About Carolyn Weber

 

 

 

Recently, I listened to the audio book of Surprised By Oxford: A Memoir by Carolyn Weber, a story about the author’s journey from skeptical agnosticism to surprising faith. Not only was I truly inspired by her academic pursuits, I was deeply moved by her unwavering commitment to her friends, eventual husband, and, ultimately, a personal relationship with Christ. 

Carolyn did not go to Oxford to find God, but God allowed her to walk this path so he could slowly reveal himself to her. God does not leave you dangling, he holds you fast and he brings people along the journey at the exact right time! Sometimes we get there through unexpected love, unexpected friendships, unexpected connections, and yet none of those are unexpected to God. Carolyn found all of those connections through her friends, her professors and her husband. She did not go into a relationship with God without many questions and challenges, but God can handle those questions, and he did. Right up to the end of the book I was on the edge of my seat, waiting to hear a chapter close, and then another one begin.  

I love how Carolyn embraced love and motherhood as many women before her did. They mentored her and through these relationships strengthened her on her unexpected journey . What would life be without a mentor? I am so glad I listened to this book on audio because I found that I could live in the text in a way that turning the pages may not have allowed me to do this time. 

I am so thankful for Carolyn’s willingness to share her journey because it will bless so many who venture into its pages! I think sometimes we forget how our stories intersect, even if we never meet the people whose journeys align with ours. That is what is done for me, and I am forever grateful. Surprised By Oxford surprised me with tears. Good tears, of a true story and a reminder that we are never too far out of the reach of God! Even the most skeptical and hardened heart is nothing to the life-giving grace and everlasting love of God. 

If you do read this book (or listen to it, like I did), don’t forget to see the movie afterwards! You will be delighted. It is never easy to replicate a book, let alone a memoir, but the cast, crew, producers and directors worked diligently to bring Carolyn’s story–or ‘Caro’s’ as she is affectionately known–to life. Read the book first if you can, and then sit back and enjoy as it comes alive on the screen. A true gem! 

Throughout the book I was deeply moved by God’s relentless and loving pursuit of Carolyn’s soul. It was a reminder that God doesn’t stop. He won’t let you go. He pursues you because he loves you. He created you with a purpose and a plan, and He wants to rejoice with you as you discover all the joys that He left for you on the path that He created for you and you alone to walk.  

 

 

 

/https://www.carolynweber.com/about/