Gift of the Red Bird: A Spiritual Encounter

by Paula D'Arcy

Book Overview

When Paula D'Arcy lost her husband and baby in a car crash, she began an inner search for a faith that was stronger than fear. She tells her story of spiritual exhaustion, her journey alone into the wilderness for three days, and the renewal she was blessed to experience. Now with reflection guide for reading groups.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0824519566
• ISBN13: 9780824519568
• Release Date: January 2002
• Publisher: Crossroad Publishing
• Length: 152 Pages
• Weight: 0.41 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.2" x 7.6"

Customer Reviews

Gift of the Red Bird

Very inspirational. I was totally filled with the Holy Spirit. I think I would like to go on a retreat like that. We have so much to learn. Please try it.

Beautiful, extremely touching book of the soul.

Gift of the Red Bird, a Spiritual Encounter, reads like a journal from Paula D'Arcy's life. On August 18, 1975, on a return trip home to Connecticut, Paula's car was struck by a drunk motorist. Her daughter, Sarah, died of head injuries on August 20, and her husband died three days later from a ruptured spleen. Paula was alive and three months pregnant with her second baby daughter, Beth. For this reason, she went on living.Gift of the Red Bird tells of a story of extreme loss and ache, of searching for answers, of making sense out of the pain, and of looking for some light in the darkness.This is Paula's journey, and when she goes on a wilderness retreat -- where it's just her, God, and nature -- she begins to get some comfort for her wounds.A deeply moving narrative, this book may be short, but the message is deep and lasting. It's a journey well worth taking for anyone who has ever had a tragedy hit their lives where they've had the same questions.

Terrific for those who need to wrestle with God

Like the first reviewer, I found Paula's book at Laity Lodge during a retreat. I was at a time in my life where I was mourning the stage of life I was in. Somehow, I was able to strangely relate to Paula's experience. I couldn't put the book down and it now holds a very special place in my heart. I am glad Paula had the courage to spend three days alone in the wilderness with nothing to distract her but the voice of God. Now, I hear God in a little different way as well.

The Red Bird is a guide to spirituality.

After spending the weekend at Laity Lodge with Paula as a guest speaker I have purchased three copies to give as gifts. Paula is a gifted communicator. She has done all the work for us in our pilgrimage of life providing us a map to follow to ease our troubled existence. The red bird appeared all weekend!

Highly Readable, Moving & Inspirational

This is an excellent book. I received it as a gift and have in turn shared it with a number of friends. Again and again I am encouraged by Paula D'Arcy to have the courage to live my own faith in my own creative and dangerous way.