Gerth
provides sixty short devotions with the aim of empowering readers to
be women who can't be beat, who take risks, don't hide their scars,
believe who God says they are and help others believe it too.
The
style of Gerth's writing made me think I was reading her journal
entries. An everyday event would trigger a Scripture verse and a
lesson. The initial event might be a conversation, a group painting
session, a walk on her street, or trying to be loved when meeting
friends for lunch. There is a certain familiarity involved, like a
friend sharing insights from a recent experience. She includes some
humor, like suggesting translators ate too much pizza when she came
across a puzzling Bible verse. (Loc 929/2628) Each devotion ends with
a prayer, prompts for journaling, and a Fiercehearted quote of
encouragement.
I
don't mind a personal story from time to time, illustrating a
biblical truth, but I feel I know more about Gerth's life than I ever
wanted. Her devotions are more about her, it seems, than the
spiritual lessons. Did I really need to know so much about Gerth's
grandmother in devotion number Twenty-Six to understand the simple
lesson of “Accept God's gifts with gladness”? Did I really need
the paragraph describing the picture of her and her grandmother on
the shelf in the living room, that the hem of her dress was caught by
the wind? Do I really want to know about her stomach growling while
she records the audio of a previous book? (Devotion Thirty)
This
is a good devotional for readers who like to read about personal
experiences and the lessons taken from them. It is also a good
example of journal entries.
My
rating: 3/5 stars.
Holley
Gerth is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, certified life
coach, and speaker. She connects with women through her popular blog
and books. She is cofounder of (in)courage and a partner with
Dayspring. She and her husband live in the South. You can find out
more at www.holleygerth.com.
Photo
Credit: Luke Davis, Main Street Studios
Revell,
240 pages.
I
received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My
comments are an independent and honest review.
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