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Do You Think I'm Beautiful?: The Question Every Woman Asks
This book is for women who know, perhaps only deep in their heart, that they need an answer to the question, "Do you think I'm beautiful?" Readers will come to understand that the question is uniquely feminine, placed there by the Creator to woo them to Himself. Along the way, women will learn about the distractions that can keep them from the One who calls them beautiful, what it takes to return to His embrace, and what delights await them there. Angela's skillful, moving writing style is peppered with warm and funny stories from her own life that readers will immediately identify with. And the practical Bible teaching Angela offers will help readers bridge the gulf between the life a woman longs for and the life she actually has.
213 pages, Paperback
First published February 4, 2003
54 people are currently reading
615 people want to read
About the author
Angela Thomas
95 books77 followersAngela Thomas is the best-selling author of numerous books including DO YOU THINK I'M BEAUTIFUL and MY SINGLE MOM LIFE. She is a gifted teacher and story-teller speaking to thousands each year. Angela teaches and transparently shares life experiences that draw her and others into a deeper passion for knowing God. Thomas graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill & Dallas Theological Seminary. Angela has filmed and written four video studies with LifeWay including WHEN WALLFLOWERS DANCE. Living in Greensboro, North Carolina, Angela is also a wife, mother and an ordinary woman.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
May 8, 2013
I read this book around 2009, when I was 14 or 15; a time when I was struggling with major insecurities and a lot of self-image issues. The book was life-changing in that it caused me to recognize that l was looking for my identity and security in all the wrong places. It helped me to learn how to reject the temptation to look to the world for the answer to the question, "Do you think I'm beautiful?" and find my value in who l am as a child of God.
I give it 5 stars for the impact that it had on my life, and would highly recommend it to anyone struggling with insecurity & self-image.
I give it 5 stars for the impact that it had on my life, and would highly recommend it to anyone struggling with insecurity & self-image.
May 13, 2012
I thought this book was exceptionally well written. It is a must read for every woman, we live in a society where beauty is based on outward appearances and most of us believe we fall short of these industry set standards. We tend to forget that the Lord is in love with us and loves us just the way we are - His design is perfect and His opinion is the only one that matters.
He is our bridegroom and He is coming for a bride without spot, wrinkle or blemish and that is us. He is our hero and He will lift us out of the ashes and place crowns on our heads. This book was uplifting and a joy to read, I highly recommend it!
He is our bridegroom and He is coming for a bride without spot, wrinkle or blemish and that is us. He is our hero and He will lift us out of the ashes and place crowns on our heads. This book was uplifting and a joy to read, I highly recommend it!
September 10, 2008
Yeah, I didn't like this book even though everyone in my circle was raving about it at the time. I think it is something moms want to give their girls to make them feel good about themselves....it was just too much for me.
March 24, 2025
Book on my shelf I had to read to pass along.
Memorable quotes and ideas:
“Realize that you may have to call for help. I am absolutely the worst at doing this… don’t want to inconvenience anyone. Don’t want them to hesitate when I ask. Don’t want to be needy or helpless or weak. A friend said, “I know that you think that you are strong. Maybe you really are. But if there was ever a time in life where you needed someone beside you, it would be now. This is not a stand up and prove you can do it time. This is a bear one another’s burdens time. This is a get on an airplane and come and stand with you time. This is the time to ask your friends to hold you up.” When it was time to walk through my clutter, I had mistakenly decide that God would be my only strength and I could prove that by standing alone. It was a misguided attempt at being spiritual and depending on God. I don’t have to do this alone. I don’t have to walk alone. Oh, thank you God. Being a part of a community of believers is about relationships. We were not made to do it alone. God never intended for us to fly solo through life. And when it comes to the clutter of our souls, we may have to call in some help. Asking for help means being vulnerable. It is risky. It is embarrassing. We choose to let someone inside and show them the things we’ve been hiding. I don’t know if you need a good friend, a pastor, or a trained counselor but I can assure you that the journey should be shared. Moses’ arms were held up in his weakness. Paul’s letters reflect a strength that came from knowing that other believers shared his journey. You and I have been given to the body of Christ so that they may be the arms of God to hold us, the feet of God to guide, and the heart of God to love us.”
[Regarding the return of the Prodigal son parable]
He ran to his son, threw His arms around him, and kissed him…not only does He watch expectedly, God runs to us. He sees the repentant heart and the empty hands. He sees His child full of shame over lost riches and stupid choices. He sees the scars of our consequences. And He runs anyways. He covers the distance between us with His own strength. Scooped up into the arms of God. Can you imagine that? Collapsed from exhaustion, strong arms underneath us, crying into His shoulders, the sobs that come from shame, the whaling that grieves our choices and the tears that come from relief, caressed, kissed, and soothed in the arms of Our Father. He brushed the hair from our eyes. He takes our face in His hands. He calms our cries and speaks gentle words over us. Forgiven. Redeemed. Accepted. Loved. Beautiful. Have you made some prodigal choices? Do you want to go home? Then make up your mind to turn in that direction. Prodigals go home empty. It’s okay. Prodigals go home without options or resources. It’s okay. Prodigals go home embarrassed and ashamed. It’s still okay. In your returning, you will receive the blessing of God’s running towards you. His compassion and His kisses. It is incomprehensible grace to be Prodigal who is held by God again. But keep listening, there’s more. The son said to him, father I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. No longer worthy! (Story of prodigal son). He was lost and is found. Let’s just nail something down right now. We are not worthy. We never could be even when we hope we might. We are not able on our own. We are not good enough and never will be. We are not worthy, never have been, and never even had a shot at trying. That is the whole point. That’s the reason we belong to Jesus, because we are not worthy. The question of your worth has been settled. Did you notice how the father replied to the prodigal’s reply of unworthiness? “Quick! Bring the best robe! A ring, sandals, killed the fatted calf, and let’s have a party!” Do you understand that those are God’s words for you too? Instead of a discussion on disfunction or a theological diatribe, God says “let me show you how I feel about you. Your worth is settled because you belong to me.” He is saying to the prodigals “what matters is that you are with me now. You are home. There is no more shame, no more guilt, all is forgiven, let’s celebrate.” While I have been the prodigal, sometimes more often than not, i have been the older brother. Believe it or not, being the elder brother can sometimes take us further from God’s heart than being the Prodigal. Take a look at the one who stayed home. The one who did not rebel or squander his father’s riches. The good one. *told scripture of older brother* have you ever been the good one? I have. I spent most of my life trying to do the right thing. All of my trying and the presence of goodness that I’ve strived for make me well acquainted with the heart and the attitude of the older brother. There is something inside of us elder brother types that we believe if we can follow all of the rules, make wise choices, and live sacrificially, that’s it! That’s what God requires and boom, we’re in the club! The Prodigal knew he was a sinner. The elder brother could not see his own sinfulness. At least the Prodigal knew what he had done. He had willingly chosen rebellion and had came to his senses about it. When the elder brother lashed out in judgement and anger, it only highlighted how blind he was to his own sinfulness. Obedience for the sake of appearance results in religious moralism. The elder brother was very religious, a great list maker and rule follower, but he was just as lost as his younger brother...because the elder brother had not known grace, he was not able to extend grace. The older brother could not give grace to the prodigal because he had not known the grace that was present in his Father. When you live all your life believing love comes by works, then that is the basis in which you give love. When you’ve never believed the Father sees you and calls you beautiful just because you belong to him, then you are not able to extend that same free acceptance and mercy. Life becomes bondage to moral works and living. It’s ironic that the eldest brother thinks he knows. How about you? When have you been the elder brother? When have you held onto self righteous attitudes and rules? When have you forsaken the spirit and the heart of the Father because you chose the letter of the law instead? When have you whined and secretly harbored resentment when someone else was covered by the grace of God? Have you ever thought to yourself, hey wait a minute! They’re getting off too easily. When I am the elder brother, my intimacy with God is hindered by my attitude and my judgmental spirit. When I have been the elder brother, oh how my heart ached under the weight of such great animosity. Whether you are the Prodigal or the elder brother, the answer is the same. Take everything that keeps you from His arms to the cross and leave it there. Think about of where you struggle or what issues gives you pain. Take it to God by way of prayer. And keeping taking them until they are no longer yours. They have been paid for in full. Only the blood of Christ is enough to cover the pain and ugliness of your suffering. The strength to finally be free of your bondage is there.
Memorable quotes and ideas:
“Realize that you may have to call for help. I am absolutely the worst at doing this… don’t want to inconvenience anyone. Don’t want them to hesitate when I ask. Don’t want to be needy or helpless or weak. A friend said, “I know that you think that you are strong. Maybe you really are. But if there was ever a time in life where you needed someone beside you, it would be now. This is not a stand up and prove you can do it time. This is a bear one another’s burdens time. This is a get on an airplane and come and stand with you time. This is the time to ask your friends to hold you up.” When it was time to walk through my clutter, I had mistakenly decide that God would be my only strength and I could prove that by standing alone. It was a misguided attempt at being spiritual and depending on God. I don’t have to do this alone. I don’t have to walk alone. Oh, thank you God. Being a part of a community of believers is about relationships. We were not made to do it alone. God never intended for us to fly solo through life. And when it comes to the clutter of our souls, we may have to call in some help. Asking for help means being vulnerable. It is risky. It is embarrassing. We choose to let someone inside and show them the things we’ve been hiding. I don’t know if you need a good friend, a pastor, or a trained counselor but I can assure you that the journey should be shared. Moses’ arms were held up in his weakness. Paul’s letters reflect a strength that came from knowing that other believers shared his journey. You and I have been given to the body of Christ so that they may be the arms of God to hold us, the feet of God to guide, and the heart of God to love us.”
[Regarding the return of the Prodigal son parable]
He ran to his son, threw His arms around him, and kissed him…not only does He watch expectedly, God runs to us. He sees the repentant heart and the empty hands. He sees His child full of shame over lost riches and stupid choices. He sees the scars of our consequences. And He runs anyways. He covers the distance between us with His own strength. Scooped up into the arms of God. Can you imagine that? Collapsed from exhaustion, strong arms underneath us, crying into His shoulders, the sobs that come from shame, the whaling that grieves our choices and the tears that come from relief, caressed, kissed, and soothed in the arms of Our Father. He brushed the hair from our eyes. He takes our face in His hands. He calms our cries and speaks gentle words over us. Forgiven. Redeemed. Accepted. Loved. Beautiful. Have you made some prodigal choices? Do you want to go home? Then make up your mind to turn in that direction. Prodigals go home empty. It’s okay. Prodigals go home without options or resources. It’s okay. Prodigals go home embarrassed and ashamed. It’s still okay. In your returning, you will receive the blessing of God’s running towards you. His compassion and His kisses. It is incomprehensible grace to be Prodigal who is held by God again. But keep listening, there’s more. The son said to him, father I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. No longer worthy! (Story of prodigal son). He was lost and is found. Let’s just nail something down right now. We are not worthy. We never could be even when we hope we might. We are not able on our own. We are not good enough and never will be. We are not worthy, never have been, and never even had a shot at trying. That is the whole point. That’s the reason we belong to Jesus, because we are not worthy. The question of your worth has been settled. Did you notice how the father replied to the prodigal’s reply of unworthiness? “Quick! Bring the best robe! A ring, sandals, killed the fatted calf, and let’s have a party!” Do you understand that those are God’s words for you too? Instead of a discussion on disfunction or a theological diatribe, God says “let me show you how I feel about you. Your worth is settled because you belong to me.” He is saying to the prodigals “what matters is that you are with me now. You are home. There is no more shame, no more guilt, all is forgiven, let’s celebrate.” While I have been the prodigal, sometimes more often than not, i have been the older brother. Believe it or not, being the elder brother can sometimes take us further from God’s heart than being the Prodigal. Take a look at the one who stayed home. The one who did not rebel or squander his father’s riches. The good one. *told scripture of older brother* have you ever been the good one? I have. I spent most of my life trying to do the right thing. All of my trying and the presence of goodness that I’ve strived for make me well acquainted with the heart and the attitude of the older brother. There is something inside of us elder brother types that we believe if we can follow all of the rules, make wise choices, and live sacrificially, that’s it! That’s what God requires and boom, we’re in the club! The Prodigal knew he was a sinner. The elder brother could not see his own sinfulness. At least the Prodigal knew what he had done. He had willingly chosen rebellion and had came to his senses about it. When the elder brother lashed out in judgement and anger, it only highlighted how blind he was to his own sinfulness. Obedience for the sake of appearance results in religious moralism. The elder brother was very religious, a great list maker and rule follower, but he was just as lost as his younger brother...because the elder brother had not known grace, he was not able to extend grace. The older brother could not give grace to the prodigal because he had not known the grace that was present in his Father. When you live all your life believing love comes by works, then that is the basis in which you give love. When you’ve never believed the Father sees you and calls you beautiful just because you belong to him, then you are not able to extend that same free acceptance and mercy. Life becomes bondage to moral works and living. It’s ironic that the eldest brother thinks he knows. How about you? When have you been the elder brother? When have you held onto self righteous attitudes and rules? When have you forsaken the spirit and the heart of the Father because you chose the letter of the law instead? When have you whined and secretly harbored resentment when someone else was covered by the grace of God? Have you ever thought to yourself, hey wait a minute! They’re getting off too easily. When I am the elder brother, my intimacy with God is hindered by my attitude and my judgmental spirit. When I have been the elder brother, oh how my heart ached under the weight of such great animosity. Whether you are the Prodigal or the elder brother, the answer is the same. Take everything that keeps you from His arms to the cross and leave it there. Think about of where you struggle or what issues gives you pain. Take it to God by way of prayer. And keeping taking them until they are no longer yours. They have been paid for in full. Only the blood of Christ is enough to cover the pain and ugliness of your suffering. The strength to finally be free of your bondage is there.
February 17, 2009
On reading this a second time, it is still good to hear/be reminded of the message, but it is almost old news and a bit harder to rejoice in.
The one thing that I notice now that I perhaps didn't notice a couple years ago, which comes from my recent experience in a very language conscious church community, is the definite portrayal of God as a masculine/paternal figure. Perhaps this is just because the author is focusing on the heart/perspective of a woman and so wants to compliment/contrast that with the masculine figure, but people who want a more inclusive image/portrayal of God as Father/Mother/He/She/All/Everything could be offended or put off by the book's one-sidedness in this respect.
Read this a few years ago, but I'm re-reading it (felt the urge/need). It's the perfect thing to read AFTER He's Just Not that Into You, especially if you've had such an experience in real life- very encouraging. Makes you feel validated for wanting to feel loved and loved just as you are.
The one thing that I notice now that I perhaps didn't notice a couple years ago, which comes from my recent experience in a very language conscious church community, is the definite portrayal of God as a masculine/paternal figure. Perhaps this is just because the author is focusing on the heart/perspective of a woman and so wants to compliment/contrast that with the masculine figure, but people who want a more inclusive image/portrayal of God as Father/Mother/He/She/All/Everything could be offended or put off by the book's one-sidedness in this respect.
Read this a few years ago, but I'm re-reading it (felt the urge/need). It's the perfect thing to read AFTER He's Just Not that Into You, especially if you've had such an experience in real life- very encouraging. Makes you feel validated for wanting to feel loved and loved just as you are.
February 2, 2014
This is such a good book and such a kind (but important reminder) of who He is and what role He is meant to play in our lives. I highly suggest this for women in general, but even more so for women with self esteem issues. It is a great book.
May 2, 2008
This is a quick but heartfelt read. It feels like a girlfriend is at your house for a sleepover pouring our her heart and wisdom. I think any woman young or old would love this book.
April 11, 2013
I highly recommend this book. I normally think a lot of Christian books about beauty are cheesy. This book cuts right to the heart of the issue. It is also funny and honest.
July 20, 2018
I've had this book on my shelf for about 12 years. I attempted to read it in my early 20s but truthfully, I just didn't resonate with the author's style and depiction of women. So I put it down.
I read it through recently and in my mid-30s, I still do not love this writing style. But, I will say that Angela Thomas probably does speak to most women's heart questions and internal journey. I think most women would appreciate this work on some level.
I do think her thoughts on intimacy with Jesus and the struggles entailed in this specific relationship are fairly accurate.
I think why I didn't love this book is that I found it wasn't especially brave. Through a strong overuse of metaphor and a string of questions posed throughout, there wasn't a whole lot Angela said about herself that was concrete and relatable as I wasn't sure what she was revealing about herself. While I can respect a woman's need for privacy, I think there were points she could have led through deeper transparency as often, women do hide themselves for fear of rejection, criticism, and condemnation. Having women take the reigns and lead through healthy transparency is what our culture, and more so our churches, need.
I read it through recently and in my mid-30s, I still do not love this writing style. But, I will say that Angela Thomas probably does speak to most women's heart questions and internal journey. I think most women would appreciate this work on some level.
I do think her thoughts on intimacy with Jesus and the struggles entailed in this specific relationship are fairly accurate.
I think why I didn't love this book is that I found it wasn't especially brave. Through a strong overuse of metaphor and a string of questions posed throughout, there wasn't a whole lot Angela said about herself that was concrete and relatable as I wasn't sure what she was revealing about herself. While I can respect a woman's need for privacy, I think there were points she could have led through deeper transparency as often, women do hide themselves for fear of rejection, criticism, and condemnation. Having women take the reigns and lead through healthy transparency is what our culture, and more so our churches, need.
June 17, 2020
Pretty Good
This was uplifting and encouraging. I did find it kind of long and drawn out in some chapters. It seems like the same point was being made in hundred different ways, and was kind of losing my attention on some parts, but I stuck with it and finished the book. Overall, there are some really good gems to take away and remember.
This was uplifting and encouraging. I did find it kind of long and drawn out in some chapters. It seems like the same point was being made in hundred different ways, and was kind of losing my attention on some parts, but I stuck with it and finished the book. Overall, there are some really good gems to take away and remember.
October 21, 2021
I read this book a few years ago and it is an exceptionally well-written book that is a joy to read. It reminds women that their self-worth isn't based on how the world views them. It is based on the fact that they are a child of God. I give this book five stars because of the positive impact it had on my life
February 28, 2019
I absolutely love how this book helped me to see that yes, I am beautiful! I liked it even more than Captivating by Stasi Eldredge. It still sits on my bookshelf today and has made it with me through all my moves.
February 19, 2024
It was an easy read but it’s a bit repetitive throughout the book. I really enjoy the Bible study that pairs with this as it is more in depth reflection and is great to do with another lady or ladies.
August 15, 2017
I thought this was very good.
September 23, 2017
Everyone, read this. <3
May 23, 2021
Every woman in the world needs to read this book! Truly helped me Have a much better understanding of how God sees me and how much He loves me. Amazing!!
July 3, 2022
Well written, real life examples questioning a woman’s beauty. Wanting to get asked to dance, picked first, noticed, but it not happening. God thinks we are beautiful! We need only to look to Him.
January 15, 2024
Relatable to the heart
August 17, 2024
The author is so relatable, encouraging, and funny! She is a great storyteller! I would read it again!
May 8, 2025
finished this book in 3 days. so good.
June 16, 2025
A must read for every woman (especially young women) who have ever doubted or questioned their identity in Christ.
February 12, 2010
A non-fiction book about the love affair we (ought to) have with God. It points out scripture after scripture of how God loves us, is enthralled by our beauty and wants us to not be wall-flowers but come dance with him. It's difficult to do it justice in words, but I highly recommend it. I read it in no time and often found myself moved to tears by the beauty of it. Even if nobody else seems to, God loves us above anything else. It took some getting used to, to read of God's love as a romantic love, but then it struck me, why not? There are different kinds of love - romantic love, friendship love and family love, just to mention the most obvious ones. If I'd ever thought to categorize God's love (other than 'just') being divine), I'd have called it family love. But isn't that limiting God's love? After all, Jesus calls us friends (John 15 somewhere), so obviously there's friendship love involved as well, and a marriage is pretty empty without romantic love, so when we're called to be the bride and Jesus the bridegroom, shouldn't that be included as well? Huh... I'd never thought of that before, but put like that, I guess it makes sense?
I now regret it took me so long to read it, as it might have been able to help me through some of the hard times by teaching me not to rely solely on others for my happiness and feeling of self-worth, but leaving that in the hands of God.
Reread in 2010: While I still greatly appreciated the message shared in the book, I wasn't quite as blown away by it as on my first read through and therefore had to downscale my rating to 4 stars. I'm not sure what the difference is, only it jumped out at me on this read-through that Angela Thomas spends a lot of time on the theory, and very little on how to put it into practice. I think just about any Christian woman would want to dance with God, but if a person doesn't know how to actually go about doing it, they won't necessarily learn it from this book.
On the other hand, they might. And it's still a beautiful sentiment and theory, so I'd still highly recommend it.
I now regret it took me so long to read it, as it might have been able to help me through some of the hard times by teaching me not to rely solely on others for my happiness and feeling of self-worth, but leaving that in the hands of God.
Reread in 2010: While I still greatly appreciated the message shared in the book, I wasn't quite as blown away by it as on my first read through and therefore had to downscale my rating to 4 stars. I'm not sure what the difference is, only it jumped out at me on this read-through that Angela Thomas spends a lot of time on the theory, and very little on how to put it into practice. I think just about any Christian woman would want to dance with God, but if a person doesn't know how to actually go about doing it, they won't necessarily learn it from this book.
On the other hand, they might. And it's still a beautiful sentiment and theory, so I'd still highly recommend it.
July 29, 2015
A book about the author's experience of God. She dances with Him and finds encouragement in His presence as she delights in Him. Best part is her discussion on the elder brother (pgs. 109-119). Elder brother doesn't know his sin or know grace. He's still in his fears, sin, and unforgiveness. No compassion for prodigal brother. He thinks God's approval is based on works so he judges others/prodigal by their works. Author states the elder brother misses out on dancing with God. I believe author's defines dancing with God as letting go of hindrances like anger so you can hear God's music, know His grace, and rejoice in the freedom of His love (pg. 111).
Also good is chapter 10. I was amazed at how the author handled all the crazy things people said to her. She saw everyone as a potential friend and was not easily offended, but gave everyone grace. I was touched by crown of beauty giving someone the ability to give others grace and mercy, and her discussion of Isaiah 61:1-3.
Though the author uses scripture to relay her meaning, she doesn't always reference it. I'm not sure dancing with God is scriptural, but it's a popular notion today. David danced before God, not with Him. 2 Samuel 6:14 "And David was dancing before the Lord with all his might, and David was wearing a linen ephod." Also, Psalm 149:3 "Let them praise His name with dancing; Let them sing praises to Him with timbrel and lyre." Dancing in praise of God is in scripture; dancing with God is not something I've found in scripture. But as I said, book is about author's experience of God. Maybe I'm not hearing the music yet and need to know God more and depend on Him more to be able to dance with Him.
Very real, emotionally transparent writing.
Also good is chapter 10. I was amazed at how the author handled all the crazy things people said to her. She saw everyone as a potential friend and was not easily offended, but gave everyone grace. I was touched by crown of beauty giving someone the ability to give others grace and mercy, and her discussion of Isaiah 61:1-3.
Though the author uses scripture to relay her meaning, she doesn't always reference it. I'm not sure dancing with God is scriptural, but it's a popular notion today. David danced before God, not with Him. 2 Samuel 6:14 "And David was dancing before the Lord with all his might, and David was wearing a linen ephod." Also, Psalm 149:3 "Let them praise His name with dancing; Let them sing praises to Him with timbrel and lyre." Dancing in praise of God is in scripture; dancing with God is not something I've found in scripture. But as I said, book is about author's experience of God. Maybe I'm not hearing the music yet and need to know God more and depend on Him more to be able to dance with Him.
Very real, emotionally transparent writing.
January 7, 2014
Angela Thomas travels around the United States to visit young teens and adults to talk about her story. She wrote this book to tell her story about her journey. She wasn't the most beautiful girl, as she said about herself. She prayed to god asking why couldn't she be like the others? She later dated this guy that broke her heart. She went through trouble because she didn't understand and throughout the book she always questioned if she was beautiful. SO really, during the book she really just talks about her asking god if she is beautiful and their relationship throughout this book. She prays, and he answers her prayers in a very creative way, it is very interesting! She awaits her true love and at the end, well I couldn't tell you that! I really did enjoy this book a lot. It was a religious based book. Even if you are not, it is still a beautiful story to read. I recommend this books mostly to girls, it sure was a good feeling reading it.
July 5, 2021
I read this in January of 2016, now I have just finished reading it again. I gave it 3 stars last time and 5 this time, because it spoke to me in a way that I needed right now. Everything Angela Thomas wrote on these pages I have been refreshed by as I approach 50. It spoke to my brokenness and brought healing to my heart. I may never understand God's purpose in my life nor feel like I accomplished much, but He sees me. He notices me, He brings forgiveness, compassion, and mercy anew. He thinks I am beautiful and listens to me no matter how repetitive my prayers are. He doesn't mind, He listens....He chooses to listen to me. This book has brought healing to my soul as I now live in a world very few people can understand. My life looks so different than I thought it would and this book has given me hope that I don't have to be stuck. Life is going to be okay, just not like I had hoped.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2015
Angela Thomas asks the questions that lurk in every woman's heart, beginning with "Do you think I'm beautiful?" Her thesis is that God creates every woman beautiful, but because of life and the inevitable brokenness that comes, we choose to focus on the lies rather than God' Truth. Using the metaphor of life as a dance, she goes on to address the heart issues women face
While we may think that Cinderella stories began with Walt Disney, Thomas takes us back to the Bible and God's initial plan for us. He has created us in His image; He has chosen us; He loves us--and He asserts that as King He desires (is enthralled by)our beauty (Ps. 45:10-11).
Thomas writes, using humor, personal anecdotes, and vulnerability as she addresses issues related to our identity. While the book is very readable, it is also challenging and searching.
While we may think that Cinderella stories began with Walt Disney, Thomas takes us back to the Bible and God's initial plan for us. He has created us in His image; He has chosen us; He loves us--and He asserts that as King He desires (is enthralled by)our beauty (Ps. 45:10-11).
Thomas writes, using humor, personal anecdotes, and vulnerability as she addresses issues related to our identity. While the book is very readable, it is also challenging and searching.
August 30, 2013
An examination of wounds and brokenness that keep us from fully accepting God's love for us. I imagine this could be a healing, powerful book for some women. Personally I grew a bit weary of the relentlessly emotional and sentimental content.
While there are many and great precedents in Christian tradition for mystical marriage language, I found Thomas's depiction of romantic relationship with God limiting and not particularly resonant. The metaphor of God as Bridegroom is profound, but it is not the only metaphor we have. By relying too heavily on it, we perpetuate our perception of God as unremittingly masculine, and hamper ourselves with a correspondingly truncated view of our own gender.
While there are many and great precedents in Christian tradition for mystical marriage language, I found Thomas's depiction of romantic relationship with God limiting and not particularly resonant. The metaphor of God as Bridegroom is profound, but it is not the only metaphor we have. By relying too heavily on it, we perpetuate our perception of God as unremittingly masculine, and hamper ourselves with a correspondingly truncated view of our own gender.
May 31, 2007
This is a book from a Bible study that I'm currently doing, and I have to say that I'm really not loving it. We're doing the study with an accompanying workbook, which requires a major time commitment. Again, if I put the work into it (approximate equivalent: 3 credit-hour 200 level college course), I might get more out of it. This book is more enjoyable to read than the other Bible-study book I've posted, but it seems to only offer you some substantive help if you're willing to work on it all the time.
October 2, 2007
This book really opened my eyes to how narrow my view of God's love for me was. Angela Thomas' idea may not resonate with everyone, but it spoke directly to my soul.
God's love is so all-encompassing that he doesn't just love me as his little child, he also loves me like Prince Charming loves Cinderella.
Great book about womanhood and a woman's relationship with God.
God's love is so all-encompassing that he doesn't just love me as his little child, he also loves me like Prince Charming loves Cinderella.
Great book about womanhood and a woman's relationship with God.
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