I Grew Up Little: Finding Hope in a Big God

by Patsy Clairmont

The intimate autobiography of a best-selling author describes her amazing life, including how her agoraphobia kept her a prisoner in her own house, until, with the help of God, she was able to undergo an inspirational transformation.

Genres: Christian, Biography, Memoir, Biography Memoir, Nonfiction

160 pages, Hardcover

First published March 10, 2004

About the author

Patsy is a bookish woman who loves words and has a penchant for dark chocolate sorbet. Since spelling bees in grade school, childhood Scrabble games, right up to her current addiction with Words with Friends she has been known to spell it out, to say it like it is.

Much to her surprise Patsy has written a stack of books that continues to light her passion for the printed page. And nothing pleases her more than to share her faith through laughter and tears and to encourage others to flourish.

A former agoraphobic Patsy never imagined the expansive plans God had in mind for her. She just wanted to make it to her neighborhood grocery store and safely home again. Instead, for the past 35 years she has been traipsing throughout the U.S. and Canada, interspersed with trips to Israel and Africa and she has even spoken at the Pentagon for the Flag Officers Bible Study. Patsy has spoken to millions of women (and men) offering spiritual and emotional hope.

Patsy has written books in several genres including devotional, fiction, children’s, and gift offerings. She is one of the founding speakers at Women of Faith and trains people for the platform.

Patsy is the author of over 35 books best-selling books and currently lives in Franklin TN.

Reviews

[Honeybee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Patsy Clairmont, since hearing her on Focus on the Family years ago. I have read her previous books, NORMAL IS JUST A SETTING ON YOUR DRYER and GOD USES CRACKED POTS. It was awesome to learn more of her background in this book and see just what led to the agoraphobia she often talks about.

This book is a memoir. Each of the sixteen chapters gives us a snapshot of a significant person in Patsy's life and how they shaped her character. There is nothing mean or hurtful in this book--that's just not Patsy's way. But you get an idea of why she turned out as she did and how family, friends, mentors and others helped to shape her character and faith. Her candidness is refreshing.

Being one of Christendom's consummate comedians, Patsy includes a generous smattering of her delightful humor. She also lets us see the development of her faith in a God big enough to handle her problems, both great and small. If you are looking for a book that's fun, honest, encouraging and easy to read, this is a good choice. Keep a tissue handy, though, 'cause Ms. Patsy can make you cry as sure as she can make you laugh!

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of learning about Patsy Clairmont when I saw her at a Women of Faith conference a few years ago. What a fireball of wit and energy! She had me laughing while connecting real life stories to a great God. I even got the privilege to meet her in person and get her autograph. So, when this book showed up in my donations for a yard sale pile, I snagged it, eager to read it and learn more about her story. I was surprised to learn she was an agoraphobic struggling with fear and anxiety just like I used to whom God has used in mighty ways, just like I believe He is preparing me for.

It is an easy, entertaining read that shares about her life, the people in it, and most importantly where God was in the midst of it all. It was encouraging to me so I hope others will read it and get encouraged too. God uses the weak to confound the wise, or in Patsy's case, the fear and anxiety-ridden small and sassy girl to be a mouthpiece for God.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not only a story of her life but of the journey she has made from crippling fears to a life of purpose & joy.

[Dionne · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I didn't realize the Lord would use my failures to teach me compassion for other strugglers, my fears to teach me about courage that goes beyond feelings, or my foibles to teach me of my limitations and his limitlessness. I viewed my agoraphobic years as wasted and forever lost, but God never wastes anything. Instead, he chooses to rebuild ruins."--p. 157

I have always LOVED Patsy Clairmont. After listening to her famous message, "God Uses Cracked Pots", I have often repeated phrases from her message as it so applies to life. I thought her memoir would be a fun read, but I found it to be very meaningful and therapeutic.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. It was nothing like I thought it would be, but I liked it nonetheless. A very quick read, this book is an autobiography about Clairmont's life. I think the primary intended purpose was to demonstrate her struggles with agoraphobia, and God's help to emerge through these difficult times. However, I didn't feel her difficulty in the writing. To me, she seemed like any ordinary person who struggles. I enjoyed her writing style, and respect the way she came to trust in God and become an inspiration to many Women of Faith.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is by one of the "Women of Faith" gals. I went to two of those conferences, and that was enough for me, but several of the speakers were hilarious and really inspirational......Patsy Clairmont was really good....this story of her life will probably make you realize your own life is amazing....and might inspire you to achieve things you thought you couldn't. I definitely did not get in to this book for the religious aspect......but instead for the inspirational story part.....and she's funny :))

[Chiqui · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Patsy, she always share JOY and laugh. I had the privilege of learning about Patsy Clairmont when I saw her at a Women of Faith conference a few years ago. What a fireball of with and energy! She had me laughing while connecting real life stories to a great God. Love to read anything she writes.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bio/Rel/Insp. all wrapped up in one book! Patsy talks about growing up, how small she was & she eventually overcame her fears & phobias. It was a long journey but with God, nothing is impossible. Made me cry and think... the best biography I have read over the past few years.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an autobiography of Patsy Clairmont's life. I found this book to be inspirational. This lady dealt with alot of fears in her life that she eventually overcame. She is now a well known author and speaker for Women of Faith Conferences.

[Darlene Hull · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable, easy, inspirational read. I would have likes it to be a little longer so as to have has the chance to go a little deeper. Her struggles were real, but her treatment of them were a little superficial.

Enjoyed it though!

[Aurora · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is in regards to her issues with fear - agoraphobic but as long as it took me to read it I finally finished it while riding on a plane home from TN and while I find it frightening to ride a plane on this particular trip - turbulence on all I was not afraid. POWERFUL and FRAGILE the mind!

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's amazing what people can overcome in life! Patsy Clarimont is an excellent example of this. She is also quite funny. This is a quick, easy read.

[Jaclynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patsy came to a point where fear had her in bed full time but God released her from that bondage one baby step at a time. This is a story of her life and a book you will not want to put down!

[Chris Desmottes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Patsy is one of my favorite humorous Christian authors. This is her life story and how God got her through her agoraphobia and turned her into a Women of Faith Ministry speaker.

[Brenda · Rating 2 out of 5]

She kind of repeats herself a lot. More mindless reading

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

That the Lord is full of irrepresible hope and love for us! Every chapter of this book spoke to me where I am at this time in my life.

[Karin Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it. I like chronological chapters in autobiographies as opposed to topical. She is a good writer-very funny at times.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book on Patsy Clairmont. Made you think, laugh and cry.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a fan of Patsy Clairmont, which is my reason for reading her autobiography.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting to read her story.

[Star · Rating 3 out of 5]

It touched my heart. Not spectacularly written, but it was what I needed to read and was given to me by a friend.

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

An okay read.

[Micki · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the late 1990's I was introduced to Women of Faith and attended several conferences. I am sure I heard Patsy Clairm0nt at least once. She is small in size, five feet tall, with an amazing message to share. In her own words, she was a high school dropout, teenage runaway, and agoraphobic. What appealed to me was that she was married and trying to figure life out in the 70's...just like I was. I had forgotten hw far the women's movement has come until I picked up her book and was transported back to those days when men pretty much had the last word around the house. This is a book of faith and how her faith in God changed her life and her marriage.

[Tabitha Sleeger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. Clairmont tells her life story but weaves important and timely messages of hope within her stories. Truly inspiring and a delight to read.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patsy is always insightful and funny!

[JJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

For as funny as this lady is when speaking, this book is not.