Joy Jots is a collection of 52 weekly essays that take the reader through a year of seasons, blessings, and joyful spiritual growth. The reader goes on a journey from lessons learned to lessons lived, from talking about joy to feeling joy, and from the limitations of misery to the freedom of joy.
A joy jot is a phrase coined around mindful thankfulness. As the reader works through the reflection prompts and practical projects, she will find herself collecting joy jots; happy moments or points of deep thankfulness to God. As the habit of joy develops, the reader will begin to know herself better, draw closer to her fellow human beings, and set herself firmly upon the path that leads to real, all-encompassing joy in this life and the next.
Anse Tamara Gray is the founder of Rabata, an organization dedicated to promoting positive cultural change through creative educational experiences. She is an Islamic scholar and holds multiple ijazas in Islamic sacred texts and subject matters. Anse Dr. Tamara completed her doctoral studies in the Leadership, Policy and Administration program at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN. She also holds a master’s degree in Curriculum Theory and Instruction, and worked for twenty-five years in the field of education, before moving into the nonprofit world.
Anse Dr. Tamara works as Executive Director for Rabata, building and sustaining its many and varied educational projects. Some of the projects of Rabata are: the Ribaat Academic Program; and online seminary for Muslim women, Daybreak Press publishing, Daybreak Bookshop and Community Gathering Space, Leadership and Legacy Curriculum Materials, etc.. She is also a community faculty member at Metropolitan State University in the Ethics and Religious Studies department, and an Associate Chaplain at the University of St. Thomas.
Anse Dr. Tamara is also a public speaker, often engaged to speak about issues of gender, leadership, Islam, and spirituality; locally, nationally and globally. Some of her platforms have included, the International Leadership Association, the World Parliament of Religions, the Bonyaan conference on the Muslim woman (Sweden), the Islamic Society of North America and several universities, including Princeton, Virginia Tech and Oxford University.
Her publications range from several culturally appropriate English language curriculum programs to translations of sacred texts. Shaykha Dr. Tamara’s most recent work is the translation of Mukhtasir al-Jami’ fi al-Sīra al-Nabawiyya by Samīra Zayid, entitled The Compendium of the Sources on the Prophetic Narrative in its English rendition. Her book, Joy Jots: Exercises for a Happy Heart, won a silver medal award and is published as a new second edition.
Anse Dr. Tamara is part of the ISNA task force for more inclusive and welcoming mosques, on the advisory board of the Muslim Women’s Association of Chicago, and the Muslim Anti-Racism Committee. She also sits on the board of Sakana Community Resource, working with faith-based financial tools and affordable housing, and on the board of the Collegeville Institute’s Interreligious Fellows Program, working to develop educational programming for faith leaders around social justice issues.
