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The Measure of Success: Uncovering the Biblical Perspective on Women, Work, and the Home
Discover God's view of the successful woman
Should a woman work? Can a woman be feminine, godly, and ambitious? Is work only for women who need the income? Is there any sanctified ground between the stay-at-home mom and the aspiring executive?
Whether you are married or single, young or old, and whether you work inside the home or in the marketplace, Carolyn and Nora create a rich vision for fulfillment through an understanding of the compelling foundation for the biblical call of productivity.
Far from the stone-throwing arguments that often occupy the discussion around women, work, and the home, Carolyn and Nora show how the redemptive message of the gospel allows the Bible's teaching on the role of women to coexist with ambition. It creates a fresh vision for the profit we all gain from encouraging female contribution in the home, society, and church.
If you've ever wondered whether you're living the life that most glorifies God, The Measure of Success will help you answer that question.
Should a woman work? Can a woman be feminine, godly, and ambitious? Is work only for women who need the income? Is there any sanctified ground between the stay-at-home mom and the aspiring executive?
Whether you are married or single, young or old, and whether you work inside the home or in the marketplace, Carolyn and Nora create a rich vision for fulfillment through an understanding of the compelling foundation for the biblical call of productivity.
Far from the stone-throwing arguments that often occupy the discussion around women, work, and the home, Carolyn and Nora show how the redemptive message of the gospel allows the Bible's teaching on the role of women to coexist with ambition. It creates a fresh vision for the profit we all gain from encouraging female contribution in the home, society, and church.
If you've ever wondered whether you're living the life that most glorifies God, The Measure of Success will help you answer that question.
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 13, 2014
38 people are currently reading
675 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn McCulley
11 books32 followersCarolyn McCulley is the author of Radical Womanhood: Feminine Faith in a Feminist World (Moody, 2008) and Did I Kiss Marriage Goodbye? Trusting God with a Hope Deferred (Crossway, 2004), as well as hundreds of articles for publications, including Christianity Today, Boundless.org, and the Washington Post. She is also a contributor to Sex and the Supremacy of Christ and the ESV Women's Devotional Bible. She is a frequent conference speaker and the founder/owner of Citygate Films LLC, a documentary film production company based near Washington, DC. She is single and the proud aunt of six nieces and nephews.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
August 29, 2018
Finally finished this book over 2 years from starting it. Not because it wasn’t a good book, but because I felt like it’s a lot to process on my journey of feeling secure as a working mother though it is a very balanced approach to all types of women/not just working outside the home and therefore appliance to all. The book is written by a single-woman/entrepreneur/film maker and mother recently turned work-at-home after many years of working outside the home and both with a Christian perspective. I have so many things dog-eared and underlined I’m not sure I can put it all in this review but I really loved the balanced approach to this book on “uncovering the Biblical perspective on women, work and the home.”
There a lot in this book about what the Bible says about work and productivity. The foundation is that our work is to be modeled after His work of 1. Glorifying the Father and 2. Helping others. This is the definition of productivity, but we have to remember that the “location of where we work is neither the decision nor the measure of our success.” And the goal of the book is to “help women in all stages of life think clearly about the God-given gifts and opportunities they have, and how to invest those individual and specific situations in light of eternity.”
The book is divided into 3 main sections which all contribute well to the purpose of the book.
1. The Story of Work: this section lays the foundation with an extensive and well researched account of women and work all the way from Eve (and the corruption of our work) through the ages to present time. I found the information here very helpful in thinking about why the perception of women working has changed over time and why the church often views women working outside the home in a certain way. The authors also weave pertinent information about feminism and how it has changed over time and influenced our world.
2. The Theology of Work: this section covers purpose, rest, identity and ambition related to work from a Biblical perspective and was very helpful in viewing these attributes in a Christlike manner no matter where the daily work is done. I’d like to continue to refer back to these ideas.
3. The Life Cycle of Work: this section really reiterates the authors’ express desire to avoid the “mommy wars” often described but to appeal to all women no matter their background, age, marital or child status. Starting with growing up and adulthood and moving into the balancing act, coaching for success and the open nest years of life there are very practical tips for implementing a Biblical perspective of work into each stage.
I think everyone, both men and women, should read this book as it really is a wonderful commentary on the history of work and importance of God-given vocation but also a great way to help frame our thoughts on this all-important subject.
There a lot in this book about what the Bible says about work and productivity. The foundation is that our work is to be modeled after His work of 1. Glorifying the Father and 2. Helping others. This is the definition of productivity, but we have to remember that the “location of where we work is neither the decision nor the measure of our success.” And the goal of the book is to “help women in all stages of life think clearly about the God-given gifts and opportunities they have, and how to invest those individual and specific situations in light of eternity.”
The book is divided into 3 main sections which all contribute well to the purpose of the book.
1. The Story of Work: this section lays the foundation with an extensive and well researched account of women and work all the way from Eve (and the corruption of our work) through the ages to present time. I found the information here very helpful in thinking about why the perception of women working has changed over time and why the church often views women working outside the home in a certain way. The authors also weave pertinent information about feminism and how it has changed over time and influenced our world.
2. The Theology of Work: this section covers purpose, rest, identity and ambition related to work from a Biblical perspective and was very helpful in viewing these attributes in a Christlike manner no matter where the daily work is done. I’d like to continue to refer back to these ideas.
3. The Life Cycle of Work: this section really reiterates the authors’ express desire to avoid the “mommy wars” often described but to appeal to all women no matter their background, age, marital or child status. Starting with growing up and adulthood and moving into the balancing act, coaching for success and the open nest years of life there are very practical tips for implementing a Biblical perspective of work into each stage.
I think everyone, both men and women, should read this book as it really is a wonderful commentary on the history of work and importance of God-given vocation but also a great way to help frame our thoughts on this all-important subject.
July 31, 2014
"I discovered I had a major gap between my concept of ambition and what the Bible says about it. Ambition isn't just for men, it isn't just for business- it's an essential component of being human. Sometimes in church circles, we talk more about contentment (which is a good thing) but it can minimize the importance of ambition- that somehow it is more spiritual for Christians to be passive."
Too often a book about women and work spends all its time on how we don't have enough time or energy to do everything well, how working creates compromise, etc. This is NOT one of those schmarmy Christian women's books that go nowhere, concludes nothing; this book takes a long look at the history, the philosophy, the understanding of work in the first third of the book.
And then the book moves into the theology of work- why we work. It is a look at each individual as a unique person with her own idea and ideals about work and achievment.
This is a book that encourages every woman to get busy doing the work- whatever it may be- that she feels called to do. This book steps outside of the mommy wars and simply talks about doing what you do each day because you know it's what you should be doing. And when in the case of one of the examples, an empty nester finds life still too hectic, it's a book that offers respite from the too fast pace.
Carolyn McCulley and Nora Shank have managed to write about women, work, and jobs in a way that does not pit the "stay-at-home" women against the "working mother." No small feat.
Too often a book about women and work spends all its time on how we don't have enough time or energy to do everything well, how working creates compromise, etc. This is NOT one of those schmarmy Christian women's books that go nowhere, concludes nothing; this book takes a long look at the history, the philosophy, the understanding of work in the first third of the book.
And then the book moves into the theology of work- why we work. It is a look at each individual as a unique person with her own idea and ideals about work and achievment.
This is a book that encourages every woman to get busy doing the work- whatever it may be- that she feels called to do. This book steps outside of the mommy wars and simply talks about doing what you do each day because you know it's what you should be doing. And when in the case of one of the examples, an empty nester finds life still too hectic, it's a book that offers respite from the too fast pace.
Carolyn McCulley and Nora Shank have managed to write about women, work, and jobs in a way that does not pit the "stay-at-home" women against the "working mother." No small feat.
July 5, 2020
Um bom livro, com bons conselhos e formas de enxergar os desafios da tríade do título sob uma perspectiva mais centrada no serviço aos outros em cada fase e na glória devida a Deus em tudo na nossa vida. Em alguns momentos, no entanto, é um pouco raso...e como é escrito fazendo referências ao estilo de vida americano e aos dilemas das mulheres na América, não direciona muito as expectativas e realidades e, as vezes, falta de perspectivas de mulheres em situação vulnerável em países subdesenvolvidos como o nosso. O que é totalmente compreensível. É um livro que gostaria de ter lido nos meus 20 anos, idade que aparenta ser o público alvo principal do livro.
December 21, 2021
My women’s group at church went through this book over the year and I was honestly very disappointed.
While the historical aspects of women in the workplace were interesting and their references to scripture were accurate, I felt like there were sexist comments/ideas in the book about both men and women (which is ironic for a book that is supposed to be championing women and helping them better understand biblical work).
While I can respect their opinions, their ideas felt out of touch and not very well thought out. The most enjoyable parts of this book were moments where they were quoting someone else’s work on this topic. I would not recommend this book, but instead point you to those articles/books referenced within.
While the historical aspects of women in the workplace were interesting and their references to scripture were accurate, I felt like there were sexist comments/ideas in the book about both men and women (which is ironic for a book that is supposed to be championing women and helping them better understand biblical work).
While I can respect their opinions, their ideas felt out of touch and not very well thought out. The most enjoyable parts of this book were moments where they were quoting someone else’s work on this topic. I would not recommend this book, but instead point you to those articles/books referenced within.
January 30, 2024
Leitura providencial. Não consigo nomear um contexto em que não seja uma ideia fantástica ler esse livro, esteja você em qualquer fase da vida.
"As mulheres devem trabalhar? É claro que sim! As mulheres devem trabalhar - e trabalhar muito todo dia. Como mulheres seguidoras de Cristo, a Bíblia nos chama para trabalhar em prol da glória de Deus. Mas o local em que trabalhamos não define nem mede o nosso sucesso." (p.11)
"As mulheres devem trabalhar? É claro que sim! As mulheres devem trabalhar - e trabalhar muito todo dia. Como mulheres seguidoras de Cristo, a Bíblia nos chama para trabalhar em prol da glória de Deus. Mas o local em que trabalhamos não define nem mede o nosso sucesso." (p.11)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2014
This is a WONDERFUL encouraging, challenging, and convicting book. From calling for "an end to the mommy wars" to challenging women to use the "open nest years" for God's glory, readers are constantly taken to Scripture as authority. It's written for stay-at-home moms, working mothers, single women, older widows, and everything in between.
There is a useful chapter of "soft skills" career advice for young women that would make this a great graduation gift.
I appreciate that single women are given more than a passing "Uh, so this applies to you too, I guess," paragraph. Like the excellent "Did I Kiss Marriage Goodbye?" this book looks at how these principles apply to ALL women, not just those in a certain chapter of life.
Even before I finished this book I began recommending it to friends, and I'll continue to do so. I'm sure I'll be back for a re-read myself before too much time has passed.
There is a useful chapter of "soft skills" career advice for young women that would make this a great graduation gift.
I appreciate that single women are given more than a passing "Uh, so this applies to you too, I guess," paragraph. Like the excellent "Did I Kiss Marriage Goodbye?" this book looks at how these principles apply to ALL women, not just those in a certain chapter of life.
Even before I finished this book I began recommending it to friends, and I'll continue to do so. I'm sure I'll be back for a re-read myself before too much time has passed.
June 17, 2014
I will be recommending this book to other women. It wasn't the Mommy Wars book that I expected it to be but thankfully was more of a 10,000 ft. biblical view on work. The main premise is that all women work and we should be ambitious to work for the glory of God. It helped me think of myself and other women in a more grace-filled way in regard to work, passions, and choices. That said, the book was a little clunky and I would have liked it to address better specific applications about women and work.
February 9, 2017
Refreshing, quick book co-written by a corporate executive and a SAHM. Acknowledges and encourages that Biblical womanhood and motherhood has no single proscribed role in society or home. High level introduction to things I want to look at: different schools of feminism and the life of Martin Luther's wife.
October 18, 2020
I embarked on a personal project and picked up this book to gain additional insight and perspective. I didn’t stop to think about how helpful it would be to me personally. Carolyn and Nora both use the beauty and candor of Scripture to show how faithful work can be done for all women. Work is good and God-ordained, and despite the impact of the Fall, we can still endeavor to work well and faithfully.
I can identify with many other readers and reviewers in their sentiments as I, too, really enjoyed the first two sections of the book on the history and theology of work. I believe the authors could have written whole books on those sections themselves. However,
I understand and appreciate that they wanted to bring those overarching realities to a ground-level, articulating how women of all ages can cultivate good works and work well.
Their book does have a particular audience. While the truth they speak applies to everyone, I wonder how culturally applicable their advice is. I believe they are cognizant of this as they repeat there is no one-size-fits-all advice.
Their section on the lifecycle of work does seem very linear as well, and I don’t ascribe to the idea that it is that straight forward. However, I would like to think that they don’t believe it is that linear either, but we edit what we need to edit and I believe they have written this as concisely and faithfully as possible.
I love that this was a book written by and for women. But I’d love to see a book by women addressing the idea of the history and theology of work without having to cater to a particular gender. Regardless, I do think this book is worthwhile for the male reader as well—even if to better understand the perspective of a wife, sister, mother, or friend.
I can identify with many other readers and reviewers in their sentiments as I, too, really enjoyed the first two sections of the book on the history and theology of work. I believe the authors could have written whole books on those sections themselves. However,
I understand and appreciate that they wanted to bring those overarching realities to a ground-level, articulating how women of all ages can cultivate good works and work well.
Their book does have a particular audience. While the truth they speak applies to everyone, I wonder how culturally applicable their advice is. I believe they are cognizant of this as they repeat there is no one-size-fits-all advice.
Their section on the lifecycle of work does seem very linear as well, and I don’t ascribe to the idea that it is that straight forward. However, I would like to think that they don’t believe it is that linear either, but we edit what we need to edit and I believe they have written this as concisely and faithfully as possible.
I love that this was a book written by and for women. But I’d love to see a book by women addressing the idea of the history and theology of work without having to cater to a particular gender. Regardless, I do think this book is worthwhile for the male reader as well—even if to better understand the perspective of a wife, sister, mother, or friend.
February 1, 2020
A helpful and pretty comprehensive view on how Christian women can look at the role of work in their life. This book will give a lot of categories to think through and open-ended options. Don’t read this looking for an answer to should I be a working mom or a stay at home mom or other questions similar to that. Rather, I think the goal is to give a framework based on scripture to answer those questions individually.
I also enjoyed the structure - a section on some of the history of women at work and in the home - spanning all the way back to biblical times, a section on the theology of work and how it relates to identity, rest, etc. , and a section addressing different life stages.
I also enjoyed the structure - a section on some of the history of women at work and in the home - spanning all the way back to biblical times, a section on the theology of work and how it relates to identity, rest, etc. , and a section addressing different life stages.
November 19, 2019
As a woman and a mother, this book was great validation for my desire to work and learn what that means in context of motherhood. I loved the historical and biblical context too.
June 29, 2024
Excelente! Recomendo a leitura ☺️
March 28, 2014
I pulled this book from the Vine Program because the title caught my attention. I have read a lot on the subject of the role of women in the church, women in the family, women in society, etc. But this caught my eye because it was the role of women in the work force. I was hoping for something new to challenge my thinking. I wasn't disappointed.
First of all I loved the collaboration of the two writers. Carolyn McCulley is a single woman in her late forties / early fifties who is not defined by her status of being single, but by her status of being a smart, savvy, business woman who knows what she wants to do and knows what God wants her to do (bring Him honor and glory in all her work). Then there is Nora Shank, a mother of two children, happily married and also working as a dietitian. She is younger than Carolyn, so she grew up in a bit of a different culture.
The two women bring different perspectives, but they have the same goal. They want to honor God with their lives and with all that they do.
I felt that Carolyn was very candid about who she is. She was raised at a time where the feminist movement was very strong. She did not become a Christian until after college and well into her career life. She is not married because she doesn't like men or because she thinks marriage is too traditional. Instead, she desires a husband and a family but she knows that God has not yet brought the right man into her life. How refreshing to have her honesty.
She also shares about how her views of women and the Bible changed after she became a Christian and started to study the Bible. She seems Paul's teachings on women with a very refreshing perspective and a well studied depth of knowledge of the culture he was writing to. As such, she sees him not has a chauvinist but she sees him as the out front thinker / changer of society that he truly was. He was progressive in his thoughts! How's that sound guys? Take time to read her thoughts and it will help you think more clearly about some perspectives.
The book goes through the history of work for women, the history of the family unit and how it has evolved over centuries. It then goes through the process the two women writing experienced in learning about work and the woman and then it delves into the Biblical Theology of Work.
The book is well written, well thought through, well laid out and guides you through the topic is a fresh and inviting way that will give you lots to stop and think about.
I now want to meet Carolyn and Nora and sit down and have some long discussions with them, I think it would be absolutely fascinating to gain from their wisdom.
I believe that all lay people and pastors would benefit from reading this book. I now look forward to going back and reading Carolyn's other two books about women. I can't wait!
Enjoy!
First of all I loved the collaboration of the two writers. Carolyn McCulley is a single woman in her late forties / early fifties who is not defined by her status of being single, but by her status of being a smart, savvy, business woman who knows what she wants to do and knows what God wants her to do (bring Him honor and glory in all her work). Then there is Nora Shank, a mother of two children, happily married and also working as a dietitian. She is younger than Carolyn, so she grew up in a bit of a different culture.
The two women bring different perspectives, but they have the same goal. They want to honor God with their lives and with all that they do.
I felt that Carolyn was very candid about who she is. She was raised at a time where the feminist movement was very strong. She did not become a Christian until after college and well into her career life. She is not married because she doesn't like men or because she thinks marriage is too traditional. Instead, she desires a husband and a family but she knows that God has not yet brought the right man into her life. How refreshing to have her honesty.
She also shares about how her views of women and the Bible changed after she became a Christian and started to study the Bible. She seems Paul's teachings on women with a very refreshing perspective and a well studied depth of knowledge of the culture he was writing to. As such, she sees him not has a chauvinist but she sees him as the out front thinker / changer of society that he truly was. He was progressive in his thoughts! How's that sound guys? Take time to read her thoughts and it will help you think more clearly about some perspectives.
The book goes through the history of work for women, the history of the family unit and how it has evolved over centuries. It then goes through the process the two women writing experienced in learning about work and the woman and then it delves into the Biblical Theology of Work.
The book is well written, well thought through, well laid out and guides you through the topic is a fresh and inviting way that will give you lots to stop and think about.
I now want to meet Carolyn and Nora and sit down and have some long discussions with them, I think it would be absolutely fascinating to gain from their wisdom.
I believe that all lay people and pastors would benefit from reading this book. I now look forward to going back and reading Carolyn's other two books about women. I can't wait!
Enjoy!
January 18, 2015
Discover God's view of the successful woman
Should a woman work? Can a woman be feminine, godly, and ambitious? Is work only for women who need the income? Is there any sanctified ground between the stay-at-home mom and the aspiring executive?
Whether you are married or single, young or old, and whether you work inside the home or in the marketplace, Carolyn and Nora create a rich vision for fulfillment through an understanding of the compelling foundation for the biblical call of productivity.
Far from the stone-throwing arguments that often occupy the discussion around women, work, and the home, Carolyn and Nora show how the redemptive message of the gospel allows the Bible's teaching on the role of women to coexist with ambition. It creates a fresh vision for the profit we all gain from encouraging female contribution in the home, society, and church.
If you've ever wondered whether you're living the life that most glorifies God, The Measure of Success will help you answer that question.
--My thoughts. This conversation is so relevant. Everyone is on side of the coin. Some people feel they are justified in thinking one way, perhaps for their season it is better for them, but we should be careful in pointing out that while it might be good for one, might not good for another. I really think this is an excellent resource for us to read. These two woman are amazing, and I love the Bible references they pooled from, and you can add to it of you would like. Their story, the back story, the history story, and more in this fantastic story that I highly recommend to everyone.
Recommend it to all of your friends. Whether we work at home, or outside the home, do it to the glory of our Savior. Amen!
Should a woman work? Can a woman be feminine, godly, and ambitious? Is work only for women who need the income? Is there any sanctified ground between the stay-at-home mom and the aspiring executive?
Whether you are married or single, young or old, and whether you work inside the home or in the marketplace, Carolyn and Nora create a rich vision for fulfillment through an understanding of the compelling foundation for the biblical call of productivity.
Far from the stone-throwing arguments that often occupy the discussion around women, work, and the home, Carolyn and Nora show how the redemptive message of the gospel allows the Bible's teaching on the role of women to coexist with ambition. It creates a fresh vision for the profit we all gain from encouraging female contribution in the home, society, and church.
If you've ever wondered whether you're living the life that most glorifies God, The Measure of Success will help you answer that question.
--My thoughts. This conversation is so relevant. Everyone is on side of the coin. Some people feel they are justified in thinking one way, perhaps for their season it is better for them, but we should be careful in pointing out that while it might be good for one, might not good for another. I really think this is an excellent resource for us to read. These two woman are amazing, and I love the Bible references they pooled from, and you can add to it of you would like. Their story, the back story, the history story, and more in this fantastic story that I highly recommend to everyone.
Recommend it to all of your friends. Whether we work at home, or outside the home, do it to the glory of our Savior. Amen!
March 11, 2014
Carolyn McCulley (single, documentary filmmaker) and Nora Shank (married mom, nutritionist) have written a balanced and historically rich vision of Christian women and work. They affirm the goodness of work as well as the call for every person, male and female, to contribute to cultural renewal. They take up specific themes of purpose, rest, identity, and ambition, framing each with biblical theology and personal reflection. I especially appreciated the section in which they traced the history of working women as well as women of the Bible who clearly worked. I think it's clear that current Christian debates about whether women were made to or should work outside the home are anachronistic. For most of human history, women worked at home--because that's where all work took place. And they couldn't not work once they were married and had children. That is a relatively modern option for only a slice of women today.
Bottom line, I would recommend the book to a woman wanting to think of their profession Christianly, as well as any women transitioning from one life stage to another, and asking questions of identity because of it.
Bottom line, I would recommend the book to a woman wanting to think of their profession Christianly, as well as any women transitioning from one life stage to another, and asking questions of identity because of it.
April 5, 2016
In The Measure of Success: Uncovering the Biblical Perspective on Women, Work, and the Home, author Carolyn McCulley interacts with secular and biblical arguments and proposed solutions to questions about gender roles and what it means to be a woman and successful.
I thought the author made strong points about life being a series of phases, rather than one brief shot at Doing It All all at once. She also had good insight into a Christian perspective on ambition and how that can play out in different ways during different seasons of life.
I wouldn’t say that The Measure of Success is a drop-everything-and-read-it-now book. While it’s not ultimately very prescriptive (and that’s part of the point), the book does form an interesting addition to the broader dialog about womanhood. If you’re interested in that conversation, you might find the book worthwhile.
{Review originally posted on A Spirited Mind.}
I thought the author made strong points about life being a series of phases, rather than one brief shot at Doing It All all at once. She also had good insight into a Christian perspective on ambition and how that can play out in different ways during different seasons of life.
I wouldn’t say that The Measure of Success is a drop-everything-and-read-it-now book. While it’s not ultimately very prescriptive (and that’s part of the point), the book does form an interesting addition to the broader dialog about womanhood. If you’re interested in that conversation, you might find the book worthwhile.
{Review originally posted on A Spirited Mind.}
January 15, 2016
I was hopeful that the authors would emphasize that women who choose to be a mother and women who choose not to marry (or who simply do not get married, by choice or otherwise) but to work and women who have families but still continue to work all have equal value and can be equally committed Christians, living lives giving glory to God. While it seemed to start with that argument and even more-or-less said it at different points, in the end, it seemed that the assumption was Christian women may find themselves in the workforce for a time, but the ultimate goal is still marriage and motherhood, and they just need to weather the working years until they get to that point. Disappointing. Though the section on the history of women in the workforce was very interesting.
July 10, 2017
I learned about this book when I followed Carolyn McCulley's blog and she talked about this, her latest book. She and Nora Shank look at the work, they history of work, and the biblical perspective of work and how all this relates to the work women do. The also provide practical advice and examples from all stages of life.
One of the most important things I took away from this book is, there isn't "home work" and "away from home work." It's all work that God gave us to do for His glory. I'm trying to incorporate that into my daily life and thought pattern. I look forward to applying all the things I learned in the coming year.
One of the most important things I took away from this book is, there isn't "home work" and "away from home work." It's all work that God gave us to do for His glory. I'm trying to incorporate that into my daily life and thought pattern. I look forward to applying all the things I learned in the coming year.
July 4, 2014
This book offered a view on women, work, and productivity that I've rarely heard or experienced. It doesn't assume that all (complementarian) Christian women will be mothers and home-makers, and encourages women to persevere in the path God has laid for them in any stage of life, whether it's in the workplace or at home. What a valuable book for women torn between the secular exaltation of career to the detriment of the home, and church culture that exalts home-making regardless of the gifts, talents, abilities, and situations of women. From girlhood to widowhood, this book is a needed voice in the lives of Christian women.
February 17, 2014
Jointly written by McCulley, a single business owner, and Shank, a married mom, who is trained as a nutritionist, they tell their stories of their entrances to the working world. They also present advice for those starting out and those in the “open nest” years. The history of women working in the Bible and in the world is presented well. We need to be in tune with our God-given gifts and opportunities, whether in the work place, volunteer work, and in the home.
Recommended for public libraries and also for academic libraries with Christianity collections.
June 27, 2014
June 2014 - Fantastic book! This is quite possibly my favorite of the "trilogy" that started with "Did I Kiss Marriage Goodbye?" The authors offer a practical and theological approach to the question of how a Godly woman should navigate work both inside and outside the home. Far from being boring, even in dealing with the historical background of women in the workforce, the book is engaging and fun, while still being challenging. My favorite chapter was on coaching and leading a team. This part alone, is work the price of the book. Can't wait to read it again!
May 8, 2014
This is a very concise, well-thought-out book that packs a punch.
The authors manage to engage a number of different audiences (single women, working women, stay at home mothers, teenagers, etc.) and address the very volatile issue, "What is my calling as a woman?" with sensitivity and grace.
Everything they say is well-grounded in Scripture and a well-researched historical perspective. I highly recommend it to all women.
The authors manage to engage a number of different audiences (single women, working women, stay at home mothers, teenagers, etc.) and address the very volatile issue, "What is my calling as a woman?" with sensitivity and grace.
Everything they say is well-grounded in Scripture and a well-researched historical perspective. I highly recommend it to all women.
October 13, 2014
Meaty and practical from beginning to end. Surprisingly refreshing: no judgement and no bitterness towards women who choose different life paths and no ungracious assessments towards women who didn't get to chose their circumstances. The measure of success, the "Biblical perspective" given by McCulley and Shank isn't a list of rules or methods or practices -- it's entirely character-based. And that's freeing. Highly recommended!
January 10, 2015
I enjoyed my reading. Found myself lost sometimes, forgetting the topic of the chapter. The book gives great illustrations and descriptions of being a woman during every stage of life. As I young woman, I wanted more tools from this book to be able, more clearly, to know how to balance work, play and family. Overall, I recommend this book to all women... finally a book that speaks about our reality!
November 15, 2016
At the beginning of 2014, it was becoming more and more apparent that as my blog and Ultimate-Bundles grew, I was becoming more of a work-at-home mom than a stay-at-home mom.
This is something I have honestly struggled with. Reading The Measure of Success really helped. It’s co-written by two Christian women who address the idea of working women in an objective, biblical and intellectually stimulating fashion. I loved it.
This is something I have honestly struggled with. Reading The Measure of Success really helped. It’s co-written by two Christian women who address the idea of working women in an objective, biblical and intellectually stimulating fashion. I loved it.
February 26, 2015
31/2 stars? 4? I especially appreciated the sections on the history of women's work and the theology of work but I thought the concluding section on the life cycle of work somewhat lacking and too full of specific examples to be all that helpful. All in all, this is an informative and interesting book that seeks to encourage all women no matter where they work or their stage of life.
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June 7, 2015The best part of this book for me was the part on the biblical concepts of work, rest, purpose and identity. Also it talks quite a lot about making the best of where you are, giving practical help.
Not the easiest read ever but worth it.
Not the easiest read ever but worth it.
March 24, 2014
A refreshing, wide-angle view of work and its significance in a Christian woman's life. The tone is generous and encouraging, and God-honoring ambition is celebrated. I enjoyed it!
September 6, 2014
Excellent book. Get it. Read it. Re-read it. Repeat.
March 10, 2014
McCulley and Shank give an excellent, balanced, historically and biblically aware treatment of women and work from a complementarian perspective.
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