Barbara Wilson
Barbara S. Wilson’s name appears in small letters among the editorial credits. Her contribution to the re:form Ancestors process was to smooth out unintended rough places so that writers say what they want to say, with all of the bumps, zaps, and jolts they intend.
Family: “But where IS God?” asked three-year-old Zach. “Here we go!” chuckled his mom. Faith has always meant questions for me. Raised by a believing mother who never questioned faith and a non-believing father who couldn’t stop asking faith questions, I started questioning early. I married a fellow questioner, also an educator/theologian, and we raised questioning kids who have launched the dialogue to the next generation.
Favorite ancestor: Ruth is the ancestor I most identify with because she was all about relationships. She was both daring and committed, both visionary and loyal, both open to the world and focused on family—as she claimed family. Her people are my people. Her journey is my journey. Her God is my God.
A favorite theologian quote: Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree. (Martin Luther) Faith as dirt and promise.
Your work on re:form is a success if a youth responded by: loving to ask faith questions–because they can, because that’s what faithful people do!