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Set-Apart Femininity: God's Sacred Intent for Every Young Woman
Leslie Ludy, author of Authentic Beauty and the bestselling When God Writes Your Love Story, revealshow a young woman's pursuit of acceptance and sameness directly counters her true purpose—to be set apart by her love for God and God's love for her.
This empowering message filled with inspiring stories, personal illustrations, and a foundation of God's Word to awaken young women to sacred femininity and a life infused with meaning. Each chapter encourages readers to release worldly standards and set their sights on a more worthy pursuit as they:
surrender to God's love and wholeness
embrace the real blueprint for beauty
enjoy spectacular purpose
captivate the masculine heart
cultivate spiritual strength
This journey will spark a desire in every woman to leave the fairy tale of the masses behind and walk toward the unique beauty, love, and dreams God has for her.
This empowering message filled with inspiring stories, personal illustrations, and a foundation of God's Word to awaken young women to sacred femininity and a life infused with meaning. Each chapter encourages readers to release worldly standards and set their sights on a more worthy pursuit as they:
surrender to God's love and wholeness
embrace the real blueprint for beauty
enjoy spectacular purpose
captivate the masculine heart
cultivate spiritual strength
This journey will spark a desire in every woman to leave the fairy tale of the masses behind and walk toward the unique beauty, love, and dreams God has for her.
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
68 people are currently reading
2106 people want to read
About the author
Leslie Ludy
43 books375 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 103 reviews
May 20, 2010
Wow. Um. I really don't understand why everyone and their mom loves this book. It kinda sucked. I'm giving it one star because her intent was good and she had a few bits of important advice hiding between the other pages of crap but other than that I would give it zero stars. One thing that really annoyed me throughout this book was the fact that she was so dramatic and made these really over the top statements about people. She also has a real problem with the movie The Notebook. She doesn't like it because there's premarital sex in it and she doesn't seem to think that women who watch that movie are smart enough to distinguish it from reality. Also, women shouldn't pamper themselves. Yup. Ladies, when you're feeling overwhelmed with work or kids or life in general, just pray it away. She thinks you're selfish or something if you want to take a day for yourself and get a manicure, massage, pedicure, etc. Hot mess woman! Then she ends the book with some weird ceremony in which she wants you to dim the lights, light candles, put on some quiet music and vow to be just as perfect as Jesus was. Well, I didn't know it was that simple!! Eleven bucks for a big piece of crap. Take my advice and don't waste your time reading this book.
Another thing I just remembered about this book was this lady's terrible holier-than-thou attitude. Especially when she's talking about how she and her husband gave up TV/movies for a year. And when they spent an ENTIRE day in intense prayer. Basically, this woman is the epitome of righteousness and she's not afraid to flaunt it.
Another thing I just remembered about this book was this lady's terrible holier-than-thou attitude. Especially when she's talking about how she and her husband gave up TV/movies for a year. And when they spent an ENTIRE day in intense prayer. Basically, this woman is the epitome of righteousness and she's not afraid to flaunt it.
August 30, 2012
I had hoped to have this book to add to my arsenal of Great reads for teen girls seeking to be pure. I would never recommend this book. When the author openly attacks another Christian author and her views/ stand and book, I lose a lot of respect for them, and this is exactly what this author did. She also takes a very harsh view on this subject. I don't mind the harsh view, but when it is coupled with her criticism I think it says more about this author as a person-bitter, harsh, judgmental. We want young ladies to DESIRE and CHOOSE to be pure. I found this book came across very Do and Don't-ish, but not surprising considering the harsh line she takes.
January 4, 2023
Five glowing stars! Cannot reccomend this book enough! Free of the fluff and self-appreciation of most modern christian books for women, this one is full of the fire of God and a passion for His kingdom and glory!
February 25, 2015
The books a dad of four daughters reads! Significant reservations about this one.
Expanding on that comment: I appreciated the high standard of obedience/holiness, and there were a few good moments (2 chapters) where this was explicitly based on the gospel. Which was frustrating, because for most of the book the message was "try harder, be holier", where the focus was (very much) on what we MUST do rather than on what Jesus has done. That was my main reservation, but the author's manner (self described as "standing on a table and yelling at you") was very hard to take, she made a lot of blanket, overly harsh judgements of all and sundry, wandered into prosperity/perfection teaching in one chapter and treated the OT terribly.
Expanding on that comment: I appreciated the high standard of obedience/holiness, and there were a few good moments (2 chapters) where this was explicitly based on the gospel. Which was frustrating, because for most of the book the message was "try harder, be holier", where the focus was (very much) on what we MUST do rather than on what Jesus has done. That was my main reservation, but the author's manner (self described as "standing on a table and yelling at you") was very hard to take, she made a lot of blanket, overly harsh judgements of all and sundry, wandered into prosperity/perfection teaching in one chapter and treated the OT terribly.
dnf
September 9, 2025DNFed due to theology stuff…
I liked a lot of what she had to say on femininity but then I came across some pretty strong teachings that felt like prosperity gospel and that’s not really something I want to be steeping myself in so I decided to just dnf. I’m sure she has good teachings but because I have to filter this whole book now I decided to just dnf. I have lots of other very solid nonfictions I’ll spend my time reading.
I liked a lot of what she had to say on femininity but then I came across some pretty strong teachings that felt like prosperity gospel and that’s not really something I want to be steeping myself in so I decided to just dnf. I’m sure she has good teachings but because I have to filter this whole book now I decided to just dnf. I have lots of other very solid nonfictions I’ll spend my time reading.
April 19, 2012
(Sigh) I wanted to love this book so much...but I didn't. I give it 2.5 stars. Leslie at times seemed arrogant and proud as if she is the queen of virtuous womanhood. There were also times of repetitive rambling as well. I didn't agree with a lot of what she said in regards to the beauty of a person. She made it seem as though there is NOTHING lovable about a person until they have Christ, I don't agree because Christ lovingly looked down from heaven while WE were yet sinners and died for us. Most of all, I just didn't feel the compassion from her as I read the book, as I can with most Christian education books. I don't think I'd read this book again, and I won't be recommending it.
July 10, 2025
Carte cu mesaj în mare parte bun și nu contest Dragostea pe care Leslie o are pentru Domnul Isus, dar și asa este nevoie de discernământ și înțelepciune in tot ceea ce facem, chiar și in receptarea mesajelor cartilor pe care le citim. Ceea ce a rămas cu mine in urma lecturii, un foarte mare adevăr, este acesta ca Dumnezeu este Prima noastră Dragoste și Totul pentru noi!
December 14, 2018
I didn't hate it. I didn't love it. I wanted to love it? But it wasn't great.
I feel like we spend a lot of time, too much, writing and reading books for men and for women. Let's read and write books for Christians. There are excellent books out there that are aimed at a specific gender, but... most of those are books either gender should read and would benefit from. But I digress.
Anyway, she flirts with a lot of dangerous theology in here. We shouldn't pray because our problems will go away if we do, or because it's the secret to a "miracle life" (it isn't), we should pray because God says we should. We should pray because we love Him.
There's so much in this book and I blew through it in less than a week, so I can't comment on everything.
But I found her trying to say all the things Matt Papa says in Look and Live, and failing. She came across as holier-than-thou and works-based. She pointed less to Jesus and His strength and more at us and our unction (or lack thereof).
I feel like her heart was in the right place. She tried. But it just fell super flat for me. I was convicted by some of the things she said and will try to implement them as Christ leads and further convicts, but I would be wary of this book.
Oh yeah, she also suggests taking communion alone at the end, as part of your personal commitment to the "creed of the set-apart woman" which she wrote and which has zero scripture in it. I'm not super versed in communion theology, but that sounded very sketch and I was concerned by much of that.
I am sad. I wanted to like this.
EDIT: the more I think about this book, the scarier it is. So much of her theology sounds good enough that you agree with it without thinking too hard, but when you dig into it's some scary junk. So many blanket statements of applying her opinion in ways that sound biblical, but aren't. Ahhh. Just, no thanks. I read multiple reviews that sounded this negative and was like, "that's overkill," but here I am, because it's not overkill. This is toxic stuff. Go read Rebekah Merkle. Or Elizabeth Elliot. Just, not this.
I feel like we spend a lot of time, too much, writing and reading books for men and for women. Let's read and write books for Christians. There are excellent books out there that are aimed at a specific gender, but... most of those are books either gender should read and would benefit from. But I digress.
Anyway, she flirts with a lot of dangerous theology in here. We shouldn't pray because our problems will go away if we do, or because it's the secret to a "miracle life" (it isn't), we should pray because God says we should. We should pray because we love Him.
There's so much in this book and I blew through it in less than a week, so I can't comment on everything.
But I found her trying to say all the things Matt Papa says in Look and Live, and failing. She came across as holier-than-thou and works-based. She pointed less to Jesus and His strength and more at us and our unction (or lack thereof).
I feel like her heart was in the right place. She tried. But it just fell super flat for me. I was convicted by some of the things she said and will try to implement them as Christ leads and further convicts, but I would be wary of this book.
Oh yeah, she also suggests taking communion alone at the end, as part of your personal commitment to the "creed of the set-apart woman" which she wrote and which has zero scripture in it. I'm not super versed in communion theology, but that sounded very sketch and I was concerned by much of that.
I am sad. I wanted to like this.
EDIT: the more I think about this book, the scarier it is. So much of her theology sounds good enough that you agree with it without thinking too hard, but when you dig into it's some scary junk. So many blanket statements of applying her opinion in ways that sound biblical, but aren't. Ahhh. Just, no thanks. I read multiple reviews that sounded this negative and was like, "that's overkill," but here I am, because it's not overkill. This is toxic stuff. Go read Rebekah Merkle. Or Elizabeth Elliot. Just, not this.
November 1, 2012
I came into this book with pretty high hopes but ended up being disappointed. I had read one other book by Leslie Ludy prior to this one and remembered liking it. I have also read her blog/ezine "Set-Apart Girl" so I thought I would probably enjoy this book too. However, apart from a few convicting passages I found the book disappointing. For one, she so frequently quoted her (or her husband's) other books that it felt like very little of it was new material - but rather a re-hash of books she has already published and an excuse to sell another book title on her website. I also found it disappointing that the only women (apart from herself) that were held up as examples of biblical femininity were almost all foreign missionaries - when clearly not every Christian is called to full-time missions (herself included - since she's a writer and mom in a comfortable suburban community). I wish there had been examples of women who followed Christ in other venues and careers - and when she addresses this issue in the book (clearly, I'm not the only one who noticed this gaping hole), her reason/excuse was weak. More than anything though what concerned and disappointed me about this book were a few instances of legalism over grace and strong feelings that the author was getting "holier-than-thou". Overall, short of those few convicting passages, I didn't feel I learned a thing about biblical femininity from this book that was applicable to my life and situation.
June 11, 2013
I just want to start off by saying that I did not finish this book. I couldn't finish it actually, because I was just getting depressed reading it. It honestly made me feel like garbage because I wasn't going on super passionate life-risking mission trips. I definitely admire those women who do have the desire and courage to do those things, but I felt very sad for a long time after starting to read this because I started to think that my life was a waste unless I was doing 110% for God 100% of the time. Of course I do want to strove for that kind of life, but I am still young and learning my way in the world. I would like to think that God still loves me while I am growing up, making mistakes, and learning how to be a follower of Christ. This book told me the opposite however, and I was getting so discouraged and worried about going to Hell that I ended up closing the book. I do not think I will pick it up ever again.
October 19, 2010
A wonderful read! Very thought provoking! It challenged me that I'm not living the life I could be living. I intend to live a "set apart" life from now on. Its not that I was "horrible" person per-say. But I know I can do more for God! That He can use me in so many more ways than just the ones I'm comfortable. I came away from this book refreshed, challenged and encouraged to walk closer with God.
February 6, 2016
This is definitely not what I expected. While I do think the purpose behind the book is noble, and I support the vision Mrs. Ludy is promoting here, the book, as a whole, I didn't entirely care for.
I found myself skipping entire paragraphs (which I very rarely do), because I was bored with the topic, and the most enjoyable parts of the book, for me, were the missionary stories throughout the book, as well as the eighth chapter.
Overall, as a Christian young lady, that was homeschooled, and rather sheltered, the "practical examples" were not at all practical for me and my life. I feel like a young teenage girl immersed in a lukewarm church and a worldly public school would learn much more from this than I did. So, I'll say that while it could be a great book for some, it wasn't, necessarily, for me. Also, for more sheltered girls, like myself, I'd recommend having a mother or wise Christian mentor skim it first, as there are some very worldly magazines, movies, and etc. described. (An attempt at a "practical" help...)
Things I found annoying that you should be warned of, as a prospective reader:
- 27 different versions of the Bible quoted. Okay, maybe not quite 27, but way too many. I have personal convictions about using the KJV, and I don't shun all others that don't agree with me, however, it just becomes annoying to have quotes from the KJV, NKJV, NIV, NASB, ESV, and on and on, throughout the book. Unless I saw the verse quoted was KJV, I usually skipped reading it altogether, out of annoyance for the inconsistency.
- The thought is implied that all "bad" things (which would include death and sickness) come from the Devil. So, if you're sick, or someone in your family dies, it's your fault that your prayer life is too weak for God to heal or save. I heartily disagree. I mean, have you read Job?! And Exodus 12:12 is clear that it wasn't the Devil that killed all the first-born in Egypt; it was God.
- On a point concerning cleansing yourself from all evil things (which I, of course, support), it is stated that even fortune cookies are of the Devil and shouldn't even been touched. I find this extreme, but that's just a personal opinion.
- On a point concerning always making your life about prayer, Ms. Ludy debunks the concern that people don't have enough time to spend hours a day in prayer by giving examples of her own daily life over the past year (the book was published in 2008). In this list of things that keeps her busy she includes, "...helped our two year old son memorize 180 country flags and capitals, the solar system, and 140 dog breeds..." AND SHE WAS SERIOUS. I just don't get it. I mean, it's eight years later; let us go see if the now-ten-year-old remembers all 180 country flags and capitals. It just seems silly to me to think of all she does (which, besides helping her 2 year old memorize crazy things, includes writing books, speaking at conferences, etc. SO HARD, I'm sure.) is comparative with normal people. It's a good message, but not at all practical. AT. ALL.
Overall, like alluded to earlier, this could be a good, eye-opening book, for a certain crowd, but I'm not that crowd.
I found myself skipping entire paragraphs (which I very rarely do), because I was bored with the topic, and the most enjoyable parts of the book, for me, were the missionary stories throughout the book, as well as the eighth chapter.
Overall, as a Christian young lady, that was homeschooled, and rather sheltered, the "practical examples" were not at all practical for me and my life. I feel like a young teenage girl immersed in a lukewarm church and a worldly public school would learn much more from this than I did. So, I'll say that while it could be a great book for some, it wasn't, necessarily, for me. Also, for more sheltered girls, like myself, I'd recommend having a mother or wise Christian mentor skim it first, as there are some very worldly magazines, movies, and etc. described. (An attempt at a "practical" help...)
Things I found annoying that you should be warned of, as a prospective reader:
- 27 different versions of the Bible quoted. Okay, maybe not quite 27, but way too many. I have personal convictions about using the KJV, and I don't shun all others that don't agree with me, however, it just becomes annoying to have quotes from the KJV, NKJV, NIV, NASB, ESV, and on and on, throughout the book. Unless I saw the verse quoted was KJV, I usually skipped reading it altogether, out of annoyance for the inconsistency.
- The thought is implied that all "bad" things (which would include death and sickness) come from the Devil. So, if you're sick, or someone in your family dies, it's your fault that your prayer life is too weak for God to heal or save. I heartily disagree. I mean, have you read Job?! And Exodus 12:12 is clear that it wasn't the Devil that killed all the first-born in Egypt; it was God.
- On a point concerning cleansing yourself from all evil things (which I, of course, support), it is stated that even fortune cookies are of the Devil and shouldn't even been touched. I find this extreme, but that's just a personal opinion.
- On a point concerning always making your life about prayer, Ms. Ludy debunks the concern that people don't have enough time to spend hours a day in prayer by giving examples of her own daily life over the past year (the book was published in 2008). In this list of things that keeps her busy she includes, "...helped our two year old son memorize 180 country flags and capitals, the solar system, and 140 dog breeds..." AND SHE WAS SERIOUS. I just don't get it. I mean, it's eight years later; let us go see if the now-ten-year-old remembers all 180 country flags and capitals. It just seems silly to me to think of all she does (which, besides helping her 2 year old memorize crazy things, includes writing books, speaking at conferences, etc. SO HARD, I'm sure.) is comparative with normal people. It's a good message, but not at all practical. AT. ALL.
Overall, like alluded to earlier, this could be a good, eye-opening book, for a certain crowd, but I'm not that crowd.
July 6, 2011
A great book that I received for my 26th birthday (proof that this is NOT just for the tween population), and I loved it. I cried so much reading this one. It was really what I needed at this time (and every future time) in my life. It helped me to refocus on what's important to me, and reminded me that nothing good will ever come of settling for less than what I know in my heart is right for me. Sometimes you just get to a point in life where you're tired...tired of living the right way and doing what's moral when everyone around you seems to be doing the exact opposite and STILL getting what YOU wanted out of life. This book is a great reminder to stop worrying about all that meaningless struggle and re-align yourself with God's will. "Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you."
February 21, 2023
This was a surprisingly spectacular read! I was blown away just how much I enjoyed it. It was not what I was expecting but was so much better! This call to young woman to live a truly set apart life was amazing, and heart felt.
I especially loved this approach and wonderful reminder that living a truly set apart life is all about the heart. Outward appearances are great additions to leading a set apart life, but mean nothing without the inward decision as well. We have to search out our hearts and make sure it's in the right place. A place of love. A place set on the One Who truly matters.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone wanting to deepen their relationship with God and turn their hearts more fully on what truly matters in life. Pull out your highlighters and sticky notes and grab a copy of this book!
I especially loved this approach and wonderful reminder that living a truly set apart life is all about the heart. Outward appearances are great additions to leading a set apart life, but mean nothing without the inward decision as well. We have to search out our hearts and make sure it's in the right place. A place of love. A place set on the One Who truly matters.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone wanting to deepen their relationship with God and turn their hearts more fully on what truly matters in life. Pull out your highlighters and sticky notes and grab a copy of this book!
probably-not
September 2, 2012Excuse me, did I read that right ? God's sacred intent for every young woman ?
Are you kidding me ? ARE.YOU.KIDDING.ME ???
Are you kidding me ? ARE.YOU.KIDDING.ME ???
December 23, 2020
This was an incredible read! I would definitely recommend it to any young girl or woman.
January 31, 2013
This book was great in many ways, however I think it didn't address some of the basic issues like grace in a friendly/sound way. I feel as if it rushed from a very brief introduction on the foundational healing that comes from Christ's grace, straight into our role as servants - as if this healing would come straight away. The approach is very 'gung-ho' which in itself I don't really have a problem with, but I do think that with such a delicate issue, it should be gently led, not pushed and forced along with overwhelming charisma.
I agree mostly with Leslie Ludy's abstinence from pop culture, since I did try it and if anything, it cleared my mind so that I was thinking more and more of God during the day and night than being distracted with other things. It also encouraged my prayer life and made me strive for a deeper relationship with the Lord.
I liked her constant use of scripture (though I think that a few passages may have been used out of context) And I loved her approach to beauty as being God-givenand cultivated, rather than something we already have as part of ourselves, as this helped me a lot more than self esteem messages I usually hear. I also heard a view of the hugeness and power of God that is not often touched on much in these kind of books, which was refreshing.
These are some of the good points-and there were many more, but not all of the book agreed with my investigation after reading it. For one, I'm not completely content with the author's explanation of the healing prayer and prayer in general - I haven't got an answer for that issue yet though, so I won't pursue it here! I didn't quite like the tendency of the book to place a Christian role-model on a 'pedestal' as if their 'spiritual achievement' as such is the ultimate goal, and while I'm sure Leslie didn't mean it that way, it ended up with that effect.
I also think that the book focused too much on the practical side of things. This is important, but as I mentioned before, to do so without a strong foundation of love and grace, well explained, to build on, it caused a mini disaster in my faith! When I read it first, I was quite an immature Christian (compared to now - though I still wouldn't call myself mature! :)) And so without having a full understanding of what Jesus' sacrifice meant, I started trying to have/do what Leslie describes in my own strength. And though she addresses things like surrender and grace, it was done in a way that sounded too much like a "do this and it'll work" plan of attack - at least to my young Christian mind.
Another issue I had with the book is that (in hindsight) it took a rather judgemental view on some things, and while the underlying message and intent was truth, it could have been said in a better way.
I don't think this book is bad, but nor do I think it is completely sound. All I want to advise is to read carefully and don't accept without questioning - not cynicism, just caution - and while it is very motivating, make sure you don't get swept away. And only read this book if you are a relatively secure Christian already, who has roots in the Bible and who understands the all-important grace of God. If you do this, there is a lot of great teaching you can get out of it!!
I agree mostly with Leslie Ludy's abstinence from pop culture, since I did try it and if anything, it cleared my mind so that I was thinking more and more of God during the day and night than being distracted with other things. It also encouraged my prayer life and made me strive for a deeper relationship with the Lord.
I liked her constant use of scripture (though I think that a few passages may have been used out of context) And I loved her approach to beauty as being God-givenand cultivated, rather than something we already have as part of ourselves, as this helped me a lot more than self esteem messages I usually hear. I also heard a view of the hugeness and power of God that is not often touched on much in these kind of books, which was refreshing.
These are some of the good points-and there were many more, but not all of the book agreed with my investigation after reading it. For one, I'm not completely content with the author's explanation of the healing prayer and prayer in general - I haven't got an answer for that issue yet though, so I won't pursue it here! I didn't quite like the tendency of the book to place a Christian role-model on a 'pedestal' as if their 'spiritual achievement' as such is the ultimate goal, and while I'm sure Leslie didn't mean it that way, it ended up with that effect.
I also think that the book focused too much on the practical side of things. This is important, but as I mentioned before, to do so without a strong foundation of love and grace, well explained, to build on, it caused a mini disaster in my faith! When I read it first, I was quite an immature Christian (compared to now - though I still wouldn't call myself mature! :)) And so without having a full understanding of what Jesus' sacrifice meant, I started trying to have/do what Leslie describes in my own strength. And though she addresses things like surrender and grace, it was done in a way that sounded too much like a "do this and it'll work" plan of attack - at least to my young Christian mind.
Another issue I had with the book is that (in hindsight) it took a rather judgemental view on some things, and while the underlying message and intent was truth, it could have been said in a better way.
I don't think this book is bad, but nor do I think it is completely sound. All I want to advise is to read carefully and don't accept without questioning - not cynicism, just caution - and while it is very motivating, make sure you don't get swept away. And only read this book if you are a relatively secure Christian already, who has roots in the Bible and who understands the all-important grace of God. If you do this, there is a lot of great teaching you can get out of it!!
September 7, 2015
There was a lot to process after I closed this book. The main thing I stepped away with was the reminder of the power of prayer. I also appreciated the focus on Christ and not relationships.
Two quotes that really stood out to me are:
"...one of the ways that you can tell something is an 'idol' or 'other lover' in your life is that you are *unwilling to let it go*; you can't picture life without it." (Chapter Four)
"One of the biggest complaints I hear from married women is that the husband doesn't take a leadership position in the marriage...Quite often, this problem in these marriages emerged long before the wedding day--at the very beginning of the relationship. The woman took the lead, became the initiator, and inadvertently stepped into the role that God designed the man to hold." (Chapter Five)
I personally felt like I was wading through the first chapter as she described the downs of our pop culture, harping on more details about it than I cared to read. Being raised in a conservative home, I never felt the need to look like the girls she described (using words I care not to repeat). For this reason, I would not recommend the book to younger, conservative teens though I can see it helpful for those who are raised more in the influence of our worldly culture.
If not careful, a girl might get the impression that she must be like one of the "women of the faith" to be godly. For example, this quote: "God is looking for the next generation of Catherine Booths, Amy Carmichaels, and Gladys Aylwards." (Chapter Six) Some could take this chapter and erroneously set their sights on women of history and not on Christ as the model. However, this is not Ludy's intent as she balances this quote with one from chapter eight: "God might not call every one of us to the Walled City of Hong Kong like Jackie Pullinger or the temples of India like Amy Carmichael....But not one of us is 'called' to live the self-indulgent, pleasure-seeking, comfort-craving life of the typical American Christian."
So, those are the two reasons I would hesitate to wholly recommend this book. For older, mature Christian girls, yes. But for those who might be swayed by the emotional pull of "great women" and have been purposefully sheltered from worldliness by their parents, they should wait.
Two quotes that really stood out to me are:
"...one of the ways that you can tell something is an 'idol' or 'other lover' in your life is that you are *unwilling to let it go*; you can't picture life without it." (Chapter Four)
"One of the biggest complaints I hear from married women is that the husband doesn't take a leadership position in the marriage...Quite often, this problem in these marriages emerged long before the wedding day--at the very beginning of the relationship. The woman took the lead, became the initiator, and inadvertently stepped into the role that God designed the man to hold." (Chapter Five)
I personally felt like I was wading through the first chapter as she described the downs of our pop culture, harping on more details about it than I cared to read. Being raised in a conservative home, I never felt the need to look like the girls she described (using words I care not to repeat). For this reason, I would not recommend the book to younger, conservative teens though I can see it helpful for those who are raised more in the influence of our worldly culture.
If not careful, a girl might get the impression that she must be like one of the "women of the faith" to be godly. For example, this quote: "God is looking for the next generation of Catherine Booths, Amy Carmichaels, and Gladys Aylwards." (Chapter Six) Some could take this chapter and erroneously set their sights on women of history and not on Christ as the model. However, this is not Ludy's intent as she balances this quote with one from chapter eight: "God might not call every one of us to the Walled City of Hong Kong like Jackie Pullinger or the temples of India like Amy Carmichael....But not one of us is 'called' to live the self-indulgent, pleasure-seeking, comfort-craving life of the typical American Christian."
So, those are the two reasons I would hesitate to wholly recommend this book. For older, mature Christian girls, yes. But for those who might be swayed by the emotional pull of "great women" and have been purposefully sheltered from worldliness by their parents, they should wait.
March 31, 2018
I couldn't finish the book. The first paragraph started good, but it all went downhill from there. It got to the point where I felt physically ill every time I looked at the book. While, she makes good points, the author's tone in this book is very harsh, often judgmental. It felt like a scolding: "Do this, or God's going to get you!" "Do it this way, or you'll never have a real relationship with God!"
And it got to the point where I was afraid to pick up the book. I read When God Writes Your Love Story, which she co-authored with her husband, and I loved it, so I was really excited about this book.
Now, I'm just disappointed.
Because, while God certainly convicts us, He doesn't send us on a guilt trip. I felt like the author missed part of that message when she was writing this book. The book was written in a very condemning way.
And it got to the point where I was afraid to pick up the book. I read When God Writes Your Love Story, which she co-authored with her husband, and I loved it, so I was really excited about this book.
Now, I'm just disappointed.
Because, while God certainly convicts us, He doesn't send us on a guilt trip. I felt like the author missed part of that message when she was writing this book. The book was written in a very condemning way.
September 5, 2014
I suppose this book could have been helpful but I was too distracted by the author's constant spiritual one-upmanship and bragging. Maybe she should read a book on humility before presuming to tell the rest of us how to fix ourselves. (For example: what difference does it make that she taught her two year old all the states and their capitals?!) Not to mention the fact I'm not at all sure she actually knows what "the gospel" is. (Hint: it doesn't involve works.)
She may have had some important things to say, something our current culture needs to hear, but it is lost under her own pride in this book.
What about grace? What about Christ?
She may have had some important things to say, something our current culture needs to hear, but it is lost under her own pride in this book.
What about grace? What about Christ?
June 3, 2010
One of the best books I have ever read. Of course, there were one or two minor things that I disagreed with (such as her ideas on communion), but nothing serious. If you are looking for a book to call you to the fullness of life that Christ has for you, this is the one to read! :-)
November 20, 2010
I liked ONE chapter out of this book. One. (Sacred Cultivation. Chapter 6). We read it in my smallgroup and it accomplished my desired task of creating conversation but was very soap-boxy.
June 21, 2016
Not sure what to think about this book. :/ I really like the first part, but the last 50 pages were kinda bumming. But don't take my word for it! Just use your own judgemnt.
July 8, 2019
Years ago, I attended a retreat where Leslie Ludy and her husband were speaking, and I came away genuinely inspired to walk closer with the Lord. My impression of them was of an unusual, godly couple full of zeal for the Lord. I bought the book and read most of it, but didn’t finish.
Today, I picked it up, intending to pass it along to my younger sister, but before I did, I decided to look at it closely. I also read what others have shared here. With more spiritual maturity, I can see now the dangerous message this book promotes. While I do agree to some extent that we need to be a lot quicker to deny ourselves (with the purpose of living sold out for Christ), this book is over the top. Instead of talking about Christ and what He has done for us, much time is spent on how worldly we are and how we need to try more/do better so that we can be TRUE ambassadors of light.
“Even more importantly, Jesus Christ, the Author and Finisher of your faith is standing beside you, joyfully welcoming you to join the privileged few who are called to be His true ambassadors of light in a dark and perverse generation.” - Leslie Ludy
“The privileged few” gives a tone of pride rather than grace. Overall, the book comes across holier-than-thou at best and heretical at worst.
Though we absolutely should live set-apart lives for God, we won’t find the ability to do it by looking to ourselves or others but by Him working in us.
Today, I picked it up, intending to pass it along to my younger sister, but before I did, I decided to look at it closely. I also read what others have shared here. With more spiritual maturity, I can see now the dangerous message this book promotes. While I do agree to some extent that we need to be a lot quicker to deny ourselves (with the purpose of living sold out for Christ), this book is over the top. Instead of talking about Christ and what He has done for us, much time is spent on how worldly we are and how we need to try more/do better so that we can be TRUE ambassadors of light.
“Even more importantly, Jesus Christ, the Author and Finisher of your faith is standing beside you, joyfully welcoming you to join the privileged few who are called to be His true ambassadors of light in a dark and perverse generation.” - Leslie Ludy
“The privileged few” gives a tone of pride rather than grace. Overall, the book comes across holier-than-thou at best and heretical at worst.
Though we absolutely should live set-apart lives for God, we won’t find the ability to do it by looking to ourselves or others but by Him working in us.
February 29, 2024
Sincer, nu am cuvinte. Voi scrie un review foarte direct și personal. Dacă aș fi avut timp, aș fi citit cartea intr-o singură zi, doar din dorința de a face un legământ cu Dumnezeu după ce o termin cat mai repede. Prin fiecare pagină Dumnezeu mi-a vorbit intr-un mod minunat. Ma simt încărcată și modelată. Pe parcursul citirii am renunțat conștient și practic la anumite lucruri și obiceiuri din viața mea. Până acum am pus foarte mare preț pe puritatea mea și viața mea de copil a Lui Dumnezeu, dar trebuie să recunosc ca eram departe de predarea totala în brațul Lui Dumnezeu in orice domeniu al vieții mele. Nici nu știu dacă m-am exprimat bine pentru ca sunt prea entuziasmata :))) Fetelor, citit cartea asta! ❣️
July 16, 2009
I picked up this book because it has been highly recommended by several sources I trust. It's good. Leslie has a lot of challenging things to say that many Christian women need to hear. I appreciate her frequent references to Bible verses as well as her examples of Christian women from the long history of Christianity who have lived as God called them. Her message points out that many women are ready to accept Christ's salvation, but not His claim on their lives. She doesn't stop with concepts and ideas, but carries through to practical life. Her book closes with a call to a decision, to join the ranks of set-apart women who live for Christ. I want to study a few of the illustrations and references more in depth. Well worth reading... However, if you're young - say teen years - and you and your parents have worked hard to shelter and preserve innocence in your mind and heart, there are parts of this book you do not need to read. I'm glad I didn't encounter those before I was in my twenties.
March 9, 2011
This book is kind of like a guide line for young christian girls to stand out and be 'set-apart' from this world. It has some amazing messages, and really makes you think about what your doing with your life.
I would recommend this book to older teen Christian girls who are on a search for falling in love with God before men. It has some great messages and some amazing verses to back it up!
I would recommend this book to older teen Christian girls who are on a search for falling in love with God before men. It has some great messages and some amazing verses to back it up!
July 24, 2016
This book set me on fire for Christ! A fire that will last the rest of my life. God used their ministry to put a longing in my soul to do mission work. I don't know when, where, with whom, or anything. All I know is God placed a calling in my heart to share the Gospel with others, and I will gladly answer the call when the time is right.
I plan to buy a few more of their books along with other Christian books really soon!
-Ley <3
I plan to buy a few more of their books along with other Christian books really soon!
-Ley <3
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August 11, 2011I was somewhat shocked at how Leslie shot down the book Captivating. While I can understand where she's coming from and see her point of view, I think she may have misinterpreted what the authors were trying to express in their message. Both books, in my opinion, had strong key elements regarding our femininity. Otherwise, I really enjoyed, as always, Leslie's encouragement on living a set-apart life.
January 11, 2011
Fantastic book! One of the things that this book really hit on was the fact that a lot of Christians call themselves Christians, act like Christians and "do the walk." When in reality they are halfway in and halfway out. It made me think about the fact that I need to be ALL in, not just halfway in. I would really suggest that any teen girl read this book!
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