CROSSING THE LINE
Challenging the Barriers of Race, Religion, and Relationships
Crossing the Line is a powerful memoir
charting a journey from a strict Mennonite upbringing to a racially divided Mississippi and further into the heart of apartheid-era South Africa. This deeply personal narrative explores themes of religion, race, culture, and justice, challenging the author's white privledge and sparking a transformative spiritual awakening. This book is a testament to the struggle for the personal and social justice, offering a raw, emotional exploration of fear, anger, grief, and joy.
About the Author
DORCAS HORST CYSTER
Dorcas Horst Cyster is a passion-
ate advocate for physical wellness
with a career spanning over 40 years
in healthcare, serving as a Nursing
Assistant, Licensed Practical Nurse,
and Registered Nurse. She complet-
ed her bachelor’s degree in Nursing at
60, reinforcing her belief in the inter-
section of emotional-spiritual health and physical wellbeing,
further nurtured through her training as a Spiritual Mentor.
She has been recognized with Nurse Excellence Awards and as
a Woman of Achievement by the YWCA Lancaster PA. Now
retired, Dorcas remains a social activist and mentor, while en-
joying reading, yoga, and outdoor activities. She is a proud
mother and grandmother.
(She can be contacted at deecyster@yahoo.com)
Writing Journey
1997-present
I returned to college to complete a Bachelor's degree in nursing. The program I chose was an intensive writing course. As I wrote about what shaped my Nursing Philosophy and explored Diversity in Nursing and Healthcare Inequity I realized I am a writer. I received affirmation from peers and professors. The dream was born to write my memoir.
1986-1997
During my years in South Africa I coordinated the monthly publication that was sent to thousands of supporters all over the world. Many times this required me to write articles that would inform people what was going on in South Africa during the years of Apartheid.
1974-1986
My journey with creative writing began as a teen when I started writing poetry as a way of putting to paper what was in my heart and soul. I had several poems and essays published in small religious publications.
Education
1986-2018
Shalem Institute & Eastern Mennonite University
Caring for body, soul, and spirit inspired me to do training in Spiritual Direction. The first year was completed in South Africa with Shalem Institute of Spiritual Direction, and a second year was completed by Oasis School of Spiritual Formation. My most recent academic education was completion of my BSN in Nursing.
1976-1986
Reading/Muhlenburg Vo-tech & Hinds Junior College
My journey in healthcare begain as a Nursing Assistant, then and Licensed Practical Nurse, and then an Associate Degree (RN) in Health Science. This career gave birth to a deep desire to serve others in their most vulnerable moments.
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