Black Mountain Library program demonstrates the 'Power in the Word'
Montreat author offers perspective on times of transition
Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
September 28, 2020
Award-winning Montreat author and illustrator Jeannie DuBose will present Losses and Invitations in Times of Transition, the first virtual installment of the Black Mountain Library’s Power in the Word literary series, on Sept. 30. Courtesy photo
Words can be powerful. In challenging times they can bring comfort or offer perspective when uncertainty abounds.
The first virtual installment of the Black Mountain Library’s free literary series, which debuts at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 30, will demonstrate the “Power in the Word.” Hosted by award-winning Montreat author and illustrator Jeannie DuBose, Losses and Invitations in Times of Transition will explore strategies for finding opportunity when difficulties arise.
DuBose is a graduate of Vanderbilt University who received a master’s degree in counseling psychology from Georgia State University. She earned a certificate in spiritual formation from Columbia Theological Seminary. Human development, specifically how it is influenced by transitional phases, has been a longstanding area of focus for the former Atlanta resident.
“A lot of my work has been with groups of people who are in transition,” she said. “For instance, I would work with a group of people who were on the precipice of retirement. We would look at the losses that come with losing status, identity, affirmation and your clear role through a professional context. But, we also looked at invitations, and what could be fresh and exciting, and even liberating, when you’re moving into a new phase.”
The message is a timely one for the “unusual times” we’re living in, according to DuBose.
“A lot of people in 2020 are experiencing a lot of different kinds of losses, and not just the garden-variety losses,” she said. “People are facing the loss of lifestyles and comforting rituals. I haven’t done a presentation on losses as they related to COVID, and while this won’t focus on COVID, we’ll acknowledge it as an attending factor for all of us this year.”
The author, whose books “Tending the Fire: The Story of Marriage” and “The Mother Daughter Dance” explore nuances of key relationships, will offer examples of losses suffered during times of transition.
“Transitions can be messy, sad and difficult, but we have to give ourselves permission to not get it right all of the time,” DuBose said. “They are something everyone has to face in life, and with every transition comes invitations, which can bring into relief what we value as an individual.”
Members of the audience will have the opportunity to ask questions following the presentation.
The library launched Power in the Word in January, but the series was postponed as the pandemic forced the branch to temporarily close to the public in mid-March.
“We want to bring authors, artists and musicians to the community for free and connect the audience to the power of the word,” branch manager Melisa Pressley said of the literary series. “We had originally hoped to partner with area nonprofits to create collaborative programming, and that’s still one of our goals, but it’s been hampered a little right now. But, we definitely see the need for free, engaging entertainment in Black Mountain right now.”
As the need for social distancing persists, the library will host the series virtually. The October presentation will feature Sarah Decker Jones, whose book “The Appalachian Trail: Backcountry Shelters, Lean-tos, and Huts” offers a guide to the gathering places along the famous footpath.
“In November, we will celebrate Indie Author Day with a local author Jackie Castle, who won the Indie Authors Project,” Pressley said. “We’ll have an interview with her and we’ll talk more about a platform that Buncombe County Public Libraries is subscribing to, called BiblioBoard. That service allows local authors, artists and musicians to get their work into the Buncombe County catalogue, which will help us feature more independent voices from our area.”
The library is partnering with downtown bookstore Sassafras on Nov. 19 for the launch of a new book from local author Sarah Loudin Thomas.
“People can buy a signed copy of the book, ‘The Right Kind of Fool,’ and then watch an interview with Sarah,” Pressley said. “She will be in conversation with Lisa Wingate, so that will be a wonderful event.”
Visit the events calendar at the Black Mountain Library website to join conversation, as Jeannie DuBose explores Losses and Invitations in Times of Transition. The free hour-long presentation is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 30.