Waiting on God's Wisdom

As an author, I love to speak to other writers about their books, vision and what differences they want to make to the world. I recently read and learned from, ‘Tarry Awhile’ and ‘A Heavy Yoke’ by the writer and academic Dr Selina Stone. It was a great privilege to catch up with her for a chat.  

Selina is a Lecturer in Theology and Ethics for the School of Divinity at the University of Edinburgh. Her PhD was around womanist ethics being brought into dialogue with Pentecostal spirituality and theology, she has lectured on theology at an Anglican theological college, was the lead researcher for the Church of England’s national project on race and clergy wellbeing and hosts her own podcast. She grew up in Handsworth, in inner city Birmingham and her family life shaped her writing.

‘We were always being read to and reading from a young age. The approach I take in exploring the difficult questions is informed by my dad who encouraged us to ask big questions and assured us that God could handle them. When I was younger, I had a lot of questions about divine power and its capacity to address poverty and inequality. That theological questioning shows in the books I write and the themes I explore.’

I asked what led her to write her first two books.

‘“Tarry Awhile” is the Lent book I’ve always wanted to read. I spent years searching for one which would help me to think about my faith and spirituality in the context of a Black inner city woman, but most of them were disconnected from my experiences of God and the world. So I found myself writing it for myself and others. ‘A Heavy Yoke’ came from my consideration of theological issues within the cases of spiritual abuse that were being investigated. I read many accounts from psychologists, journalists and church leaders stating that there were issues with theology and I decided to take on the challenge of thinking about them in an organised way.’

Selina examines the issue of ableism in churches in, ‘A Heavy Yoke.’ I asked her what her experience of it was.

‘Community requires patience, and we’re not always cultivating this in church life. But I have seen space created for those with disabilities, and I think as Christians we should continue to strive for it, even if it seems inconvenient to us. It shouldn’t be about timing and efficiency, but about being there for everyone. I’ve lived in urban areas all my life, but I can only guess that the rural environment could be even more demanding on those with disabilities. However, I imagine (although this might be the idealistic view of a city dweller) that where communities are strong and people move more slowly and know their neighbours, there can be some beautiful opportunities for care and community building, which includes those who are disabled or neurodivergent.’

Many of the churches and communities involved with Rural Ministries offer support groups and activities for those with dementia and their carers. It is a growing issue in the UK with almost one million people suffering from it at present. I was very moved by Selina’s account of her grandmother’s journey with dementia in, ‘Tarry Awhile’ and asked how it affected her writing.

‘I was heartbroken as I started writing the book. Her dementia got steadily worse and in the months after diagnosis, I would read to her from Psalms. But as her memory deteriorated,

even that felt impossible. I wanted to make sure that we all know that God does not forget us, even if our minds forget God. Writing about her in the book helped me to process my feelings and I hope it helps those who read it.’

‘Tarry Awhile’ was written as a Lent book, with both Black people and the Church of England in mind, but Selina knew it would speak to people from any background. ‘Some of my favourite comments from readers were from those who did not expect it to move them, but who found connections to their own stories. It reminded me of the shared experiences and concerns we have as a human family, regardless of our ethnicity or background. I’ve received emails from readers of ‘A Heavy Yoke’ telling me that it’s helping them to think through their painful stories. I am so happy when my books support someone on their journey, especially those who have been overlooked and forgotten.’

I was particularly struck by Selina’s description of those who try to speak out in church when something goes wrong. Particularly in the rural context, where there may be a small congregation with a few powerful people running the show, it can be very difficult to call out something that is awry. Selina refers to this as canaries being sent down mines.

‘I’ve experienced this in my own church, and the canaries were not just members but also leaders! In a very toxic environment, even thos

e perceived as powerful can end up suffocating in a space where the leader ignores, bullies and controls. I think the biggest act of courage can be to set boundaries which allow you to breathe, or to leave.’

Selina writes powerfully about discernment. I asked her what she would like to see in faith communities going forward.

‘I would like all of us to believe, and to teach others that God’s love is not manifested in control and domination but in loving invitation. I would like us to pray with more expansive images of God in mind, than those which suggest He is a disappointed parent looking for our faults, and never being satisfied no matter how much we sacrifice. And from there, that we would be able to more clearly see when a person or people are presenting a distorted idea in order to manipulate us. If God’s word is the bread of life, we will not be left starved, hungry and wanting when we encounter God, but we will always feel fed, comforted, and nourished, when we encounter God’s truth.’

Selina’s books are available in Christian bookshops 

First published in MOSAIC Issue 18, January - April 2026