Blessed Are the Rest of Us

A writer, poet, and mother of a son with Down syndrome and autism reimagines the Beatitudes to invite us into an understanding of God and ourselves that is based in belovedness rather than accomplishment. "A must-read for those seeking solace and spiritual wisdom" When Micha Boyett's son was born with Down syndrome and later diagnosed with autism, she was drawn into the ancient teachings of the Beatitudes. There, she found an invitation to honor her limits in a world that values performance, perfection, and strength over mercy, meekness, and the longing for justice. In Blessed Are the Rest of Us, Boyett invites us--especially those of us who are burned out, tired of performing, living with grief, feeling exhausted, or powerless--to discover our wholeness not in our own accomplishments but in the dream God has for the world. " Blessed Are the Rest of Us conjures spiritual solutions for very real problems. A graceful, moving book that should be required reading." -- Mary Karr, author of The Liars' Club, Cherry, Lit, and The Art of Memoir "This is breathtaking. Such beautiful writing." -- Nadia Bolz-Weber, bestselling author, speaker, and public theologian "Micha's unwavering love for God shines through every page. A must-read for those seeking solace and spiritual wisdom." -- Kelli Caughman, cofounder, Black Down Syndrome Association "A powerful narrative, one that will cause you to rethink so much of what you believe about disabilities, equality, and the dignity of others." -- Matthew Paul Turner, #1 New York Times bestselling author of What Is God Like? "A deeply moving meditation on being a part of, and participating in, the dream of God for us." -- Mihee Kim-Kort, author of Outside the Lines: How Embracing Queerness Will Transform Your Faith; co-pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Annapolis, Maryland When Micha Boyett's son was born with Down syndrome and later diagnosed with autism, she was drawn into the ancient teachings of the Beatitudes. There, she found an invitation to honor her limits in a world that values performance, perfection, and strength. Jesus instead calls his followers to embrace meekness, mercy, and the longing for justice. The Beatitudes helped Boyett discover her wholeness in God's love rather than in her own accomplishments. In Blessed Are the Rest of Us, Boyett shares her insights with readers--especially those who are burned out, tired of performing, living with grief, feeling exhausted, or powerless. She invites them into an understanding of God and themselves centered on belovedness rather than accomplishment. Here is her message: in God's dream for the world, blessing has nothing to do with ease; it's about flourishing, and Jesus promises we find flourishing in our limits and in our longing to see the world made whole. Each chapter centers on the refreshing good news of one beatitude, poetically woven with stories of Boyett's life. Beautifully reassuring and liberating, this book calls readers to rest in God's rich and abundant love.