In A Word from “Brother” Jeanne, Pastor Jeanne Davis reaches out to her readers to be “all-the-way” Christians. This entertaining, informative, and inspirational memoir deserves to be read again and again. Jeanne Davis is candid about both her personal and spiritual life struggles in this easy-to-read collection of essays. As the author tucks us into the comfort of her words about faith, she also exercises our minds with references to secular pop culture. In reference to a controversial Robert Duval film, she writes “The Apostle in the movie does not seem worthy of the name, Apostle, at least through most of the story. But perhaps this is the whole point. Real-life is about flawed people, maybe even you and me - people who have to learn from their mistakes, be forgiven by a patient.”

Jeanne Davis touches the hearts of her readers with sentiments of loyalty and wisdom gained through life in the church. She informs the reader of her devotion to a country historical in cultural fractures: “America -- my home! My mixed-up, arrogant, sinful, hypocritical, blessed home. How privileged I am to live here!” She writes with wit in a conversational tone her message of believing in an all-consuming God is without judgment or fear. I believe readers of all ages and/or denominations can relate to her words. Whether the need is for a sermon topic or for a spiritual ally, I believe A Word from “Brother” Jeanne will fit the bill. In our world’s ever-growing confusion, the honesty presented here is a necessary fount of encouragement.

A Word from Brother Jeanne by Jeanne Davis is an autobiographical collection of essays that started as a column for a church newspaper. There are many topics covered like finding hope in a chaotic world; challenges living God's presence in this dark, depressing world; trusting that God is real despite skeptics being everywhere; and the role of the church in making a real difference in your life. Jeanne has been vocal about love and kindness triumphing over meanness. She advocates prayers and communal ties to find time for God even in our busy schedule. With humor and very mature wisdom, Jeanne begins her narrative by describing how she got her name of Brother Jeanne. Her observations on life and God provide ample positivity and proof of mental well-being. Her advice is that of patience, perseverance, and resilience to prevent rash decisions and jumping to conclusions too quickly. She has also included preacher stories from her husband, David Davis, and her father, Lance Webb.

Jeanne Davis has captivated readers in this wonderful collection of essays. Her journey is decoded in these pages which evolve in a timeline from the mid 20th century to the early 21st century. Jeanne has spoken about her early life, her relationship with her father and husband, the teachings she received, and her ambitions that took shape gradually. Ample examples have been given which highlight how God has been a constant companion during her happiness and sorrow. I was particularly drawn towards a plant in her garden which blossomed only twice in her life during crucial times. Jeanne argues that such occurrences are not merely coincidences but signs which we cannot ignore. Being a versatile observer, she has written about almost every aspect of a fulfilling life. From art and science to music and the internet, A Word from Brother Jeanne speaks of the ups and downs, achievements and failures, and finally the recovery and retirement of Jeanne who thanks God for always being in the right place for her.

Following in her father's and husband's footsteps, Brother Jeanne shares her insightful experiences as a pastor in the United Methodist Church. Her personal observations, thoughts, and beliefs are profound, thought-provoking, and often humorous. Discover how we can find joy and hope in every situation by placing our trust in God. Learn how to release those feelings of fear and doubt with the knowledge that God's timing and power will lead you on the path that is the most effective for you to reach your unique potential. In a society filled with negativity, selfish desires, and materialism, Jeanne discusses how you can live authentically and peacefully in tumultuous situations. The sensitive issue of God's existence is also tackled and how the church leaders of today can flood their congregations with positive Christian values and beliefs.

A Word from Brother Jeanne by Jeanne Davis is such a breath of fresh air and will certainly reignite your faith and relationship with God. Jeanne's outlook on life is refreshing and inspirational. She readily admits that her faith wavered at times but the techniques she used to overcome adversity were helpful and heart-warming. We are reminded throughout to have a clear perspective on every situation so our minds are not cluttered with irrelevant matters that we have no control over. I was warmed by the idea that God always has our best interests at heart and he is always trying to guide us on the right path; we just need to be aware of the signals he sends us. Jeanne's guidance on dealing with helplessness and grief was amazing and so useful. I loved the section on Advent and Lent; finally, I understand the true meaning behind these special occasions. The Touch Egg poem was superb and there were many aha moments throughout the book which resounded with me including, "Don’t ever forget that with Jesus in the boat with us, we’ll be okay!" and "God has butterflies of hope, balloons of joy waiting to burst through my pain." Brother Jeanne is an inspirational woman with amazing knowledge and her view on life is one I hope to mirror.

A Word from Brother Jeanne by Jeanne Davis is a Christian counseling guide to lift your spirits. It's based on a popular church newspaper column written by the author. As this book shows, the simplest questions, like "How can you have peace during a crisis?" can seemingly have complicated answers, but, as Davis explains, it's a little easier when you use a biblical perspective. The essays she shares are part autobiographical, so the advice she offers in her columns are drawn from her personal experiences and observations. How did this female Methodist pastor get the name "Brother" Jeanne? She came from a family of preachers, and her husband David was one too, and it was this nickname he gave her--ironically-- because he himself didn't care for the title of "Brother Dave"; so much so that he wanted to pursue further education so that he could be called "Dr. Dave" instead of "Brother Dave". It wasn't long before almost everyone else began calling her "Brother Jeanne".

Jeanne tells of her early calling to be a preacher, but she denied the calling because, at the time, it wasn't the norm for females to become pastors, and instead became involved in music ministry for the church. It was actually her husband who encouraged her to be true to her original calling and become the preacher she felt God called her to be. Thus, she enrolled at the Perkins School of Theology. The essays she writes address a wide range of spiritual concerns, from finding peace to doing God's will to accepting grief, to staying faithful when doubt is all around, to allowing yourself to become part of a local church for mutual support and comfort, even though "the church" is the entirety of Christian believers--not a building. The essays are easy to read--some serious, some light. The one about the gardenia is especially touching. The author uses several Psalms and other Bible passages--even her own poetry-- to illustrate her messages. She adds a touch of humor to her writing as well, like the story she tells of wasps being in the outhouse behind a little country church, or the baby that was loudly breastfeeding in a pew during her husband's service. A Word from Brother Jeanne by Jeanne Davis is an inspiring, humorous Christian guidebook for our times.