Elaine Flake presents an often ignored subject for the church and particularly for preaching: how to reach women who have been hurt because of gender and, more specifically, their race as African Americans. She begins with a discussion of her own journey to a womanist theology. And then uses the vehicle of stories of women of the Bible to raise issues of healing for contemporary women. But primarily this is a book about preaching. The center piece of the book in a series of printed sermons dealing with women’s issues. Some of these include: the power of loss, deciding when it’s time to leave, when enough is too much, freedom, dealing with anger, when friends hurt, and celebrating new beginnings. This helpful book should be read by female and male clergy alike. It also might be used in a women’s study group. It would be particularly of interest to African-American and other ethnic congregations.

Reviewed by Brian Witwer