Rooted (In): Thriving in Connection with God, Yourself, and Others

Carson, founder of Cincinnati ministry Roots & Branches Network, explores the benefits of healing prayer in her engaging debut. Using her own experiences of depression, shame, and recovery from breast cancer, Carson skillfully blends pastoral wisdom, scripture, and prayer into a persuasive invitation to those who feel brokenhearted—“Broken hearts, broken bodies, broken minds, broken emotions. The fruit of our brokenness comes in many flavors and colors. But the roots are so very much the same.” Healing the social isolation that can sometimes come with modern life requires attention, quiet, and a radical openness to a spirit beyond oneself, she writes. Carson melds lectio divina (Ignatian prayer exercises) and other ancient practices with contemporary models, such as life mapping and gratitude journals, to guide readers through the complexity and foundations of prayer. She also includes the wisdom and quotes of Christian luminaries, such as Victor Hugo, Anne Lamott, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Dallas Willard. Carson’s accessible guide to prayer and spiritual self-care will resonate across the Christian faith spectrum. (Self-published)