Witness in the Dust - Paperback

by Lorrie C. Reed (Author)

Witness in the Dust is a novel about a young Haitian woman's resilience, faith, and the unbreakable human spirit in a democracy torn apart by moral struggles. When earthquakes and hurricanes devastate Port-au-Prince, Celine, full of idealism, faith, and quiet strength, seeks a better life in the United States. Celine travels to Chicago, where she joins fellow immigrants fighting for dignity in a system that is unwelcoming. Drawing on resources from her community and church, she becomes a witness and an advocate for justice. Before she can claim her place in the promised land, she must reconcile her beliefs about equality, democracy, citizenship, and the unkept promises of sanctuary for people yearning to breathe free. A story of courage against all odds, Witness in the Dust is a work of political fiction that sketches a vision of the enduring strength of an immigrant community, a church fighting for justice, and the unyielding spirit of those who refuse to be broken. Lyrical and analytical, the novel explores equality, democracy, ideological divisions, and whether reconciliation is possible in a world coated in the dust of decaying promises.

Author Biography

Lorrie C. Reed has an MDiv and PhD, with professional experience that includes secondary school teaching, public school administration, curriculum development, university teaching, and consulting. Vocationally, she is a retired ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, having held positions as Hospital Chaplain, Executive Director of the School for Ministry, and Associate Pastor for Christian Education in the Chicago metropolitan area. Currently, she is a full-time author who writes about justice issues.