Last week my friend JJ the Blah Blah Blahger and I threw a party for our dear friend Sarah Bessey and her important new book Jesus Feminist. It was a rainy Thursday night in Hollywood, and I was worried that the weather and the traffic would keep people home. I shouldn't have worried. People showed up in droves, over eighty people all told. My favorite little cafe Coffee & Food was filled to the brim.
It was such a special night. I can't even describe the feeling in the room, other than warm and happy.
After all the greeting and hugging and laughing and nibbling, I said a few words, apparently clutching a spoon, my phone, and a champagne glass. There were readings from Jesus Feminist from Kristen Howerton, Nish Weiseth, and Sarah's husband Brian.
Then Sarah read the entire last chapter of the book, a commission to Christian women everywhere, a chapter that when I read it first alone on my couch I wanted to cry and also jump and shout with a fist raised.
Hearing Sarah herself read aloud those powerful words, it was magic. The full room was quiet except for the occasional choking back of tears. People were following along with her in the book as if she were preaching. Which she was.
Afterwards she signed books and listened to stories. People had come far and wide to meet Sarah. It was incredibly special to watch as a friend, and as someone proud of the message she's spreading.
For me, it was a joyous way to kick off the holiday season, and I felt a comfort being in the room with strong women of faith who ask questions and stretch their hearts to capacity. It was a beautiful night full of beautiful people.
*All these beautiful photos by the talented Keats Elliott
