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Author Ring has created a colorful, readable tale of the noted female disciple of Jesus, Mary Magdalene. Presented in simple, vivid prose with powerful and evocative pictures on each page, she recounts the early years of Jesus’ life, including his baptism by his cousin John. The incident is depicted with the two men standing in the Jordan River as a pure white dove hovers overhead. Jesus then began to gather what would become his group of twelve disciples. His miracles and preaching also attracted many women, with Mary Magdalene becoming the most prominent in biblical lore.
When Jesus was threatened by unbelievers, Mary anointed his head with costly aromatic oils. The other disciples objected to the needless expense, but Jesus knew that Mary Magdalene wished to confirm his status as the Messiah. She stood at the foot of his cross, was among the first to behold his new, heavenly form after his body disappeared from the tomb, and was exhorted by an angel and by Jesus himself to tell others that he had risen. Ring presents Mary Magdalene as the “good friend of Jesus” who supported and valued him and concludes by questioning readers: “Are there ways that you are a good friend to your friends?”
Ring, a counseling psychologist whose services to others are deeply infused with spiritual understanding, composed this work especially for girls, presenting Mary Magdalene as “a role model for a life of faith.” The author’s gentle educational approach will appeal to children, giving a basic understanding of the life and intentions of Jesus and his followers, both male and female, and offering a thoughtful introduction to life’s many possibilities. Ring’s book can be shared in families, used as a learning tool in both school and church settings, and provide meditative material for all readers.