I Am helps women end the barrage of negative self-talk and replace it with an empowering new narrative. You'll exchange lies for truth, insecurity for a rock-solid identity, and break free from the distorted messages that have held you hostage for too long.
From the moment a woman wakes until she falls, exhausted, on her pillow, one question plagues her at every Am I enough?
The pressure to do more, be more has never been more intense. Online marketing. Self-help books. Movies, magazines, and gym memberships. Even church attendance and social media streams have become a means of comparing ourselves to impossible standards. Am I pretty enough? Hip enough? Spiritual enough?
We fear the answer is No.
When a brutal bout with cancer changed how she looked, talked, and lived, Michele Cushatt embarked on a soul-deep journey to rediscover herself. The typical self-esteem strategies and positivity plans weren't enough. Instead, she needed a new foundation, one that wouldn't prove flimsy when faced with the onslaught of day-to-day life.
With raw personal stories, profound biblical teaching, and radical truths on which to rebuild your life, I Am will help
Refuse to ride the rollercoaster of others' opinions and start believing what God says about you. Stop agonizing over past regrets and failures and make peace with God's sovereign plan for your life. Leave insecurity behind as you exchange temporary fixes for an identity established on God's unchanging affection. I Am reminds us that our value isn't found in our talents, achievements, relationships, or appearance. It is instead found in a God who chose us, sent us, and promised to be with us--forever.
A lover at heart, Michele Cushatt communicates with a rare warmth and transparency that draw people in. Within minutes, men and women feel like they’re hanging out with an old friend, often laughing one moment and tearing up the next. A three-time head and neck cancer survivor and parent of “children from hard places,” Michele is a (reluctant) expert of trauma, pain and the deep human need for authentic connection. Thus, she’s absolutely committed to sharing her honest struggles, experiences and questions, so you know you’re not alone in yours.
As an experienced communicator, Michele has spoken internationally to a wide variety of audiences including LifeToday TV, Compassion International, Hope House of Colorado, Women Of Faith, Ziglar Family, Focus on the Family, Proverbs 31, She Speaks, Family Life Blended, Dynamic Communicators International, as well as numerous other corporate and ministry events and various podcast, radio, video and audio recording mediums.
From 2014 to 2016, Michele joined leadership expert and mentor Michael Hyatt as the weekly cohost of his popular podcast, This is Your Life With Michael Hyatt. In addition, she and Michael produced Get Published, a 21-session audio program for aspiring writers. Currently, Michele can be found weekly with her buddy Kathi Lipp on their hilarious and practical Communicator Academy podcast, “helping writers and speakers become the communicators God made them to be.” And, coming Fall 2018, Michele will launch her brand new This Undone Life Together podcast, a series of honest conversations about real faith and real relationship in the hard places.
Since 2007, Michele has worked closely with Ken Davis and the SCORRE Conference, filling multiple roles including emcee, presenter, and coach. With a solid understanding of what makes for excellent communication, Michele coaches multiple leaders and speakers to discover, develop, and deliver powerful presentations. In addition, she leads the intensive, application-based Inspired Life Mastermind for women who desire to live their best life—in business, relationships and personal growth.
Pulling from her uncommon life story, Michele released her first book, a memoir titled Undone: A Story of Making Peace With An Unexpected Life, with Zondervan Publishers in 2015. Her second book, a devotional written in the brutal months after her third round of cancer, is titled I Am: A 60-Day Journey To Knowing Who You Are Because of Who He Is, and it released January 2017. Currently, she is neck-deep in researching and writing two more books, slated to release in 2019 and 2021.
Michele and her husband, Troy, live in Colorado with their six children, ages 11 to 26. She enjoys a good novel, a long hike in the mountains, and a kitchen table filled with people.
In her book I Am: A 60-Day Journey To Knowing Who You Are Because Of Who He Is, Michelle Cushatt invites us on a personal journey of spiritual self-discovery where we can stop comparing ourselves to others (we’ll never measure up) and learn to rest in the knowledge that we are valuable simply because God chose us, He saved us, and He loves us.
I Am is a 60-day devotional that takes us through the overall story of the Bible by dividing the book into six key parts: Creation, Exodus, Covenant, Presence, Rescue and Revelation. Each day, we’re given a key Scripture to read, a personal story to process, an inspiring quote to ponder, and a Who Am I question to help us move past head knowledge, break old habits, and change core beliefs.
Michelle writes with great authenticity and insight as she helps us to better understand who we are in Christ. I Am is sure to bless the reader!
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. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own, based on my assessment of this book.
I rarely take the time to stay dedicated to an entire devotional. But this one was different! Very touching and thought provoking book that opens your eyes to the love of God!
This is a beautiful devotional that I will be recommending to my friends! It is 60 days of bite-sized but powerful nuggets of truth that remind you of your true identity. Michele Cushatt is a cancer survivor and has discovered how to live her life with gratitude and joy. She communicates in a way that makes you feel you are having coffee with a friend. The devotions are neither preachy nor filled with spiritual platitudes. Instead, they were refreshing to my soul.
There is something very real about the testimonies that Michele shares in her book "I Am", which is directly taken from Exodus 3:14 where God says to Moses, "I Am who I Am", one of the most famous verses from the Old Testament. I Am is also the first two words in each one of the sixty entries offered up in this work. The sixty days are broken into five themes: Creation, Exodus, Covenant, Presence and Rescue. Topics range from such things as I am loved, I am weak, I am blessed, I am called, I am saved. Each days topic starts off with a substantial introduction story that relays a truth for the day. That is followed by a quote from a well know and respected theologian or writer. The final piece in each days activities are the guided questions or prayer starters to help the reader explore the topic in a more personal manner. I appreciated the very humanity that Michele shares in the personal stories, encouraging me to believe that Michele isn't the perfect woman lecturing me on how to live, but rather she shared her frailties and struggles that, to coin a phrase, meant she was keeping it real. There are no dull pages to simply get through but each day is an encouragement to keep walking in faith towards being more like Jesus. Compassion and courage are both found here in spades. This book would make a wonderful daily devotional or could even be used by a group to study together. This book is a winner.
I Am, it's quite a title to live up to, but in this book of 60 days worth of small chapters that lead you through scripture, reflection, thoughts to ponder and wonderful quotes, Michelle Cushatt delivers. If you met Michelle through the pages of her book, Undone, you will surely love this book.
I started reading it thinking I would read day by day. I started with day one, then about hours later, I realized I'd read a months worth. The thing I love about Michelle's writing style is this, she's real. She's not showing us a perfect life through a social media filter where everyone is perfect, no one loses their temper, where we all listen attentively to our children with no distractions. She lays it all out on the kitchen counter and invites you to realize that the perfect God who loves us, loves us in our imperfect lives and wants to be there to show us we aren't alone, we are worthy, loved, not abandoned, fought for, and so much more.
I want to say that my favorite section was the Exodus, but that would be not a whole truth for as I continued to read, each section had words my heart needed to hear.
Are you struggling with feeling left out? You are accepted! Feel like you are a wallflower? You are Seen! I challenge you to read this book and not feel if at least one section speaks directly to your heart and your situation.
Michele Cushatt is a person who knows personal pain and suffering. At the age of 39, she was diagnosed with tongue cancer. It came back twice. In the end, most of her tongue had to be removed. Skin and muscle from her left arm was used to reconstruct her tongue. Skin and muscle from her left leg was used to reconstruct her left arm. The loss of her original tongue means that she now has a speech impediment — which probably makes her life as a professional speaker very tough. She also cannot taste foods she cooks as well as she used to, if at all.
That little synopsis leads the way to say that Cushatt is very well versed to write a devotional about knowing yourself. This book is meant to be read over a two month or 60-day period. Now, because I review books, I didn’t have the luxury of 60 days to savour the book. I can say, however, that there’s enough here for you to really deeply delve into the messages Cushatt gives over a very long period of time. I found that some of the devotionals really are meant to be thought over for a period longer than a day. You can really go to town with this richly layered book, if you really want to.
Michele Cushatt is a person who knows personal pain and suffering. At the age of 39, she was diagnosed with tongue cancer. It came back twice. In the end, most of her tongue had to be removed. Skin and muscle from her left arm was used to reconstruct her tongue. Skin and muscle from her left leg was used to reconstruct her left arm. The loss of her original tongue means that she now has a speech impediment — which probably makes her life as a professional speaker very tough. She also cannot taste foods she cooks as well as she used to, if at all.
Cushatt is very well educated to write a devotional about knowing yourself. This book is meant to be read over a two month or 60-day period. I read the whole 60-day Devotional in like a week so I could review it for you all, and The way it is laid out you really need to do ONE devotion a day for 60 days. With everything Cushatt has been through she is a remarkable woman and you can tell this in her Devotional. I plan of doing the 60 day like your suppose to starting Feb. 1st and really grasp everything she has to offer. This was VERY well written and I do suggest this book to anyone and everyone! IF you would like to know more please check out :http://www.michelecushatt.com/ She will leave you Inspired!
In a world that is constantly sending messages to tell you how to be, what to say, what is important, what you can or can't do, how to live your life, you may be chasing the answers to these questions. You may be stuck in a box, trying to live a life to be good enough, desiring to be accepted, or simply to be loved. Your identity is at stake. You're caught up in the cycle of performance based relationships, yet your heart is longing for freedom. Your world is unraveling and in chaos as you try to figure out the truth. How can this be so complicated?
I Am, is a book that will guide you through understanding the truth of who you are in Jesus, and how your identity aligns with his promises. This 60 Day Journey will take you through each of your questions, helping you to see how to breakthrough these thoughts, feelings, and beliefs to create true transformation. You will learn more about the "I Am" which will help you become connected with the truths of being a child of the one "I Am", enabling you to live the abundant life at your core, without pressure, judgment, or comparison. Walk this journey with Michele Cushatt as she daily gives you insight to becoming "I Am".
This 60-day devotional is Cushatt's journey to learning who she is as she rebuilt her life. I am is broken into 6 main parts that reflect the overall story of the Bible.
Creation
Exodus
Covenant
Presence
Rescue
Revelation
Each day reflects a passage of scripture, shares a story or experience from Cushatt, a thought from a well-known theologian and some questions to reflect on and pray through.
Each day of this devotional seeks to reject the lies of not being enough and remind us of who God created us to be.
These are just a few of the characteristics in I Am.
I enjoyed working my way through this devotional. I wish that a bit more time had been focused on unpacking the specific scripture and how it applied to the trait being discussed each day. It's not enough to rely on personal experience. We must learn how to apply the scripture truths and promises to our lives so that we can actually adopt these truths for ourselves.
I received a copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers. This review is my own, honest opinion.
Cushatt’s latest is “a 60-day journey to knowing who you are because of who He is.” The book is divided into six parts: Creation, Exodus, Covenant, Presence, Rescue, and Revelation. Each reading contains a verse, a message with a personal touch/experience, a quote, and a “Who Am I?” reflection section.
The purpose of the book is to help the reader learn how pointless it is to compare oneself to others. Instead, Cushatt wants to show that we are valuable because God chose us, and He loves us unconditionally.
I originally intended to read this daily for sixty days, but I was pulled in and found myself reading far more each day. Michele writes with authenticity. She’s not afraid to show the reader that she’s not perfect, and that’s okay, because God loves imperfect people.
A 60-Day Journey to Knowing Who You Are Because of Who He Is
by Michele Cushatt
Zondervan Non-Fiction
Zondervan
Christian
Pub Date 24 Jan 2017
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy of I Am through the publisher and Netgalley:
This book deals with the question women deal with on a daily basis, Am I Enough? We live in a time where women are often pressured to do more, to be more.
I am reminds us that we are enough, that we need to look beyond the physical and get to know a person inwardly.
Michelle Cushatt goes on to point out that we are beautiful, and loved.
I Am is a reminder to women that in God's Eyes we are enough, that he does not look at what is wrong with us like the world does, but he embraces us as we are.
I would recommend I Am to women who need a reminder that they are enough in God's eyes.
If you have ever felt worthless, unloved or unvalued, "I Am" by Michele Cushatt will reveal the ultimate truth--that you are enough. Cushatt's book will help you discover new truths about your identity in Christ which will allow you to overcome insecurity and give you a new confidence in your daily walk.
"I Am" is a 60-day devotional that focuses on who you are because of who God is. Read in order or choose the ones that fit your needs--either way, you will discover you aren't who you thought you were and God will always be who He says He is.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free as part of the “I Am” launch team. 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.”
I read this as my summer devotional this summer. I truly enjoyed Michele's insight and stories, and I could relate to so many of her feelings and emotions. She is brutally honest and has put so much of herself out there for this book. I plan to read "Undone" next to hear more of her story. This is an inspiring devotional, and I had to make myself stop each day because I really wanted to read it all at once. I also loved the scripture and quotes for each day, which were well thought out and made it very well organized.
The truth found in these pages is life-giving! I am savoring each “day”, and trying to keep myself to one entry, although Cushatt’s artful mastery of words makes it difficult to stop at just one. There are vulnerable, personal stories beautifully connected to the TRUTH of who God says we are. This book is a perfect devotional to have at hand morning or night to keep reminding yourself of the very best God has to offer.
I cannot say enough about this book! It is clearly anointed! Some days leave me breathless. Some days leave me in tears. Some days leave me joy-filled. All days leave me feeling better about who I am than the day before. I highly recommend this book to everyone, but most especially to anyone who suffers from low self-esteem. You NEED to read this book!
I Am is a book for EVERY person. In the midst of 60 short, easily readable chapters, you'll find yourself in at least one - if not many. Michele has a way to bring her ordinary life experiences and tie them to the bible in an extraordinary way. This is a book you will read again and again and always find a few new nuggets of truth.
Wow. This book made me cry and really look at myself through different eyes. It's amazing to find out who I am through God's eyes - the only person who matters! Michele is a fantastic writer and has a heart for Jesus that shines through on every page. Don't hesitate to purchase this one!
Michele has an amazing testimony. She speaks with raw transparency about surviving cancer, facing hard days as a wife and mother, and surmounting challenges in her speaking and writing career, Her personal stories have depth and richness you don’t typically find in devotionals. I like her fresh, honest voice crackling with both laughter and tears. Reading her devotions feels like sitting down with my favorite kind of friend–a woman who isn’t afraid to tell me the truth about herself and about me.
In this book, Michele leads you through the Bible in 60 days, showing you who God is and who you are because of Him. She lays out the book in six sections: Creation, Exodus, Covenant, Presence, Rescue, and Revelation. Each section is divided into ten devotionals with affirming headings such as “I Am Accepted” and “I Am Lifted Up.” In each devotional she shares a scripture, a personal story and application, a thought-provoking quote, and several probing questions. I enjoyed quotes like this one from “I Am Chosen:”
"Nothing stings quite like rejection. All the striving and believing and hoping to be chosen, only to be dashed in the trying…Thank heavens, God operates by a different standard. He doesn’t hold back approval as He waits to evaluate our work. Instead, He has already chosen. And we made the list."
This book is meant to be savored slowly. I intend to step into the pages each afternoon when I decompress from work, and soak up great truths about my identity in the Lord. I also look forward to getting to know Michele better through her deeply personal stories.
I received this book as a free resource from the BookLook Bloggers program, in exchange for my honest review.
I really enjoyed this 60 Day Devotional by Michele Cushatt. I was drawn in by the names of well-know writers and speakers who endorsed the book. I was not disappointed. Michele writes in a real-life down-to-earth manner of speaking. Her devotions are entertaining, personal, and serious. She gets to the heart of each message and unveils God's wisdom for each of us on several different topics. She provides scripture, the devotion, a quote that relates to each devotion, and then a section called Who Am I? that provides questions and thoughts that help the reader delve deeper into their relationship with God. The entire devotion is designed to help the reader discover Who They Are in God's eyes. There was a surprise giveaway at the end of the book which can be downloaded to help the reader in their daily walk.
I usually don’t write reviews because I truly believe it is totally subjective. What I love may not be what you love & vice versa. I find this especially true with Christian material. What the Holy Spirit reveals to me will not be the same person to person. I felt God leading me to learn my true identity in Him so I bought this devotional among other books. I thoroughly enjoyed waking each morning and seeing what the spirit would teach me through Michelle’s stories and insights. I found there to be such vulnerability, faith and humour written and I was sad when my last day hit. This book is for someone wanting to prayerfully learn more about who you are in Christ and willing to reflect on those things.
Every Christian needs to keep in mind who we are in the eyes of God. It can change our heart, our attitudes, our decisions and even our actions. This devotional entitled "I am" is a fantastic resource as it reminds us of our identity in Christ, all based on the Bible.
I normally like my devotionals to have less information about the author, but I can identify with a lot of Michele's stories.
Excellent writing. Definitely a devotional I would like to buy to read and meditate on daily from cover to cover and then start all over again.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the review copy. Apologies for the late review. I am going through my backlog.
Michele Cushatt is raw, down-to-earth and knows the thoughts in your mind because she's had them too. She beautifully walks the reader through 60 days of reaffirming who we are in Christ regardless of our circumstances, appearance, success, failure, or insecurities. I'd recommend as an easy-to-read but powerful way to soak in God's truth about us in a world that is constantly trying to sell us lies about who we are and what God says about us. She's funny, relatable, and seamlessly weaves wisdom from God with both the everyday and extraordinary stories from her own life.
I read this book with a book club, and this book has brought me so close to the heart of I AM. If you are struggling with how you view yourself, how you view God, and how the both of you relate to each other then this is the book for you. There's no fluff. No "Christianese". No super-religious and extra positive writing. Michele's writing is raw and honest. She grapples with hard questions that stem from her self-worth and life experiences. Michele brings I AM to us, and us to I AM.
I really enjoyed this devotional. Michele writes beautifully and her humor cracks me up. It's like having a wiser sister sharing life and truth. It's not a Bible study; it's more like a mouth-watering appetizer or sweet dessert after reading Scripture on your own each day.
I think my review of this book probably reflects the online study I participated in with it. The study seemed to be off to me - always several chapters ahead. Despite the fact that the author/study leader encouraged a go at your own pace approach, I was constantly trying to catch up & this annoyed me!
Incredibly helpful devotional lessons. It truly enforces the concept of getting our eyes off ourselves and our circumstances and on God to grow closer to Him. Which in turn helps us to better appreciate the unique individual creation that we are. I especially recommend it to anyone who struggles with self worth or their place in life.