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Breathing Space: A Spiritual Journey in the South Bronx

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Heidi Neumark was pastor for many years at the Transfiguration Lutheran Church, in the south Bronx area of New York City. Her congregation was fairly typical of what any lower-income inner-city parish might be -- Hispanic, African-American, people in need, people experienced in poverty and violence. The title comes physically from the idea that, in the midst of one of the wealthier cities on earth, the children have the highest incidence of asthma in the nation. However, beyond this physical description, the daily stress and strain of inner-city living, with gunshots, drugs, crime, poverty and oppression continually surrounding, makes breathing easy a difficult task.

Neumark recalls some of her difficulties with her own spiritual practices. Drawing on the advice of spiritual masters of the past to incorporate distractions rather than attempting to block them out, she would try to add the stress to her prayer life as a working component -- however, when weapons fire seemed to ricochet every time she went to pray, it became difficult if not impossible.

In the face of all the difficulties, there was hope and renewal at Transfiguration. Neumark shares the stories of many parishioners, as well as her own internal struggles and personal experiences, that show the way the spirit of God is alive and active even in the worst of conditions. Neumark highlights the irony of the situation at times -- in the South Bronx, there is plenty of money for state-of-the-art prisons, and keeping juveniles in the system is big business, but the money for education and real plans for improvement is non-existent. This kind of societal choice in the face of residents can be demoralising, to say the least. And yet, at Transfiguration, there are elements of hope, determination for outreach and care to address the issues that the governmental powers neglect.

Quite often, those helped by the church were not church members themsevles. Transfiguration being an urban church, Neumark was frequently approached by those in need, looking for any available help. Milly, a young woman who suffered from the asthma so many bear in the area, was one such person, whose connections with Neumark and the congregation provided a much-needed space for Milly to turn her life in a positive direction. Like many things in the urban church, change was slow and often painful, but Milly (and many others) relied on the church.

The stories are difficult to read, difficult to understand in a human sense. But the spirit that pervades Neumark's work is a joy to behold. Read with care, and read with prayer.

I highly recommend this well written book. The stories are truly inspirational and Heidi Neumark does an excellent job of engaging and poignant story telling.

It is very sad to read about the terrible circumstances that many of the poor residents of the South Bronx have had to endure, but also very amazing and uplifting to read about their perseverance and willingness to keep on trying despite whatever setbacks life threw at them!

Additionally, Heidi intertwines her own life story and reactions to the events that were transpiring - adding extra layers of interest and perspective. Reading about her young son's reactions to the World Trade Center disaster on 9/11 was both unexpected and fascinating.

I don't know where to begin in describing my admiration. The book is remarkable, blending bible studies and religion with politics, etymology, and common sense in telling compelling, well written stories. But even more than that is what the book shows about Heidi Neumark- her courage, feeling, and remarkable commitment to justice and humanity. Some people are committed to humanity as a nameless, theoretical mass. Her commitment is far more difficult and meaningful since it is to real people, one person at a time. The world is lucky to have someone like her. I wish that the rich and powerful could all be required to read this book.

The Publishers' Weekly review says that the book will "appeal to people of faith across the political spectrum." In fact, as someone at the other end of the faith spectrum, it appealed to me, in both senses of the word "appeal."

What an incredible piece of work. This is a book written by someone who has learned it by living it. Although I have never met Heidi Neumark, nor even heard of her before stumbling across this book, if she isn't a pastor in the finest sense of the word, then I don't know one. As you read this book, she will take you on a journey, indeed; and you will be the better for it.

The 3rd World thrives in the backyard of America's glittering city. I'd already fought back tears before finishing the preface-if this book's mix of tragedy, triumph and faith doesn't break your heart open I will refund your money myself. I live maybe 10 miles away from the South Bronx in Manhattan and in every way they are different universes, a gap that spans a century of racism and cruelty. This book speaks about the inhumanity of poverty, bureaucracy and of people to each other without ever giving up hope or romanticizing the struggle. If you want to be touched by the extraordinary courage of ordinary people I highly reccomend this book, no matter your spiritual orientation.

I laughed and cried and "related" to this memoir. I am a teacher in a low socioeconmic area and I so related to this "mission". Thanks, Heidi.

Breathing Space takes you on an insider's tour of the South Bronx. Heidi Neumark describes the devastation with an unflinching honesty, but unlike purveyors of "urban porn," she also helps us see the hope, beauty and possibility embodied in her neighbors and parishioners. We are introduced to them in their full humanity. And through their stories, Pastor Neumark's readers are invited into a deeper understanding of a world few of us could otherwise imagine or relate to. It's an understanding that doesn't gloss over the outrageous waste and loss, but it's communicated with such warmth, humor, grace, and power that readers can't help but be inspired.

This book was absolutely wonderful. I recieved it from a friend of mine who was an intern under Pastor Heidi -- and am very glad that he sent it to me. It is a bold book and a much needed to hear story. She writes in a compelling manner and has rich experiences to share with the reader. I thank her and the congregation at Transfiguration for sharing this blessing.