BEYOND AWKWARD SIDE HUGS
When it comes to men and women in the church, sometimes it seems we have more questions than answers. How can we be in community without it being awkward or dangerous? Can we be just friends? How can we date wisely and well? What does Scripture say to help us navigate the sex-soaked world we’re in?
Beyond Awkward Side Hugs releases April 2020 – find out more here and follow along on Goodreads!
Books
Beyond Awkward Side Hugs
Beyond Awkward Side Hugs lays out a biblical vision for relationships between men and women in the church. Jesus’ pattern for church living was one of family, of brothers and sisters living in intimate, healthy community with each other. Doing so calls for character and wisdom, for charting a path toward relationships that acknowledge gender but aren’t sexualized, that go beyond the awkwardness of simplistic don’t-touch/don’t-talk rules.
Rooted in Scripture and attested by personal and pastoral stories, Beyond Awkward Side Hugs is an invitation to relationship theology that moves beyond unhealthy, eroticized, fear-based patterns and toward gendered, generous relationships between men and women of character, loving one another as Jesus did.
This beautifully compiled collection of devotions and meditations weaved within the updated NIV is a treasure. Contributing writers include Annie Downs, Rachel Held Evans, Laura Ortberg Turner, Alyssa Bethke, Katie Davis, and yours truly.
I have an essay entitled “No Story Wasted” in this beautiful collection of poetry and essays on spiritual formation and flourishing from the Redbud Writers Guild
“We read to see elements of our own hearts, experiences and stories reflected back to us in the words of others. This collection is just that: stories that help us feel seen, known, and understood. Honestly and beautifully told, this book will keep you in good company along your own journey.” —Shauna Niequist, bestselling author of Present Over Perfect
Read an excerpt here.
This collaboration from 32 female writers of all ages covers tricky conversations about sex, dating, our bodies, and much more. My chapter is entitled “Fearfully and wonderfully made (but with freckles and a muffin top).
Jenny Rae Armstrong wrote a brilliant, practical little book for moms who want to make a difference, and invited a few friends to throw some thoughts in there, too. My little piece is on Bread and Salt (or in other words, offering hospitality.)