I'm Such a Messterpiece: Shattering Stigmas, (Re)Framing Our Fears, and Finding Ourselves Fully Loved

by Andrea M. Nyberg

Life is not without suffering, but suffering is not without hope.

Have you ever felt the tension of loving Jesus while living with anxiety, depression, trauma, or chronic illness? If so, you’re in the right place, and you’re not alone.

God tells us in His Word that we are chosen, beloved, and divinely crafted to do good works. But fear can send us into a shame spiral where we feel like too much, not enough, and beyond repair. So how do we grab hold of the freedom Jesus offers us when we feel like a prisoner in our own body?

In I’m Such a Messterpiece, Andrea M. Nyberg shares her struggles in hopes of bringing awareness and solidarity to others who are facing a crisis of faith, identity, and mental health. With tools from her time in therapy and insight from Scripture, Andrea invites us into the deep work of being renewed, restored, and rebuilt—just as it says in Isaiah 61.

This book is an invitation to (re)frame the fears that hold us captive by considering that pain and hope can hold hands, a mess can still be a masterpiece, and the God who created us will be with us, will strengthen us, and will love us no matter what.

153 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 11, 2023

Reviews

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I personally know Andrea and was so excited that she was writing a book! A very touching, raw and gut wrenching story of her life and struggles with motherhood, being a wife, depression, anxiety and her love of Jesus. So many parts of her book resonated in my life and I found myself several times nodding my head and out loud saying “YES! I get this so much!” The book was organized so well touching on varying topics and I love the questions at the end of each chapter to help dig deeper into our own lives.

Even though this book is more geared to someone who reads the Bible and more so devoted to Jesus (I’ll admit I’ve never read the Bible or incorporate Jesus in my everyday life), I did get a lot out of this book. As a woman, a mother in this crazy world of expectations and social media, I got so much out of it. I’ll definitely hold on to this book as a reference in my life and come back to it when I feel compelled to.

Thank you Andrea for being so vulnerable and sharing your experiences and stories. When you wrote about your big laugh at MOPS, I smiled so big because I always remember your laugh and beautiful smile while leading all of those (100+) Moms.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book. This freaking book. I loved it. I took like 8 pages of notes. I heard some things I needed to hear. I really like the way she phrases a lot of things. I recommend it highly.

Few take home points:
"Are you responsible now for what you didn't know then?"

"Reframe from 'Why did this happen?' To 'How can I heal from this?'"

I want to type all 8 pages of notes but I'll just recommend it highly instead.

[Drew Froese · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Andrea's vulnerability in exposing some of her darkest hours. Not that I loved she had to go through them, but that she was/is willing to share so that the stigmas of mental health will be torn down. Her applications and encouragements say "I'm with you... and here is some help" and the combination of those two things are so rich. Thanks Andrea!

[Cheryl Lutz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Discovering Our Worth Through the Love of Our Creator!

“I'm Such a Messterpiece" emphasizes finding our worth in the Creator rather than our struggles.

Andrea Nyberg blends biblical principles with real-life examples, providing steps to build an identity rooted in God's love for us through His Son.
The book offers relatable storytelling and scriptural insights for those seeking to strengthen their relationship with God amid mental and physical struggles.

[Taryn Hutchison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a treasure packed in a slim volume. Initially, I was drawn in by Nyberg's beautiful writing voice and kept turning the pages because of her vulnerability, relatability, and most of all, grace. It is clear Nyberg has lived and is living these truths, being both mess and masterpiece at the same time (and freeing us to be the same). Best of all, she gives you practical tools that will keep you returning to this book again and again. Highly recommend!

[Stephanie Forshee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrea Nyberg's I'm Such a Messterpiece gives an eye-opening look at how Christians can and should allow themselves the grace to find treatment for anxiety and depression. The author exposes herself to give a raw look at her messy masterpiece of a life as a mom, wife, and human. This book is perfect for anyone who feels like a mess--whether it's caused by anxiety or depression or just the craziness of life. You'll soon realize, with Andrea, that you're not alone.

[Kassi Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must-read book on the topic of mental health and faith. Reading it . . . feels like sitting down with a friend who’s been on a challenging road with loads of compassion to guide you. Andrea's book meets a necessary crossroads in culture and the church further enlivening an honest dialogue into mental, emotional, and spiritual health.