Taking a critical look at our culture

As a former leftist who had only contempt for America, Christianity, morality and tradition - and who now finds herself a pro-life conservative mother of 12 -Barbara brings a unique perspective to many of the issues of our day.

For the past six years, she has written a biweekly column for the Novato Advance (CA) and then for the Loudoun Times-Mirror (VA) called “Close to Home” which frequently deals with current affairs and cultural trends as they affect the family. Her op-ed pieces have been published in the Washington Times, Christian Science Monitor, Marin Independent Journal, World magaine and WorldNet Daily.

Before moving to Virginia in 2002, Barbara also covered California politics, culture, and education as editor for Focus on the Family’s Citizen magazine for three years.

Her new book reflects her rich background of experience on either side of the political spectrum:

Reaching the Left from the Right: Talking About Social issues with People Who Don’t Think Like You

How do you relate to a gay man? How do you share meaningful relationship with a feminist? Can you even speak to a Mohawk-sporting, tattoo-covered, body-pierced punk rocker? Most Christians stereotype those who look, act and believe differently than they—how can we overcome these stereotypes in order to love, nurture and share community with those around us?

In Reaching the Left from the Right: Talking about Social Issues with People Who Don’t Think like You (Beacon Hill Press), Barbara teaches readers to overcome social boundaries, and reach the unreachable. Before she found Christ, Curtis hated Christianity, conservatives and traditionalists, and everything she believed they stood for. She was a feminist and “fag hag,” an “acid-dropping hippie chick,” alcoholic, anti-war demonstrator, and a single mom on welfare in San Francisco. She was angry and cynical, and hurting… Would you have wanted to know her?

Included in this book:

• Practical ways to become more accepting and approachable to people different from you
• Familiarizing yourself with popular culture and trends in order to reach others
• Building bridges with single parent families and fatherless children in your community
• Developing a servant’s heart for reaching nonbelievers

Love,