Gift-Wrapped by God

by Linda Dillow, Lorraine Pintus

Women who have maintained their sexual purity often ask, "Is it "really" that important for me to wait until I get married?" Meanwhile, single women who have been sexually active mourn the loss of their innocence, wishing they could somehow start again.
Women want to protect the purity that is God's gift to them, and they also long to be loved. This volatile combination makes them vulnerable to temptation. That is why it is vital that women know not only that God wants them to wait, but "why" God wants them to do so. They need solid reasons, conviction, and a strategy that will prepare them to live out their sexual purity as God intends.
Filled with powerful true stories of hope and healing, "Gift-Wrapped by God" provides compelling emotional and spiritual reasons for choosing God's path of sexual purity, as well as practical help for following it. Whether women have held onto their sexual innocence, have become prematurely sexually active, or have had their purity taken by force, they "can "express and fulfill their desire to come to their wedding day--and live out every day--sexually pure and whole. "From the Hardcover edition."

Genres: Marriage, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Spirituality

Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Linda Dillow is no stranger to publishing and adventure. She's the author of Creative Counterpart, Calm My Anxious Heart, and The Blessings Book. Linda and her husband Jody lived in Europe and Asia for 17 years training Christian leaders in closed countries with Biblical Education by Extension, During this time, Linda traveled extensively in Romania, Russia, Hungary, Poland and Asia. She taught women and helped them launch women's ministries. This fire for encouraging and educating others continues as she speaks at women's conferences here and abroad.

Linda's newest adventure is a new ministry that she started with Dr. Juli Slattery- Authentic Intimacy. This ministry focuses on women and their intimacy with their husbands and God.

Linda and Jody Dillow have been married forty years. She is a mother of four children, as well as a grandmother.

Reviews

[Shantelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book about sexuality, faith, and intimacy that I highly recommend to women! These authors are not afraid to be real and go deep. Lots of raw, insightful, and inspiring stories. "Gift-Wrapped by God" can both help to heal from sexual regrets, and get one excited about God's design for sex and marriage!

[lidia · Rating 1 out of 5]

there are some good parts i suppose but its harmful and if youre not a virgin reading this it will make u shameful. I guess if you are set on following the Bible and you want to wait then this could be of some kind of guide but i think it sends harmful signals and i dont think for example that sexual assault survivors have to "repent their sins" because they didnt wait till marriage??
anyway, i guess there are worse books like this out there and if ur gonna follow these teachings anyway there are worse guides to read but stilll im sorry but this made me feel entirely shit for everything i ve ever done and im a virgin so
the writers do try to be a bit kinder than a lot of christian books but all this slut shaming and virgin praising perpetuates rape culture.
would not recommend on anyone whos having doubts about her fate, or maybe i would cause this book among others helped me realize that i dont want to be a part of this religion.
Also, i wanted to say, if youre someone feeling shameful for their sexual history and sexuality, God really does love you and u DO NOT have to change who you are to be worthy of love.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the rare books I think every single girl/woman should read!

[Aleena Grosjean · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book by the author to read for my nieces. There were several chapters that were really convicting for me and I've been married for twenty years! I plan to give it to my nieces and then discuss. I think they do a good job of balancing how to handle sex if you have waited and if you haven't. Purity is a daily walk with Christ and even when we mess up, He has already shed the blood for that, too and He continues to guide and lead us with His love. I agree with one of the other reviews about some in detail stories that may not be appropriate for younger girls, but I think reading this as a mom/aunt with your girls and discussing is very beneficial.

[Casey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the authors' information on how to practically put into effect principles to help you save the precious Gift. Their chapters on renewing the flower bed of your mind, setting your will, fighting temptation, etc. were extremely helpful to me. The reason for my lower rating was that I feel that this book should not be read by younger teen girls...although everything is presented from a biblical standpoint, there are several stories from new brides talking about their wedding nights, some pretty dark descriptions of sexual abuse, and women sharing stories of their lost virginity that may be a little uncomfortable and shocking to the more innocent readers. All in all, a very important book showcasing the truth of why sexual purity is a BATTLE that is important to fight!

[Rebecca May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended!
I'm thankful for my Christian friend who let me borrow this book :) I honestly want to throw this book at the first chapter. I guess it's the guilty conscience in me. But this book helped me turn my life around. And it made me feel closer to God and more open to God. My battle is not that easy after reading...but this book is my reminder that God is not finish with me yet, Whatever I am today - I'm not a lost cause <3

[Andy Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for single girls/women who want to live the single stage of life honoring God. I read it to get another perspective on purity. Women struggle with it just like men. This book addresses purity, waiting, dating and finding contentment while being single. The authors give many personal stories which help to drive home the points.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MUST read for all teenage girls. I also encourage all mothers to read this book who have daughters. Even if you daughter is elementary age, I encourage mothers to read this. It will encourage you on the path of living a pure life in all areas of your life

[Alisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for any woman, but especially good for teenagers to read! Helps you understand why God thinks sexual purity is so important. And for those who have been prematurely sexually active there is much to say about the restoration & healing from God to become pure and whole again.

[Dawne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was crying by the 3rd chapter. Crying with the joy of new understanding about my journey as a woman and with thanksgiving to a God who is in love with me. Five stars for the insight found in this book.

A must read for every woman, single or married.

[Whitney · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good to read- for any girl.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this a long time ago. But, I remember it being great :)

[Sher❤ The Fabulous BookLover · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is what every woman needs and waits for.