Digging for Diamonds

by Cathy Madavan

What is hidden always shapes what we can see. In this book, Cathy Madavan encourages us to dig deeper and discover more of the life-transforming treasures of our identity, strength, character and purpose that God has already placed within us - right where we are. With laugh out loud humour and dollops of honesty, Cathy encourages us to allow God's truths to crysatallise into something beautiful and strong in our lives. Cathy explores 12 key facets which point the reader to a deeper understanding of their unique God-given raw material and how God wants to transform them to live a valuable, purposeful life that will also unearth precious potential in others. Anybody who has heard Cathy speak around the UK will hear her voice sparkling within the pages of this book. You will be encouraged and challenged as you dig deeper. "In this gem of a book, Cathy not only warmly inspires us to take pleasure in who we really are, she also cleverly provides a nuts and bolts, workable aid to help us do so." Diane Louise Jordan, TV and Radio Presenter.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian

242 pages, Paperback

First published March 6, 2015

About the author

Cathy Madavan is a speaker and author, who has been teaching about resilience, relationships and purpose for over 20 years. Her ability to combine hard-earned wisdom with practicality, vulnerability memorable stories and sparkling humour has helped countless individuals, audiences and organisations, giving them time-tested tools and implementable advice for their personal and professional lives. Cathy lives in the UK and travels extensively speaking to audiences in her own irrepressible way.

Reviews

[D Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I mis-judged this book by its cover. Cathy is another one of those glamorous and energetic and highly likeable preachers. Hair pristine and clothes tasteful. I think my fashion sense bars me from the world of preaching. So when I saw her book I though that Cathy and diamonds. It must be a girly fluffy book about all the kind of womanhood that I am not. A friend said she wanted to read this book which made me give it a second glance.
Today I had a much needed duvet day and read it. I am very sorry Cathy for judging this book as girly fluff. This was a meaty and serious book about recognising our and others value and potential. We've started to see "Jesus loves you" as corny stuff. But actually this book demonstrates that we are deliberate and amazing creations. This book dares me to hope that I can break out and be me and everything that the me is. I am sure I'll keep returning to this book whenever I am beating myself up.
So pleased to have been willing to look past my assumptions. This is a path to examining many self assumptions.

[Tanya Marlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Christian living book about identity as a Christian, using the image of a diamond as an extended metaphor, covering topics about self image (flawed yet unique) and also more diverse topics like Christian community and enduring hard times.

I have never heard Cathy speak, but I imagine that she would pack out Christian conferences, because even in her writing style you can hear the warmth, wit and wisdom in her voice. She is one of those writers who is instantly likeable, and her writing is like sitting down with a friend with a good cup of coffee, laughing together at funny stories memories and talking good sense to one another.

Each chapter is easily digestible, and has a verse, a prayer, and some discussion questions. This is an easy and immensely enjoyable read, with some great practical wisdom. I got a free copy of this in exchange for my honest review, which this is.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apart from the cover which is probably not in the author's control, this is one of the best books I have read on the Christian life. It is very readable and the kind of book you could read and re-read and still find gems within it. Indeed, it is about gems, finding the diamonds within each one of us. Cathy explains how each of us is a work in progress, we are valuable and worthwhile. A great message for this very negative world of ours. Cathy explains that just as diamonds are coal/carbon which has developed over long ages, so as we develop and use the gifts we have, we develop into diamond people that can be used by God for his highest purposes. I particularly liked the way that each chapter concludes with a list of thought provokers. In fact, I was so caught up with reading the book that I didn't do this list justice, however, it is a book you could go back to time and time again and still find something new, or even use it with a group. Highly recommended.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whilst the biblical focus was good, I felt that the lack of mention of blood diamonds, unethical conditions and lab grown diamonds was a big oversight. Although there was a cursory mention of slavery in the final chapter, it was hardly discussed at all. The book mainly focused on diamonds as a metaphor for self worth and inner value, suggesting that their value, like ours, is inherent, or 'it just is' (although this isn't true, as diamonds are so valuable due to withheld supply and De Beers marketing strategies from the 19th century onwards). I think that privileged Christians have a responsibility to think about these issues, and to bring them to the spotlight. Whilst the book does mention the importance of charity and generosity, using good exegesis to do so, I think an opportunity was missed here. Diamonds themselves are clearly not the most important point of the book, as Christianity is the main focus, but this was a little distracting for me.

[Jenny Sanders]

Cathy explores twelve aspects of diamonds under four groupings: Identity; Strength; Character; Purpose. I enjoyed her light touch and humour combined with well-aimed punches of truth. She digs out truths with consummate skill and aptly steers the reader to apply those to real life in it's gritty reality.

I hear there's another on the way soon ('Irrespresible') - Woop!

Extra pleased to finally get my hands on a copy since a) she used to teach my kids piano, and b) she's just written the Foreward for my own book, 'Spiritual Feasting', which will be published in May.

Quote: '...let's be prepared to laugh out loud at ourselves but to take seriously the call of God on our lives. Together we can dig deeper than we knew was possible and discover that even in the messiness of everyday life, we are indeed richer than we had ever imagined.' C'mon!

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very encouraging and inspiring read. I find myself still reflecting on the words that Cathy Madavan wrote. The whole analogy on diamonds and our giftings was just perfect! Now there were some word choices that I was bothered by (mainly because I don't think it should "normalized" in a Chrisitan book). Other than that, I am glad that I read this, and I look forward to apply what I've learned in my everyday life.

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were some great insights and truths in this book. I only felt that the diamond analogy was a little overstretched and actually unnecessary. It initially just wound me up to be honest because it was like the content had to be related to something that females understand, pretty things! But I’m sure that wasn’t the intention. And the biblical truths far outweigh that, and I liked the humour.

[Lynne Chitty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really laid back style of writing easy to read but with some wonderful insights and thoughts to ponder. you can read it quickly or you can prayefully answer the questions at the end of each chapter.
Recommended reading

[Jenny Fribbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Down-to-earth, easy to digest and a fun read.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to hear Cathy speak at Spring Harvest this year, and to speak briefly with her when I asked her to sign my copy of her book. She is a talented speaker who engages with her audience and clearly cares deeply about people, which comes across in her writing.

This wonderful book very much embodies the spirit of Ephesians 4:29 where the followings of Christ are directed to build each other up and to encourage each other, rather than tear each other down. Written in a conversation tone, with a healthy dose of humour and honesty, this is a must for anyone who has ever doubted their own worth and inherent value. There is no complicated theology, no patronising attitude, no condescension towards the reader, simply words of scripture and gentle encouragement to let us know if we have never known and remind us if we have forgotten that we are precious in God’s sight and no amount of worldly success can make us any valuable to him. If you have ever struggled with issues of self-esteem and self-worth, I could not recommend this book any more highly.

[Fubzi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I imagine it is better than my rating suggests. I doubt I was in the right place to read it as I ended up basically staring at the page while my mind wandered. The time to think was really useful though so I can't complain.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully thought-provoking and interesting read. So much to discuss, consider and implement. An easy read l, yet full of power and challenge.