Customer Reviews

Soul Sisters: Women in Scripture Speak to Women Today

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

These beautiful portraits by renowned artist Louis Glanzman have inspired author Edwina Gateley to reach into the soul of these women from the New Testament, and apply their stories to situations that have happened in modern times. One of my favorite comparisons is that of the widow who gave her two mites, all she had (Luke 21: 1-4), with Gateley's experience as a missionary in Africa and of being given three tiny eggs wrapped in banana leaves, as a gift of gratitude.

Each chapter begins with a portion of scripture that pertains to the woman in the painting, and continues with an average of ten pages of poetic text. The twelve portraits and chapters are: Elizabeth, Anna the Prophetess, Mary, The Widow's Mite, Martha, The Infirm Woman, The Samaritan Woman, The Woman Caught in Adultery, The Woman with the Hemorrhage, The Daughter of Jairus (which is the lovely portrait on the cover), The Penitent Woman, Mary Magdalene, and there is a thirteenth portrait of a mother and child next to the preface page that is unidentified.
Perhaps my favorite is the one of Mary, with her large, luminous, wise and sad eyes, entirely clothed in white, set against a halo of golden tiles.

Louis Glanzman is an extraordinary artist, who has also painted twelve portraits of men of the Bible in a book titled "Soul Brothers", and among his many accomplishments are eighty covers for Time Magazine, and the illustration of the "Pippi Longstocking" children's book series.
Edwina Gately has authored many books, among them "A Mystical Heart", and is the founder of the Volunteer Missionary Movement.

Not only do these new drawings of well-known biblical characters captivate you, but so does Gateley's narrative. What a fresh perspective! This book is a gem. Edwina Gateley's insight into these women's lives engage the reader, inspiring and challenging the possibilities for women's relationships today, as well as offering a deeper understanding of the women in Sacred Scripture.

Never before have I encountered such a deep and rich interpretation of the women of the New Testament. Glanzman's insightful depiction of each woman is both remarkable and riviting inspiring Gateley's profound and poetic meditation upon each one. Occasionally we encounter a book that is life-altering. This is one of them.

Edwina's stories really move me and challenge me to keep trying. She makes me think...I find the insights so pertinent to my own experiences. It's obvious she's 'been there', walked her journey, and I feel blessed for her sharing of it.

I have always had a high regard for Edwinna Gately, both as a poet and as a woman of faith. In the Preface, she states that when she saw some of the paintings by Louis Glanzman, she felt an overwhelming desire to be the author for his upcoming book. Indeed, the combination is one of power and beauty, affirming the spirit of women and opening our eyes to ways that the lives of these 12 women of the Bible continue to teach us today. My first encounter was the poem of Mary Magdelene and I sat and cried both at the injustice we have perpetuated around her life story, and the power of her story for our world today. The picture of Anna the Prophet was one which I used for prayer of gazing for many days. It is as if Glanzman was truly able to see into the souls of these women and gives us the opportunity to do so as well. The poetry does not tell us what to think, but rather invites us to look inward and see our own souls. A book I will forever treasure in my library both as a spiritual director and as a woman of faith.

This is a great book on the women of the bible. Edwina Gately is a wonderful author.

The illustrations and poetry in Soul Sisters is breath taking. Gately brings the past into the present and touches the heart. This is a wonderful gift for any woman interested in the Bible.

My sister presented this book to me about three years ago. I find myself reading it over and over and have gifted it to other women in my family and also to my friends. It's a beautifully written, inspiring book that I have on my night stand and pick up to read all year long.