The stories we tell about ourselves and the communities we grow up in are powerful. No one understands that better than Linda Kay Klein. An alumna of The Voices and Faces Project's Stories We Tell testimonial writing program Linda is also the author of a new book, Pure, that explores the impact that the "purity industry" that emerged out of white, Evangelical Christian culture had on her sexuality, spirituality, attitudes about gender-based violence, and life.

A book that is informed by Linda's own story and shaped by the stories of women she interviewed across the country, Pure challenges us to think differently about the way that religious attitudes can impact women, while making the case for religious institutions that are more progressive, Feminist, and inclusive. Pure is also and importantly a book that was developed in community — the kind of community that Linda discovered while taking part in The Stories We Tell. In Linda's own words:

"I could feel the power of the survivors and advocates gathered for the Voices and Faces Project's Stories We Tell testimonial writing workshop I took part in from the moment I walked in the room. Though we came from different walks of life, that power--the kind that arises from having survived or witnessed sexual violence and refusing to be silent about it--tied us to one another. I believe in sacred story exchange. But the work of the Voices and Faces Project is unique, in that it uses this exchange to harness the power of the people in the room, preparing us to be voices in the wilderness for those who are not yet ready to speak themselves."

Thank you, Linda, for using your voice to speak a truth that the world needs to hear. Our Stories We Tell community is proud of you.