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The Blessed Woman: Learning About Grace from the Women of the Bible
Discover the True Meaning of Being Blessed
It’s not easy being a woman. The demands and expectations of us, and those we place on ourselves, can be overwhelming. While trying to navigate this thing called “life,” have you ever longed for a close friend, confidant, or mentor to walk alongside you and encourage you in Biblical womanhood? Debbie Morris did. And yet even as a young minister’s wife, she found herself without someone to fill this all-important role. So she turned to the Bible. Biblical women such as Eve, Sarah, and Miriam had always fascinated her. But now they also became her friends, sisters, and teachers. Through their stories, the Holy Spirit revealed how their lives—both joys and struggles—weren’t that much different from ours today and how they can teach women today to be a grace-filled, life-giving woman of God.
In The Blessed Woman, Debbie invites you to learn from these women as well. As she shares her own stories and the stories of discerning women in the Bible, she addresses topics such as overcoming insecurity, finding purpose, establishing priorities, letting go, and waiting. The Blessed Woman reminds us how God longs for every woman to experience His tenderness—and to know the true meaning of being blessed.
It’s not easy being a woman. The demands and expectations of us, and those we place on ourselves, can be overwhelming. While trying to navigate this thing called “life,” have you ever longed for a close friend, confidant, or mentor to walk alongside you and encourage you in Biblical womanhood? Debbie Morris did. And yet even as a young minister’s wife, she found herself without someone to fill this all-important role. So she turned to the Bible. Biblical women such as Eve, Sarah, and Miriam had always fascinated her. But now they also became her friends, sisters, and teachers. Through their stories, the Holy Spirit revealed how their lives—both joys and struggles—weren’t that much different from ours today and how they can teach women today to be a grace-filled, life-giving woman of God.
In The Blessed Woman, Debbie invites you to learn from these women as well. As she shares her own stories and the stories of discerning women in the Bible, she addresses topics such as overcoming insecurity, finding purpose, establishing priorities, letting go, and waiting. The Blessed Woman reminds us how God longs for every woman to experience His tenderness—and to know the true meaning of being blessed.
- GenresNonfictionChristian
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 10, 2013
I was pretty disappointed with this book. It was very promising in the beginning, but as I moved further into the book her social and religious conservatism totally ruined it for me. I found her chapter on submissiveness downright offensive, as a 20-something woman. May be some women's cup of tea, but her views are too narrow for me to the point of offensiveness.
January 26, 2021
I only got about 40% if the way through the book. I keep stumbling every time I try to go through it. I'm listening to the audio book and I think I need to break down and get the paper back so I can see what I'm hearing.
I do enjoy listening to the book. My main issue is that she speaks of Jael, who in Judges 4 is said to have driven a tent spike through Sisera's head, as this weak frightened woman who sinfully comforts the evil Sisera and then changes her mind after realizing her mistake and kills him. Morris does not seem to entertain the idea that Jael went along with this mighty warrior in order to win a fight, or that any other motivation but her fear could have caused her to allow him into her tent. As if she could have said no.... Anyway, judges 5 sings her praises, calling her blessed of women and mother to Israel. I wouldn't struggle with this so much if Morris left it open, like the scriptures do, allowing for the idea that Jael could've made a mistake and changed her actions from nurturing to feirce, or that she could have just played along to get the opportunity to end his life and save Israel.
The first time I listened I stopped here. This time, I made it all the way to chapter 6 where she (Morris) invents this whole supposed conflict between moses and his wife. I do think it's easy and reasonable to assume there was some strain there, and I've always felt bad for Zipporah. But this bridegroom of blood thing,where she circumcises their son and throws the flesh at his feet... Morris makes it sound like this spiteful tantrum of the 'Fine! Have it your way!!' variety. If you read the context it is still difficult to see what in the world is happening. However, you see that God sends moses to do His will, and on his way to accomplish this mission God is ready to intercede.... And kill moses. Immediately Zipporah jumps in with this circumcision bit and Moses is allowed to live. I wouldn't go so far as to say Zipporah was anything other than angry, frustrated or at least scared, but it's clear she's saved the day. What's not clear is her motivation. Was she, a Midianite woman, daughter of a priest no less, actually a follower of the God of Israel? I don't know. I think she could have been, but she also could have angry and doing this out of spite.
In both instances I just struggle with such liberty being taken with only a few verses. I also think the scriptures seem to oppose Morris's opinion and I wonder if she made it fit her lesson.
I'll pick it up and read it again I imagine. I do see good biblical information here, but it stirs me up in these two instances and I needed a break. Again. Lol.
I do enjoy listening to the book. My main issue is that she speaks of Jael, who in Judges 4 is said to have driven a tent spike through Sisera's head, as this weak frightened woman who sinfully comforts the evil Sisera and then changes her mind after realizing her mistake and kills him. Morris does not seem to entertain the idea that Jael went along with this mighty warrior in order to win a fight, or that any other motivation but her fear could have caused her to allow him into her tent. As if she could have said no.... Anyway, judges 5 sings her praises, calling her blessed of women and mother to Israel. I wouldn't struggle with this so much if Morris left it open, like the scriptures do, allowing for the idea that Jael could've made a mistake and changed her actions from nurturing to feirce, or that she could have just played along to get the opportunity to end his life and save Israel.
The first time I listened I stopped here. This time, I made it all the way to chapter 6 where she (Morris) invents this whole supposed conflict between moses and his wife. I do think it's easy and reasonable to assume there was some strain there, and I've always felt bad for Zipporah. But this bridegroom of blood thing,where she circumcises their son and throws the flesh at his feet... Morris makes it sound like this spiteful tantrum of the 'Fine! Have it your way!!' variety. If you read the context it is still difficult to see what in the world is happening. However, you see that God sends moses to do His will, and on his way to accomplish this mission God is ready to intercede.... And kill moses. Immediately Zipporah jumps in with this circumcision bit and Moses is allowed to live. I wouldn't go so far as to say Zipporah was anything other than angry, frustrated or at least scared, but it's clear she's saved the day. What's not clear is her motivation. Was she, a Midianite woman, daughter of a priest no less, actually a follower of the God of Israel? I don't know. I think she could have been, but she also could have angry and doing this out of spite.
In both instances I just struggle with such liberty being taken with only a few verses. I also think the scriptures seem to oppose Morris's opinion and I wonder if she made it fit her lesson.
I'll pick it up and read it again I imagine. I do see good biblical information here, but it stirs me up in these two instances and I needed a break. Again. Lol.
January 25, 2018
The timing of this book is incredible! I picked it up off of a table at a place we’ve been don’t ministry. Each chapter spoke to me in ways I can’t even explain. What a joy this was. Reading again soon!
July 4, 2018
This book started out boring and I had the impression that the author was legalistic and a push over in her marriage. My opinion changed after the second or so chapter. Was a very good book that left me in tears several times. I feel very uplifted after having read it.
September 8, 2023
I loved this book so much! We even studied this book in our women's group at church. Each chapter stands on its own. Easy read that keeps one's interest.
September 6, 2013
I appreciated this book after having to have read a rather obnoxious Christian self-help book for women this summer with my church. I have grown very tired of Christian middle-school topics being pitched to mature Christian women and everyone “loving it”. I was ready for something more grown-up by the end of the summer study and this seemed like a good turn: reading about women of the bible and learning from them. What a refreshing idea!
The concept of the book was appealing to me: finding mentors in the bible when you can’t find them in real life. I don’t think there was anything terribly earth-shattering in terms of biblical study in this book, but it was mostly well written and with some good analysis of the characters. While I found the last chapter a bit trite (and unfair in her categorization and condemnation of Orpah), I did like what Morris had to say about the idea of maturity and leadership, teaching and bringing others along in the journey. In its usefulness I can see this book being more productive as a discussion with other women (utilizing the book study in the back of the book would be a good starting point) where you can ease away from denominational doctrine and boundaries.
Of particular interest were the chapters on Eve for her depiction of a woman without the benefit of a community of women who had gone before her; Mary for her devotion to God while facing an uncertain future; and Hannah for giving her heart’s desire back to God again and again (even when fulfilled).
There were drawbacks to this otherwise benign study: Her criticism of some women appeared to be too harsh. This is only compounded by the last chapter that encourages women not to tear one another down to get ahead. Morris seems fine with tearing down some of the women in scripture to make her points. Also, I don’t know that this book was really written for women who aren’t married with children. Nearly every non-scriptural analogy Morris offered hinged on her husband or children. I am married with a child, but I’d like to think I could offer some teaching from my life that didn’t start off with “So, my husband and I…“ or “when I talk to my daughter…” Further, her constant need to refer to her husband was tolerable in the beginning of the book (frankly, I’d probably write a fair amount about my husband if I were writing about my life), but as the book went on I realized she couldn’t really go that long without mentioning him. It became an annoyance that she didn’t really seem to have much to say that wasn’t about or credited to her husband.
I didn’t know anything about Morris or her husband when I selected this book to read. It had an attractive title, subtitle and inviting cover, so I picked it. Apparently Morris’ husband has a big church in Texas (I’ve never heard of him or his church), but I kind of got the feeling that she assumed everyone knows who her [big shot?] husband is, calling him one of his generations ‘greatest speakers’. I try to avoid biographical information about authors prior to reading their books simply because I believe someone’s work should stand on its own and insecure writers tend to put their pedigree in the pages. I kind of wish Morris’ editor had extracted more of the information plugging their church and her husband’s ministry.
I can say that Morris’ idea was one that I will follow, rather than reading this book again, I think I’ll just take my time and do my own study on the women I find inspiring from scripture.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
The concept of the book was appealing to me: finding mentors in the bible when you can’t find them in real life. I don’t think there was anything terribly earth-shattering in terms of biblical study in this book, but it was mostly well written and with some good analysis of the characters. While I found the last chapter a bit trite (and unfair in her categorization and condemnation of Orpah), I did like what Morris had to say about the idea of maturity and leadership, teaching and bringing others along in the journey. In its usefulness I can see this book being more productive as a discussion with other women (utilizing the book study in the back of the book would be a good starting point) where you can ease away from denominational doctrine and boundaries.
Of particular interest were the chapters on Eve for her depiction of a woman without the benefit of a community of women who had gone before her; Mary for her devotion to God while facing an uncertain future; and Hannah for giving her heart’s desire back to God again and again (even when fulfilled).
There were drawbacks to this otherwise benign study: Her criticism of some women appeared to be too harsh. This is only compounded by the last chapter that encourages women not to tear one another down to get ahead. Morris seems fine with tearing down some of the women in scripture to make her points. Also, I don’t know that this book was really written for women who aren’t married with children. Nearly every non-scriptural analogy Morris offered hinged on her husband or children. I am married with a child, but I’d like to think I could offer some teaching from my life that didn’t start off with “So, my husband and I…“ or “when I talk to my daughter…” Further, her constant need to refer to her husband was tolerable in the beginning of the book (frankly, I’d probably write a fair amount about my husband if I were writing about my life), but as the book went on I realized she couldn’t really go that long without mentioning him. It became an annoyance that she didn’t really seem to have much to say that wasn’t about or credited to her husband.
I didn’t know anything about Morris or her husband when I selected this book to read. It had an attractive title, subtitle and inviting cover, so I picked it. Apparently Morris’ husband has a big church in Texas (I’ve never heard of him or his church), but I kind of got the feeling that she assumed everyone knows who her [big shot?] husband is, calling him one of his generations ‘greatest speakers’. I try to avoid biographical information about authors prior to reading their books simply because I believe someone’s work should stand on its own and insecure writers tend to put their pedigree in the pages. I kind of wish Morris’ editor had extracted more of the information plugging their church and her husband’s ministry.
I can say that Morris’ idea was one that I will follow, rather than reading this book again, I think I’ll just take my time and do my own study on the women I find inspiring from scripture.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
May 28, 2013
etails from the Publisher:
Discover the True Meaning of Being Blessed
It’s not easy being a woman. The demands and expectations of us, and those we place on ourselves, can be overwhelming. While trying to navigate this thing called “life,” have you ever longed for a close friend, confidant, or mentor to walk alongside you and encourage you in Biblical womanhood? Debbie Morris did. And yet even as a young minister’s wife, she found herself without someone to fill this all-important role. So she turned to the Bible. Biblical women such as Eve, Sarah, and Miriam had always fascinated her. But now they also became her friends, sisters, and teachers. Through their stories, the Holy Spirit revealed how their lives—both joys and struggles—weren’t that much different from ours today and how they can teach women today to be a grace-filled, life-giving woman of God.
In The Blessed Woman, Debbie invites you to learn from these women as well. As she shares her own stories and the stories of discerning women in the Bible, she addresses topics such as overcoming insecurity, finding purpose, establishing priorities, letting go, and waiting. The Blessed Woman reminds us how God longs for every woman to experience His tenderness—and to know the true meaning of being blessed.
This was an amazing book. It takes you through the women in the bible and teaches you through their own experiences. I love the fact that there is a Bible study in the back to help make you ponder over what you have read, and to apply it in your life. I have been looking for a study like this for some time, and I will be using this in women's ministry!
This is a great book for self study, or for a group format. Totally enjoyable, well written and easy to follow. Thanks!
About the Author:
Debbie Morris is the executive pastor of women’s ministry at Gateway Church, a multi-campus church in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. Since it began in 2000, the church has grown to more than 24,000 active members. Debbie has been married for more than thirty years to Gateway’s founding senior pastor, Robert Morris, and they have three grown children.
Blessed Woman Video
I received this book free from the publisher (WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group) . I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Discover the True Meaning of Being Blessed
It’s not easy being a woman. The demands and expectations of us, and those we place on ourselves, can be overwhelming. While trying to navigate this thing called “life,” have you ever longed for a close friend, confidant, or mentor to walk alongside you and encourage you in Biblical womanhood? Debbie Morris did. And yet even as a young minister’s wife, she found herself without someone to fill this all-important role. So she turned to the Bible. Biblical women such as Eve, Sarah, and Miriam had always fascinated her. But now they also became her friends, sisters, and teachers. Through their stories, the Holy Spirit revealed how their lives—both joys and struggles—weren’t that much different from ours today and how they can teach women today to be a grace-filled, life-giving woman of God.
In The Blessed Woman, Debbie invites you to learn from these women as well. As she shares her own stories and the stories of discerning women in the Bible, she addresses topics such as overcoming insecurity, finding purpose, establishing priorities, letting go, and waiting. The Blessed Woman reminds us how God longs for every woman to experience His tenderness—and to know the true meaning of being blessed.
This was an amazing book. It takes you through the women in the bible and teaches you through their own experiences. I love the fact that there is a Bible study in the back to help make you ponder over what you have read, and to apply it in your life. I have been looking for a study like this for some time, and I will be using this in women's ministry!
This is a great book for self study, or for a group format. Totally enjoyable, well written and easy to follow. Thanks!
About the Author:
Debbie Morris is the executive pastor of women’s ministry at Gateway Church, a multi-campus church in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. Since it began in 2000, the church has grown to more than 24,000 active members. Debbie has been married for more than thirty years to Gateway’s founding senior pastor, Robert Morris, and they have three grown children.
Blessed Woman Video
I received this book free from the publisher (WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group) . I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
May 15, 2013
Terrific Concept – Women From The Bibles As Mentors!
What a clever idea! Wish I had thought of it! So often, I had wished I had a female mentor to give advice on a particular situation. How ironic that there is a whole group of women within the pages of the Bible that I could look to for advice on everything from mothering (and learning how to let go and trust God), to keeping a good attitude (even when things don’t go according to plan) to a finding a purpose among life’s most painful struggles, and so much more.
Debbie Morris cleverly designed this book by examining the life of 12 women from the Bible and identified the key lessons that we can learn from each woman -- sometimes a very different twist from what we’ve traditionally learned. Each of the twelve chapters focuses on a different woman. There are study guide questions in the back of the book so that you can use this in a small group or as a women’s Bible study. Unlike other books where the discussion questions at the end seem to be an after-thought to fill the pages, a quick glance through many of the questions in this book made me think that this would be a great study to do with a group of women. Many of the questions are well thought out and carry over the message from the chapter and allow you to explore that issue at a deeper level. Since they are based on personal application, it makes for a much more interesting discussion with a group vs. the questions that ask you to look up a scripture and describe what it says.
Since Debbie’s husband has written one of my very favorite books of all time (The God I Never Knew: How Real Friendship With The Holy Spirit Can Change Your Life by Robert Morris), I was eager to read this book to understand more about Debbie’s ministry too and their journey together in building Gateway Church (with weekly attendance that averages 20,000 people…that started in their home over 12 years ago!)
I would highly recommend this book to other women. It’s an easy read, written in a very conversational tone. Debbie makes the book interesting by sharing her life lessons along the way and how it relates to the lessons she learned from each woman in the Bible.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers in exchange for my fair and honest opinion of this book.
What a clever idea! Wish I had thought of it! So often, I had wished I had a female mentor to give advice on a particular situation. How ironic that there is a whole group of women within the pages of the Bible that I could look to for advice on everything from mothering (and learning how to let go and trust God), to keeping a good attitude (even when things don’t go according to plan) to a finding a purpose among life’s most painful struggles, and so much more.
Debbie Morris cleverly designed this book by examining the life of 12 women from the Bible and identified the key lessons that we can learn from each woman -- sometimes a very different twist from what we’ve traditionally learned. Each of the twelve chapters focuses on a different woman. There are study guide questions in the back of the book so that you can use this in a small group or as a women’s Bible study. Unlike other books where the discussion questions at the end seem to be an after-thought to fill the pages, a quick glance through many of the questions in this book made me think that this would be a great study to do with a group of women. Many of the questions are well thought out and carry over the message from the chapter and allow you to explore that issue at a deeper level. Since they are based on personal application, it makes for a much more interesting discussion with a group vs. the questions that ask you to look up a scripture and describe what it says.
Since Debbie’s husband has written one of my very favorite books of all time (The God I Never Knew: How Real Friendship With The Holy Spirit Can Change Your Life by Robert Morris), I was eager to read this book to understand more about Debbie’s ministry too and their journey together in building Gateway Church (with weekly attendance that averages 20,000 people…that started in their home over 12 years ago!)
I would highly recommend this book to other women. It’s an easy read, written in a very conversational tone. Debbie makes the book interesting by sharing her life lessons along the way and how it relates to the lessons she learned from each woman in the Bible.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers in exchange for my fair and honest opinion of this book.
June 5, 2013
Debbie Morris has written a treasure. This book is not only a great read but it engages the reader and leads us back to the source of truth, the Bible. I love inspirational books but this one not only inspires it teaches. She uses the women of the Bible to teach life lessons like a mother would teach her daughter. The reader will find lessons on faith, grace, mentoring, raising children, confronting the enemy and more. However, the way she presents these topics is not in some boring classroom lecture style. She brings the stories of these Biblical women to life. The reader can easily relate, find wisdom, and guidance from their stories and hers.
She not only shares the Women of the Bible stories, she shares her own. You can hear the honesty in them as well. I have read plenty of books on forgiveness and the writer always makes it seem so easy to forgive. As much as I try I don't feel it's easy and then feel I am a failure at being a good forgiver. Debbie Morris showed me it's not easy. In chapter 4 she says this: "...God had taught him by praying for the person who wronged him, he would break free from the dislike and unforgiveness he felt towards that person. I didn't want to hear that! But I swallowed my irritation and put the principle into practice. Every time I caught myself reopening the case in my mental courtroom, I prayed. I'll confess that at first my prayers weren't very nice." Honesty! Finally, it's not as easy as all the other books have talked about. Someone has finally admitted they struggle with this issue as well.
I won't exaggerate and say this book will solve all your problems. But I do believe it is a fantastic source for guidance and wisdom. She writes as a woman who has not simply studied the concepts she speaks on, but who seems to have lived them and has put them into practice. I enjoyed reading this book and I look forward to sharing it with other women in my life who may need a Biblical female as a mentor. I'm excited to have received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. It will remain as a staple resource on my book shelf.
To learn more about Debbie Morris visit her website or listen to the Podcast on The Blessed Woman.
She not only shares the Women of the Bible stories, she shares her own. You can hear the honesty in them as well. I have read plenty of books on forgiveness and the writer always makes it seem so easy to forgive. As much as I try I don't feel it's easy and then feel I am a failure at being a good forgiver. Debbie Morris showed me it's not easy. In chapter 4 she says this: "...God had taught him by praying for the person who wronged him, he would break free from the dislike and unforgiveness he felt towards that person. I didn't want to hear that! But I swallowed my irritation and put the principle into practice. Every time I caught myself reopening the case in my mental courtroom, I prayed. I'll confess that at first my prayers weren't very nice." Honesty! Finally, it's not as easy as all the other books have talked about. Someone has finally admitted they struggle with this issue as well.
I won't exaggerate and say this book will solve all your problems. But I do believe it is a fantastic source for guidance and wisdom. She writes as a woman who has not simply studied the concepts she speaks on, but who seems to have lived them and has put them into practice. I enjoyed reading this book and I look forward to sharing it with other women in my life who may need a Biblical female as a mentor. I'm excited to have received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. It will remain as a staple resource on my book shelf.
To learn more about Debbie Morris visit her website or listen to the Podcast on The Blessed Woman.
June 18, 2013
It’s not easy being a woman. The demands and expectations of us, and those we place on ourselves, can be overwhelming. While trying to navigate this thing called “life,” have you ever longed for a close friend, confidant, or mentor to walk alongside you and encourage you in Biblical womanhood? Debbie Morris did. And yet even as a young minister’s wife, she found herself without someone to fill this all-important role. So she turned to the Bible. Biblical women such as Eve, Sarah, and Miriam had always fascinated her. But now they also became her friends, sisters, and teachers. Through their stories, the Holy Spirit revealed how their lives—both joys and struggles—weren’t that much different from ours today and how they can teach women today to be a grace-filled, life-giving woman of God.
In The Blessed Woman, Debbie invites you to learn from these women as well. As she shares her own stories and the stories of discerning women in the Bible, she addresses topics such as overcoming insecurity, finding purpose, establishing priorities, letting go, and waiting. The Blessed Woman reminds us how God longs for every woman to experience His tenderness—and to know the true meaning of being blessed.
I greatly enjoyed this book. I loved how she looked to the Bible for her female role models and mentors. She writes a chapter on each of the 12 women that have great qualities that we as women can learn from. The stories of struggles and how God was always there for them , loving them no matter what. There are many lessons to be learned.
I love the bible study in the back for you to apply it to your life lessons. This book is wonderfully written and I will definitely pass on to other woman to enjoy.
Listed below are several links about the author, Debbie Morris. Please click to be taken to different sites pertaining to Ms Morris and her book-The Blessed Woman
Author's Website
Author Podcast
More Info
Read Chapter One
Author Bio
FTC DISCLOSURE: I received this book for free from Water Brook Publishing in exchange for an honest review. I was not obligated to write a positive review.
In The Blessed Woman, Debbie invites you to learn from these women as well. As she shares her own stories and the stories of discerning women in the Bible, she addresses topics such as overcoming insecurity, finding purpose, establishing priorities, letting go, and waiting. The Blessed Woman reminds us how God longs for every woman to experience His tenderness—and to know the true meaning of being blessed.
I greatly enjoyed this book. I loved how she looked to the Bible for her female role models and mentors. She writes a chapter on each of the 12 women that have great qualities that we as women can learn from. The stories of struggles and how God was always there for them , loving them no matter what. There are many lessons to be learned.
I love the bible study in the back for you to apply it to your life lessons. This book is wonderfully written and I will definitely pass on to other woman to enjoy.
Listed below are several links about the author, Debbie Morris. Please click to be taken to different sites pertaining to Ms Morris and her book-The Blessed Woman
Author's Website
Author Podcast
More Info
Read Chapter One
Author Bio
FTC DISCLOSURE: I received this book for free from Water Brook Publishing in exchange for an honest review. I was not obligated to write a positive review.
May 28, 2013
I was hesitant when I first chose to review this book. I am not a huge fan of the author's husband, Pastor Robert Morris, so I didn't jump right in when the book first arrived in the mail. I let the book sit on my nightstand and I ignored it for over a week. A few days ago, I decided to dive in and get started reading.
I was pleasantly surprised once I got into the book. The author, Debbie Morris begins by describing the lack of a female mentor in her life as she began in women's ministry at her husband's mega church. She looked to the Bible for female role models and she found plenty!
She writes about a chapter each about 12 women from the Bible:
Eve
Mary
Hannah
Jael
Hagar
Zipporah
Esther
Miriam
the widow from Zarephath
Rebekah
The Samaritan woman
Naomi
You might find some of those names familiar and may not recognize the others. The author chooses these ladies since they each have something important to share with us. By profiling these women, the author covers some of the following topics: motherhood, insecurity, submission, serving and finding our purpose.
The author profiles each woman and shares what we can learn from them and also includes a study guide so that you can study further. I would recommend this book for a Ladies Bible Study. The author sets the book up so that each women can be featured for a week. I think that there is way too much information for just one week. I think the study should be stretched over 6 months rather than three.
I am glad that I overcame my dislike for the author's husband and read the book. Debbie Morris is a wonderful writer and a woman who follows the Lord. I would recommend the book to ladies that want to grow closer to the Lord!
You can read more about Debbie Morris on her website http://gatewaypeople.com/staff/debbie...
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Company through their Blogging for Books program in exchange for an honest review.
I was pleasantly surprised once I got into the book. The author, Debbie Morris begins by describing the lack of a female mentor in her life as she began in women's ministry at her husband's mega church. She looked to the Bible for female role models and she found plenty!
She writes about a chapter each about 12 women from the Bible:
Eve
Mary
Hannah
Jael
Hagar
Zipporah
Esther
Miriam
the widow from Zarephath
Rebekah
The Samaritan woman
Naomi
You might find some of those names familiar and may not recognize the others. The author chooses these ladies since they each have something important to share with us. By profiling these women, the author covers some of the following topics: motherhood, insecurity, submission, serving and finding our purpose.
The author profiles each woman and shares what we can learn from them and also includes a study guide so that you can study further. I would recommend this book for a Ladies Bible Study. The author sets the book up so that each women can be featured for a week. I think that there is way too much information for just one week. I think the study should be stretched over 6 months rather than three.
I am glad that I overcame my dislike for the author's husband and read the book. Debbie Morris is a wonderful writer and a woman who follows the Lord. I would recommend the book to ladies that want to grow closer to the Lord!
You can read more about Debbie Morris on her website http://gatewaypeople.com/staff/debbie...
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Company through their Blogging for Books program in exchange for an honest review.
June 4, 2013
"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."
So I started reading this book because of what the author had said about looking for someone to walk alongside you, a friend, confidant, or even a mentor. I have been searching for a mentor myself to help me with the path I am on and to help me make sense of all the chaos that I have been dealing with. Since it was like the book was talking to me, I thought that it would be worth the time to at least pick it up and see if its worth the time to at least read the first couple of chapters.
I am really glad that I did pick it up. The stories about the women of the bible are really good! Before I read this book, I didn't know who some of these women even were. Could you imagine being like Hannah and giving your child to the church for the heads to raise and just leaving? Talk about full trust in the Lord. How about Jael? She killed a man after making him think he was safe in her tent. She drove a tent stake through his head. This is only two of the women in this book. The reasons that they did what they are did are truly inspiring.
There are actually 12 women listed in this book and it's really eye-opening to read the stories about them, and see how they can lead you and show you how to truly be a woman of grace. I recommend this book for any woman that is looking for some inspiration or at least someone to learn from.
June 21, 2017
Can you still learn from the women of the Bible? Do women from so long ago still have the answers to help you along? I think they do.
The Blessed Woman: Learning About Grace from the Women of the Bible by Debbie Morris has so many amazing women from the Bible that you can learn from. Women like Mary, Rebakah, Eve, Jael, and others all shows you how they loved and learned from others. We are truly blessed and this book teaches you why.
There is nothing better than having a friend go along side with in life and being able to learn from, cry with and relate to them. It is something every woman needs and longs for. This was a book that held so much truth in it-from the first page until the very last page. The study guide in the back of the book includes discussion questions and it can be used as a 12-week mini Bible study.
I received a copy of The Blessed Woman from the Waterbrook Multhomah Blogging for Books program, and these are my thoughts on the book.
The Blessed Woman: Learning About Grace from the Women of the Bible by Debbie Morris has so many amazing women from the Bible that you can learn from. Women like Mary, Rebakah, Eve, Jael, and others all shows you how they loved and learned from others. We are truly blessed and this book teaches you why.
There is nothing better than having a friend go along side with in life and being able to learn from, cry with and relate to them. It is something every woman needs and longs for. This was a book that held so much truth in it-from the first page until the very last page. The study guide in the back of the book includes discussion questions and it can be used as a 12-week mini Bible study.
I received a copy of The Blessed Woman from the Waterbrook Multhomah Blogging for Books program, and these are my thoughts on the book.
April 3, 2016
Debbie Morris's The Blessed Woman is a definite must read for all women walking the Christian faith. What she so wisely relates to us is that the women of the Bible were not so much different than ourselves and they faced similar difficulties and challenges. By using scripture to back up her points, Debbie successfully proves to us that we all have weaknesses and fears yet God truly loves his people and continues to work with them as long as they rely on him. There are so many uplifting lessons in this book. I could really relate to her chapter on Hagar "Finding Purpose in The Midst of Pain" because of my own experiences. The author shares the stories of all the woman of the Bible who found Grace through God and they serve as examples for all of us. I received this awesome read from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for my sincere review. The Blessed Woman holds hope for everyone who reads it.
May 1, 2013
I listened to about ¾ of this audio, but gave up as it didn't have enough depth to it for me. I did enjoy some of the personal stories the author shared, but overall found that there was something too nice and superficial about it. I felt like the author was telling me to be calm and keep my feelings to myself, and that is the way to find grace in difficult circumstances. Surely grace is all about God loving us despite our failings, and helping us through difficult times? This audio felt that it was all about trying to get grace by keeping the rules. The narration was a bit stiff and didn't have much enthusiasm about it, but it was clear and easy to understand. I haven't listened to anything else by this author, and I doubt very much that I will try anything again by her. Thanks to christianaudio.com Reviewer's Program for this copy.
April 25, 2013
I received this audiobook for the purpose of writing a review.
Narrator Thoughts - To be perfectly honest I didn't finish this audiobook partly because the narrator wasn't very good. She didn't put much feeling into the words. She seemed to be just reading it, not putting her heart into it. It put me off.
Book Thoughts - Like I said, I didn't finish this book. Maybe it got better after the part that I left off, but I didn't stick around to see. It was pretty boring. The subject was good, but the way it was presented wasn't engaging. Maybe it was just my perspective, but it was kinda dry.
It could also be that the author writes from the married woman perspective. Being a single-girl, I felt like this book is more geared for married women.
So this book won't go on my favorites list, but I do think that you can gain encouragement from this book if you stick with it.
Narrator Thoughts - To be perfectly honest I didn't finish this audiobook partly because the narrator wasn't very good. She didn't put much feeling into the words. She seemed to be just reading it, not putting her heart into it. It put me off.
Book Thoughts - Like I said, I didn't finish this book. Maybe it got better after the part that I left off, but I didn't stick around to see. It was pretty boring. The subject was good, but the way it was presented wasn't engaging. Maybe it was just my perspective, but it was kinda dry.
It could also be that the author writes from the married woman perspective. Being a single-girl, I felt like this book is more geared for married women.
So this book won't go on my favorites list, but I do think that you can gain encouragement from this book if you stick with it.
July 18, 2013
This book was inspiring and delightful. Like the author, I didn't really have any mentors in my life that I could aspire too, and even today I cannot say that I do. This book brought back to me the women in the bible that we can learn from: their victories and mistakes, challenges and struggles. Rereading their stories through the author's words brought refreshing hope and encouragement in how to be a grace-filled woman. We are blessed far beyond what we realize sometimes! I can heartily recommend this book; it fits to all age categories and walks of the Christian life.
July 29, 2016
Debbie Morris makes good points but lost me somewhat with her stilted reading style. (I usually love books read by the author.) Additionally, she really stretches her imagination when creating conversations and thoughts of the Bible characters. She sometimes mentions that her add-ins aren't mentioned in the Bible, then assures the reader/listener that it must certainly have been the way she imagines it. The book was good and the points were some I want and need to take to heart.
December 29, 2014
Great book on how the author was shaped by several women of the Bible. She reflects on the importance of being able to have Spiritual mentors from the Word of God, whose lives can speak to you in a current situation. Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, that was woven with the author's own life story.
July 1, 2016
I read this in conjunction with a book study on it I was facilitating at my church. So I only read two chapters a week over several weeks, which made for a very disjointed reading experience. As such, I don't have a clear opinion or rating for it. We had great discussion each week around the study guide questions at the end though.
April 29, 2014
I really enjoyed this book and learned so much about living as a Christian woman from their experiences. Debbie Morris's insight and ability to apply the scripture to our life today was really great. She also shared cultural background and details that really made the stories come to life.
May 25, 2014
Wow! I really enjoyed this book! I would recommend every lady to get this book! It was a help to me in so many ways. I enjoyed the personal experience she shared and the many Biblical stories with applications.
December 22, 2014
Great book; she referenced a man from the bible toward the end. It made a great point but it went against the title of the book in my opinion. We can certainly learn from ALL in the bible but this book seemed to steer away from the objective when mentioning the man.
August 23, 2013
A sensitive and personal look at the women of the Bible. Gives current applications of the lessons to be learned from Biblical women's stories. Inspiring!
January 23, 2014
I really liked this book, it talked about some of the women in bible that are not generally discussed....
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