When We Were Eve

By: Colleen C. Mitchell

Narrated by: Colleen C. Mitchell

“We are walking back to the Garden of Eden together and trying to remember who were when we were Eve.”

In When We Were Eve, Colleen Mitchell draws on the creation story in Genesis to show women God’s gracious plan for their whole being: body and soul in harmony with themselves, others, creation and their Creator. Through her own story and those of other women, she explores the many ways women struggle with their bodies and the way a biblical understanding of what it means to be a woman can bring them peace and joy.

“Eve in Eden is woman in her perfection”, writes Mitchell. “The last note of the creation song states that the man and his wife were both naked and they were not ashamed.... This is the perfected state of our humanity - vulnerable, open, aware of our bodies and ourselves and understanding of others. Intimately free to be who we are before God.”

Through the stories of Eve (before and after the Fall), Bathsheba, Hannah, the woman of Proverbs 31, Sarah from the Book of Tobit, the hemorrhaging woman in Mark’s Gospel, the synagogue leader’s daughter, and the bride from the Song of Songs, she helps readers find new perspectives on what it means to be a woman: young, old, single, married, mothers, nurturers, strong and vulnerable, loving and being loved.

Questions for reflection encourage listeners to deepen their own awareness and a final section offers prayers for the many seasons and circumstances of a woman’s life.

©2017 Colleen C. Mitchell (P)2018 Franciscan Media

Critic reviews

"I want to get a copy of this book for every woman I know. We're all riddled with insecurities about who we are and what we look like, and Colleen Mitchell has powerful words of wisdom to help us find peace and joy in simply the women God created us to be." (Jennifer Fulwiler, SiriusXM radio host, author, One Beautiful Dream)

"When We Were Eve: Uncovering the Woman God Made You to Be by Colleen C. Mitchell is a rich and grace-filled book written by a woman whose pen in hand reveals a body and soul in love with God. 'Our bodies must pursue holiness', Colleen reminds all of us. Colleen’s writing talent is a true gift of the Lord to all readers, but especially to we women. As you read, your feminine heart will see God’s image in your body and your spirit. Then Colleen shows us, in her reflections and the collected stories from women who strive for sanctity, just exactly how to use our spirituality and our bodily experiences to seek our God. You will 'find [yourself]...embracing womanhood without shame!' By the end of this read, you will revel in His great Mercy, bringing you back to Eden in the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, the Bride of Christ!" (Carol Younger, author, 33 Days to Morning Glory Retreat Companion, contributing author, Walk in Her Sandals)