In an extraordinary sequence of quieting verse and meditative writing, Joyce Rupp reflects on Sophia -- Feminine Wisdom in the Hebrew Scriptures. Each healing reflection invites us to dip into Sophia's quiet guidance and come away refreshed. Sophia emerges as a comforting presence in the process of examining our old beliefs, loft-over hurts, self-acceptance and connections with the earth. Accompanying mandalas and suggestions for spiritual exercises and journaling make this book especially valuable for personal meditation and growth, and as a group resource / study guide.

The Star in My Heart
Experiencing Sophia, Inner Wisdom
Format: Paperback, 128pp.
ISBN: 093105575X
Date: July 1999
Copyright 1990 Joyce Rupp
All Rights Reserved.

Cover Image by Doris Klein, CSA
All Rights Reserved.

Mandalas by Judith Veeder.
All Rights Reserved.

Publisher: Ave Maria Press
P.O. Box 428
Notre Dame, IN 46556

Phone:  1-800-282-1865
Fax:  1-800-282-5681
email: avemariapress.1@nd.edu
Order directly for Ave Maria Press

Thoughts from the Author….

     I share my discovered wisdoms with you in order to encourage you on your own inner way and to spark the recognition of your wisdoms that are waiting to be welcomed by you…. My hope is that you will gather the gift of time and take the journey to the inner world where Sophia (Wisdom) waits for you. --- Joyce Rupp

My Journey to Wisdom

Once upon a time
a child of happiness danced upon the land,
knew friendship with the earth
and celebrated life
with her love of solitude and simple things.

She grew into a young woman,
whose vision of self was clouded,
clothed with the complexities of insecurity
and the necessity of leaving the hallowed womb
of the quiet earth.

She walked into cities of strangers,
straining her inner eye to catch
the slightest hint of the beauty
that had energized her younger days
when she played upon the earth.

Days stretched into months
and then years went by.
She slowly changed by going deeper,
deeper, into her Center.
Never understanding why the desire
to go deeper was there
but always knowing there was no other choice
than to follow at all costs.
Darkness often loomed up large
against her searching journey.
Risk and Truth became her companions.

She met Compassion
and then Wisdom came to greet her.
So close, at times, were these companions
that she wept for their intensity
and her unworthiness.
Still, they walked with her,
and everywhere she went,
her companions reached out
and blessed the people of her life.

She could only kneel in gratitude,
offering her heart of praise
to the Divine Companion
who had faithfully kept the kindling of love
burning in her heart.

---Joyce Rupp

Copyright 1990 by Joyce Rupp. All Rights Reserved.

"A book of glad tidings! The Star in My Heart will serve as a catalyst leading you to Someone who has long been tugging at your heart."

-Macrina Wiederkehr, obs Author of A Tree Full of Angels and the Song of the Seed

"A treasure house of wisdom for all who value the inner life, and a sensitive and practical guide for inner exploration."

-Susan Cole, Co-author of Wisdom's Feast

"Joyce Rupp challenges us to go deep within, to make friends with our fears, and to meet 'the star' in our hearts."

Marie Micheletto, rsm, Psychotherapist

"Warm, open, and sensitive, Rupp's practical and creative suggestions for meeting Sophia in our own hearts will go a long way in healing the sons and daughters of the patriarchy and bringing balance into our lives and culture."

-Barbara Baker, Psychotherapist

"The mandalas and journal questions are thought-provoking, inviting each reader to work on her own inner life and spiritual walk."

-Donna Hrabcak-Kidwell, Art Therapist

"Reading Joyce Rupp's book is like entering a vibrant circle dance that bows to the center of the psyche and pirouettes out toward the stars."

-William John Fitzgerald, Author of Beyond Easter and Arrow and the Circle