Brittany Maher and Cassandra Speer, leaders of the online community Her True Worth, issue a liberating call to stop waiting for permission to pursue your God-given purpose and to step into your calling today with what you already have in hand.
Are you eager to walk in the calling and purpose God has for your life but are feeling uncertain? Maybe you're not sure if you're educated enough, or if it's the right time, or if you even have the authority to take a step forward. Perhaps you're at a standstill and are holding out for ideal conditions, or even an invitation, before you act.
Brittany Maher and Cassandra Speer say it's time to stop waiting to live on mission. God wants to use you now, right where you are, with the tools you already have. In this book, they'll help you . . .
discover that obedience is rarely about feeling prepared or confident but about doing scary things scared;understand the difference between your macro purpose and your micro purpose;explore four biblical ways to combat your natural trauma responses when the Enemy tries to sidetrack you; andrecognize what you already have in your hand and what God can do when you offer that up to Him.
God wants yielded vessels, not perfect ones with the just-right set of qualifications. If we desire to live a life of abundance and mission, we need to walk forward in surrender and make much of our little. God will fill in the gaps, as we choose to believe that He is who He says He is and He does what He says He'll do.
This book encourages Christian women to forge ahead into their God-given callings, even when they are struggling with self-doubt or waiting for someone else to give them an invitation to use their gifts. The authors share biblical examples and encouragements for how God works through people who are obedient to Him, even when they feel unequipped for their callings. Brittany Maher and Cassandra Speer are passionate about helping women serve God with boldness right where they are, and throughout the book, Maher and Speer share honest and vulnerable stories about how their own journeys with this. They share practical advice and also warn against common pitfalls, such as perfectionism, spotlight-seeking, idleness, and yearning for something bigger instead of serving God where you are.
The authors root their core message and practical applications in the Bible, unpacking relevant teachings and exploring Bible stories that provide helpful examples of God's work through imperfect, broken people. This sort of book can easily become fluffy and self-centered, but Ready As You Are keeps the focus on God and on how you can serve Him with your gifts, receiving His strength in the midst of your shortcomings. The authors' hard-won wisdom and Christian perspective are refreshing in comparison to secular books about calling. For example, instead of just telling their readers to believe in themselves more, the authors take people's limitations seriously, highlighting how God works through people's weaknesses and struggles.
As with many other co-written books, I often struggled to keep track of which author was talking. They introduce themselves in parentheses when they switch off, but I found it difficult to remember which stories went with which author's name. I appreciate their honest sharing about their own lives, but couldn't keep up with which life experiences belonged to which woman. Also, even though this book covers a lot of foundational concepts very well, it tends to be very basic. People who have already explored the topic of Christian calling may not find anything new here, even though they can benefit from reminders of what they know to be true.
This is a great book for Christian women who want to discern or follow their calling, but who aren't sure where to start. The authors' personal honesty and robust biblical teaching will encourage and help many readers, and I would especially recommend this for young women and new believers. Also, since this book includes reflection questions at the end of each chapter, this can be a good fit for women's ministry groups and people in mentoring relationships to read together.
I received a free ARC from the publisher, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
"Ready as You Are" by Brittany Maher and Cassandra Speer is a effective guide for those navigating life's uncertainties and seeking to align their purpose with God's plan.
The book resonates deeply with the timeless wisdom of Proverbs 16:9: "A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps." This verse encapsulates the book's core message: while we may have our own aspirations, it's ultimately God who guides our journey.
The authors explore both the "macro" and "micro" aspects of God's purpose, encouraging readers to discern His will in both the grand narrative of their lives and the everyday choices they make.
As a new Christian, having recently converted from Catholicism, I found "Ready as You Are" to be a valuable resource for understanding my own purpose, particularly with the insightful Reflection Questions at the end of each chapter.
The book effectively blends personal narratives with practical guidance. I particularly appreciated the chapters that included insights into the authors' lives, making the book more relatable and authentic. Chapter 3, "The Little Things Do Matter," resonated deeply with me, particularly Cassandra's personal story and the emphasis on daily spiritual practices. The actionable items listed, such as daily Scripture meditation ("Put it on repeat, sis!"), provide a helpful framework for spiritual growth, even though I admit I don't always follow them consistently.Furthermore, Brittany's reflections on digital time-wasting struck a chord. Her honest acknowledgment of this struggle resonated with me and served as a powerful reminder of the importance of prioritizing activities that align with God's purpose.
Overall, "Ready as You Are" is a thoughtful and encouraging read for those seeking a deeper understanding of their purpose in God's plan. While it may primarily resonate with Christian readers, the book's emphasis on self-reflection and personal growth is beneficial for anyone seeking direction and fulfillment.
Disclaimer: I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am providing my honest opinion.
I won a hardcover edition of Ready as you are in a goodreads giveaway. I was excited to read it.
As I was Reading Ready as you are I thought that it was similar to a book such as Be useful by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Which is a book I liked a lot.
I liked hearing the stores from the authors lives. My favorite stores had to do with one of the authors grandmother Jan.
The authors talk about regret and perfectionism. I tend to dwell on my regrets. If I had only done this or that my life would be better now. However that does not make my life better now because can't do anything about what I did in the past.
Also I tend to thing that one day I will start living life or my life will start. But, my life is right now. My life is going on right now even if its the exact way I want it to be or not.
So while I thought some of the things the authors have to say apply to me the book was not as good as I was expecting it to be.
A mix of personal storytelling & Biblical storytelling.
After having read Her True Worth and appreciating the coherency and focus (finding our worth in Christ despite other distractions) of that book, this text personally seemed a bit disjointed to me. The mix of personal storytelling with the Biblical storytelling wasn’t necessarily bad, but the personal stories also seemed weak/unhelpful at times.
This is the first book I’ve read by these authors. It is a self help book and guide for learning your purpose. I like how this book guided me through many topics but focused on scripture . The book really brings forward information and support on how to move forward with my own calling. This book will help people who feel they are lost on what to do next. Great book and I definitely recommend.
A book I really needed in this season of my life! Britt and Cass are the cheerleaders you need by your side when you feel unqualified or filled with doubt in what God has called you to do. This book felt like a pep talk from two close friends who are cheering you on and reminding you that God will equip you and He has made you ready as you are.
Cass and Brittany are like the big sisters I never have. They call you out where you need it, but not without a course of action for correction. This book will stay on my shelf for years to come.