At the core of personal spiritual writing is a hungering for wholeness, for self, for meaning. The question of 'Who am I?' reverberates quietly in these pages as does a willingness to be known. -- Sue Monk Kidd In every life there are defining moments when one's heart begins to open, when the realisation of who one is begins to dawn. These moments may be huge -- or they may be small and subtle. But each leaves a person forever changed. In 'Firstlight', best selling author Sue Monk Kidd invites readers to accompany her as she reveals many of her own 'firsts' -- an invitation she hopes will help point readers to their own moments of awakening. The stories and essays within are drawn from the author's early writings for both Guideposts and, to a lesser extent, for other publications. They are loosely gathered around thirteen spiritual motifs, and offer an intimate glimpse into the early years of Monk Kidd's journey as a writer and as a spiritual seeker. Included are reflections on the author's multiple roles as mother, daughter, wife, nurse, and writer. There are recollections about her year in Africa, meditations on her childhood, reflections on her marriage, and musings on a stream of ordinary moments -- all of which add richness and meaning to the author's spiritual journey.