The &“Strong Black Woman&” has been a part of mainstream culture for centuries, as a myth, a goddess, a positive role model, a stereotype, and as a burden. In Fierce Angels, Sheri Parks explores the concept of the Strong Black Woman, its influence on people of all races, and the ways in which black women respond to and are affected by this image. Originating in the ancient Sacred Dark Feminine as a nurturing and fierce goddess, the Strong Black Woman can be found in myths from every continent. Slaves and slave owners alike brought the legend to America, where the spiritual icon evolved into the secular Strong Black Woman, with examples ranging from the slave Mammy to the poet Maya Angelou. She continues to appear in popular culture in television and movies, such as Law and Order and The Help, and as an inspirational symbol associated with the dispossessed in political movements, in particular from Africa. The book presents the stories of historical and living black women who embody the role and puts the icon in its historical and evolutionary context, presenting a balanced account of its negative and positive impact on black culture. This new paperback edition has been revised from the hardcover edition to include two new chapters that expand on the transformative Dark Feminine in alchemy and Western literature and a chapter on the political uses and further potential of the Sacred Dark Feminine in social justice movements in the United States and abroad.

Healer of Angels is a heartwarming collection of true stories of a young boy overcoming life's challenges and disabilities with the guidance of wise grandparents and other mentors. This process leads to a life dedicated to the rescue, healing and release of the wild creatures of the desert southwest. Some of the stories are humorous and some bittersweet, but each will inspire, teaching a lesson as it touches the readers' heart. Join Mr. Tyner as he reflects back on his life: from a young boy terrified of birds to becoming the first man in North America licensed to train a wild golden eagle in the ancient art of falconry; from a shy dyslectic teenager, to the founder and CEO of the Southwest Wildlife Foundation. Martin Tyner is one of America's foremost wildlife rehabilitators, a master falconer, eagle falconer, and wildlife and environmental educator. He travels throughout the west providing wildlife programs accompanied by his devoted companion, Scout, a wild golden eagle.

When are you too far in to get out? Eighteen-year-old Evan and his best friend, Davis, get beaten up for being loners. For being gay. For just being themselves. But as rough as things often seem, at least Evan can take comfort in his sweet, sexy boyfriend Erik —whom he’s kept secret from everyone for almost a year. Then Evan and Davis are recruited to join the Chasers, a fringe crowd that promises them protection and status. Davis is swept up in the excitement, but Evan is caught between his loyalty to Davis and his love for Erik. Evan has lied to keep his two worlds separate. Now his lies are about to implode…and destroy the very relationships he’s been trying to protect.

Leading Expert Demystifies Angels and How They Interact with People Angels have a vital role in the Kingdom of God--and in the lives of believers. Yet many Christians treat the existence of angels lightly or fail to consider them at all. In Angels Are Real Judith MacNutt pulls back the curtain on this intriguing topic, recounting inspiring, true-life stories and miraculous interactions, revealing what the Bible says about these heavenly beings, and offering insight into the spiritual realm. She draws on solid scriptural support to explore · what angels look like · what they do · why they are important in believers' lives · the heavenly hierarchy · what fallen angels are · and more. Angels Are Real is an accessible, comprehensive, encouraging guide for Christians. When believers grasp the importance of angels to God--and themselves--they will better understand God's power and his extraordinary love.

May Sarton has been writing and publishing poetry for over sixty years. A House of Gathering gives her poetry long-overdue critical attention and discusses Sarton's place among modern and contemporary world authors. As working poets, the contributors offer knowledgeable discussions of Sarton's craft. The essays cover a broad range of topics, from Pastan's memoirs of Sarton as her teacher at Radcliffe in the 1950s, to Charlotte Mandel's close scrutiny of Sarton's poetic forms in her earliest collections, to Bobby Caudle Rogers's consideration of the poetic sequence as a form in contemporary American poetry, to Keith Norris's reading of Sarton as a postmodernist. William Stafford's essay on Sarton's A Private Mythology offers eloquent testimony as to the poet's "breakthrough" in mid-career. In addition, A House of Gathering includes an original interview with May Sarton; a recent poem, "Friendship and Illness"; working drafts for "Old Lovers at the Ballet"; a letter from Sarton to H.D.; and several original photographs. These essays will appeal to readers interested in poetry and literature in general, in women's studies, and in May Sarton.

Since the beginning of time, the archangels have longed to know true love. When four female angels were created for the four archangels, Michael, Gabriel, Uriel, and Azrael, a chaos spurred by jealousy erupted, and the archesses were secreted away to Earth. The four favored archangels followed, prompting a search that has lasted millennia… For hundreds of years, Gabriel has passed himself off as a common Scottish villager. Few know he is the Messenger, a powerful archangel who has secretly scoured the world for the only woman who can complete him. Now, he’s shocked to discover the object of his fierce and driving desire shows up in his own backyard. Researching her Ph.D. in the Outer Hebrides, Juliette Anderson has always been the rational type—until she looks across a quaint pub and into the flashing silver eyes of a stranger. He’s handsome. He’s intense. And he claims her with a soul-searing kiss on the spot. Gabriel’s scorching gaze, wavy black hair and deep, sexy brogue ignite a fire in her that can’t be denied, and yet every instinct she has tells her to run. But when a familiar dark force rises, and the truth of her incredible identity is revealed, Juliette must follow her heart and put her faith in the tall, dark mysterious man who enflames her.

Using his strong background in the Scripture mixed with a complex and rich imagination, Kenneth John Marks sets out to tell a dramatic but biblically rooted account of evil's origin in the universe. He does this largely through children's perspectives, which adds a layer of wonder and innocence to the narration that contrasts effectively with some of the less-than-innocent characters and dramatic twists. What starts off as a simple tale deepens into a riveting story of evil versus good, Lucifer's followers against God's, which culminates in an unforgettable battle between Lucifer as a seven-headed dragon and the Destroyer that burns and pierces him. Readers will enjoy the author's skillful story telling and poetic prose, such as "the noonday sun reached with bright shining fingers." Even more importantly, many readers will see their faith and life choices mirrored in the characters, inspiring prayerful self-examination and reflection.