Non-Fiction

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Everbloom

Stories of Deeply Rooted and Transformed Lives

By the Women of Redbud Writers Guild.
Contributing Editors: Shayne Moore & Margaret Philbrick
Paraclete Press – 2017

Through the pain, loss, beauty, and redemption in these pages, you’ll find freedom and the courage to embrace your own story. The diverse women of Redbud know the importance of spiritual shelter, and how easy it is to feel alone and misunderstood. In the Everbloom collection they offer essays, stories, and poetry: intensely personal accounts of transformation, and the journeys to find their own voices. Best of all, they invite you to join them, with writing prompts that encourage a response of honesty, faith, and imagination.
“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
“Everbloom contains a smorgasbord of personal stories and reflections that put the strong writing of women and the reality of women’s lives on display. I suspect every reader will find themselves in one or more of these chapters.”
~ Carolyn Custis James, author of Half the Church: Recapturing God’s Global Vision for Women and Maelstrom: Manhood Swept into the Currents of a Changing World
“Once I began reading these stories I couldn’t stop. Each writer is a strong woman who has learned much from life and God. Gritty, funny, painful, affirming. No punches are pulled, but grace abounds.”
~ Luci Shaw, poet, author of Thumbprint in the Clay
“Readers will find gold within these pages. Excellent writing often springs from deep sorrow that has softened hearts, widened vision, and presses its bearer into the Man of Sorrows.”
~ Dee Brestin, author of The Friendships of Women
“Everbloom isn’t just a book… it’s a collection of stories that inspire courage, promote honesty, and promise freedom. When you travel through the journeys of these amazing women, don’t be surprised if you discover hope for your own story.”
~ Caleb Kaltenbach, Lead Pastor, Discovery Church, author of Messy Grace and God of Tomorrow

Margaret’s Child – A Young Entrepreneur of America’s Competition Winner, 2020

Margaret’s Child, a picture book co-created with our Liberian foster daughter for Black kids growing up in white foster or adopted homes whose parents have not the first clue how to care for their hair. This collaboration was initiated by Gizlangba, formerly known as Jessica, for her business project in the Young Entrepreneurs of America competition. She ended up winning the Chicago competition and going on to compete in the national championship. Jessica’s illustrations for the book are a clear, emotive and beautiful depiction of the challenges and joys of learning how to care for Black hair. It was an honor to bring my writing skills to this project and see her succeed.

“”When Jessica won the program at the end it was such a rewarding experience to be able to help her and see her grow.” Maggie Wibright, Chicago Young Entrepreneurs of America mentor”
~ Maggie Wibright, Chicago Young Entrepreneurs of America mentor

More information in this article:
YEA! 2020 Graduate Pitches “Margaret’s Child” at the National Saunder’s Competition » Female Strong ®

Book can be purchased through the contact form on this website.

Amazon
Messy Grace Small Group Video Study
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Messy Grace

How a Pastor with Gay Parents Learned to Love Others Without Sacrificing Conviction

Waterbrook, City on a Hill – 2016

Messy Grace – Testimonies of God’s Love, Grace and Truth from those personally affected by LGBT identity and issues, including Margaret Philbrick and her transgender sibling Carly, Jackie Hill-Perry and Sam Alberry in the video and group study curriculum

Very few issues are as divisive as the acceptance of the LGBT community by the church. Many lean toward one of two extremes: Sacrificing truth for the sake of grace, or sacrificing grace for the sake of truth. Jesus was able to love all people and yet still hold onto his beliefs. So can you. Even when it’s messy. Messy Grace combines sound teaching from Caleb Kaltenbach with stirring testimonies from an author with a transgender sister, a college student who lived a double life, a former lesbian hip-hop artist and a celibate pastor who’s same-sex attracted. This four-episode study will inspire and empower us to completely love our LGBT neighbors (and any neighbor) while remaining committed to living a life of faith and integrity.

“Awesome stories of real-life people, that have been injured or misjudged by the church… it gives you a heart to really love every person and their story… rids judgment.”
~ Amazon review
“Wonderful content. We did this with our family as parents and grandparents to learn how to love our son and son-in-law better and it was a great experience. Highly recommended!”
~ Amazon reviewer, 2023 (Messy Grace Video Study)