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She Believed HE Could, So She Did: Trading Culture's Lies for Christ-Centered Empowerment
Our culture tells us lies. Lies about female empowerment within our world. Becky Beresford knows because she once believed and even promoted some of these lies. But in God’s kindness, Becky came to the end of herself. And that is when she was able to embrace life-giving and healing truth found in the Bible. Tired and frustrated with self-dependence, Becky longs to be God-dependent. And she invites you to join her on this journey. In She Believed HE Could So She Did , Becky dismantles commonly held misconceptions and lies so we can live in real freedom and truth. Women, this is a journey toward freedom as we learn to experience Christ-centered empowerment– not by believing in ourselves . . . but by trusting in our faithful God. Becky devotes chapters to the most common messages promoted by our culture and gives readers dependable biblical truths grounded in the Together we will discover how to rely on the Holy Spirit in order to battle cultural lies, put the enemy in his place, and live boldly for Jesus. We will be lifted of the burden to find strength in ourselves and reassured of the hope, joy, and power that comes from living in Christ. We don’t have to be the savior of our own stories. Contrary to what you’ve been told, true female empowerment doesn’t start with a woman. It starts with a man, and His name is Jesus Christ . —Becky Beresford
224 pages, Paperback
Published March 5, 2024
18 people are currently reading
245 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
April 4, 2024
{full review here: https://www.amberthiessen.com/post/sh...}
We can find empowerment in our identity, as a woman, wife, or mother. Maybe it's in characteristics of our personality, our ability to handle confrontation, or in the skills we have. Perhaps we feel empowered in our achievements, whether in the workplace or our homes.
According to the dictionary app, empower is defined as the act of granting someone the authority or power to do something, as if entrusting them with a sphere of influence.
Our culture tells us empowerment is something we give ourselves, an authority we pursue, influence we take from our own efforts.
In She Believed He Could, So She Did: Trading Culture's Lies For Christ-Centered Empowerment, Becky Beresford peels apart the layers of misplaced truth to bring us back to the heart of the gospel and the centrality of Christ in our lives as faithful followers.
In the pages of this book, you’ll find an invitation to press pause on the soundtrack of the world, where we’re told empowerment comes from ourselves, and listen instead to the strong, sure voice of God, where Christ is at the center and all-sufficient.
So, if you’re a Christian woman pondering truth in the age of female empowerment and if you're discipling younger women, this is a gospel-centered resource to guide you.
*A big thanks to Moody publishers for the complimentary copy and the opportunity to post an honest review.
We can find empowerment in our identity, as a woman, wife, or mother. Maybe it's in characteristics of our personality, our ability to handle confrontation, or in the skills we have. Perhaps we feel empowered in our achievements, whether in the workplace or our homes.
According to the dictionary app, empower is defined as the act of granting someone the authority or power to do something, as if entrusting them with a sphere of influence.
Our culture tells us empowerment is something we give ourselves, an authority we pursue, influence we take from our own efforts.
In She Believed He Could, So She Did: Trading Culture's Lies For Christ-Centered Empowerment, Becky Beresford peels apart the layers of misplaced truth to bring us back to the heart of the gospel and the centrality of Christ in our lives as faithful followers.
In the pages of this book, you’ll find an invitation to press pause on the soundtrack of the world, where we’re told empowerment comes from ourselves, and listen instead to the strong, sure voice of God, where Christ is at the center and all-sufficient.
So, if you’re a Christian woman pondering truth in the age of female empowerment and if you're discipling younger women, this is a gospel-centered resource to guide you.
*A big thanks to Moody publishers for the complimentary copy and the opportunity to post an honest review.
June 13, 2024
{Thank you to Moody Publishers for my gifted copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.}
Theology really matters. Too often cultural slogans that do not align with the Word of God are accepted by Christians and lead many astray. So many of these cultural lies circulating today are directed towards women. Becky’s book takes many of these unbiblical “affirmations” and offers biblical correction and encouragement in their place.
I really enjoyed this book and am thankful to see books on this topic being written! The book is divided into two parts with the first being more informational and the second being more practical. The first part is about learning why these sayings are unwise and replacing them with biblical advice, while the second part instructs readers on moving forward as Godly women, equipped with God’s Word, God’s Spirit, and views formed by Truth instead of error.
Absolutely recommend!
January 3, 2025
This book is about alignment. Becky doesn't mince words as she calls us to follow after Jesus and put our faith in him. Her book is one of empowerment, but it is anything but typical women's empowerment.
I've known Becky for years, first through @hopewriters and then as part of her Brave Women's Series, were I shared my story from @averageadvocate about learning to make a difference from the suburbs I hated. Later, I took one of her courses that helped me relaunch the Justice Daily series, a soon-to-be podcast talking about the intersection between our daily lives and practicing justice. She even reached out to me when I was considering whether to have my son diagnosed with autism. She has always been genuine, kind, generous, humble, and in everything, determined to lift others up.
But despite my interactions with her, I honestly haven't read many of her own stories, just her introducions to others. It caught me by surprise, as if I didn't know Becky at all. I guess I didn't. I didn't know how firmly she believes in what she calls "Christ-centered empowerment," even though, in retrospect, this should be obvious as it is interwoven into everything she talks about.
Through her book (released this week) she shares her own experiences, which caused her to stop striving to be enough when she knew she wasn't. Instead of wearily trying to do hard things on her own, she relied on God. She learned how to find herself, not based on her subjective wants, but an identity rooted in God.
I might not agree with every single perspective Becky holds. For example, I'm more egalitarian and don't value her gender roles, but I essentially agreed with her about how marriage works, that we don't live under the curse anymore, and how women aren't subservient, but created as vital and warriors. I also felt like this book couldn't really stand up to the pain of life I've lived through, too many happy endings (although, granted, I haven't totally finished the book yet). I tripped up on the Christianize, wondering how my non-believing friends would interpret her words.
The most difficult part for me was to let go of my defensiveness. I felt rankled by the way she used popular phrases to address women's inability to thrive. Many of the phrases she pushed against have helped me! But maybe that is because I add cavots onto them, "I am enough" (because he has made me enough). I got what she was doing, even though sometimes it seemed like it was a battle of semantics.
But as I read on, my defensiveness slid away. When I thought Becky was about to just tell me to "have more faith," I was relieved she pointed out this was not in the way of Grace, either. When I thought she was going to tell me to tag on, "it's all possible because of Jesus," I was grateful she also took a stance against cliches and went deeper into the context. I found myself valuing what she had to say, because even as she came against cultural sayings, she also came against false Christian ones, calling us into true discipleship.
The main reason I value this book, though, is that I have my own personal stories for each area of empowerment she talks about. I've also discovered freedom from striving, identity, purpose, and Grace and Life himself. It's why I recommend this book--I honestly know no other way to be empowered as a woman.
Read other reviews like this at
https://open.substack.com/pub/authent...
I've known Becky for years, first through @hopewriters and then as part of her Brave Women's Series, were I shared my story from @averageadvocate about learning to make a difference from the suburbs I hated. Later, I took one of her courses that helped me relaunch the Justice Daily series, a soon-to-be podcast talking about the intersection between our daily lives and practicing justice. She even reached out to me when I was considering whether to have my son diagnosed with autism. She has always been genuine, kind, generous, humble, and in everything, determined to lift others up.
But despite my interactions with her, I honestly haven't read many of her own stories, just her introducions to others. It caught me by surprise, as if I didn't know Becky at all. I guess I didn't. I didn't know how firmly she believes in what she calls "Christ-centered empowerment," even though, in retrospect, this should be obvious as it is interwoven into everything she talks about.
Through her book (released this week) she shares her own experiences, which caused her to stop striving to be enough when she knew she wasn't. Instead of wearily trying to do hard things on her own, she relied on God. She learned how to find herself, not based on her subjective wants, but an identity rooted in God.
I might not agree with every single perspective Becky holds. For example, I'm more egalitarian and don't value her gender roles, but I essentially agreed with her about how marriage works, that we don't live under the curse anymore, and how women aren't subservient, but created as vital and warriors. I also felt like this book couldn't really stand up to the pain of life I've lived through, too many happy endings (although, granted, I haven't totally finished the book yet). I tripped up on the Christianize, wondering how my non-believing friends would interpret her words.
The most difficult part for me was to let go of my defensiveness. I felt rankled by the way she used popular phrases to address women's inability to thrive. Many of the phrases she pushed against have helped me! But maybe that is because I add cavots onto them, "I am enough" (because he has made me enough). I got what she was doing, even though sometimes it seemed like it was a battle of semantics.
But as I read on, my defensiveness slid away. When I thought Becky was about to just tell me to "have more faith," I was relieved she pointed out this was not in the way of Grace, either. When I thought she was going to tell me to tag on, "it's all possible because of Jesus," I was grateful she also took a stance against cliches and went deeper into the context. I found myself valuing what she had to say, because even as she came against cultural sayings, she also came against false Christian ones, calling us into true discipleship.
The main reason I value this book, though, is that I have my own personal stories for each area of empowerment she talks about. I've also discovered freedom from striving, identity, purpose, and Grace and Life himself. It's why I recommend this book--I honestly know no other way to be empowered as a woman.
Read other reviews like this at
https://open.substack.com/pub/authent...
October 3, 2024
With so many cultural slogans, we forget what the word of God has to say about us as women.
Becky takes these worldly “affirmations” and takes us to the Bible to explore what God really has to say about us.
Truths like, Believe in God instead of believing in yourself, Follow your King instead of your heart, You be His instead of You be You, are some of the lies Becky confronts with the Bible.
Becky is very encouraging in this book always ending with a testimony from women in each chapter.
I appreciate books like these that are encouraging women in this world where feminism is trying to take over.
I did find it a bit repetitive and it was hard for me to finish this book. I didn't agree with a few of the doctrines that she writes about, but overall a good book.
February 27, 2024
I got to enjoy an advance copy of Becky Beresford's book, “She Believed HE could, so She Did.” And that’s the thing, right? What we believe matters so much. It makes all the difference in our actions.
Funny how one word, one preposition, can turn a phrase to say something different. Like the popular phrase "she believed she could, so she did." A cry of empowerment for the self-made, the self-reliant woman. Until she can't anymore, that is.
This is what Becky’s book unfolds. "One letter removed made everything right", she said referring to the title of her book: She Beleived HE Could, So She Did.
It's a noisy world, intent on telling me what I must do, where I must do more, where I am not enough, and how to level up. I so appreciate Becky's gentle voice that delivers thought-provoking clarity and firm truth. The message is countercultural and felt freeing. Beresford dismantles cultural half-truths and explores God's heart for women. I fully recommend this bold and thoughtful work.
Funny how one word, one preposition, can turn a phrase to say something different. Like the popular phrase "she believed she could, so she did." A cry of empowerment for the self-made, the self-reliant woman. Until she can't anymore, that is.
This is what Becky’s book unfolds. "One letter removed made everything right", she said referring to the title of her book: She Beleived HE Could, So She Did.
It's a noisy world, intent on telling me what I must do, where I must do more, where I am not enough, and how to level up. I so appreciate Becky's gentle voice that delivers thought-provoking clarity and firm truth. The message is countercultural and felt freeing. Beresford dismantles cultural half-truths and explores God's heart for women. I fully recommend this bold and thoughtful work.
May 16, 2024
When I first saw the title of this book I was immediately ready to read it. I am so glad that Becky is courageously proclaiming biblical truth in a time when the world and even many in the church are eager to follow the god of self. I really enjoyed the structure of this book. Part One addresses seven cultural lies and their corresponding biblical truths. Part Two discusses practical ways we can live boldly in our faith each day.
This is a message all of us need to be steeped in again and again. I highly recommend this book and if you’re eager for more on this topic, check out Live Your Truth and Other Lies by Alisa Childers and You’re Not Enough (And That’s Ok) by Allie Beth Stuckey. I’m so grateful for all of these bold women of faith!
Favorite Quotes:
“Our culture has an interesting relationship with truth. People say they want it, but they also want truth that doesn’t cause offense or inconvenience. Having a subjective definition of truth is much safer when society’s opinions are what counts. This is a dangerous decision, however, when applied to waking out our faith. We may begin to fashion God into our desired form instead of letting God do the transforming.”
“It’s a delicate dance to master-letting your heart feel but also letting God do the leading. The world hates God’s way of leading because the road to life is too narrow. In fact, culture preaches against the biblical balance God wants for our lives.”
Many thanks to Becky Beresford and Moody Publishers for a gifted copy of this book! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This is a message all of us need to be steeped in again and again. I highly recommend this book and if you’re eager for more on this topic, check out Live Your Truth and Other Lies by Alisa Childers and You’re Not Enough (And That’s Ok) by Allie Beth Stuckey. I’m so grateful for all of these bold women of faith!
Favorite Quotes:
“Our culture has an interesting relationship with truth. People say they want it, but they also want truth that doesn’t cause offense or inconvenience. Having a subjective definition of truth is much safer when society’s opinions are what counts. This is a dangerous decision, however, when applied to waking out our faith. We may begin to fashion God into our desired form instead of letting God do the transforming.”
“It’s a delicate dance to master-letting your heart feel but also letting God do the leading. The world hates God’s way of leading because the road to life is too narrow. In fact, culture preaches against the biblical balance God wants for our lives.”
Many thanks to Becky Beresford and Moody Publishers for a gifted copy of this book! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
June 21, 2025
I was surprised by this book in a good way! I hesitated to read it, wondering if it would go against my views on women empowerment. But it showed our true power and place as God’s daughters, His deep love for us, and our connection to Eve and each other. I loved this:
“The enemy of our souls wants women to remain blind to the healing they could have. Many times, we can’t see what’s wrong unless the mirror is held in front of us, and even then, we may miss inner injuries because we can’t see them. But having other women in our lives, who know us and have suffered through similar situations brings a life giving power that encourages us to take the next steps toward the treatment we need, especially when we can’t see clearly or we don’t feel like we have the strength to move on. God uses other people as a physical expression of His friendship and His guidance going forward. When we don’t have the faith, God gives us sisters who will have faith for us. Healing is done hand in hand.”
“The enemy of our souls wants women to remain blind to the healing they could have. Many times, we can’t see what’s wrong unless the mirror is held in front of us, and even then, we may miss inner injuries because we can’t see them. But having other women in our lives, who know us and have suffered through similar situations brings a life giving power that encourages us to take the next steps toward the treatment we need, especially when we can’t see clearly or we don’t feel like we have the strength to move on. God uses other people as a physical expression of His friendship and His guidance going forward. When we don’t have the faith, God gives us sisters who will have faith for us. Healing is done hand in hand.”
November 15, 2024
This book just wasn’t the book for me🙃 I don’t think I was huge fan of the writing style, and I got the sense the author is perhaps a little more charismatic in her theology than I am. I was also hoping this would be a little more in depth. If you’re looking for a book that focuses on this topic, I would personally recommend You’re Not Enough (and that’s okay) by Allie Beth Stuckey or Live Your Truth (and Other Lies) by Alisa Childers over this one.
March 9, 2024
This book is a must read! In a chaotic world filled with cultural pressures Becky takes us back to the Biblical truths. The book illustrates God’s power and strength. It’s well written and highly recommended!
April 12, 2024
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. Opinions expressed are my own.
What to Expect
At thirteen chapters, she believed HE could, so she did consists of two parts, patterned after the title. In part 1, “She Believed HE Could,” Beresford dispels various popular– and attractive — lies being fed to women, today. In doing so, she not only addresses the lie, but also supplies the truth. Just as “she believed HE could, so she she did” derives from the phrase, “She believed she could, so she did,” various other ideas are corrected. “You Be You,” becomes “You Be His.” “You are enough” becomes “You are not enough, and that’s good news,” in a discussion about how we don’t have to “measure up,” because Jesus is enough.
Part 2, ” So She Did,” is the application portion of the book. These chapters focus on Christ’s empowering us, and what that can mean in our everyday lives. This portion of the book has a noticeable evangelical slant, with an emphasis on sharing the gospel and making disciples. Also worth noting is that there are two chapters on spiritual warfare (“How to Put the Enemy in His Place;” two-part) and Beresford “goes there” and broaches the subject of abortion (“What to Do with Our God-Given Rights.”
Structurally, chapters often begin with a personal anecdote, and they always end with an offset “Stories from Sisters who Believed He Could.” These are brief first-person narratives written by fellow believers about how He worked in their lives.
Appendix materials include discussion questions for each chapter, plus a prayer written out for readers who do not personally know Jesus, but would like to.
What I Liked
First and second-person narration is standard in this genre, but I think these perspective choices all the more effective in Beresford’s writing, because of her willingness to be vulnerable with her readers. I consider anecdotes to be a fun “hook” in nonfiction writing, but, beyond adding interest, Becky’s personal stories also reveal a very real person in whose life Jesus is working. And it’s great, because the message isn’t “I’ve been where you are, but now I have it figured out” but rather “Jesus has walked, and is walking me, through some places. Let me tell you about that.”
Just as I appreciated Beresford’s honesty about her personal life, I appreciated her honesty in bringing culture’s lies to light. It’s truly refreshing to read a book that identifies truth as objective and found in Jesus. I liked how Beresford weighs the lies of culture: pointing out why they are attractive, identifying which portions of the half-truths are true, and replacing the false portions with truth.
Throughout the book, Beresford frequently returns to the story of Eve, with the idea that women are uniquely amazing because of their ability to give life. I appreciate that, while this is a big part of her argument, she doesn’t gloss over infertility and singleness, instead stating that there are different ways of giving life, and we all have the ability to share in that experience.
Favorites
I preferred part one of the book to part two. Part 1 is deeply relational, with continued encouragement about Jesus’ love for us, His power and sufficiency, and His deep desire to be in relationship with us.
Favorite Quotes
“We don’t do more in order to be like Christ. We seek Christ and then He will show us what to do.”
p. 39
“The second we begin to question the love of our Father, we need to check our thoughts because they aren’t coming from heaven.”
p. 64
“All too often, feelings can be disregarded in pursuit of holiness when, in reality, we can take our feelings into the presence of the Holy One. God desires us to be women who take our hearts seriously as we hand them over to Him.”
p. 86
This is an example of Beresford acknowledging the partial truth our culture speaks (“follow your heart”), but taking it a step further into full truth: follow your King. He gave us these hearts and they are valuable, but meant to be handed to Him.
Favorite Chapters
While I don’t really have a favorite chapter from part 1, my favorite chapter in part two was chapter 8: “You Can Slay All Day.” This chapter is about being empowered by the Holy Spirit, and I especially appreciated the author’s discussion on how He worked in her own life. Discussing her reticence to believe in a Holy Spirit that is moving powerfully today, she asks herself “what [she] was afraid of. The fact that these miracles I was seeing were happening, or that I didn’t think any miracle could happen for me?” (p. 118). This was a discussion I very much related to.
I also really liked Beresford’s compassionate, but unapologetic, discussion of abortion. I didn’t see that coming, but I was so glad she didn’t shy away from this topic.
Respectful Discussion
After weighing the concerns I’ll be discussing below, I do still consider this a five star read. It is actually because of how much I like the book that I feel the need to do deep discussion on the application section of the book.
Applications…
The book transitions from messages of truth (part 1) to applications of truth (part 2). The idea of personal application is a very standard Christian practice, with the idea of being “doers of the word.” Speaking generally, one of the temptations of application can be to remove the work of the Holy Spirit, because we believe we already know what is expected of us.
Moving specifically to the text of the book, I felt that some elements of the “So She Did” section were very well-presented. However, there were two elements that I found concerning.
…and Evangelism
One application that did concern me, based on the wording, was the emphasis on evangelism, where Beresford writes, “We need to go and build a kingdom of Christ-centered disciples” (p. 133).
I struggled with this section, in general, and the above line, in particular.
Beresford uses arguments that are familiar to me. She argues that His “last command” was to make disciples; the “most loving” thing we can do for a person is tell them about Jesus. While it is beyond the scope of this book review post for me to argue interpretations of the commission, I do struggle with the latter argument, because the implication of this line (how we can best love others) tends toward guilt. It’s also a universal application, intended to provoke a specific response, which can inadvertently place the impetus on us, rather listening for the Holy Spirit’s specific directive.
In fairness to the author, this line of argument is in a section that is clearly about her listening to the Holy Spirit’s prompting and then being used by God. But the story she uses to introduce the topic is not an evangelism story.
I’m also uncomfortable with the use of “we” in the quote. The implication is that we are the builders in God’s Kingdom. While I know Jesus discusses harvesters, I feel that this specific line is again putting too much impetus on us. He is the One to build the Kingdom.
…and Spiritual Warfare
Likewise on the note of application, Beresford devotes two chapters to spiritual warfare. At the opening of this section, I was concerned because the chapters’ titles/intros implied that there might be some kind of formula for spiritual warfare. As with application, I am very wary of a one-size-fits-all approach to the Christian life, where it seems we are substituting the work of the Holy Spirit for an input-output relationship.
With that said, I did agree with some (but not all) of the author’s work on this subject, and appreciated the discussions on discernment and the ideas of battling through prayer and praise.
Content Notes
In the spiritual warfare section (which, perhaps due to a lack of research on my part, I was not expecting), the beginning anecdote includes a description of a manifestation of evil. While the author explicitly explains that she is not writing to evoke fear– and this is an area I can grow in (our Jesus is the victorious conqueror!) — this passage was disturbing for me. I think I may have done a little better if I’d been expecting it, hence the content note.
In the same section, there’s one line (p. 147) that initially raised a flag for me, as it could be read that God is telling the reader “well done” for reading this book. I do feel weird when authors put words into God’s mouth about a reader’s relationship to their own work. With that said, I think the author’s overarching intention is to commend the reader for seeking to battle lies– not just for reading her book.
Recommendation Status
While I can’t endorse all of the author’s individual claims, She Believed HE Could, So She Did was definitely a blessing to me! I remember feeling excited when I came across the synopsis, and then again when I began to read. I recall stopping just a few pages in, with the pleased observation that the author was cutting straight to the point. I so appreciate Beresford’s heart for cutting through the lies to the truth, even in her stories from her own life. It is refreshing to hear these truths and also to walk with the author in her experiences and vulnerability. I was especially blessed by part 1 in the book and the consistent reminders– and refreshment– that He is enough!
If I could divide the book in half, I’d highly, highly recommend part 1 and put a reasonable Reader’s Discretion tag on part 2. As a whole, recommended with reader discretion.
What to Expect
At thirteen chapters, she believed HE could, so she did consists of two parts, patterned after the title. In part 1, “She Believed HE Could,” Beresford dispels various popular– and attractive — lies being fed to women, today. In doing so, she not only addresses the lie, but also supplies the truth. Just as “she believed HE could, so she she did” derives from the phrase, “She believed she could, so she did,” various other ideas are corrected. “You Be You,” becomes “You Be His.” “You are enough” becomes “You are not enough, and that’s good news,” in a discussion about how we don’t have to “measure up,” because Jesus is enough.
Part 2, ” So She Did,” is the application portion of the book. These chapters focus on Christ’s empowering us, and what that can mean in our everyday lives. This portion of the book has a noticeable evangelical slant, with an emphasis on sharing the gospel and making disciples. Also worth noting is that there are two chapters on spiritual warfare (“How to Put the Enemy in His Place;” two-part) and Beresford “goes there” and broaches the subject of abortion (“What to Do with Our God-Given Rights.”
Structurally, chapters often begin with a personal anecdote, and they always end with an offset “Stories from Sisters who Believed He Could.” These are brief first-person narratives written by fellow believers about how He worked in their lives.
Appendix materials include discussion questions for each chapter, plus a prayer written out for readers who do not personally know Jesus, but would like to.
What I Liked
First and second-person narration is standard in this genre, but I think these perspective choices all the more effective in Beresford’s writing, because of her willingness to be vulnerable with her readers. I consider anecdotes to be a fun “hook” in nonfiction writing, but, beyond adding interest, Becky’s personal stories also reveal a very real person in whose life Jesus is working. And it’s great, because the message isn’t “I’ve been where you are, but now I have it figured out” but rather “Jesus has walked, and is walking me, through some places. Let me tell you about that.”
Just as I appreciated Beresford’s honesty about her personal life, I appreciated her honesty in bringing culture’s lies to light. It’s truly refreshing to read a book that identifies truth as objective and found in Jesus. I liked how Beresford weighs the lies of culture: pointing out why they are attractive, identifying which portions of the half-truths are true, and replacing the false portions with truth.
Throughout the book, Beresford frequently returns to the story of Eve, with the idea that women are uniquely amazing because of their ability to give life. I appreciate that, while this is a big part of her argument, she doesn’t gloss over infertility and singleness, instead stating that there are different ways of giving life, and we all have the ability to share in that experience.
Favorites
I preferred part one of the book to part two. Part 1 is deeply relational, with continued encouragement about Jesus’ love for us, His power and sufficiency, and His deep desire to be in relationship with us.
Favorite Quotes
“We don’t do more in order to be like Christ. We seek Christ and then He will show us what to do.”
p. 39
“The second we begin to question the love of our Father, we need to check our thoughts because they aren’t coming from heaven.”
p. 64
“All too often, feelings can be disregarded in pursuit of holiness when, in reality, we can take our feelings into the presence of the Holy One. God desires us to be women who take our hearts seriously as we hand them over to Him.”
p. 86
This is an example of Beresford acknowledging the partial truth our culture speaks (“follow your heart”), but taking it a step further into full truth: follow your King. He gave us these hearts and they are valuable, but meant to be handed to Him.
Favorite Chapters
While I don’t really have a favorite chapter from part 1, my favorite chapter in part two was chapter 8: “You Can Slay All Day.” This chapter is about being empowered by the Holy Spirit, and I especially appreciated the author’s discussion on how He worked in her own life. Discussing her reticence to believe in a Holy Spirit that is moving powerfully today, she asks herself “what [she] was afraid of. The fact that these miracles I was seeing were happening, or that I didn’t think any miracle could happen for me?” (p. 118). This was a discussion I very much related to.
I also really liked Beresford’s compassionate, but unapologetic, discussion of abortion. I didn’t see that coming, but I was so glad she didn’t shy away from this topic.
Respectful Discussion
After weighing the concerns I’ll be discussing below, I do still consider this a five star read. It is actually because of how much I like the book that I feel the need to do deep discussion on the application section of the book.
Applications…
The book transitions from messages of truth (part 1) to applications of truth (part 2). The idea of personal application is a very standard Christian practice, with the idea of being “doers of the word.” Speaking generally, one of the temptations of application can be to remove the work of the Holy Spirit, because we believe we already know what is expected of us.
Moving specifically to the text of the book, I felt that some elements of the “So She Did” section were very well-presented. However, there were two elements that I found concerning.
…and Evangelism
One application that did concern me, based on the wording, was the emphasis on evangelism, where Beresford writes, “We need to go and build a kingdom of Christ-centered disciples” (p. 133).
I struggled with this section, in general, and the above line, in particular.
Beresford uses arguments that are familiar to me. She argues that His “last command” was to make disciples; the “most loving” thing we can do for a person is tell them about Jesus. While it is beyond the scope of this book review post for me to argue interpretations of the commission, I do struggle with the latter argument, because the implication of this line (how we can best love others) tends toward guilt. It’s also a universal application, intended to provoke a specific response, which can inadvertently place the impetus on us, rather listening for the Holy Spirit’s specific directive.
In fairness to the author, this line of argument is in a section that is clearly about her listening to the Holy Spirit’s prompting and then being used by God. But the story she uses to introduce the topic is not an evangelism story.
I’m also uncomfortable with the use of “we” in the quote. The implication is that we are the builders in God’s Kingdom. While I know Jesus discusses harvesters, I feel that this specific line is again putting too much impetus on us. He is the One to build the Kingdom.
…and Spiritual Warfare
Likewise on the note of application, Beresford devotes two chapters to spiritual warfare. At the opening of this section, I was concerned because the chapters’ titles/intros implied that there might be some kind of formula for spiritual warfare. As with application, I am very wary of a one-size-fits-all approach to the Christian life, where it seems we are substituting the work of the Holy Spirit for an input-output relationship.
With that said, I did agree with some (but not all) of the author’s work on this subject, and appreciated the discussions on discernment and the ideas of battling through prayer and praise.
Content Notes
In the spiritual warfare section (which, perhaps due to a lack of research on my part, I was not expecting), the beginning anecdote includes a description of a manifestation of evil. While the author explicitly explains that she is not writing to evoke fear– and this is an area I can grow in (our Jesus is the victorious conqueror!) — this passage was disturbing for me. I think I may have done a little better if I’d been expecting it, hence the content note.
In the same section, there’s one line (p. 147) that initially raised a flag for me, as it could be read that God is telling the reader “well done” for reading this book. I do feel weird when authors put words into God’s mouth about a reader’s relationship to their own work. With that said, I think the author’s overarching intention is to commend the reader for seeking to battle lies– not just for reading her book.
Recommendation Status
While I can’t endorse all of the author’s individual claims, She Believed HE Could, So She Did was definitely a blessing to me! I remember feeling excited when I came across the synopsis, and then again when I began to read. I recall stopping just a few pages in, with the pleased observation that the author was cutting straight to the point. I so appreciate Beresford’s heart for cutting through the lies to the truth, even in her stories from her own life. It is refreshing to hear these truths and also to walk with the author in her experiences and vulnerability. I was especially blessed by part 1 in the book and the consistent reminders– and refreshment– that He is enough!
If I could divide the book in half, I’d highly, highly recommend part 1 and put a reasonable Reader’s Discretion tag on part 2. As a whole, recommended with reader discretion.
March 10, 2024
It's easy to keep swimming along as we always have, letting the current wash over us without a second thought. But every once in a while, something will splash us awake!
"She Believed He Could So She Did" is just such a book. In it, Becky explores many of our culture's most popular sayings, and reading her words will make you think more deeply and be more discerning about the culture around you.
In Part 1, each chapter tackles a different saying such as "You can do hard things" and "You be you" and "Believe in yourself" then examines it in the light of biblical truth. Each chapter ends with a story from a different woman who shares her experience of that truth. In Part 2, each chapter focuses on a practical ways we can live out these biblical truths.
Even if you come to different conclusions, this book is worth reading for how it will make you think more deeply and be more discerning about the culture around you. I can see how it would make for a lively small group discussion among friends or at church!
"She Believed He Could So She Did" is just such a book. In it, Becky explores many of our culture's most popular sayings, and reading her words will make you think more deeply and be more discerning about the culture around you.
In Part 1, each chapter tackles a different saying such as "You can do hard things" and "You be you" and "Believe in yourself" then examines it in the light of biblical truth. Each chapter ends with a story from a different woman who shares her experience of that truth. In Part 2, each chapter focuses on a practical ways we can live out these biblical truths.
Even if you come to different conclusions, this book is worth reading for how it will make you think more deeply and be more discerning about the culture around you. I can see how it would make for a lively small group discussion among friends or at church!
April 6, 2024
It can feel like living in a pressure cooker to consider ALL the things we have to believe and do to make it as women today. The old saying, "She believed she could so she did," is fine if you always believe you're the best, you never struggle, and you depend on yourself for everything and you're absolutely 100% all-the-time right. But guess what? I have yet to meet that person -- the person who never needs help, who doesn't have bad days, who can't seem to get their act together on at least one occasion. Guess who's here for that person (aka all of us)? Jesus. That's what Becky's book is all about. We can do great things that God envisions for us because - as promised in Ephesians 2:10 - HE PLANNED THEM IN ADVANCE. And bonus? He ALSO EMPOWERS THESE PLANS.
What a refreshing reminder in our do-more, work-hard society that our worth is not dependent on our work, our good looks, our respect from others, or our track record. Only the three-in-one God, Jesus, our Father, and the Holy Spirit, can guide our actions along the right paths for our lives. (Psalm 23:3).
In fact, if I had to sum this book up in four short sentences, it would be these:
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.[a]
3 He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness[b]
for his name's sake." (Ps. 23 - ESV)
Go get this book if you are tired of trying to measure up. This battle within yourself is a BATTLE WORTH LOSING because it leads you to HIS SUFFICIENCY.
What a refreshing reminder in our do-more, work-hard society that our worth is not dependent on our work, our good looks, our respect from others, or our track record. Only the three-in-one God, Jesus, our Father, and the Holy Spirit, can guide our actions along the right paths for our lives. (Psalm 23:3).
In fact, if I had to sum this book up in four short sentences, it would be these:
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.[a]
3 He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness[b]
for his name's sake." (Ps. 23 - ESV)
Go get this book if you are tired of trying to measure up. This battle within yourself is a BATTLE WORTH LOSING because it leads you to HIS SUFFICIENCY.
April 27, 2024
I had seen the buildup of this book's launch on Facebook, and had heard some of the story of how it came to be, but I wasn't sure what to expect when I bought the book. Becky did. not. disappoint!
From the very first page to the closing prayer, Becky uses grace-filled intentionality to paint the portrait of who God's women are called to be. It was one of those books where I had to read it in short spurts because each chapter made me dig deep into my own life and search my heart for where I had allowed the lies of the world to skew my view of God. But I couldn't wait to pick it up again to get to the next part!
This is one that I know I will be reading again. I've already recommended it to my community group at church, and I'm recommending it to you if you're a woman.
I don't want to say too much, because I want you to go and read it, but I do want to add this quote because it jumped out at me from the introduction, and I loved the way she worded it.
“Female empowerment starts with a man, and His name is Jesus Christ. . . . The Son of God was interested in raising up His sisters, more than anyone else in history.” —Becky Beresford, She Believed HE Could, So She Did (p. 13, Introduction)
I hope it gives you a taste for the fearlessness with which Becky pursued writing this book and that it draws you closer to a God who wants to know you more and who wants to give you more than what this world can provide.
From the very first page to the closing prayer, Becky uses grace-filled intentionality to paint the portrait of who God's women are called to be. It was one of those books where I had to read it in short spurts because each chapter made me dig deep into my own life and search my heart for where I had allowed the lies of the world to skew my view of God. But I couldn't wait to pick it up again to get to the next part!
This is one that I know I will be reading again. I've already recommended it to my community group at church, and I'm recommending it to you if you're a woman.
I don't want to say too much, because I want you to go and read it, but I do want to add this quote because it jumped out at me from the introduction, and I loved the way she worded it.
“Female empowerment starts with a man, and His name is Jesus Christ. . . . The Son of God was interested in raising up His sisters, more than anyone else in history.” —Becky Beresford, She Believed HE Could, So She Did (p. 13, Introduction)
I hope it gives you a taste for the fearlessness with which Becky pursued writing this book and that it draws you closer to a God who wants to know you more and who wants to give you more than what this world can provide.
June 9, 2024
"I am woman, hear me roar." That was the soundtrack of my growing up years. I always wondered what it meant or why women needed to roar. This rallying cry of a generation has given way to many others—phrases that Becky Beresford takes thoughtful aim at in the pages of "she believed HE could, so she did." Steering us simultaneously toward our amazing gifts as women AND our God-given capacity to be humble, creative, and yielded to Jesus in all things, Beresford has written an important book. Some of my favorite lines: "Myths (such as "speak your truth") masquerading as facts will make women feel lost instead of liberated." And "Satan wants to empower women by encouraging them to look toward self. Christ wants to empower us by pointing toward sacrifice." Oh man. Satan wants to empower us to carry out his purposes, too. That's a massive two-by-four. Beresford reminds us that we don't need to roar or look within to succeed. Our power comes from Christ—and that's beautifully portrayed in this book's pages.
July 7, 2024
"A brave invitation to experience Christ-centered empowerment"—if this sounds like something you need in your life or perhaps it peaks your curiosity, I encourage you to grab a copy and dig in!
With Biblical accuracy and linking-arms attitude, the author dives into cultural topics and phrases that tend to tear us down rather than build us up as women. Today's pressures to achieve no matter the cost, believe your own truth, or hustle hard and live the girl-power life is lifted from our weary shoulders as we put Jesus in the center and allow Him to carry the burden and empower us from the inside-out.
Each chapter ends with a short, real life story from regular women offering words of courage through their own struggles, and at the back of the book there are discussion questions for each chapter.
With clear, concise writing and honest vulnerability, Becky reaches out to the reader with hope and encouragement for living a life filled with truth and freedom in Christ.
I received a complimentary copy from Moody Publishers. All opinions expressed are my own.
With Biblical accuracy and linking-arms attitude, the author dives into cultural topics and phrases that tend to tear us down rather than build us up as women. Today's pressures to achieve no matter the cost, believe your own truth, or hustle hard and live the girl-power life is lifted from our weary shoulders as we put Jesus in the center and allow Him to carry the burden and empower us from the inside-out.
Each chapter ends with a short, real life story from regular women offering words of courage through their own struggles, and at the back of the book there are discussion questions for each chapter.
With clear, concise writing and honest vulnerability, Becky reaches out to the reader with hope and encouragement for living a life filled with truth and freedom in Christ.
I received a complimentary copy from Moody Publishers. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 17, 2024
Book Quote: "We don’t need to have faith in anyone else when we have a Father
who loves us and fights for us. We don’t need to believe in ourselves if
our God is eternally on our side. He is for us, with us, and in us."
Much needed truth to hear in a day where it's all about "ME" and going it alone. With honesty, grace, and truth, Becky switches the narrative from the female-empowerment movement to looking to Jesus as the One who guides us in our strength. I love how she started the book with how she was led to write an apology letter--from the beginning, Becky's humility and quiet confidence in the Lord is seen, and it is seen throughout the book. She leans on scripture and stands on the word of God to show how in Him, we find our true strength.
I recommend this book for every season and stage in life. Thank you for this message, Becky!
who loves us and fights for us. We don’t need to believe in ourselves if
our God is eternally on our side. He is for us, with us, and in us."
Much needed truth to hear in a day where it's all about "ME" and going it alone. With honesty, grace, and truth, Becky switches the narrative from the female-empowerment movement to looking to Jesus as the One who guides us in our strength. I love how she started the book with how she was led to write an apology letter--from the beginning, Becky's humility and quiet confidence in the Lord is seen, and it is seen throughout the book. She leans on scripture and stands on the word of God to show how in Him, we find our true strength.
I recommend this book for every season and stage in life. Thank you for this message, Becky!
March 7, 2024
Within a cultural message of female empowerment, Becky offers biblical insights into questions such as, “Who am I? What is my purpose? What do I believe?” As she explores cultural differences and barriers, she instead seeks to unite us as she explores the truths within the pages of the Bible. Amidst messages like “believe in yourself, follow your heart, and speak your truth,” Becky shares the heart of God on subjects such as our God-given rights, holy courage, spiritual boldness, and sharing the gospel message. Like sitting down to have coffee with a friend as we talk about the deeper and more complex issues of being a woman in these challenging times, Becky shares from her heart and writes with warmth and clarity. This book is for anyone who is trying to separate truth from lies, fact from fiction, and embrace the woman God created her to be.
March 20, 2024
I have been LOVING this book! It has such a powerful and needed message. As someone who has spent a lot of time in the personal development world, I appreciate that Becky really takes the time to use scripture and share WHY many of the beliefs actually don't hold up. Rather than just throwing everything out, it's as though she offers the compassion and understanding of why those messages like "You are enough" sound good, and then goes further to share something even better and more true "CHRIST is enough." I love the personal stories included and how she is always pointing the reader to Christ. Such an important message. Plus it's also well-written and easy to pick up and read in bigger chunks or in small moments, which is often what I get as a busy mom. I've even kept it in the bathroom to read instead of scrolling on my phone. :)
May 7, 2024
A favorite quote from the book: “Holy passion without the power of God behind it is still performance.” Pg 33 of “She Believed HE Could So She Did” by Becky Beresford.
This book packs a punch in the best way possible. It doesn’t beat around the bush as the saying goes but instead gets right at the heart of sneaky lies the enemy of our soul wants to bring us down with—Lies that often have their foundation in self-empowerment. Becky dismantles each lie with God-honoring and God-centered truth from the Bible. You will be hooked like I was with her honest and down-to-earth way of writing as she points us to Christ-centered empowerment through God-dependence. May we live life for the audience of One—the God of the Bible, and the One who is for us. May we lay down the idol of self-performance and look to the One who gives true truth and fulfillment.
This book packs a punch in the best way possible. It doesn’t beat around the bush as the saying goes but instead gets right at the heart of sneaky lies the enemy of our soul wants to bring us down with—Lies that often have their foundation in self-empowerment. Becky dismantles each lie with God-honoring and God-centered truth from the Bible. You will be hooked like I was with her honest and down-to-earth way of writing as she points us to Christ-centered empowerment through God-dependence. May we live life for the audience of One—the God of the Bible, and the One who is for us. May we lay down the idol of self-performance and look to the One who gives true truth and fulfillment.
March 12, 2024
This book exchanges culture's lies for God's truth in a way that is vulnerable and tender, while at the same time direct and empowering. Here's a sample:
"Scripture says we overcome the enemy by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony (Rev. 12:11). We need to share our stories not just because it helps us remember the faithfulness of God but because it stops Satan's schemes. Instead of allowing the enemy to sequester us into pockets of shame, we refuse to stay silent and share our stories for the benefit of our spirits and others."
If you've bought into culture's lies and are overwhelmed and burned out from trying and striving, this book will bring you "hope, joy, and power" in the form of Jesus.
"Scripture says we overcome the enemy by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony (Rev. 12:11). We need to share our stories not just because it helps us remember the faithfulness of God but because it stops Satan's schemes. Instead of allowing the enemy to sequester us into pockets of shame, we refuse to stay silent and share our stories for the benefit of our spirits and others."
If you've bought into culture's lies and are overwhelmed and burned out from trying and striving, this book will bring you "hope, joy, and power" in the form of Jesus.
March 21, 2024
Have you ever read the words: “She Believed She Could So She Did” and think that something was missing? Where is God in this picture? I know for me, I wish it said, “She Believed God Could So She Did.” This is why I am so excited to tell you about a new book, She Believed He Could So She Did by Becky Beresford. I highly recommend this book as Becky takes some of culture’s lies and combats them with Biblical truth. This book is a must read if you want to grow deeper in your walk with Christ!
If you want to hear more about this book, you can check out my conversation with Becky on episode 204 on the Depth Podcast: https://jodisnowdon.com/204-she-belie...
If you want to hear more about this book, you can check out my conversation with Becky on episode 204 on the Depth Podcast: https://jodisnowdon.com/204-she-belie...
April 6, 2024
Becky challenges all of us--but women, in particular--to face the popular messages that are rampant in our culture today and calls us to hold them up to God's Word for validation or rejection. She reminds us where ultimate power and authority come from and helps us remember that our war is not against flesh and blood but against the dark forces of this world. When we recognize who our real Enemy is and what this war is about, we will also recognize that we have no power and authority in and of ourselves, and we will gladly submit ourselves to Christ and live our lives under HIS power and authority. And it is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of wisdom. Thank you for writing this important book, Becky!
March 4, 2024
When life gets a little chaotic, it's not uncommon to be subtly misled by our culture's lies. We might start feeling the weight of the world on our shoulders and mistakenly believe everything depends on us. Or maybe we feel like the success of our future completely depends on us, so we can't seem to let go of control. But when we buy into this, we miss out on the real truth that God has a good plan for our lives, and He promises never to leave us. If you've ever found yourself let down by the wisdom of the world, Becky's book powerfully guides us to true, Christ-centered empowerment. Don't let yourself be worn down any longer—find hope here!
March 5, 2024
One of the most life-giving practices we can embrace as believers is replacing the lies with truth. We are constantly bombarded by messages in culture that are misleading and unbiblical. Becky unpacks them one by one, going back to the Word to reveal what is true so we can ground ourselves securely in Christ. We can finally stop trying to prove that we are enough and walk in the freedom Jesus bought with His blood on the cross. She Believed He Could So She Did has helped me lay down my striving to rest in God, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is weary or wants to deepen their walk with Christ. Add this book to your must-read list!
March 10, 2024
I am always asking my teenagers, what does that mean, do you understand what you are saying, when it comes to music and cultural messages. Why, because I want them to understand who they are beyond our cultures narrative. Therefore, you can imagine how needed and timely I believe this book is! Becky does a beautiful job of combatting common cultural messages with biblical truths. True empowerment does not come from within ourselves, but in Christ. Thank you, Becky, for setting the world straight by articulately pointing the reader to truth. It’s a book worth sharing! I recommend purchasing several copies of this book, keeping one and giving the rest away.
March 12, 2024
Reading this book magnified my belief in Jesus’ love for me and His abundance for me! Another tool to use against culture’s noise and keep under the wings of our Father, as well as propulsion into Spirit-led living. The author is “one of us”; she doesn’t tout having arrived, but she is right on the journey of discipleship with us, bringing in the stories of other women who are part of His tribe too!! I am reading this book again, gleaning more love from the Lord as I do. It’s a discipleship manual that brings the truth of the gospel into current day scenarios. I highly recommend this book!
April 2, 2024
Our culture is spewing a lot of feel-good affirmation, meant to soothe and inspire us—sayings like "You be you" and "Follow your heart." The problem is they’re not based on truth. In She Believed HE Could, So She Did, the author takes a countercultural approach to these assertions that push women toward perfectionism and performance-based approval and holds those beliefs against a biblical construct. Ultimately, our worth is found in the person of Jesus, who loved, honored, defended, and respected women. This book will help readers understand their worth is based not on a crazy works-and-looks scale but instead in their Savior. I highly recommend it!
April 30, 2024
Powerful truth for all women.
This book left me with smiles, tears, encouragement, and plenty of opportunities to acknowledge my shortcomings and be reminded, with heaps of grace, that it is good to do things not in my own strength but instead to trust in my Lord.
At times it felt a bit too gentle - some chapters felt like I’d heard it all before and it was nothing new. Other chapters, however, were challenging, truth-giving, beautiful - to those ones I give 5 stars! And who knows but that I won’t return to this one day and find things I need in the other chapters as well.
I love that she broached some topics that many tend to avoid.
I definitely recommend this one!
This book left me with smiles, tears, encouragement, and plenty of opportunities to acknowledge my shortcomings and be reminded, with heaps of grace, that it is good to do things not in my own strength but instead to trust in my Lord.
At times it felt a bit too gentle - some chapters felt like I’d heard it all before and it was nothing new. Other chapters, however, were challenging, truth-giving, beautiful - to those ones I give 5 stars! And who knows but that I won’t return to this one day and find things I need in the other chapters as well.
I love that she broached some topics that many tend to avoid.
I definitely recommend this one!
July 19, 2024
My rating: 5/5🌟
Available in Kindle and Paperback.
Affirmations are a thing these days. There are several blogs/pages online sharing daily affirmations. But are these affirmations Christ-centered or self-centered?
Becky Beresford’s book beautifully dismantles common cultural myths about women. She emphasizes how women need to be rooted in God’s truth for real empowerment every day. Each chapter takes on a cultural lie, unpacks it with Bible verses, and shares inspiring stories from women worldwide. It’s such an encouraging read! Perfect for women of any age. I’ve annotated and highlighted so much in this book—it’s that good.
For now I cannot miss this one standout quote:
“Contrary to what you’ve been told, true female empowerment doesn’t start with a woman. It starts with a man, and His name is Jesus Christ.” —Becky Beresford
Big thanks to @moodypublishers and @becky.beresford for this gifted copy!
Available in Kindle and Paperback.
Affirmations are a thing these days. There are several blogs/pages online sharing daily affirmations. But are these affirmations Christ-centered or self-centered?
Becky Beresford’s book beautifully dismantles common cultural myths about women. She emphasizes how women need to be rooted in God’s truth for real empowerment every day. Each chapter takes on a cultural lie, unpacks it with Bible verses, and shares inspiring stories from women worldwide. It’s such an encouraging read! Perfect for women of any age. I’ve annotated and highlighted so much in this book—it’s that good.
For now I cannot miss this one standout quote:
“Contrary to what you’ve been told, true female empowerment doesn’t start with a woman. It starts with a man, and His name is Jesus Christ.” —Becky Beresford
Big thanks to @moodypublishers and @becky.beresford for this gifted copy!
January 2, 2025
The world needs this book! In our social-media driven culture, it is so easy for all of us, but especially young people, to buy into the lies the world is selling. The devil has always been a liar—and unfortunately the Church has always been just as at risk for believing those lies as the secular world. In this book, Becky Beresford does an excellent job breaking down each of these lies and countering them with the Truth of God's Word. The content is thoughtful, well researched, and Biblically grounded. And I love that the author included discussion questions, as this is a fantastic book to read through with a group. Highly recommend!
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