I Am Found: Quitting the Game of Hide and Seek with God and Others

by Laura Dingman

Are you tired of battling shame?
Long to be truly known and deeply loved?
Hesitant to show others the real you? We are all made for connection, but many of us live with walls up and hearts closed. What would it take for us to let go and stand tall and unashamed? I Am Found guides us in just that. This six-week Bible study on shame and identity explores how we can own our stories, trust God’s affections, and relate honestly with Him and others. Each week begins with biblical teaching and is followed by five days of guided reflection. Drenched in Scripture, and allowing plenty of space to journal and savor biblical truths, I Am Found  welcomes you on a personal journey of transformation through God’s Word. Laura Dingman invites you to build your life on a beautiful, liberating Jesus loves us in our weakness, but He doesn’t leave us there.

208 pages, Paperback

Published July 5, 2016

About the author

LAURA DINGMAN spends most of her time creating and leading worship experiences that help connect people with the story of God. She has served in vocational ministry as the Creative Arts Director at The Creek, a large church in Indianapolis, for over a decade. She loves to show people where their story intersects with God's story. She enjoys belting Broadway, laughing hysterically, reading great books, and living life with her favorite two people in the whole world, her husband, Matt, and her spunky daughter, Abigail. She is the author of Life Rhythms: Learning to Live in God-Centered Time and I Am Found: Quitting the Game of Hide and Seek with God, Ourselves, and Others. You can learn more about her journey and connect with her at www.lauradingman.com.

Reviews

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I Am Found" is a six-week Bible study. Each week had a several-page-long introduction that should count as a day, then five days of study on the theme introduced for that week, and a final section summarizing the truth and lies that we learned about that week. The overall idea is that we hid with the intent of being found as children, but we hide out of shame as adults. The author focused on our identity in Christ and some of the lies we believe and the truth that combats them.

Each week's introduction had a lot of commentary about the theme for that week and a verse to memorize that week. Each day had some commentary, some verses to read, some questions about those verses and what was discussed, and a prayer. She used several different study methods throughout the book. For example, sometimes you would read the verses four times but look at it for different things each time. Other times, you read Scripture, wrote down what observations you made about text and what stood out to you, and came up with an application for your life. I thought she brought out important, impactful points in her commentary. Overall, I'd recommend this Bible study for personal study.

I received a review copy of this book from the publishers through Amazon Vine.

[Jeanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

When we choose to protect ourselves, seeing vulnerability only as a weakness, we rob ourselves of the connection we need.

The above statement puts me out there. I run the vicious cycle of protecting myself, my heart, my reputation, my weakness. The word "my" says much...It is in this protecting that I lose. This is a study that I probably will need to refer again and again. Because instead of my...I want my words to be "see Jesus". You may think you don't deal with hiding but I think we all do to some extend. It is more about what we are hiding behind. Maybe it's success, maybe it's hobby, maybe it's an addiction. We are good at hiding and Jesus is good at finding.

This six week study is short and repetitive. The following six weeks are as follows:

Why do we hide?
How can we win the war on shame?
Why do we really hide.
Choosing Spiritual Friendships
Jesus is enough.

The study starts with something profound and spoke to my heart and that is the hiding we do is not about the hiding but about being found and known. She shares the example of her young daughter loving the game of hiding and seek or peek a boo and how she responds to being found. It begs the question to how we respond to being found.

Each week starts with a scripture that you refer back to thru the whole week. What I found encouraging with this study is the practice of reading the word out loud. Hearing the word is different than reading the word. We need both in equal parts. You are also encouraged to linger and listen to the word and then lead to the truth of the word. The lies we listen to and the action to take to deflect the lies. The word is a two edged sword.

The last chapter was on the familiar parable of the Prodigal son. The study dealt more with the older brother and what struck me in a new way was how the eldest son spoke the words to his father...Your son..basically how can you welcome your no good son who wished you dead so he can have all of his inheritance and the father replied back..YOUR brother. The father was reminding his eldest son that your brother belongs to you. His care. His good. It was humbling rebuke to humility.

Your life may change drastically after reading this or it may make you reflect the heart of God. Real love is pursuit. We need to be reminded of that. I need to be reminded of that. We all need to be found.

A Special Thank you to Moody Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you are found you feel safe. It makes you feel loved. When you are found you have the opportunity to embrace your true self. It is setting aside the world's lie that we must play the game of hide and seek.

That might have been my favorite analogy in the entire study. I never thought about the fact that when Adam and Eve hid in the garden, they were basically playing hide and seek with God. And so often, when I've done something that the world says is shameful, I begin to play that exact same game.

This study is a short 6 weeks, but they will be some of the most impactful 6 weeks of your life.

Laura utilizes scripture to paint a picture of freedom and letting go of your shame that will compel you to drop the weight that you've been carrying. She will teach you new methods for studying and digging into scripture. She encourages you to memorize scripture and have that in your back pocket when the lies start to creep in. And she encourages you each week to take your new truths, apply them to the lies you once believed, and then take action to cement these new truths in your life.

This study is an open invitation to help you find freedom. To be found by God and those around you who love you. It's an invitation to embrace the sometimes scary moments of vulnerability, but recognizing the fact that you can't live life without the vulnerability.


I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Becca Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this study can be done independently, I feel it's a great study to go through with another friend or a small group. One of the things Satan likes to do is isolate believers so that he can trick them into thinking they are alone and leave them feeling defeated. The more he is able to cripple a believer, the better chance he has at preventing that believer from going out and proclaiming Christ. This study seeks to combat the lies of Satan with the truths found in God's Word. It seeks to bring us out of hiding into real fellowship with our Heavenly father and other believers.

Did you ever play hide-and-seek as a kid? Do you remember the feeling of not wanting to be found, yet wanting to be found at the same time? Some of the pieces that Laura Dingman pulled directly from a simple child's game are actually deep, thought-provoking concepts. She spoke simply yet profoundly to the reader, in a way that each individual is sure to gleam from.

While I think it's important to not tell the whole world about each intimate detail in your life, it's also important to not shell-up and isolate. Don't allow Satan to get a foothold in your life. Don't allow him to make you feel already defeated. Look to Christ and allow what he says about you to infiltrate your being and encompass who you are as a child of God. It's easier said than done, but that's why we are also given fellowship with one another. Small groups can be a positive outlet for building up and encouraging one another in the body. It's a mighty feeling when you are able to realize that you are not alone. Don't let Satan trick you into believing his lies. Look to your Heavenly Father where you will find your real worth and identity. This is a great study to help get you on the right path of thinking.

*I received a copy of this book from Mood Publishers. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.

[The Book Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, I just finished this amazing devotion and I have to say I was pretty blown away but what I got out of it. This is a six week study that honestly is sweet and short. It does get a bit repetitive but I sort of liked that in the end. It gave me time for great reflection.

The six weeks are as follows:

Why do we hide?
How can we win the war on shame?
Why do we really hide.
Choosing Spiritual Friendships
Jesus is enough.

Some deep topics, eh? These are things that all of us struggle with at some point. Shame is a major thing that women, and christians face. We hide from God, when really he wants us to run into his arms.

This is a traditional bible study and what I mean by that is it starts out with a thought provoking bible verse, or just topic, and then you apply it to yourself. She shares so many awesome examples of hiding from shame, and being able to be found. She has really cute stories to tell.

You are given a scripture every week that you are supposed to reflect on in your journey through life every day. It is extremely encouraging and I found it to be exactly what I needed that week. It is funny how it works out that way. I wrote the scripture down and included it around the house. That is what works for me. That allowed me to really examine what it meant all week long.

Honestly, what you get out of this book is a personal journey and will be different than mine. You might have a major impact or this might not be what you need at this time. The point it is to reflect on the heart of God. To be reminded to soak up his word.

Many thanks to Moody Publishing for sending me this wonderful bible study. It was wonderful to dive into the word of God and give an honest plus unbiased review.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are made for connection, but sometimes our past causes us to construct walls and shut down our hearts.  Do you long to be loved? Are you battling shame? Are you afraid to show people the real you?

Laura Dingman's six-week Bible study, "i am found", helps you win the war on shame, lay down your pride and realize that you are enough just the way you are.  Each week has five lessons, including an introduction.  Dingman shows us how hiding cannot heal us and how knowing our enemy can put us on the right path.  She helps us to be convinced that we are enough, and God will find us even behind our facades.

Dingman's study is not so indepth that you start and just give up, but she offers just enough opportunity to learn about yourself and god.  Her questions lead to an insightful journey into God's Word and your heart.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Moody Publishers, as part of their Book Review Blogger Program. I was not required to write a 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.”

[Doretha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great Bible Study for women struggling with past guilt and accepting themselves.

[Jolandie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exceptional study. I really enjoyed the way it was set out and learnt alot in the process. I enjoyed Laura Dingman's writing style.

[Kim Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever felt like you were afraid to just be your true self with God? With others? Maybe even with yourself? If so, this Bible study is for you! I Am Found, by Laura Dingman, is a study about shame and identity which guides the reader in learning a healthier way to relate to God, others and self.

From the back cover: “We are all made for connection, but many of us live with walls up and hearts closed. What would it take for us to let go and stand tall and unashamed?”

This is a six week study, each week consisting of an introduction and five days of study. At the end of each week’s lessons, there is also a section called “Truth, Lies and Action”, which looks at the truths learned throughout the week, a lie that needs to be exchanged for truth and gives an action step to help move the reader further in their journey to being “found”. Some of the days have the scripture printed for you, while others require you to have your Bible ready. There is a prayer printed at the end of each day’s lesson to give you an opportunity to talk with God.

While the majority of the study is centered around why we hide, why we don’t need to hide, ways in which we hide from ourselves, others and God and other shame-related ideas, some of the other topics included in this study are: having spiritual friendships, our identity in Christ, God’s immense love for us, how to love one another and remembering our worthiness.

I truly believe that the topic of worthiness is such an important one for women especially in our current culture of comparison, perfectionism and do-it-all idea of womanhood. Pinterest-perfect parties, Instagram-worthy photos of our well-behaved kids, Facebook photo albums of exotic vacations (sans kids) showing our perfect marriage. Social media has convinced us that we can only show the perfect parts of our lives – and in doing so, we spend all our effort and energy trying to hide the not-so-perfect parts and begin to wonder if our lives are good enough to share at all – or if we are good enough. It’s an epidemic of shame and it’s not God’s best for us.



To really get the full nature of this study – you’ll have to go through it on your own. I can say that it’s very simply laid out and easy to understand but it’s also very personal and deep. There are questions asked that will require a lot of self-reflection. There are verses shared and prayers written that will help you to determine why you might be hiding and how you might move towards being found and fully known. It’s a beautiful journey to take and one that I believe could make an enormous difference not only in our individual lives, but also in the dynamics of our families and the direction of our society as a whole.

Some of my favorite quotables from I Am Found, by Laura Dingman:

“God is for us. He showers grace over us, relentless in His loving pursuit of us. His mercy never ceases.” (p20)

“Nothing in all of creation is hidden from God’s sight (Hebrews 4:13). You cannot escape God. You can’t outrun Him, because He never relents. You can’t choose anything so out of bounds He will not follow you there, because He fiercely pursues you.” (p45)

“Knowing you belong to Christ and you are His own child brings a freedom no other truth can.” (p58)

“You don’t have to perform anymore. You can come out, come out, wherever you are. Just as you are. Grace is yours. You are forgiven. You are seen, known, and deeply loved by the Creator of the universe. You are free.” (p83)

“Jesus calls us to love one another. The only way this kind of love is possible is if we allow Jesus in us to do the loving. He is the source.” (p136)

“You are valuable to God the Father. He will search for you for as long as it takes. Even when you hide, He comes after you. He won’t stop until you are found.” (p174)


Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Am Found by Laura Dingman is a 6-week Bible study focused on shame: it's power over us, the things we do to hide because of it, and how we can overcome it by accepting God's forgiveness and hiding in Him instead of hiding from Him. Each week includes an introduction, five daily lessons, and a conclusion entitled "Truth, Lies, and Actions". I personally prefer to read the introduction the night before the day 1 lesson in order to prepare for the week ahead, and read the conclusion on the evening of day 5. This provides more time for reflection between readings.

-Week 1 (Fig leaves don't hide anything) uses the story of the garden of Eden to explain why we hide from God, others, and ourselves. Shame. Guilt. Humiliation. We also read about David and Bathsheba, learning the importance of coming clean with God.
-Week 2 (Know your enemy) discusses the Armor of God, and how to use this to face the enemy.
-Week 3 (Come out, come out, wherever you are!) shows you how to turn the "cycle of works" into the "cycle of grace", and trust in the Lord.
-Week 4 (You are not alone) helps you recognize the importance of embracing deep connections while realizing that not all connections last. Laura also emphasizes the need to learn to love and mend relationships.
-Week 5 (You are enough) is about redemption - how to realize that you are a new creation in God and recognize the strength in that Truth.
-Week 6 (You are found) focuses on the relentless pursuit of God, illustrated by the importance of finding things that are lost. The key story is that of the Prodigal Son, studied in three different translations to broaden your understanding of its magnitude. (I don't relate well to this story, but found her insights and approach to be immensely helpful.)

The back of this book described this study as "Drenched in Scripture", and that's a very accurate statement. It doesn't just tell you to read a random verse here and there. Instead, you read whole passages and entire chapters. Then reflect upon them and dig deep into their significance to you personally. You don't just read Laura's interpretation of what the Bible says, but you seek the Truth for yourself.

You will also read personal stories that illustrate or reflect the lessons being worked on. I often find this part of a Bible study to be impersonal - something a friend or co-worker or a lady from church went through. Instead, Laura's stories are exactly that - her personal stories. Things she's been through in her own life. This helps me feel like she truly understands what I'm dealing with - you know she's been there.

My favorite part of this book is the layout. It's written in such a way that even new-believers who have never really sat and read a Bible can read the passages and follow Laura's guidance and suggestions in order to seek God for themselves. The direct Bible quotes are bold teal, the focus questions are standard teal, and Laura's insights and reflections are black. This makes it very easy to keep track of what you're reading and when you're supposed to interact and provide your own insights.

Overall, I'd give this study 5 stars and recommend it to anyone struggling with shame or seeking God's grace.

*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review.*

[Create With Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are having difficulty connecting with other people, experiencing intimacy in relationships, and living the life of freedom that God created you to live due to issues relating to isolation, fear and shame, than I Am Found - Quitting The Game Of Hide And Seek With God And Others by Laura Dingman may just provide the answers you've been seeking.

I Am Found is a 6-week Bible Study that helps us to learn that there’s a better way to respond to shame:

By quenching the enemy’s lies and embracing the grace that God so freely offers us, we can shed our shame and experience the transformative power of God’s healing, mercy and love.

Each week in I Am Found includes five days of biblical teaching, followed by guided reflections with plenty of room for journaling. There are also actions to take and prayers for the day that will help you to fully immerse yourself in the experience. The book is beautifully designed and printed as well, with the black and green color scheme running throughout the text.

What I like most about I Am Found is that the topic is relevant, the author is relatable, and the study is full of hope.

Laura believes that:

Telling our stories shows the power of God. It reminds those who have forgotten what God is capable of. It strengthens our faith. It grows our trust in God in places where we have lost it, both for those who need to hear it and for us as we tell it again. Every time I tell a part of my story, I’m reminded of God’s ability to use what was meant to harm me and turn it into something remarkably good.

If these words resonate in your heart, I encourage you to join Laura on this biblical journey!

This review is an excerpt from the original review that is published on my blog. To read my review in its entirety, please visit Create With Joy.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own, based on my experience with this book.

[MaryLynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book on an incredibly relevant topic. I was intrigued when I first heard about the book and it only took a couple pages for me to get into it and want to know more. This book gives a fresh perspective on how shame lurks and surfaces in our own lives, how it affects us, and offers hope in breaking free from it as we turn to Christ. It invites the reader to connect with other believers and encourages sharing our own stories with each other. I also love how Laura writes in such a personal way. It’s like she’s sitting next to you, talking as a friend.

This will be a great resource for women’s ministry or small groups. It’s formatted conveniently to use in a group setting, broken down into six weeks of five days in each, with plenty of Scripture references and discussion questions throughout the text. After reading some of this book on my own, I’m excited to go through it with a few friends!

[Julie D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another visually gorgeous study but it's more than that - it's a beautiful study that will really help you in your quest to figure out how to live a life without shame and to connect more deeply with others.

This is a study that helps us realize that we don't have to live with shame and that God is not keeping us away from Him but He wants to draw us closer. Through living in Him we can learn to let go of the things that hold us back from being authentic and more open with others.

This is a six week study and I absolutely love all the open areas for answering the questions and journaling my thoughts. It's full of great Scripture and Biblical truth that will draw you closer to the Lord. It's not an overwhelming study yet it was deep enough that I feel like I really learned a lot from it.

This is a wonderful study and I highly recommend it. I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

*This study was provided to me for my honest review by Moody Publishers

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure about this book when I got it. Did I really want, or even need, to find out what the author meant by being "found"? Tentatively, I started reading this--not sure of what to expect. However, this is now up there with one of those books I would highly recommend.

I Am Found took me on a journey to opening up more to the One who actually knows me best. He already knows everything I do and think. Any walls I've built are self-created and stand in the way of a truly honest relationship.


Each week of this 6 week Bible study has a Biblical teaching and 5 days of guided reflection. This is a wonderful opportunity to draw closer to the Lord.

[Gabi- bookworm4vr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a six week intensive bible study. We focused on where shame and guilt started. Obviously, the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve eating that fruit and wanting to cover their nakedness with fig leaves. We later move in to studying the Prodigal Son and how to look at it 5 different ways. Yes, five! and it didn’t get boring either. You have to understand you cannot escape the guilt you have, but you can move forward and forgiveness is just the start.

[Sheila Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This study is remarkable. It digs deep into who you are and why you do and think the way you do. We all tried to hide or felt like we weren't showing our 100%. Laura bri GS out the challenge to change our heart and mind to seek God more and see what He has seen all along. We can't ever truly hide from Him.

[Sarah Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Am Found has been a wonderful study in my journey to discovering who God made me to be. Laura uses her own experience as an invitation for others to be found. This study has helped me realize that I have a story to tell and to be proud of that story.

[Prairie Sky Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I Am Found: Quitting the Game of Hide and Seek With God and Others” is the third Moody Bible Study for Women that I’ve had the pleasure of reading. Written by Laura Dingman as a 6-week study guide, this volume is a little shorter than the other books in the series, but packs plenty of insight into each page.

One way that “I Am Found” is different from the other Moody Bible Studies for Women is that it does not focus on a specific book (or partial book) of the Bible, but rather zooms in on the themes of shame and identity. Accordingly, corresponding verses from various books in the Bible are brought into the spotlight for deeper investigation and, consequently, deeper understanding of God’s truths on the matter. Each daily lesson takes between 10 to 15 minutes to complete, and is comprised of thought-provoking questions, historical or theological insights, and a prayer. Other fun and memorable exercises, charts, and journaling ideas are spread throughout the study, giving every day a little extra variety. At the end of each 5-lesson week, there is also a section called “Truth, Lies, and Action” which is simply a “look at the truths learned for the week, at a primary lie we need to exchange for the truth, and an opportunity for an action step to bring each of us a little closer to living as though we are found.”

In the end, I very much enjoyed studying the Bible with the guidance of “I Am Found”, but did not find it to resonate with me quite as deeply as the previous Moody studies I have completed. However the content, layout, and depth of insight are still significantly superior to most of the similar resources I’ve encountered... Without question, I recommend “I Am Found” to those looking for a thought-provoking devotional and Bible study, especially if you are also interested in the topic of identity. And, once you’ve finished this one, don’t hesitate to check out the other Moody Bible Studies for Women, including “His Last Words” and “An Unexplainable Life”!

I received this book courtesy of Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.