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This Little Fire of Mine: How Flickers of Doubt Can Spark a Bolder, Brighter Faith
Read by the author.
Find the fearless faith you've been longing for when you learn to let go of expectations and embrace your deepest convictions.
Join adoptive mom, Army wife, and influencer Kendall Mariah as she shows you how embracing the uncomfortable friction that comes with leaning into the big questions of faith is the pathway to a deeper relationship with God than you ever imagined.
You've followed the go to church on Sundays, marry the right guy, seek the wisdom of God, keep everyone comfortable, and don't voice questions that keep you up at night. But you find yourself wondering, Is this what being a Christian is supposed to feel like? Is this what God has planned for me?
Kendall found herself asking those same questions. She felt the disconnect between her beliefs and her lived experiences, between her values and what she saw happening in church. And it started her on a journey that completely reshaped her faith. In This Little Fire of Mine, Kendall shares her story of embracing holy discomfort and shows
How doubt can lead to discernment, questions can lead to clarity, and spiritual angst can transform your heart and guide you to a deep inner peaceThe importance of pursuing an integrated life where your words and actions reflect the full truth of ScriptureWhy good friction is healthy and can bring people together and reshape your family and communityWhy it's safe to take your doubt, anger, and fear to Jesus and how it can help you develop a more meaningful relationship with himThis Little Fire of Mine is a guide for pressing boldly into a faith that can withstand your questions, discovering how to anchor your identity in Christ, and refusing to hide your life, even if it makes others uncomfortable.
Find the fearless faith you've been longing for when you learn to let go of expectations and embrace your deepest convictions.
Join adoptive mom, Army wife, and influencer Kendall Mariah as she shows you how embracing the uncomfortable friction that comes with leaning into the big questions of faith is the pathway to a deeper relationship with God than you ever imagined.
You've followed the go to church on Sundays, marry the right guy, seek the wisdom of God, keep everyone comfortable, and don't voice questions that keep you up at night. But you find yourself wondering, Is this what being a Christian is supposed to feel like? Is this what God has planned for me?
Kendall found herself asking those same questions. She felt the disconnect between her beliefs and her lived experiences, between her values and what she saw happening in church. And it started her on a journey that completely reshaped her faith. In This Little Fire of Mine, Kendall shares her story of embracing holy discomfort and shows
How doubt can lead to discernment, questions can lead to clarity, and spiritual angst can transform your heart and guide you to a deep inner peaceThe importance of pursuing an integrated life where your words and actions reflect the full truth of ScriptureWhy good friction is healthy and can bring people together and reshape your family and communityWhy it's safe to take your doubt, anger, and fear to Jesus and how it can help you develop a more meaningful relationship with himThis Little Fire of Mine is a guide for pressing boldly into a faith that can withstand your questions, discovering how to anchor your identity in Christ, and refusing to hide your life, even if it makes others uncomfortable.
Audible Audio
Published February 17, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 23, 2026
Touching on neurodivergence, grief, infertility, adoption, and military life, Kendall shares the truth that it’s OK to have doubts and to wrestle with your faith. Loved this so much!
June 3, 2026
Amazing book. Felt like a conversation with a good friend. It’s so incredibly wonderful to see someone I grew up with do something like this. Kendall, you are a beacon of light to all you touch with your words. You helped to renew my faith.
April 4, 2026
"But here's the truth: Christianity was never meant to be comfortable. Jesus did not walk this earth to uphold the status quo. He flipped tables, confronted hypocrisy, and made the religious elite deeply uncomfortable. He stood with the oppressed, the marginalized, and the outcast. He didn't just speak about justice-he embodied it. And if we claim to follow him, then we are called to do the same. As Christians, it is not enough to simply believe in justice in theory. It is not enough to shake our heads in private, to feel sorrow without action, to whisper sympathy but refuse to stand in the fire. Because silence in the face of injustice is not neutrality-it is complicity.
We don't get to choose when our faith applies. We don't get to hold on to Jesus for salvation while ignoring his commands to love our neighbors fully, to defend the oppressed, to seek justice and correct oppression (Isaiah 1:17). Faith that refuses to acknowledge injustice is not faith at all-it's self-preservation wrapped in religious rhetoric.
We cannot sit in pews, sing worship songs, and declare ourselves pro-life while turning a blind eye to the very real, very dangerous experiences of Black men, women, and children in America. We cannot claim to love God and yet ignore the cries of his people.
We must take up the mantle."
This book lit the spark of my little fire that I carried as a child. The one that has been easily snuffed about by modern religion, churches, and conservative rhetoric. Kendall spoke to the part of me that has never been able to stop praying in my darkest hours or to let go of a faith in the greater good.
I had been tiptoeing around faith, afraid to commit to systems of oppression in a world where I'm surrounded by people who believe differently than I do. Every time I feel a desire to get closer to God, I pull away from my own fear and trauma around what church and community look like. But after finishing this book, I feel called like she says, to create the community I seek.
I never read books like this but I won it on a Goodreads giveaway. I usually don't even apply for books like this, but something about it struck a chord with me and I'm so happy that it ended up in my world.
If you've questioned how faith, Jesus, and being someone who isn't a status-quo believer can go hand in hand, this is a good place to start.
We don't get to choose when our faith applies. We don't get to hold on to Jesus for salvation while ignoring his commands to love our neighbors fully, to defend the oppressed, to seek justice and correct oppression (Isaiah 1:17). Faith that refuses to acknowledge injustice is not faith at all-it's self-preservation wrapped in religious rhetoric.
We cannot sit in pews, sing worship songs, and declare ourselves pro-life while turning a blind eye to the very real, very dangerous experiences of Black men, women, and children in America. We cannot claim to love God and yet ignore the cries of his people.
We must take up the mantle."
This book lit the spark of my little fire that I carried as a child. The one that has been easily snuffed about by modern religion, churches, and conservative rhetoric. Kendall spoke to the part of me that has never been able to stop praying in my darkest hours or to let go of a faith in the greater good.
I had been tiptoeing around faith, afraid to commit to systems of oppression in a world where I'm surrounded by people who believe differently than I do. Every time I feel a desire to get closer to God, I pull away from my own fear and trauma around what church and community look like. But after finishing this book, I feel called like she says, to create the community I seek.
I never read books like this but I won it on a Goodreads giveaway. I usually don't even apply for books like this, but something about it struck a chord with me and I'm so happy that it ended up in my world.
If you've questioned how faith, Jesus, and being someone who isn't a status-quo believer can go hand in hand, this is a good place to start.
February 22, 2026
This was a fabulous book, a book that will stick with me into my next few months. I felt so validated reading it as a young woman fighting with the “Christian” perspective. How so much is not aligned to Jesus’ teaching. I plan to download the audiobook and listen to it again. Throughout the book is opportunities of journaling and I plan to do those throughout the re-read. This book has truly made an impact on my life and my walk with Jesus in more ways than one.
January 24, 2026
I received an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book from NetGalley & Thomas Nelson in exchange for an honest review.
I have followed Kendall Mariah on Instagram for a while, so I was so happy when I received an ARC of her upcoming book! We share the experience of adoption—more specifically, transracial adoption—so parts of this book felt deeply personal.
What resonated most with me was what Kendall calls “soul friction”—that tension that shows up when you know something isn’t right but you don’t know what to do about it. I have had seasons of wrestling with God, seasons of doubts and seasons of disappointment, and I felt seen in Kendall’s words. Her reflections on adoption and her health journey were especially moving. While our stories look different, the emotions—grief, surrender and learning to trust God in the tension—felt incredibly familiar.
Kendall doesn’t encourage walking away from faith during seasons of struggle and tension; she invites you to sit honestly with God, ask thoughtful questions, and allow that tension to deepen—not diminish—your relationship with Him. She challenges the negative connotation around the word “deconstruction,” highlighting that for many people, it’s simply looking at your faith and asking “What do I believe and why? Is it because it was passed down to me or is this faith and belief truly my own?” In that sense, I HAVE asked those questions—and came out on the other side with a stronger relationship with Jesus.
“These questions aren’t about breaking faith apart just for the sake of questioning—it’s about rebuilding it on something real, true, and personal. Because when we do the work of figuring out what we actually believe— beyond expectations, beyond religious culture, beyond inherited faith—we find something deeper. We find Jesus himself.” - Kendall Mariah
I truly enjoyed this book—it’s a quick read, but one that challenges you to do self-work, ask hard questions and spend time in conversation with God. It releases on 2/17, so add it to your TBR!
I have followed Kendall Mariah on Instagram for a while, so I was so happy when I received an ARC of her upcoming book! We share the experience of adoption—more specifically, transracial adoption—so parts of this book felt deeply personal.
What resonated most with me was what Kendall calls “soul friction”—that tension that shows up when you know something isn’t right but you don’t know what to do about it. I have had seasons of wrestling with God, seasons of doubts and seasons of disappointment, and I felt seen in Kendall’s words. Her reflections on adoption and her health journey were especially moving. While our stories look different, the emotions—grief, surrender and learning to trust God in the tension—felt incredibly familiar.
Kendall doesn’t encourage walking away from faith during seasons of struggle and tension; she invites you to sit honestly with God, ask thoughtful questions, and allow that tension to deepen—not diminish—your relationship with Him. She challenges the negative connotation around the word “deconstruction,” highlighting that for many people, it’s simply looking at your faith and asking “What do I believe and why? Is it because it was passed down to me or is this faith and belief truly my own?” In that sense, I HAVE asked those questions—and came out on the other side with a stronger relationship with Jesus.
“These questions aren’t about breaking faith apart just for the sake of questioning—it’s about rebuilding it on something real, true, and personal. Because when we do the work of figuring out what we actually believe— beyond expectations, beyond religious culture, beyond inherited faith—we find something deeper. We find Jesus himself.” - Kendall Mariah
I truly enjoyed this book—it’s a quick read, but one that challenges you to do self-work, ask hard questions and spend time in conversation with God. It releases on 2/17, so add it to your TBR!
April 25, 2026
Highly recommend this book to everyone. Whether you are strong in your faith or you aren't sure where you stand with your faith, this book will make you question the tough things. It will make you reflect on what you believe.
Kendall shares her truth and her experiences with military life, infertility, grief and so much more. She shares what has helped her grow in her faith... asking questions!
I loved when she talked about doubting Thomas. I was always taught that Thomas wasn't strong in his faith, because he had his doubts about Jesus raising from the dead. Maybe he just needed to see for himself that Jesus was alive. Maybe he didn't just want take the word of others. I loved thinking about this.
Also, I loved her view of Jesus and the children. When he said "Let them come to me." Jesus knew that the children would have tons of questions. "He was saying that raw unfiltered curiosity- those honest, sometimes messy questions- are exactly what we need to connect with him and the world"
There were so many amazing quotes, I'll share a few:
"Gold is refined in fire - not to destroy it but to make it purer, more valuable. And faith, much life gold is strengthened in the heat of trials."
"When we walk through season of hardships, uncertainty, and suffering, the fire may feel unbearable, but it is not without purpose. It reveals what we truly believe, forcing us to let go of what was never meant to last and cling tightly to what is eternal."
"Faith is not built in the absence of fire. It's built in the heat of it."
"Faith isn't always light and easy. Sometimes it's a battle. Sometimes it's built in the tension. And sometimes the fact that you're feeling the weight of it all is just proof that your faith is alive- that it matters."
"Because the world doesn't need more quiet Christians who are afraid to ruffle feathers. The world needs people who have been through the fire, wrestled with the tough stuff, and come out on the other side more rooted, more free, and more on fire than ever before."
Kendall shares her truth and her experiences with military life, infertility, grief and so much more. She shares what has helped her grow in her faith... asking questions!
I loved when she talked about doubting Thomas. I was always taught that Thomas wasn't strong in his faith, because he had his doubts about Jesus raising from the dead. Maybe he just needed to see for himself that Jesus was alive. Maybe he didn't just want take the word of others. I loved thinking about this.
Also, I loved her view of Jesus and the children. When he said "Let them come to me." Jesus knew that the children would have tons of questions. "He was saying that raw unfiltered curiosity- those honest, sometimes messy questions- are exactly what we need to connect with him and the world"
There were so many amazing quotes, I'll share a few:
"Gold is refined in fire - not to destroy it but to make it purer, more valuable. And faith, much life gold is strengthened in the heat of trials."
"When we walk through season of hardships, uncertainty, and suffering, the fire may feel unbearable, but it is not without purpose. It reveals what we truly believe, forcing us to let go of what was never meant to last and cling tightly to what is eternal."
"Faith is not built in the absence of fire. It's built in the heat of it."
"Faith isn't always light and easy. Sometimes it's a battle. Sometimes it's built in the tension. And sometimes the fact that you're feeling the weight of it all is just proof that your faith is alive- that it matters."
"Because the world doesn't need more quiet Christians who are afraid to ruffle feathers. The world needs people who have been through the fire, wrestled with the tough stuff, and come out on the other side more rooted, more free, and more on fire than ever before."
February 26, 2026
I went to college with Kendall. Although she was only a few years older, I always admired her. It’s been so awesome to watch her journey over the years. Her stand for her faith & Jesus publicly is something I truly admire. We grew up very similar, and it was so crazy to hear the similarities of how we were raised. So awesome to hear her story & testimony. Kendall I hope you have more books coming soon, because I can’t wait to read them. I would definitely recommend this book. It’s a quick & easy read. Go Camels forever!!!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I’ve followed Kendall since her blogging days, so I was excited for this book, and she did not disappoint! She puts words to the uncomfortable, often lonely experience of questioning your faith in spaces that prefer certainty over curiosity. The prompts are powerful, the questions are bold, and the reassurance is clear: doubt isn’t the enemy. This book gives permission to ask hard questions, sit in the tension, and come out the other side with a deeper, more honest faith.
March 27, 2026
Kendall Mariah keeps it real—lean into the uncomfortable.
Ask the hard questions. Have the conversations most people avoid.
That’s where your faith gets deeper, your purpose gets clearer, and your identity gets rooted in Christ.
This Little Fire of Mine is a must read.
It’s about a faith that’s real enough for your questions—and strong enough to hold you steady.
No shrinking.
No hiding.
Just living your faith out loud… even when it’s uncomfortable.
Ask the hard questions. Have the conversations most people avoid.
That’s where your faith gets deeper, your purpose gets clearer, and your identity gets rooted in Christ.
This Little Fire of Mine is a must read.
It’s about a faith that’s real enough for your questions—and strong enough to hold you steady.
No shrinking.
No hiding.
Just living your faith out loud… even when it’s uncomfortable.
February 19, 2026
I’ve followed Kendall on social media for a while and was so excited to get my hands on her book. I was not disappointed. She talks through so many feelings some of us millennials grew up in the church feel and battle with. She takes out the same of discussing hard topics. I highly recommend listening to the audiobook so you can hear her accent! Sounds just like FaceTiming a friend!
December 3, 2025
I don’t usually read anything but fiction but I felt called to read this one and I am glad I did. It had me asking myself so many questions and it was truly eye opening in some aspects of how I perceive things. It was a really good read.
February 18, 2026
I finished this book in one day! This book literally made me feel like I was on the phone or FaceTiming the author. It was such an easy read that makes you really think while also being so empowering. I absolutely recommend you read this book! She is real, raw, and funny in all the best ways.
March 16, 2026
This book really changed my life. Kendall urges listeners to let the contradictions they feel in life guide their questions and convictions as they find themselves in a beautifully surprising, more intimate relationship with God than they knew was possible. Highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is like having a conversation with the author! Every woman that wants to have a deeper understanding of her faith should read this book!
February 19, 2026
A great read for those with inquiring minds who aren’t afraid to ask questions. Kendall is very relatable and a great story teller. I can’t recommend enough!
February 20, 2026
Super inspirational and very timely for this season in my life. Can't wait to see what Kendall does next!
March 25, 2026
This book is very good for young women. It is well written, and I will recommend it to my 18 year old niece.
April 3, 2026
This was everything I didn’t know I needed to hear.
April 6, 2026
Thank you, Kendall for an inspirational book! I felt every word as though I was having a conversation with you. Your faith is encouraging and lighting a fire in my soul.
April 11, 2026
*well-written, easy to read
*informative and very educational
*impactful messages
*highly recommend
*informative and very educational
*impactful messages
*highly recommend
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews