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Don't Settle for Safe: Embracing the Uncomfortable to Become Unstoppable
Popular speaker and author Sarah Jakes Roberts shows women they are not disqualified by their pain and failures and offers encouragement and strength to believe God’s best is still possible.
Sarah wants to help you…
- view your history with positivity,
- demolish destructive patterns,
- connect with true intimacy,
- repurpose your passion into to your purpose, and
- realize your true calling.
Everyone has experiences in their lives that stop them in their tracks and become burdens they carry with them everywhere they go. No one knows this better than Sarah Jakes Roberts. Pregnant at fourteen, married by nineteen, divorced by twenty-two, and all while under the intense spotlight of being Bishop T.D. Jakes’s daughter, Sarah knows what it is to feel buried by failure and aching pain.
But when her journey brought her to faith’s fork in the road, Sarah found she had to choose between staying in the comfort of the pain she knew or daring to make new wounds and move forward. Now Sarah shares the numerous life lessons she’s learned along the way with other women also struggling to believe they’re not disqualified by their pain and past mistakes. She delves into topics such as allowing the past to empower the present, choosing to step forward while still being afraid, facing struggles in the midst of community, finding intimacy with God outside of preconceived notions of what it should look like, and learning to focus on others. With deeply personal stories of her own, Sarah helps readers find their way to the right perspective and the confidence to walk toward the best God has for them.
Sarah wants to help you…
- view your history with positivity,
- demolish destructive patterns,
- connect with true intimacy,
- repurpose your passion into to your purpose, and
- realize your true calling.
Everyone has experiences in their lives that stop them in their tracks and become burdens they carry with them everywhere they go. No one knows this better than Sarah Jakes Roberts. Pregnant at fourteen, married by nineteen, divorced by twenty-two, and all while under the intense spotlight of being Bishop T.D. Jakes’s daughter, Sarah knows what it is to feel buried by failure and aching pain.
But when her journey brought her to faith’s fork in the road, Sarah found she had to choose between staying in the comfort of the pain she knew or daring to make new wounds and move forward. Now Sarah shares the numerous life lessons she’s learned along the way with other women also struggling to believe they’re not disqualified by their pain and past mistakes. She delves into topics such as allowing the past to empower the present, choosing to step forward while still being afraid, facing struggles in the midst of community, finding intimacy with God outside of preconceived notions of what it should look like, and learning to focus on others. With deeply personal stories of her own, Sarah helps readers find their way to the right perspective and the confidence to walk toward the best God has for them.
206 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 18, 2017
1218 people are currently reading
2990 people want to read
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December 22, 2017Was an okay read. A LOT about marriage and family. I'm single so I drifted in and out. Am sure there were some good nuggets but... I just felt... unaddressed.
June 1, 2017
Sarah Jakes Roberts is a woman with a past. The one reason I'm able to relate to her writing and spiritual journey is because she stays open about past mistakes that she has made. The woman that she was before led her to the changes in her life that she needed to make in order to fully walk God's plan. Thank you, Sarah, for giving me hope to walk this journey with an open heart.
One of my favorite quotes from the book is: "I had to come to a place where I was willing to live in the moment without fear or concern of what would happen next. Expecting pain in the future takes away your joy in the present. Worrying steals joy that is already yours...Your power to overcome is in your willingness to not just anticipate but embrace the unpredictability of life. Being afraid of the unknown does not keep it at bay."
One of my favorite quotes from the book is: "I had to come to a place where I was willing to live in the moment without fear or concern of what would happen next. Expecting pain in the future takes away your joy in the present. Worrying steals joy that is already yours...Your power to overcome is in your willingness to not just anticipate but embrace the unpredictability of life. Being afraid of the unknown does not keep it at bay."
April 29, 2017
Incredible, real read!
This book is what every young, seasoned and in-between woman should read if she truly wants to confront her hurts, pains, mistakes and GROW from them. This book allows one to purposely allow God to be the head of your life. It is a graceful, raw truth of what so many of us have experienced. Allow it to help you on your journey to a God-centered life full of self love.
This book is what every young, seasoned and in-between woman should read if she truly wants to confront her hurts, pains, mistakes and GROW from them. This book allows one to purposely allow God to be the head of your life. It is a graceful, raw truth of what so many of us have experienced. Allow it to help you on your journey to a God-centered life full of self love.
January 31, 2018
It took me six months to process this book as I read bits and pieces of it. There were many ways that it impacted me and gave me a different perspective on every area of my life. It has given me greater clarity. It got me to investigate the patterns of my family history for the first time. I started to understand so much more of the puzzle pieces of my life by doing this. After years of not speaking to my dad, I had begun to hesitantly re-connect with him a year before I read this book. When I was nearing the end of reading this book, I drove several hours to go see him and spent 3 whole hours with him for the first time in my adult life. As I listened to him, I kept hearing pattern after pattern in his language and stories which gave me a completely new perspective on my upbringing. I was able to clearly see the chasms of dysfunction that began generations ago and how I can now become an unstoppable force to change the story for the generations that come after me. This is just one of the personal insights that I have gained from this book. Just like Sarah writes at the end, you will continue to see yourself more and more clearly because of having read it... I'm embracing what I find so uncomfortable to become unstoppable. I have to be willing to get it wrong. I have to be willing to lose myself... I'm going into new territory where I have no idea what to expect.
October 7, 2018
This book was all over the place. While it had great points the points often did not connect and I felt lost as a reader. I’m thankful for some good insight it provided but if you asked me the main point of the book I really couldn’t tell you. Definitely needs to be more organized and structured. I know a lot of people will resonate with this book however it was not my cup of tea. But I did make it to the end!
September 25, 2019
I’m hurt because I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I really wanted to. It was filled with a lot of quotable gems that are true. Though there is some good knowledge in it, the format of the book really confused me and made the book difficult to get through. The order of the stories were just not it for me. However, I do believe this book can be helpful to a certain audience. It just wasn’t as wide to include me. It probably has a more specific and tailored audience.
August 11, 2017
This book makes you dig deep. Sarah delivers a great, encouraging message with humor. MUST READ!
August 1, 2018
If you are open and willing, this book is great. You must do the work. She speaks on every topic that you probably felt like you were the only one experiencing. This book changed my life.
September 13, 2018
A powerful, inspirational message for everyone who needs a jolt of energy and encouragement to live a life of passion and purpose.
January 18, 2021
3.5 stars. I have recently become aware of Sarah Jakes Roberts and love many of her sermons. I read this book for my Bible Study group (of course I decided to read ahead), but it is a little different than I expected. It is heavily focused on her marriage, children, and upbringing as she uses her own life for chapters that touch on topics like "Intimacy," "Frienemies," Purpose," and "Know Your Worth." The book is honestly not too church-y and only has a few scriptures (I would have wanted more) though it does reference some common Biblical stories. With all of that, I did not think the book was doing anything too extraordinary or original. I wanted it to be a bit bolder and have more examples, though I do think it is a great Bible Study group book because it is nice to see how it relates to other Christian women. I'm reading it several years after it was published so that may be a factor, too. Definitely worth a read.
February 29, 2024
Loved
This book was well needed for this time in my life. I came across the book in a Facebook reading group. I'm so glad that I read it. Self care is very important so I took time to slow down access what was going on in the now and take care for myself.
This book was well needed for this time in my life. I came across the book in a Facebook reading group. I'm so glad that I read it. Self care is very important so I took time to slow down access what was going on in the now and take care for myself.
July 22, 2020
Awesome!! This book helps women see where you are and what you can accomplish. Sarah is very vulnerable and helping women learn the goals are achievable.
January 20, 2020
There is much wisdom in this book, but unfortunately it is very hard to summarize because of how poorly the content is structured. To put it simply... it was just all over the place. It lacked depth and the practicality it needs for the reader to truly apply the principles she is trying to convey. When the book finally started to connect to the theme, it fell apart again. I had to try too hard to make this book make sense in the way the author explained she wanted to influence the reader. I love Sarah Jakes-Roberts, but I just feel like this book needs a bit more polishing. It’s a quick read so if you have some extra time to spare, I would read it because I do think most people will get something out of it. I would not prioritize it though.
April 16, 2020
Where do I even start? This book was truly transformative and life changing for me. While it’s true that she’s talks about marriage and her personal life, it’s to be used as an example of how the reader can too overcome [insert own hardship here]. If you struggle with making excuses, the struggle of breaking generational barriers, looking for purpose and a deeper way to connect with yourself and those around you, then this is the book for you. This isn’t for everyone. We all deal with the long-term effects of past traumas, but we don’t always pay attention to how. This book is for those who are really looking to self-reflect, make changes and challenge themselves to put in the work to do so. I will be revisiting this book often.
October 4, 2017
Not great. Almost DNF, but kept going because I was literally reading it to put me to sleep.
One star probably seems a bit harsh, and it probably should get 2, but this was awkwardly written. I found myself having to read the same passage multiple times to understand what the author was saying. It all just lacked flow.
Gets a bit new-agey at points and the theology is questionable.
To be fair, I probably shouldn't have bought the book because I don't shy away from discomfort, and I've never settled for safe, so I'm clearly not the target market and am not struggling with the issues detailed in its pages. (I have other struggles instead).
Would not recommend.
One star probably seems a bit harsh, and it probably should get 2, but this was awkwardly written. I found myself having to read the same passage multiple times to understand what the author was saying. It all just lacked flow.
Gets a bit new-agey at points and the theology is questionable.
To be fair, I probably shouldn't have bought the book because I don't shy away from discomfort, and I've never settled for safe, so I'm clearly not the target market and am not struggling with the issues detailed in its pages. (I have other struggles instead).
Would not recommend.
December 23, 2020
I have read a lot of books but this is one of the best books I have ever read. The growth from her first book lost & found to this one is remarkable. Her growth is written in the pages and will push & challenge you to grow. I had to read this twice!
December 31, 2017
This is a must in your personal reference library. The Golden Nuggets straight from God will not allow you to put this novel down. Loved, loved, loved it.
March 14, 2022
Don’t Settle for safe “Embracing the Uncomfortable to become Unstoppable”
This book is all about all about how you deal with positivity, relationships with your family and friends, and finding your purpose in life. I feel like after you read this book you are going to forgive not only yourself but your family as well. I think that Sarah Jakes Roberts did a really good job of breaking this book down so that you understand the message, while tying in the bible as well.
This book is going to have you thinking and learning things about yourself that you didn’t even know or that you needed a reminder on. Its okay to take your time and process this book it’s a lot to take in. One thing I like about Sarah’s books is that she is open and honest with us and I love that. What better way to learn from someone who has been in your shoes?
I think this book is targeted to a younger generation and not so much the Adults us but nevertheless it’s still a good read. A lot of the lessons that you talk about are somethings you would learn between high school to college. Now this book it a little book is a big over the place and I had to read it twice to understand where this book was going. I won’t give up too much detail because that would be giving up a lot of things in the book. It is a quick read and if I had to rate the book it would be 3 stars. I would recommend to my early 20’s and pre-teen to read but not so much adults.
Have you read this book? What did you take away from this book? Would you recommend this book to anyone?
This book is all about all about how you deal with positivity, relationships with your family and friends, and finding your purpose in life. I feel like after you read this book you are going to forgive not only yourself but your family as well. I think that Sarah Jakes Roberts did a really good job of breaking this book down so that you understand the message, while tying in the bible as well.
This book is going to have you thinking and learning things about yourself that you didn’t even know or that you needed a reminder on. Its okay to take your time and process this book it’s a lot to take in. One thing I like about Sarah’s books is that she is open and honest with us and I love that. What better way to learn from someone who has been in your shoes?
I think this book is targeted to a younger generation and not so much the Adults us but nevertheless it’s still a good read. A lot of the lessons that you talk about are somethings you would learn between high school to college. Now this book it a little book is a big over the place and I had to read it twice to understand where this book was going. I won’t give up too much detail because that would be giving up a lot of things in the book. It is a quick read and if I had to rate the book it would be 3 stars. I would recommend to my early 20’s and pre-teen to read but not so much adults.
Have you read this book? What did you take away from this book? Would you recommend this book to anyone?
June 2, 2024
This was a good book! I took notes from it. One thing I won't forget is saying "I'll try" leaves us space to fail. We relieve ourselves of the discipline required to reach our goals. I needed to hear that.
Don't make anything contingent on the approval others. Don't get defensive or easily offended. Even the things that once hurt you can serve to make you better.
The book is chalk full of this kind of applicable wisdom. I reference my notes every once in awhile and it's always something I needed to be reminded of.
But it's more than a book full of tidbits of Biblically sound advice. It's a call to action to get rid of your ego and humble yourself enough to work on your own issues because that's the first step to any other endeavor.
In humility, look for the weeds in your own heart, such as the weed of defensiveness. She had a problem admitting she was wrong and it was hindering her progress.Consciously or subconsciously, we've played a role in our situations.
The book offers a plan from looking carefully at our past to noticing patterns in our life to finding mentors that exhibit some of who we would like to become.
The author shares her process in a genuine, authentic way that we can all relate to and makes it easy to see how we arrived in our current situation and God's plan for seeing us through to become unstoppable.
Highly recommended reading.
Don't make anything contingent on the approval others. Don't get defensive or easily offended. Even the things that once hurt you can serve to make you better.
The book is chalk full of this kind of applicable wisdom. I reference my notes every once in awhile and it's always something I needed to be reminded of.
But it's more than a book full of tidbits of Biblically sound advice. It's a call to action to get rid of your ego and humble yourself enough to work on your own issues because that's the first step to any other endeavor.
In humility, look for the weeds in your own heart, such as the weed of defensiveness. She had a problem admitting she was wrong and it was hindering her progress.Consciously or subconsciously, we've played a role in our situations.
The book offers a plan from looking carefully at our past to noticing patterns in our life to finding mentors that exhibit some of who we would like to become.
The author shares her process in a genuine, authentic way that we can all relate to and makes it easy to see how we arrived in our current situation and God's plan for seeing us through to become unstoppable.
Highly recommended reading.
September 24, 2024
The book really went full circle on the strength and focus it takes to be confident. Intimacy isn't easy, but it requires you being your most honest self and not trying to push away the life you lived or the same you still feel. She really put a spotlight for vulnerability and how it's not the others person responsibility to make your feelings or you feel valued but when someone does, you cherish them. From patterns that developed or relationships she really went full circle on how much we need to pray for change with raw truth. There's no way to grow if you can't speak your faults, short comings, insecurities AND your success. The balance of reality is that we all fall short of the glory of God but we are more equipt in some areas to help someone than they themselves. That to me speaks on humility but also if you wanna see the best in others how are you only gonna see the worse in yourself? Notably, she mentioned a prayer that reminds me pray that God protects my ability to be vulnerable. So many people will judge or take advantage, shoot I'm guilty of doing the same, but really coming to a fullness of confidence in yourself and in your relationship came up in this book. How can we ask God why He loves us and not just accept it? How much more will we burden a frail human with the same expectation?
May 28, 2017
Sarah Jakes Roberts knows that we, as women, will feel overwhelmed at times, and she wants to remind the reader that they're not alone in their journey. It is possible to be strengthened by the struggles in life.
Roberts' latest includes numerous personal stories to highlight her message. Biblical stories and verses are appropriately woven throughout. Many of the author's points are relatable and applicable. This book is designed for women at any stage of life. There are numerous valuable nuggets of information included, but it wasn't quite what I was expecting. I've read similar books, and this was a bit flat in comparison. Prayers and questions for personal reflection are included throughout the book.
There were some key takeaway points for me, including:
"If voices of insecurity, doubt, and fear are not confronted, they will dictate your life."
"Excuses are comfort zones."
"You can't live in the past and maximize the present."
"You do not choose purpose. Purpose chooses you."
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy as part of the BookLook Bloggers program. I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
Roberts' latest includes numerous personal stories to highlight her message. Biblical stories and verses are appropriately woven throughout. Many of the author's points are relatable and applicable. This book is designed for women at any stage of life. There are numerous valuable nuggets of information included, but it wasn't quite what I was expecting. I've read similar books, and this was a bit flat in comparison. Prayers and questions for personal reflection are included throughout the book.
There were some key takeaway points for me, including:
"If voices of insecurity, doubt, and fear are not confronted, they will dictate your life."
"Excuses are comfort zones."
"You can't live in the past and maximize the present."
"You do not choose purpose. Purpose chooses you."
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy as part of the BookLook Bloggers program. I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
July 20, 2020
I knew I admired you for a reason, I mean aside from the dynamic preaching and the fly outfits it was something else! Tonight I completed this gem and I am just so full in my spirit! I’ve literally “played” around with this book for years at this point because I purchased it when it first came out! Upon completion I can say you have truly helped me to level up as a woman, mother, child of God, and entrepreneur. You literally gave the most tangible insight so plainly! I’m actually not mad I’m just now reading it because it holds so much more weight to have read it and have you pour into my life NOW, during this season of my adult life. Our feelings and thoughts are very closely aligned on some very similar life circumstances! Thank you for taking the time to pen these words to these pages! I thank God for you! From one author to another; Job well done my love! #HatsOffToYou #MyAfarOffMentor #IwillNotCloseTheBookAndNotActOnTheWordsWithin #BlackAuthorsMatter The lives I’m going to reach after readying this are going to be so blessed! THANK YOU! 🙏🏾@theadventuresoffunbobbie
November 21, 2019
This story was just okay. It focused so much on her relationship with her husband and children that it kind of left me wanting more with regard to how it relates being a single woman. She gave some good points like when she talked about friend/enemies in one of her chapters. I could relate to that chapter because I had a friend/enemy because I outgrew a friend which kind of resorted in us becoming less friends and more so acquaintance who were competitive with each other. When she talked about the issue when her husband kept saying that he would never cheat on her and how it made her feel so uncomfortable because she didn't want to hope or believe in his statement because she had heard the same statement from her previous husband who did cheat on her. It is hard to leave our past hurts in the past. They drag on into our future relationships and make us hold back. Overall interesting book but it left me wanting more.
December 6, 2018
Cutting Edge!!!
This was very eye opening and condusive to this year of my life. I grabbed this book at Barnes and Noble to see what it would mean. I've always clung to safety desiring more but afraid. I cracked this bad boy open some months back and had to stop and before I knew it...the journey of self reflection began on a path of twists and turns. God really used this book and Touré Roberts Wholness to get me to becoming accustomed to living a life of wholeness and being comfortable living a life that is discomforting.
If you desire a book to push you out of your comfort zone and get you to deal with some issues and past pains and help propel you forward. Go, for it!!!!!! Check it out!!! Life Changing
This was very eye opening and condusive to this year of my life. I grabbed this book at Barnes and Noble to see what it would mean. I've always clung to safety desiring more but afraid. I cracked this bad boy open some months back and had to stop and before I knew it...the journey of self reflection began on a path of twists and turns. God really used this book and Touré Roberts Wholness to get me to becoming accustomed to living a life of wholeness and being comfortable living a life that is discomforting.
If you desire a book to push you out of your comfort zone and get you to deal with some issues and past pains and help propel you forward. Go, for it!!!!!! Check it out!!! Life Changing
July 3, 2020
This was an inspiring read that I found right on time! So many gems sprinkled throughout that I needed to keep a notebook on hand. She is very thorough on the “what” needs to be done in order to change your life but I do agree with some of the reviews that there isn’t much dept or a full detailed description on some of the “how”. I still feel like this was the perfect starting point and blue print to my journey of healing! I look forward to more from this author! I am single and feel this may have touched on her relationship a bit more than I would like but I understand that it is her story! I don’t feel that it ruined the message and I felt the book was more targeted at singles than individuals who are married.
October 12, 2020
I think this book is very encouraging and insightful. The author’s own life journey gives me a reason to listen to her and respect what she shares. It’s a fairly short read packed full with an uplifting message. Her encouragement can be a great motivator to look forward with hope and not give up, to not settle for much less than you should. But it stops just short of offering some solid steps for moving forward. This book is not like the coach who teaches you the sport and trains you to play it; it’s more like the friend who believes in you and encourages you to try out, and to hang in there when you’re not sure you’ll get to play. If you need to reframe your thinking, or could just use a little positive nudge, this would be a great place to pause and refocus.
March 30, 2019
This book was good. Love and appreciate Sarah Jakes!!! Her transparency and honesty will challenge you to think on a higher level. SHe pushes you to embrace every card you have been dealt and learn how to play your hand and take risks. She teaches how to navigate through the murky waters of fear and to step out the boat and onto the water with Faith, Scripture, Wisdom, and Life experiences (teenage pregancy, marriage, children, family, and other hurts). Great read. Some slow parts but it is a good book that will help you and give you practical ways of handling the crazy woes of life a bit more
September 10, 2023
A soul inspiring read- thank you Sarah!
A soul inspiring read- thank you Sarah for your honest and encouraging words. I am in a period of metamorphosis in my life, after a period of some painful moments, especially moments experienced by unexpected people in my life. I have been doing the work to overcome those moments both via therapy and through reading teachings like this. I've never highlighted so much in a book before. I'll be rereading this and learning useful nuggets from this in future. It has so much wisdom in this that can be applied to your circumstances. Thank you- as we continue to grow, we need to continue asking for lessons from the painful experiences.
A soul inspiring read- thank you Sarah for your honest and encouraging words. I am in a period of metamorphosis in my life, after a period of some painful moments, especially moments experienced by unexpected people in my life. I have been doing the work to overcome those moments both via therapy and through reading teachings like this. I've never highlighted so much in a book before. I'll be rereading this and learning useful nuggets from this in future. It has so much wisdom in this that can be applied to your circumstances. Thank you- as we continue to grow, we need to continue asking for lessons from the painful experiences.
May 3, 2018
If you want to revamp your life by delving into some areas of your life that make you uncomfortable, then read this book! SJR leaves no stones unturned. She discusses how we make excuses, how we need to learn our patterns, how our backgrounds affect us, friends, how to connect with God, find purpose, being intimate with someone else and how we can tap into our own greatness. It took me so long to read this book because she kept stepping on my toes and I wasn't ready to confront some of these areas, but I'm glad I finished it. Easy and good read!
February 23, 2019
This book found me at the right time in my life.
The author has a clear focus on getting you to dig deep and ask yourself the gut punching questions regarding your life, relationships, and experiences in your life that brought you to your lowest point. I felt like every part of my life she touched on; I have highlighted so many parts of this book that I plan to use for my own life's work. I particularly like how she takes the time to share her own story and give advice that may help others throughout each chapter. Read it. I may even buy it as a gift for one of my friends!
The author has a clear focus on getting you to dig deep and ask yourself the gut punching questions regarding your life, relationships, and experiences in your life that brought you to your lowest point. I felt like every part of my life she touched on; I have highlighted so many parts of this book that I plan to use for my own life's work. I particularly like how she takes the time to share her own story and give advice that may help others throughout each chapter. Read it. I may even buy it as a gift for one of my friends!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews