Yesterday, I shared some of my concerns about the popular book, Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis. As you know, I didn’t love the book. But, I thought Hollis did bring up some fair points about the challenges of growing and overcoming obstacles. In contrast to leaving women to feel stuck, I think she tried to paint a compelling picture of women who are living with vision and going after it in life. I didn’t like her solutions because they were too based in self-effort and self-focus, but I thought she well-captured some of the honest struggles we all have.

So, instead of just critiquing her book, I wanted to give you some resources that are more Gospel-driven while also touching on some of the same issues. I’ve included the Amazon links for all of them but, if you’re local to the Stow-Kent area, my friend Ann at Logos Bookstore in Kent can help you get ahold of them.

On Living Out of Your Identity in Christ

Much of what is good in Rachel’s book is her desire to debunk lies she once believed and that many of her readers probably struggle with. She’s right. We do believe lies. In my experience, most of those are rooted in a weakened identity. As we learn to revel in who we are as redeemed daughters of God who are clothed in dignity and strength, we can deal with those lies more quickly and comprehensively.

• Made for More: An Invitation to Live in God’s Image by Hannah Anderson
• Identity Theft: Reclaiming the Truth of our Identity in Christ by Melissa Kruger
• Grace for the Good Girl: Letting go of the Try-Hard Life by Emily P. Freeman

On Life-Management, Goal-Setting, and Living with Vision and Purpose

This does not come natural for me like it does for some people. So I’ve needed a lot of practical help to keep me from drifting. Many people would list Stephen Covey’s books here. They’re excellent but they were tough for me to read and apply. Instead, I have been really thriving on these books of late. They are really practical and helpful.

• What’s Best Next: How the Gospel Transforms the Way You Get Things Done by Matt Perman
• How to Get Unstuck: Breaking Free from Barriers to Your Productivity by Matt Perman
• Cultivate: A Grace-Filled Guide to Growing an Intentional Life by Lara Casey

On Developing Good Habits and Experiencing the Spirit-Filled Life

Many of us know what we SHOULD be doing to grow and overcome. But we struggle to apply those things or feel defeated because of failure. We’re so prone toward self-effort and the try-hard life that we aren’t sure what it really looks like to marry our own obedience/effort to His strength/empowering. On the Redemption Chapel website, we have a book resource page with some great options for Christian growth. Don’t forget to check there too.

• Supernatural Power for Everyday People: Experiencing God’s Extraordinary Spirit in Your Ordinary Life by Jared C. Wilson
• The Imperfect Disciple by Jared C. Wilson
• Forgotten God by Francis Chan
• The Pursuit of God by AW Tozer
• Soul Keeping: Caring for the Most Important part of You by John Ortberg
• Habits of Grace by David Mathis

On Being Successful in Your Work (whether that’s at home or at the office)

Our work (and pursuit of excellence in that work) is important to God as He calls us to be “on mission”. Whether it’s in the home or outside it in our careers, God calls us to work heartily with eye an toward excellence and success. How should we define that success?

• Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God’s Work by Tim Keller
• Missional Motherhood by Gloria Fuhrman
• Glory in the Ordinary: Why Your Work in the Home Matters to God by Courtney Reissig
• The Measure of Success: Uncovering the Biblical Perspective on Women, Work, and the Home by Carolyn McCulley

I hope those help you as you seek to grow in life. Reading good books that are both practical AND Biblically sound is critical to growing in your walk with God and experiencing a life of vision and passion. Dig in, friends!