Brave Soul: A spiritual memoir

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Some of my strongest memories of that visit relate to the two books I read during my stay: Coffee, Tea, or Me? As I was coming of age that summer, my reading material was quite adult inspiring me to be self-disciplined and brave, relentless in a pursuit of freedom and inviting me to reach out and connect with others in ways as yet unexplored.

Eventually, I became interested, particularly, in Spiritual Memoir. Was there a deeper truth to be discovered? Was there something other than the highs and lows of the material mainstream world worthy of seeking? Was there a freedom that came from inner peace? Was there something like fundamental connection with everything? But most importantly, were there people who had set out to answer these questions for themselves—who had set out seeking enlightenment or self-realization—and written about what it was like along the way?

People who could show me from the ground up, from the inside out, what a spiritual journey looked like and felt like. Ultimately my reading forays into spiritual memoir have been fundamentally important on my journey, providing inspiration and direction as well as useful bewilderment—getting me out of me head, out of my own limitations. Always I am searching for more—not more stuff. These things I frequently find in the pages and between the lines of spiritual memoir. Below is a selection of some of my favorite spiritual memoirs and autobiographies, presented in no particular order:.

It opened my eyes to an eastern perspective—a completely different way of looking at the world from the American White suburbia where I grew up. I immediately thought it should be required reading in school. I am forever indebted to Carlos for inspiring me and my husband to start seeking. Pathways Through to Space: Of all the books on this list, this one is closest to my heart and probably the least known. Franklin Merrell Wolff was a Harvard educated mathematician who began studying consciousness in the early part of the twentieth century.

In which I share 10 (okay, technically 14) spiritual memoirs

This book is the journal of his awakening. In it western science meets eastern mysticism. Although I am a heart-centered person, the erudite and meticulous chronicling of his journey soothes my soul and takes me to Stillness. Naked Through the Gate: Another lesser-known spiritual memoir, this book was written by one of my current spiritual teachers, Joel Morwood, who had his own awakening and then spent a year living with Franklin Merrell Wolff.

Joel is the real deal. This wonderful story made me have the courage to write my own story and led me to John Hunt Publishing, for which I am so grateful. It is told through the eyes of an ordinary suburban girl, who embarks on her own very unique journey to fulfillment. An outrageous compelling true story about a journalist investigating snake-handling churches. Ultimately and unexpectedly, he discovers his own unshakable faith among them.

This one still sticks with me. She reminds me that I too am Red, Hot and Holy. Required college reading, this book helped me appreciate that my non-religious, non-mystical, non-visionary upbringing was a product of cultural conditioning not necessarily the Truth. When this book came out, several people contacted me saying I needed to write my story because we had a similar style, which helped encourage me to start writing again. When I first reached out to my content editor in the early stages of More I asked if she would be interested in working on a book that I thought of as Eat Pray Love meets Fifty Shades of Grey.

But this book took me into the heart of her commitment to both writing and sitting, and as I, too, find the two utterly complementary and intimately tied to my own journey, I greatly appreciated her memoir. Caravan of No Despair drew me in and kept me captivated. The searing honesty of Ms. Another I think of as required reading. Any spiritual seeker whose wondered if the Path can be enough to sustain during the most challenging circumstances, must read this book. Etty found peace during oppression and was a ray of light in the concentration camps.

Plus she introduced me to Rilke. This book reminded me to pay close attention while I was going through tough times. I reference an excerpt from this book in my own memoir, More. A beautifully written memoir, that is both soul searching and poetic. One of the first spiritual memoirs I read. It made me appreciate the importance of going on a pilgrimage. I was impressed with how she shows the Tantric process of deconstructing our ordinary selves.

As she says herself, the journey is about confronting the most ugly and dark in the world to find divine love. Nomani is an amazing presence in the world today, standing up for her own truth as a Muslim feminist. Her book, Standing Alone: It came to me at a moment when I needed a lift. It validated my tough day by reminding me to be gentle for there would be tough challenges, then soothed my disquieted soul with an uplifting impassioned voice of devotion and love. For years I had heard of Maya Angelou and read some of her poems.

Finally I read her memoir and found in it an ease talking about all of life, just as it is, including the painful. In the end one is uplifted despite the content. Her honesty and plain speaking allow us to live big and rich despite our flawed lives—and then to write about it too. This book, however, went on to play a fundamental role in my own journey, for shortly after reading it I learned that the author herself would be teaching a shamanic dreaming workshop near to me.

The insights gleaned from those experiences are featured largely in my own memoir, More. What I loved most about this book was the allowing of magic. But I also greatly appreciated the confluence of two different worlds: The two parts collide and collaborate as the author embarks on a search for love and identity coining herself a Tantrika Zen Witch, a term with which I can relate.

Taking on writing a memoir is a bit like deciding to walk the Pacific Crest Trail alone with a massive backpack while recovering from painful memories. Strayed shows us both in this wonderful memoir. I read this book many years ago at the start of my own inquiry and still get a warm feeling in my chest when I think about it.

On the plus side, this book has encouraged me once again to read the writings of St. Jan 22, Molaika rated it really liked it. Mostly enjoyed this, especially her explanations of Edith Stein's writings, who I am eager to read now! Mar 25, Emily rated it really liked it Shelves: Campbell did a marvelous job knitting together certain saints with crucial moments of her life, relaying how their influence inspired and effected her character and guided her spiritual development at different hardships throughout life.

The memoir reads like a story, starting when Campbell is 20, in college, and feeling an acute emptiness My favorite part of the book is her explanations and accounts of the saints' lives, and then what she subsequently gleaned from them and how it changed her perspective of life. Overall, I enjoyed reading about her spiritual journey. I'm glad she shared it.


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Jun 13, Beth rated it it was ok Shelves: I thought I was "led" to read this book because the description on the jacket sounded right up my alley: To say I was disappointed is an understatement. I was halfway through the book before I even realized that our ideologies were strikingly different, so I don't believe my dislike of the book has much of anything to do I thought I was "led" to read this book because the description on the jacket sounded right up my alley: I was halfway through the book before I even realized that our ideologies were strikingly different, so I don't believe my dislike of the book has much of anything to do with differing political leanings or differing religious commitments, but I"ll disclose that here just the same.

This author seems little changed throughout the book. In the beginning, though she's been partying, she seems to know that the answer for her is to return to a more devout involvement with Catholicism. While she gives lip service to wanting to be a career woman but also wants to be a wife and mother a struggle many women can identify with , she is also critical, and frankly a little superior, in her judgment of the fast track women she is working with in the White House where she is a speechwriter for George W.

It is, in fact, this judgment that I found most distasteful. Instead of looking inside herself--and perhaps she was, but I saw little evidence of it in this book--she seems to be always projecting outward at other people who aren't quite as devout as she is e.

I kept waiting to find a description or sentence that I would have to re-read for its artistry or marvel at its intent, but there are none. It's kind of plodding, and perhaps would have made a good, long article instead of a memoir. My favorite sections were those on the saints, but mostly just because I'd be reminded of the histories of the saints I'd read before elsewhere. At no point was I surprised by a new take on a story, by new insight. Perhaps I wanted too much for this book to be something other than it was.

I was hoping for the delightful searching and frustration of protestant writers Sue Monk Kidd or Anne Lamott, who so willingly show their anger, their mistakes, their biases, and the joy of their discoveries without ever sounding quite so judgmental and sure they are right. I'm glad that Campbell is so satisfied with her life and her faith, but I wish I'd been more satisfied with her book. Dec 27, Stuart rated it it was amazing. She also writes for the St. In a nutshell, this is Mrs.

In which I share 10 (okay, technically 14) spiritual memoirs | Sarah Bessey

Campbell's autobiography of her spiritual journey so far. In addition to being an autobiography, we also get a glimpse at key female saints in the Catholic Church. Campbell tells how each one's life helped shape various points in her life. This was not only informative about the author, but also about the saints as I had never known much about the lives of some of these saints. Although this is a book whose target audience is women, I felt that I could relate to some of Mrs. Perhaps the stage in her life I relate to most is her college years.

This is where the book starts off, in fact. Campbell described her days in college as a party girl who put religion on the back burner. While I was never a party guy myself, I can relate to losing my religion to some degree in college. I think more people than not can relate to this as that seems to be a time we "adults" go through where we think we know more than we really do. This was a very well written book, and I would expect nothing less from a journalist and presidential speechwriter.

However, my biggest gripe with the book is chapter length. The chapters do have subheadings thankfully. Overall, I would give this book 4. May 16, Emily rated it liked it. I really wanted to like this book much more than I did. The writing is excellent, both in style and tone, so that wasn't the problem. I think it was just that my life has been so different than hers, and I already have devotion to these saints, that I didn't really "learn" anything from this book. This had the effect of lowering my liking of it. I'm fairly sure this is just a me thing, and not a reflection of the worth of the book itself.

Brave Soul: A Spiritual Memoir (by Cherie Bell)

Jul 26, Amy rated it it was ok. It is her journey so who am I to "review". This is a very Catholic book and is probably best read by very devout Catholics who grew up in Catholic homes. I wanted to like this book more than I did. I am happy for the author that she is blessed with her religion and her family and much success. At the risk of criticizing this spiritual journey book, I am only giving it 2 stars. Jun 06, Natasha Childress rated it it was amazing. Not at all what I judged the cover to be, but exactly what I needed An easy and insightful read.

Jun 19, Jill rated it really liked it. She beautifully and honestly wove her story with the stories of the saints who carried her through these times. I definitely related to that! But we press on and remain open to grace so that we grow in love and understanding. That is the walk Loved this story! That is the walk of a Christian. The saints are not out of reach. Heaven is all around us and this book will help me remember that daily, and perhaps even more often.

Aug 16, Mary Porter rated it it was amazing.

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I could not put this book down. I found Colleen's story so relatable and she put into words much of the struggles I faced during my own father's sickness and death. Her faith journey throughout the different tunnels she traveled through is inspirational. May 14, Christian Engler rated it it was amazing Shelves: In the case of Colleen Carroll Campbell, God does not have to be, nor should He be, dumped by the wayside in order to obtain career success and social relevancy.

In reality, looking towards God is a pivotal starting point for the obtainment of a positive and meaningful existence. Having a healthy faith can give one an unbreakable strength in which to meet all challenges head-on, despite the overwhelming and sometimes insurmountable nature of what those challenges can be.

The Most Significant Signes OF Spiritual Awakening !!

And the author, citing her own numerous struggles, which were all competing neck-in-neck with each other for first place on the podium of misery, can honestly say that she knows what she is talking about. She recounts in crystalline detail the vacuousness that engulfed her while as a student: By stepping outside of her unsatisfying merry-go-round life and trying to see the world through the lens of faith, she was able to get a healthier perspective and insight into herself.

Her intelligence, femininity, talent and strength were genuinely valued: If not by anybody else at least by God. In discerning her vocation, she had to let her guard and cynicism down and try to be more open-minded as to where God was leading her, a battle, sometimes, all by itself. By opening herself up and maintaing her stick-to-itiveness to faith and it was a struggle , she was able, over time, to discern a pattern and finally see the fruits of grace that was always working in and around her. But like in any human relationship, it took years of prayer, sacrifice and commitment.

And it was in the subsequent years where her faith was truly tested that made for fascinating reading. Turning to the Catholic Church and her saints, she found the most unlikely partners in her journey through life: Each of these strong and faith-filled women embodied a strength, quality and experience that resonated deeply for the author. In her own journey in dealing with a loved one who suffered from Alzheimer's Disease as well as dealing with unending infertility struggles and the stresses of being a working woman, the obstacles and hardships seemed absolutely insurmountable as they became more and more crunched together, almost to the point of throwing the hands up in the air and screaming at the universe: She found strength through her saints and the rosary.

And in each chapter, her love and admiration for them really do shine through. Her memoir beautifully lays out the beauty of Catholicism and of faith in action. It was interesting to read how her faith translated into her career as a White House speech writer, author and commentator. But what I related to, above all, was the struggle of her own human juggling act while still maintaing a deep rooted and proactive Catholic faith. My Sisters The Saints felt like a story of a struggling modern day career mystic who operated within the Washington beltway and who worked in the realm of political journalism but who fluidly crisscrossed to the divine world of the contemplative.

This was a genuinely refreshing read, as I too have my saints, blessed, venerable and servants of God that I look to for inspiration in both good times and in bad. And it was nice to read of a modern-day professional who was so unashamedly open and articulate about it. Very worthy of the Christopher Award. Apr 15, Emily Davis rated it really liked it Shelves: Published by Image Catholic Books.

She shares so much of her experience with life lessons with falling away from faith as so many of us do in college and fertility and caring for an ailing parent, and that is courageous by Happy Wednesday. She shares so much of her experience with life lessons with falling away from faith as so many of us do in college and fertility and caring for an ailing parent, and that is courageous by itself.

But to do it in an age where so many people review what is essentially her life, well, I think that is just braver than brave. And I am so pleased that she wrote this awesome book. Go to my blog for a link to the first chapter and the author bio: A Spiritual Memoir This book is important. As Catholics, we are so blessed to have strong women role models in the Saints. For me, this is a timely and much-needed reminder that I am not alone; that I can do anything God sets before me; that I am strong and have other strong women to look up to.

It is hard to remember that, but there really are Saints for every season in life, every situation. Campbell drew on some of my favorites for intercession and guidance. I feel so blessed even writing this review. I have an innate relationship with the book because I often use the Saints as guides and intercessors. On the first day I told the children that we all have the ability to become Saints. God used ordinary people to do extra-ordinary things. We just have to say YES! Campbell shows that you can wonder about faith-teachings and leave your faith on a back burner and come back to it when times get tough, and wonder why you ever left my words, not hers.

To me, this part of the book gave me hope — for so many who have turned their back on Catholicism or any religion, and will find their way back. What a great man her father was. One of his favorite saints was Saint Therese of Lisieux.


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    7. Campbell read Therese, she realized how alike her father and Saint Therese were. To me, it is a great bond between the three of them. It makes me tear up writing about it. I am battling tears as I write this. I have read many reviews on this book. To me, this book is about learning to make the best out of the life we are given.

    I hope and pray so. I am not going to say it is an easy read for all. But it is a fantastic read, in my opinion. I give it two thumbs up. My goal is to write a review every Wednesday. And look back Saturday for a review on Seeing Home. A must read, for all Yankees Fans, Baseball Fans and people who love an encouraging story of fortitude against the odds. Oct 23, Dallas Nateweyes rated it it was amazing.

    Nov 04, Faith rated it it was amazing. Colleen Carroll Campbell writes like she's talking to friends- she gives us the gift of her story and she tells it with intensity. She asks a lot of questions- what does it mean to be a woman? What do I do about work and goals and choices? And how do I live through waiting and suffering and falling in love? Colleen begins with the day she realized that she wanted- needed- something more. She was a bright young college student with a promising future. And on that October morning all she felt was an ache. Something was lost and needed finding, or dislocated and needed healing, and she wasn't sure what it all meant.

    She never imagined that a dead saint, encountered through a old book, would speak words that soothed the ache. Theresa of Avila's life in the 16th century helped made sense of Colleen's 21st century experience. One may think that career ambitions, relationship struggles, and personal identity questions would have no reference in the life of a saint.

    And over the next decade of Colleen's life- when she publishes a book and becomes a White House speech writer, and lives with her dad's Alzheimer's diagnosis, and meets the man she one day marries, and then copes with infertility- she keeps finding strength and solace in the words of saints. One by one, various female saints come into her life in the season she most needed them. Somehow these women address her reality, and point to their Jesus who redeemed them and guided them, offering Him to her.

    Therese of Lisieux- one of her father's favorite saints- lived the "Little Way" of completely trusting faith. That seems too simple in our intellectual age, but it was just what Colleen needed as she watched her father's faith become more childlike. Therese reminded her that great love in ordinary actions would sustain them.

    Edith affirmed these desires as holy and good, saying that every woman is called to nurture and bring forth life, whether or not she ever bears children. This spiritual maternity is not a second-place prize after biological motherhood, rather it's the heart of all motherhood. Theresa of Calcutta's private letters, published posthumously, met Colleen in the darkness after her father's death. The fact that this saint who lived with a "smile for Jesus" could feel absolutely bereft of God was a revelation.

    Her vulnerability taught Colleen "the promise of joy. And I also think you'll want to find some of the saints original writing when you're done. Thank you to Image Books and Blogging for Books for my review copy. Jan 18, Elizabeth rated it really liked it Shelves: A Spiritual Memoir by Colleen Carroll Campbell begins with Colleen as a young twenty-something, nominally Catholic college student who slowly begins exploring her Catholicism as a way to decipher what it means to be a woman.

    Colleen explores the faith through the guiding influence of six different women saints of the Catholic Church: Teresa of Avila, St. Therese of Lisieux, St. The book worked My Sisters the Saints: The book worked on both levels. The events of Colleen's life, from exciting career opportunities and marriage, to her father's decline through Alzheimer's, engage the reader and made me cry on more than one occasion. The accompanying mini-biographies on the saints throughout the book gives enough information to make the saint real, but not so much as to be overwhelming or become textbook-like instead of a personal account.

    I did find myself turned off in portions of the book where Colleen veered into apologetics of Catholicism's ban on birth control and in vitro fertilization, and a defense of prayer to Mary. I suppose this is because I've already heard these multiple times, and felt boredom and disruption to the narrative hearing them again.

    I did however, appreciate her candor in expressing the struggle of staying loyal to the Church's teaching in the face of infertility. Overall, I think I would recommend this to anyone who is a fan of the spiritual memoir genre, or anyone curious about these saints.