No Doubt About It

by Sheri Dew

"Although there are many things about this life that I do not understand, there are some truths about which I no longer have any doubt. With that introduction, Sheri Dew of the general Relief Society presidency offers a faith-filled account of what she believes &dmash; and why. She bears powerful testimony of the reality of Jesus Christ, that He cares about us personally and will do for each one of us what He has promised He will do. She discusses our individual, unique missions of mortality, reminding us who we are and who we have always been. And she expands our understanding of the happiness that comes from living the gospel, the power of families, the importance of the priesthood, the security of having a living prophet, the glory of the temple, and the transcendent blessings available to all who seek the Lord. But No Doubt About It is much more than an insightful look at foundational gospel principle

Genres: Religion, Lds, Nonfiction, Church, Inspirational, Spirituality, Lds Non Fiction

246 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Sheri Dew graduated from Brigham Young University. She served as second counselor in the general Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1997 to 2002. In March 2003 the White House appointed her a member of the U.S. Delegation to the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations. In 2002, Sheri Dew became president and CEO of Deseret Book Company.

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some people have a beef with Sheri Dew because she's a more famous 2nd councilor than most RS presidents, or because she's written a lot of books, or because she's Mormonism's poster feminist. But you know what I was thinking while reading this book? That's just who she is. She's good at writing. She's an editor and a publisher who really knows her stuff (I once heard her discuss manuscript selection in a lecture and it blew me away.) and she's a 5'10 basketball fan from Kansas. It's just who she is. Her being called by the Lord to fulfill one calling or another is irrelevant. Are there people with other, so-called "higher," callings? Sure. Are there people with different interpretations of how to live the gospel? Of course. Are there less-acclaimed women who may be more articulate or interesting? Almost certainly. But this isn't their book; this is hers.

[Dlora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good collection of talks aimed at LDS women. Sheri Dew does tend to expect a lot of us as women and challenges us to grow, often making us feel a bit guilty?, but her stories and quotes are uplifting and inspiring and her personal experiences are often funny, self-deprecating, and are very useful in shaping the talk that she is giving.She really has excellent stories to kick off her ideas, finds really meaty quotes, and does a great job with her topics.

Some interesting ideas from her book: "Women have more influence on men than men have on women" says a colleague she quoted. We need to "make it fashionable to be good and to do good." Speaking of women, "It is no secret to him [Satan], that we are the Lord's secret weapon." Ezra Taft Benson: "When you choose to follow Christ, you choose to be changed." "When we label one another, we make judgments that divide us from each other and inevitably alienate us from the Lord." "Almost every major scriptural sermon focuses on the way we treat each other." "Fifty years from now, what we have become shouldn't surprise us, because we will have become what we have set our hearts upon. . . . As Truman Madsen has said, 'At youth our face reveals genetics. At fifty, we have the face we deserve.'"

[Shannan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book for comfort and as an addition to my scripture study. I wasn't expecting to be as impacted as I was. Sister Dew's powerful testimony made me feel empowered as a woman, frightened of the hardships that may come my way by living the gospel, and eager to march forward and become better than I am. My fright was small though, for permeating that was the ever constant assurance that the reward for living the gospel is unending peace, and at this time in my life, that's what I long for most. Just peace and calm. I'm incredibly grateful that I had access to this book and the chance to read it. Sister Dew is a remarkable woman. I can feel the love of God for each of us shining through the strength of her testimony.

[Traci Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've owned this book for many years and hadn't read it since college. I was excited to pick it up again when it was selected for a book group read. I actually ended up listening to the audiobook, due to the general busyness of my life. I am glad I have the physical copy to reference back to and re-read chapters at my convenience. Listening to it was the easiest way to get through it quickly, but the pace of the experience made it a little hard to really take in all that was presented. It's the kind of book I'd like to be able to take more time to absorb and ponder on.

[Lisa Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic book. Sheri Dew does a wonderful job of inspiring you to be better, as she shares her insites and experiences. But mostly, her strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and of our divine nature as children of God was what hit home the most. It truly made me want to let go of the things of the world, and try to be more Christ-like.

PS. I started reading this book a few years ago, and realized I only had 3 chapters left, so I finally finished it. I don't know why I have such a hard time finishing a book like this, even when it is wonderful :).

[Cindy Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book. Sheri Dew is so inspiring. On the back cover, she poses two questions..What have we come here to do? and How will we do it? Sheri shares experiences from her own life, incorporated with gospel teachings that helped me to remember who I am and what is my purpose. It left me feeling so inspired. Sometimes it was long for me, but I did love the book!

[Ligia · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE Sheri Dews example and testimony of the restored gospel. It helped give me a greater understanding, love and appreciation for our Heavenly Fathers Plan for us as Daughters and Sisters in Zion. I went out and bought 3 copies last year after reading it to give to my sister in law and 2 close friends. I will re-read this book year after year!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a long time to read this book since I would often want to ponder or work on applying what I read. Then I would end up forgetting about it for awhile, and then I would pick it back up. This is definitely a book I want to read again. Principles are stated very clearly and highlighted with examples.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my all time favorite books that I read over and over again. If you want a book to live your life by, Sheri Dew shares lessons from her life that I treasure forever and that have made me a better person. Read it.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved listening to this book. She just knows how to say things boldly! I need to read it next time so that I can take note of the really great things she said that touched me! Great for EVERY WOMAN to read!!!

[Brent Winslow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good series of mini-talks on various topics targeted mainly at women in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She had some good insight into why it is important for us to increase in our faith and spirituality: "Just as school requirements become more challenging from grade to grade, so do the Lord's spiritual requirements of us increase as we progress, grow, and develop. The faith that we had in the past most likely will not be sufficient to sustain us in the days ahead - both because of the world's escalating depravity and because the Lord will give us opportunities to grow and progress spiritually."

Regarding our responsibility to one another: "We must cherish one another, watch over one another, [and] comfort one another...that we may all sit down in heaven together."

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, Sheri Dew pulls no punches and bears strong testimony. She challenges all people, but especially women to strengthen their relationship with Christ and "Be not ashamed of the gospel of Christ."
Full of stories from her life, this book is both entertaining and powerful and I highly recommend it. 5 solid stars

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Sometimes I wonder if the final judgement will be a breeze compared to the things we put each other through here on earth.”

[Nicole Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a gift to me from a youth leader at church when I moved from the youth to the adult program. It was such a thoughtful gift, and I remember feeling very grown up. I still have this book decades later, and am still grateful for the kindness shown to me.

[Carolyn]

Listened to an abridged audio book. Will have to go back and read the chapter(s) left out sometime.

[Debbie Hull · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Sheri's testimony and faith in gospel. She discusses our unique missions in life and how we can be truly happy. It is an inspiring book that help you become a better person.

"We no longer have the luxury of spending out energy on anything that doesn't lead us and our families to Christ. In the days ahead, a casual commitment to Christ will not carry us through. The time has come or each of us to stand tall, and then, in doing so, to stand together." Sheri Dew

If you haven't already read it, I highly recommend her book, "Worth the Wrestle". It is one of my favorites.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite books. I need to read it every few years as my life changes and goes into different stages. The first time I read it I was a 27 year old Relief Society president in a singles ward in Idaho and it was powerful for me trying to bring other women to Christ. But now reading it as a 43 year old stay-at-home mom living in Utah who kind of feels like I don’t measure up in this intensely Mormon neighborhood, I came away with a profound sense of my worth to my Heavenly Father. If I chose to be the Lord’s secret weapon in fighting against evil, I need to be strong for my husband, and children. A woman’s influence is powerful and in order for me to fulfill my purposes as a daughter of God, I need to be serious about drawing closer to the Lord so I can feel his spirit in my life more. I highlighted so many parts of this book because there were so many profound insights. But below are the following quotes that stuck out to me the most and felt like what I needed to hear at this point in my life.

“…it should not surprise us that the master of deceit is going all out to keep us from comprehending the majesty of who we are.”

“….the more clearly we understand our divine destiny, the more immune we become to Satan.”

“We will never be happy or feel peace; we will never deal with life’s ambiguities; we will never live up to who we are as women of God until we overcome our mortal identity crisis by understanding who we are, who we have always been, and who we may become. The Spirit is the key, for as President Joseph F. Smith taught, it is through the power of the Spirit that we may “catch a spark from the awakened memories of the immortal soul, which lights up our whole being as with the glory of our former home. It is the Spirit that allows us to pierce the veil and catch glimpses of who we are and who we have always been. Thus we need to be able to hear what the Lord through the Spirit has to say.”

[Debbie Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. I have read it a couple of times at different segways of my life. I found it to be so comforting that there is someone like Sheri Dew, who knows through personal experiences, that Heavenly Father is mindful of each of us. I thumbed through the pages recalling some things that touched me when I was reading. President Ezra Taft Benson shared how he dealt with the stresses and challenges of his life: "I work as hard as I can, and I try my best to be obedient so that the Lord knows I am mindful of Him. Then I have the faith that He will make up the difference between what I am able to do, and what I am not able to do. And He does." I know that through the Atonement of Christ this is true!

I learned that Jesus Christ is not our last chance, He is our only chance. He will show us the way because He is the way, and He lights the way. We must not get hung up on perfection. Progress is made when we have enought knowledge to recognize our frailities and mistakes and can make positive improvements to change our course. This is a book I turn to when I need a boost of self confidence and to relearn that everything is possible and I have the power to make it happen!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

i've only read one other book by sheri dew, If Life Were Easy, It Wouldn't Be Hard: And Other Reassuring Truths, and as i seem to recall, i really liked that one. however, i LOVED this one. it had a wonderful message on how to understand our potential as women and how to live up to it. normally, when i read articles or books about things like that, i end up feeling guilty that i'm not doing what i can, but in this case, the book was so positive and uplifting that i had no guilt. i don't feel as though i have to give up hobbies, games or to make huge changes in my life, which isn't commong for me after reading things like this.

i highly recommend this book to ANYone, whether they are LDS or not. there are so many good and powerful messages in the book! i can't say enough good about it!

[Tamra · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like Sheri Dew a lot. I like her energy and enthusiasm for all things good and right. But No Doubt About It got really tedious for me. I felt like it was one long pep talk about how awesome women are. And while I think women are awesome, I was thinking that maybe I should have low self-esteem so that I would find this book more uplifting. As in, maybe low self-esteem is a pre-requisite for reading this book.

I loved some of the one-liners in this book, and I have saved many quotes from it. I also LOVED the 2 pages where she talks about life on her grandparents' Oklahoma farm. Her description of the dust storms is awesome and it made me want to read some historical stuff about the Dust Bowl.

All in all, I wouldn't recommend it. Read "If Life Were Easy, It Wouldn't Be Hard" instead.

[Lizzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

More spiritually uplifting than any other book I've read, Sheri Dew proclaims that we all have potential for the glorious life of a divine princess, insisting that a royal spirit "who we were, who we are, and who we are meant to be". As she gives her view on many religious subjects, it's impossible not to take a step backward and re-evaluate your life. Are you reaching your own expectation? Your potential? The uplifting words of Sheri Dew inspire me to stand strong against the adversary, never releasing my sense of self, my family, and God's influence on my life. This is a book to turn to whenever you need comfort, reassurance, encouragement, or confidence. Read it, and you'll never look at yourself the same way again.

[Cyndi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sheri explains what it is that she has come to know and not doubt in her life through personal experiences of her own, her family, and those she has come in contact. She has traveled widely in her responsibilities as a member of the General Relief Society Board for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Her emphasis is on women and what a powerful and awesome force they can be when they band together with a common purpose. Her premise is that they can only do this if they first understand who they are as daughters of God and how truly unique each one is and how each has a part to play. Once this is realized, there is no room for jealousy, anger, cliques, or judgements. Leaves one with much to ponder and self-examination.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it.... You simply have to read this one to get it all.
"We no longer have the luxury of spending our energy on anything that doesn't lead us and our families to Christ," writes Sister Dew. "In the days ahead, a casual commitment to Christ will not carry us through. The time has come for each of us to stand tall, and then, in doing so, to stand together." ~ Sheri Dew
Last...
Life is filled with moments of joy, but life is also hard. It is an unmistakable privilege to be here in mortality, but the burden we carry is weighty, relentless, and laden with importance. So I pose two questions: What have we come here to do? And how will we do it?

--Sheri Dew

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Sheri Dew addresses it especially to LDS women, but I think that any woman feeling overwhelmed and underappreciated would get a lift from this great book. I put a bookmark in and wrote the page numbers of my favorite quotes. I will share a few.

"You are good. But it is not enough just to be good. You must be good for something."

- Gordon B. Hinckley

"Noble and great. Courageous and determined. Faithful and fearless. That is who you are and who you have always been. And understanding it can change your life, because this knowledge carries a confidence that cannot be duplicated any other way."

Sheri Dew

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this book on CD thanks to my father-in-law gifting it to me while he was serving as mission president. Sheri Dew is fun to listen to and her farm town stories relate easily with my growing up memories. You learn a lot about yourself and others simply by the place you're raised. I enjoyed her comment about "many are called but few are chosen and we do the choosing." I thought that was interesting and have pondered on it a lot since listening to the book. It is up to me to choose whether I will follow Him, my Savior, and magnify each of my callings. All around it's another LDS "feel good" book that reminds you of the good you're doing and the good you should be doing. :)

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing! I bought it years ago when it first came out, but it's sat on my shelf. I finally picked it up, and I think it was the right time. My only regret is that I didn't have a pen or highlighter on me the whole time I was reading it, as there were so many good points that I wanted to be able to find again. Sheri Dew has an amazing ability to simultaneous tell you you're doing a good job at this test we call life, while also encouraging you to go far beyond where you are now. There wasn't anything in this book I disagreed with, and I honestly feel like I'm a better person for having read it.

[Rosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE IT! It’s one of those books that just lifts you up and fills you with a determination to fulfill your mission on earth -- to do what you were sent here to do! Every page filled me with hope that I can make it back to our Heavenly Father, through our Savior’s merciful Atonement. It has strengthened my testimony, energized my Spirit, and reminded me that I am a daughter of God and an heir to His kingdom. I highly recommend this book to everyone, even though it is somewhat geared towards women.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely love hearing Sheri Dew speak, and I think she is an inspiration & great role model for anyone to follow. However, I felt like I had read the book before even though I hadn't. It seemed to be a collection of her talks written in book form. There were even a couple of times when she told the same story or used the same example in two different chapters.

I did enjoy reading it, and would recommend it to anyone who needs a little positive encouragement. She's a great woman. If you haven't heard her speak often, it will even be new to you!

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Sheri Dew, and I thought she made some excellent points in this book. I came away feeling more inspired to be a better person. So why only four stars? Because I have had this book since it first came out in 2001 and it has taken me nine years to finish it; I have started multiple times and, up until now, had never been able to finish. This last attempt at reading took almost a year. It's a very good book, but it was just enough on the slow side that it was hard for me to read regularly.

[Adrienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her characteristic style, Sheri Dew both wittily and directly shares her life experiences and her beliefs about Jesus Christ, encouraging listeners to make changes in their own lives. From lessons learned as a Kansas farm girl to those learned while serving in the Relief Society General Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Dew gets you laughing but at the same time, gets you to want to do better. This abridged version her book by the same title is read by Sheri Dew herself, and I loved every second of it.