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The Set-Apart Woman: God's Invitation to Sacred Living
In The Set-Apart Woman, women of all ages will be encouraged to stay grounded in Jesus amid the many distractions and temptations of their daily lives. Biblical truths will help readers understand what it means to live the consecrated life, set apart for God’s purposes. Readers will apply these truths to practical areas of struggle that women face on a daily basis, such as sinful attitudes and patterns and other hindrances to our souls.
257 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 20, 2015
77 people are currently reading
522 people want to read
About the author
Leslie Ludy
43 books374 followersLeslie Ludy is the bestselling author of Set-Apart Femininity, When God Writes Your Love Story, Authentic Beauty, and more than a dozen other books she has coauthored with her husband, Eric. She reaches thousands of young women each year and is passionate about helping them discover Christ's design for their lives. Leslie and Eric live with their three children in Colorado.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
March 4, 2016
The Set-Apart Woman was a very good nonfiction read. It was challenging and well written. It motivates you to put Christ at the center of your life.
A good read! I can see myself rereading it in the future.
*I received a complimentary eBook copy via NetGalley for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
A good read! I can see myself rereading it in the future.
*I received a complimentary eBook copy via NetGalley for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
May 10, 2015
This book doesn’t focus on prayer, but on removing distractions… on “coming away with” Christ and prioritizing our relationship with Him rather than hoping we can find the time to pray, read God’s Word, or just plain worship.
Many of us are happy to sing songs about Christ, write about Him, and talk about Him to other believers, but often when the true test of loyalty comes, we choose personal comfort over radical abandon to Him. (p. 13)
I worked through this book slowly, trying to take just one chapter at a time and then utilize the personal study and reflection questions as journal prompts. Do I have holy discontent for mediocre Christianity? Am I willing to embrace godly discipline in order to make my prayer life a priority? Have I been settling for counterfeit peace and joy? One of the great things about these questions (which I typically skip in most books I read, by the way) is Leslie doesn’t just ask you yes or no questions; she follows each one up with an application question, a “how will I change to make this happen?” or “what will I do differently as a result?”
As you consider what it means to be set apart for Christ, you must examine your life in light of a crucial question: Are you standing in the vicinity of the Cross, or are you clinging to it? (p. 25)
Leslie addresses distractions to living a set-apart life, including apathy, temporal distraction, drama/gossip, idolatry, and anxiety. What would a set-apart look like? Opposite of those things: passion, true satisfaction, a quiet spirit, faithfulness, and confidence, respectively. The Scripture she uses throughout this book encouraged me, knowing she did not rip it out of context to prove a point and she even directed my attention to verses I might not have applied to her point. She also frequently quotes “heroes of the faith,” such as Amy Carmichael and Leonard Ravenhill. Quotes worth contemplating.
It’s true that this set-apart life will look crazy to those around us. You might even call me a little extreme if I adopt even half of Leslie’s suggestions. But I carry a deep longing to know Christ on a deeper level than I ever have — even in the midst of changing diapers, cleaning up spills, and reading picture books. The call to set-apart living isn’t a call to live in a monastery; it’s an act of surrender. Those times when I say I need to “veg” after a long day — those are the times Christ invites me to find pleasure in Him first. Those times I just want to scroll and scroll and scroll on Facebook rather than try to focus on reading Scripture — those are the times I desperately need the discipline of seeking first His kingdom. And I found this book encouraging in such an endeavor.
God has promised that when we build our lives around His priorities, He will make sure all our needs are taken care of. But most of us are not willing to allow this principle to be proven true in our lives. (p. 66)
Much like the book Wrestling Prayer that Leslie wrote with her husband Eric, I need to place this book on the Yearly Re-read shelf. I need to periodically remember the call to come away with Christ and be enamored with Him in the midst of daily living, because it’s so easy to forget. Would I recommend this book? Yes. 5 stars all the way. But be prepared to be challenged in an uncomfortable way. The best kind of discomfort — for God’s glory.
I received this book for free via Tyndale House Publishers for this review. The perspectives above, not including direct quotes from the book, are entirely mine. This post does include affiliate links; read our disclosure policy here.
Many of us are happy to sing songs about Christ, write about Him, and talk about Him to other believers, but often when the true test of loyalty comes, we choose personal comfort over radical abandon to Him. (p. 13)
I worked through this book slowly, trying to take just one chapter at a time and then utilize the personal study and reflection questions as journal prompts. Do I have holy discontent for mediocre Christianity? Am I willing to embrace godly discipline in order to make my prayer life a priority? Have I been settling for counterfeit peace and joy? One of the great things about these questions (which I typically skip in most books I read, by the way) is Leslie doesn’t just ask you yes or no questions; she follows each one up with an application question, a “how will I change to make this happen?” or “what will I do differently as a result?”
As you consider what it means to be set apart for Christ, you must examine your life in light of a crucial question: Are you standing in the vicinity of the Cross, or are you clinging to it? (p. 25)
Leslie addresses distractions to living a set-apart life, including apathy, temporal distraction, drama/gossip, idolatry, and anxiety. What would a set-apart look like? Opposite of those things: passion, true satisfaction, a quiet spirit, faithfulness, and confidence, respectively. The Scripture she uses throughout this book encouraged me, knowing she did not rip it out of context to prove a point and she even directed my attention to verses I might not have applied to her point. She also frequently quotes “heroes of the faith,” such as Amy Carmichael and Leonard Ravenhill. Quotes worth contemplating.
It’s true that this set-apart life will look crazy to those around us. You might even call me a little extreme if I adopt even half of Leslie’s suggestions. But I carry a deep longing to know Christ on a deeper level than I ever have — even in the midst of changing diapers, cleaning up spills, and reading picture books. The call to set-apart living isn’t a call to live in a monastery; it’s an act of surrender. Those times when I say I need to “veg” after a long day — those are the times Christ invites me to find pleasure in Him first. Those times I just want to scroll and scroll and scroll on Facebook rather than try to focus on reading Scripture — those are the times I desperately need the discipline of seeking first His kingdom. And I found this book encouraging in such an endeavor.
God has promised that when we build our lives around His priorities, He will make sure all our needs are taken care of. But most of us are not willing to allow this principle to be proven true in our lives. (p. 66)
Much like the book Wrestling Prayer that Leslie wrote with her husband Eric, I need to place this book on the Yearly Re-read shelf. I need to periodically remember the call to come away with Christ and be enamored with Him in the midst of daily living, because it’s so easy to forget. Would I recommend this book? Yes. 5 stars all the way. But be prepared to be challenged in an uncomfortable way. The best kind of discomfort — for God’s glory.
I received this book for free via Tyndale House Publishers for this review. The perspectives above, not including direct quotes from the book, are entirely mine. This post does include affiliate links; read our disclosure policy here.
May 19, 2015
What can I say about 'The Set-Apart Woman' by Leslie Ludy? It is so inspiring and uplifting.
I was expecting this book to be a little boring, and to drag on too long. I must say I was wrong in both cases. Leslie Ludy has written this book in a way that is fun, and interesting. She mixes personal experiences with Bible verses, and examples of women strong in their faith. It is easy to relate with her, and she seems like a human who makes mistakes just like us. But she shows us how we can raise above our mistakes and learn to do better.
Some people have said the Leslie Ludy writes in such a way that she seems to be 'standing on a table yelling at me', but I find it quite the opposite. She seems to be standing before us gently guiding us, teaching us from her mistakes.
This book inspired me and made me feel braver. One of my favorite chapters was the one about fear. I really felt like this was good chapter for me on learning to trust God.
I loved that she has adopted children, and as that is something I've always wished to do she really encouraged me to do it. I love her soft heart, and the story of her husbands call to help orphans.
Overall I would rate this book 5/5 I can't really think of anything I would have changed. I 100% would recommend this book to a friend, and I am going to be sure to buy this book.
I was expecting this book to be a little boring, and to drag on too long. I must say I was wrong in both cases. Leslie Ludy has written this book in a way that is fun, and interesting. She mixes personal experiences with Bible verses, and examples of women strong in their faith. It is easy to relate with her, and she seems like a human who makes mistakes just like us. But she shows us how we can raise above our mistakes and learn to do better.
Some people have said the Leslie Ludy writes in such a way that she seems to be 'standing on a table yelling at me', but I find it quite the opposite. She seems to be standing before us gently guiding us, teaching us from her mistakes.
This book inspired me and made me feel braver. One of my favorite chapters was the one about fear. I really felt like this was good chapter for me on learning to trust God.
I loved that she has adopted children, and as that is something I've always wished to do she really encouraged me to do it. I love her soft heart, and the story of her husbands call to help orphans.
Overall I would rate this book 5/5 I can't really think of anything I would have changed. I 100% would recommend this book to a friend, and I am going to be sure to buy this book.
June 17, 2021
Such a great book! Each chapter was convicting in its own way. Definitely want to read this one again sometime and/or go back over all the highlighted portions.
July 21, 2023
Strongly recommend. Old fashioned a bit but not too extreme in my opinion. Challenges you to live for Jesus more boldly.
June 17, 2015
You are standing between two kingdoms-one thriving land of ease, pleasure, and comfort; the other a humble hidden hole in the side of a mountain. One promises acceptance, distraction, and pleasure. The other promises persecution, difficulty…and true fulfillment….It is the voice of the one true King, saying…I have chosen you. I have called you by name. I ask you to come away from Saul’s camp and become numbered among My set-apart ones who dwell with Me in the cave. Bring nothing with you, leave everything behind, and do not look back. Cut off all allegiance to your former homeland, and come away with Me. It will not be an easy path. But unless you die with Me, you will never what it means to truly live. Come away to the cave. Come away with your King.
A challenging read but spoken with truth and grace on what it means to be set apart. I don’t have a list of what I need to do but I do have a cry out to the Lord to change my heart to be set apart. To live out the Gospel that is rich in both works and faith. That is where the difference lies. Not in humanitarian efforts. Humanitarian efforts are usually done without our need for salvation but an effort that we can solve the world’s problems without God and God’s design for creation.
There are many ways that we as Christians can be set apart and not only make a difference but turn the world upside down. The little fox holes that we have in our hearts can keep our eyes on ourselves instead of Jesus the author of our Faith. One of the most helpful insights of this book for me was God is life giving, anything else is from the evil one. It is when I am in despair and discouragement; I need to call on the name of the Lord. God does not give the spirit of fear and confusion but by calling his name my confidence is in Him.
It is relevant to ask yourself if you are driven by your emotions. Our emotions of love, mercy and acceptance can drive us react to believing a lie instead of the truth of God. By rejecting His truth, we are rejecting Him.
From the beginning with a Divine Invitation to the calling of seeking first the Kingdom of God, you will be challenged, encouraged, and awaken desires for the will of God to be set apart for His work.
A Special Thank you to NavPress Publishing Group and Netgalley for ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
A challenging read but spoken with truth and grace on what it means to be set apart. I don’t have a list of what I need to do but I do have a cry out to the Lord to change my heart to be set apart. To live out the Gospel that is rich in both works and faith. That is where the difference lies. Not in humanitarian efforts. Humanitarian efforts are usually done without our need for salvation but an effort that we can solve the world’s problems without God and God’s design for creation.
There are many ways that we as Christians can be set apart and not only make a difference but turn the world upside down. The little fox holes that we have in our hearts can keep our eyes on ourselves instead of Jesus the author of our Faith. One of the most helpful insights of this book for me was God is life giving, anything else is from the evil one. It is when I am in despair and discouragement; I need to call on the name of the Lord. God does not give the spirit of fear and confusion but by calling his name my confidence is in Him.
It is relevant to ask yourself if you are driven by your emotions. Our emotions of love, mercy and acceptance can drive us react to believing a lie instead of the truth of God. By rejecting His truth, we are rejecting Him.
From the beginning with a Divine Invitation to the calling of seeking first the Kingdom of God, you will be challenged, encouraged, and awaken desires for the will of God to be set apart for His work.
A Special Thank you to NavPress Publishing Group and Netgalley for ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
June 6, 2017
This book is not a “make you feel good” book. The message may seem extreme to many and the life she invites her readers to something unattainable. I, too, had my questions regarding the possibility to apply what she presents to be a "radical life devoted to God" in the century and world we live in. I can easily see how this book can turn into a "text book" and seem hard to live by. However, the life of the martyrs and the heroes of faith that Leslie presents is something I am sure every true Christian longs for - total communion with God, a deep relationship.
One aspect that bothered me a bit more than the others was her approach to books. She mentioned that nothing should stand in our way to search fellowship with God - if we have a few moments of free time, do we read the Bible or pray, or on the contrary, we engage in something that we see as "me time"? (something she disagrees with) She said at some point that she sometimes "enjoys reading an edifying book", but most often than not, prefers to engage in things that have an eternal impact. I think this is very good, but I love to read, and there are many books out there that don't necessary fall into the "edifying" category, good books, books that I plan to read. For clarification, she calls "edifying" those books which deal with Christian life and living. This, I think is my biggest turn off from the book.
I agree with what she wrote about the way we should relate to prayer: "not when we feel like it", but we must train ourselves to spend more time with God. This sounds off putting, but it's a Biblical truth (see: Paul the apostle's life and letters to the Churches).
The resources she recommends at the end and throughout the book, mostly writings of and about heroes of faith (something that I find extremely useful!), and sermons available at www.ellerslie.com dealing with various topics talked of in the book, are really good and welcome. Also, the discussion questions and prompts at the end of every chapter are great for a small group talk, and mostly for personal devotion time.
All in all it was a good book, a great reminder to refocus our attention on what matters in light of eternity.
I received a free e-book copy from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.
One aspect that bothered me a bit more than the others was her approach to books. She mentioned that nothing should stand in our way to search fellowship with God - if we have a few moments of free time, do we read the Bible or pray, or on the contrary, we engage in something that we see as "me time"? (something she disagrees with) She said at some point that she sometimes "enjoys reading an edifying book", but most often than not, prefers to engage in things that have an eternal impact. I think this is very good, but I love to read, and there are many books out there that don't necessary fall into the "edifying" category, good books, books that I plan to read. For clarification, she calls "edifying" those books which deal with Christian life and living. This, I think is my biggest turn off from the book.
I agree with what she wrote about the way we should relate to prayer: "not when we feel like it", but we must train ourselves to spend more time with God. This sounds off putting, but it's a Biblical truth (see: Paul the apostle's life and letters to the Churches).
The resources she recommends at the end and throughout the book, mostly writings of and about heroes of faith (something that I find extremely useful!), and sermons available at www.ellerslie.com dealing with various topics talked of in the book, are really good and welcome. Also, the discussion questions and prompts at the end of every chapter are great for a small group talk, and mostly for personal devotion time.
All in all it was a good book, a great reminder to refocus our attention on what matters in light of eternity.
I received a free e-book copy from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.
April 17, 2015
Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Would I consider The Set-Apart Woman an invitation to sacred living? Yes-I would. The Set Apart Woman is defiantly written for women who are serious about living sacredly, biblically, and righteously. When I first read the title for this book this verse came to mind:
"But you are a CHOSEN RACE , A HOLY PRIESTHOOD, a holy nation, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY." (1 Peter 2:9-10 New American Standard Bible).
We are set apart in many ways, especially as Christian women. We are called to live righteously, but not lawfully. Leslie Ludy, the author of The Set Apart Woman has a lot of wonderful advice for "talking the walk" in regards to our Christian faith. However, I want to warn those who are newer to the faith to rest in the Grace of God before reading a book like The Set Apart Woman. Let me be clear, there is nothing wrong with the advice Leslie gives in her book, but for many new believers still grasping the grace that saves us and not by works, this book may be confusing as Leslie does address righteousness by living.
For the older women out there training up the new generation, please take note of this book! I think this book is great as a standalone, but would be better if done in a group setting where discussion and teaching can be done. As a younger woman myself, I would love to sit down with an older woman to discuss being a set-apart woman.
Thank you Leslie for your wisdom, and thank you Tyndale House and NavPress for the opportunity for review.
Would I consider The Set-Apart Woman an invitation to sacred living? Yes-I would. The Set Apart Woman is defiantly written for women who are serious about living sacredly, biblically, and righteously. When I first read the title for this book this verse came to mind:
"But you are a CHOSEN RACE , A HOLY PRIESTHOOD, a holy nation, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY." (1 Peter 2:9-10 New American Standard Bible).
We are set apart in many ways, especially as Christian women. We are called to live righteously, but not lawfully. Leslie Ludy, the author of The Set Apart Woman has a lot of wonderful advice for "talking the walk" in regards to our Christian faith. However, I want to warn those who are newer to the faith to rest in the Grace of God before reading a book like The Set Apart Woman. Let me be clear, there is nothing wrong with the advice Leslie gives in her book, but for many new believers still grasping the grace that saves us and not by works, this book may be confusing as Leslie does address righteousness by living.
For the older women out there training up the new generation, please take note of this book! I think this book is great as a standalone, but would be better if done in a group setting where discussion and teaching can be done. As a younger woman myself, I would love to sit down with an older woman to discuss being a set-apart woman.
Thank you Leslie for your wisdom, and thank you Tyndale House and NavPress for the opportunity for review.
October 17, 2023
Ce înseamnă să fii femeie? de Leslie Ludy
În zilele noastre, când cultura și mass-media ne bombardează cu mesaje de materialism și să facem să ne simtitim bine, o carte ca aceasta aduce un mesaj necesar și provocator tuturor femeilor care tânjesc după ceva mai profund.
Această carte este un îndemn adresat femeilor să-și reevalueze prioritățile în viață, să examineze unde se află Isus în viața lor și să facă ajustări pentru a-L pune pe Isus la locul cuvenit în viața noastră.
Folosind adevăruri biblice, povești personale și idei practice, Ludy discută multe domenii în care femeile pot schimba zonele de slăbiciune pentru un angajament mai puternic față de Isus.
Unele subiecte pe care le acoperă includ media și divertismentul, bârfa și autopromovarea.
Fiecare capitol se încheie cu un studiu de întrebări atât pentru discuții personale, cât și de grup, ceea ce face ca aceasta să fie o carte minunată pe care să o parcurgeți cu un grup mic sau pentru o reflecție profundă pe cont propriu.
Există, de asemenea, o listă de lecturi recomandate în spatele cărții ,pline de biografii și cărți creștine care să vă ajute să vă aprofundați plimbarea cu Isus.
Fiecare capitol m-a lăsat să mă gândesc la propria mea viață și la cum pot aplica provocările ei în viața de zi cu zi.
Această carte este un apel foarte necesar pentru ca femeile să devină serioase în privința credinței lor, îndemnându-ne să renunțăm din viața călduță și să alergăm cu capul în față în Isus
Cartea are un mesaj provocator, nu neapărat învăluit în puf si amabilități. Ea te cheamă să trăieşti pentru Cristos, să schimbi păcatul şi mediocritatea cu o viaţă dupa voia lui Dumnezeu.
În zilele noastre, când cultura și mass-media ne bombardează cu mesaje de materialism și să facem să ne simtitim bine, o carte ca aceasta aduce un mesaj necesar și provocator tuturor femeilor care tânjesc după ceva mai profund.
Această carte este un îndemn adresat femeilor să-și reevalueze prioritățile în viață, să examineze unde se află Isus în viața lor și să facă ajustări pentru a-L pune pe Isus la locul cuvenit în viața noastră.
Folosind adevăruri biblice, povești personale și idei practice, Ludy discută multe domenii în care femeile pot schimba zonele de slăbiciune pentru un angajament mai puternic față de Isus.
Unele subiecte pe care le acoperă includ media și divertismentul, bârfa și autopromovarea.
Fiecare capitol se încheie cu un studiu de întrebări atât pentru discuții personale, cât și de grup, ceea ce face ca aceasta să fie o carte minunată pe care să o parcurgeți cu un grup mic sau pentru o reflecție profundă pe cont propriu.
Există, de asemenea, o listă de lecturi recomandate în spatele cărții ,pline de biografii și cărți creștine care să vă ajute să vă aprofundați plimbarea cu Isus.
Fiecare capitol m-a lăsat să mă gândesc la propria mea viață și la cum pot aplica provocările ei în viața de zi cu zi.
Această carte este un apel foarte necesar pentru ca femeile să devină serioase în privința credinței lor, îndemnându-ne să renunțăm din viața călduță și să alergăm cu capul în față în Isus
Cartea are un mesaj provocator, nu neapărat învăluit în puf si amabilități. Ea te cheamă să trăieşti pentru Cristos, să schimbi păcatul şi mediocritatea cu o viaţă dupa voia lui Dumnezeu.
June 7, 2021
This book is beneficial for both the new and seasoned woman believer. For the new believer, it helps to formulate ideas and concepts on holy living and for the seasoned believer, it is a good reminder of what it means to live set apart and why we are called to do so. I appreciate her personal anecdotes and inclusion of the Word. I wasn't a big fan of the questions at the end of the chapter because I personally prefer to re-read the applicable Bible verses and then through prayer and meditation on the Word, listen to what the Holy Spirit is calling me to refine or change. For the most part I would recommend this book for any woman that claims to be a follower of Christ.
July 12, 2023
I didn't find this an easy read, but it is worth sticking with it, because you can find some truth, some inspiration within the pages.
At times the author seems just too good to be true and the path she is suggesting a step too far, particularly for a Christian woman such as myself, where I am alone in my faith within my household and so to aim to become a 'set-apart woman' could have disastrous consequences for my relationships.
I appreciate and empathise with the core tenant of the text and, as mentioned above, have taken away some things to reflect upon. Full admiration to anyone who can live so wholly committed.
At times the author seems just too good to be true and the path she is suggesting a step too far, particularly for a Christian woman such as myself, where I am alone in my faith within my household and so to aim to become a 'set-apart woman' could have disastrous consequences for my relationships.
I appreciate and empathise with the core tenant of the text and, as mentioned above, have taken away some things to reflect upon. Full admiration to anyone who can live so wholly committed.
January 21, 2024
This the perfect book for women that seek to deepen their relationship with Jesus!
If you yearn for a life dedicated to our beloved and true King but you do not know what to do this is the right book to choose as Leslie Ludy invites you to discover the intimacy with Jesus.
Personally I found this book very helpful in many aspects of my life 😊 I am going to reread it in the near future because it is really a treasure!
If you yearn for a life dedicated to our beloved and true King but you do not know what to do this is the right book to choose as Leslie Ludy invites you to discover the intimacy with Jesus.
Personally I found this book very helpful in many aspects of my life 😊 I am going to reread it in the near future because it is really a treasure!
March 5, 2017
Leslie's book talks about encouraging growth in your spiritual life and how important it is to be engaged with God daily.
I found this book to be so inspiring since I, myself am still learning to grow and focus on God more with baby steps. The Set-Apart Woman has a way with having you think about how it is possible to do what you thought impossible.
This is just not any book but such an inspiring one!
I found this book to be so inspiring since I, myself am still learning to grow and focus on God more with baby steps. The Set-Apart Woman has a way with having you think about how it is possible to do what you thought impossible.
This is just not any book but such an inspiring one!
November 22, 2023
A thought provoking guide for women seeking a deeper, more meaningful spiritual life. Ludy's insights into embracing a life of holiness and dedication to God are both challenging and inspiring. Ludy's emphasis on cultivating a life set apart for God is empowering, encourages readers to pursue a higher calling in a world often consumed by distractions. It's also well structured, practical and motivational.
July 2, 2024
I want to thank God for the truth He has opened my eyes to, through Leslie Ludy's book. This book is a real eye opener and guide to being truly set apart.
It includes the personal experiences of the author as well as encouraging bits from the men and women of old who held the faith. A definite recommendation for any woman, young or old in Christ, who wants to be set apart for Christ, who is feeling the tug at her heart, the longing in her heart for more of Christ.❤️
God bless you, Leslie Ludy!
It includes the personal experiences of the author as well as encouraging bits from the men and women of old who held the faith. A definite recommendation for any woman, young or old in Christ, who wants to be set apart for Christ, who is feeling the tug at her heart, the longing in her heart for more of Christ.❤️
God bless you, Leslie Ludy!
May 8, 2024
Read this book in a group, it’s great for discussion! Ludy is pretty consistent in her theology and philosophy and this book is no different. The chapters on gossip and idolatry stick out the most to me and to the entire group. Very good, I would encourage reading it alongside girls younger or new to the faith.
June 17, 2017
Leslie Ludy brings up some very good points and definitely challenges the women of this generation to become the next Gladys Aylward, or Cathrine Booth, or Corrie ten Boom. A very good read that I recommend for absolutely everyone!
October 13, 2017
Reading it was like undergoing timely surgery. You'll be carefully opened, dissected, treated, and medicated in the hope that you'll be healed of whatever injury you've been suffering from and ready to function as a set-apart Christian.
November 17, 2021
Single handedly the most convicting book I’ve read this year. I had to read it in small spirts to meditate on each chapter. Leslie does an incredible job of diving into topics that don’t typically get probed enough in women’s ministry. 10/10 rec & will definitely read again.
September 5, 2024
Love this! I will always love Leslie Ludy's writings. I will say that with her books, they do become really repetitive. So I did feel that this book was basically what I had already read with her other books. But I love her take on being a woman of God and living a life of surrender to Him.
September 28, 2017
Great godly sdvice for women
Well done, well researched, and well written. Convicting to read but Leslie truly points to Christ and following Him whole heartedly.
Well done, well researched, and well written. Convicting to read but Leslie truly points to Christ and following Him whole heartedly.
May 30, 2018
A beautiful and practical book on how to live a life focused on Christ.
July 11, 2018
Amazing book! Worth recommending for those who have the desire to be level up in their walk with God. This book is filled with plenty of lessons in what being a Set-Apart Woman truly is.
May 28, 2019
Lots of anecdotes; all-around good advice.
June 29, 2019
Loved it!
August 5, 2019
One of my favorite books about Biblical femininity. Challenging yet applicable ways to draw closer to God.
February 26, 2022
I was mind blown by this book. An amazing read that I recommend for all Christian women
April 10, 2023
so convicting but so good
July 11, 2025
She had some good things to say but I felt like she came off very legalistic and judgmental, I kinda was annoyed reading this book and didn't want to finish it but I did.
August 25, 2015
What Does it Mean to be Set Apart?
— set apart
1
: to reserve to a particular use
2
: to make noticeable or outstanding
(merriam webster)
There are many verses one might point to as evidence that, as Christians, we are set apart for God. But what does this really look like? All too often, without insider knowledge, I wouldn't be able to tell you which of my friends were Christians and which didn't believe. On social media, what is talked about and shared is, with few exceptions, the noticeable the same.
A few of my friends who claim Jesus say this is intentional because facebook (etc) isn't the right place to share anything about their faith. That's something to do in person. On some level I understand that. I mean, it's easy to misunderstand someone or come across wrong and not realize it if you can't read body language and hear the tone of voice. But is it an adequate reason? And, to be honest, many who claim that don't actually talk about Jesus or the Bible when they are face to face with people either.
The point is - your life on social media is an extension of your actual life.
If you can't tell a difference as to who is a Christian and who isn't on facebook, where can you?
If we are set apart for God, shouldn't there be a difference in our lives? Something that characterizes us, marks us, makes us different?
This question has been tumbling in the back of my mind for awhile.
When I picked up Leslie Ludy's book The Set Apart Woman, all I really expected was some nice sentiment and a pat on the back for being God's daughter. But you never know, so I read it in spite of my misgivings.
Plus, it had a pretty cover. That's always nice.
*ahem*
Sometimes I like being wrong.
I really appreciated the words offered in this book to help us be intentional about our set apart-ness. Leslie reminds us that our actions overflow from our hearts. That we need to make sure you spend time with God each day. As a busy pregnant mom with two little ones, it's easy to be "too busy" to pray or read the Bible. Leslie makes the point that particularly in those seasons we ought see it as being too busy NOT to pray!
The problem isn't the busyness of our life, it's when we try to go about our lives on our own strength - like Martha, who was "distracted with much serving" instead of making spending time with Jesus her #1 priority.
How true is that for many of us?
Recently, I've started being more intentional about how I spend my time, with the key areas being what I do right before bed and the first hour or two after I wake up. This has really helped me be less stressed and has created time where I can grow spiritually again. This has dovetailed beautifully with reading The Set Apart Woman.
I highly recommend reading this book. It is directed to women, but that doesn't mean men couldn't benefit from it as well. May we all take steps so that when people look at us, they see Jesus.
I received a complimentary ecopy of The Set Apart Woman in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
This review originally appeared on Sophie's Mindset.
— set apart
1
: to reserve to a particular use
2
: to make noticeable or outstanding
(merriam webster)
There are many verses one might point to as evidence that, as Christians, we are set apart for God. But what does this really look like? All too often, without insider knowledge, I wouldn't be able to tell you which of my friends were Christians and which didn't believe. On social media, what is talked about and shared is, with few exceptions, the noticeable the same.
A few of my friends who claim Jesus say this is intentional because facebook (etc) isn't the right place to share anything about their faith. That's something to do in person. On some level I understand that. I mean, it's easy to misunderstand someone or come across wrong and not realize it if you can't read body language and hear the tone of voice. But is it an adequate reason? And, to be honest, many who claim that don't actually talk about Jesus or the Bible when they are face to face with people either.
The point is - your life on social media is an extension of your actual life.
If you can't tell a difference as to who is a Christian and who isn't on facebook, where can you?
If we are set apart for God, shouldn't there be a difference in our lives? Something that characterizes us, marks us, makes us different?
This question has been tumbling in the back of my mind for awhile.
When I picked up Leslie Ludy's book The Set Apart Woman, all I really expected was some nice sentiment and a pat on the back for being God's daughter. But you never know, so I read it in spite of my misgivings.
Plus, it had a pretty cover. That's always nice.
*ahem*
Sometimes I like being wrong.
I really appreciated the words offered in this book to help us be intentional about our set apart-ness. Leslie reminds us that our actions overflow from our hearts. That we need to make sure you spend time with God each day. As a busy pregnant mom with two little ones, it's easy to be "too busy" to pray or read the Bible. Leslie makes the point that particularly in those seasons we ought see it as being too busy NOT to pray!
The problem isn't the busyness of our life, it's when we try to go about our lives on our own strength - like Martha, who was "distracted with much serving" instead of making spending time with Jesus her #1 priority.
How true is that for many of us?
Recently, I've started being more intentional about how I spend my time, with the key areas being what I do right before bed and the first hour or two after I wake up. This has really helped me be less stressed and has created time where I can grow spiritually again. This has dovetailed beautifully with reading The Set Apart Woman.
I highly recommend reading this book. It is directed to women, but that doesn't mean men couldn't benefit from it as well. May we all take steps so that when people look at us, they see Jesus.
I received a complimentary ecopy of The Set Apart Woman in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
This review originally appeared on Sophie's Mindset.
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