A powerful read! My review of "The Weight of Mercy" by Deb Richardson-Moore

The Weight of Mercy recounts the story of "Preacher Debbie", a former journalist for 27 years, who felt God's call to become a pastor. After completing seminary school, she accepted a position at an inner-city church, Triune, a church that seeks to be the hands and feet of Jesus to the poor, the homeless, the addicted, the marginalized. Deb's story displays the many lessons she learned as a pastor, from how to learn who she could trust, how to have boundaries with people with addictions, how to love even in the very difficult times. The book is written with humor and grace as she tells her story of interacting with people from all walks of life.

I found Deb's story to be absolutely absorbing, and though I don't normally read non-fiction books in one sitting, I honestly found this book difficult to put down. I opened it expecting just to dive into a chapter or two, and a day later found I'd finished it already! The author writes with an openness and candor that is completely refreshing, and I loved the countless anecdotes sprinkled throughout the book, allowing us to watch her faith in action as she deals with prostitutes and thieves and people struggling to give up crack. She doesn't come across as a know-it-all, but instead freely admits errors she made or times that she felt she didn't live up to her calling. Her story is drama at it's best, and yet it's true as well, while also being totally convicting without necessarily trying to be. It would be hard to walk away from this book and not re-examine my own attitudes towards the people who are so easy to pass by on the sidewalk without giving them a second glance. I found myself wondering, is my church doing a good job at reaching out to the marginalized and oppressed? Am I, as a member of the church, doing all that God has called me to?

I highly recommend this powerful read, and give it a full 5 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of the publisher, Kregel, for the purposes of this unbiased review.

about the author...

 Deb Richardson-Moore is pastor of the non-denominational Triune Mercy Center – a mission church that ministers to and alongside the homeless in Greenville, South Carolina.  Moore is a native South Carolinian and a graduate of Wake Forest University and Erskine Theological Seminary. Prior to becoming a pastor, she was
an award-winning writer for The Greenville News, covering art, theater, religion and unconventional features.Moore is married to Vince Moore, who is director of media relations for Furman University. They have three grown children – Dustin, 29, Taylor, 27, and Madison, 22.  The Weight of Mercy is her first book.