Breaking Free: A Journey from Religious Constraints to Racial Awakening and Spiritual Transformation in a Diverse World. A Lifelong Learning Process.
This riveting memoir, Crossing the Line, takes you on a profound journey through the author’s lifetime. Spanning from early childhood to midlife, the narrative is a deeply personal exploration of growth, evolution, and transformation. As the youngest of seven children in a devout Mennonite family, the author, Dorcas Horst Cyster, navigates the joys and challenges of a life steeped in religious tradition.
The story unfolds against the backdrop of a patriarchal religious setting and the inherent constraints of a conservative Mennonite upbringing. From the enforced plain dress and taboos that caused friction in public school and social settings, to the gentle but firm control exercised by a loving mother, the memoir provides captivating insights into the author’s formative years.
However, this is not merely a tale of religious struggle. It is a testament to the development of a more inclusive spirituality, one that embraces self and others without judgment. As the narrative progresses, the focus shifts from religion to race and culture. Being raised in the minority culture of the Mennonite tradition, Cyster’s viewpoint is initially limited.
But with a move to Mississippi in her early 20s, she is thrust into a racially divided society and her perspective begins to expand. This racial awakening continues during a twelve-year stint in South Africa, at the height of Apartheid, where she marries a man of color and raises two multi-racial daughters.
Throughout the memoir, the quest for justice emerges as a central theme. Cyster’s personal transformation is mirrored in her fight against social injustice. Her experiences in building relationships across racial, cultural, and religious lines serve as the catalyst for this change. From angry confrontations to gentle dialogues, these encounters challenge her world of white privilege and bring about a healing transformation.
In Crossing the Line, Cyster doesn’t shy away from expressing raw human emotions, acknowledging that fear, anger, grief, and joy are essential in life’s learning process. This memoir is a deeply moving and thought-provoking account of a journey from religious constraints to racial awakening and spiritual transformation.
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Dorcas Horst Cyster is a passionate advocate for physical wellness with a career spanning over 40 years in healthcare, serving as a Nursing Assistant, Licensed Practical Nurse, and Registered Nurse. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Nursing at 60, reinforcing her belief in the intersection of emotional-spiritual health and physical wellbeing, further nurtured through her training as a Spiritual Mentor. She has been recognized with Nurse Excellence Awards and as a Woman of Achievement by the YWCA Lancaster PA. Now retired, Dorcas remains a social activist and mentor, while enjoying reading, yoga, and outdoor activities. She is a proud mother and grandmother.
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