True You by Michelle DuRusha

We know that God has created each one of us to be a unique individual. Sometimes, however, the pressure to conform or be who someone else wants us to be is great. Perhaps there are parts of us we don't like so we stay so crazy busy we don't have time to think about our true self.

DeRusha takes readers on a very personal journey of peeling away the layers, revealing the true person God created her to be. While sharing her own experiences, she helps us understand the process she went through, giving us specific steps.

She likens the entire process to that of tree pruning. First comes observation. As one must first spend some time observing the nature of the tree, so we must observe and reflect. She suggests directed rest, a time of resting in a self-reflective state. She gives specific training in the technique in an Appendix. Next comes the intensive task of identifying our false identity. We must acknowledge that we're broken and develop a true desire to get well. Through personal example, biblical truth and helpful suggestions, DeRusha continues describing the process of pruning for shaping, allowing for new growth in the best direction. The process will not be entirely pleasant as she shows from her own “dark night of the soul” experience.

I really like this book. DeRusha is very honest and open in her experiences – a good thing since her book is about personal truth and authenticity. I like that she gives several questions at the end of each chapter for reflection. Keeping a journal handy while reading the book would be a good idea. The book is easy to follow and is full of good teaching.

I recommend this book to Christians who would like to peel away the layers and discover the unique person within. DeRusha's experience is good encouragement along the journey, as is her teaching.

Food for thought: “We cannot begin to know ourselves until we allow silence and solitude into our lives.” (Loc. 375/2776)

You can download an excerpt here.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Michelle DeRusha is the author of several books including Katherine and Martin Luther, a finalist in the Memoir/Biography category for the 2018 Christian Book Awards. She publishes a monthly column on religion and spirituality for the Lincoln Journal Star and writes about faith every day on her blog, www.michellederusha.com. She lives with her husband and their two boys in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Baker Books, 240 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.