Quench! is a spiritually, uplifting, and insightful opus for anyone who is seeking understanding, sacred enlightenment, and unconditional love from the Creator and also a deeper appreciation for oneself as a same gender loving individual. The introspective devotionals in this work were derived from an online devotional, Be Still and Know, which Jesus Metropolitan Community Church began producing in May of 2006.
Indeed, one of the keys to spiritual growth and fulfillment is making the time to commune with our personal Higher Power. To help people with this journey, Be Still and Know was created to facilitate this very powerful phase in our lives. By utilizing a particular scripture that revolves around a weekly theme, the writers in Quench! take readers on a journey of self-discovery, sincerity, and revelation. In “Wings,” Julie Walsh invites us to let God cover us with His wings when we are feeling sorrow, upset, or hurt, instead of simply retreating by withdrawing from family and friends: “…it is under God’s wings where we will discover protection and courage.”
“Discernment is allowing the Holy Spirit to lead, guide, and direct our paths.” Robert Ferguson’s “On the Right Track” discusses how it is easy to become distracted by things that are not of God, and how one of his own biggest personal struggles is to worry. He points to Proverbs 3 that tells individuals that “if we keep our minds trained on the things of God, then our sleep will be peaceful and our worries will seem unimportant.” Ferguson ends this engaging piety by reminding readers “to stay in touch with God through study and prayer”; for these age-old tools have proven to be extremely useful in one’s hallowed journey.
The unequivocal passages written in this book do not just speak to the restlessness in the hearts and minds of some LGBT people; they also take an affirmative approach that will resonate with readers, no matter their sexual orientation. Moreover, the echoing voices of the writers stand firm in their walk as spiritual warriors who simply welcome diversity and champion independent thought. They succeed in quenching the reader’s spiritual thirst by selflessly sharing their take on what it means to be a follower of Jesus, particularly in this time of unrest all across the world.
Readers will be pleased to find an introduction, content page, and a page that explains how to use Quench! Also included are appendices consisting of prayer suggestions, concise author bios, and indexes for topics, scripture, and author.
Quench! is recommended for all library collections, and especially for SGL adults and teens 14 and up.
Reviewed by Michelle D. Dartis, MLS
Indiana University, Indianapolis
