Sarah Bessey- Midweek Musing 5/15/24

For those of you who were not in worship last week my sermon was based on 1st Corinthians 13 with a special emphasis on verse 12. “For now we see only a reflection, as in a mirror, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known.”1

In researching for this I came across an author that was new to me. It was a total accident as I was actually looking back on some writings of an author I had previously read. In reading some of these works online I had read before by the late Rachel Held Evans. This new author recommendation popped up as a writer I might like because she was a friend of Rachel. 

Anyway, one click on a web link led to another which led to more and now I have added this author, Sarah Bessey, to my “to-be-read list.” In part because the personal story I discovered about her inspired me.

But first, who is Sarah Bessey?

Bessey has authored several books on faith and feminism, including "Jesus Feminist" and "Miracles and Other Reasonable Things.” In her appearances and writings, she has shared openly about her spiritual journey. This journey has been characterized by a roller coaster of ups and downs, including several times of intense questioning and wrestling with her faith.

According to what I discovered, a significant turning point in Bessey's life was a devastating car accident. This incident left her with serious injuries and a long, painful recovery process. During this period, Bessey struggled not just physically but also spiritually. 

Through this experience, her previous understandings of God and faith were deeply challenged, and she faced what she describes as her own personal "dark night of the soul," where God seemed almost absent, and her physical, mental, and spiritual pain and suffering seemed overwhelming.

Now throughout her long and often slow recovery, Bessey experienced profound moments of feeling known and seen by God, which she describes in her writings. These moments were often tied to small, everyday experiences of grace and compassion from others, or sudden insights during prayer and meditation. 

Bessey talks about realizing that her knowledge of God's love wasn't just theological but deeply personal; God knew her pain, her doubts, and her struggles intimately.

In her writings, she reflects on how these experiences helped her reconstruct a more mature, nuanced faith. Bessey articulates a vision of God’s love that is both deeply personal and radically inclusive, emphasizing that being known by God means being loved in our entirety, with all our flaws and complexities.

In reading reviews and comments it is clear that Sarah Bessey's work has touched many who have struggled with their faith, especially those who have felt marginalized within the traditional and/or fundamental church.

Through the courageous sharing of her story, she has created spaces for others to explore their doubts and face their fears with the understanding that they are each known and loved by God. Her emphasis on the the gospel’s message of love, justice, and equality continues to inspire and at times challenge the church.

Her story is a powerful example of the impact of realizing one is known by God. It speaks to the modern-day challenges of faith, the reality of suffering and doubt, and the powerful, transformative power of God’s grace and love. Bessey’s experience provides an insight into the journey of faith, characterized by the realization that what Paul wrote is true that we are all fully known and unconditionally loved by God.

In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Alleluia Amen.