The Way Up Is Down

Christianity Today Award of Merit in Spiritual Formation

"Now, with God's help, I shall become myself."

These words from Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard resonate deeply with Marlena Graves, a Puerto Rican writer, professor, and activist. In these pages she describes the process of emptying herself that allows her to move upward toward God and become the true self that God calls her to. Drawing on the rich traditions of Eastern and Western Christian saints, she shares stories and insights that have enlivened her transformation. For Marlena, formation and justice always intertwine on the path to a balanced life of both action and contemplation.

If you long for more of God, this book offers a time-honored path to deeper life.



Marlena Graves is a writer and adjunct professor. She has also worked at Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC). Marlena holds an MDiv from Northeastern Seminary in Rochester, New York, and is a graduate of the Renovaré Institute. She has been a bylined writer for Christianity Today, (in)courage, womenleaders.com, and Our Daily Bread, and she is also the author of A Beautiful Disaster. She lives with her husband and three daughters in Toledo, Ohio.

1. Self-Emptying: The Mystery of Our Salvation


2. Down Low with Jesus


3. All Flame


4. Daily Returning Home


5. Do You See What I See?: Transfiguration


6. Our Teachers: Messengers of Grace


7. Rich Toward God


8. Memento Mori


9. Cradled in the Heart of God: Gratitude and Contentment


10. Incarnating the Sacred Heart of Jesus: Your Kingdom Come


Acknowledgments


Notes