for twelve years, and the woman at the well. Author Ruth Vander Zee describes how these life-changing encounters deepened her personal walk with Jesus—and how women today can experience spiritual renewal as they personally meet the Jesus who demonstrated astonishing compassion for women who were lonely, beaten down, discouraged, marginalized, and perfectionistic. Includes revealing sidebar notes and illustrations along with group or personal discussion questions. Read excerpts at the author's book website. THE AUTHORS Ruth Vander Zee is the author of four acclaimed children’s books: Erika’s Story, Mississippi Morning, Eli Remembers, and Always with You. Ruth is a captivating speaker whose gift for storytelling helps children and adults rediscover their love for others, themselves, and God. Visit her website (www.journey-of-faith.com) to share your thoughts about this book and to schedule her to speak to your group. Caryn Dahlstrand Rivadeneira (preface) contributes regularly to Christianity Today’s Her.Meneutics blog. Her books include Grumble Hallelujah: Learning to Love Your Life Even When It Lets You Down and Mama’s Got a Fake ID. She co-founded the Redbud Writers Guild near Chicago. Mary Albert Darling (foreword) teaches communication at Spring Arbor University and is co-author with Tony Campolo of Connecting Like Jesus and The God of Intimacy and Action. ENDORSEMENTS "Every woman will discover in Woman Meets Jesus the freedom to overcome bondage to religion and to live an honest, grace-filled faith." – Lis Van Harten, Director of Sustaining Pastoral and Congregational Excellence, Christian Reformed Church of North America, Grand Rapids, MI "This book is perfect for church groups to read and discuss, using the questions following each chapter’s wonderfully described encounters between Jesus and women." – Phyllis Balzer Pals, Adult Education Committee Chair, Plymouth Congregational Church, Coconut Grove, FL "The book captures God’s bountiful love for us and leads us to experience a lavishly grateful spirit in our own lives." – Kathy Klompeen, Executive Assistant to the President, Bastyr University, Bothell, WA "Deeply touched by the emotions that surfaced while reading these compelling stories, I realized that Jesus has a very special relationship with me and all women." – Myriam Zayas, RN, BSN, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology "Woman Meets Jesus takes my breath away. Jesus' compassion for women is as stunning today as it must have been 2,000 years ago." – Quentin J. Schultze, author of Communicating for Life and Here I Am "This book is for all who have struggled with being close to Jesus—and who wonder where they fit in as a Christian mother, daughter or sister. It gave me the courage to open the door to my heart so Jesus will continue to help me grow." – Sharon Molendyk, Bible study leader, Miami Florida "Each chapter is an eye-opening experience which helps me reflect on my life with a new set of spectacles custom fitted to my life as female." – Elsa Garcia, elementary school educator "Woman Meets Jesus showed my book group how Jesus’ love and compassion transformed the lives of women who were often rejected, abused, misunderstood, sick, and feeling worthless." – Christine Baird, Miami, Florida "I now realize the healing work of Jesus in my life is an ongoing process, not just a one-time dying for my sins, but a day by day healing of what drags me down." – Marina Hakkers, Miami, Florida

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