Tarry Awhile: Wisdom from Black Spirituality for People of Faith

'Wonderful'

JUSTIN WELBY

'Tarry Awhile... is one of the most profound and beautifully written Lent books that I have ever read.'

CHURCH TIMES

Tarry here and watch with me . . . (Matt 26.38, KJV)

Tarrying is a Black Christian spiritual practice in which believers actively wait to experience the manifestation of God's presence. It answers yes to the question Jesus once asked his disciples: will you tarry here and watch with me? Whether in the vibrancy of music and singing, or in the hushed silence of the congregation, people of all ages anticipate an encounter with God that will transform what they know, feel and experience day to day.

This book makes the wisdom of Black spiritualities and faith available for all people. It focuses on seven themes: darkness as a place of encounter with the divine; the unity of all things; movement, belonging and migration; the Spirit as one who moves in unexpected ways; quiet contemplation as essential to spiritual growth; healing in community; and weeping that turns to joy.

Tarry Awhile centres the stories of often overlooked people and communities, offering wisdom for all people who hope to encounter God in the midst of wearying times. It provides fresh reflections on familiar biblical passages, and draws on personal stories, theology and the spiritual wisdom of ancestors who have gone before us.

Tarry Awhile . . . is one of the most profound and beautifully written Lent books that I have ever read. -- Church Times
In this wonderful, insightful book, Dr Selina Stone draws on the tradition of ‘tarrying’, staying with the Lord, bringing the wisdom of Black spirituality to bear on our individual and collective waitings on Christ. What tarrying does, as Selina makes clear, is open the possibility for genuine encounter, with God and between ourselves. -- Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, from the Foreword
'This is a feast of theological wisdom, scriptural reflection, and pastoral insight. Dr Stone achieves a rare and delicate balance between calling us to action and counselling us to rest, between the energising and the restorative, between challenge and comfort. It is a book to savour!' -- Professor Mike Higton, Department of Theology and Ministry, University of Durham
'A thought-provoking and deeply satisfying read, Tarry Awhile is a much-needed addition to modern literature on spirituality. As a book that encourages us to contemplate God's perspective from a unique standpoint, it offers a beautiful insight into the significance of approaching Lenten hope with a fresh perspective. It reminds us of our collective need to reflect and marvel together.' -- The Revd Canon Dr Sharon Prentis, Deputy Director of the Racial Justice Unit
'Tarry Awhile is a rare book which draws on a depth of wisdom and experience to revive, refresh, and reinvigorate the soul. It’s a balm for the marginalised and all those who struggle for the right to tarry. Time spent with this book leads the reader to reflect on their own time spent with God and the call to make space for others to enjoy such sacred time. When you get to the end of the journey on which this book invites you, you realise you’ve not been tarrying alone.' -- Fr Simon Cuff, Vicar, St Peter de Beauvoir Town, London
'Dr Selina Stone's latest contribution is brilliant in how it weaves together precious stories of Black life and deep theological reflection. Her writing is moving, but also educational, no doubt a rich resource for wide readership.' -- The Revd Dr Carlton John Turner, Anglican Tutor in Contextual Theology and Mission Studies at the Queens Foundation Birmingham

Dr Selina Stone is Postdoctoral Research Associate in Theological Education at Durham University with Common Awards. Her research, writing and speaking address a range of themes including theological ethics (particularly power and justice), spirituality and church history. Dr Stone is the author of The Spirit and the Body: Towards a Womanist Pentecostal Social Justice Ethic (Brill/Schoningh, October 2023) and a wide range of journal articles, book chapters and reviews. She is also the host of Sunday School for Misfits, a podcast that examines faith, theology and the church through the lens of Black millennial experiences.

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