Some fragmented thoughts on Amanda Held Opelt's excellent new book A Hole in the World, the experience of grief, a meditation on an old hymnal, and poetry in war zones
Delightful novel based on true story about enslaved groom and bay foal that cary the horse to record setting victories in South. Story of horse based in Lexington initially, which is near where I live. Really goes deep into exploring the role of Black trainers jockeys had in horse racing before Civil War. Book about race, humanity, love of animals — and the complexity of our lived history together, and how it impacts each of us today.
I recently read Rachel’s book Inspired. Her section called Resistance Stories inspired me to dive deeper in various directions of oppression. I picked up a book called The Abolitionist Movement by Elaine Landau. It isn’t very long, but it was so informative. I learned a lot that felt important to the present time, and all time really. Especially in regards to faith and bravery to share the truth of scripture in the face of oppression.
Amanda’s book is going on my list, thank you. For yours, I just finished (I was delighted and motivated and made hopeful by) adrienne maree brown’s Emergent Strategy.
Honestly, one of the things I've been getting into this summer is Substack newsletters, and yours is definitely one of my faves! Also super into DL Mayfield's God is My Special Interest. There is a book in French that I plan to start reading soon, Petit Pays by Gael Faye. And I just added Amanda's book to my very very long books-I-want list.
Thanks Jeff for sharing the journey with us. I've just finished reading Jesus and John Wayne with some friends. We've just started Do I Stay Christian? Both books have been challenging as I am a retired Christian pastor of nearly 40 years. I have always found Rachel's books a gift. I sense that I will find her sister Amanda's book a gift too! Thank you my friend for telling us about it and sharing the link to her song.
I want to read Amanda's book! I will order it tonight. Her experience about grief is so true. My mother died in 1986 but the grief does become new when I have experiences I would love to share with her and I cannot. She has 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren she never met...
I will be Zooming in on Sunday! Thank you for providing the link.
Thanks Jeff for the link to hear you this Sunday! I just spent 3 months attending Sherman Street CRC. I meet you and Tristen on the sidewalk with Fozzie while I was in GR.
Geraldine Brooks Horse
Delightful novel based on true story about enslaved groom and bay foal that cary the horse to record setting victories in South. Story of horse based in Lexington initially, which is near where I live. Really goes deep into exploring the role of Black trainers jockeys had in horse racing before Civil War. Book about race, humanity, love of animals — and the complexity of our lived history together, and how it impacts each of us today.
I recently read Rachel’s book Inspired. Her section called Resistance Stories inspired me to dive deeper in various directions of oppression. I picked up a book called The Abolitionist Movement by Elaine Landau. It isn’t very long, but it was so informative. I learned a lot that felt important to the present time, and all time really. Especially in regards to faith and bravery to share the truth of scripture in the face of oppression.
A church called Tov
Amanda’s book is going on my list, thank you. For yours, I just finished (I was delighted and motivated and made hopeful by) adrienne maree brown’s Emergent Strategy.
Honestly, one of the things I've been getting into this summer is Substack newsletters, and yours is definitely one of my faves! Also super into DL Mayfield's God is My Special Interest. There is a book in French that I plan to start reading soon, Petit Pays by Gael Faye. And I just added Amanda's book to my very very long books-I-want list.
Thanks Jeff for sharing the journey with us. I've just finished reading Jesus and John Wayne with some friends. We've just started Do I Stay Christian? Both books have been challenging as I am a retired Christian pastor of nearly 40 years. I have always found Rachel's books a gift. I sense that I will find her sister Amanda's book a gift too! Thank you my friend for telling us about it and sharing the link to her song.
I want to read Amanda's book! I will order it tonight. Her experience about grief is so true. My mother died in 1986 but the grief does become new when I have experiences I would love to share with her and I cannot. She has 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren she never met...
I will be Zooming in on Sunday! Thank you for providing the link.
Thanks Jeff for the link to hear you this Sunday! I just spent 3 months attending Sherman Street CRC. I meet you and Tristen on the sidewalk with Fozzie while I was in GR.
Really looking forward to reading Amanda's book. Thanks for sharing her words and work here!