The word “amazing” comes with its own built-in check list — with a unique edition to fit every age and stage of life. For the middle-aged-mum-grandmother-church-lady-blogger category, my numbers just do not conform. Size, weight, and ounces of caffeinated beverages consumed daily are “too big.” I.Q., income, and Twitter following are way “too small.” Therefore, according to any culturally acceptable check list, my life is simply too ordinary, and my unspectacular results should send me scrambling to do more and to be more. And yet . . . the message of You’re Already Amazing rings truer for me than the voices of the screaming banshees of culture and media.
“You don’t have to do more, be more, have more.”
The amazing truth of the gospel is that Christ has accomplished all that is needed for us to stand complete and whole before God.
Holley Gerth has organized the content of her best-selling book into six sessions for use in individual study, small group sessions, or for one-on-one counseling. She has included links to short videos that are not only a great guide in working through the materials, but also allow Holley’s heart to be heard first hand, for she makes a very warm and sincere connection with her listeners. The LifeGrowth Guide includes:
- excerpts from You’re Already Amazing,
- questions for discussion/reflection,
- terrific creative activities for driving home the truth,
- prompts to encourage personal journaling.
Each session has a major focus that reveals a better way to live for those who are “blessed but barely surviving.”
Session 1: God’s unique gifting and enabling provides all you need to change your world. Seeing ourselves as God sees does not lead to pride in our strengths and skills, but instead it leads to praise of the God who gives and equips!
Session 2: Perfectionism is a lie that stifles and suffocates. We can train our hearts to hear truth about ourselves and God that will free and empower us for ministry, healthy relationships, and living in truth “no matter how we feel.”
Session 3: Even when we feel stuck, God is still at work. Even the parts of our life that we label as “broken” can be a path to God, for wherever you are in your journey, God is there.
Session 4: Through relationships, we live out who we are, and we connect with others to the glory of God. Although no one has it all together, we are better together. God has given you one voice: So Speak Out!
Session 5: Writing a life statement is like learning the recipe for what God wants you to create with your life. Living life to the full does not mean filling your days so full that there is no time, energy, or emotion left over. A life statement is not meant to confine you but to free your heart to follow the will of God.
Session 6: Life is a marathon. God’s unconditional love will provide fuel for the journey. Pass it forward.
I have passed copies of this book along to some of the young women in my life, because no matter which set of lies are making us feel as if we are not enough, we need this counter-acting truth:
“All we are, everything God created us to be, becomes a gift when placed in His hands. There’s nothing He can’t mold, shape, redeem, or form into something beautiful. We don’t have to be afraid or hold back — we can just hold out our hearts to the One who promises to complete the good work He’s already started in us.”
//
This book was provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for my review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Links to the free videos are available at HolleyGerth.com/amazing.
Subscribe to get regular Bible studies and book reviews from Living Our Days delivered to your inbox. Just enter your e-mail address in the box at the top of this page.
I link-up with a number of blogging communities on a regular basis. They are listed in the left sidebar by day of the week. I hope that you will take a moment to enjoy reading the work of some of these fine writers and thinkers.
Living Our Days 
Seems to be a recurring theme of late I’ve noticed, the spotlight focused on this perfectionism mindset that fuels the modern standard and defines ‘best life’. The over thinker in me is forever looking for root causes. I’ve wondered where it came from. Advertising? Artificial representation of what things ought to do and be hammering down on us all day from a dozen directions and sources? Toilets that sparkle, floors that squeak, perfect body, makeup, hair, wall color, the ‘right’ look in place and person– nothing less than perfection allowed in every angle lest one falls short of acceptable.
Sound like a 60 second commercial doesn’t it? Feels like the Matrix to me.
What I’ve concluded is that the alarm doesn’t get much attention until the saturation point is reached and people are desperate for rescue. I think this book might have found the right moment. Pointing to refocus on what God expects from us, not the world, is the key.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it’s clearly a first-world problem, isn’t it? I love how your mind works!
LikeLike
Michele, I’ve been hearing and reading about this book. It’s message is such a vital one for this age! As a woman who’s struggled to overcome the lie that I’m “less-than”, being reminded of the truth that I (and each of us) am enough. I love that we are gifts when we place ourselves in God’s hands.
Thanks for sharing your review of this book. Well done. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was so impressed with Holley’s ability to communicate. I’m not much of a “video person” but I was really drawn in and helped by that component of this study.
LikeLike
Thank-you again for this recommendation! I have been drawn to the idea of having a life statement recently, and I love how you phrased it- that it’s God’s recipe for your life. Thank-you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Holley actually states it that way and uses an example from her life . . . of a recipe that failed! It’s a great study!
LikeLike
I loved the book and LifeGuide! I especially loved writing a LIFE statement–I pull it out and review it often.
LikeLike
Anna here from Mommynificent’s Thursday Booknificent link-up. So glad I visited, as I’ve put this book on my Goodreads to-read list. I love the message that you need do nothing but be yourself. I grew up with SpLD but wasn’t diagnosed until already an adult. Living with the stigma of learning difficulty is tough. Thank you for the thought that I’m already amazing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved your posts about Smokey!
LikeLike
Thank you so much for your message I really appreciate it & for placing my book on your reading list. I have just tried to post a comment, so you might have another one! Once again thank you, with best wishes from Anna……………Yes Smokey was quite a character!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great review. Will enjoy reading this book. Perfectionism and accomplishments are what I am working on. There is something about my drive to get things done that can prevent me from my relationship with my Lord. Thanks. #TheCozyReadingSpot
LikeLike
Amen!
LikeLike