The Spirit of a Woman
Stories to Empower and Inspire
Combining storytelling and courageous honesty, The Spirit of a Woman: Stories to Empower and Inspire is an indispensable resource for every woman, providing inspiring stories of female creativity and compassion for those who want to lead lives full of meaning and purpose.
Consisting of approximately two dozen nonfiction essays—by authors such as Lauren Artress, Christina Baldwin, Bobbi Gibb, Mama Donna Henes, Jyoti, Dr. Gladys McGarey, Suni Paz, Hagit Ra’anan, Janet Grace Riehl, and Sheri Ritchlin—the book is a celebration of courageous women living spiritual lives in the face of challenging circumstances. Each story is unique and demonstrates the art of storytelling at its best.
The women who wrote the stories come from many nations, ages, and personal histories. They have encountered the difficulties that are part of a fully lived life, and instead of fleeing the unknown, they have honored the mystery and faced fear with faith. They see closed doors as openings to new choices and possibilities. They are spiritual optimists and activists, fighting for causes that resonate deep within their souls. Some have used the backgrounds of their cultures and traditions to lead richer, more meaningful lives. Some have moved from one faith to another or even to many other faiths. Others have left tradition behind to encounter spirituality in new and wonderful ways. And every single one of them sees life as a sacred trust.
Terry László-Gopadze is a licensed marriage and family therapist. She worked for several years with youths in East Los Angeles, many of whom were involved in gangs. László-Gopadze also ran personal development workshops and groups in West Los Angeles for women, singles, and adolescents. She later expanded her work to include such diverse groups as cancer patients, Alcoholics Anonymous, university students, women’s groups, and health centers. Offering workshops on storytelling, shamanism, forgiveness, courage, intuition, healing, and creating destiny has been her passion and joy. She lives in Del Mar, California.
Angeles Arrien, Ph.D., is an award-winning author, educator, and cultural anthropologist. She is the founder and president of the Angeles Arrien Foundation for Cross-Cultural Education and Research and author of many books, including The Four-Fold Way and The Second Half of Life.
