{"product_id":"peace-is-her-song-the-life-and-legacy-of-hymn-writer-shirley-erena-murray-paperback","title":"Peace is Her Song: The Life and Legacy of Hymn Writer Shirley Erena Murray - Paperback","description":"\u003cp\u003eby \u003cb\u003eAnne Manchester\u003c\/b\u003e (Author)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNew Zealand hymn writer Shirley Erena Murray began writing poetry at a young age. She found her niche in later life as a hymn poet, initially to provide her minister husband John Murray with hymns of contemporary relevance to match his progressive theology.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMany of her 400 hymns have been published in hymnals across denominations in North America, Oceania, the United Kingdom and Europe.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHer hymns and the themes she expressed - peace, social justice, human rights, inclusivity, ecology - helped change the way people understood their faith in an increasingly secular world. A woman of warmth and compassion, with a strong sense of her own identity from Aotearoa New Zealand, she is considered one of the most influential international hymn writers of our time.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFull Description\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eStep into the life of Shirley Erena Murray, a pioneering hymn writer whose words have touched hearts and inspired minds across the globe. This engaging biography delves into the journey of a woman whose nearly 400 hymns have become a beacon of peace, justice, and hope in worship. The book includes 17 full colour and 21 b\/w photos.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eShirley's hymn-writing journey began in the 1970s, driven by a dual passion: supporting her husband John's progressive theology and championing the causes of Amnesty International. Frustrated by the lack of contemporary relevance in traditional hymns, she embarked on a mission to create texts that resonated with the modern world. Over the next four decades, her hymns found their way into more than 30 major denominational hymnals across North America and more than 140 hymn collections worldwide. They have been translated into numerous languages, including Braille and sign language.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA proud New Zealander, Shirley infused her work with the ethos of her southern hemisphere environment. Her hymns reflect a unique blend of cultural awareness and contemporary issues, including connections to Māori culture and themes of social justice. Through her simple, direct language, Shirley's hymns offer a \"jolt of reality,\" addressing the pressing concerns of her society and the wider world.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis biography highlights Shirley's hymns and paints an intimate portrait of her personal and spiritual journey. Her hymns served as a form of spiritual autobiography, reflecting her deep faith and theological stance. Personal anecdotes and reflections from close friends and family reveal a woman of remarkable warmth, compassion, and intelligence.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eShirley's ability to draw people to her, coupled with her supportive nature and enthusiasm, endeared her to all who knew her.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eShirley was a trailblazer in creating inclusive language and imagery in her hymns, embracing all people regardless of gender, ability, or background. Her commitment to inclusivity and social justice is evident in her texts, which address issues like ecological care, human rights, and the search for peace. Her collaboration with musicians and hymn writers worldwide, particularly with Colin Gibson, brought fresh life to the church's musical heritage, challenging old traditions and creating a new body of work that continues to inspire.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eShirley made an impact on the global stage. Her hymns, have made her one of the most influential hymn text writers of our time. Filled with personal stories, reflections, and excerpts from Shirley's own writings, this book offers a vivid and heartfelt tribute to her legacy.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePeace is Her Song\u003c\/em\u003e is not just a story about a remarkable woman; it is an invitation to reflect on how each of us can contribute to a more just and peaceful world through our own voices and actions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of Pages:\u003c\/strong\u003e 342\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.71 x 9 x 6 IN\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePublication Date:\u003c\/strong\u003e September 07, 2024\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Books by splitShops","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51754955669792,"sku":"9781991027825","price":40.32,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0974\/9764\/5344\/files\/2a82c250995360aed1ed17ee8d174f33.webp?v=1780047128","url":"https:\/\/ebocreations.com\/products\/peace-is-her-song-the-life-and-legacy-of-hymn-writer-shirley-erena-murray-paperback","provider":"The E-Book Oasis LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}