Cheryl Bridges Johns - Seven Transforming Gifts of Menopause: An Unexpected Spiritual Journey

Through her various writings, Cheryl Bridges Johns escorts readers into new territories of creative thinking; Seven Transforming Gifts of Menopause is no exception. This book brings the reader to a deeper understanding of our Lord. It is not written to minimize issues of menopause; rather, it celebrates the mystery of our human nature and explores who we are at every stage of life. This book is for all people and will call forth greater love for our Creator God.

Jo Anne Lyon , ambassador and general superintendent emerita, The Wesleyan Church

Theologically profound, psychologically rich, emotionally honest, and artfully written, Seven Transforming Gifts of Menopause crosses all borders to speak authentically about in-between spaces. As one of our finest theologiansas much a seasoned mystic and earthy spiritual practitioner as an academicCheryl Bridges Johns has been a crucial guide in my own life, and I know she will speak wisely and prophetically into yours.

Jonathan Martin , author of How to Survive a Shipwreck and Prototype

Every woman should read this book, no matter what season of life she finds herself in. Cheryl challenges historical assumptions about menopause, debunks common myths, explains the physiology and psychology, and invites us into a thrilling spiritual journey where we discover the gift-filled land of menopause. I could not stop reading.

Christine Caine , founder of Propel Women & A21

As one might expect, Cheryl Bridges Johns guides the reader to a better understanding of what happens to the body during menopause. At the same time, she adamantly rejects the notion that menopause brings down the curtain on a womans life. Instead, she argues (and tells her own story and the stories of other women as proof) that menopause is the gateway to the second half of lifea time of rich self-discovery, deep spiritual growth, and an enlarged vision and capacity for active involvement in opportunities to make a difference for others. The final two chapters are so inspiring and invigorating you wont want to read them sitting down.

Carolyn Custis James , author of Half the Church: Recapturing God s Global Vision for Women and Malestrom: Manhood Swept into the Currents of a Changing World

Johns is a gentle guide, informative and insightful as she shares her own experience to help lead us on this journey. Her words are helpful, honest, and holistic. She reminds women that as our bodies change so do our spiritual landscapes, giving us the opportunity to transform our lives and the communities we inhabit. Menopause can be precarious and painful, but it can also be filled with the potential for generative goodness that women, and the world, need.

Kelley Nikondeha , author of Defiant: What the Women of Exodus Teach Us about Freedom

Every season in a womans life carries a unique blueprint. We are architectural masterpieces. Now imagine if each transformational season brought us unique gifts. This is what Cheryl Bridges Johns has done. She has carved out a pathway for us to learn to adapt, change, and embrace our new selves in a sacred space. She carefully explores our need to fit in beginning at adolescence and the many ways we succumb to societal pressures. She cautions us to come to terms with regrets and to emerge stronger than before. Every womans journey is unique, but we will each find our own authentic voice along the way. This book brings hope and spiritual renewal for women at every level.

Gricel Medina , speaker, church planter, and pastor ordained through the Evangelical Covenant Church