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Pierced & Embraced: 7 Life-Changing Encounters with the Love of Christ
How would you describe the love of God?
Throughout the Gospel accounts, Jesus engaged women differently than He did men. Sometimes the difference is subtle. Sometimes it is stark. Always it is profound. Sometimes the love He offers them is gentle. Sometimes it is fierce. Always it is powerful. Sometimes that love feels like a warm embrace. Sometimes it’s more like a piercing jab. Always, it changes everything. Women today long to experience the same sort of life-changing love that Jesus lavished on His followers 2000 years ago. We still want to be completely seen and known and valued and set free—as painful as that process might sometimes be. Pierced and Embraced digs deeply into seven encounters that Jesus had with a wide variety of women in the Gospels to show how His love can be equally transformative in our lives today. It mixes attentive Scriptural engagement with personal narrative and relevant application, making the content fresh, accessible, engaging, and practical. You Includes study/reflection questions at the end of each chapter, inviting women to dig into the passages for themselves. Winner of the ECPA's Top Shelf Cover Award 2017
Throughout the Gospel accounts, Jesus engaged women differently than He did men. Sometimes the difference is subtle. Sometimes it is stark. Always it is profound. Sometimes the love He offers them is gentle. Sometimes it is fierce. Always it is powerful. Sometimes that love feels like a warm embrace. Sometimes it’s more like a piercing jab. Always, it changes everything. Women today long to experience the same sort of life-changing love that Jesus lavished on His followers 2000 years ago. We still want to be completely seen and known and valued and set free—as painful as that process might sometimes be. Pierced and Embraced digs deeply into seven encounters that Jesus had with a wide variety of women in the Gospels to show how His love can be equally transformative in our lives today. It mixes attentive Scriptural engagement with personal narrative and relevant application, making the content fresh, accessible, engaging, and practical. You Includes study/reflection questions at the end of each chapter, inviting women to dig into the passages for themselves. Winner of the ECPA's Top Shelf Cover Award 2017
224 pages, Paperback
Published August 1, 2017
9 people are currently reading
239 people want to read
About the author
Kelli Worrall
3 books9 followersKELLI WORRALL has been teaching in the Communications Department of Moody Bible Institute since 1998. She teaches both writing and public speaking courses. She has also directed many of the plays and advises several of the drama teams on campus.
Kelli studied communications at Cedarville University and spent the first part of her career writing church curriculum products for children and youth at Regular Baptist Press. Kelli studied religious education at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (MRE) and creative writing at Roosevelt University (MFA).
Kelli enjoys speaking and writing. She authored the popular article "20 Things I Wish I Had Known in My Late 20s," published in Relevant Magazine. She enjoys speaking at women's events and retreats. She and husband, Peter, speak together at marriage, college, and young adult retreats, and Kelli blogs at www.thisoddhouse.org. They are parents of Daryl (6) and Amelia (3) through adoption. Kelli's hobbies include running, cooking, and decorating their Craftsman house.
Kelli studied communications at Cedarville University and spent the first part of her career writing church curriculum products for children and youth at Regular Baptist Press. Kelli studied religious education at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (MRE) and creative writing at Roosevelt University (MFA).
Kelli enjoys speaking and writing. She authored the popular article "20 Things I Wish I Had Known in My Late 20s," published in Relevant Magazine. She enjoys speaking at women's events and retreats. She and husband, Peter, speak together at marriage, college, and young adult retreats, and Kelli blogs at www.thisoddhouse.org. They are parents of Daryl (6) and Amelia (3) through adoption. Kelli's hobbies include running, cooking, and decorating their Craftsman house.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 4, 2023
so so beautiful and profound in many ways
August 26, 2017
What is it like to have God love us in spite of it all? Jesus comes for our whole heart with mercy, grace, tenderness, and sometimes that involves pain. God's pursuit of a woman's heart is transformational. Worrall argues that God's love for us is not without pain. Does love cause pain? Anchored in Biblical perspective Pierced & Embraced unpacks that for us comparing it to stories in American literature and personal narrative.
"...regardless of whether it comes via an angelic announcement or a burning bush or a still small voice - may we have keen ears and willing hearts that will hear and heed God's call" (Worrall, 52)
Using the stories of 7 women of the Bible, Worrall reflects back to us God's grace for women by diving deep into each narrative. Each chapter explores women such as Mother Mary, the Hemorrhaging Woman, the Samaritan Woman and others. My favorite chapter focuses on the Samaritan Woman (the woman at the well). Each time I feel my past is too laden with baggage I'm pressed to see beyond the labels placed upon my life. Am I qualified to speak, write, or am I worthy to quote scripture? This chapter reminded me His truth, wrapped in mercy and grace, is the only place to look when I feel unworthy.
Two of the questions for reflection and discussion are: "Who needs to hear your testimony? How might God use you in your sphere of influence" (Worrall, 81)? I wrote these questions in a place where I can refer to them often. When I'm feeling unqualified in life, I can find comfort in knowing how loved I am by Him.
This was the first book that had me actually sit with the Bible and reflect alongside the text. I read it as more of a study than a story. It would be an incredible Bible study that I would love to take part in if it is ever turned into that.
I highly recommend this book and am glad I chose it for review. It is one I can reference over time. I urge you to purchase it!
"...regardless of whether it comes via an angelic announcement or a burning bush or a still small voice - may we have keen ears and willing hearts that will hear and heed God's call" (Worrall, 52)
Using the stories of 7 women of the Bible, Worrall reflects back to us God's grace for women by diving deep into each narrative. Each chapter explores women such as Mother Mary, the Hemorrhaging Woman, the Samaritan Woman and others. My favorite chapter focuses on the Samaritan Woman (the woman at the well). Each time I feel my past is too laden with baggage I'm pressed to see beyond the labels placed upon my life. Am I qualified to speak, write, or am I worthy to quote scripture? This chapter reminded me His truth, wrapped in mercy and grace, is the only place to look when I feel unworthy.
Two of the questions for reflection and discussion are: "Who needs to hear your testimony? How might God use you in your sphere of influence" (Worrall, 81)? I wrote these questions in a place where I can refer to them often. When I'm feeling unqualified in life, I can find comfort in knowing how loved I am by Him.
This was the first book that had me actually sit with the Bible and reflect alongside the text. I read it as more of a study than a story. It would be an incredible Bible study that I would love to take part in if it is ever turned into that.
I highly recommend this book and am glad I chose it for review. It is one I can reference over time. I urge you to purchase it!
August 21, 2017
This was an interesting book and combined elements of a nonfiction, memoir style book, along with a Bible study focused book. In each chapter, the author combines both personal stories, scripture and questions for reflection and discussion. Most of the scripture in this book relates to stories from the Gospels that describe Jesus interacting with women. There is of course background information about each of these stories and scriptures in case the reader isn't familiar with the particular story. I found it to be an interesting book, combining the elements of a memoir and Bible study book. I also enjoy Bible study books that include questions at the end of each chapter that help the reader to focus on the information that they have just read. I find that it also sometimes helps me to better understand what I have just read and relate it to my life. This could be a useful book for both personal use or in a group Bible study setting.
Thank you to the publisher, Moody Publishers, for sending me a review copy of this book.
Thank you to the publisher, Moody Publishers, for sending me a review copy of this book.
October 2, 2017
New Testament Women and the Piercing Embrace of the Following Life
Flannery O’Connor is known for her short stories, but she packed images large and alarming into her economical word count. Murder, road side ambushes, and the cast of grotesque characters who populated her writing reinforced her oft-quoted credo:
“You have to make your vision apparent by shock — to the hard of hearing you shout, and for the almost-blind, you draw large and startling figures.”
In Pierced and Embraced, Kelli Worrall borrows one of O’Connor’s “large and startling figures” to write in bold script a parable of the gospel. The story of a defenseless old woman being violently gored by a bull portrays the shocking nature of grace as O’Connor’s protagonist is stabbed through the heart with one horn and encircled about the waist by the other.
It was the piercing that grabbed Kelli’s attention in the midst of her struggles with infertility and the heartbreak of three miscarriages. She raged against the unfairness and felt abandoned by God until He helped her to see the embrace of His love that came alongside the piercing. She began to study the lives of women in the New Testament and was startled to note that Jesus’ manner of dealing with women was a uniquely gentle pursuit of their hearts.
One by one, Pierced and Embraced recounts the stories of seven New Testament women, their encounters with the Savior, and His impact upon their lives. At the same time, Worrall weaves in her own story of a challenging childhood, her marriage and career, the adoption of two children, and a growing faith and obedience.
Prophetically warned that a sword would pierce her heart, Mary of Nazareth embraced and was embraced by the call of God to a one-of-a-kind journey that put the power of God on display in a humble, faithful life.
The woman at the well found, at the end of Jesus’ piercing questions, a grace-filled embrace of her need and her longing — and then a new identity as “an instrument of change in the lives of many others.” (80)
Pierced physically, emotionally, and spiritually by life, we all hurt. The woman with the hemorrhage had experienced life’s piercing, but received the embrace of acceptance and healing when she placed desperate and believing hands upon Jesus’ garment.
Used as bait in a moral and theological snare for Jesus, the woman caught in adultery was about to be executed by a cadre of the self-righteous. Jesus turned the tables, and skewered her accusers with His piercing interrogation. Expecting death and shame, the guilty received forgiveness and hope for a new beginning — a hope that encourages this present-day believer to come quickly for the embrace of forgiveness and the all-important words: “Neither do I condemn you. Go and from now on sin no more.”
Worrall experienced the piercing anguish of God’s waiting room in the six year process of an international adoption. Mary and Martha waited on pins and needles for Jesus to heal their dying brother Lazarus. When Jesus shows up, He works in ways that no one could have predicted, but the lesson reveals that the jolting embrace of a wild and powerful Savior leaves His followers convinced of His presence and His love.
The woman with the alabaster jar pours out her worship with abandon and beauty and yet experiences piercing disapproval. Jesus’ rebuke of the scolds in the room is an embrace to all the beauty-lovers, the lavish prais-ers, and the devoted followers who put the glory of God ahead of practical concerns and even their own reputation.
Chosen to know Jesus and to make Him known, Mary Magdalene has been the subject of much speculation through the centuries since her eye-witness experience of the resurrected Christ. Pierced by sorrow and then embraced by a commission to be Jesus’ “apostle to the Apostles,” Mary received the privilege of being the first herald of the resurrected Christ.
Because He is timeless and immutable, Jesus continues to work in the lives of women, drawing us into conversation, commissioning us to share His message of Truth, and piercing our hearts with the conviction that His words are true and His path worth following. May we find grace in this following life to lean into His gentle embrace as we are transformed and empowered for our own beautiful offerings of service and worship.
//
This book was provided by Moody Publishers in exchange for my review. 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.”
Flannery O’Connor is known for her short stories, but she packed images large and alarming into her economical word count. Murder, road side ambushes, and the cast of grotesque characters who populated her writing reinforced her oft-quoted credo:
“You have to make your vision apparent by shock — to the hard of hearing you shout, and for the almost-blind, you draw large and startling figures.”
In Pierced and Embraced, Kelli Worrall borrows one of O’Connor’s “large and startling figures” to write in bold script a parable of the gospel. The story of a defenseless old woman being violently gored by a bull portrays the shocking nature of grace as O’Connor’s protagonist is stabbed through the heart with one horn and encircled about the waist by the other.
It was the piercing that grabbed Kelli’s attention in the midst of her struggles with infertility and the heartbreak of three miscarriages. She raged against the unfairness and felt abandoned by God until He helped her to see the embrace of His love that came alongside the piercing. She began to study the lives of women in the New Testament and was startled to note that Jesus’ manner of dealing with women was a uniquely gentle pursuit of their hearts.
One by one, Pierced and Embraced recounts the stories of seven New Testament women, their encounters with the Savior, and His impact upon their lives. At the same time, Worrall weaves in her own story of a challenging childhood, her marriage and career, the adoption of two children, and a growing faith and obedience.
Prophetically warned that a sword would pierce her heart, Mary of Nazareth embraced and was embraced by the call of God to a one-of-a-kind journey that put the power of God on display in a humble, faithful life.
The woman at the well found, at the end of Jesus’ piercing questions, a grace-filled embrace of her need and her longing — and then a new identity as “an instrument of change in the lives of many others.” (80)
Pierced physically, emotionally, and spiritually by life, we all hurt. The woman with the hemorrhage had experienced life’s piercing, but received the embrace of acceptance and healing when she placed desperate and believing hands upon Jesus’ garment.
Used as bait in a moral and theological snare for Jesus, the woman caught in adultery was about to be executed by a cadre of the self-righteous. Jesus turned the tables, and skewered her accusers with His piercing interrogation. Expecting death and shame, the guilty received forgiveness and hope for a new beginning — a hope that encourages this present-day believer to come quickly for the embrace of forgiveness and the all-important words: “Neither do I condemn you. Go and from now on sin no more.”
Worrall experienced the piercing anguish of God’s waiting room in the six year process of an international adoption. Mary and Martha waited on pins and needles for Jesus to heal their dying brother Lazarus. When Jesus shows up, He works in ways that no one could have predicted, but the lesson reveals that the jolting embrace of a wild and powerful Savior leaves His followers convinced of His presence and His love.
The woman with the alabaster jar pours out her worship with abandon and beauty and yet experiences piercing disapproval. Jesus’ rebuke of the scolds in the room is an embrace to all the beauty-lovers, the lavish prais-ers, and the devoted followers who put the glory of God ahead of practical concerns and even their own reputation.
Chosen to know Jesus and to make Him known, Mary Magdalene has been the subject of much speculation through the centuries since her eye-witness experience of the resurrected Christ. Pierced by sorrow and then embraced by a commission to be Jesus’ “apostle to the Apostles,” Mary received the privilege of being the first herald of the resurrected Christ.
Because He is timeless and immutable, Jesus continues to work in the lives of women, drawing us into conversation, commissioning us to share His message of Truth, and piercing our hearts with the conviction that His words are true and His path worth following. May we find grace in this following life to lean into His gentle embrace as we are transformed and empowered for our own beautiful offerings of service and worship.
//
This book was provided by Moody Publishers in exchange for my review. 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.”
October 4, 2017
This book delivers a wonderful combination of Scripture analysis, the author’s own personal (and sometimes very painful) experiences, and fresh literary references. Kelli Worrall weaves all of these components together in this very readable and informative book.
The author focuses on stories from the bible that are often well known but she does it in such a way that is fresh, insightful and provides a much broader context in which to experience the stories anew.
I was thrilled to find a book which significantly explores the way Jesus related to women. Worrall outlines many instances where Christ not only meets women where they’re at – which often means a messy, difficult and sinful life – but he pursues their hearts for their honesty and wraps them in healing and grace.
We learn details about Jesus’ ministry of healing in new and highly relevant ways by meeting these women of the bible through his eyes. Stories that I thought I knew are shared in ways that had me feeling as if a mirror had been put up between me and these well-known women of the bible. I was able to relate to them in ways I never had before.
Yes, you may know about Mary Magdalene, the Woman at the Well, the Sisters, Mary & Martha, and even Mary, the Mother of God. But Worrall shows us these very familiar women in ways that make them seem completely relatable. And if you don’t yet know their stories, this book will be a treat for you as well.
Kelli examines Jesus’ interactions with women in these stories and finds that, “He seeks them out and engages them in soul-searching conversations.”
Isn’t that what we all long for? To be truly seen, heard, and forgiven? This book provides the gift of showing how Christ did it first, and did it best. More importantly, it highlights how Jesus continues to see, hear, forgive and – above all – cover us in love today, just as he did then.
I highly recommend “Pierced and Embraced” as a means of learning not only more about women in the bible, but about yourself as well.
The author focuses on stories from the bible that are often well known but she does it in such a way that is fresh, insightful and provides a much broader context in which to experience the stories anew.
I was thrilled to find a book which significantly explores the way Jesus related to women. Worrall outlines many instances where Christ not only meets women where they’re at – which often means a messy, difficult and sinful life – but he pursues their hearts for their honesty and wraps them in healing and grace.
We learn details about Jesus’ ministry of healing in new and highly relevant ways by meeting these women of the bible through his eyes. Stories that I thought I knew are shared in ways that had me feeling as if a mirror had been put up between me and these well-known women of the bible. I was able to relate to them in ways I never had before.
Yes, you may know about Mary Magdalene, the Woman at the Well, the Sisters, Mary & Martha, and even Mary, the Mother of God. But Worrall shows us these very familiar women in ways that make them seem completely relatable. And if you don’t yet know their stories, this book will be a treat for you as well.
Kelli examines Jesus’ interactions with women in these stories and finds that, “He seeks them out and engages them in soul-searching conversations.”
Isn’t that what we all long for? To be truly seen, heard, and forgiven? This book provides the gift of showing how Christ did it first, and did it best. More importantly, it highlights how Jesus continues to see, hear, forgive and – above all – cover us in love today, just as he did then.
I highly recommend “Pierced and Embraced” as a means of learning not only more about women in the bible, but about yourself as well.
January 15, 2023
In this engrossing study book, Kelli Worral examines the encounters of seven women from the gospels with Jesus. Each chapter focuses on life lessons to be learned from the way our Lord interacted and responded to the women he encountered during his time on earth—from Mary, his earthly mother, to the Samaritan woman at the well, the woman with the hemorrhage, the woman caught in adultery, Mary and Martha (sisters of Lazarus), the woman with the alabaster jar, and finally, Mary Magdalene.
The author parallels these encounters by sharing experiences from her own life, including a very difficult period of infertility and the obstacles she and her husband faced while trying to adopt. I applaud her for her honesty. It isn’t easy to admit there are times we can be angry with God and feel distance from His love. I found this an engrossing book with strong faith-based life lessons.
The author parallels these encounters by sharing experiences from her own life, including a very difficult period of infertility and the obstacles she and her husband faced while trying to adopt. I applaud her for her honesty. It isn’t easy to admit there are times we can be angry with God and feel distance from His love. I found this an engrossing book with strong faith-based life lessons.
September 2, 2017
This book spoke to my heart in so many ways. I loved how Kelli shares her heart and gives us a glimpse into her own hard times and piercings.
She shares with us different women of the Bible and how God interacted with them in their needs. We can see how much He cares for us, as women, and how valued we are. There were things she pointed out that I had never really noticed before even thought these women of the Bible are well known to me.
It encouraged me in my struggles and I'm sure it will you, too. We see how Jesus will embrace us and get us through the piercings of our life. There are so many ways in which God comforts us and, no matter what we are going through, He is there, going through it all with us.
*This book was provided to me for my honest review by Moody Publishers
She shares with us different women of the Bible and how God interacted with them in their needs. We can see how much He cares for us, as women, and how valued we are. There were things she pointed out that I had never really noticed before even thought these women of the Bible are well known to me.
It encouraged me in my struggles and I'm sure it will you, too. We see how Jesus will embrace us and get us through the piercings of our life. There are so many ways in which God comforts us and, no matter what we are going through, He is there, going through it all with us.
*This book was provided to me for my honest review by Moody Publishers
October 2, 2017
I received this book in the mail to review as a surprise, it was not one I requested. I did enjoy it and feel like I learned a lot from the book. As you can see in the book description, in this book each chapter focuses on the encounter Jesus had with a different woman of the Bible. The author relates these encounters to our present lives and how Jesus comes to meet our needs too. It opened my eyes to the ways Jesus interacted with the women, these are stories I have been familiar with my whole life but this book offered a new approach to them. One thing I particularly liked was that the author added her own stories to connect with the Bible stories.
You can read more about this book here.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my review. Thank you.
You can read more about this book here.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my review. Thank you.
September 28, 2017
This book was an interesting read. I was honestly not sure what to expect, but it far exceeded anything I was anticipating. This book is all about the multi facets of God's love which is so complex and amazing. This book shows Christ's encounter with 7 women of the Bible and the different ways his love was lavished on them and how that same love is offered to us today. Written with warmth and in an engaging manner this book was very thought provoking and engaging read that really made me think of the love of Christ in a different light.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 11, 2022
As women, we long to be loved. But only Jesus can truly love us. And sometimes, in the process, His love can pierce our hearts. Jesus desires whole-hearted devotion to Him, which begs us to take a deep look in the mirror. What we see can discourage us, hurt us, or even shame us. But that's where the healing begins.
As Kelli examines Christ’s interactions with women in the Gospels, we see His deep love that pierces and embraces them, bringing hope and healing to their souls. This transformation will bring comfort and peace to reader’s hearts.
As Kelli examines Christ’s interactions with women in the Gospels, we see His deep love that pierces and embraces them, bringing hope and healing to their souls. This transformation will bring comfort and peace to reader’s hearts.
May 16, 2023
"Jesus values women."
This book takes you through 7 stories of 7 different women in the Bible, along with the author's personal story interspersed throughout. The encounters that each of these women had with Jesus was life changing. We read about Mary (Mother of Jesus), The Woman at the Well, The Woman with the Hemorrhage, The Woman Caught in Adultery, Mary and Martha, The Woman with the Alabaster Jar, and Mary Magdalene. How did Jesus pursue these women? How does Jesus continue to pursue us today? An insightful, inspiring, and eye opening read!
This book takes you through 7 stories of 7 different women in the Bible, along with the author's personal story interspersed throughout. The encounters that each of these women had with Jesus was life changing. We read about Mary (Mother of Jesus), The Woman at the Well, The Woman with the Hemorrhage, The Woman Caught in Adultery, Mary and Martha, The Woman with the Alabaster Jar, and Mary Magdalene. How did Jesus pursue these women? How does Jesus continue to pursue us today? An insightful, inspiring, and eye opening read!
February 7, 2019
Kelli Worral included stories from her own family as she wrote about seven encounters that Jesus had with women. In a detailed account she has shown the compassion and respect that Jesus had for women (and still has), as recorded in the gospels.
July 26, 2023
Maravilhoso...
Jesus e as mulheres que abraçou...tão diminuídas à época e tão amadas por Ele.
Chegou ao âmago da alma de cada uma delas.
Leitura prazerosa.
Recomendo.
Jesus e as mulheres que abraçou...tão diminuídas à época e tão amadas por Ele.
Chegou ao âmago da alma de cada uma delas.
Leitura prazerosa.
Recomendo.
August 23, 2019
My Thoughts:
I loved the opening chapter of the story of Mrs. May and the menacing bull. I loved the comparison between the persistent bull and God. It is a thinking story; and it’s not a story where at first reading I readily understood. I first read the chapter and said, “wait a minute, I need to read that chapter again.”
Worrall shared intimate circumstances in her life. Some examples are infertility, caring for aging parents, and adoption. By sharing these details, I was able to identify with her and the book personally spoke to me.
Two favorite chapters of mine explored the “call of God,” and child development and attachment.
From chapter one on obeying the call.
…hearing and heeding the call of God shouldn’t mean searching for something that is self-satisfying. Rather, it often means following His footsteps into the hard and even impossible places. It sometimes means being willing to stay in that space for as long as it takes-maybe even for a lifetime. Page 50.
From chapter three on insecure attachment.
All of us have emotional wounds that need to be healed. These wounds might come from obvious traumatic experiences-the death of someone close to us, an accident that took away our sense of safety, the divorce of our parents, some sort of abuse. But wounds can also occur more slowly and subtly. Wounds can even happen from seemingly small situations-especially, if, as a child, we aren’t afforded the help we need at the time to process these things…Sometimes we choose to ignore the pain, and we assume that time alone will take care of it. Sometimes we stuff or numb the pain because the thoughts of facing it head-on is too much to bear. Sometimes these old pains run so deep and, as adults, they are so much a part of who we are that we get used to them. Page 85-86.
Both of these chapters addressed problems I’ve struggled with. These topics are personal to me. The call of God is not necessarily a place I always want to be. But, it is the place where God has planted me. There are things that I can not see that needs work. And, I trust in Him to see me through. On the topic of stuffing emotions, I explain this as being numb. I lived this way for most of my life. I am not numb anymore. I will say that a deeper level of faith has developed, after I confronted and began to process the pain and suffering of the past.
Chapter five is on waiting and being patient. Worrall reminds me that modern life provides quick fixes and responses. The Bible reminds me that God often requires us to be patient. For example, Abraham, Moses, and Joseph.
God uses long periods of waiting to draw His people closer to Him, to increase their dependence, to reveal His glory. Page 152.
Free paperback copy from Moody Publishers
I loved the opening chapter of the story of Mrs. May and the menacing bull. I loved the comparison between the persistent bull and God. It is a thinking story; and it’s not a story where at first reading I readily understood. I first read the chapter and said, “wait a minute, I need to read that chapter again.”
Worrall shared intimate circumstances in her life. Some examples are infertility, caring for aging parents, and adoption. By sharing these details, I was able to identify with her and the book personally spoke to me.
Two favorite chapters of mine explored the “call of God,” and child development and attachment.
From chapter one on obeying the call.
…hearing and heeding the call of God shouldn’t mean searching for something that is self-satisfying. Rather, it often means following His footsteps into the hard and even impossible places. It sometimes means being willing to stay in that space for as long as it takes-maybe even for a lifetime. Page 50.
From chapter three on insecure attachment.
All of us have emotional wounds that need to be healed. These wounds might come from obvious traumatic experiences-the death of someone close to us, an accident that took away our sense of safety, the divorce of our parents, some sort of abuse. But wounds can also occur more slowly and subtly. Wounds can even happen from seemingly small situations-especially, if, as a child, we aren’t afforded the help we need at the time to process these things…Sometimes we choose to ignore the pain, and we assume that time alone will take care of it. Sometimes we stuff or numb the pain because the thoughts of facing it head-on is too much to bear. Sometimes these old pains run so deep and, as adults, they are so much a part of who we are that we get used to them. Page 85-86.
Both of these chapters addressed problems I’ve struggled with. These topics are personal to me. The call of God is not necessarily a place I always want to be. But, it is the place where God has planted me. There are things that I can not see that needs work. And, I trust in Him to see me through. On the topic of stuffing emotions, I explain this as being numb. I lived this way for most of my life. I am not numb anymore. I will say that a deeper level of faith has developed, after I confronted and began to process the pain and suffering of the past.
Chapter five is on waiting and being patient. Worrall reminds me that modern life provides quick fixes and responses. The Bible reminds me that God often requires us to be patient. For example, Abraham, Moses, and Joseph.
God uses long periods of waiting to draw His people closer to Him, to increase their dependence, to reveal His glory. Page 152.
Free paperback copy from Moody Publishers
August 1, 2017
"Pierced and Embraced" is part memoir and part Bible study. The author started by summarizing a favorite story where a woman tries to get rid of a bull which is meant to symbolizes Christ. When the woman finally orders the bull killed, the bull gores her. Then the author talked about a very painful and upsetting period in her life when she felt that Jesus had "pierced" her. In later chapters, the author further described her hardest, most painful times. She focused on her angry response to these events, though they ultimately did draw her closer to Christ.
But most of the book recounted encounters that Jesus had with women in the Gospels, along with some background information (like you'd find in a good study Bible). She then took a theme from each encounter and wrote on that topic. So we're told what the Gospels relate about Mary (Jesus' mother), then the author talked about our calling. For the Samaritan woman at the well, she talked about labels and the lies we believe. For the woman with the problem of bleeding, we learn about recognizing our need for Christ. For the woman caught in adultery, she talked about forgiveness. For Mary and Martha, she talked about God's timing. For the woman with the alabaster jar, she talked about worship and how we should use our resources to serve Christ. And for Mary Magdalene, she talked about the role of women in church.
I received an ebook ARC review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
But most of the book recounted encounters that Jesus had with women in the Gospels, along with some background information (like you'd find in a good study Bible). She then took a theme from each encounter and wrote on that topic. So we're told what the Gospels relate about Mary (Jesus' mother), then the author talked about our calling. For the Samaritan woman at the well, she talked about labels and the lies we believe. For the woman with the problem of bleeding, we learn about recognizing our need for Christ. For the woman caught in adultery, she talked about forgiveness. For Mary and Martha, she talked about God's timing. For the woman with the alabaster jar, she talked about worship and how we should use our resources to serve Christ. And for Mary Magdalene, she talked about the role of women in church.
I received an ebook ARC review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Read
August 15, 2017This book is designed for study, whether personally or in a group. Things to love: 1) the Flannery O'Connor connection, 2) that the message is clearly rooted in biblical narrative, and 3) the author's humble transparency, 4) her clear, readable style.
Want to read
October 17, 2017This is a very touching book about how God allows things to happen to us to get our attention so that we will draw closer to him so that he can minister to us and surround us with his love.
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