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Standing in the Whirlwind
"Nancy James intricately weaves the primeval, primordial, transcendent beauty of her protected Alaskan childhood of the
magical shimmering Northern Lights with that of the neglected, abused poor whom she counsels and teaches English, into the
plaid fabric of Medieval mystics like Catherine of Sienna and Madame Jeanne Guyon of the 17th Century, about whom she writes
her doctoral thesis and from whom she lights each chapter of her book. In this fast-paced, page turner, the reader is allowed
the privilege of accompanying a current Christian in her everyday life filled with the transcendent love of a living God who
participates in our on-going journeys as we allow the divine into our lives. I am convinced this book will lead many to the
altar of God, humbly and on their knees! It may also cause us to observe more closely the system of justice practiced in America
no matter how hard it is to accept the ignorance and hatred still prevalent in our society. How do we teach ourselves and
others to celebrate diversity not punish it?"
John Bryson Chane, Eighth Episcopal Bishop of Washington, D.C.
"A gripping and uplifting story, passionately told. Part devotional manual, part history, and part mystery thriller,
Nancy James's Standing in the Whirlwind bears eloquent witness to the Christian ethic of love and to the power of faith, as
well as to the power of narrative. Truly amazing in its range and depth, this book has the feel of a Hitchcock film,
and the substance of a seventeenth century mystical treatise. Through the story of her own ordeal with a rural Virginia congregation,
Reverend James manages to draw the reader into many worlds at once with daring and expert skill, and a contemplative's eye
for the ultimate presence of the divine in all of life. Very few books ever sweep me away. This one surely did."
Carlos Eire, Yale University professor and author of "Waiting for Snow in Havana"
"It’s impossible to read Standing in the Whirlwind and not have admiration for
Nancy James. James lives a life of devotion. She embraces the homeless as well as the incarcerated. Her faith creates bridges
between communities. This is a book which attempts to bring good news to the average reader. However it’s also a book
with many dark pages. Here we find Nancy James being courageous and lighting the candle that should reside inside all of us."
E. Ethelbert Miller, Director, African American
Resource Center
Howard University, Washington,
DC
"Nancy James has written a brave and much-needed book for all Christians documenting how evil can become manifest in
congregations. As counterpoint, she records and celebrates the sources which nourished and strengthened her during an ordeal
of threats, slander, and violence. Not all clergy will be called to such a Calvary, but those who have seen the shadow, or
vigilante, side of the church will find her book a foxhole friend, a solace in sorrow, and a companion in Easter joy."
Penelope Duckworth, Episcopal priest and author of "Mary: The Imagination of Her Heart"
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