You cannot make me choose a favorite book ... it's like picking a favorite child. All of them have quietly, forcefully undone me, making me examine my easy habits and assumptions from more complicated, compassionate angles.
This, though: "a true feat of moral rigor for someone with my wingspan." I am dying. :D
Shannan - our church built a coffee shop for the community here in Sterling VA, a far out suburb of Washington DC. Ridgetopcoffeeandtea.com. That coffee shop is built on the spines of your books! They really helped me understand and know how to meet the community just where they are. Thank you!
I found you through The Ministry of Ordinary Places and gave a copy to the Executive Director of the very small nonprofit I was working for at the time (faith based community center and programming for under-represented students in my community). It was just what we both needed to continue to better understand the need we all have for connection and how simple it can be.
I pre-ordered several copies of It Starts With Hello and passed one on to an amazing woman in my church who quietly meets with and supports staff members, missionaries, new attendees and anyone else. She and I meet once a month and love to talk about what we're reading. She was so grateful I introduced you to her.
No matter how full my in box is, I click on your newsletter first. Your authentic writing helps me find hope and look for connection no matter the chaos of the world around us. Thank you.
I first read Ministry in Ordinary Places. I bought it for the title. Too much to quote! I loved it and thought, she’s speaking my language! I then ready Falling Free and Start with Hello!
I did not grow up in church. At 19 my life truly did change forever and was sucked into all that you wrote here. I’m grateful for my beginnings and also for the undoing of so much that mostly paralyzed me and didn’t always lead me to love others—especially when you must be certain about all the things. So grateful for curiosity and new beginnings. And for you!
Omg AWANA bible quizzing was no joke. Also, I literally had a meltdown in early high school because I was so terrified of apologetics in my speech class and my mom ended up telling my teacher I needed to skip that session. The fear was real!
I didn’t realize I had been following you so long! I met you through Annie F. Downs’ podcast when the ministry of ordinary places came out. The book was transformative for me, someone who had just uprooted her life for a job and was trying to find a new community. Thank you for allowing us to follow along on your journey of curiosity, and inspiring my own. ♥️
Shannan, thank you for sharing your journey with us. You are such an inspiration to me. Your words have been my companion as I navigate life without a church now, and this political climate. Your truth telling and vulnerability amaze me every time I read your words. I've shared your books with many, but this is a reminder to re-read and share some more. I am a sky and nature watcher also, so feeling that connection brings me such joy!
Looooove this: "I am a seminarian of these streets . . ."
It's the truest truth.
You cannot make me choose a favorite book ... it's like picking a favorite child. All of them have quietly, forcefully undone me, making me examine my easy habits and assumptions from more complicated, compassionate angles.
This, though: "a true feat of moral rigor for someone with my wingspan." I am dying. :D
😮💨😅
Love you/miss you.
Shannan - our church built a coffee shop for the community here in Sterling VA, a far out suburb of Washington DC. Ridgetopcoffeeandtea.com. That coffee shop is built on the spines of your books! They really helped me understand and know how to meet the community just where they are. Thank you!
Amanda! I love this. 🩷
Friend, we are all contagious to somebody. The choice is in to whom we become the contagion and to whom we become the antidote.
🎯
(it can also be pretty painful, and I want to acknowledge that because I know I'm not alone in it.)
I found you through The Ministry of Ordinary Places and gave a copy to the Executive Director of the very small nonprofit I was working for at the time (faith based community center and programming for under-represented students in my community). It was just what we both needed to continue to better understand the need we all have for connection and how simple it can be.
I pre-ordered several copies of It Starts With Hello and passed one on to an amazing woman in my church who quietly meets with and supports staff members, missionaries, new attendees and anyone else. She and I meet once a month and love to talk about what we're reading. She was so grateful I introduced you to her.
No matter how full my in box is, I click on your newsletter first. Your authentic writing helps me find hope and look for connection no matter the chaos of the world around us. Thank you.
Heidi! This all means so very much to me. I'm glad my writing has been helpful. Thank you for sharing it with your circle!
Loved them all! Waiting on #4 🥰
Good vibes welcomed! :)
I first read Ministry in Ordinary Places. I bought it for the title. Too much to quote! I loved it and thought, she’s speaking my language! I then ready Falling Free and Start with Hello!
I did not grow up in church. At 19 my life truly did change forever and was sucked into all that you wrote here. I’m grateful for my beginnings and also for the undoing of so much that mostly paralyzed me and didn’t always lead me to love others—especially when you must be certain about all the things. So grateful for curiosity and new beginnings. And for you!
Kim, thank you for sharing this with me! I'm so glad we're here, together.
Omg AWANA bible quizzing was no joke. Also, I literally had a meltdown in early high school because I was so terrified of apologetics in my speech class and my mom ended up telling my teacher I needed to skip that session. The fear was real!
I didn’t realize I had been following you so long! I met you through Annie F. Downs’ podcast when the ministry of ordinary places came out. The book was transformative for me, someone who had just uprooted her life for a job and was trying to find a new community. Thank you for allowing us to follow along on your journey of curiosity, and inspiring my own. ♥️
The Ministry of Ordinary Places remains the gooey center of my heart. I'm glad it was helpful for you, too!
love, love, love. Thank u for being real! ~
Thank you for being here! 💕
Shannan, thank you for sharing your journey with us. You are such an inspiration to me. Your words have been my companion as I navigate life without a church now, and this political climate. Your truth telling and vulnerability amaze me every time I read your words. I've shared your books with many, but this is a reminder to re-read and share some more. I am a sky and nature watcher also, so feeling that connection brings me such joy!
as always, your words are such a gift.