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If My Heart Could Talk: A Story of Family, Faith, and Miracles
As the wife of forty-four years to the late Pastor John Osteen, founder of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, Dodie stood strongly as a wife, mother, and first lady of the church, even when life felt anything but steady. Now, she continues to stand behind her son, Pastor Joel Osteen, and the rest of their family as they lead Lakewood Church, the largest church in America.
In her memoir, IF MY HEART COULD TALK, Dodie will reflect on her life experiences, recounting her journey and offering the reader meaningful lessons applicable to their own lives. She will give readers an intimate look inside life-altering experiences including contracting polio as a child, marrying a pastor, experiencing enormous church growth, raising five children, battling cancer, losing her husband, and afterward, resolving to continue living the life she was destined for.
In her memoir, IF MY HEART COULD TALK, Dodie will reflect on her life experiences, recounting her journey and offering the reader meaningful lessons applicable to their own lives. She will give readers an intimate look inside life-altering experiences including contracting polio as a child, marrying a pastor, experiencing enormous church growth, raising five children, battling cancer, losing her husband, and afterward, resolving to continue living the life she was destined for.
- GenresNonfictionChristian
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2014
39 people are currently reading
280 people want to read
About the author
Dodie Osteen
13 books11 followersDodie Osteen and her family pastor the congregation of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, which was founded by her husband, the late Pastor John Osteen. Dodie ministered alongside her husband throughout their 44-year marriage. Her son, Joel Osteen is not the senior pastor of Lakewood Church.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 5, 2016
Dodie Osteen lives out Proverbs thirty-one not only by what she says but, more importantly, the life she lives. With a quiet strength, Dodie shares in "If My Heart Could Talk" the story of her life, faith, family and the miracles that have taken place in her walk with the Lord.
If My Heart Could Talk
Image Provide by Faith Words
"If My Heart Could Talk" is like reading a book of an older friend who you are trying to glean wisdom from. As a younger woman, Dodie is someone who I can envision wanting to have as a part of my life to learn how to be a better woman, wife, leader and Lord willing, a mom. She has stood the test of adversity and walked through valleys with deep faith, despite difficult circumstance coming out on the other side much stronger. She is a woman who gets straight down to business and is real about the heart of the matter, regardless of the situation.
She isn't a fake human being, but in fact, this is one of the most authentic, real autobiographies I have read in a long time. She isn't shy about the fact that she walks with a limp despite having Polio as a child. The story that touched me the most was when she mentioned the great Dr. T. L. Osborn. If you don't know who is or legacy of ministry he left, look him up, you will thank me. He gave her the sweetest compliment and said to her and her husband John, "Look at Dodie. She walks like a princess." Cue the tears, find the tissues. Dodie needed to hear that our words are powerful and how sweet the sound to know that she wasn't walking with this shortcoming, but she was made completely whole in the eyes of our Savior and to those are around her. Dr. T. L. Osborn had the capacity to see it in her and he saw millions of others who needed physical, spiritual and emotional healing. Our words are powerful bring forth fruit, both life and or death to any situation.
Dodie gives wisdom on parenting, marriage, finances, healing, what it's like to lose your spouse, thought life, the power of words, cancer, prayer and so many other topics. This is one of those books that I could read over and over again for wisdom as a young person looking to grow spiritually. Dodie's heart is so genuine, with compassion and love, I feel like I am reading the diary of one's heart. It is breathtaking, beautiful, painful and raw, but incredibly powerful! Don't pass this book up, no matter your age or season of life!
The back of the book has several Appendices with Scripture for memorization. I was given an ARC copy, but mine is so highlighted and written with sticky notes, that I am going to purchase a hardcover copy because I enjoyed "If My Heart Could Talk" so much. I can't wait to re-read it again. I hope to have the opportunity to meet Dodie whether on this side or the other because her testimony and life, as humble as she is, is incredibly powerful, inspiring, uplifting and bold for the Kingdom. It will move you in such a way, that your heart is touched and your spirit is forever changed.
Thank you, Faith Words a division of Hachette Group for providing me an ARC copy for my honest review. I give this book a 10/ 5 star for its authenticity, ability to make me laugh & cry, for making me feel like I was sitting down and having coffee with Dodie. It is also given this rating scale because "If My Heart Could Talk" has transformed my thinking on several matters regarding faith, miracles, and our Heavenly Father.
To purchase a copy go here.
If My Heart Could Talk
Image Provide by Faith Words
"If My Heart Could Talk" is like reading a book of an older friend who you are trying to glean wisdom from. As a younger woman, Dodie is someone who I can envision wanting to have as a part of my life to learn how to be a better woman, wife, leader and Lord willing, a mom. She has stood the test of adversity and walked through valleys with deep faith, despite difficult circumstance coming out on the other side much stronger. She is a woman who gets straight down to business and is real about the heart of the matter, regardless of the situation.
She isn't a fake human being, but in fact, this is one of the most authentic, real autobiographies I have read in a long time. She isn't shy about the fact that she walks with a limp despite having Polio as a child. The story that touched me the most was when she mentioned the great Dr. T. L. Osborn. If you don't know who is or legacy of ministry he left, look him up, you will thank me. He gave her the sweetest compliment and said to her and her husband John, "Look at Dodie. She walks like a princess." Cue the tears, find the tissues. Dodie needed to hear that our words are powerful and how sweet the sound to know that she wasn't walking with this shortcoming, but she was made completely whole in the eyes of our Savior and to those are around her. Dr. T. L. Osborn had the capacity to see it in her and he saw millions of others who needed physical, spiritual and emotional healing. Our words are powerful bring forth fruit, both life and or death to any situation.
Dodie gives wisdom on parenting, marriage, finances, healing, what it's like to lose your spouse, thought life, the power of words, cancer, prayer and so many other topics. This is one of those books that I could read over and over again for wisdom as a young person looking to grow spiritually. Dodie's heart is so genuine, with compassion and love, I feel like I am reading the diary of one's heart. It is breathtaking, beautiful, painful and raw, but incredibly powerful! Don't pass this book up, no matter your age or season of life!
The back of the book has several Appendices with Scripture for memorization. I was given an ARC copy, but mine is so highlighted and written with sticky notes, that I am going to purchase a hardcover copy because I enjoyed "If My Heart Could Talk" so much. I can't wait to re-read it again. I hope to have the opportunity to meet Dodie whether on this side or the other because her testimony and life, as humble as she is, is incredibly powerful, inspiring, uplifting and bold for the Kingdom. It will move you in such a way, that your heart is touched and your spirit is forever changed.
Thank you, Faith Words a division of Hachette Group for providing me an ARC copy for my honest review. I give this book a 10/ 5 star for its authenticity, ability to make me laugh & cry, for making me feel like I was sitting down and having coffee with Dodie. It is also given this rating scale because "If My Heart Could Talk" has transformed my thinking on several matters regarding faith, miracles, and our Heavenly Father.
To purchase a copy go here.
February 20, 2020
As a baby boomer, it was easy and enjoyable to connect with people from my parents' and (to some extent) grandparents' generations. Their faith and endurance through all that life threw at them, the love and the lessons learned are truly inspirational and faith building.
March 18, 2023
Doritos test testimony of love In supernatural healing As a result of her believing god for her human and her loving relationship with her husband And the rise of the minolty Joel osteen SE Pastor Lakewood church
January 18, 2020
An encouraging faith filled book. I highly recommend it!
September 9, 2020
God's goodness and mercy
Great book of what God can do. Healing from cancer. Joel taking over. Amazing family. And my favourite story is that of the dog scooter.
Great book of what God can do. Healing from cancer. Joel taking over. Amazing family. And my favourite story is that of the dog scooter.
Want to read
September 17, 2020Inspiring
Want to read
September 17, 2020Interesting
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2016
I remember watching Dodie and her husband, John, on television many years ago. I had always thought she was a very loving, sweet lady who had a real love for Jesus and, after reading this book, I was right! This book is very inspiring and uplifting!
Dodie has had a lot of difficult things in her life - polio as a child, cancer that they said was terminal, and the loss of her beloved husband. In all these things, she shares how her faith in Jesus has not only gotten her through but it has lifted her. There are several miracles that have occurred in her life, including the healing of her body from cancer. I really enjoyed hearing about her prayer life and how she prayed through all these things and God truly did perform miracles. She shares Scriptures in the back of the book that she prayed during these difficult times. I really loved that!
She has had such an interesting life as the wife of a preacher and the only daughter of parents who truly loved the Lord, too. She helped her husband in his churches and was by his side when he started Lakewood Church. She trusted God through everything and I really love that about her.
I just couldn't put this book down! I read it in two settings and would have read in in one if I didn't need to sleep! It was such an enjoyable book and very easy to read. It was like sitting down with a friend over coffee and having her share her life and faith with you. Just delightful! I highly recommend this book!
*This book was provided to me for my honest review by Hachette Book Group
Dodie has had a lot of difficult things in her life - polio as a child, cancer that they said was terminal, and the loss of her beloved husband. In all these things, she shares how her faith in Jesus has not only gotten her through but it has lifted her. There are several miracles that have occurred in her life, including the healing of her body from cancer. I really enjoyed hearing about her prayer life and how she prayed through all these things and God truly did perform miracles. She shares Scriptures in the back of the book that she prayed during these difficult times. I really loved that!
She has had such an interesting life as the wife of a preacher and the only daughter of parents who truly loved the Lord, too. She helped her husband in his churches and was by his side when he started Lakewood Church. She trusted God through everything and I really love that about her.
I just couldn't put this book down! I read it in two settings and would have read in in one if I didn't need to sleep! It was such an enjoyable book and very easy to read. It was like sitting down with a friend over coffee and having her share her life and faith with you. Just delightful! I highly recommend this book!
*This book was provided to me for my honest review by Hachette Book Group
April 5, 2016
Dodie Osteen is small but mighty.
In her new book “If My Heart Could Talk”, Dodie (a.k.a Mama Dodie or Ms. Dodie) opens her heart to speak to yours.
This book is raw, honest, and filled with personal stories, beautiful insight, and timeless wisdom. Mama Dodie is a special woman with an incredible spirit who has faced her share of uphill battles and seemingly impossible situations. And yet through it all, she shares what it means to have feisty faith and all that is possible when you are willing to trust God.
For such a tiny woman, she packs a mighty punch in the words of this book. It is simple and sweet, bold and brave, and daring all at the same time.
“If My Heart Could Talk” is like sitting down with your grandma for tea. Mama Dodie’s wisdom and stories will nourish your soul and fire up your spirit time and time again.
And who knows, it might just inspire you to dream bigger and believe that nothing, NOTHING is impossible with God:).
In her new book “If My Heart Could Talk”, Dodie (a.k.a Mama Dodie or Ms. Dodie) opens her heart to speak to yours.
This book is raw, honest, and filled with personal stories, beautiful insight, and timeless wisdom. Mama Dodie is a special woman with an incredible spirit who has faced her share of uphill battles and seemingly impossible situations. And yet through it all, she shares what it means to have feisty faith and all that is possible when you are willing to trust God.
For such a tiny woman, she packs a mighty punch in the words of this book. It is simple and sweet, bold and brave, and daring all at the same time.
“If My Heart Could Talk” is like sitting down with your grandma for tea. Mama Dodie’s wisdom and stories will nourish your soul and fire up your spirit time and time again.
And who knows, it might just inspire you to dream bigger and believe that nothing, NOTHING is impossible with God:).
November 28, 2016
I very much liked the stories that Mrs. Osteen shared and the strong message of faith and grace in the face of almost overwhelming adversities. My only knock on this book is that it needed better editing. The author really loves exclamation points! I mean REALLY loves them! It becomes very disconcerting after a while! Also, while I appreciated the photographs that were included, I wondered why the only photographs of her daughter-in-law Victoria Osteen were ones with Victoria's face obscured. But the substance of the book is real, and the message is both sincere and inspiring.
December 26, 2021
If My Heart Could Talk, is an honest, informative, and beautiful look at the personal and public life of Joel Olsteen’s family. The book is written by his mother, Dottie. I enjoyed learning the background of his parents, siblings, Joel's entry into preaching, and hearing how the family leans on God. The book is primarily upbeat except for two parts her husband's death and the bombing of their church office. I truly enjoyed the story of Joel's sister's adoption and embracing God's gifts beyond pains, challenges, and life changes. This is A great book, and I recommend it.
October 18, 2016
Great read. Very sad in parts and real uplifting in other parts.
February 1, 2017
An enjoyable read. Encouraging, uplifting and entertaining. Would definitely recommend.
April 27, 2021
I got this on audible. It's very inspirational. As a pastor's wife, she has been through so much. I would recommend it.
May 16, 2017
Dodie shares her life story including her strong faith in God, her healing of liver cancer, her children, and her love of others.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews