Dr. Alean Saunders-Coffey has chosen the right title for her book, because as soon as one enters it, one is taken by the beauty the words offer. The poems, the prayers, and the confessional essays are the obvious result of a love affair with words. Even the succinct quotations, which lead a reader from section to section, have been chosen with this same frame of mind. But the writings are not satisfied simply to be lovely, they are driven by a need to grapple with the issues of justice and spirituality. To read the book is not only to engage for a time in something uplifting, it's also to come to know the writer and the ground on which she has chosen to build her life.
--Rev. Dr. Dale K. Edmondson
Retired Pastor of Judson Memorial Baptist Church Minneapolis MN
The Beauty of Words
, a book of poems, essays and prayers inspired me to reflect and question myself, and the world around me, during these unsettling times. Dr. Saunders-Coffey's eloquent mastery of words is an uplifting and thought- provoking work of art, which is a perfect balance between hope and faith.
--Deborah J. Davis
Author of
Life Got in the Way
Rarely are we aware of how an experience we think as insignificant has more meaning to us, and to the entire world, than we realize. Dr. Alean Saunders-Coffey is genius in bringing us to this awareness, as she weaves together her experiences with poetry and expressions of wisdom from great writers, community and world leaders and spiritual teachers. The words that leap and spring forth from her stories and daily encounters are just what the title suggests: words that carry beauty, meaning, healing—much needed in this age of COVID, tense racial and cultural relations. This is a must read for those of us
whose day-to-day experiences seek to brighten places where meaning and hope has been lost.
--Rev. Dr. D. Mark Wilson
Resident Chaplain, Kaiser Permanente Hospital Walnut Creek CA