In his book God of Our Silent Tears, author Dan Edwards takes up the questions Where does suffering come from? What kind of God would permit innocent suffering? What good is God when we suffer? Writing in his foreword, theologian John Westerhoff calls the book an invitation to engage in conversations with the church's theologians who have struggled throughout history with the question of how suffering forces us to rethink our understanding of the Christian faith and what it has to say about the nature and character of God, and about the purposes and destiny of human beings. Westerhoff adds that Edwards, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Nevada, continues an honorable tradition in the Christian church, offering an invitation to examine experiences and feelings, questions and reflections, doubts and convictions in our human quest for answers to our deep need.

The author shares the story of her four years as a volunteer at an orphanage in rural China, the one-child policy that created hundreds of abandoned infants, and the children she came to know, love, and care for.

Winner of the 2022 Gustave O. Arlt Award in the Humanities, award by by the Council of Graduate Schools Explores the role of jazz celebrities like Ella Fitzgerald, Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, and Mary Lou Williams as representatives of African American religion in the twentieth century Beginning in the 1920s, the Jazz Age propelled Black swing artists into national celebrity. Many took on the role of race representatives, and were able to leverage their popularity toward achieving social progress for other African Americans. In Lift Every Voice and Swing, Vaughn A. Booker argues that with the emergence of these popular jazz figures, who came from a culture shaped by Black Protestantism, religious authority for African Americans found a place and spokespeople outside of traditional Afro-Protestant institutions and religious life. Popular Black jazz professionals—such as Ella Fitzgerald, Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, and Mary Lou Williams—inherited religious authority though they were not official religious leaders. Some of these artists put forward a religious culture in the mid-twentieth century by releasing religious recordings and putting on religious concerts, and their work came to be seen as integral to the Black religious ethos. Booker documents this transformative era in religious expression, in which jazz musicians embodied religious beliefs and practices that echoed and diverged from the predominant African American religious culture. He draws on the heretofore unexamined private religious writings of Duke Ellington and Mary Lou Williams, and showcases the careers of female jazz artists alongside those of men, expanding our understanding of African American religious expression and decentering the Black church as the sole concept for understanding Black Protestant religiosity. Featuring gorgeous prose and insightful research, Lift Every Voice and Swing will change the way we understand the connections between jazz music and faith.

Loving the Silent Tears is more than a musical. It is a celebration. This remarkable show rejoices in the diversity of our world: Sixteen vibrant global cultures are presented through soaring music, astounding sets and costumes, and an impressive cast of singers and dancers. Moving deeper, the musical’s book and lyrics weave the entrancing story of a magical journey and the crisscrossing paths of an older, disenchanted woman and a lost young man propelled on the way to self-discovery. It is a search for a meaningful existence and ultimately, an exaltation of finding peace within ourselves. Musical theatre has always conveyed tales of love, ambition, and adversity through song and dance. With a topic that’s more unique than most, this musical is particularly deep yet highly entertaining. The theme revolves around the innate human longing to contact a higher power, or in the poet’s words, “Loving the silent tears for You more than the diamonds of the world.” Good theatre invites us to think, to question, and to aspire. Loving the Silent Tears does just that, providing aesthetic gratification while planting the seeds for further reflection.

The inspirational sermons of the old Negro preachers are set down as poetry in this collection -- a classic for more than forty years, frequently dramatized, recorded, and anthologized. Mr. Johnson tells in his preface of hearing these same themes treated by famous preachers in his youth; some of the sermons are still current, and like the spirituals they have taken a significant place in black folk art. In transmuting their essence into original and moving poetry, the author has also ensured the survival of a great oral tradition. Book jacket.

“Johnson eloquently conveys the absolute devastation Ana experiences at what feels like the ultimate betrayal by the person she loves most” – Readers’ Favorite. A powerful and heart-wrenching story of one woman’s struggle with polygamy After spending her life fantasizing about her dream husband, Ana believes she has finally found the one when she meets Alec Coleman. He is charming, witty, and has looks to die for. The two feel an instant attraction, and it seems that Ana’s dreams have finally come true. But when Alec rekindles a relationship with his former ex-girlfriend, Ana’s perfect life soon spirals into chaos. As a convert to Islam, Ana discovers her new religion allows men to take multiple wives. Ana thinks nothing much of it until Alec uses force and influence to draw her into a polygamous marriage. Grappling with betrayal feelings and unsure how she can share her husband with another woman, Ana learns why polygamy is called “the mother of all pain.” Gritty, poignant, and deeply moving, The Silent Tears of Polygamy is an eye-opening novel that explores the challenges that countless women in polygamous marriages struggle with daily. Inspired by a true story, this book provides a unique and memorable insight into a first wife’s feelings and thoughts battling with jealousy and insecurity. A cautionary tale, Ana’s story reveals how women can maintain their identity and take back control of their lives, one prayer, one voice, and one grueling day at a time. Scroll up and grab your copy today What readers are saying: “Not only did Robin manage to word feelings in ways in which I never could, but she also managed to show the secrets of the little box all first wives keep closed up inside their heads” – Reviewer. “It was an absolute page-turner, extremely well-written. Every detail was so clear and comprehensible” – Reviewer. “When I was reading Robin’s book, I couldn’t put it down until I was done. My husband didn’t know what to do because I would be crying but still refuse to stop reading” – Reviewer.

This popular collection of 280 musical pieces from both the African American and Gospel traditions has been compiled under the supervision of the Office of Black Ministries of the Episcopal Church. It includes service music and several psalm settings in addition to the Negro spirituals, Gospel songs, and hymns.

If you have been on an emotional rollercoaster, and you’re ready for change, then this is the Bible Study for you. If you are stable in your relationship with God and your loved ones, then this Bible Study will benefit your spiritual growth. God Hears Your Silent Cry tackles some tuff issues that need to be addressed; such as, depression, defeat, and sexual bonds. As you read this Bible Study, allow God to minister to your heart, so that you can learn to live a victorious life. God bless!