Although I hadn’t heard of the book, I had heard of several of the authors of the chapters and the ministries in which they are involved so my expectations were raised immediately. I was keen to discover what women like Fiona Castle, Michele Guinness and Jennifer Rees-Larcombe might say on the subject of encouraging women. The tag line is ‘Christian women write on living out their faith’

Each of eleven women write a chapter on a different aspect of being a Christian and living in faith. They are the main speakers at Alive For God events and so if you have been to one, you’ll have an idea about this book. Some of the subjects covered are women and work, differences between men and women, faith in God in difficult times like a marriage break up and looking forward in middle age to your future with God.

What did you like about it?

I enjoyed reading lots of different viewpoints and experiences and I loved the fact that each chapter began with a small biography of the author so that you could acquaint yourself with the writer before you began. There is something for everyone in this book. I loved chapters such as the women and work chapter by Anne Atkins as she had looked into the subject biblically and was able to offer some insights into the meaning of the original language of the text. I also loved the fact that the book lived up to it’s claim to encourage women. I did feel encouraged but more than that, I felt excited at the ways God has used these women and therefore how He can use me too.

What didn't you like?

Occasionally it read a little disjointedly as though nobody had really co-ordinated what each of the authors were writing about. For example, several of them make reference to the wife in Proverbs 31 and all do so as if no one else has. But it’s a minor point and doesn’t detract from the book greatly.

What will you still remember a year from now?

I will remember that God had plans for me – as I am. That He can take me as I am and work with me. I will remember that God’s plans for men and women may not be as ‘traditional’ as we often assume. I also found the writing about the woman in Proverbs 31 really helpful.

Who would you recommend this book to?

To Christian women everywhere – whatever age, stage or circumstance. Perhaps especially to those who are exploring a particular calling on their life.

Can you give us a couple of good quotes from the book?

It is so tempting to put a low value on yourself, it’s such an insidious attitude. Recently I found myself picking out the bad fruit from the fruit bowl. I’ll eat that apple with the brown bit because I know no one else will and somehow I don’t consider myself worth a decent apple! When Roy was away I would cook fishfingers for the children and finish up their leftovers, simply because I didn’t consider myself worth cooking for.
But God thought I was worth dying for. That’s how much He values me. There are so many times when we feel unappreciated by others around us. Our sense of uniqueness comes from His love for us, and staying close to Him is the only way to preserve it.
Fiona Castle

A missionary visiting Tobago was leading worship at a leper colony. When he asked if anyone had a request, a woman who had been facing the back turned around. She had the most hideous face; her nose, ears and lips were entirely gone. She lifted a fingerless hand in the air and asked, ‘Can we sing, ‘Count Your Many Blessings?’ The missionary, overcome with emotion, left the service. A team member followed him and said, ‘I don’t imagine you’ll ever be able to sing that song again.’ ‘Yes I will, ‘ he said, ‘but I’ll never sing it the same way.’ Look at what God has given you. From a certain perspective your life may look ravaged, but God has blessed you and will bless you. His love doesn’t always come in the shape you want. Just open your heart and your arms to Him. Ultimately you need nothing but His love.
Liz Hansford

review by Hilary