ABOUT THE BOOK
You’ve read the title, and now you’re scratching your head, wondering if this book is for real, right?
It is. Yes, the authors are bona fide Mormons. And hilarious, too! They call themselves Sistas in Zion.
Did we mention they’ve got enough faith to move mountains? Well, they haven’t moved any mountains just yet, but that’s not stopping them from keeping right on praying and believing and knowing that the gospel of Jesus Christ is worth it.
Their unique perspective on their own diary entries will have you laughing one minute and exclaiming “Amen!” the next. They talk about personal experiences and lessons they’ve learned about relationships, sisterhood, standing up for what you believe, embracing diversity, and dealing with adversity—what being a Christian is all about.
The Sistas’ humorous and poignant outlook on life will strengthen your faith and remind you of the joy to be found in living a Christ-centered life. You’ll soon realize that the authors aren’t mad-mad—they’re crazy-mad, funny, and inspiring!
Zandra and Tamu throw open the windows and let fresh air blow into our church culture. The beautiful basic truths of the gospel stand fast in the breeze. In fact, truth seems even more evident when separated from the expected descriptions. The sistas will make you smile, chuckle and even laugh out loud at times. They'll make you glad they're your sisters in the gospel--and most of all glad for the gospel of Jesus Christ.
—Virginia Pearce
WOW! Absolutely delightful! It wasn’t what I was expecting but once underway the Sistas in Zion drew me in as few things have. It has been years since any book, even those I’ve helped write, rested so easily in my hand. Take a copy home and settle in and let gentle humor speak Gospel truths in manageable bites.
—Darius Gray
"In a day full of tip-toeing and guarded talk it's such a breath of fresh air to have two 'Sistas in Zion' who just tell it how it is. No sugar-coating. No beating around the bush. Just the truth as they see it, that sets us free. In their "Diary of two Mad Black Mormons" Sista Laurel and Sista Beehive will have you pounding your leg in laughter one minute, and nodding your head 'A-men' the next. Their perspective on the Gospel different and quite unique, which is what makes this book a must read."
—Bryan Kehl
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Zandra Vranes and Tamu Smith are popular multimedia personalities and the authors of the online blog -SISTASinZION.com. Zandra (Sista Laurel) and Tamu (Sista Beehive) also host a weekly online radio program, Sistas in Zion Radio. Their media identities, which focus on humorous aspects of faith and Mormon culture, seek to uplift, inspire, bridge religious divides, and create healthy dialogue.
Zandra and Tamu are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter—day Saints. They enjoy the fact that their Christian values and their work coincide.
Their lives are blessed by amazing family and friends. Zandra is thankful for her boo, the love of her life. Tamu enjoys spending time with her husband of twenty years and their six wonderful kids.
REVIEW
What a delightful book! With selections that are both insightful and charming, Sista Beehive and Sista Laurel share the lessons they have learned about the Lord and the gospel in everyday life. Sharing both thoughts and experiences about a variety of topics, Vranes and Smith provide both an entertaining and learning experience for the reader.
Topics covered include: repentance and soul-searching, standing for the right, faith, service, and relationships. I especially appreciated their openness in sharing some not so pleasant experiences and mistakes they've made, this can be hard to do without being defensive, but they do it very well.
One thing that they talk about that especially touched me was how so many people find Jesus in jail. And not just the official kind. It's so easy to make choices that put us in our own 'cells' so to speak and the only way out is with Our Savior's help. It's especially sad when we walk into these sort of consequences knowing that what we are doing is wrong or committing the same sin over and over. But thanks to the Savior who can open those cell doors, we can become free again. It's up to us whether we remain captives or not. And so the authors recommend conducting regular 'spiritual background checks' in which we look at our past and the good and bad things in our lives and make the changes that our needed, with the Savior's help.
Not only an enjoyable read, but an inspirational one as well.
I am so excited to read this book! It sounds delightful. I have a copy of it and hopefully I will be able to read it soon.
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