These were no damsels in distress! Did you know that a woman named Kady Brownell was the color bearer for 5th Rhode Island infantry? She braved enemy fire at Bull Run to hold her banner high! Or that Dr. Mary Walker, a battlefield surgeon, was the first and only woman to ever receive the Medal of Honor? These women, and many more, marched alongside the soldiers and were on the battlefields of the American Civil War. They were both respected and admired by their male comrades. Stephanie Ford regularly speaks at historical societies and participates in reenactments as a vivandiere. Through her thorough research comes a compelling collection of stories of remarkable women from both sides of the conflict.

What is a "spiritual friendship"? How does a spiritual friendship differ from other kinds of friendship? In Kindred Souls, Stephanie Ford reveals what it truly means to be a spiritual companion. She begins by reexamining the monastic roots of spiritual friendship through our shared tradition with the Roman Catholic Church and presents the unlikely friendship of Ruth and Naomi as a template for spiritual friendship. Kindred Souls gives practical insights on how to deal with real issues concerning spiritual friendships, from overcoming the risk and fear of sharing to learning how to become a faithful listener. Whether you are a novice at such friendships or have enjoyed their benefits for many years, Kindred Souls will offer new insights that will enable and empower you to build and nurture partnerships that will continue to bear fruit throughout your lifetime.