Remember that feeling of excitement when meeting someone you’ve admired at a distance for a while? That was my experience this week as I had the chance to talk with Lisa Sharon Harper on Faith Conversations. She is as dynamic as everyone says, so it’s not surprising that The Huffington Post recognized Lisa as one of 50 Powerful Women Religious Leaders. She is also considered one of the nation’s most influential voices on a faith-rooted approach to advocacy. Bottom line, when Lisa speaks, we ought to listen!

Many will know her from her involvement with Sojourners. She is the chief church engagement officer at Sojourners, a non-profit organization committed to putting Christian faith into action in the pursuit of social justice, peace, and environmental stewardship. You will often see Lisa’s name on bylines there. And, one thing I learned recording the podcast with Lisa, she can preach! If you have the chance to go hear her speak, do it!  Her speaking schedule is on her website.

We are living in a world where violence often is the lead off story on the news, and sadly, all too often stories of racial oriented violence. Lisa has written a book that speaks to the heart of what is going on in our country and world today. I highly recommend The Very Good Gospel as a book worthy of gathering a small group together, reading it through, and then spending time in discussion. The subtitle, how everything wrong can be made right, grabbed me by the throat in light of what is happening currently in the news. We need The Very Good Gospel now more than ever. May we be carriers of it into all corners of our world.

Happy listening!