Jerusha Matsen Neal is an ordained American Baptist clergywoman, currently finishing her doctoral work at Princeton Theological Seminary. Her focus is on the work of the Holy Spirit in preaching, using Luke's account of Mary's pregnancy and birth of Christ as a primary conversation partner. This year, her book of dramatic monologues, Blessed, was published as part of Cascade's Art for Faith's Sake series. Her husband Wes is the pastor at Wesley United Methodist Church, where she worships and serves in many capacities. She has two children, Mercy and Josiah, who keep her heart full of gratitude and wonder.