57 pages • 1-hour read
Mostly What God Does: Reflections on Seeking and Finding His Love Everywhere
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Key Figures
Savannah Guthrie
Savannah Guthrie, a prominent American television journalist and attorney, is a co-anchor of NBC’s “Today” show. Guthrie’s journalistic career spans over two decades. Before joining NBC News in 2007, she served as a correspondent for Court TV and as an anchor for NBC affiliate stations. Guthrie’s legal background, with a JD from Georgetown University Law Center, includes her coverage of high-profile legal proceedings.
Guthrie’s personal journey, characterized by her faith and resilience, informs the narrative of Mostly What God Does. Her reflections on faith, family, and life’s challenges are interwoven with theological insights, intending a work that is both relatable and spiritually inspiring. Guthrie’s experiences as a mother, a professional navigating the demands of a high-profile career, and a woman of faith provide a multifaceted perspective that can resonate with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
The book reflects Guthrie’s exploration of her spiritual beliefs and her quest for understanding God’s love amidst life’s complexities. Her candid sharing of personal stories, such as her journey through motherhood and her struggles with faith during trying times, offers an intimate glimpse into her life. These narratives seek to provide lessons on resilience, faith, and the transformative power of love.
Timothy Keller
Timothy Keller, often affectionately referred to as “Dr. K” by Guthrie, was an influential pastor and theologian. He founded Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City, which grew into a multi-site congregation, defying the notion that vibrant church life is incompatible with urban settings. Keller was known for his intellectual rigor and ability to connect ancient biblical texts to contemporary urban life, making complex theological concepts accessible and relevant.
Guthrie frequently references his teachings and how they shaped her understanding of God and faith. His declaration, “You are simultaneously more sinful and flawed than you ever dared believe, yet more loved and accepted than you ever dared hope” (237), encapsulates his approach to theology—honest about human imperfection yet hopeful about divine grace. His passing in 2023 left a significant void, Guthrie reports, but his teachings continue to inspire and guide many, including Guthrie, who credits him with deepening her faith and offering comfort through his sermons and writings.
Michael Feldman
Michael Feldman, Savannah Guthrie’s husband, influences her personal and spiritual journey as recounted in Mostly What God Does. A former political advisor and communications strategist, Feldman’s support and encouragement have been instrumental in Guthrie’s life and career. Their meeting at Feldman’s 40th birthday party marked the beginning of a relationship built on mutual respect, trust, and affection.
Feldman’s influence extends beyond his role as a supportive partner. Guthrie frequently acknowledges his wisdom and encouragement, which have been crucial in her ventures, including the writing of this book. Their shared experiences, such as navigating the challenges of parenthood later in life, are explored in the narrative, highlighting the importance of faith, love, and partnership in overcoming life’s obstacles. Feldman’s steady presence and their bond provide a foundation of stability and love, enabling Guthrie to pursue her professional and personal aspirations with confidence.
Nelba Márquez-Greene
Nelba Márquez-Greene is a notable figure in Guthrie’s narrative, representing faith in the face of extreme tragedy. Márquez-Greene is the mother of Ana Grace, a victim of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Her story is one of sorrow and unwavering faith, as she navigates life after her daughter’s death with grace and resilience. Márquez-Greene’s ability to maintain her faith, despite her immense loss, represents the theme of the strength of the human spirit and the sustaining power of faith.
Guthrie’s interactions with Márquez-Greene and her reflections on Márquez-Greene’s story provide profound insights into the concepts of suffering, faith, and redemption explored in the book. Márquez-Greene’s robust and gutsy faith, as she describes it, challenges and inspires Guthrie, prompting deeper contemplation on the nature of faith and God’s role in human suffering. Their shared conversations and Márquez-Greene’s example of finding hope and purpose amidst despair significantly enrich the narrative, offering readers a deeply moving exploration of faith’s capacity to heal and transform.
Unlock analysis of every key figure
Get a detailed breakdown of each key figure’s role and motivations.
- Explore in-depth profiles for every key figure
- Trace key figures’ turning points and relationships
- Connect important figures to a book’s themes and key ideas