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Only One Life: How a Woman's Every Day Shapes an Eternal Legacy
Life keeps us running so fast and frenzied that we often lose sight of each day’s holy potential. Yet as a woman loved and called by God, your ordinary everyday matters more than you could possibly imagine. Your choices today shape the legacy you leave for future generations. You are part of a story that has existed long before you and will long outlast you. And you can play a unique and irreplaceable role. In Only One Life , mother-and-daughter team Jackie Green and Lauren McAfee invite you to join the company of women God is using to change the world. Through vivid portraits of women of the Bible, women of history, and women shaping the world today, you will discover how God multiplies seemingly small daily offerings of faithfulness. Come and see your own story reflected in the lives of women such Building a legacy through your “only one life” is not a calling for the elite few. It is a calling for you—as a woman with unique capacity to shape the future through your faith, family, gifts, and leadership. Only One Life will encourage and empower you to develop grit, grace, and the long view—able to change your world forever—starting today.
256 pages, Paperback
Published June 5, 2018
39 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 10, 2018
This book is one of the most inspirational reads I’ve ever encountered. Mother-daughter team Jackie Green and Lauren Green McAfee, family members in the Hobby Lobby empire, have joined up to share their stories and the stories of others. Each chapter is filled with encouraging accounts of women who persevered in faith to make a lasting mark on our world.
I love studying history, and this book quenches my thirst for historical facts about women of faith. The chapters include a detailed account of a woman in the Bible, a woman in history, and a contemporary woman who all made a difference in their cultures. I enjoyed learning about women I’d never before encountered in literature or the news. Their positive stories lifted my spirits; I literally felt lighter and happier after reading each chapter!
Favorite quotes from Only One Life:
“The idea of leaving a legacy may sound intimidating. But legacy is not meant for only the elite few who have great power or influence. Legacy is crafted by our faithful everyday choices.”
“With our scrapbooks, newsletters, cards, and social media posts, we celebrate the milestones…share the news of both victories and challenges, and chronicle every aspect of family history.”
“Your unique call might not demand a harrowing journey to a faraway place, but it will almost certainly stretch you.”
“The words ‘only what’s done for Christ will last’ can imply action, but sometimes the most important thing we can do for Christ is to submit our thoughts to Him.”
I received a review copy of Only One Life from the BookLook Blogger Program.
I love studying history, and this book quenches my thirst for historical facts about women of faith. The chapters include a detailed account of a woman in the Bible, a woman in history, and a contemporary woman who all made a difference in their cultures. I enjoyed learning about women I’d never before encountered in literature or the news. Their positive stories lifted my spirits; I literally felt lighter and happier after reading each chapter!
Favorite quotes from Only One Life:
“The idea of leaving a legacy may sound intimidating. But legacy is not meant for only the elite few who have great power or influence. Legacy is crafted by our faithful everyday choices.”
“With our scrapbooks, newsletters, cards, and social media posts, we celebrate the milestones…share the news of both victories and challenges, and chronicle every aspect of family history.”
“Your unique call might not demand a harrowing journey to a faraway place, but it will almost certainly stretch you.”
“The words ‘only what’s done for Christ will last’ can imply action, but sometimes the most important thing we can do for Christ is to submit our thoughts to Him.”
I received a review copy of Only One Life from the BookLook Blogger Program.
October 29, 2019
“Only One Life.” The title of this mother/daughter author duo was inspired by a line from missionary C.T. Studd. It is especially precious to me as it was commissioned as a quote scripted in calligraphy by my late grandparents and is proudly displayed on my living room wall. Jackie Green and Lauren Green McAfee knit their biographical accounts of women’s legacy around this central theme. Like a quilt with myriad disparate scraps stitched together, these authors identify a dozen central pillars modeled by dozens of diverse women--Biblical, historical and contemporary--and weave them together to hold them up as a display in our own halls of faith.
Jackie and Lauren emphasize that boldness is not a trait with which some are born, rather it is a key from God unlocked through prayer (Ps. 138:3) and that “the fate of nations and the course of history is determined by people who shape the character and worldviews of future leaders when they are very young.” They quote Bishop Nimbe of Kenya, “Train a man, you training individual; train a woman, you build a nation.” Women of strength and biblical knowledge can raise up Winston Churchills for a new generation.”
As a teacher, I was especially encouraged by the “Green girls’” praise for the role of women in education. “A good teacher is like a candle--it consumes itself to light the way for others.” Teaching--transmitting knowledge, truth, insight, and values--is a powerful way to shape the members of the next generation and set them up for their own far-reaching influence.” Judges 5:7 says, “There were few people left in the villages of Israel – until Deborah arose as a mother for Israel.”
“Isn’t this what we’re seeing right now among the Kurdish and Yazidi women of northern Iraq? After thousands of their mothers, sisters, and daughters have been kidnapped and raped by ISIS, the remaining women are banding together and training is combat soldiers to go out in defense of their people. They would rather die fighting alongside their husbands and sons then be forced into sexual slavery at the hands of ISIS. These women are modern day Deborahs whose courage we are called to emulate and for whose plight we are called to pray...The people who know God’s heart best...despise slavery most.”
That is the hope for a legacy: to outlive you our lives by the impact we leave behind. Only One Life will ignite your passion for the purpose for which you have been created to make a difference and leave your footprint on the sands of time to eternity. A must read for women and those who love them.
Jackie and Lauren emphasize that boldness is not a trait with which some are born, rather it is a key from God unlocked through prayer (Ps. 138:3) and that “the fate of nations and the course of history is determined by people who shape the character and worldviews of future leaders when they are very young.” They quote Bishop Nimbe of Kenya, “Train a man, you training individual; train a woman, you build a nation.” Women of strength and biblical knowledge can raise up Winston Churchills for a new generation.”
As a teacher, I was especially encouraged by the “Green girls’” praise for the role of women in education. “A good teacher is like a candle--it consumes itself to light the way for others.” Teaching--transmitting knowledge, truth, insight, and values--is a powerful way to shape the members of the next generation and set them up for their own far-reaching influence.” Judges 5:7 says, “There were few people left in the villages of Israel – until Deborah arose as a mother for Israel.”
“Isn’t this what we’re seeing right now among the Kurdish and Yazidi women of northern Iraq? After thousands of their mothers, sisters, and daughters have been kidnapped and raped by ISIS, the remaining women are banding together and training is combat soldiers to go out in defense of their people. They would rather die fighting alongside their husbands and sons then be forced into sexual slavery at the hands of ISIS. These women are modern day Deborahs whose courage we are called to emulate and for whose plight we are called to pray...The people who know God’s heart best...despise slavery most.”
That is the hope for a legacy: to outlive you our lives by the impact we leave behind. Only One Life will ignite your passion for the purpose for which you have been created to make a difference and leave your footprint on the sands of time to eternity. A must read for women and those who love them.
July 10, 2018
Jackie Green and Lauren Green McAfee, mother and daughter, have teamed up to challenge women to be all that God created them to be. Using biblical examples, we see how our lives are reflected in the stories of Esther, Hannah, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of Jesus and others. Green and McAfee also highlight the stories of Lottie Moon, Ruth Bell Graham, Queen Elizabeth II, Harriet Tubman and many others to show us that one woman can make a vast difference in the world we live in.
Our efforts in the workplace, how we raise our children and using our gifts to fight injustice in the world are just a few ways we can make a difference. As wife and daughter of the founder of Hobby Lobby, Green and McAfee have witnessed first-hand what building a legacy looks like today. Women are prayer warriors, faith-ignitors and game changers.
"Only One Life" is an excellent resource for women of all ages. You will want to share this book with the women and girls in your life. We are more important that we know. We can do more than we think. And our lives mean more to those around us than we realize.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Booklook Bloggers, as part of Thomas Nelson‘s Book Review Blogger Program. I was not required to write a review. 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.”
Our efforts in the workplace, how we raise our children and using our gifts to fight injustice in the world are just a few ways we can make a difference. As wife and daughter of the founder of Hobby Lobby, Green and McAfee have witnessed first-hand what building a legacy looks like today. Women are prayer warriors, faith-ignitors and game changers.
"Only One Life" is an excellent resource for women of all ages. You will want to share this book with the women and girls in your life. We are more important that we know. We can do more than we think. And our lives mean more to those around us than we realize.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Booklook Bloggers, as part of Thomas Nelson‘s Book Review Blogger Program. I was not required to write a review. 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.”
July 6, 2018
This is an inspiring book co-written by mother/daughter authors Jackie Green and Lauren Green McAfee. Their writing styles complement each other as they share their vision of the “legacy “ available to each of us through our faith in Christ. They highlight 12 areas of influence in a woman’s life, including courage; generosity; witness; wisdom; teaching; faith; and prayer. They do this by sharing examples from their own lives as well as short biographies of women from both the past and present such as Joni Eareckson Tara and Susanna Wesley. They also share examples from the Bible, including Mary, Hannah, Esther, and several others. The emphasis here is that while are women going about their lives by trusting God and letting Him lead in their life, they are creating a legacy for others to follow. Some of the women they mention are “famous”; some are not; but all have made an impact on others through their faithful lives that bear witness to God’s love and power.
I especially appreciated the examples they shared from their own lives. As part of the Green family who own Hobby Lobby and have now established The Museum of the Bible, they have been through their own trials and blessings as they seek to follow God’s leading in both their business and personal lives. This book is a challenge to all Christian women to live their lives for God each day.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.
I especially appreciated the examples they shared from their own lives. As part of the Green family who own Hobby Lobby and have now established The Museum of the Bible, they have been through their own trials and blessings as they seek to follow God’s leading in both their business and personal lives. This book is a challenge to all Christian women to live their lives for God each day.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.
July 13, 2018
Inspiring
I really enjoyed reading this book. It held my attention in such a manner that I wanted to keep reading. I praise God for such a book, for these inspiring stories and for the understanding of the background of Hobby Lobby. God is amazing and this book has inspired me. Thank You, God , and thank you Jackie and Lauren for your obedience in writing this book. Praise God for the Museum of the Bible too!❤️
I really enjoyed reading this book. It held my attention in such a manner that I wanted to keep reading. I praise God for such a book, for these inspiring stories and for the understanding of the background of Hobby Lobby. God is amazing and this book has inspired me. Thank You, God , and thank you Jackie and Lauren for your obedience in writing this book. Praise God for the Museum of the Bible too!❤️
Want to read
October 23, 2018Ashley West
September 2, 2019
A wonderful and inspiring highlight of influential women
I enjoyed and was inspired by the stories, faith and background of the women highlighted. Strength and influence come in many forms- quiet and visible, unknown and known, modest and wealthy, etc.- as outlined in the historical and current stories. It was interesting to me to learn about each, several I had not known about their impact or legacy. I rated a five for the content, and research and references, which kept me specifically interested. I also enjoyed learning more about the Bible Museum creation, as I recently visited and was very impressed. One never fully knows or sees the impact their works make on the present and future...as you are reminded in this book.
I enjoyed and was inspired by the stories, faith and background of the women highlighted. Strength and influence come in many forms- quiet and visible, unknown and known, modest and wealthy, etc.- as outlined in the historical and current stories. It was interesting to me to learn about each, several I had not known about their impact or legacy. I rated a five for the content, and research and references, which kept me specifically interested. I also enjoyed learning more about the Bible Museum creation, as I recently visited and was very impressed. One never fully knows or sees the impact their works make on the present and future...as you are reminded in this book.
August 18, 2018
This book provides a number of stories that will encourage anyone to be faithful and consistent in the day to day. Most of us live in between the rich and famous/ poor and needy wondering if what we ‘do’ will matter. I think these stories both historical and current provide encouragement to be faithful in the little things. ‘Legacy is for those of simple faith who show up every day and make their daily journey one of courage, witness, rescue, generosity, compassion, boldness, prayer, tenacity, teaching, loyalty, wisdom, and faith. The point is, we get to choose our legacy’.
Thank you to the authors for the simple encouragement.
Thank you to the authors for the simple encouragement.
March 23, 2020
This was very inspiring! What kind of legacy are you leaving? This book is filled with stories of women who have left or are leaving a legacy of faith. Woven throughout the book is also the story behind Hobby Lobby and Museum of the Bible. Each legacy (courage, generosity, witness, etc.) has stories of 3 different women - one from the Bible, one from the past, and a more modern one. Read about such women like Esther, Deborah, Hannah, Ruth, Catherine Booth, Kay Arthur, Harriet Tubman, Fanny Crosby, Susanna Wesley, Ruth Bell Graham, and many others.
January 28, 2022
Jackie Green said, “Whatever you do, your every day matters…As you weave kindness and faith into the mundane, every action becomes eternal.”
Throughout this book, Jesus challenged and encouraged me to say yes to him one moment at a time by faithfully praying and obeying with courage. Jackie and her daughter Lauren write about many women of incredible tenacity and faith—women whose stories we summarize today in awe of their love for Jesus. We have a choice, too. What will be our legacy? Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Throughout this book, Jesus challenged and encouraged me to say yes to him one moment at a time by faithfully praying and obeying with courage. Jackie and her daughter Lauren write about many women of incredible tenacity and faith—women whose stories we summarize today in awe of their love for Jesus. We have a choice, too. What will be our legacy? Only what’s done for Christ will last.
December 25, 2018
Women are legacy-builders
This book has had me inspired and excited for the future. I cannot believe a simple mom like me can shape generations like the women whose stories are here highlighted here. So good!
This book has had me inspired and excited for the future. I cannot believe a simple mom like me can shape generations like the women whose stories are here highlighted here. So good!
June 13, 2019
I loved all the stories of different women in their personal relationship with Jesus. Everybody has a story. Will you make sure yours is worth sharing with the next generation. This is an encouraging and uplifting book for ladies.
April 7, 2020
A great book that every girl should read. " We have only this one life. Let's each spend our life using our gifts and strengths to make this one life bold and beautiful, just as God created it to be. "
October 29, 2018
Amazing read for the Christian woman
This one was a life-changer for me. I also couldn't get enough of the historical references that are all throughout this book.
This one was a life-changer for me. I also couldn't get enough of the historical references that are all throughout this book.
December 19, 2018
3.5 stars
August 30, 2019
This book was so good I savored every page. It’s a good reminder God can & does use us all if we allow him to. Loved it!!
December 19, 2019
Told the stories of many women who left a legacy through simple obedience. Interesting read.
February 25, 2020
3.5 stars
June 5, 2020
I have really enjoyed this book. It challenged me and encouraged me. I am currently in a book club where I’m discussing two chapters a week with ladies from church. Very enjoyable!
October 8, 2020
this book motivates me to live a life of legacy
December 20, 2020
This book is a good one to read at the end of the year, when you're taking stock of your present accomplishments and thinking of the year to come. Some of the points really got me thinking.
July 20, 2022
The book’s tone is pollyannish, but if you can get past that, there are many inspiring mini-biographies of unlikely legacy-building leaders.
May 30, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed the diverse recognition of Godly women throughout history. It left me feeling empowered and encouraged to live everyday with a bigger purpose in mind
August 9, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Impactful, encouraging, informative, and beautiful!
Impactful, encouraging, informative, and beautiful!
April 15, 2019
A wonderful book, full of legacy stories from the Bible from history and from today. This mother-daughter team shares about their own legacy as well and how it encourages them to continue leaving a legacy for the next generation.
They share the story of standing for what they believe in as they stood up to the government, representing their company, Hobby Lobby. And also striving and succeeding to build the Museum of the Bible right in the middle of Washington, DC.
Encouragement for all of us no matter how insignificant we think our lives are.
They share the story of standing for what they believe in as they stood up to the government, representing their company, Hobby Lobby. And also striving and succeeding to build the Museum of the Bible right in the middle of Washington, DC.
Encouragement for all of us no matter how insignificant we think our lives are.
November 12, 2018
This book was beautifully written and covers the much needed inspiration for Christian women that we’ve been craving.
See my full review: https://northofnonsensesouthofsophist...
See my full review: https://northofnonsensesouthofsophist...
August 8, 2018
I have to give it 5-stars, right? Otherwise, why did I write it? :)
August 24, 2018
This book is written by members of the family behind Hobby Lobby and also involved in the Museum of the Bible in Washington DC. It is interesting in that while reaffirming the female role these are shown in women from all phases of history, especially from the Bible and modern times. They are skills all Christians should exhibit.
I valued this book highly despite not recognising all of the names.
I was given this book by NetGalley and the publisher. This is my voluntary and impartial review.
I valued this book highly despite not recognising all of the names.
I was given this book by NetGalley and the publisher. This is my voluntary and impartial review.
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November 15, 2018Very inspiring! Talked about different areas of legacies.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews