A Photopoetry Collection Exploring Resilience and Witness
Available as an ebook and softcover edition
Water in Her Tender Leaves
Learn about this unique collection.
Water in Her Tender Leaves combines striking black and white portraiture with contemplative poetry, documenting the resilience of nine North American women across diverse Christian traditions. The artistic interplay of image and text creates a meditative space where readers can recognize the complex nature of resilience in their own lives.
In this video, I share the journey behind creating this unique photopoetry collection and why these women's stories of resilience matter for our faith today.
Kate Motaung, author of Letters to Grief, 2025 Christian Book Award Winner
“Filled with stark images and raw vulnerability, Water in Her Tender Leaves is a collection of stories worthy of being told, expressed in a fresh and compelling form. Brave, bold, and beautiful.”
Miriam M. Dixon, pastor, lover of Jesus, author of Worth Celebrating: A biography of Richard J. Foster's Celebration of Discipline.
“Through the evocative mediums of black and white photography and fourteen different styles of poetry, Hubbard draws us into the stories, giving us a glimpse of what is possible when we bind our suffering to that of Jesus, trusting that by his grace, in the end, all shall be well.”
About the author
As a theologian, poet, and photographer, I've always been drawn to stories of resilience. My fascination with ancient Christian women martyrs like Perpetua, Felicitas, and Blandina began during my graduate studies at Regent College.
This project emerged as my Integrated Project in Theology and the Arts (IPIAT) for my master's degree, combining my passion for early Christian history, women's narratives, photography, and poetry.
Through my own experience with chronic pain, I've developed a deep appreciation for how women's bodies bear witness to suffering and strength in unique ways. This book is both personal testimony and an invitation to see resilience through a new lens.
About the Book
Water in Her Tender Leaves is Christina Hubbard’s debut chapbook, illuminating women's resilience through evocative black and white portraits and poetry.
The book features nine remarkable women from diverse Christian traditions, ages, and ethnicities who share their journeys of faith with honesty and hope.
Through intimate portraits and poems crafted from their own words, this collection creates what Michael Nott describes as "both conversation and tension between image and word." The result is a meaningful dialogue that invites readers to discover their own stories of hidden resilience.
The book weaves together themes of testimony, virtue, family, the human body, and sacrifice—connecting ancient martyrs' experiences with modern women's journeys of faith.
While acknowledging genuine struggles, these stories ultimately reveal the transformative power of resilience and the presence of Christ in our most challenging moments.
You Might Like This Book If You Enjoy...
Poetry collections that tackle complex themes with honesty and grace
Faith memoirs that explore real questions without shiny facades
Photography books that capture human emotion and dignity
Theological reflections on embodiment and women's experiences
Stories of resilience that inspire without offering simplistic answers
Authors like Kate Bowler, Sarah Bessey, Pádraig Ó Tuama, and Mary Oliver
Common Questions
What are the book’s themes?
If you've ever struggled with your faith during difficult times, found yourself drawn to stories of courage, or simply appreciate beautiful photography and poetry, this book offers something meaningful. Themes of resilience, witness, suffering, and joy run throughout the narratives. The diversity of experiences shared by these women means most readers find at least one story that deeply resonates.
"Is this only for women?"
While the book features women's stories, the themes of resilience, faith, and witnessing to truth speak to everyone. Many male readers have found these stories profoundly moving and perspective-changing.
"Should I purchase a physical book or a digital copy?"
This is a photopoetry collection where the visual elements are integral to the experience. The physical book allows you to fully appreciate the high-contrast black and white portraits and the intentional layout of images with poetry.
However, when you order a digital ebook edition, you are able to receive the book immediately. You also help to make the book more visible on Amazon.
“When will physical copies be ready for order?”
As a self-published author, I currently use a local printing company to print small batches of the book (usually around 50-60 at a time). A small-run batch of physical copies are available HERE as well as a waitlist signup if copies sell out.
"Is this a book of poetry, photography, or both?"
Water in Her Tender Leaves is a photopoetry collection, which means it's an artistic fusion of both mediums. Each woman's story is told through striking black and white portrait photography paired with original poetry crafted from their interviews.
The interplay between visual and written elements creates what the book describes as "an exhilarating dialogue" where the photographs provide depth and framework while the poetry gives flesh and meaning to the stories. Neither element stands alone—they're designed to be experienced together.
“How is the book priced?”
Physical copies are $30 on my website. Digital ebook copies are $8.99 on Amazon.
Your purchase honors the women who shared their stories, provides both physical and digital versions, and includes exclusive bonuses not available through other retailers.
When considering the artistic craftsmanship and the meaningful impact of your support, the value extends well beyond a typical book purchase.
What People Are Saying
Sarah K., international artist, theologian, and teacher
"Christina's photopoetry book is beautiful, evocative, and truly breathtaking! The interplay of word and image conveying stories of female resilience cuts to the heart and unearths neglected voices. More than that, this book powerfully instills courage to keep witnessing to God's faithfulness."
Sean B., poet and theologian
“What a powerful project! The stories of these women are so stirring. The combination of testimony with poetry and photography is rich.”
Lynn H. Cohick, Distinguished Professor of NT, Houston Christian University
"Water in Her Tender Leaves names suffering without flinching—chronic illness, abuse, infertility, mental health struggles—while simultaneously revealing the profound dignity of each woman portrayed. This is theology embodied, a witness to how Christ shows up in our stories. I couldn't put it down."
Ready to Order?
Join the conversation
Instagram: @christinahubbardwriter
Book Club Resources: Coming Soon!
"May you experience the generosity of these women's wisdom and hope, and know that you also carry a story of hidden resilience within your body."
— Christina
Support Water in Her Tender Leaves
Water in Her Tender Leaves is already touching readers' hearts, and with your help, it can reach even more. Your contribution to this ongoing project will:
Fund new print runs to meet continuing demand
Support marketing efforts to reach new readers
Enable distribution to independent bookstores
Allow me to maintain creative control as a self-published author
Each donation helps keep this literary work available to those who need its message. As a thank you, contributors will receive personal updates on the book's journey and impact.
Join the community of readers who believe in Water in Her Tender Leaves and help ensure this artwork continues to find its way into the hands of those who will cherish it.
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