Who knew that March was National Women's History Month? Certainly not me! At least, not until my cousin sent me a sweet text and reminded me. =) And now that I know that March is National Women's History Month, I want to share with you all one of my favorite books on Biblical womanhood: Girl Defined by Kristen Clark and Bethany Baird. Warning: You might be surprised as to how radical this book is.
My Rating: Four and a Half Stars out of Five
Back Cover Blurb (Taken From Amazon)
In a culture where airbrushed models and career-driven women define beauty and success, it's no wonder we have a distorted view of femininity. Our impossible standards place an incredible burden of stress on the backs of women and girls of all ages, resulting in anxiety, eating disorders, and depression. One question we often forget to ask is this: What is God's design for womanhood?
In Girl Defined, sisters and popular bloggers Kristen Clark and Bethany Baird offer women a countercultural view of beauty, femininity, and self-worth. Based firmly in God's design for their lives, this book helps women rethink what true success and beauty look like. It invites them on a liberating journey toward a radically better vision for femininity that ends with the discovery of the kind of hope, purpose, and fulfillment they've been yearning for.
It is my belief that every Christian woman should read Girl Defined. This book has truly changed my view on womanhood. At first, one of the reasons I bought Girl Defined was the pretty cover (yes, that's how shallow I can be xD), but as I started reading, my eyes were opened to the lies about womanhood that our culture has fed me. Culture says that my womanhood doesn't define me, that I can be whoever I want to be. But God designed us as women for a reason.
In Girl Defined, I was introduced to the idea of women being equal in value to men but purposefully different. Women are just as important and valuable as men, but we have different purposes. Let me try to illustrate this: Just like a paintbrush and paints are equally important in an artist's repertoire (he couldn't paint without them!), but they both serve different purposes. It's the same with gender. There is a purpose to our being womanhood, not some biological accident!
Womanhood isn't about liberation and domination. It isn't about pink, sparkles, and tea parties. Womanhood isn't a curse to be reversed. Womanhood defined by God is one of the most beautiful things in the world.
Girl Defined doesn't just touch on the topic of Biblical womanhood. It talks about romance, beauty, and identity. It's full of incredible stories, eye-opening Biblical concepts, and plenty of encouragement. There are also some great study guides at the end of every chapter. It's quite an easy read; I had to pace myself so I didn't read it all in one day! =) Yet it has such a powerful and life-changing message. I encourage every woman to pick up this book with an open mind and allow God to shape her beliefs through the message it presents. Go grab your copy now!
Have you read Girl Defined or any posts from the Girl Defined blog? What is one word you'd use to describe your view of womanhood? Why? How has God shaped your ideas of womanhood?
Wow. This book honestly sounds so encouraging! I hate the way our culture defines women. You've definitely peaked my interest! I'll have to check our library. . .
ReplyDeleteIt is such an encouraging and eye-opening book! I hope that you get the chance to read it. =)
DeleteOur library doesn't have it. Grr. >:( I'll keep my eyes peeled for it though. I'm also interested in reading Let Me Be A Woman by Elisabeth Elliot, which sounds similar, from what I've heard.
DeleteAw, that’s too bad! I hope you can get your hands on it soon! I’ve been wanting to read Elizabeth Eliot’s book as well, but have contented myself with some great works by John Piper (they’re free on Desiring God). =)
DeleteAh yes! I've read quite a bit on their blog, and I enjoy their videos too. Have you seen any of them? But I haven't actually read the book - it sounds really good! Thanks for your review!
ReplyDeleteI have seen some of their videos and read some of their blog posts. I really love their message and encouragement, not to mention practical tips for living it out! My small group did their small group study awhile ago too. If you enjoy their videos/blog posts, I highly recommend their book. =)
DeleteI've wanted to read their book ever since it came out, since I enjoy reading their blog. Lovely review, Micaiah! xx
ReplyDeleteI hope that you do get to read their book! =) And thank you! =)
DeleteI can't even begin to describe the love and admiration I have not for the book but also Bethany and Kristen themselves.
ReplyDeleteI admire Bethany and Kristen as well! Are you excited for their next book? =)
DeleteI haven't read this book yet, but it is sitting on my shelf! I glad to hear you enjoyed it... I'll have to get to it!!!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I tagged you over on my blog :)!
Rejoicing in Hope,
Bri from forget-not-his-benefits.blogspot.com
I do hope that you get to read it soon! You’ll have to tell me how you like it. =)
DeleteThank you! I’ll go check it out! =)