Jesus Approaches: What Contemporary Women Can Learn about Healing, Freedom & Joy from the Women of the New Testament

by Elizabeth M. Kelly

2019 Best Book Awards, Winner in Christianity
2018 Catholic Press Association, 3rd Place in Popular Studies
2018 Independent Press Award, Distinguished Religion Non-Fiction

In  Jesus Approaches,  Elizabeth Kelly shares vivid stories of New Testament women whose encounters with Jesus freed them to flourish in life. The stories are supplemented with moving accounts from her own life, and from the lives of women like you, to demonstrate that sometimes the best way to find healing, strength, and wholeness in Christ is, ironically, to lead with vulnerability and openness.

Ultimately,  Jesus Approaches  teaches that finding the fullness of life for which you were created begins with bringing your brokenness to the Lord.

Genres: Faith, Catholic, Religion, Nonfiction

200 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 2017

About the author

This author also publishes as Liz Kelly and Elizabeth M. Briel.

Reviews

[Ruth Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read with book with a woman’s fellowship group at my church. Last evening with the group via zoom, we meet up with the author. The author’s description of the holy land, drops you there, I do not think I’ll ever visit the area in my life time but her descriptions of it makes me feel like I have. Sharing this book along with other woman, each sharing her insight and comfort received by its pages, was my greatest inspiration. Contemporary woman, each with their own contemporary problems offering each other a sense of peace and “an offer of I know/feel your pain” with this author’s knowledge of the woman in the bible is time well spent; reading on my own this may have been lost. Thank you to this author, thank you to my fellowship.

[Lucy Eisgruber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some good little nuggets in here - I enjoyed reading and it def made me think more about how to dig deeper in my faith journey

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

My full review of “Jesus Approaches” can be found here:

https://blessedisshe.net/jesus-approa...

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

After going through a slew of less than inspiring religious books, I found one that hit the spot. It wasn't steeped in heavy theology nor was it the basics and light non substance. Key female figures from the New Testament are the starring characters of each chapter. But it wasn't just Mary and Elizabeth, but we got to see Veronica too! The author used some of her experiences along with other women's anecdotes to draw some parallels. Honestly, one of the things I liked best is that this was written by a childless, single divorcee - who is obviously very spiritual and holy. I know there is a wide variety of Catholic books and theology, but it seems that many of them give way to much real estate to family life and sexual issues. Yes, they are both important. But the church is so much more than that. A nice refreshing change. Now off to my book shelf to see if I have any other hidden gems in my to unread stash.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book, which I read for book club. I thought it would be an academic discussion of women in the Bible. I was prepared for a long slow slog-but one I would learn from. Actually this book uses women from the Bible- Mary, Martha, Mary Magdalene, Esther, Ruth- to explore issues faced by modern women. Issues from identity, motherhood, depression, dislocation- the author uses Biblical women to explain, discuss and inspire issues faced by modern women in the world today. This is a highly readable book with many inspiring stories. I read it in two sittings, and I will go back for inspiration for the future.

[Celia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written book, and I highly recommend it to any Christian woman, and for any Catholic women's group. There is so much to glean from these chapters. Elizabeth Kelly shares parts of her own story, but also enlightens us to these different women from the New Testament. I have read many good women's Catholic books, and this one touched my heart and soul. She also used modern women, women she knows, and mingles their stories with these wonderful women who knew Jesus. She starts with St. Mary Magdalen, and ends with another Mary. I will be sharing this one, and rereading it, too.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Women. Mary Magdalene experienced new life when she met Jesus at the well as we will when we meet Jesus. Jesus wants us to be able to listen with childlike simplicity to the voice of God and identify your own will with His. Motherhood whether natural or spiritual is a shared experience we have with Mary the mother of God. Healing is clearly a priority for Jesus but our suffering and illness can be a source of grace. Whether single or married Jesus invites us into a relationship with Him and share in his loneliness and suffering so that he will share our loneliness and suffering. Like St. Veronica we want to seek the face of God in everyone we meet and show them mercy. Unlike Martha Mary sat at Christ's feet and listened just as we should be quiet and just listen. We can share in the glory of Mary's royal destiny by restoring the world and clearing our busyness so that we can be receptive to the purpose we are called to. When Jesus entered human history he came to be a specific friend to a specific woman and that woman is you: he knows you by name: he knows you by heart.

[Jessica Romportl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t able to finish the book at this time, maybe will try again later. I liked some parts of the book, especially the chapter on motherhood and even on single life - despite being married and a mother, Kelly shared a lot of beautiful insight and quotes from others that I found inspiring. All in all, it was hard for me to get into the book and focus because the style of writing just wasn’t for me.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most profound spiritual reads I have experienced in a long time. Kelly's insight cuts to the core fears, hopes, and dreams of women and speaks incredible consolation of Christ's love for each of us. I cannot recommend this read enough.

[Kate Dyson-D'Onofrio · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an inspirational compilation of women's stories. Some beautiful women of the Bible mixed with some modern day women with easily relatable stories. Some of these stories were so moving, they brought me to tears. This was a great read. One I didn't want to put down.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liz Kelly is an excellent writer.

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting way to think about women in the Bible who are often overlooked, i.e. the little girl who is cured by Jesus upon her father's request.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved exploring Kelly’s perspective on sharing woundedness.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Felt like a wading gently, meditating, through lectio divina with the author. Beautiful and helpful in my journey. Things have stuck with me from this.

[Irma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book quote:
She herself is the giver of life. She protects what she has given.

[Charlotte Toyne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was beautifully written. Very poetic and comforting.

[Lauren Campos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good reflections on many stages of life for womanhood

[Kay-Leigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I requested this book, I did not realise the author was a Catholic theologist. Initially, it was not a concern, the writing was lyrical and intentionally dream-like. I got to a quarter of the way into the book and the part about the Mother (capital is the author's) of God being the source of all motherhood in the world? What? It's too much. I was intrigued by Catholicism and willing to swallow a lot of things that didn't quite resonate with me but my tank is now full. I will not be reading further.
I would prefer not to rate this as I am definitely not the target market.