Savannah Guthrie’s Leap of Faith in “Mostly What God Does”
In a world where faith often takes a back seat, Savannah Guthrie, the co-anchor of NBC News’ “Today” show, has boldly stepped forward with her new book, “Mostly What God Does: Reflections on Seeking and Finding His Love Everywhere.” This memoir is not just another addition to her illustrious career but a deeply personal exploration of her connection to God, a journey that is both thrilling and terrifying for her.
Why Write a Book on Faith?
The decision to write a book on faith did not come easy to Guthrie. With no theological background, she describes herself as a “regular person” grappling with the enormity of talking about God. Yet, it was this very lack of presumption that made her take the leap of faith. “The book is by far the most personal and vulnerable thing I’ve ever undertaken,” Guthrie admits, addressing the profound impact of her faith, especially during life’s more challenging moments. Her narrative weaves through personal anecdotes, reflections, and the inevitable doubts that come with faith, providing an honest and relatable account that many will find comforting.
A Source of Strength and Connection
One of the most touching revelations in Guthrie’s journey is how her faith connected her to Jenna Bush Hager, her co-host. This bond over belief highlights the powerful role faith plays in forging deep, meaningful relationships. Furthermore, Guthrie’s book has also served as a beacon for others, including Hoda Kotb, who found solace in Guthrie’s reflections during a difficult parenting moment. It is this universality of faith’s comforting presence that Guthrie hopes to convey through her writing.
A Personal and Professional Odyssey
Guthrie’s faith has not only shaped her personal life but also her professional one. She shares how navigating some of the most challenging assignments of her career relied heavily on her spiritual beliefs. From interviewing a Sandy Hook mother to dealing with her father’s sudden passing, Guthrie’s faith was both a shield and a source of strength. Further, she discusses how this faith-based outlook influenced her approach to motherhood, especially becoming a mom in her 40s, revealing the complexities and joys it brought into her life.
Faith Through Tough Times
The book also delves into the difficult areas of life, acknowledging how faith can be a complicated journey. Guthrie’s own experience with the loss of her father, Charles, from a heart attack, showcases the raw and enduring pain of grief. Yet, it is through her faith that she continues to navigate this loss, demonstrating the sustaining power of belief through life’s darkest hours.
Children, Faith, and the Future
Importantly, Guthrie’s book is not just a reflection on her personal journey, but also a message to her children and readers: to seek and find love everywhere. Recalling a comment from her daughter Vale after her baptism that brought her a lot of joy, Guthrie envisions a future where her children understand and embody the faith that has so profoundly shaped her life. Through her candid account, she invites readers to explore their own beliefs, encouraging them to come as they are to the journey of faith.
In a time when the world seems more divided than ever, Savannah Guthrie’s “Mostly What God Does” emerges as a testament to the unifying and sustaining power of faith. It is a gentle reminder of love’s omnipresence and the strength we can draw from believing in something greater than ourselves. As Guthrie steps into this new chapter, her book stands as a beacon, inspiring readers to embrace their own leaps of faith, wherever they may lead.
Mehek