Customer Reviews

Just a Sister Away: Understanding the Timeless Connection Between Women of Today and Women in the Bible

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book was assigned as a text for a narrative theology course at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley. I started it with great misgivings expecting a highly biased interpretation. Instead I found a well balanced retelling of Biblical stories about the relationships between women. Weems wears her scholarship lightly, writting a highly readable book. Her interpretation not only makes you reconsider relationships that she discovers but also gently encourages one to explore other aspects of the relationships.

Author Renita J. Weems appeared to be playing the "Devil's Advocate" when she used familiar lessons from the Bible like Abraham and Sarah, Naomi and Ruth, Martha and Mary, Jephthah's Daughter and the Mourning Women and so on. But what is so awesome about "Just A Sister Away" is we were able to take a peek into the minds and hearts of the women who were not considered to be "chosen" of God and those who were placed in a predicament that was not of their doing, like Hagar.

Weems gives readers an opportunity to walk in the shoes of women, like Hagar, who was first used by her owner Sarah and then thrown away once Sarah realized she made a mistake giving Hagar to her husband, Abraham. But what no one ever talks about is what Hagar was going through; she has been made to look like a home wrecker in the lessons we have heard over and over again, but we find in this lesson that in spite of the plans Sarah (Sarai) had, God still had a plan for Hagar and her son, Ishmael.

"Just A Sister Away" reminds us that there is always more than one side of the story, and it is fascinating to read from the perspective of those whose voice is not really heard throughout the Bible just what may have been going through their minds and the emotions they experienced. Most importantly of all, we are reminded that God does indeed favor women. We can be found throughout the Word of God.



Reviewed by Sharel E. Gordon-Love
APOOO BookClub

The men often overshadowed the women of the Bible, but in JUST A SISTER AWAY: Understanding the Timeless Connection Between the Women of Today and Women in the Bible, author Renita J. Weems seeks to bring their stories forth through a new revelation. She delves beneath the surface information presented in the Bible to let readers see that these women, despite the roles they held, were women of valor and substance. Much has been written about their roles during biblical times, but as the author notes, not much is written about how they felt about themselves, their roles or each other. Ms. Weems modernizes some of these familiar, and some not so familiar, stories of women and how they treated other women to gauge how they really felt about themselves and their positions.

There were thirteen stories in all, complete with lessons and analyses. In Chapter One is the familar and noteworthy story of Hagar and Sarah in "A Mistress, a Maid, and No Mercy." This reconstructed story tells of where Sarah sends her maid Hagar to her husband Abraham, showing the feelings of each woman as it relates to jealousy, faithfulness, low self-esteem and self worth. My favorite story of this book is the story of Martha and Mary in "My Sister's Keeper." In this chapter, Ms. Weems retells the story of the day that Jesus and his disciples come to visit in the home of Martha and Mary. Martha is busy preparing the meal while Mary sits at the feet of Jesus as the men are talking. What makes this story so unique is the way that Ms. Weems tells it by using the feelings and emotions of first Martha then Mary. And their feelings are demonstrated by the way they treat, or mistreat, each other.

To say that I was amazed at some of Ms. Weems' interpretations is an understatement. I was in total awe of some and nodding my head in agreement in others as if I was actually present. She uses the stories of women in the Bible highlighting their failings, their struggles and their triumphs to show each of us how we can overcome adversity to obtain the blessings that have been promised to us and how we today still share the same struggles. A few of the stories were a little hard to grasp simply because of the sacred nature of them, but Ms. Weems' style of writing was one that didn't impose, but rather made you consider the possibility. JUST A SISTER AWAY is also structured like a workbook complete with deep, probing questions at the end of each chapter designed to challenge the reader to analyze their personal relationships with both women and men and apply some of the lessons taught. I enjoyed this inspirational and thought-provoking book and I encourage every woman to get a copy.

Reviewed by Brenda M. Lisbon
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

An excellent approach and personalization of women we have read about in the Holy Scriptures--but may have dared not think about beyond the verbatim of the written word. Yet, why not ? This is truly a work that must have warmed the very heart of God !

This is an excellent publication. I am using it to teach/facilitate a large adult women's Christian Education Class. The level of discussion that the reading and end of chapter questions generate is especially helpful. The teachings are being internalized and I expect that many of the women will move out of their comfort zones and look to volunteer at agencies that serve some women's needs.

We will likely look at similar books by Dr. Weems and others in the future.

My book club really enjoyed this book. We had a great two-hour discussion about the stories in this book. The author touched on Bible stories that many of us had never studied before. Overall, it was a fast read and very educational.

Best devotional and guide book for 2006

Another book that i use in my Women"s Bible Study Group. Awesome author. Books are very touching.

The books were purchased for a women's study group at our church. One of the books sent was torn and had mildew stains. It was not one of the characteristics given in the desscripton. I will need to cover the book.

Renita Weems is outstanding! She weaves these wonderful stories of women in scripture known to many of us who are familiar with Bible stories. What she is so excellent at doing is helping us see these women in a richer, deeper way and managing to bring them to life for today. We can use our imaginations as we read between the lines and see these women in the context of the cultures in which they lived. And, beyond that, she helps us to imagine how women today can relate to them and brings relevance for us as we strive in relationships in our everyday lives. Reading the Bible as history is one thing; helping us see why it is important for us today, sister to sister is what makes Renita Weems important for us all. Read Renita Weems and be the richer for it!