Colors of Hope: A Devotional Journal from LGBTQ+ Christians by Melissa Guthrie, Editor

Colors of Hope draws upon the iconic Pride flag and raises a call to embody our beliefs. Using Gilbert Baker’s original flag and its eight colors and themes—sexuality, life, healing, sunlight, nature, art and magic, harmony and serenity, and spirit—readers are invited to reflect, engage, and apply discoveries. The devotions present a range of views, all full of hope, paired with thematic journal prompts and calls to action. The book includes an invocation, introduction, weekly reading, daily reflections, benediction, and list of resources. Colors of Hope is an expansive resource for personal growth and collective change. “Hoping in color” brings the joy, beauty, and power of the rainbow to life.

Featuring contributions from Tyler Heston (he/him), Alysha Laperche (they/them), Sandhya Jha (she/they), Nadia Tavera (she/they), Andrew Deeb (he/him), William DeShay C. Jackson (they/them), Melissa Guthrie (she/her), Renair Amin (she/they), Brendan Y. Boone (he/him), Allen V. Harris (he/him), and Marian Edmonds-Allen (she/they).

Endorsements

“Let the rainbow flag refresh your spirit with Colors of Hope.  LGBTQ+ Christians reflect on each color of the Pride flag, exploring themes of life, sexuality, healing, nature, art, harmony, sunlight and spirit in nine essays. Contributors come from a spectrum of ministries, including Black and Latinx. The devotional journal also includes an introduction, benediction, and resource list. The rainbow flag glows with deeper meaning once you use it as a foundation for spiritual growth. This inspiring book shines as bright as any rainbow.—Rev. Kittredge Cherry (she/her), publisher of Qspirit.net, author, Equal Rites and co-author, Rainbow Christ Prayer 

“Colors of Hope provides a much-needed resource to individuals and churches who long to deepen their welcome to LGBTQ+ people as well as to LGBTQ+ folks who want to begin to integrate their sexuality, gender identity, and spirituality. Reflecting on the colors of the Pride Flag, each contributor offers a reflection on the meaning from their perspective and the chance for readers to embody the meaning for themselves. There are still so few devotionals that are LGBTQ+ affirming, and this book is a welcome additional resource.”—Fr. Shannon T.L. Kearns (he/him), co-founder, QueerTheology.com and co-author of Queers the Word.

“Colors of Hope will both settle and agitate your soul. A cadre of spiritual leaders merge biblical stories and passages with the themes of Gilbert Baker's rainbow pride flag, giving a faithful weightiness to the broad, diverse LGBTQ community. This book will move you beyond pride, into a holistic understanding of who God made you to be, and what you are called to do in the world.”—Ross Murray (he/him), author, Made, Known, Loved: Developing LGBTQ-Inclusive Youth Ministry

“The gift of Colors of Hope to readers begins with the ‘Acknowledgements’ and moves with grace throughout the devotional journal's nine themes. This is a book that with each chapter and page does the radical and prophetic work of acknowledgment. It acknowledges that we are all God's beloved children. It acknowledges with hopeful and generous hospitality that each of our journeys into the love of God is unique and valuable. It acknowledges the voices of contributors who embody God's acknowledgment of each person's worth in their daily work as community leaders. In a world where too many people go unnoticed, unaccepted, and unrecognized—go unacknowledged—Colors of Hope offers words of care and an invitation to "individually and collectively hope in color."— Jill Y. Crainshaw (she/her), Wake Forest University School of Divinity

“Colors of Hope is a powerful, queer, adult ‘coloring’ book of the Spirit! The simplicity of using the colors of the Pride flag to inspire and ask fresh questions will be life changing for so many. I was so blessed by the diversity of voices. The rich particularity in the stories make this useful as well as transformative. Colors of Hope is a spirit-lifter for a community that really needs it in these times!”— Rev. Dr. Nancy Wilson (she/her), former global Moderator of Metropolitan Community Churches 

• Softcover
• 160 Pages