Book Review: What Women Fear

I’ve recently completed  What Women Fear by Angie Smith. Upon introduction I was hesitant to purchase because I assumed it would discuss anxiety or paranoia type fears. I was quickly proven incorrect. The content of the book discusses matters relatable to any woman.

Though the author has a background that includes a master degree in Developmental Psychology it isn’t apparent that the work is driven by a desire to construct a self-help book based on her studies. Nor it is intended to be an in-depth theological study. It is more appropriately the exploration of the balance of faith and fear on a daily basis. I believe the heart of the work can be seen when she says:
     
     I long to be a woman who walks in the moment God has  
     given me, with full confidence in what's to come. I know it
    isn't always going to look the way I want it to, but I long to
    internalize the fact that He is never going to forsake me or
                           take His hands off me (page 26). 
  
Smith’s writing is clear and easy to comprehend while also often displaying her joyous sense of humor. She writes as though speaking directly with her audience in the tone of intimate friendship. Smith gains the trust of the reader through her retelling of personal experiences with each area. Readers are then drawn in further by her ease and relevance of discussion.

Each chapter begins with a reference to wisdom gained from a Biblical story. The Bible is frequently quoted as passages or as individual verses and are the mediums through which her exploration of fear are conducted. At no point does she deliver a definitive conclusion to any area of fear, but rather encourages the reader to find balance in the matter through a walk with God. Each chapter focuses on specific areas of fear such as: “What if..,” rejection, abandonment, betrayal, failure, success, death, past becoming present, insignificance, God’s plan, realism of God, and fear of God himself.

       Angie Smith does an excellent job at demonstrating Biblical wisdom as is applicable to daily living in a fresh and tangible way. The writing exposes a new way of considering many of the familiar Biblical passages. As I read I was compelled to underline, highlight and comment in the margins extensively. I spent my time savoring the heart of the message she conveyed in each chapter.

       I genuinely did not find a single chapter I did not mark and find value in. In reviews of the book that I could find, only one out of more than a hundred reviews was negative. A strong response such as that speaks accurately well of such a great piece of writing. I would highly recommend What Women Fear by Angie Smith. In one word- phenomenal.

*Note: -The above opinions are mine alone and have not been influenced or solicited in any manner.
-Clicking on the links will take you to the product page on Amazon.com where you can read more on the book. If you decide to purchase, RevivingHomemaking does get a small comission through the Amazon Affiliate Program. (Thank you! :))

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Five Question Friday

1. What is your favorite Christmas decoration in your house?

I love our Christmas tree! When many aspects of Christmas dampen my spirts, the bright glow of lights and ornaments of memories hanging captures my heart as though I was still a child entranced by the wonder that was Christmas. I joke that our tree is decorated by a couple of five year olds for the brightly colored lights and ornament balls as well as the many goofy looking ornaments. I have many of my childhood ornaments, and so I suppose in a sense it was decorated by a five year old. I absolutely love it though. It's our tree..in our home..for our Christmas.

2. Do you finish your Christmas shopping early or are you a last minute type?

I suppose I'm a middle of the road shopper. I prefer to have my Christmas savings completed by the conclusion of November and then shop the first week or two of December. I certainly don't touch any closer to the day than that! (Have I ever mentioned that I'm not a shopper, and so this shopping season really isn't my favorite? haha)

3. When do you turn on your heat?

Fortunately for where we live we can go without any heat or air during most day of the spring and fall. We'll wait as long as we can before turning on the heat. Doing so provides an excellent opportunity to take in the cool crisp air of fall.I love the coziness that accompanies cool weather.

4. Do you ever wish your blog was private?

     I work to publish only writing which would not ever produce embarrassment or shame. It is the medium of my exploration of life and homemaking. If my journey can be of meaning to anyone, then I'm pleased to have all content public.

     With that said, I must admit that I am not without fear of rejection. The blog contains writing on a subject matter that can be quickly mocked and criticized in certain audiences. In these instances, a piece of me wishes to make content private to avoid such responses. However, in doing so I acknowledge that I would be denying myself and that which I feel the Lord calling me to pursue. And so, I swallow my fear of rejection and type again with trust in the Lord who has lead me to this place.

5. Do you put your deodorant on before of after you put on your shirt?

 Well, isn't this a t.m.i. question?! haha. To answer the question (because I know others really want to know), I tend to do it afterwards. I'm always concerned that I'll get it all over the shirt and then not get it off in a timely manner if it do it before the shirt. haha..and now you know ;)