From Shame to Glory

About the Book

Each woman named in Matthew’s record of the genealogy of Jesus made a journey from shame to glory. Grandmothers of Jesus included a prostitute, an adulterer, a nomad, and a trickster. His mother became pregnant before marriage. Certainly, Jesus heard the stories of his ancestors and utilized their life lessons as he made his way to the cross. For in spite of the laws and mores of their culture, these women displayed qualities of vision, risk, courage, truthfulness, and openness to God’s gifts—all qualities Jesus would rely on in his own journey from shame to glory. Reverend Valerie Fons and Christian Educator Nancy Regensburger share a unique, compelling, and positive presentation of the five women in the first book of Matthew while highlighting how God acts through the weak and powerless to bring forth glory. Through bible study, history lessons, introspective questions, poignant anecdotes, and opportunities for personal reflection, Fons and Regensburger provide a pathway to glory and inspiration for modern women seeking insight on their own spiritual journeys. From Shame to Glory offers an interpretation of the genealogy of the significant women in the heritage of Jesus Christ that provides bible study group guidance and inspiration for anyone passionate about embracing God’s grace and wisdom.

About the Author

Reverend Valerie Fons is a United Methodist ordained elder, spiritual director, and chaplain endorsed by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. She received her Master of Divinity degree from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary. Presently, Valerie is appointed to an extension ministry on Washington Island, Door County, Wisconsin. Nancy Regensburger attended Elizabethtown College and Lake Erie College and earned a bachelor’s degree in Religious Education. She received a Master of Theological Studies at St. John’s Provincial Seminary. A Christian Educator in several local churches, Nancy is the author of church school curricula for various publishing houses, including Methodist and Presbyterian.