Have you ever started reading a book for one reason, and realized rather quickly that God put that book in your hands for so many other reasons?
This is that book.
This book started out as this post. My friend Kate wrote it just over 2 years ago, and it exploded all over the interwebs. You probably saw it come across your Facebook news feed. It's pretty much amazing, and I expected nothing less from the book.
I wanted to read the book for a lot of reasons. We have quite a few teenage girls in our lives, including my two sisters-in-law. Add to that list a 5 year old daughter who is growing up WAY too fast, and I figured I had plenty to learn from these pages.
If only I know...
This book was for ME!
The chapter on modesty and body image? Speaking right to me.
The chapter about better things to follow than your heart? That one about all the beautiful passions, intuitions and gifts that God has blessed us with, even when we can't see them? Speaking right to me.
From their moms.
BOOM!
Already I have had too many instances of hearing myself come out of Abbey's mouth and cringing. Am I teaching her to respond with grace and kindness, or judgement and snark? Is she learning the best of me or the worst of me?
Now, this is the critical point where I get to make a decision. I can fall on the floor and cry because I am failing as a mother, or I can stand in His grace, know that it is sufficient. Every day I can do my best to show Abbey the grace that is shown to me every minute of every day. I can try over and over again to show her how incredibly valuable she is.
Because she is enough, and so am I.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Do you have a teenage girl, cross paths with a teenage girl, or stand a chance of ever talking to a teenage girl? You want a copy of this book!
Lucky for you, I get to give away a copy! All you need to do is leave a comment telling me why you want to read it! The giveaway will close Tuesday at Midnight.
**The giveaway is closed. The winner is: Holly!**
Be blessed,
Heather
I love when that happens. I find that books for one age group of women often transcribes well to other groups, too. I would like to read this. thissimplemom at gmail dot com
ReplyDeletei would like to read this. I have a 12 yo daughter in middle school, and 14 yo son who is starting high school this year. i've been drafted for some high school committees, and WOW - older teen girls are WAY different than pre-teens. thanks for the review and contest 10750coupons at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteI have been SEARCHING for this book! I have 3 girls (and 1 boy!) and I KNOW I will need this handy dandy handbook that never came out when they did!! Fingers crossed! britchesnboots@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI love that the book touched you so deeply Heather! It did the SAME thing to ME!!! Kate is a gift. I love love love that God has brought her to this platform to share her wisdom and amazing writing talent! I just wrote my review, and ya know what? I want ANOTHER BOOK!!! Why? Because I know far too many women who could use it. I lead a teen ministry and there are SO many moms that need this book!!! I would LOVE to buy each one of them Kate's book- but I'm not a wealthy woman. :)
ReplyDeleteLoved your review, my friend!!
I want to read it because I'm so proud of Kate and I know she did an amazing job. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteWhen I saw your post about the giveaway, I wanted a copy of the book because I am the mother of a teenage daughter. After reading your post, I want to read the book to help myself; because I am the mother of a teenage daughter. I'm thanking God already for His grace in covering for me in my shortcomings in raising my daughter. Be blessed, sister.
ReplyDeleteI want to read it because even though I don't come into much contact with teenage girls, I think there's still a lot of her in me. Plus Kate is awesome, so...
ReplyDeleteAs a mom with two daughters who struggles with body image, this sounds like a great book for me. I just saw it in my Instagram newsfeed today. I'd love to win and read it!!
ReplyDeleteSounds like an excellent book full of great advice that needs to be passed on."
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this because I lead a small group of teenages girls at our church and this seems very fitting for them!!
ReplyDeleteEmail is ambermarie684@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteMy hubby just got a youth pastor job and i would love to win this so i can do this our high school girls!
ReplyDeleteI want to read it because I have 2 girls, 15 and 13 (but I'm sure it will speak to me, too.) Thanks for the giveaway! jayhollyjones at gmail dot com
ReplyDeletei have boys, but i have a 13 year old niece that i would love to give this to. not that she isn't being raised right, but a little truth is always a good thing!!
ReplyDeleteI love this - sounds like a great book!
ReplyDelete