Love is the Why

"The poems in this book are more than pieces to observe; they are our poems, written not just from McLean's heart but from our own. She reveals the real, lived humanity in all of us - from our concerns around aging, our understanding of what it means to be love and be loved, and the ways we are called to love and compassion. McLean bridges the gap between personal and universal, and heals us all with her lyrical offerings. - Rev. Kimberley Debus, Community Minister of the Arts and Worship 'Love is the Why' is more than a book of poetry-it's an accessible and inclusive work that beautifully explores themes of self-love, the body, and love for others, in all forms. It resonates deeply with the essence of love in all its forms. - J.A. Kazimer, author of Curses! A F***ed-Up Fairytale Rev. Diana McLean's debut offering of reflective poems, Love Is The Why, encourages us to contemplate our own bodies, our own connection to the divine of our understanding, and our own commitment to justice. She models vulnerability, being the love she seeks in the world. Have your journal open as you explore these poetic meditations. Pay attention to what resonates. Write in the margins what you would change in order to make it true to your own experience. Connect with what is rising in you from the verses. I literally cut out the last poem and posted for to my morning prayers. - Rev. Tandi Rogers, Director and Designer of the Spiritual Direction program at Meadville Lombard Theological School's Leadership Institute for Growth, Healing, and Transformation ""Reclaiming activism as a mode of care, Diana's poetry is an intimate journey toward embodying love for self, for the holy, and for the world; and connects the power of the divine feminine with ordinary lives. Like Adrienne Rich and Judy Grahn, Diana M inspires and uplifts. This book is invaluable for anyone seeking profound truth and empowerment."" - Rev.Amy Beltaine, Chair, Spiritual Direction Program, Cherry Hill Seminary Diana McLean's Love is the Why is rueful, grace-filled, passionate, funny, and deeply honest. In the opening section, she speaks to us of the fragility and strength of our bodies, and all the ways they connect us to our ancestors. Then, her words explode off the page as she channels the searing power of the divine feminine and releases a fierce compassion for the countless souls harmed by violence and injustice. ""Women,"" she tells us, ""write your own biographies""-and in this brilliant collection, she has done just that. - Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig, Spiritual Director, Life Coach, and Shamanic Practitioner Compassion, interconnectedness, and the transformative power of poetry and ministry form the sacred geometry of Love is the Why. Inspiring us to act as ""love's agents,"" McLean illuminates the infinite facets of love-desire, rage, faith, grief, wonder, and more. Through her poems, we come to understand love as home, as altar, as birthright and legacy, and as abundantly available even in the most challenging times. - Lisa Birman, author of How to Walk Away"