Sister Karen Lueck’s new book, “The Green Thread: Reclaiming Our Spiritual Authority,” is part memoir, part research narrative about what happens when church and earthly powers form an unholy alliance to keep people, especially women, subservient. Sister Karen uses her own family history as a template to lay bare the intergenerational trauma suffered by conquered peoples, and the resilience embraced by those who recognize their own spiritual authority to speak truth to power.
We asked Sister Karen three questions ...
Q. What is your writing process like?
A. Every day I try to open myself to God’s Spirit. My first prayer is usually “O God, open my lips and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.” I look at writing as a call from God to spread the Good News. Once I open myself, I let the words come. Sounds easy, but at times it can be very difficult, because it involves digging deep into my own experience and being vulnerable in my sharing of that experience. I usually try to write in the morning when I may be more open to the life of the new day. I look on it as a spiritual practice which keeps me centered and focused on God and what’s really important.
Q. What was your experience like writing this book?
A. As a therapist, writing this book has proved to be a journey to heal from personal shame and ancestral trauma. Through personal reflections, I explore how historical traumas like Charlemagne’s genocide of the Saxons in the eighth century continue to affect descendants today. Introducing Grünthrad, my imagined Saxon ancestor, I navigate our shared journey toward healing and spiritual empowerment.
Q. What is your favorite book?
A. Anything that focuses on people who have gone through struggles, but through openness, relationships, and vulnerability, they are able to claim their true voice, and in turn, can share the good with others
"The Green Thread," Sister Karen's follow up to “Cheering For the Good: Leading When it Matters,” examines ongoing persecution by church and imperial authorities, highlighting resilience amidst adversity, while addressing current challenges such as patriarchy and white supremacy. According to Sister Karen, her aim is to “encourage women to confront institutional trauma, discover their resilience and embrace their spiritual authority.” She has spent much of her life recognizing the goodness in herself and others. As an educator, mental health counselor, spiritual director and leader in her congregation of Catholic Sisters, she acted as a cheerleader for the people with whom she ministered and urges all of us to step up and be the change.
Author Events
Thursday, Sept. 18, 6 - 8 p.m.
Book Launch Party, Franciscan Spirituality Center, La Crosse, Wisconsin
Wednesday, Oct. 22, 5:30 - 7 p.m. (Zoom)
Book Discussion, hosted by the Franciscan Spirituality Center, La Crosse, Wisconsin
Thursdays, Nov. 6, 13 and 20, 5:30-7 p.m.
Women's Discussion Series, hosted by the Franciscan Spirituality Center, La Crosse, Wisconsin
*Register for one or all events at fscenter.org.
Follow the Author
Follow Sister Karen's author page here for future events.