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Free to Lean: Making Peace with Your Lopsided Life
Do you feel like you have a lopsided life? Good. You're normal! Instead of constantly trying to "fix" our lives by achieving some perfect balance that doesn't exist, let's dump the guilt and admit that we need to lean into God. His perfect plan for us includes seasons of life when we may be more focused on caring for our children or our elderly parents, working for pay, or volunteering at church. Free to Lean gives you permission to recognize the season you're in and live in harmony with it.
Free to Lean will help you Stop feeling “less than” for not being able to do moreShed the burden of other people’s expectationsFind ways to prioritize and order your lifeLearn to recognize the various seasons in each of our livesDevelop the five pillars even the unbalanced woman must lean uponGrow in your confidence of God’s plans for your lifeSo grab your cup of coffee and copy of Free to Lean. Stop feeling guilty about not “doing it all,” and refocus your thoughts on leaning into Jesus. Allow Him to make your lopsided life complete.
Free to Lean will help you Stop feeling “less than” for not being able to do moreShed the burden of other people’s expectationsFind ways to prioritize and order your lifeLearn to recognize the various seasons in each of our livesDevelop the five pillars even the unbalanced woman must lean uponGrow in your confidence of God’s plans for your lifeSo grab your cup of coffee and copy of Free to Lean. Stop feeling guilty about not “doing it all,” and refocus your thoughts on leaning into Jesus. Allow Him to make your lopsided life complete.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 26, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 31, 2017
Free to Lean spoke to me. Not only does it beautifully summarize the kinds of lessons I learned the hard way in my younger years, but this book takes those lessons deeper. Watching whose standards we keep. Giving ourselves grace when we feel to meet those standards. And most of all, leaning on God so we know our purpose and have peace with the decisions we make – even when they displease others. Jocelyn Green’s writing is both open and friendly, yet deep and convicting. I strongly recommend this book.
April 4, 2017
This book was exactly what I needed right now. I recommend this to every woman out there. Are you feeling insignificant, like you're not doing enough or constantly comparing yourself and your gifts to others? If you answered yes to any of these questions you have to read this book. I was so encouraged and motivated to really lean on God. Thanks Jocelyn Green for writing this book and also for including real life women that we can relate to!
April 5, 2017
Free To Lean gave me permission to do as God says. With a zillion opinions raining down on what I'm supposed to be, God whispers, "just be with Me". I love Jocelyn Green's clear writing style carefully crafted with accurate Scriptural references. It is an encouragement to this busy career woman and mother who is refreshed to know that pursuing God's life for me, is the only opinion that matters.
January 14, 2026
This was such a good read and perfect for the start of a new year.
I feel like saying, “Just read it” because there are so many great themes in this book, it’s hard to remember them all.
I highlighted SO much and will be referencing them for sure!
So if you need a read to help you figure out a good balance or rhythm to consider, this book gives a lot of great pointers! And, as a Christian, there are a lot of things that I have not often heard promoted in Christian circles. Things that really make sense for a Christian.
I feel like saying, “Just read it” because there are so many great themes in this book, it’s hard to remember them all.
I highlighted SO much and will be referencing them for sure!
So if you need a read to help you figure out a good balance or rhythm to consider, this book gives a lot of great pointers! And, as a Christian, there are a lot of things that I have not often heard promoted in Christian circles. Things that really make sense for a Christian.
December 31, 2024
My introduction to Green was through her fictional works (which are superb!), but this was a boon to the soul! It’s both an encouragement and a kick to the pants, while being solidly focused on Jesus.
June 9, 2017
Wow! At a time when there are an abundance of books for women addressing issues of "Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda," and "how to truly have it all" - this book is a welcome relief. Jocelyn doesn't try to help her reader figure out "God's plan for their life" or how to have "work/life balance." Rather she seeks to provide critical encouragement to those who believe they are living out their purpose in life and understand that obedience to God's calling and challenges go hand in hand. Unfortunately, literature can be all to rare in affirming women in any walks of life. Jocelyn doesn't paint the picture of an ideal life that comes to terms with "beautiful messes." She also doesn't encourage her readers to take mediation breaks or go on personal retreats to climb 1,000 foot rock faces with their bare hands.
Rather she tells all women that their lives have purpose no matter where they are. Readers will discover thoughtful, unique and creative ways to receive the necessary encouragement they need to keep going despite the struggles. If you are looking for a book to make life easier - this is not it! If you are looking for a book where the author resoundingly says "Keep Going - You Can Do It!" - this is your book!
Rather she tells all women that their lives have purpose no matter where they are. Readers will discover thoughtful, unique and creative ways to receive the necessary encouragement they need to keep going despite the struggles. If you are looking for a book to make life easier - this is not it! If you are looking for a book where the author resoundingly says "Keep Going - You Can Do It!" - this is your book!
April 6, 2017
You can always tell when something just isn't right...like the world around you is tilted off its axis but nobody else can tell but you--this is the season I've been living in and instead of feeling fulfilled, accepted, and purposeful, I've been feeling less than as I try to fit the mold the world around me insists upon. Isn't any wonder that I'm exhausted??
Jocelyn Green offers this amazing book that offers permission to lean into God and live in the freedom of who He created me to be. Rather than listening to the world around me this book is filled with Truths that I'm not meant to imitate the life around me but imitate the Creator who made me with purpose and that. Is. Enough.
Ms. Green has succinct way of driving home the issues that women struggle with using personal stories and stories she's gathered from friends and public figures alongside Scripture that will resonate beyond the pages of this book. While this is a great book that can be read individually, Ms. Green recommends reading it within the structure of a study group or between friends and I couldn't agree more. There's a list of questions at the end of each chapter that allow the reader to further investigate areas in their own hearts, spirits, and lives where they can let go of preconceived ideas of who they're supposed to be and discover that living as who they are is exactly how it's supposed to be.
I cannot wait to read this book again--only this time with a friend or two, a good cup of tea, and probably some chocolate!
Jocelyn Green offers this amazing book that offers permission to lean into God and live in the freedom of who He created me to be. Rather than listening to the world around me this book is filled with Truths that I'm not meant to imitate the life around me but imitate the Creator who made me with purpose and that. Is. Enough.
Ms. Green has succinct way of driving home the issues that women struggle with using personal stories and stories she's gathered from friends and public figures alongside Scripture that will resonate beyond the pages of this book. While this is a great book that can be read individually, Ms. Green recommends reading it within the structure of a study group or between friends and I couldn't agree more. There's a list of questions at the end of each chapter that allow the reader to further investigate areas in their own hearts, spirits, and lives where they can let go of preconceived ideas of who they're supposed to be and discover that living as who they are is exactly how it's supposed to be.
I cannot wait to read this book again--only this time with a friend or two, a good cup of tea, and probably some chocolate!
April 11, 2017
This well researched, yet beautifully conversational book spoke to my "lopsided" (and rather exhausted) soul.
With quotes like...
~ "Choosing the best over the good is wise stewardship"
~ "Lord... Enable me to live so as to deserve a friend, and if I never have one on earth, be Thou my friend, for in having Thee I shall have all that is dear and valuable in friendship" (Susanna Wesley)
~ "Every limit is a beginning as well as an ending" (George Eliot)
~ "Other people's feelings are their own property, not yours"
... what's not to love in this book?
After a very trying year, and then a longer than hoped for or planned separation, my family and I have recently reunited in a new home - a new town, a new house, a new church, new grocery stores, new tv channels, new friends, new EVERYTHING. Looking back over the trials of that last season has taught me a lot about grace, about boundaries, and about myself. Reading this book reassured me that doing the hard things we did over the last year (after seeking the Lord's wisdom and sensing His guidance) really were the best things for our family. Jocelyn's words (along with many Scriptures and quotes from others - both "famous" and "normal" women) helped me to continue to process the past, and prepare for the future. FREE to Lean, FREE to do as Christ calls, FREE to be who I am meant to be, FREE to set up boundaries, FREE.
I highly recommend this book and think that reading it together in a small group setting where honest discussion (and accountability) can happen is the only way you could make it more meaningful.
With quotes like...
~ "Choosing the best over the good is wise stewardship"
~ "Lord... Enable me to live so as to deserve a friend, and if I never have one on earth, be Thou my friend, for in having Thee I shall have all that is dear and valuable in friendship" (Susanna Wesley)
~ "Every limit is a beginning as well as an ending" (George Eliot)
~ "Other people's feelings are their own property, not yours"
... what's not to love in this book?
After a very trying year, and then a longer than hoped for or planned separation, my family and I have recently reunited in a new home - a new town, a new house, a new church, new grocery stores, new tv channels, new friends, new EVERYTHING. Looking back over the trials of that last season has taught me a lot about grace, about boundaries, and about myself. Reading this book reassured me that doing the hard things we did over the last year (after seeking the Lord's wisdom and sensing His guidance) really were the best things for our family. Jocelyn's words (along with many Scriptures and quotes from others - both "famous" and "normal" women) helped me to continue to process the past, and prepare for the future. FREE to Lean, FREE to do as Christ calls, FREE to be who I am meant to be, FREE to set up boundaries, FREE.
I highly recommend this book and think that reading it together in a small group setting where honest discussion (and accountability) can happen is the only way you could make it more meaningful.
April 6, 2017
When I first opened the book, I battled trying to breeze through it because I was on a short timeline to endorse it for the author and wanting to sit and savor it because she spoke such wisdom and comfort to my heart and soul. Like many, I struggle to maintain some balance. Life is full. I fight to keep room in my life, but it is a constant battle because good opportunities bombard me daily. So when I hear another person talk about balance, well, truthfully, my head agrees but my heart is weighted down. What can I realistically cut out? What more should I not be doing? Guilt. Shame. Frustration. Enter Jocelyn Green's new book, Free to Lean: Making Peace with Your Lopsided Life.
With stories that had me giggling (because I've been there), groaning (again, because I've been there), and sighing with empathy, Jocelyn shares her personal struggles to get life right. Yet she gently shares that balance is not only a myth, it's unbiblical. She releases the weights that tie us down to impossible standards and lovingly challenges us to focus on God.
She gives practical tidbits to help us in the journey, things like love languages and boundaries (two books EVERYONE should read). And she also shares some of the specific things that help her family navigate different seasons of life, like the Green StressCon Chart (yep, military roots). Then she takes it a step further, encouraging us to dream with God. Jocelyn wisely includes blind spots we need to beware of on our journey, teaches us how to put success into God's perspective, and offers reassurance for those days when we can barely get through the day before us. Ans she ends with grace, the one lesson most women need to practice more on themselves.
The Bottom Line - 5 stars
My final reaction can be summed like this: Finally! Someone put words to my scrambled thoughts and guilty feelings about balance. In every chapter, at least one sentence (often more than one) called to me. I had to stop to re-read it. Consider it. And more than once I asked God to really let the message sink deep into my heart and soul.
I blanket recommend very few books to all women, but this is one that makes that very short list. Ladies, do yourselves a huge favor. Read this book. Let God's truth shared through Jocelyn saturate your being, and His Spirit help you put these principles into practice.
With stories that had me giggling (because I've been there), groaning (again, because I've been there), and sighing with empathy, Jocelyn shares her personal struggles to get life right. Yet she gently shares that balance is not only a myth, it's unbiblical. She releases the weights that tie us down to impossible standards and lovingly challenges us to focus on God.
She gives practical tidbits to help us in the journey, things like love languages and boundaries (two books EVERYONE should read). And she also shares some of the specific things that help her family navigate different seasons of life, like the Green StressCon Chart (yep, military roots). Then she takes it a step further, encouraging us to dream with God. Jocelyn wisely includes blind spots we need to beware of on our journey, teaches us how to put success into God's perspective, and offers reassurance for those days when we can barely get through the day before us. Ans she ends with grace, the one lesson most women need to practice more on themselves.
The Bottom Line - 5 stars
My final reaction can be summed like this: Finally! Someone put words to my scrambled thoughts and guilty feelings about balance. In every chapter, at least one sentence (often more than one) called to me. I had to stop to re-read it. Consider it. And more than once I asked God to really let the message sink deep into my heart and soul.
I blanket recommend very few books to all women, but this is one that makes that very short list. Ladies, do yourselves a huge favor. Read this book. Let God's truth shared through Jocelyn saturate your being, and His Spirit help you put these principles into practice.
October 5, 2017
How tired are you of hearing sweet, catchy offerings of seemingly great wisdom, but they don't take root as being practical and has no heart whatsoever of what you're actually going through? Well, girl, this book is REAL! From the first page to the last, it is the apparent the author is REAL and honestly living REAL life while depending on a very fabulously REAL God. For our family, it has been perfect timing as we've had several surprises come our way recently that have thrown us for a loop. As well, I've been struggling with decluttering my middle-aged life enough to intentionally pursue a calling God has laid on my heart. The chapter on "Leaning Into Your Purpose" was exactly what I needed. "Carpe Deum" (Seize God) is a new phrase that is now constantly before me. An renewed intentionality to delight in Him is now my friend, thanks to this book. Jocelyn Green doesn't beat anyone over the head to get her priorities straight (Who's sick to death of that guilt saturated phrase?) Instead, Jocelyn fosters a desire in one's spirit to lean on the Everlasting Arms and breathe long and deep. Ahhhhhhhhh. What a relief to know it's God's job to straighten out the rest!
May 25, 2017
The days can get very overwhelming and to know you're not the only one that feels that way is a big relief. This book shows ways to balance out those feelings. God will help all of us thru the rough times and it's ok to use him to help us stand upright. Great idea to use personal times in your life as part of your book for examples. Great work Jocelyn!
February 23, 2024
This was very helpful and freeing for me. I highly recommend it!
September 24, 2024
Jocelyn Green says that the key to living wisely isn't to keep everything in balance, as is so often taught; instead, she says the secret to living well is to learn to lean on Jesus for strength, even when things get lopsided.
Resting and working according to the rhythm of the seasons is an invaluable skill. That's the main theme Jocelyn reiterates throughout this book, and it's one I need to hear. I drew so many takeaways, most of which I can start putting into practice right away.
I loved the testimonies Jocelyn included to illustrate her points as well as her confessions of her own struggles with what she's writing about—those elements made this already good book even better by keeping it relatable. So good!
Resting and working according to the rhythm of the seasons is an invaluable skill. That's the main theme Jocelyn reiterates throughout this book, and it's one I need to hear. I drew so many takeaways, most of which I can start putting into practice right away.
I loved the testimonies Jocelyn included to illustrate her points as well as her confessions of her own struggles with what she's writing about—those elements made this already good book even better by keeping it relatable. So good!
January 22, 2023
Loved this book! It would make a great gift for a friend. When I read the description of this book it sounded like it would offer encouragement, guidance, and strategies for how to be content with my current life. The subtitle, “Making peace with your lopsided life” appealed to me, as whose life isn’t lopsided? This book happily provided even more than it promised.
First the explanation of “lopsided” made sense – flowers growing towards the light and oceans gravitating toward the moon. Lopsided isn’t necessarily a negative thing. Author Jocelyn Green asks, “Why then should we not lean into our season of life?” This book is “an invitation to a deeper, more settled life,” using biblical truths. Instead of trying to achieve an unattainable balance in life, Green suggests considering that our goal should be seeking God’s agenda instead of our own. “God never asked us to ‘do it all.’ He asks us to lean on Him. Then He provides the strength we need to accomplish what’s on His list for us.” And as life has seasons, it’s OK to focus on what God has for us in various life seasons, not trying to do it all and not expecting life to be balanced at the end of the day, or end of the week.
I also liked the emphasis on grace. That we have permission to rest, to say no (not to always say yes to everything asked of us), and to sometimes put ourselves first. All these things contribute to preventing burn-out. How reassuring not to feel guilty and to find peace.
Each of the book’s 10 chapters concludes with discussion questions. This would be a great book to read in a small group as well as independently. I enjoyed the many quotes and examples throughout that provided opportunities for thoughtful consideration.
As Green says in her introduction, “This book is not a how-to guide on cramming more into your life. ”Free to Lean” is less about self-help and more about God-help as you strive to align yourself with His purposes for you right now, today. I hope it will help you find wholeness, peace, and freedom.”
First the explanation of “lopsided” made sense – flowers growing towards the light and oceans gravitating toward the moon. Lopsided isn’t necessarily a negative thing. Author Jocelyn Green asks, “Why then should we not lean into our season of life?” This book is “an invitation to a deeper, more settled life,” using biblical truths. Instead of trying to achieve an unattainable balance in life, Green suggests considering that our goal should be seeking God’s agenda instead of our own. “God never asked us to ‘do it all.’ He asks us to lean on Him. Then He provides the strength we need to accomplish what’s on His list for us.” And as life has seasons, it’s OK to focus on what God has for us in various life seasons, not trying to do it all and not expecting life to be balanced at the end of the day, or end of the week.
I also liked the emphasis on grace. That we have permission to rest, to say no (not to always say yes to everything asked of us), and to sometimes put ourselves first. All these things contribute to preventing burn-out. How reassuring not to feel guilty and to find peace.
Each of the book’s 10 chapters concludes with discussion questions. This would be a great book to read in a small group as well as independently. I enjoyed the many quotes and examples throughout that provided opportunities for thoughtful consideration.
As Green says in her introduction, “This book is not a how-to guide on cramming more into your life. ”Free to Lean” is less about self-help and more about God-help as you strive to align yourself with His purposes for you right now, today. I hope it will help you find wholeness, peace, and freedom.”
October 2, 2017
I so appreciate Jocelyn Green's writing ministry in both her fiction and non-fiction titles. She inspires readers in both. However, she has given us something extra special in Free to Lean. Green gives us permission. Not that she's superior to us and not even that we need anyone to give us permission. But as a kind friend who loves us and wants us to know God's grace and gift of abundant life, Green reminds us and gently challenges us to learn to say "no" to some things (maybe even good things) and say "yes" to better things (what God wants for our lives).
"It is not a sin to know and communicate our limits."
Reading Free to Lean was like taking a big exhale and releasing frustration and anxiety. Green reminds us that we can't be all things to all people all of the time, nor should we even be trying.
Most importantly, Green's encouragement in the book is biblically sound and gospel-centered.
"Whether we're living out our big-picture purpose or we're in a season of waiting and trusting, we are always expected to represent Christ. This is our daily call. No matter what our agenda holds, we can reflect His image when we love our neighbors, model Chrislikeness in our interactions with others, and bear the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). This is a calling and a purpose that always applies."
Green ends each chapter with "Your Turn" (questions for reflection) and "Truths to Trust" (short statement summarizing the main truth of the chapter. Free to Lean would be a perfect choice for personal devotional reading/study, small group emphasis, or in a mentor/disciple relationship.
*I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions shared here are my own.
"It is not a sin to know and communicate our limits."
Reading Free to Lean was like taking a big exhale and releasing frustration and anxiety. Green reminds us that we can't be all things to all people all of the time, nor should we even be trying.
Most importantly, Green's encouragement in the book is biblically sound and gospel-centered.
"Whether we're living out our big-picture purpose or we're in a season of waiting and trusting, we are always expected to represent Christ. This is our daily call. No matter what our agenda holds, we can reflect His image when we love our neighbors, model Chrislikeness in our interactions with others, and bear the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). This is a calling and a purpose that always applies."
Green ends each chapter with "Your Turn" (questions for reflection) and "Truths to Trust" (short statement summarizing the main truth of the chapter. Free to Lean would be a perfect choice for personal devotional reading/study, small group emphasis, or in a mentor/disciple relationship.
*I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions shared here are my own.
October 2, 2017
I was given an advanced reading copy of “Free to Lean” by Jocelyn Green for an honest review of the book.
Free to Lean is a terrific book and one that will help you understand that a perfect life is an illusion and we all will lean from time to time. The main thing we need to do is know where to lean so we don’t get hurt! God is our refuge and strength and we can lean into Him whenever we feel overwhelmed by the circumstances in our life.
Each chapter tackles a new topic with wit, wisdom and inspiring personal stories. Jocelyn writes from a place of humbleness. Her writing isn’t condemning or haughty, but kind and loving. You can tell she is walking the path along side you, not just dictating what you need to do to fix your life. She gives real world examples, including some of her own personal experiences, along with ideas on how to deal with the issue. At the end of the chapter, there are questions to make you think about where you are and where you want to go. Some of these questions can be tough, but if you are willing to put the time and effort into them – along with the personal reflection – you can make real changes in your life.
I highly recommend this book to others who suffer from the feeling that they must put on a perfect exterior to show the world that all is right in their life. We all need to realize there is no such thing as perfect and that everyone leans. We need to be free to embrace the leaning so that we may find peace.
Free to Lean is a terrific book and one that will help you understand that a perfect life is an illusion and we all will lean from time to time. The main thing we need to do is know where to lean so we don’t get hurt! God is our refuge and strength and we can lean into Him whenever we feel overwhelmed by the circumstances in our life.
Each chapter tackles a new topic with wit, wisdom and inspiring personal stories. Jocelyn writes from a place of humbleness. Her writing isn’t condemning or haughty, but kind and loving. You can tell she is walking the path along side you, not just dictating what you need to do to fix your life. She gives real world examples, including some of her own personal experiences, along with ideas on how to deal with the issue. At the end of the chapter, there are questions to make you think about where you are and where you want to go. Some of these questions can be tough, but if you are willing to put the time and effort into them – along with the personal reflection – you can make real changes in your life.
I highly recommend this book to others who suffer from the feeling that they must put on a perfect exterior to show the world that all is right in their life. We all need to realize there is no such thing as perfect and that everyone leans. We need to be free to embrace the leaning so that we may find peace.
May 3, 2024
Free to Lean is a Christian living book for the woman who feels overwhelmed, whose life seems unbalanced, and who needs a little godly perspective. If that’s you, this book could be a good resource for you. Grab yourself a copy of Free to Lean and glean the knowledge that you can then use to lean into God as you follow His will for your life.
Although I did find a few good reminders and gentle truths I needed while reading Free to Lean, I felt like I was mostly just reading and nodding while thinking “I could have told you that!” So perhaps the Lord has generously helped me learn most of these “Truths to Trust” already.
Also, although Green gives us a solid biblical perspective, she does include quotes from a variety of sources to support the truths she is discussing. I would caution the reader to research these sources if you choose to read or listen to more from them, and do so with discernment because their beliefs might not be biblically sound. That being said, the content Green uses is appropriate to and supports the point she is making.
I think this book will give some women the helpful insight they are seeking into how to better live their lives on purpose with practical suggestions as to how that can look and what steps can be taken. Green shares examples from herself and other women that show the reader what a problem area may look like and how changing your thinking and/or doing can improve that aspect of your life.
Although I did find a few good reminders and gentle truths I needed while reading Free to Lean, I felt like I was mostly just reading and nodding while thinking “I could have told you that!” So perhaps the Lord has generously helped me learn most of these “Truths to Trust” already.
Also, although Green gives us a solid biblical perspective, she does include quotes from a variety of sources to support the truths she is discussing. I would caution the reader to research these sources if you choose to read or listen to more from them, and do so with discernment because their beliefs might not be biblically sound. That being said, the content Green uses is appropriate to and supports the point she is making.
I think this book will give some women the helpful insight they are seeking into how to better live their lives on purpose with practical suggestions as to how that can look and what steps can be taken. Green shares examples from herself and other women that show the reader what a problem area may look like and how changing your thinking and/or doing can improve that aspect of your life.
June 8, 2017
When life gets lopsided, packed to the gills, over-busy it's so easy to end up feeling isolated. We feel stressed out and then experience guilt over the stress. Then we lose sleep, we fret, we get to the end our rope (or our fuse, even).
But now we have this lovely book. BIG exhale.
In Free to Lean, Jocelyn Green has opened the front door or her home, poured us a cup of coffee, invited us to pull up to the table. She's shown us a glimpse of her life, she's told us stories, she's given us a reason to giggle a little. But most importantly, Jocelyn has put her arm around our shoulders and told us, "You aren't alone. You can't do it all. It's all right."
Free to Lean is for moms and daughters, sisters and friends. Honestly, it's a book for the fellas, too. It can be read in stolen moments throughout the busy day or in a Bible study, even shared with a book club. Wherever it is read, I am confident that the reader will feel refreshed and renewed to doing those good works we have in front of her (or him) in this season of life.
This book has a permanent place on my bookshelf and I know I'll reference it many times in the future. I truly could not recommend it more highly.
But now we have this lovely book. BIG exhale.
In Free to Lean, Jocelyn Green has opened the front door or her home, poured us a cup of coffee, invited us to pull up to the table. She's shown us a glimpse of her life, she's told us stories, she's given us a reason to giggle a little. But most importantly, Jocelyn has put her arm around our shoulders and told us, "You aren't alone. You can't do it all. It's all right."
Free to Lean is for moms and daughters, sisters and friends. Honestly, it's a book for the fellas, too. It can be read in stolen moments throughout the busy day or in a Bible study, even shared with a book club. Wherever it is read, I am confident that the reader will feel refreshed and renewed to doing those good works we have in front of her (or him) in this season of life.
This book has a permanent place on my bookshelf and I know I'll reference it many times in the future. I truly could not recommend it more highly.
July 12, 2017
"Free to Lean" by Jocelyn Green is a breath of fresh air. It is a book that is welcoming and inviting as we Jocelyn invites the reader into her life, her stories and let's us know that it's okay to be imperfect. She doesn't simply just expect us to have everything all together, nor does she even pretend to do so. She openly shares that she doesn't and comforts the reader by letting you know that 1) you're not alone, 2) It's going to be okay and 3) You can't do it all. I loved letting the third one sink in. Sometimes, I feel like it all depends on me, when it doesn't, but it solely depends on my obedience to God. This book is meant for wives, moms, friends, daughters, sisters, small groups, etc. I love the book is written and would love to do this as a small group with a group of women. I felt a sense of peace while reading this book and also I felt that she smacked me with some hard, but good truths. I highly recommend this book and it has found a permeant spot of my shelf. You'll mark it up with highlighters, sticky notes, etc. I give this book 5/5 stars. Thank you to author for providing me a complimentary copy for review purposes. A favorable review was not required.
October 2, 2017
From the very first page, this book has so many good truth's in it. I found myself wanting to highlight what i found but realized I'd probably end up highlighting the whole book. Jocelyn Green pulls from her own experiences and other women at different stages in life. One of the most encouraging things is the hope i found throughout this book. It does not matter what's going on, when we lean on God, we can find joy in even the most trying situations. As a mom of toddlers, there are days that are much more stressful then others. It is so easy to be stressed out and frazzled instead of leaning on God. When I do, I can find joy in the craziness of potty training or the many dishes needing to be done. What's super encouraging about this book, is that it is a life long journey. Something we all will be working on in some form or another throughout our life. I think this is book is good to do as a group or individually. I think that each time you read this book, you'll learn something new.
July 14, 2017
Balance can be such a struggle for us as women. Many of us work full time. Care for a home and family. Volunteer. Run kids to soccer practice. Take the dog to the vet. So many good things pulling on our time but yet we’re afraid to say “no”. Guilt piles up and life is affected.
Author Joselyn Green shows us that it’s okay to say “no”. But more than that, it’s okay to lean. Lean into God and embrace the season you’re in right now. With refreshing honesty about her life, we discover that we’re not alone. You’ll feel welcomed and invited to join her in this lopsided life. You’ll laugh, and maybe cry, as truth sinks in.
I used this as a devotional and so much of it has been highlighted so I can go back and reread what struck me the most. Such as the fact that “our purpose is not our identity.” Refreshing! I strongly encourage you to read Free to Lean. It really will be life changing.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Author Joselyn Green shows us that it’s okay to say “no”. But more than that, it’s okay to lean. Lean into God and embrace the season you’re in right now. With refreshing honesty about her life, we discover that we’re not alone. You’ll feel welcomed and invited to join her in this lopsided life. You’ll laugh, and maybe cry, as truth sinks in.
I used this as a devotional and so much of it has been highlighted so I can go back and reread what struck me the most. Such as the fact that “our purpose is not our identity.” Refreshing! I strongly encourage you to read Free to Lean. It really will be life changing.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
July 12, 2023
I wish I’d had this book back in 2017 when it was published – back when I was struggling to balance all the roles I played at the time. I felt like I wasn’t doing enough or well enough in any of them. I felt pulled in a hundred different directions because I wasn’t clear what to focus on. It took several years to discern what I needed to save for another season, what I needed to lessen, what I need to increase, and what I need to drop entirely – regardless of others’ opinions of my decisions. Regardless of any guilt that flared in my mind.
Jocelyn gets it. She gets me. So do the many women whose stories she shares in the book.
Reading “Free to Lean” is like being welcomed into the fold of like-minded, like-called sisters to whom I don’t need to prove myself or defend myself. They walk with the same stride I do.
What a refreshment that is. What an encouragement this book is. Planning to read it again as I continue to learn how to be free to lean.
Jocelyn gets it. She gets me. So do the many women whose stories she shares in the book.
Reading “Free to Lean” is like being welcomed into the fold of like-minded, like-called sisters to whom I don’t need to prove myself or defend myself. They walk with the same stride I do.
What a refreshment that is. What an encouragement this book is. Planning to read it again as I continue to learn how to be free to lean.
October 26, 2017
I was so blessed to be on the launch team for Free to Lean. When I read the description of the book, I knew it sounded like something I needed! I'm always talking and thinking about how unbalanced my life is. This book got to the heart of that lopsided feeling we all get sometimes. I felt like I was constantly in that mindset, but this book eased my concerns and made me feel okay with not juggling everything perfectly. I swear this was written for me, because the author addresses all the issues currently weighing me down. I know I'm not the only woman (or man) who feels this way.
If you feel unbalanced, grab a chair, pour a cup of coffee, and let this book speak to you! I'll be reading this one again soon.
*A complimentary copy of Free to Lean was provided in exchange for my honest review.
If you feel unbalanced, grab a chair, pour a cup of coffee, and let this book speak to you! I'll be reading this one again soon.
*A complimentary copy of Free to Lean was provided in exchange for my honest review.
January 13, 2021
I'm not finished with this book yet, but I'd like to share why. I only need to read a paragraph or a half a page to feel the move of God in my heart, mind, and spirit. This is another book I keep nearby and grab whenever I need to feel encouraged.
I have a never ending to-do list and often feel like a failure for not completing more on a day-to-day basis. However, Jocelyn has taught me that being in the presence of Jesus is sometimes the only thing I need to do that day!
I've also read several of her fiction books and as an aspiring fiction author, the message of Free to Lean is all the more important to me. It's helped me to understand I'm not the only writer who struggles with meeting a certain level of expectations.
I have a never ending to-do list and often feel like a failure for not completing more on a day-to-day basis. However, Jocelyn has taught me that being in the presence of Jesus is sometimes the only thing I need to do that day!
I've also read several of her fiction books and as an aspiring fiction author, the message of Free to Lean is all the more important to me. It's helped me to understand I'm not the only writer who struggles with meeting a certain level of expectations.
April 16, 2024
I enjoyed reading Free to Lean and am glad it’s back in print. It’s beautifully written and easy to read. Jocelyn Green’s suggestions are Christian faith based and inspiring scriptures from the Bible are quoted. The following are a few of her thought-provoking questions:
Whose voice are you listening most to?
Are you giving your spouse your emotional leftovers?
Can I let some good things go so that I can be better at doing what is best?
Will I accept Grace for myself and for others?
Great book— highly recommend!
Whose voice are you listening most to?
Are you giving your spouse your emotional leftovers?
Can I let some good things go so that I can be better at doing what is best?
Will I accept Grace for myself and for others?
Great book— highly recommend!
June 6, 2024
Flowers lean toward the light. Ocean tides lean to the moon. Why can’t we lean into our lives the same way? This book encourages to lean into whatever season God has us in currently. It’s not about perfection. It’s not even about balance. It’s about leaning on God in order to handle whatever is going on around us, good or not. I was moved already by page 10 and couldn’t put the book down until I was finished, bookmarking several pages to come back to in the future. Definitely recommend this book to anyone I know.
September 28, 2017
Balance was the word I chose to guide my last two years, and apparently balance was not what I should have been seeking. In this excellent book, Jocelyn Green advises her readers to seek God's plan for their life. See my video review here: https://marypotterkenyon.wordpress.co...
August 15, 2017
The words in this book jumped off the pages and went straight into my heart. Making personal applications is the reason I read non-fiction. This book "Free to Lean: Making Peace with Your Lopsided Life" by Jocelyn Green will not disappoint.
June 19, 2020
Reading "Free to Lean" during the pandemic was perfect timing. The subtitle: "Making Peace with your Lopsided Life" is very apt for our time period. I highly recommend this book to all, especially for those searching for peace and guidance right now.
January 7, 2019
Great insight into living as God wants, with lots of compelling and helpful examples! Highly recommended
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