True Grit: Women Taking On the World, for God's Sake

by Deborah Meroff

This is a simple yet powerful guide to women's issues around the world. Meroff tells the inspiring true adventures of nine ordinary women, both married and single, who are making a difference in such places as Tajikistan, India, Egypt, and Lebanon. Brief fact files between stories highlight global abuses of girls and women, such as female infanticide, child brides, sex trafficking, girl soldiers, female circumcision, and honor killings. This book not only raises awareness of global issues but points out simple ways in which we can help turn the tide for women worldwide.

Genres: Christian, Biography, Nonfiction, Inspirational

292 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Edwina Book Anaconda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tears in my eyes and white-hot rage in my heart as I think of the "Vital Statistics" in this book.

"An Egyptian bride was attacked by her father for marrying a man he didn't approve of.
After cutting off her head, he proudly paraded it down the street."

"A fourteen-year-old Christian girl was kidnapped and gang raped by a group of radical Muslim men, in Pakistan, after she shared her faith with school friends."

"A ten-year-old girl in India leaves home every morning at seven and returns every night at nine."
Forced to work for 'the bonded labor man' because her parents owe him seventeen dollars ... which they will never be able to repay.

Sex Tourism is apparently the term used by men who go to foreign countries to have legal sex with little girls. ..... Oh, the things I wish I'd never learned from reading this book and yet, we need books like this to open our eyes to what is happening outside of our safe little bubble, even when that knowledge sickens us.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

For the most part, I enjoyed this book. The women's stories were inspiring. It's incredible what some people go through in ministry. Some of the information seemed a bit extreme. The facts at this point are also out of date.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought it a while back from a thrift store because I FREAKING LOVE THE AUTHOR'S OTHER BOOK. But this was a hard read.

It alternates the stories of nine real life women with worldwide statistics about the plight of women. The stories were all gold and so inspiring, touching, and shaking. The statistics were harsh and painful and made me shiver and cringe.

So this a beautiful shining gem but it's hard. It's harsh. Gritty (haha get it?). Uncomfortable. Disturbing. Arousing. Painful. Cruel. But still SO FULL OF HOPE. It'll really urge you to pray hard and give you greater awareness of the evil world and what amazing things God is doing there.

But not recommended for young or sensitive readers, okay? Probably not for anyone under 14 -- and I know some of you wouldn't approve of it for anyone under 16 (but then, I read it when I was under 16). I deals with vice, abuse, violence, trafficking, and things like that so I strongly suggest using your own discretion, especially if you are -- as said above -- young.

But for those who can take it -- READ THIS.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

My only complaint is that this book is too short. The stories are inspiring with what these women have experienced God doing through them and those around them - even as their stories are sandwiched between startling, shocking and heartbreaking statistics.

I've been to some of the countries mentioned.. I've looked into the eyes of Karen refugee mothers who long to have their stolen children back as they hospitably tried to serve me all the food they had for the day. I stayed in a Muslim home where a child who should have been in school worked as a maid. I saw starving and sick widows trying to crowd into the space a mosque offered them to sleep with the little safety a roof could provide them in Dhaka. The need for Christians to step up and be God's hands and feet is great.

People mentioned that this book gets graphic, but it doesn't even begin to describe what the other daughters of Eve suffer around the globe.

"True Grit" is meant to help get people who have been blessed interested in the work God would have us do: caring for widows and orphans. Even if the action we spring to is prayer or sending a check to an agency that is currently low on funds (because most missions agencies are extremely low on funds at the moment), don't let this book leave you unchanged.

[Des Romualdo · Rating 4 out of 5]

inspiring!

[Calum Mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read in a day. Wow worthy stories that kept me hooked. The resilience, perseverance and reliance on God’s strength blew me away. I did come away from this fairly certain I’m not called to missionary work and with huge admiration for those that are.

There’s incredible answers to prayer, lives changed by God and lots of love expressed in many practical ways. I bet God beams at this book with so much pride.

Recommend

[kylle cinco · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is definitely a hard read for me. The nine testimonies of those women are somewhat inspiring, however it does not correlate to the frustrating statistics included in the book. I would love it if the book revolves around those women who experienced the oppression from the society, government, or their beliefs. Because that would be a perfect example of ‘True Grit’.

[EJ Portento · Rating 4 out of 5]

9 courageous women telling the story of how in spite of hardships, spread the word of God. The facts included in this book is also heart-wrenching, I hope a lot of people read this book to spread awareness.

[Diana Peters · Rating 3 out of 5]

The stories are inspiring and eye-opening. The low rating is due to the low quality writing/editing, the confusing layout, and the inserts that did not fit with the stories.

[Sara Jonsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mod. Hoppfulla berättelser varvas med dyster men viktig statistik om flickor och kvinnors situation.

[Caerol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Women are strong but this fact is further proven with the stories of women who have endure hardships more than anyone can imagine.

Faith is clearly manifested in this book. So strong that you'll examine your own and realize frailty, indifference just among what the lack of it can bring.

Somehow you'll the courage as you get to know these women from across the globe to fight your own battle, even the hardest one--standing your ground with faith as your armor and fortress.

[Peninah Odhiambo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an eye opener. Now, more than ever, i am willing to be used by God in whichever way He pleases because i know, and believe, that His grace will sustain me.

Women are very precioaus people in the society. The sooner we all realize this the better. Thanks to Deborah Meroff for the wonderful work.

I must confess, I was quite ignorant on the happenings around the world.....am glad i know something now.

Thanks once again.

[Hosanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heavy and weighty content, brace yourself for some cringe-worthy writing/editing.

This relatively short book offers some inspiring testimonies, but it's a bit dulled by the author's terrible delivery. The statistics given after each chapter are shocking; to think that we live in a life so full of luxury, and yet, still find every occasion to complain.

[Cherrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The women featured are extremely strong and obedient to what they perceive as their calling from God. I shuddered as I read of the sacrifices they made to their independence and their comfort for the sake of a greater purpose. The stats are a bit outdated but most of the issues presented are still relevant and the viewpoints are fairly progressive.

[Sunnyside1204 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Challenging book about real women serving God all over the world in tough circumstances. Statistics and stories need updated (book was written in 2004).

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye-opening issues and very inspiring stories of women who took risks in sharing their faith. :)

[Miss.vii · Rating 3 out of 5]

was really challenged as a woman to not settle for normal with God. Gods ways are unfathomable and the oment we put our faith in him, he can use us for his glory and even in our weakness!

[Bunmi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely educating !!

[Lyana Margareth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting.

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

received from Operation Mobilization