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Invisible: How You Feel Is Not Who You Are

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With all you see in the news, magazines, commercials, and what you hear in music now days it is hard to feel like you don't measure up. As women we tend to loose focus on who we are and why we could ever be loved. No matter your background or what you have done in the past, this book speaks to the Gomer in all of us. Jennifer reaches deep in our hearts and shows us that we all have moments, or "Gomerisms", where we get dissatisfied with where we are and who we are, and we long for something fancier and where we are the center of attention. But as she states in her book, "If we gravitate toward truth, we will navigate toward contentment." And the truth is, "When we try to search for our identity in anything other than God, we come to a place of loneliness and insecurity." If you feel or have ever felt unloved, overlooked, or invisible, know that you are never overlooked or invisible to God.

256 pages, Paperback

First published August 10, 2015

83 people are currently reading
357 people want to read

About the author

Jennifer Rothschild

49 books213 followers
Jennifer Rothschild is a recovering perfectionist who has learned to live beyond limits ever since her life drastically changed at the age of fifteen, when she lost her sight. Now, more than 30 years later, she boldly and compassionately teaches women how to find contentment, walk with endurance, and celebrate the ordinary.

She's the author of ten books, including the best-selling Lessons I Learned in the Dark, Self Talk, Soul Talk, the popular Me, Myself and Lies Bible study, and her soon to be released, God Is Just Not Fair.

As a speaker, author and accomplished singer-songwriter she travels internationally, offering fresh, sensible, Biblical advice to audiences who, like her, are determined to pursue healthy and fulfilling lives in spite of their circumstances. She has shared her practical and inspiring messages to arena-sized audiences across the country, and media outlets including Dr. Phil, Good Morning America, Life Today, The Learning Channel and The Billy Graham Television Special.

Jennifer is an avid listener of audio books, a C.S. Lewis junkie, and has a weakness for dark chocolate and robust coffee. She and her Dr. Phil live in Springfield, Missouri, and have two sons Connor and Clayton and a lovely daughter-in-law, Caroline. When she is not traveling, Jennifer enjoys nature walks, and riding a bicycle built for two.

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43 (14%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Profile Image for Angela Hetzel.
105 reviews4 followers
June 18, 2018
This book really made me think about things a little differently. I have to say hearing I'm not the only one struggling really gave me hope. Jennifer did a wonderful job breaking out Hosea and Gomer's journey. I am glad to be redeemed by the great Fathet.
Profile Image for Emily Piszczek.
65 reviews2 followers
March 29, 2024
While a bit cheesy at times, Jennifer Rothschild goes through the book of Hosea and really unpacks it. She extrapolates a bit at times, but overall the main points and takeaways were really practical reminders. At the end of the book, she shares some really honest and hard truths about our tendencies to wander like Gomer and ways to set helpful boundaries in our own lives.
Profile Image for Cindy Davis- Cindy's Book Corner.
1,518 reviews90 followers
October 21, 2022
Invisible: How You Feel is Not Who You Are is the first book I have read by Jennifer Rothschild. I have heard her speak, and participated in a Bible Study series she taught, so I was intrigued when I realized she wrote books.

When we don't see the truth that we are loved, we seek proof that we are loved.

Having heard Jennifer speak, I appreciated that the book read just like she speaks. It was like sitting and having a conversation with her. Invisible uses the story of Hosea and Gomer from the Bible to illustrate ways we are like Gomer. We may be deeply loved but we all are prone to wander (not necessarily in the same ways as Gomer). We all have times we are looking for love and acceptance in the wrong places (hello, social media, I'm looking at you).

When we neglect the truth of who God is, we eventually reject the truth of who we are.

Invisible has a wonderful message for those who feel overlooked or invisible. It is also for those who may be struggling with self-identity. It is a book of hope and encouragement. The presentation is beautiful, with teal around the chapter numbers, memorable quotes, and topic changes.

Where we set our affection is where we find our satisfaction.

I enjoyed Invisible and look forward to reading more from Rothschild. I recommend it to anyone who struggles with self-identity and enjoys reading Christian nonfiction.
48 reviews
September 11, 2019
This book is based on the Book of the Bible Hosea. Its main focus is on Gomer the woman that God instructed the prophet Hosea to marry despite the fact that she was a prostitute. The overall points of the book were good, I just didn't care for the writing style. Certain phrases were used repetitively and it was distracting for me, for example she refers to the woman who may be relating to Gomer as "Gomer girl" and in my opinion was overused. I know that sounds incredibly picky, but its an honest opinion.
There were plenty of good points/parts of the book that help balance out the little things like overusing Gomer Girl. The book discusses topics that many women struggle with just like Gomer did such as being accepted, judged, unworthiness, missteps and mistakes, the author even touches on motherhood and the pressures that come with it. The message of the book is a good one because you are not invisible to God, he sees you and everything around you past and present. I did like this book and I am willing to try a different title by the author in the future.
Profile Image for Lennie B.
1 review9 followers
August 11, 2015
Jennifer Rothschild creatively exposes the traps of self-absorption that plague humans. Her challenge to see our own "ME" in Hosea's bride, Gomer, is convicting and revealing, calling us to forsake our infatuation with "idolotrinkets" and to return unto the LORD JESUS CHRIST, the only TRUE LOVER of our souls. As in her other writings, through the Invisible Book, Jennifer inspires us to PRESS ON to KNOW THE LORD.
Great pick for Book Club discussion!
Profile Image for Beverly.
183 reviews5 followers
April 6, 2018
I picked up Jennifer’s book, Invisible, at just the right time! I loved how she shared the story of Hosea and Gomer and showed how it symbolizes the Love of God for us as His Children. It’s a must read for anyone who struggles with what others think of you or with what you think of yourself. The Scripture from Hosea throughout the book was wonderful to reflect on what God really says. I’m glad to have read this book and it has helped me to have a more proper mindset.
Profile Image for Amanda Johnson.
44 reviews1 follower
June 30, 2022
I certainly understand the appeal of this book for many. I get her message, truly. However, I only read this based on a recommendation, and I would have quit it a million times if it weren’t for my mentor. The writing was unbelievably repetitive, and I suppose that’s what the author was looking to do. Yet, I never knew phrases like “Gomer girl,” “iddiction,” and “idolotrinkets” could become so triggering. This book could have easily been wrapped up at 100 pages.
Profile Image for Caroline.
677 reviews
April 21, 2018
Author Jennifer Rothschild equates the relationship of Hosea and Gomer from the bible to our relationship with God. Hosea loved Gomer, brought out the best in her, and rescued her even when she strayed and was unfaithful. God can do this for us, too!
640 reviews4 followers
February 24, 2022
Invisible is the "retelling" of the Hosea story in modern language but so much more. It also looks at the message of Hosea and points us to the unbounded grace a God. A wonderful companion to Jennifer's Bible Study on Hosea.
Profile Image for Miranda.
157 reviews
February 7, 2024
I really enjoyed this. The author brought the story of Gomer from the book of Hosea to life in a new way that made me want to go back and read it. She also helps the reader identify with Gomer’s wandering heart.
37 reviews
February 5, 2018
I personally did not like this story. This story would be good for someone that is having problems with their personal life. All in all it was good but not my kind of book.
Profile Image for Pamela Cooper.
214 reviews6 followers
August 27, 2018
Excellent and encouraging read for all us girls. Amazing deep Look at a book of the Bible that is often overlooked--Hosea.
Profile Image for Sarah.
5 reviews1 follower
February 1, 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ five stars! Hit the wrong button and it wouldn't let me change it! Highly recommend!!!!!!
Profile Image for Emily Norris.
24 reviews
March 7, 2022
I wish I had read this book as a teenager. I’ve been taught on my identify in Christ a hundred times over, but this take by Rothschild is simple and powerful.
1 review
November 30, 2022
Great life-changing read

Love this author must read for all women! God demonstrates his love for us through example of Gomer! Praise God
Profile Image for Joanne.
70 reviews4 followers
April 21, 2024
This had been sitting on my shelf for almost a year, but life circumstances drove me to picking it up when I did. God blessed me through Jennifer's words! This is an area I've always struggled with and this book was extremely valuable to me. If you're a woman who has ever questioned your self worth, pick this book up!
Profile Image for Liz.
125 reviews14 followers
February 24, 2016
This is the first book I've read by Jennifer Rothschild. A friend had recommended it to me, and I wanted to see what it was about. Jennifer writes in a down-to-earth style with humor, as if she's having a chat with her girlfriend, using little quirky words to make the truths she's talking about simple and to stick in our minds.

I believe her teaching on the believer's identity in Christ is helpful. This is a doctrine that many Christians fail to grasp, and as a result, they end up living bound in chains of guilt and self-condemnation that God has released us from at the moment of salvation. Christ lived under the law, died and rose again that we could live freely by grace when we put our faith in Him.

I have read other books on the believer's identity in Christ, and I would categorize this one as entry-level reading. If you are a new believer, have not learned about your position in Christ, or do not consider yourself to be much of a reader, this is a good starting point. She teaches in a simple way, and you don't walk away wondering what she meant.

Beyond this book I would recommend two others, "Found in Him" by Elyse Fitzpatrick and "Shame Interrupted" by Ed Welch. They are excellent and go much deeper into the doctrine, really opening up the scriptures to teach how Christians should deal with their shame.

There are a couple things that Jennifer refers to in her book that make me squirm a bit and would cause me to be cautious in recommending the book to a new believer. She refers many times to self-esteem, which is a psychology term, not a biblical one. Scriptures do not teach anything about having a good or bad self-esteem. The one thing I can say about her references to self-esteem is that she never tells you in this book how to have a good self-esteem, which makes me a little less concerned about it. The other thing that didn't sit well with me was her statement, "You aren't redeemed because you are worthy, but because you are worth it." I feel like we're treading on thin ice a bit here. The only worth I have is because Jesus saved me, not why He saved me. Salvation is not about our worth to God. It is about showing the glory of God and the riches of His amazing grace. But maybe I'm splitting hairs.

My last observation of the book is that I felt concerned for the gals who read the book who are unbelievers and might think that everything she's saying applies to them too. Jennifer's teaching in Invisible only applies to believers who have put their faith in the Lord Jesus, and I'm not sure she makes that clear.

Although it's not the first book I would recommend to people on the topic of identity, it is useful and has its place.
Profile Image for Lyndie Blevins.
154 reviews25 followers
August 11, 2015
Book Title Invisible
Book Author Jennifer Rothschild
Publisher Harvest House
Pub. Year 2015
Pages 246
Genre Non-Fiction Spiritual Formation
My Rating
Ease of Read Very easy, but it will challenge your thinking and spiritual awareness


I was attracted to this book because...

The story of Hosea and Gomer has always intrigued me. Through out my Christian life, I’ve experienced times of feeling invisible. This book came to me during one of those times.

This book was about

Jennifer Rothschild has skillful told the story of Hosea and Gomer through factual incidents from their lives interwoven with practical and relevant illustrations that re-enforce the Biblical truths from the book of Hosea.

This is not a verse by verse study of the Book of Hosea. The information is presented in a format where the truth of the story if faithfully presented. The real-life illustrations cause the reader to consider the biblical truth against the perspective of their own life.
Some of my thinking and beliefs about my own life have been challenged and a door was provide to allow me to make changes in my life.

Things I liked about this book
Even though the life illustrations were not similar to mine, I was able to relate them and the truth to my own life. I will think about what I learned from this reading and read it again in the future.

Why you should read this book
If you feel invisible to God, this book will open His truth for you know who you are to God in a powerful and loving way.

This book lived up to the back cover copy
It is very easy to read the story of Gomer and think that her experience and desires are far from mine. Jennifer brings the story alive in the everyday desires of women today.

I did receive a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
157 reviews
August 11, 2015
Little did I know when I ordered Invisible: How You Feel is Not Who You Are by Jennifer Rothschild for my daughter that it would have such an impact on my life. Written in a manner that speaks so personally to you as you read, Invisible would be perfect for any girl/woman of any age. How many of us beat ourselves up every day because of so many lies we've been fed over the years by people, by the media, etc.? Invisible reminds us Whose we are and Whose sacrifice was enough. It was also honest enough to bring to light areas in my life that need to be addressed, areas I didn't even know were festering and making ME sick, not the person I was so envious of, so full of hurt from. A book taken from the book of Hosea, this "Gomer girl" would recommend Invisible to any woman who has ever felt unseen, taken for granted, ever felt unloved and/or continues so search for something missing in their life. And, like me, if the person comes to your mind this book would be perfect for, I challenge you to get your own copy in addition to the other person so you may walk the journey along side her. You never know....you might find yourself within the pages like I did.....and I'm better for it because He IS enough.
1 review
August 11, 2015
Sometimes I open a book with an expectation of encouragement & eye opening wisdom to flow off the pages. Sometimes I am disappointed but not this time! From the moment I began reading, I felt as if Jennifer was speaking directly to me just as Christ tells us to....from a place of love. Reading Jennifer's book is like sitting and having coffee with a trusted confidant. You know the one....she is the one you can share anything with and she will be honest with you no matter what.

In this book, you will meet, perhaps for the first time, Gomer. She is the former wild woman turned adored wife who falls back into temptation. You might think you wouldn't have anything in common with her, but I found that I do. One quote that really hit home for me is:
"Gomer was aiming for satisfaction, but she ended up landing in lack. And it's all because she was determined to follow her own way, elevate her own wants, and trust solely in her own wisdom."

How often do we do this? I know I do it too often! This book has taken me on a journey from where I was to where I am and is shedding light on the "whys" so that I can change the "my ways to Thy ways."
1 review
September 4, 2015
What a great book! Jennifer is funny and real. She is a great story teller and she hits the mark every time with her books. She has helped me see who I am in Christ and that I matter.... What I have learned is what I already have in God... and if I have that why I am looking to others to supply what only God can give me. That I need to remain close to the truth...My identity is based on what God has done for me and that will NEVER change!! And additional reminders that God can redeem anything; perfect performance is not where it is at; choosing to be thankful first; pride goes before the fall; choices to serve self or honor God; and that I have been completely redeemed by the blood of Christ... All so important because we are all children of the most high and He exalts us and carries us when he needs to. I am not invisible and I matter to Him and that is what should take me through my days, not what others think of me....

And I loved her Gomerisims... Thank you Jennifer for hitting a home run again with this book. I would recommend it! It has made an impact on me and it will on your spiritual life as well!
Profile Image for Ruthe Turner.
491 reviews12 followers
June 18, 2016
I personally was fortified and blessed by Jennifer’s insights, though the book is written for a much younger audience than me. Jennifer manages to verbalize truth in such a way that will catch the ear (and heart) of the teenage audience to whom she is speaking. Based on the Bible story of Hosea and his wandering wife Gomer, Jennifer teaches us a few new words, such as the Greek term, “Phroneo” meaning to set – like cement sets, a useful term to better understand the meaning of verses such as “Set your minds on things above” and “a mind that is “set” on God “Isaiah 26:3. Such mind is less prone to wander, the major problem of Gomer and the rest of us. Which leads us to another new term, “Gomerism,” based on Gomer’s wandering actions, and “Iddicts”, because a lot of the problem is being addicted to ME, myself (and remember, there is a ME in name Gomer.) Jennifer also uses some catchy acronyms that are great ways to remember Jennifer’s teachings. All in all, it’s a fabulous book on surviving the typical temptations and delusions of life and self-identity, It would be a great book for mentors to use one-on-one or with a group of teenage girls in a Bible study.
1 review
August 11, 2015
I absolutely loved this book. Jennifer writes as though she's sitting with friends over coffee - she is easy to relate to and instead of feeling like my shortcomings are being preached to, I felt like an encouraging arm around my shoulder saying "Girl I have been there! We will get through this together!" If you've ever felt like you are not good enough, not pretty enough, not strong enough and just plain invisible...you need to stop everything and read this book. Really, go read it. I'll wait. Pour a cup of coffee and get cozy because you will not want to put this book down. Jennifer will speak deeply to your heart and remind you that your value is not based on what you look like, what you've done in the past or your ability (or inability!) to have a home straight from a pinterest page. You are seen, and by the One who knows every tear you have cried, every sigh, and the best part is it doesn't matter how many times we've fallen, He will pick us up again, redeem us and hold us unto Himself. Read this book, and be encouraged.
Profile Image for Tracey Gibson.
1 review
August 11, 2015
Jennifer's book 'Invisible" helped me to grow in Christ, and realize how much He loves me, more than any other book in quite some time! Discover the God who cherishes you by reading it! It is drenched with spiritual lessons that make you realize how very valuable and loved you are by God! The beautiful story of Hosea and Gomer capture your heart with a strong current. If you feel that you are “unloved", “unworthy,” “not good enough,” this book is for you! God has not forgotten you! You are His Beloved! Always! This book teaches that God meets people in their weakness, pain and tragedy, and cares for them. It is about God’s redeeming love for you! This book is direct and honest, Biblically grounded and real! As the author states "No matter where you are, God sees who you are and loves you faithfully. His unfailing love changes everything." This book helps you to understand that you are loved, accepted and complete in Christ. I will be purchasing several more of Jennifer’s books to give to friends and family. Wonderful for counselors and pastors as well!
Profile Image for Chrissy Vail.
3 reviews3 followers
August 14, 2015
Ever felt Invisible? Read this book!!

Jennifer keeps it so real in this hard to put down book!! I felt like I was sitting down with her and sharing our experiences. So many times as I read I felt as though Jennifer had read my journal and knew my insecurities. She is writing from a place that I believe EVERY woman has been and that every one of us can be redeemed from through Jesus… loneliness, insignificance, insecurity, selfishness. Jennifer explains how we are all “Gomer girls” and how God turns hurt into healing. After reading this book I realized that things I had been angry with God for were things of my own doing and yes, He had let them happen for my own good! As Jennifer says in the book, “God will let us land in desert places where we feel alone and invisible because He can use that barrenness to bring back our thirst for Him.” The hard questions are asked in this book that forces you to take a good hard look at yourself and the answer always leads to God’s grace and love. Jennifer shows how we are NEVER “Invisible” to Him.
1 review
August 11, 2015
When I first started reading Invisible, I didn’t really think it applied to my current place in life. But boy was I wrong! The more I read, the more I realized I struggle with the same things Gomer did.

If I had to say what Invisible is about in one thought … it’s about changing your focus, it’s about keeping your thinking and actions aligned with God’s Word. Instead of turning to worldly things to make you feel good about yourself (which never works!), focus on what scripture teaches about being loved, accepted, and complete.

Jennifer Rothschild is so real. She shares funny stories from her life and reveals her own insecurities and failures. Her stories encourage me to be real about my own weaknesses and then cling to scripture to make things better/stronger.

Gomerisms, idolotrinkets, iddictions, phroneo, yada – all words I’ll never forget thanks to Invisible. Thank you Jennifer Rothschild for bringing the story of Gomer to life for me.
Profile Image for Angela.
86 reviews
December 18, 2015
With all you see in the news, magazines, commercials, and what you hear in music now days it is hard to feel like you don't measure up. As women we tend to loose focus on who we are and why we could ever be loved. No matter your background or what you have done in the past, this book speaks to the Gomer in all of us. Jennifer reaches deep in our hearts and shows us that we all have moments, or "Gomerisms", where we get dissatisfied with where we are and who we are, and we long for something fancier and where we are the center of attention. But as she states in her book, "If we gravitate toward truth, we will navigate toward contentment." And the truth is, "When we try to search for our identity in anything other than God, we come to a place of loneliness and insecurity." If you feel or have ever felt unloved, overlooked, or invisible, know that you are never overlooked or invisible to God.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews

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