How did you come by the title “The Gentle Savior”? 

I chose this title because it describes the way the women who met Jesus must have perceived him. I looked in the Gospels at the way Jesus treated women, what he said to them and about them and even the things he didn’t say. He was kind to women in every situation, whether they suffered physical or emotional pain or were trapped by sin or were being condemned and criticized by other men. In a society where women were mostly treated as property—and at the least, were considered inferior beings—the respect Jesus showed to women was truly remarkable. I don’t believe he was kind because he viewed women as weak or pitiable, but I think he considered the kind of life women had to endure. He also knew what they were capable of, if they were given the chance. 

What intrigued you about this topic? 

It was mainly the idea that the Gospel writers were trying to communicate God’s nature through the person of Jesus (John 14:9). I was so excited to see God through the way Jesus interacted with women—showing grace and compassion, yes, but also empowering them. I learned that God wants to include women in ministry and that he gave us an intellect he expects us to use. He was not disgusted by women with shady sexual pasts. He cares about what women are suffering and understands when we become assertive on behalf of our children.

How were you changed through the process of writing this book?

Jesus had compassion for women in so many different situations. I realized that if I am to be like Jesus, I have to let him develop in me eyes that see and a heart that bleeds for people in need. It wasn’t until after I wrote this book that I went on my first mission trip outside the U.S. or volunteered in a homeless shelter. I really began to understand for the first time that justice isn’t only about punishing crime, but it’s also about defending vulnerable and exploited people. That kind of justice had not been emphasized in the churches I had been a part of. I realized through my study for The Gentle Savior that I can’t acknowledge those characteristics in Jesus yet ignore the need for them in my own life.

Why did you choose a Bible study format?

I’ve read a lot of books where the author interprets Biblical narratives for the reader, and that’s OK, but I wanted to encourage women to dig into the Gospels themselves, to think for themselves about what Jesus was doing and saying and not saying. I learned through this study that Jesus saw women as capable thinkers. I wanted to encourage that in my sisters and not just give them all the answers. We often learn better when we put more effort into the process.

What do you hope to accomplish through this book?

I hope to glorify God by making more women aware of his nature. I want women to understand how important they are to God—lots of different kinds of women, women who work inside the home and outside, women who are single or married or divorced or widowed, women who have served God all their lives, as well as those with painful pasts. I would also love to see women feeling more compassion toward other women, supporting them and showing them grace as Jesus does.

How can readers get more information about your book?

Visit http://thegentlesavior.com. The book is available from Amazon for $14.95.

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