Author Washington presents a lively guide regarding a vital concept of Christianity: the need and wish to be born again. This is offered with equal emphasis both to those new to the faith and those with a faith-based churchgoing background. She develops her theme in thoughtful narrative and scriptural references. The process she examines was first described by Jesus, who spoke of “being born of water and the Spirit,” noting that the Holy Spirit, the spirit of God as delivered to humankind through his Son, will help believers make a change of life. They will cease to be mired in sin—illustrated here as a black, unlit candle—and rise to a saintly condition—a golden candle with a golden flame. This spiritual melding is eternal and is, therefore, the most desirable condition for which a seeker could strive. Water, associated often with baptism, symbolizes the flood of God’s presence, which is everywhere and bestows great blessings on those who receive it within.

Washington, an ordained minister and evangelist, gives her readers simple, sincerely intended ideas for understanding the born-again process. She suggests helpful daily practices that can continually affirm one’s closeness to the Holy Spirit. These include prayer, music, and silent listening. She sees in current socio-political upheaval an increase in false doctrines, indicating that the end times may be approaching, requiring an even deeper mining of one’s faith. Her writing is spare and well-organized, covering both a basic definition of her subject matter and the multitude of reasons for pursuing the process of genuine spiritual rebirth. Her biblical references demonstrate her own diligent study of the concepts involved, while her tolerance is shown as she does not emphasize any one Christian denomination. Washington’s thoughtful, directional manual can inspire groups and individuals across a wide spectrum of Christian beliefs.

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