Searching for a Father Who Does Not Fail
You and I are much too sophisticated to believe that the One Jesus calls Father is necessarily anything like ours. Of course God isn’t like the father who left us, or the one who suffered with mental illness, or the one who drank too much, or died too early. Who would even think that? We’re certainly too savvy to believe that something about us caused our fathers to leave us. That’s like voodoo rain-god crazy.
Then, when we least expect it—kapow! We discover that that’s exactly what we’ve believed, in our bones, all along. In our deepest places we have suspected both that God could not be trusted and that we have been unworthy of love, human or divine. Though our heads and hearts have tried to seal up the rupture, it’s too late. It’s already out there.
The Girl in the Orange Dress
describes the journey of one woman who held it together through a rocky
childhood and, after finding her birthparents as a young adult, began to come
unglued. Graciously, as she is gently loved back together through human agents,
she comes to know a Father who does not fail.
Endorsements for the Girl in the Orange Dress
"With this book, Margot
Starbuck unleashes her new, very welcome, voice. She narrates the Christian
spiritual life with winsome humor and (occasionally scary) honesty. Pretty much
every woman I know will be getting The Girl in the Orange Dress for her
birthday."
Lauren F. Winner, author of Girl Meets God
"Simply put, this is a brilliant book. Beautifully written, it’s a must-read for all of us who realize our deepest longing is for a true experience of our real Father. Don’t miss this book!"
Paula Rinehart, author of Strong Women, Soft Hearts and Better Than My Dreams
"I haven't felt this much emotion from a memoir since reading Angela's Ashes. Outrage, grief, joy and humor mingle together in Margot Starbuck's book, drawing the reader into her experiences in a way that leaves one feeling neither like judge nor voyeur, just a friend on the journey. Humbly honest, graciously hilarious, evocative, The Girl in the Orange Dress is for anyone who needs to know, really needs to know, how much God loves His children."
Lisa Samson, award-winning author of Quaker Summer, Justice in the Burbs, and The Church Ladies
"Will this book be made into a movie? A TV series? A graphic novel? Well, it oughta. Margot Starbuck's story has legs, and it'll captivate anyone who has a chance to hear it, in whatever way they can. Her easygoing style spins this unique yarn into an every(wo)man tale that can speak to us all."
Patton Dodd, senior editor, Beliefnet.com, and author of My Faith So Far
"A lovely
journey through family, failure and friendships to finally find a Father who
does not fail. A highly recommended sojourn. Sure to charm and challenge all
spiritually minded seekers and sojourners."
Patricia Raybon,
author of I Told the Mountain to Move
"The desire for a father who sees, knows, hears and loves us is the quintessential longing in every girl's heart. In The Girl in the Orange Dress, Margot Starbuck chronicles her own search for a Father who doesn't fail her, and the good news is she lands us right in the heart of God: the one who accepts us and never fails us. Thank you, Margot, for sharing your journey and reminding us once again that He is the only one that can truly fill our longing for "perfect" on Earth.
Jennifer Strickland, speaker and author, Girl Perfect:Confessions of a Former Runway Model
"Margot Starbuck takes us on a lovely and challenging journey, searching for herself, her family, and her faith along the way." Shauna Niequist, author of Cold Tangerines "This is a story hard to put down. It is a fascinating read. Margot´s ability to capture the essence of the search - not just for her biological father, but ultimately for her Heavenly Father - is intriguing, unique and most of all real. Throughout the book, I felt as a fellow traveler, quietly joining in her journey, encouraging her on. This book is a must read for anyone who might find themselves on a similar search - one of a lifetime."
Jayne Schooler, award-winning author of The Whole Life Adoption Book, Telling the Truth to Your Adopted or Foster Child, and Journeys after Adoption
"Starbuck gets it; what many fail to understand about how much it hurts to lose your parents at birth. Being relinquished, that is, given away, and then taken by others can be a core injury to the developing human heart. In her early years, Starbuck denies it, then fights it, then feels it. She negotiates the troubled waters of sorrow and "second rejection" suffering when Max, her father by birth says "No" instead of "Hello." Finally, she rests her heart in the Lord's care and discovers her deepest identity in Jesus Christ. Lightly and delightfully written, this autobiography is a great read for those who want to understand more about the agony of abandonment and the joy of belonging."