Miss Brenda and the Loveladies

Wow...this book captivated me from beginning to end!  Many of us see needs in the world and feel compassion for others.  But few resolve to do something about those needs in the way Brenda Spahn has.  She saw that women being released from prison had no hope and were likely to return to their former way of life.  She knew the system wasn't working - and when God gave her a vision of what "could be" she was obedient to His call. 

I really enjoyed the honesty presented in this book.  Brenda's plans didn't always work out in the way she thought they would - but she persevered and rolled with the punches.  It is clear that she is passionate about what she does and loves these women. 

While most of the chapters are written from Brenda's point of view, a few of the chapters are written from the Loveladies' perspective.  That added a really neat dynamic to the book.  It took a lot of courage for these women to share their stories with the world.  Hearing their stories will make your heart ache, but will also cause you to rejoice in their successes.  I have a new compassion now for woman in these situations and how tough it would be to transition from life in prison to life in the free world.  What began for Brenda as inviting a few ex-cons into her home, has now grown into a large faith-based rehabilitation program in Birmingham, Alabama.  Despite the opposition, the woman graduating from this program have a high success rate!

 I encourage you to read this book.  It may provide you deeper insight and compassion as it has done for me.  Or you may feel led to help out in this ministry.  Or maybe hearing Brenda's story will give you that burst of courage to follow through on whatever God has laid on your heart.  Thank you ladies for being so vulnerable and sharing your stories!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook Press in exchange for an honest review.