Several weeks ago, Jim mentioned this book in a sermon. Several people have asked about the book title (it is a little tricky to remember) so I wanted to post the information.
The whole title is The Little Way of Ruthie Leming: A Southern Girl, a Small Town, and the Secret of a Good Life. It is written by her brother Rod Dreher, a journalist who goes from living in the “big city” back to his hometown of St. Francisville, Louisiana with a population of 2,000. The book is the story of his journey out of a small town but ultimately his return home.
The book is his memoir but toward the end it shifts to an insightful discussion of history, family roots and community. In our culture where many of things are not valued, it is a good reminder of why we should consider these ideals.
The catalyst to his return home is his sister’s death from cancer so the book also highlights issues of loss and grieving. It is beautifully handled but with such vivid imagery that I would suggest a large tissue box near you for most of the book.
My only caveat to the discussion, and one important aspect that is not addressed in the book, is Jesus’ response to Peter in Mark 10.
Jesus said, “Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or farms, for My sake and for the gospel’s sake, but that he will receive a hundred times as much now in the present age, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and farms, along with persecutions; and in the age to come, eternal life.…”
The Little Way of Ruthie Leming would be a great book to read and discuss with your community.
All is well,
Lisa