by Sally Matheny
Live Fearless |
What are you afraid of? At some point, I think we all have feared something. And we dealt with it in different ways.
But, do you know
someone who has an unusual amount of apprehension? So much so it regularly affects their lives?
I know a woman who is terrified every time the sky
darkens with a pending storm. I have a friend who must have every detail
prepared for Plans B, C, D, and E before even attempting Plan A. Another friend
fears the worst whenever a family member isn’t feeling well.
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of
America, “more than forty million people in the U.S., ages eighteen and older,
suffer from anxiety issues.”
Sadie Robertson, daughter of Willie and Korie Robertson, was
one of those but has discovered a way out of those statistics. She shares her
journey from fear to faith in LIVE
FEARLESS: A Call to Power, Passion, and Purpose, published by Thomas Nelson
this year.
The book, while written for the young adult audience,
packs enough ammo an even older audience can use it in their arsenal against
fear.
The hardcover, 200-page book includes special features in
each chapter challenging readers to consider and apply the things Sadie has learned to
their own lives.
She includes helpful suggestions for those who may be new
to praying.
One of my favorite features is the “Work the Word”
sections because as Sadie says,
“God’s Word is always able to change our lives, shift our perspectives, and empower us to live in freedom and victory” but “it won’t happen just because we have a Bible on a shelf or even go to church and open the Bible to read along with the preacher.”
We have to “work the Word” by reading it, studying it,
and choosing to believe it’s true in addition to talking to God about it and
asking Him to use it to transform our lives.
I also like the quotes highlighted throughout the book
because they are true gems.
Here are a few.
“The key ingredient to overcoming fear is not just speaking to it, it’s speaking to it in Jesus’ name.”
“When we’re afraid, we have a tendency to pray and ask God for peace before we’ll step out and do what frightens us. But most of the time, we simply need to move forward.”
“The enemy is afraid of your becoming everything God wants you to be.”
In addition to asking questions for readers to reflect
upon, Sadie includes hands-on practical advice such as how to find a godly
mentor, how to talk with unbelievers, and more.
Time after time, Sadie nails it by presenting the truth
of God’s Word. And I’m not talking about one verse inserted at the beginning of
a chapter. The book is saturated with scripture and Sadie dives right in
talking about it and applying it to life.
The book is interesting as she shares her experiences and
fears from her childhood, teen years, and her young adult days on Dancing with the Stars.
But the focus in the book isn’t on what Sadie Robertson
has done. She continually directs readers to her Redeemer and points out what
He has done.
I really like this book. It is a positive resource pointing
to truth and the power to live fearless.
I’d love to give a copy of this book away to one of you! All
you have to do is leave a comment below.
What to say?
Tell us an area of your life you want to live more courageously.
Share a helpful scripture for those who may be struggling with fear. Or simply
type another word (or more) that mean fearless!
I’ll draw a random name from all those who comment and announce
the winner on Thursday, May 24.
AND THE WINNER IS...
Autumn Celeste! Congratulations Autumn! I'll be in touch on where to deliver your book. Thanks to all who commented. There will be another giveaway soon!
Autumn Celeste! Congratulations Autumn! I'll be in touch on where to deliver your book. Thanks to all who commented. There will be another giveaway soon!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book
free from the publisher in return for an honest review. The opinions I have
expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade
Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255