
Fierce Love
A Bold Path to Ferocious Courage and Rule-Breaking Kindness That Can Heal the World
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
$0.99/mo for the first 3 months

Buy for $15.75
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Dr. Jacqui Lewis
-
By:
-
Dr. Jacqui Lewis
About this listen
A healing antidote to our divisive culture, full of evocative storytelling, spiritual wisdom, and nine essential daily practices - by the first female, Black senior minister at the historic Collegiate Churches of New York.
“Fierce Love teaches us that with spiritual faith we can transcend the darkest moments and come through stronger.” (Gabrielle Bernstein, number one New York Times best-selling author of The Universe Has Your Back)
We are living in a world divided. Race and ethnicity, caste and color, gender and sexuality, class and education, religion and political party have all become demographic labels that reduce our differences to simplistic categories in which “we” are vehemently against “them”. But Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis’ own experience - of being the first female and first Black minister in her church’s history, of being in an interracial marriage, and of making peace with childhood abuse - illustrates that our human capacity for empathy and forgiveness is the key to reversing these ugly trends.
Inspired by the tenets of ubuntu - the Zulu philosophy that we are each impacted by the circumstances that impact those around us, and that the world won’t get better until we all get better - Fierce Love lays out the nine daily practices for breaking through tribalism and engineering the change we seek. From downsizing our emotional baggage to speaking truth to power to fueling our activism with joy, it demonstrates the power of small, morally courageous steps to heal our own lives, our posse, and our larger communities. Sharing stories that trace her personal reckoning with racism as well as the arc of her journey to an inclusive and service-driven faith, Dr. Lewis shows that kindness, compassion, and inclusive thinking are muscles that can be exercised and strengthened. With the goal of mending our inextricable human connection, Fierce Love is a manifesto for all generations: a bighearted, healing antidote to our rancorous culture.
©2021 Jacqueline J. Lewis (P)2021 Random House AudioListeners also enjoyed...
-
See No Stranger
- A Memoir and Manifesto of Revolutionary Love
- By: Valarie Kaur
- Narrated by: Valarie Kaur
- Length: 13 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
How do we love in a time of rage? How do we fix a broken world while not breaking ourselves? Valarie Kaur - renowned Sikh activist, filmmaker, and civil rights lawyer - describes revolutionary love as the call of our time, a radical, joyful practice that extends in three directions: to others, to our opponents, and to ourselves. It enjoins us to see no stranger but instead look at others and say: You are part of me I do not yet know. Starting from that place of wonder, the world begins to change.
-
-
A beautiful memoir and powerful compass
- By Eric Parrie on 06-16-20
By: Valarie Kaur
-
Atlas of the Heart
- Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience
- By: Brené Brown
- Narrated by: Brené Brown
- Length: 8 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Atlas of the Heart, Brown takes us on a journey through 87 of the emotions and experiences that define what it means to be human. As she maps the necessary skills and an actionable framework for meaningful connection, she gives us the language and tools to access a universe of new choices and second chances - a universe where we can share and steward the stories of our bravest and most heartbreaking moments with one another in a way that builds connection.
-
-
Perfect
- By Mandy on 02-16-22
By: Brené Brown
-
Prequel
- An American Fight Against Fascism
- By: Rachel Maddow
- Narrated by: Rachel Maddow
- Length: 13 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Inspired by her research for the hit podcast Ultra, Rachel Maddow charts the rise of a wild American strain of authoritarianism that has been alive on the far-right edge of our politics for the better part of a century. Before and even after our troops had begun fighting abroad in World War II, a clandestine network flooded the country with disinformation aimed at sapping the strength of the U.S. war effort and persuading Americans that our natural alliance was with the Axis, not against it.
-
-
The fight to keep democracy alive
- By Rex on 10-19-23
By: Rachel Maddow
-
Fierce Love
- Creating a Love That Lasts - One Conversation at a Time
- By: Susan Scott
- Narrated by: Susan Scott
- Length: 7 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Often in our romantic relationships we long for deep connection, but we don't know how to communicate well, and sometimes even withhold what we're really thinking and feeling. As couples, we don't stop to think how important our conversations are. And we certainly don't understand that what we talk about and how we talk about them determine whether our relationships will thrive, flatline, or fail. In Fierce Love, Susan Scott guides couples through conversations that lead to deep connection and lasting commitment.
-
-
A must read for a thriving relationship
- By Geoff Woods on 01-15-22
By: Susan Scott
-
Love Is the Way
- Holding on to Hope in Troubling Times
- By: Bishop Michael Curry, Sara Grace
- Narrated by: Bishop Michael Curry
- Length: 7 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Much of the world met Bishop Curry when he delivered his sermon on the redemptive power of love at the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at Windsor Castle. Here, he expands on his message of hope in an inspirational road map for living the way of love, illuminated with moving lessons from his own life. Through the prism of his faith, ancestry, and personal journey, Love Is the Way shows us how America came this far and, more important, how to go a whole lot further.
-
-
Hopeful and grateful
- By Amazon Customer on 10-11-20
By: Bishop Michael Curry, and others
-
Do I Stay Christian?
- A Guide for the Doubters, the Disappointed, and the Disillusioned
- By: Brian D. McLaren
- Narrated by: Brian D. McLaren
- Length: 11 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Do I Stay Christian? addresses in public the powerful question that surprising numbers of people—including pastors, priests, and other religious leaders—are asking in private. Picking up where Faith After Doubt leaves off, Do I Stay Christian? is not McLaren's attempt to persuade Christians to dig in their heels or run for the exit. Instead, he combines his own experience with that of thousands of people who have confided in him over the years to help readers make a responsible, honest, ethical decision about their religious identity.
-
-
Stunning
- By pslwallace on 06-30-23
By: Brian D. McLaren
-
See No Stranger
- A Memoir and Manifesto of Revolutionary Love
- By: Valarie Kaur
- Narrated by: Valarie Kaur
- Length: 13 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
How do we love in a time of rage? How do we fix a broken world while not breaking ourselves? Valarie Kaur - renowned Sikh activist, filmmaker, and civil rights lawyer - describes revolutionary love as the call of our time, a radical, joyful practice that extends in three directions: to others, to our opponents, and to ourselves. It enjoins us to see no stranger but instead look at others and say: You are part of me I do not yet know. Starting from that place of wonder, the world begins to change.
-
-
A beautiful memoir and powerful compass
- By Eric Parrie on 06-16-20
By: Valarie Kaur
-
Atlas of the Heart
- Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience
- By: Brené Brown
- Narrated by: Brené Brown
- Length: 8 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Atlas of the Heart, Brown takes us on a journey through 87 of the emotions and experiences that define what it means to be human. As she maps the necessary skills and an actionable framework for meaningful connection, she gives us the language and tools to access a universe of new choices and second chances - a universe where we can share and steward the stories of our bravest and most heartbreaking moments with one another in a way that builds connection.
-
-
Perfect
- By Mandy on 02-16-22
By: Brené Brown
-
Prequel
- An American Fight Against Fascism
- By: Rachel Maddow
- Narrated by: Rachel Maddow
- Length: 13 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Inspired by her research for the hit podcast Ultra, Rachel Maddow charts the rise of a wild American strain of authoritarianism that has been alive on the far-right edge of our politics for the better part of a century. Before and even after our troops had begun fighting abroad in World War II, a clandestine network flooded the country with disinformation aimed at sapping the strength of the U.S. war effort and persuading Americans that our natural alliance was with the Axis, not against it.
-
-
The fight to keep democracy alive
- By Rex on 10-19-23
By: Rachel Maddow
-
Fierce Love
- Creating a Love That Lasts - One Conversation at a Time
- By: Susan Scott
- Narrated by: Susan Scott
- Length: 7 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Often in our romantic relationships we long for deep connection, but we don't know how to communicate well, and sometimes even withhold what we're really thinking and feeling. As couples, we don't stop to think how important our conversations are. And we certainly don't understand that what we talk about and how we talk about them determine whether our relationships will thrive, flatline, or fail. In Fierce Love, Susan Scott guides couples through conversations that lead to deep connection and lasting commitment.
-
-
A must read for a thriving relationship
- By Geoff Woods on 01-15-22
By: Susan Scott
-
Love Is the Way
- Holding on to Hope in Troubling Times
- By: Bishop Michael Curry, Sara Grace
- Narrated by: Bishop Michael Curry
- Length: 7 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Much of the world met Bishop Curry when he delivered his sermon on the redemptive power of love at the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at Windsor Castle. Here, he expands on his message of hope in an inspirational road map for living the way of love, illuminated with moving lessons from his own life. Through the prism of his faith, ancestry, and personal journey, Love Is the Way shows us how America came this far and, more important, how to go a whole lot further.
-
-
Hopeful and grateful
- By Amazon Customer on 10-11-20
By: Bishop Michael Curry, and others
-
Do I Stay Christian?
- A Guide for the Doubters, the Disappointed, and the Disillusioned
- By: Brian D. McLaren
- Narrated by: Brian D. McLaren
- Length: 11 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Do I Stay Christian? addresses in public the powerful question that surprising numbers of people—including pastors, priests, and other religious leaders—are asking in private. Picking up where Faith After Doubt leaves off, Do I Stay Christian? is not McLaren's attempt to persuade Christians to dig in their heels or run for the exit. Instead, he combines his own experience with that of thousands of people who have confided in him over the years to help readers make a responsible, honest, ethical decision about their religious identity.
-
-
Stunning
- By pslwallace on 06-30-23
By: Brian D. McLaren
-
God Is a Black Woman
- By: Christena Cleveland
- Narrated by: Robin Eller
- Length: 7 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
For years, Christena Cleveland spoke about racial reconciliation to congregations, justice organizations, and colleges. But she increasingly felt she could no longer trust in the God she’d been implicitly taught to worship—a white male God who preferentially empowered white men despite his claim to love all people. A God who clearly did not relate to, advocate for, or affirm a Black woman like Christena.
-
-
If you’ve grown up brown and evangelical but never quite fit in the whitemalegod club this book is for you.
- By Jason Como on 12-05-22
-
This Here Flesh
- Spirituality, Liberation, and the Stories That Make Us
- By: Cole Arthur Riley
- Narrated by: Cole Arthur Riley
- Length: 6 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
So writes Cole Arthur Riley in her unforgettable book of stories and reflections on discovering the sacred in her skin. In these deeply transporting pages, Arthur Riley reflects on the stories of her grandmother and father, and how they revealed to her an embodied, dignity-affirming spirituality, not only in what they believed but in the act of living itself.
-
-
A must read... but physically buy the book!
- By Erintopia on 09-26-22
-
Jesus' Alternative Plan
- The Sermon on the Mount
- By: Richard Rohr OFM
- Narrated by: Dean Gallagher
- Length: 7 hrs and 57 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Richard Rohr Rohr goes through the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount, explaining the historical and cultural context of each verse and offering guidance for what it means for Christians today.
-
-
Richard's commentary on Matthew's gospel
- By Anonymous User on 03-30-23
By: Richard Rohr OFM
-
Faith After Doubt
- Why Your Beliefs Stopped Working and What to Do About It
- By: Brian D. McLaren
- Narrated by: Brian D. McLaren
- Length: 11 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Sixty-five million adults in the US have dropped out of active church attendance, and about 2.7 million more are leaving every year. Faith After Doubt is for the millions of people around the world who feel that their faith is falling apart. Using his own story and the stories of a diverse group of struggling believers, Brian D. McLaren, a former pastor and now an author, speaker, and activist, shows how old assumptions are being challenged in nearly every area of human life, not just theology and spirituality.
-
-
Ok book
- By James on 05-13-21
By: Brian D. McLaren
-
The Universal Christ
- How a Forgotten Reality Can Change Everything We See, Hope for, and Believe
- By: Richard Rohr
- Narrated by: Arthur Morey
- Length: 8 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In his decades as a globally recognized teacher, Richard Rohr has helped millions realize what is at stake in matters of faith and spirituality. Yet Rohr has never written on the most perennially talked about topic in Christianity: Jesus. Most know who Jesus was, but who was Christ? Drawing on scripture, history, and spiritual practice, Rohr articulates a transformative view of Jesus Christ as a portrait of God’s constant, unfolding work in the world.
-
-
Off the Reservation
- By Amazon Customer on 07-04-19
By: Richard Rohr
-
Falling Upward
- A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life
- By: Richard Rohr
- Narrated by: Richard Rohr
- Length: 6 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the first half of life, we are naturally preoccupied with establishing ourselves; climbing, achieving, and performing. But as we grow older and encounter challenges and mistakes, we need to see ourselves in a different and more life-giving way. This message of falling down - that is in fact moving upward - is the most resisted and counterintuitive of messages in the world's religions. Falling Upward offers a new paradigm for understanding one of the most profound of life's mysteries: how those who have fallen down are the only ones who understand "up".
-
-
I almost gave up on Christianity until I read this
- By J. Mark Wells on 09-03-14
By: Richard Rohr
-
The Myth of the American Dream
- Reflections on Affluence, Autonomy, Safety and Power
- By: D.L. Mayfield
- Narrated by: Nan McNamara
- Length: 7 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Affluence, autonomy, safety, and power. These are the central values of the American dream. But are they actually compatible with Jesus' command to love our neighbor as ourselves? In essays grouped around these four values, D. L. Mayfield asks us to pay attention to the ways they shape our own choices, and the ways those choices affect our neighbors. Where did these values come from? How have they failed those on the edges of our society? And how can we disentangle ourselves from our culture's headlong pursuit of these values and live faithful lives of service to God and our neighbors?
-
-
Sooooo good. Powerful
- By D. Frazier on 08-19-21
By: D.L. Mayfield
-
Freeing Jesus
- Rediscovering Jesus as Friend, Teacher, Savior, Lord, Way, and Presence
- By: Diana Butler Bass
- Narrated by: Diana Butler Bass
- Length: 10 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
How can you still be a Christian? This is the most common question Diana Butler Bass is asked today. It is a question that many believers ponder as they wrestle with disillusionment in their church and its leadership. But while many Christians have left their churches, they cannot leave their faith behind. Bass challenges the idea that Jesus can only be understood in static, one-dimensional ways and asks us to instead consider a life where Jesus grows with us and helps us through life’s challenges in several capacities: as Friend, Teacher, Savior, Lord, Way, and Presence.
-
-
Exquisite writing! Honest, Intelligent, Healing.
- By Linda Mayes on 04-11-21
-
Believing Me
- Healing from Narcissistic Abuse and Complex Trauma
- By: Ingrid Clayton
- Narrated by: Ingrid Clayton PhD
- Length: 7 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
What if emotional abuse is so hidden that its effects remain unchallenged for decades, masquerading as personal failings? Believing Me is an emotionally gripping memoir that gives language to the hidden and ineffable nature of childhood trauma and how it can imprint on a person, resulting in fractured self-esteem, addictions, perfectionism, and a string of abusive relationships.
-
-
Someone else caused all my problems
- By Searcy Custom Homes on 12-03-23
By: Ingrid Clayton
-
You Are Your Best Thing
- Vulnerability, Shame Resilience, and the Black Experience
- By: Tarana Burke, Brené Brown
- Narrated by: Tarana Burke, Brené Brown, the Contributors, and others
- Length: 6 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Tarana Burke and Dr. Brené Brown bring together a dynamic group of Black writers, organizers, artists, academics, and cultural figures to discuss the topics the two have dedicated their lives to understanding and teaching: vulnerability and shame resilience.
-
-
Listen up...
- By HeyJude on 04-29-21
By: Tarana Burke, and others
-
Rest Is Resistance
- A Manifesto
- By: Tricia Hersey
- Narrated by: Tricia Hersey
- Length: 5 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
What would it be like to live in a well-rested world? Far too many of us have claimed productivity as the cornerstone of success. Brainwashed by capitalism, we subject our bodies and minds to work at an unrealistic, damaging, and machine‑level pace—feeding into the same engine that enslaved millions into brutal labor for its own relentless benefit. In Rest Is Resistance, Tricia Hersey, aka the Nap Bishop, casts an illuminating light on our troubled relationship with rest and how to imagine and dream our way to a future where rest is exalted.
-
-
What an experience
- By makeba jones on 10-26-22
By: Tricia Hersey
-
Red Lip Theology
- For Church Girls Who've Considered Tithing to the Beauty Supply Store When Sunday Morning Isn't Enough
- By: Candice Marie Benbow, Melissa Harris-Perry
- Narrated by: Candice Marie Benbow, Karen Chilton
- Length: 6 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Blurring the boundaries of righteous and irreverent, Red Lip Theology invites us to discover freedom in a progressive Christian faith that incorporates activism, feminism, and radical authenticity. Essayist and theologian Candice Marie Benbow’s essays explore universal themes like heartache, loss, forgiveness, and sexuality, and she unflinchingly empowers women who struggle with feeling loved and nurtured by church culture.
-
-
You will know your truth and...
- By K on 08-30-22
By: Candice Marie Benbow, and others
Critic reviews
“A powerful antidote to the tribalism that is wrecking our country and poisoning our souls, Fierce Love is a welcome moral North Star for readers everywhere.” (Van Jones, New York Times best-selling author of Beyond the Messy Truth and CNN political contributor)
“With this book, Jacqui Lewis made me see the world in a different way - as a place where we can live our lives fully, tell our stories honestly, and love one another fiercely.” (Paul Tough, New York Times best-selling author of How Children Succeed)
“I have never felt at home in any church as I have in Middle Church - a vibrant, multiracial, multicultural community in the heart of New York City. Now Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis gives us her ingredients to building a beloved community with fierce love. Drawing from raw, vulnerable, and brave coming-of-age stories, she invites us into her ministry to ‘Love. Period.’ This book is radical, just, and joyous. Just like Middle Church. Just like Jacqui Lewis.” (Valarie Kaur, author of See No Stranger: A Memoir and Manifesto of Revolutionary Love)
What listeners say about Fierce Love
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- tiffany manchester
- 11-25-22
Loved!
The author caught me immediately . I loved every minute of this spellbinding book.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- John Taylor
- 01-23-22
What the world needs!
Rev. Jacqui Lewis has brought all of her insight and power to bear in this important piece of work, which knits together personal narrative, psychological and spiritual wisdom, religious truth and a plan for social environmental healing. Thank you!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Anita Hansen
- 09-14-23
Authentic, realistic, hopeful & beautiful
Authentic biography.
Realistic mirror of life.
Hopeful shepherding for how to speak truth & live in fierce love.
Beautifully connected through the sound & emotion of the author’s voice.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Elizabeth A. Charak
- 03-22-23
A Must Read
Jacqui Lewis has become one of my favorite people on this crazy planet! Her insight, her heart, her humor and her intelligence make this a very important book, especially at this time. Here's to living life with fierce love from here on out!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Angelica
- 03-16-22
Universal and Deep Gratitude!
Thank you for sharing your whole heart with me and the world! You’re speaking directly to me, and I hear your bold stance Sister! You have affirmed my calling to be part of the L❤️VE army!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- KC, IHM
- 08-03-22
How to Love
Rev Jacqui Lewis gives us personal stories, healthy psychology and
Godly theology to teach us Nine Ways to Love in this world. It is for those
who want to grow in their life's journey and in their relationships. Enjoy!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Lauren S
- 11-27-21
WOW! I Just feel SO GOOD after reading this.
The different ways that Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis described love was so AMAZING. I love the concept of love and too see the way she talked about it AND gave examples from her own life was just beautiful. "The Spirit of Ubuntu" is what keep reminding myself about everyday. How can I Love Fiercely everyday? As a Black Queer Woman entering into ministry, this book touched my heart in so many ways. Thank you for chapter 6. it was my favorite. I recommend all people read this because I promise it was change you for the better
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Beth B
- 01-24-22
so very grateful
So very grateful for the words, the wisdom and the inspiration. This was a much needed message for me needing support in keeping my heart open and my actions pure.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Catherine
- 02-23-24
What would LOVE have me do?
The first few chapters were my favorite part. There was a smattering of politics which is getting more and more difficult these days to separate from living, breathing, and thinking. However, the overall spirit and education provided in this book is exactly what WE need.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Danita Queener
- 03-13-22
Disappointed - new age
Thought this was going to be a balanced book but instead new age about those that are “woke” and the ones that aren’t “woke”.
Love God first, not self, and then everything else comes together. God helps to give self love.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!