became keenly aware of Sophia's presence. I look at the beautiful child at play, and I remembered how Sophia (Wisdom) speaks of herself in I was at God' side. . . delighting God day after day, ever at play in God's presence, at play everywhere in God's world . . . --Proverbs 8:30-31 It was not the first time that I had experienced this deep awareness of Sophia's presence. There had been many moments in my life when the sudden recognition of her radiant presence had pressed tears into my eyes. Oftentimes it happened when I looked upon something in nature and felt a wordless connection between the vast beauty of the universe and the goodness of Divine life. This kind of recognition happened when I saw Elizabeth at play. In an instant all the years that stretched between Elizabeth's age and my own were connected. I saw how Sophia had touched my heart time and again and had brought me to truths that had indeed changed my life. I knew then that I wanted to write about Sophia's presence in my life. I wanted to tell how her activity in my spirit has led me to many truths which now inspire my life's journey and give order to my inner being.

Genres: Spirituality, Womens, Nonfiction, Faith, Religion

77 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1990

About the author

Joyce Rupp is well known for her work as a writer, a spiritual "midwife," and retreat and conference speaker. She has led retreats throughout North America, as well as in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Joyce has a B.A. in English, a M.R.E. in Religious Education, and a M.A. in Transpersonal Psychology. She is a member of the Servites (Servants of Mary) community and was a volunteer for Hospice for fifteen years. She currently resides in Des Moines, Iowa. A list of Joyce's works can be found in the left column of this page. Click on the book title to find out more information about that title.

Reviews

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

ⓒ 2004. A playful little book about the feminine face of God. Each chapter includes a mandala and suggestions for working creatively with a topic. Book itself contains much wisdom.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gem of a little book that I have read at least three times and always keep nearby. Joyce Rupp shares the luminescent faith and joy that her practice of devotion to Sophia gifts her with. Sophia, feminine face of God, source of wisdom, close companion of the heart, for all who seek her, perhaps best glimpsed in the starry, starry sky of legend, art, and song.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went to a book discussion with this one. It isn't one I would normally buy but did for the discussion. I'm glad I did - will be getting it as gifts for friends.
I'm journaling and discovering Sophia (get the book to understand!).

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is interesting to me because it is on the Wisdom literature of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). However, Rupp is Catholic and so much of what she refers to is not in my Bible since I am Protestant. I skimmed through the book, but I really need to read the material that Rupp is referring to before I can make much sense of Rupp's comments about Sophia.

I plan to read the books of Wisdom, Sirach and Baruch and then reexamine this book since I think that it will all make more sense with the proper background.

[Baumgartner Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite of Rupp's work by far. I've read many different authors attempt to explain, rationalize or empower Sophia as the primary aspect of Spirit. I've read many deeply academic works regarding the Holy Feminine. It was a joy to discover a "new" Sophia for me that is not a stronghold established foundation of the faith but rather that "still small voice" that invites the reader to take one more step forward, to stretch just long enough to be open to Her and in doing so, the reader will receive a very real gift.

[Shelly Thieman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was given to me by an artist friend. It came into my hands at exactly the right moment, spiritually, at a time when I was feeling deep unrest and on the brink of an exceptional breakthrough. I am grateful for the star in my own heart and to Joyce Rupp for leading me back to Sophia.

[Mary Mcconnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful representation of connecting with God

I loved everything about this book
It led me to places of insight, reflection and hope. Very grounded and mystical.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a clean-the-bookshelf read. Simple, right? Read and donate and that's it. Well this older humble copy, though slim in volume, packs alot of reflection and coaching. I copied ideas and thoughts, several pages worth, in my journal. My journal is an idea-book, plumbing the thoughts and actions of many great thinkers, creative minds across time and place.

The book was a blah older copy, i.e. real unassuming in presentation. And frankly the mandalas, in plain black and white, didn't grab me. The book is full of suggestions, however. In fact it could be an ideal book for a womans' retreat, or even explored by two close women friends. Not to be sexist, but imho this book best serves the woman reader. In truth, I'm not sure it would grab most men.

However, having stated the above for the book's best 'destiny', it really could be a life altering tool falling into the right hands. For that reason, I deemed it a pass it on book for new readers, new thinkers to ponder and discover. Yep, I gave the book away for the next reader.

A parting thought: Joyce is gentle and compassionate in her delivery, like a close friend or mentor. Another area whereby she excels is in her nature references. An Iowan, her appreciation for nature shows gloriously as the tells of change and seasons: golden leaves shed by a cottonwood tree. And the sweet and sad tale of the little blackbird; this really resonated for me. I repeat, this was a drab-looking book, but its message was a masterful painting.

[April-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for people looking for guidance on how to view their life experiences through the lens of divine feminine wisdom (Sophia). I appreciate how this books sticks with the early Christian interpretation of Sophia as representing divine feminine wisdom or spirit. In each chapter, Rupp reflects and shares parts of her own spiritual journey to find divine wisdom. Her anecdotes are easy to digest and hold a simplistic wisdom which I greatly appreciate when it comes to hermeneutics. At the end of each thought-provoking chapter, Rupp provides spiritual exercises such as journal prompts and drawing activities to help the reader reflect on their personal journeys so that they may reach greater communion with Sophia. I did not do the exercises but they seem like they would be very beneficial to those who are new to the concept of Sophia and how to recognize and work her. I read this book deep in the midst of my spiritual journey, and I found it to be a great reminder of how to evaluate and understand the meaning of the inevitable sufferings and sorrows that we all experience in life.

[Mommcgee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots to take away from this book.
Definitely worth a second read!

[Karen]

Fascinating book about the wisdom that can only be experienced through a relationship with God. Very enlightening book.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

lots of underlining in this book. love Sophia (wisdom) as a person. reading again (1/2012) for 'best friends group' (darien, susan, marion).

[Rebecca Stilson · Rating 1 out of 5]

started listening to audio book; just didn't click