I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
Courageous Women of the Bible by LaTan Roland Murphy Published by Baker Books on February 20, 2018
Genres: Religion / Christian Living / Spiritual Growth, Religion / Christian Living / Women's Interests
Pages: 208
Format: ARC
Source: NetGalley
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How Women Can Live with Boldness and Confidence Every Day
Every woman knows it's easy to lose sight of the heavenly power of God at work in our lives during times of hardship, exhaustion, stress, and change. But no matter the situation--whether it's our health, marriage, finances, family, or vocation--God has equipped all women with the power and influence to live freely and confidently.With warmth and a welcoming style, speaker and award-winning writer LaTan Roland Murphy illuminates eleven courageous women in the Bible and shows how each was uniquely positioned for success because of her courageous choices. From Deborah to Jael to Mary, Murphy shows that these women chose to draw near to God; as a result, they were equipped with power for the supernatural ability to live courageous lives despite often undesirable circumstances. These stories will inspire women of all ages to trust God, minister to others, and live confidently and courageously no matter the season of life or what lies ahead.
Gaaa! This one is hard. The book is good. The concept is good. The research and Biblical alignment was good. Even the stories and personal anecdotes were good. But . . . It just didn’t hit for me. This honestly may be the shortest book reaction I’ve ever contemplated writing because, while good, I didn’t really connect to it like I wanted to. Anticipation was high and while so much good, so much not for me.
Don’t judge me here because what I’m about to say may resonate for some, but probably just a small handful. To me, this book falls into a Christian Self-Help type genre. I mean, the second half of the title is Leaving Behind Fear and Insecurity for a Life of Confidence and Freedom. Biblical people with Biblical events being related to us today. It’s self-help. And honestly, more often than not, it doesn’t resonate for me. But I keep checking out from time to time because sometimes, sometimes I find that one in a handful book that really connects for me. And it’s not the faith that doesn’t hit. It’s not the truth that doesn’t hit. It’s the delivery. Almost every. single. time.
If I’m being honest, I don’t think it was the audio-book that made it hit less; I think it’s the words. There’s this mindset out there that to be a good Christian, you need to be upbeat, almost bubbly. To dip your toes into the self-help genre, it just amps it up from a stereo to a concert in upbeat. And that does not resonate with me because it’s not sustainable. If we are only showing one side of ourselves, then we aren’t actually authentic. And if you want to hit me with faith, healing, and truth, I need to believe you are authentic. And calling me Friend, as someone you don’t know anything about, just rubs to inauthentic. Like you are trying to sell me something, not connect with me. While the truths were there and solid, and the research shone through like a flashlight in the dark, the feeling that it lacked authenticity turned me off. Please don’t judge me.
About LaTan Roland Murphy
I am LaTan Roland murphy- a wife, mother, and daughter of god who is passionate about equipping women to walk unapologetically in the purpose for their lives- in every season and generation. you’ll find me somewhere between encouraging sisters in Christ with my words at conferences, and bringing friends together for a meal at the sweet square table of my home in Nashville. wherever we get to connect, my heart is that you would come away from that encounter revived, refreshed, and ready to pursue what you are called to do!
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