Beauty on the Backroads

Stories of grace for life's unexpected turns

women's issues

Bringing moxie into the mess: Review of Jen Hatmaker’s Of Mess and Moxie

Of all the Jen Hatmaker books I’ve read, this one feels like the best one. Maybe it’s just the best one for this season of life. (But it’s not just for women in one season of life.) Reading this book is like receiving a letter from a dear friend. I couldn’t wait to open it and see what she had to say.

And girl, did she have some things to say!

And:


(I received a copy of the book from the publisher. Opinion reflected in this view is my honest one.)

Jen talks us through the hard stuff of relationships without an ounce of “should” or “ought.” Her words show us what is possible when life takes a turn we didn’t expect or don’t want. (She also makes us laugh. So much funny here. Would we expect anything less from Jen Hatmaker?)

And it is this blend of funny and wise that makes this book a must-read. It’s not all fun. It’s not all serious. It’s mess. AND moxie. The same stuff of life.

Besides reflections on faith, parenting, and friendships, Of Mess and Moxie contains recipes, “how-to”s (not what you’re thinking, though), and inspiring quotes at the start of each chapter.

I should also mention that if you pick up one of these beautiful books, you’ll see my endorsement on the front pages. Jen asks for real-life readers to endorse her books instead of other “celebrity” authors. (My name’s in the back, too, among the book’s launch team members.)

I’ll read this book again because it is so life-giving. I hope you will too.

An invitation to be who you are: Review of Brave Enough by Nicole Unice

“Brave” is not a word I use to describe myself. I’m more of the timid and anxious variety. “Brave” makes me think of warriors and pioneers and go-getters who tackle every challenge that comes their way.

brave enoughSo, I was interested in this book by Nicole Unice, Brave Enough, because of the implication that I might have this bravery thing all wrong. I trust Nicole as a writer. She gently guided me through all my issues a few years ago in her first book, She’s Got Issues, and she speaks as someone who knows what she’s talking about because she’s just like the rest of us. No high horse, here. Nicole shares stories of imperfection and weakness, and for this, I am grateful. (Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the book in exchange for my review.)

Brave Enough calls us to “get over our fears, flaws and failures to live BOLD and FREE.” Who wouldn’t want that? And from page one, she inspires us to imagine what that kind of life would look like.

What if, starting today, starting right now, you weren’t scared anymore? What if that worried energy were gone? …. What would you do? Who would you be? How would you live bigger? (p. xiii)

When I started reading this book, I was in the midst of a situation that had me very worried. And I was weeks away from a 10-day mission trip to Kenya. The words of this book were as applicable on that adventure as I’ve found them in my daily life since then. I need the challenge to live courageously in my day-to-day activities.

Nicole breaks the book down into characteristics or actions of brave-enough women. And each chapter ends with questions for reflection and a prayer related to the chapter’s theme. Most are the kind of questions I need to take more time with. (And definitely grab a notebook before you start this book. Lots of opportunity to journal and reflect.)

There’s also a section at the end for further contemplation about the Scriptures she used throughout the book and a space to think about what section might be the most applicable in this season. (A DVD curriculum is also available if you’re looking for a group study.)

Bottom line: Nicole understands the issues and challenges women face because she faces them too! And her heart for leading women beyond those issues and challenges is evident in her writing. I highly recommend both of her books for spiritual growth.