Exploring the Presence: More Faith Patches is the passionate, rich and honest spiritual journey of a woman who left her church after awakening to the Divine Feminine. In her sequel to Faith Evolving, Trish McBride honours the Presence of the Holy One who permeates All that Is, however we may name Her / Him, in an authentic expression of women's spirituality.
The diversity of prose and poetic pieces of writing is 'quilted' together with a clear and concise voice. It is challenging and provocative in places, but also mellow and joyous, conveying the darkness and the light of the spiritual path. It claims continuity with the essence of the Catholic Christian tradition while exploring far and wide beyond. There is a sharing of the intimate details of a spiritual journey, attention to the texture of place, time and Spirit, an ability to convey the 'feel' of experiences and travels, and delight in the company of others on the Way.
Trish's honesty, integrity and ability to reflect on her own experiences make this book a good read, either as a whole, or a piece at a time. Readers interested in the contribution to faith of 'mind' as well as 'heart' will find this a rich resource. All of life is sacred!
Read together, these three books (Faith Evolving, Exploring the Presence and A Love Quilt) document Trish's 75-year life and faith journey from childhood to her 80s - a unique longitudinal record of women's spirituality and thinking. They are both spiritual biography and contextual theology.
Along the way, Trish moves from a traditional Catholic faith to embracing feminist theology and on into a post-denominational, inclusive, integrated Gospel-centred spirituality. She has used a patchwork metaphor across all three books, connecting writings of many colours, shapes and textures. Her purpose in all three has been to encourage others to ponder and record their own faith journeys.
