Synopses & Reviews
This new thought manifesto challenges readers to follow Jesus' dictum that his followers should be "the light of the world." What makes Martella-Whitsett's approach so refreshing is that it offers a path for those interested in living a deep and authentic life outside of the strictures of traditional religious categories. It is, in essence, how to be spiritual without being religious.
Her starting point is that we need to jettison traditional notions of God as being out there and above us. God is not a super-human who gives and takes, punishes and rewards, and requires human suffering and repentance.
Rather, Martella-Whitsett encourages readers to embark on a journey of discovery and embrace a spiritual practice in which readers connect with their inner "light" and realize their oneness with God. The result of that journey and practice will be a life lived audaciously; a kind of mindful living in which moments of enlightenment occur frequently.
Divine Audacity is in three parts: Part One looks at just what "divine light" is and how it is both audacious and normal to claim it for ourselves. Part Two outlines 12 spiritual powers we all have and can develop and use on a daily basis. These are the lights of faith, understanding, will, imagination, zeal, power, love, wisdom, strength, order, release, life. Part Three, How to be the Light of the World, Moment by Moment is filled with illustrations of how common human circumstances can be enriched, transformed, and improved by consciously shining the light of our spiritual powers.
Review
"Linda Martella-Whitsett says some pretty audacious things: the mundane is as lofty as the spiritual, enlightenment is temporary, and GOD is not a deity. Her most audacious statement is also the richest and truest: you are Divine Identity. Got that! Read Divine Audacity and embrace the practices and you can't help but start showing up as who you really are--the light of the world." --Janet Conner, author of Writing Down Your Soul and The Lotus and the Lily
Review
"Unity minister Martella-Whitsett is encouraging readers to sidestep the limitations of hierarchical religions and traditional concepts of God. She's asking us to reclaim our spiritual power and give new meaning to the idea of "being the light in the world". Divine audacity, she tells us, requires finding that light within us and choosing to activate the spiritual abilities that are contained within it. Drawing on the spiritual foundations of Unity founder Charles Fillmore, she covers each of twelve spiritual abilities in depth, including meditations to enhance awareness of each ability along with specific practices to increase our connection to each of those abilities. Written with inspiring conviction, she compares and contrasts familiar Judeo-Christian teachings with the idea of humans walking within God as part of One spirit that permeates the universe, rather than bowing down before a deity. Her theological language is just familiar enough to help readers easily understand the concepts. From there, however, she asks us to move into a new world, where our personal spiritual power is free to participate fully in an inclusive realm that welcomes our active engagement. Let customers know that this is a book about spiritual freedom and the joy of discovering what that means to them." --Anna Jedrziewski, Retailing Insight (formerly New Age Retailer), January 2015
Synopsis
Experience Oneness with the Divine and Light Up the WorldOn the publication of her first book, Larry Dossey, MD, author of Prayer Is Good Medicine, wrote: "Martella-Whitsett is a wise guide."
Her new book makes the audacious claim that each of us can be "the light of the world" Jesus instructed his followers to be. Martella-Whitsett offers a path for living a deep and authentic life outside of the strictures of traditional religious categories. A refreshing approach, in essence, on how to be spiritual without being religious.
We need to jettison the idea of a God who is out there and above us. God is not a super-human who gives and takes, punishes and rewards. God does not require human suffering and repentance.
We truly find God when we go inside to connect with divine light, realize our oneness with God and others, and let our light shine in the world. Martella-Whittset looks at what "divine light" is and how it is both audacious and normal to claim it for ourselves. Next she introduces us to 12 spiritual powers we can all develop and learn to use on a daily basis: faith, understanding, will, imagination, zeal power, love, wisdom, strength, order, release, and life itself. When we consciously shine our spiritual powers on ourselves, not only are our lives improved, but all of humanity can be enriched and transformed.
Let your light shine!
About the Author
Winner of 2011 Best Spiritual Author competition for her first book, How to Pray Without Talking to God, Linda Martella-Whitsett is an inspiring, respected Unity minister and spiritual teacher. Linda is the senior minister at Unity Church of San Antonio and a mentor for emerging leaders in New Thought. Her website is ur-divine.com.