Summary: Ann Showalter invites readers along on a roller coaster ride called AIDS. Ann began her ride the Saturday afternoon her husband Ray said, "I have AIDS." After the first shock, Ray's revelation became a breath of fresh air for the couple. This is their story. And the story of how the experience propell ed Ann into ministry with a grassroots organization established to provide pastoral services for those suffering the ravages of AIDS. Comment:
“Ann’s honesty and courage in the face of her
husband’s homosexuality and AIDS not only brought
healing to Ray and to their family but shaped the future
of her ministry as a Mennonite pastor. In addition, this
book offers the Mennonite church a new model for dealing
with the homosexual persons in their midst.” “Reading, I resented every
interruption as an intrusion on holy ground created for
me. Ann’s story proves the principle that what is
most personal is the most universal. Her writing is
simple and unadorned like her Amish childhood, explicitly
and healthily both separating and connecting while
disarmingly void of self-consciousness about a life that
so easily could be sensationalized beyond our
reach.” “Ann gives us a glimpse into the
life of a contemporary psalmist. She had enough grasp and
assurance of the largeness of God to offer God her
grievances and candor when finding her way through a
difficult storm.“ “A compelling account of
vulnerability and courage, Ann’s story explores
complex ecclesial and social issues faced by homosexuals
and those who love them. This is important reading for
pastors and church leaders.” “Along the way, Ann lets the
reader overhear her own conversations and prayers about
matters that are complicated, vexed, painful, and
controversial. She invites our company, not necessarily
our consent.” Market: Anyone interested in a journey of love and faith in volving marriage and AIDS as well as how AIDS, Scripture, and Christian compassion or lack of it intersect with gay or lesbian journeys. The Author: Following her ordination to ministry in 1984, Ann Showalter, Newton, Kansas, ministered for many years in chaplaincy, pastoral, and field education settings. Now retired, she worships with the New Creation Fellowship Church, offers individual spiritual direction, and occasionally leads workshops at Heartland Center for Spirituality in Great Bend, Kansas. Shelving: Autobiography/memoir—religious, Anabaptist, Mennonite; AIDS; Homosexuality; Gay/Lesbian Studies. BISAC: Autobiography. RTM: 170 Autobiography; 690 Religion/Ethics. Publisher: Cascadia
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