What do you think?
Rate this book
Begin Again: The Brave Practice of Releasing Hurt and Receiving Rest
What happens when life begins to trip us up and failure starts creeping in? Many of us just keep on doing the same thing, hoping for different results. Some of us look for escape, to find a way out of the mess we feel that we've created. But neither enduring nor escaping is ultimately what we need.The answer is to allow ourselves to begin again, every day, in every part of our lives. Through engaging, lyrical prose, Leeana Tankersley shows women how to forgive themselves, develop new and healthier patterns of living, and do away with resentment and regret. Her life-giving words will free women who are feeling stuck and allow them to clear out the debris to make room for what God wants to do in their lives. To begin again is to open the window, even a crack, to let the breeze of grace come in. It is a call to stop running from our fears. To take one small step toward becoming the brave women we were made to be.
194 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 3, 2018
200 people are currently reading
1043 people want to read
About the author
Leeana Tankersley
10 books132 followersLeeana Tankersley is the author of Breathing Room and holds English degrees from Liberty University and West Virginia University. She and her husband, Steve, are currently stationed in San Diego, California, with their three children: Luke, Lane, and Elle. Leeana writes about living from the spacious place on her blog, www.leeanatankersley.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
April 1, 2021
I feel like my soul just got a refresh. This book is more than a book. It’s an invitation to let go and embrace our full identity and rest in Christ alone, which says I don’t have to have it altogether to be loved, to be held, to serve, to be known. If you are one who hustles, has a hard time finding true rest, easily becomes entangled by the mundane tasks of life, read this book.
May 4, 2018
I was looking forward to reading this book because I think we all come to a point where we want, or even need, to begin again in our lives. Unfortunately, this book didn't give me any kind of direction at all.
The author shares a lot of her own insecurities and brings us into her life, which I really appreciate in an author. To be let into someone's life, is a privilege and always makes a book more enjoyable. That just wasn't the case for me in this book.
I was hoping for some Biblical truth to lead me into learning how to begin again with God's help. There was very little Scripture in this book or leading on how to find a feeling of rest or beginning our lives anew. I'm wondering if this book is for the younger woman or for a baby Christian? I just know it did not resonate with me and when I put the book down after reading it, I couldn't say that I really gained anything from it.
I really hate giving a bad review but I must with this book. I felt like it was written in a rambling manner and had no real direction. I didn't come away from this book feeling that I had learned anything or had more insight. I didn't highlight one thing and that's always a clue for me that it's not a book for me. I just gained nothing from this book. I can only give this book 1 star out of 5.
*This book was provided to me for my honest review by Revell Books
The author shares a lot of her own insecurities and brings us into her life, which I really appreciate in an author. To be let into someone's life, is a privilege and always makes a book more enjoyable. That just wasn't the case for me in this book.
I was hoping for some Biblical truth to lead me into learning how to begin again with God's help. There was very little Scripture in this book or leading on how to find a feeling of rest or beginning our lives anew. I'm wondering if this book is for the younger woman or for a baby Christian? I just know it did not resonate with me and when I put the book down after reading it, I couldn't say that I really gained anything from it.
I really hate giving a bad review but I must with this book. I felt like it was written in a rambling manner and had no real direction. I didn't come away from this book feeling that I had learned anything or had more insight. I didn't highlight one thing and that's always a clue for me that it's not a book for me. I just gained nothing from this book. I can only give this book 1 star out of 5.
*This book was provided to me for my honest review by Revell Books
October 19, 2018
I LOVED this book. I picked it up because I saw Shauna Niequist had written the forward, then I returned it to the library and bought a copy. So much truth and encouragement in giving yourself grace and learning what it looks like to live your best life for yourself, in practical ways. One thing that resonated so deeply with my heart and spirit was the truth that it's ok if you're not ready for the "next" step; God is 10p% ok with where you're at, so we can be ok with where we're at, but also with the understanding that God will never stop inviting us in, calling us closer or showing us the Way, but He is also (again, to reiterate) absolutely ok with where we're at, because He's sitting with us as we wait.
April 27, 2018
Begin Again: The Brave Practice of Releasing Hurt and Receiving Rest is one book that I felt connected. I laughed so hard when Leanna Tankersley told stories about being overwhelmed involving her kids. That definitely spoke to me! She gives such inspiration on how to deal and move on.
Begin Again: The Brave Practice of Releasing Hurt and Receiving Rest on to one of my fellow overwhelmed mom friends. I highly recommend it! I am giving it a well deserved 5 stars.
I received this book from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
Begin Again: The Brave Practice of Releasing Hurt and Receiving Rest on to one of my fellow overwhelmed mom friends. I highly recommend it! I am giving it a well deserved 5 stars.
I received this book from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
April 3, 2018
I so loved this book that I am on my second way through it. There is hardly a paragraph I've not highlighted. Leeana's brave and humble honesty shines from every page. This book is an excellent resource for anyone battling codependency.
November 15, 2023
I read this in 2018 and have since wanted to come back to it. I like the ideas and practices she shares!
April 30, 2018
I knew this was a book I wanted to read right when I read its subtitle, “The Brave Practice of Releasing Hurt & Receiving Rest.” I have been through several seasons where I’ve been hurt, living hurt, and have desired to release the hurts to receive rest, freedom, and healing. And I think this is a place we have all been or currently are.
What I found upon reading this book was a book even richer and deeper than I had imagined. I believe this is the result of having an author who has gone deep within herself and in this book generously shares her space and helps the reader create their own.
I found myself right in the middle of Leeana’s message, having learned similar practices and lessons and yet not through the journey and greatly appreciating the wisdom of someone ahead of me.
Even with a deeply rooted faith and trust in God, like Leeana, I still seem prone to quitting and growing weary over certain struggles. The way Leeana writes about and unpacks the book’s idea inspired by St. Benedict’s words, “Always we begin again” was incredibly encouraging and invigorating. As I read feelings of perpetual and long-lasting defeat began to slide off me, and hope, with the fresh starts that come with always beginning again, filled me.
This book helped me release hurts, especially those deep wounds carried for years, even those from childhood. And if that seems shocking to you, it was to me too – but it has been the sweetest, unexpected gift. The book certainly delivers on its message.
Overall Leeana’s writing is beautiful and refreshing. Opening her book and reading her words was like opening the window to a soul that has felt suffocating, enclosed, and confined and letting in some fresh air. She is vulnerable and humble, encouraging and real. Most of all her words are tender and soft making you, the reader, feel safe. Her writing style combined with her personal bravery, vulnerability, and humility will make you feel less alone and expectant. Leeana clearly has done deep soul work in her life and with the Lord and I’m so grateful she’s invited us in.
The stories and messages in this book have replaced my wounded spirit with a brave one, and I will forever be grateful to Leeana for bravely writing this book.
I can’t recommend this book enough for anyone who has been hurt in life and feels held captive or stuck in their hurt and longs to release their hurts and live a wholehearted life. It’s possible! And it’s a practice! And it’s one we begin again and again! This book will help you learn how to do this.
Favorite quotes:
“Ten, twenty, thirty years ago… you weren’t consulted. But because of the grace of free will, now you are. Now you get a chance to speak up and to lean in. It’s scared-sacred work: after all this time and all these layers and all those strategies, to move away the stones that entomb us in ourselves, to let the too-tight skins be removed, to be awakened, to begin again.” (P.73)
“The way we forgive ourselves, hang in there with ourselves, grieve and celebrate in the same breath is to… begin again… We love the idea of doing things once and for all, but this is not where meaning is found… We return—in what becomes a scared connection—to the mundane task, to the moment. And then we do it again. Over and over. Again. This is the raw material of our living. This is not insanity or hilarity or nuisance or idiocy. This is the task of humanity. To return. To reinvest. To breathe. To begin again. The focus is on the process, the participation, not the product. Ever.” (P. 155)
(I received a copy of this book through Revell Reads in exchange for my honest review).
What I found upon reading this book was a book even richer and deeper than I had imagined. I believe this is the result of having an author who has gone deep within herself and in this book generously shares her space and helps the reader create their own.
I found myself right in the middle of Leeana’s message, having learned similar practices and lessons and yet not through the journey and greatly appreciating the wisdom of someone ahead of me.
Even with a deeply rooted faith and trust in God, like Leeana, I still seem prone to quitting and growing weary over certain struggles. The way Leeana writes about and unpacks the book’s idea inspired by St. Benedict’s words, “Always we begin again” was incredibly encouraging and invigorating. As I read feelings of perpetual and long-lasting defeat began to slide off me, and hope, with the fresh starts that come with always beginning again, filled me.
This book helped me release hurts, especially those deep wounds carried for years, even those from childhood. And if that seems shocking to you, it was to me too – but it has been the sweetest, unexpected gift. The book certainly delivers on its message.
Overall Leeana’s writing is beautiful and refreshing. Opening her book and reading her words was like opening the window to a soul that has felt suffocating, enclosed, and confined and letting in some fresh air. She is vulnerable and humble, encouraging and real. Most of all her words are tender and soft making you, the reader, feel safe. Her writing style combined with her personal bravery, vulnerability, and humility will make you feel less alone and expectant. Leeana clearly has done deep soul work in her life and with the Lord and I’m so grateful she’s invited us in.
The stories and messages in this book have replaced my wounded spirit with a brave one, and I will forever be grateful to Leeana for bravely writing this book.
I can’t recommend this book enough for anyone who has been hurt in life and feels held captive or stuck in their hurt and longs to release their hurts and live a wholehearted life. It’s possible! And it’s a practice! And it’s one we begin again and again! This book will help you learn how to do this.
Favorite quotes:
“Ten, twenty, thirty years ago… you weren’t consulted. But because of the grace of free will, now you are. Now you get a chance to speak up and to lean in. It’s scared-sacred work: after all this time and all these layers and all those strategies, to move away the stones that entomb us in ourselves, to let the too-tight skins be removed, to be awakened, to begin again.” (P.73)
“The way we forgive ourselves, hang in there with ourselves, grieve and celebrate in the same breath is to… begin again… We love the idea of doing things once and for all, but this is not where meaning is found… We return—in what becomes a scared connection—to the mundane task, to the moment. And then we do it again. Over and over. Again. This is the raw material of our living. This is not insanity or hilarity or nuisance or idiocy. This is the task of humanity. To return. To reinvest. To breathe. To begin again. The focus is on the process, the participation, not the product. Ever.” (P. 155)
(I received a copy of this book through Revell Reads in exchange for my honest review).
April 6, 2019
I enjoyed the message of this book, but the execution was extremely lacking.
Begin Again is a non-fiction, Christian self-help book written by Leeana Tankersley taking stories from her life and noticing how she has chosen to live by the motto “begin again.”
Again, the message is great. Give your life over to Jesus, He will save you, and help you to start over when times are hard and you’re confused with life. I COMPLETELY agree. I’ve been dealing with some hard stuff and big decisions in the last year, and my newfound relationship with Christ has helped me in countless ways. I love being part of a church and reading my Bible; it’s been awesome, so I was really excited about this book because it seemed like I would be able to connect with it.
I was disappointed.
The writing style was just so unpolished that it took away from the purpose of the book for me. This read like a first draft written by a middle schooler. No offense to middle schoolers… a 40 year old woman with an English degree should definitely be able to write better than this.
The chapters were so short and choppy. The sentences were so simple that it made it difficult to read. Come on. You. Do. Not. Need. To. Put. Periods. After. Every. Three. Words. Get it together, honestly.
I am a word nerd. I LOVE sentence structure. Semi-colons are my favorite form of punctuation. The fact that I have a favorite form of punctuation should speak to the fact that I like books and reading. It just doesn’t make sense to me why you would write something so simplistic for the fact of emphasis. Complex sentences make the world-go-round, people!
Another thing that was confusing to me: Unnecessary Capitalization. Um. It makes no sense to me why the word ‘love’ was capitalized… for no reason. It wasn’t representative of anything. It was just the classic meaning of the word. Why does it need emphasis then? There were so many instances of this and it just makes no sense.
The way the stories and chapters were written was so confusing. She would start one story, then randomly jump to another thing, return but be going in a different direction. Bro. Chill out. Introduce the members of your family so I know what your kids’ names are. I don’t want to be confused the heck out about who Elle is in the second to last chapter! The thing with memoirs is that you need to be open about your life in order for them to be successful. I feel like I don’t know this woman because she didn’t explain ANYTHING about herself.
Maybe I’m just in a hypercritical mindset right now, but these are my thoughts. I would still give this a try if you enjoy Christian self-help books; go in with an open mind.
https://pointextaken.com/2019/04/07/r...
Aubrey Joy
Begin Again is a non-fiction, Christian self-help book written by Leeana Tankersley taking stories from her life and noticing how she has chosen to live by the motto “begin again.”
Again, the message is great. Give your life over to Jesus, He will save you, and help you to start over when times are hard and you’re confused with life. I COMPLETELY agree. I’ve been dealing with some hard stuff and big decisions in the last year, and my newfound relationship with Christ has helped me in countless ways. I love being part of a church and reading my Bible; it’s been awesome, so I was really excited about this book because it seemed like I would be able to connect with it.
I was disappointed.
The writing style was just so unpolished that it took away from the purpose of the book for me. This read like a first draft written by a middle schooler. No offense to middle schoolers… a 40 year old woman with an English degree should definitely be able to write better than this.
The chapters were so short and choppy. The sentences were so simple that it made it difficult to read. Come on. You. Do. Not. Need. To. Put. Periods. After. Every. Three. Words. Get it together, honestly.
I am a word nerd. I LOVE sentence structure. Semi-colons are my favorite form of punctuation. The fact that I have a favorite form of punctuation should speak to the fact that I like books and reading. It just doesn’t make sense to me why you would write something so simplistic for the fact of emphasis. Complex sentences make the world-go-round, people!
Another thing that was confusing to me: Unnecessary Capitalization. Um. It makes no sense to me why the word ‘love’ was capitalized… for no reason. It wasn’t representative of anything. It was just the classic meaning of the word. Why does it need emphasis then? There were so many instances of this and it just makes no sense.
The way the stories and chapters were written was so confusing. She would start one story, then randomly jump to another thing, return but be going in a different direction. Bro. Chill out. Introduce the members of your family so I know what your kids’ names are. I don’t want to be confused the heck out about who Elle is in the second to last chapter! The thing with memoirs is that you need to be open about your life in order for them to be successful. I feel like I don’t know this woman because she didn’t explain ANYTHING about herself.
Maybe I’m just in a hypercritical mindset right now, but these are my thoughts. I would still give this a try if you enjoy Christian self-help books; go in with an open mind.
https://pointextaken.com/2019/04/07/r...
Aubrey Joy
June 4, 2018
Author Leanna Tankersley leads us on a memoir-like path of healing in this important book. She shares with deep vulnerability about her quest to follow God with her whole heart and what she had to lay down in the process. She talks about trying too hard, numbing herself, surviving instead of thriving. By beginning again every morning during a healing season, she learned to face the truth about herself and lean into God’s truth instead.
Her stories are raw and rich. My heart felt heavy as she described a woman’s blistering criticism of her parenting in Target. When she described how she dealt with her needy little girl self, her feelings resonated perfectly with mine. I appreciate her bravery in facing the darkest places inside and coming out stronger in faith.
My favorite quotes:
“No matter what, God is holding me. He says: ‘You do not need to do more, fix yourself, or hold anything together. You just need to fall back into my grace, trade your trying for trust.'”
“That’s the lesson of Jacob: the limp is not a mark of failure; it is the mark of showing up.”
“Each and every one of us is an eligible receiver. I am eligible to receive wisdom, illumination, comfort, and counsel. These are not things I must wait for others to provide for me. These are things I can receive from God.”
“What are you asking to keep you safe that has no investment in your safety whatsoever?”
“God doesn’t grow weary of your winding path.”
Begin Again doesn’t fit neatly into any one category. It’s not an easy read, but it is a healing and hopeful one. If you’re looking for healing this summer, this book may be just what you need to help you begin again.
Thanks to Netgalley for a free preview copy of this book.
Her stories are raw and rich. My heart felt heavy as she described a woman’s blistering criticism of her parenting in Target. When she described how she dealt with her needy little girl self, her feelings resonated perfectly with mine. I appreciate her bravery in facing the darkest places inside and coming out stronger in faith.
My favorite quotes:
“No matter what, God is holding me. He says: ‘You do not need to do more, fix yourself, or hold anything together. You just need to fall back into my grace, trade your trying for trust.'”
“That’s the lesson of Jacob: the limp is not a mark of failure; it is the mark of showing up.”
“Each and every one of us is an eligible receiver. I am eligible to receive wisdom, illumination, comfort, and counsel. These are not things I must wait for others to provide for me. These are things I can receive from God.”
“What are you asking to keep you safe that has no investment in your safety whatsoever?”
“God doesn’t grow weary of your winding path.”
Begin Again doesn’t fit neatly into any one category. It’s not an easy read, but it is a healing and hopeful one. If you’re looking for healing this summer, this book may be just what you need to help you begin again.
Thanks to Netgalley for a free preview copy of this book.
November 22, 2021
quick read
Quick read, but really helpful! Lots of practical ideas to do in everyday life. I enjoyed the great ideas and the love of God.
Quick read, but really helpful! Lots of practical ideas to do in everyday life. I enjoyed the great ideas and the love of God.
April 16, 2018
Begin Again: The Brave Practice of Releasing Hurt & Receiving Rest by author Leeana Tankersley is a 182 page Christian Living/Women book which is followed by Acknowledgments, Notes, and Author information. The vividly colored cover with fuchsia colored flowers and large white lettering refuses to go unnoticed. It drew me in.
This is the first book I have read by author Tankersley, and I was very impressed. Her style of writing is very much to my liking. After reading a few pages it felt more like a chat. I was talking with a friend about our problems and what needed done. She was transparent about her challenges and life, but she didn’t linger over longer on them. The book was well written, easy to understand, well researched and organized. It had Scriptural references and was inspiring as well as encouraging. I felt refreshed after reading it. The author was genuine and to the point in her book. She wanted to be helpful and was. I gleaned things from “Begin Again”.
Based on a quote from St. Benedict, “Always we begin again.”, this book was written as encouragement for readers to trust God and begin again when dealing with trials in life. The author leads us to see God is with us every step of the way whether we are struggling with pain, day to day issues, marital problems or whatever the case might be. God is still there as we begin again and helps us with that. We are not alone and never stuck. Always we may begin again.
The author provides practical, useful tips and information to assist readers that want to start afresh. Her ideas are to get readers moving beyond the past and the hurt it carries. Relying on God and His plans for our future help us start over. She advises to begin again with God directing your way. None of us can do this on our own. Author Tankersley also says we must realize we have a hurt or pain, whether emotional, mental, or physical. Then we should call out for help. Wow! Easier said than done sometimes, but none of us can do all things alone. So, the author encourages us to begin again by trusting God. Recognizing there is pain and a problem that needs fixed is the starting point. Then she explains we need to realize what we are dealing with can be enormous, as in a move, new job, new relationship, or as small as accepting where we are, without regret. So we need to do the next tiny thing that moves us forward.
Readers are nudged to listen for God’s guidance as we change things and handle our life. Aren’t you glad God allows us to write our own stories and edit them every single day? I certainly am very thankful. Actually I am blessed He is there to help and show me what needs to be changed. We receive as many “do overs” as we need. Maybe we need one every morning. That’s okay. God offers them freely and generously. This book made me realize that more. It steered me toward the sunshine of God and today, and away from the gloom of yesterday and its regret and pain.
I gladly recommend this lovely, soul stirring book. It stepped on my toes in parts and gave insight on what I could do to change. Do this as a reading group! There are so many that will relate and love the chance to discuss and pray. At times I wondered how the author knew I needed to read just that particular message. Bet she had a little help from above, don’t you. Rating on this is definitely 5 out of 5 stars!
This is the first book I have read by author Tankersley, and I was very impressed. Her style of writing is very much to my liking. After reading a few pages it felt more like a chat. I was talking with a friend about our problems and what needed done. She was transparent about her challenges and life, but she didn’t linger over longer on them. The book was well written, easy to understand, well researched and organized. It had Scriptural references and was inspiring as well as encouraging. I felt refreshed after reading it. The author was genuine and to the point in her book. She wanted to be helpful and was. I gleaned things from “Begin Again”.
Based on a quote from St. Benedict, “Always we begin again.”, this book was written as encouragement for readers to trust God and begin again when dealing with trials in life. The author leads us to see God is with us every step of the way whether we are struggling with pain, day to day issues, marital problems or whatever the case might be. God is still there as we begin again and helps us with that. We are not alone and never stuck. Always we may begin again.
The author provides practical, useful tips and information to assist readers that want to start afresh. Her ideas are to get readers moving beyond the past and the hurt it carries. Relying on God and His plans for our future help us start over. She advises to begin again with God directing your way. None of us can do this on our own. Author Tankersley also says we must realize we have a hurt or pain, whether emotional, mental, or physical. Then we should call out for help. Wow! Easier said than done sometimes, but none of us can do all things alone. So, the author encourages us to begin again by trusting God. Recognizing there is pain and a problem that needs fixed is the starting point. Then she explains we need to realize what we are dealing with can be enormous, as in a move, new job, new relationship, or as small as accepting where we are, without regret. So we need to do the next tiny thing that moves us forward.
Readers are nudged to listen for God’s guidance as we change things and handle our life. Aren’t you glad God allows us to write our own stories and edit them every single day? I certainly am very thankful. Actually I am blessed He is there to help and show me what needs to be changed. We receive as many “do overs” as we need. Maybe we need one every morning. That’s okay. God offers them freely and generously. This book made me realize that more. It steered me toward the sunshine of God and today, and away from the gloom of yesterday and its regret and pain.
I gladly recommend this lovely, soul stirring book. It stepped on my toes in parts and gave insight on what I could do to change. Do this as a reading group! There are so many that will relate and love the chance to discuss and pray. At times I wondered how the author knew I needed to read just that particular message. Bet she had a little help from above, don’t you. Rating on this is definitely 5 out of 5 stars!
May 23, 2018
I have now read the book, listened (first) and I re-listened to parts of the book as well. In my reading on the kindle, I highlighted aspects and copied quotes into a notebook to review again and again. So I am editing my review.
Leanna Tankersley teaches us about ourselves by sharing her own introspection and process over her adult lifetime. She speaks therapeutically when she reminds us that it is our job (especially as women) to dialogue with ourselves as you would a friend, not an enemy. She shares that often our response to shame or to self is to treat yourself negatively, critically, but it really is important that we learn and remember how to treat me- and recognize we aren't failing, things are hard because things are hard,... So she shares how she searches for herself, in a move it forward manner, including looking at the source, her deeper belief, knowing she's made for more, to be well, and to follow God's voice. And to recognize that we often put ourselves in a cyclical pattern, instead of stepping forward in the next step of our journey.
Her approach to receiving rest- is one I wholeheartedly agree with- she quotes St. Augustine "Our heart is restless until we find rest in Thee." Then St. Benedictine- "Always we begin again." She sees this as the holiness of repetition. The *practice* of beginning again is a gift you give yourself.
This book uses terms and language that are counseling or therapy oriented, some religious and benedictine, and widely used, but can have different meanings, and one of the reasons I was drawn to this book. Phrases such as: "always begin again", "the practice", "listening" as a practice, being "centered", "be present", "hold space for myself" terms that I've not been raised with to have the same priority as they seem to have today, but she also uses key theology phrases (I think in the same way I learned them) to share what seems to be a biblical world or self view- like "seal", "rooted", "breathed new life", "love', "God's grace", "mercy",... so this is part of my process- knowing that I am understanding the concepts.
The author is sharing how she has learned that in life- it is necessary to 'begin again' often, but it's not as simple as saying 'redo' like we might do with our children on a morning when everything has been off. For adults who are growing, communing with our Great Creator and God, it's a bit more introspective than that. She combines the liturgy, spiritual practices, and then creates her own terms from her life experiences that she uses from that point on.
Not only must we 'begin again' but we must be willing to make sure we know we are 'held', 'sit in the truth', "eliminate the dead trees" that our blocking our view- we may need to "burn away" some raw edges, and put our big girl pants on (my term she has a more poetic way of discussing her inner 9 year old self) and face who we are, who we want to be, and how we may need to see ourselves differently with grace as we would a friend, so that we can move ahead, grow, and truly find rest in the Lord and in living this life. She speaks poetically (similar to Ann Voskamp at times, but her own flair for words.) Mixed with words or concepts from "prophets, monks, and mystics" like "choosing the opening up," 'held-ness", "sit in this truth", "feel centered and rooted and you will feel connected to God and to your own soul," words that could be concerning or viewed as new age, but I am learning that we are in an era, where we find language that researchers will use, that people before our time used, that are religious or soul terms, and it seems we are mixing this language into our faith based practices because perhaps this language can articulate clearer, that which is hard to express and is within us. So I admit, that's part of my uncomfortableness in hearing and reading this book. I'm working through the meaning and implications of the concepts being explained or revealed. But I'm recognizing that is a strength as I'm making this my own process and thoughts, and taking what perhaps on my own, I would never have found words to share.
My review is between I really liked it and it was amazing- because it's a book that draws you to think deeply (which makes it amazing in my thinking) but at times my own mind is too cluttered to really grasp all of the expressions and applications that the author used in her story telling, and I'm having to re-read and re-think as I internalize, and maybe that's an argument for marking it an 'amazing' book. Perhaps I need my own scale!
I'm still processing this book, and need to begin again-- as I listened to the book, and there are so many thoughts that if I were reading, I would re-read, take a note, process, etc. I have paused as I read to internalize, but this book I will listen to several more times I imagine. I was attracted to this book from the post on Ann Voskamp's blog, I was also interested as knowing that Shauna Niequist wrote the forward to it, and the title alone- it would have a language and feel that I've become familiar with through Brene Brown and Shauna Niequist books. The benedictine aspect intrigued me as I know that the liturgies and practices of old so often are still vital and essential.
I found this book more intentional, more biblically oriented than I expected. I sort of expected a level of cliche phrases that were pretty generic and undefined, and that is not what I got. I was so pleased to have "begin again" explained, modeled, evaluated and as well connected to truth. There are a few questions in my mind about some of Leanna's techniques to find herself, but that's real thinking and evaluating, so it is helpful.
The author and I are close to the same age- and I can envision her life easily and her attempts to embrace rest as well as releasing hurt-- it takes being brave- vulnerable-authentic and real and that's what I appreciate most-- her unguarded sharing of her learning and processing how to be herself and be the best person she truly is- all the time.
Thanks to my public library for the audio version of this book and to netgalley for an e-version to review and share my thoughts.
Leanna Tankersley teaches us about ourselves by sharing her own introspection and process over her adult lifetime. She speaks therapeutically when she reminds us that it is our job (especially as women) to dialogue with ourselves as you would a friend, not an enemy. She shares that often our response to shame or to self is to treat yourself negatively, critically, but it really is important that we learn and remember how to treat me- and recognize we aren't failing, things are hard because things are hard,... So she shares how she searches for herself, in a move it forward manner, including looking at the source, her deeper belief, knowing she's made for more, to be well, and to follow God's voice. And to recognize that we often put ourselves in a cyclical pattern, instead of stepping forward in the next step of our journey.
Her approach to receiving rest- is one I wholeheartedly agree with- she quotes St. Augustine "Our heart is restless until we find rest in Thee." Then St. Benedictine- "Always we begin again." She sees this as the holiness of repetition. The *practice* of beginning again is a gift you give yourself.
This book uses terms and language that are counseling or therapy oriented, some religious and benedictine, and widely used, but can have different meanings, and one of the reasons I was drawn to this book. Phrases such as: "always begin again", "the practice", "listening" as a practice, being "centered", "be present", "hold space for myself" terms that I've not been raised with to have the same priority as they seem to have today, but she also uses key theology phrases (I think in the same way I learned them) to share what seems to be a biblical world or self view- like "seal", "rooted", "breathed new life", "love', "God's grace", "mercy",... so this is part of my process- knowing that I am understanding the concepts.
The author is sharing how she has learned that in life- it is necessary to 'begin again' often, but it's not as simple as saying 'redo' like we might do with our children on a morning when everything has been off. For adults who are growing, communing with our Great Creator and God, it's a bit more introspective than that. She combines the liturgy, spiritual practices, and then creates her own terms from her life experiences that she uses from that point on.
Not only must we 'begin again' but we must be willing to make sure we know we are 'held', 'sit in the truth', "eliminate the dead trees" that our blocking our view- we may need to "burn away" some raw edges, and put our big girl pants on (my term she has a more poetic way of discussing her inner 9 year old self) and face who we are, who we want to be, and how we may need to see ourselves differently with grace as we would a friend, so that we can move ahead, grow, and truly find rest in the Lord and in living this life. She speaks poetically (similar to Ann Voskamp at times, but her own flair for words.) Mixed with words or concepts from "prophets, monks, and mystics" like "choosing the opening up," 'held-ness", "sit in this truth", "feel centered and rooted and you will feel connected to God and to your own soul," words that could be concerning or viewed as new age, but I am learning that we are in an era, where we find language that researchers will use, that people before our time used, that are religious or soul terms, and it seems we are mixing this language into our faith based practices because perhaps this language can articulate clearer, that which is hard to express and is within us. So I admit, that's part of my uncomfortableness in hearing and reading this book. I'm working through the meaning and implications of the concepts being explained or revealed. But I'm recognizing that is a strength as I'm making this my own process and thoughts, and taking what perhaps on my own, I would never have found words to share.
My review is between I really liked it and it was amazing- because it's a book that draws you to think deeply (which makes it amazing in my thinking) but at times my own mind is too cluttered to really grasp all of the expressions and applications that the author used in her story telling, and I'm having to re-read and re-think as I internalize, and maybe that's an argument for marking it an 'amazing' book. Perhaps I need my own scale!
I'm still processing this book, and need to begin again-- as I listened to the book, and there are so many thoughts that if I were reading, I would re-read, take a note, process, etc. I have paused as I read to internalize, but this book I will listen to several more times I imagine. I was attracted to this book from the post on Ann Voskamp's blog, I was also interested as knowing that Shauna Niequist wrote the forward to it, and the title alone- it would have a language and feel that I've become familiar with through Brene Brown and Shauna Niequist books. The benedictine aspect intrigued me as I know that the liturgies and practices of old so often are still vital and essential.
I found this book more intentional, more biblically oriented than I expected. I sort of expected a level of cliche phrases that were pretty generic and undefined, and that is not what I got. I was so pleased to have "begin again" explained, modeled, evaluated and as well connected to truth. There are a few questions in my mind about some of Leanna's techniques to find herself, but that's real thinking and evaluating, so it is helpful.
The author and I are close to the same age- and I can envision her life easily and her attempts to embrace rest as well as releasing hurt-- it takes being brave- vulnerable-authentic and real and that's what I appreciate most-- her unguarded sharing of her learning and processing how to be herself and be the best person she truly is- all the time.
Thanks to my public library for the audio version of this book and to netgalley for an e-version to review and share my thoughts.
April 22, 2018
I'm excited to share with you this new book by Leeana Tankersley, because it holds a host of wonderful wisdom. A few years ago I had the opportunity to attend a conference in Greenville, South Carolina, called Allume. It was at that conference that I had the pleasure of hearing Leeana speak...WOW! I knew then that I wanted to read her book. At that time the book that she had just finished writing was Breathing Room. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Breathing Room--under-lined words and phrases, and decided I would have to keep this book on my shelf for further reference. Because I do a lot of reading I can not hold on to all my books, however, Breathing Room was such a wonderful read that I had made it a permanent addition to my collection.
When I had the opportunity to be part of Leeana's lauch team for her new book Begin Again I immediately signed up to be apart of it. I was thrilled to receive my copy in the mail. Leeana writes to her audience as if we are one of her close friends. She shares openly and honestly with her readers.
Begin Again is Leeana's third book. After she finished writing Breathing Room she wrote Brazen. Although I haven't had time to read this one yet, I'm looking forward to reading it.
Leeana shares how the Rule of Saint Benedict--always we begin again--has become a lifeline for her. This life that we have been given has plenty of hardships, disappointments, mess-ups, and begin again moments. How comforting would it be if instead of feeling defeated or like a failure we remembered that we can begin again?
monk's teach how repetition--beginning again--is in essence a holy expression of life. Our culture is not big on beginning again, but what if this is the very thing that will help to bolster us into new life? What if this is in fact the way to rest--the soul drenching rest that our heart's desire? Leeana's book is divided up into four parts--Too Tight, Brave in the Becoming, Holy Awakening, and On the Other Side of Surrender.
Too Tight
We often know that the way we are doing life just isn't working, but still we hold on. Sometimes we have to let go--die--to what we know in order to begin again.
Forgive yourself for not knowing what you didn't know before you learned it. --Elisha Goldstein
Brave in the Becoming
We are going to have to let others come alongside us, if we ever hope to begin again the soul work that God has in store for us.
Holy Awakening
We know longer have to strive for the love of God, because we have always had it!
What has remained separated and unreachable will let itself be drawn into the love you have been able to receive. One day you will discover that your anguish is gone. It will leave you because your weakest self let itself be embraced by your love. --Henri Nouwen
On the Other Side of Surrender
When we offer our creating to God--whatever that looks like in our own lives--we remember who we and who he is. We remember that we are to take our place in the creation story. We remember that we were made to pour out. We were made to give ourselves back to him; this is how we find ourselves. --Leeana Tankersley.
I hope this review will wet your appetite for this book. Wonderful read--much to be gleaned from this book.
When I had the opportunity to be part of Leeana's lauch team for her new book Begin Again I immediately signed up to be apart of it. I was thrilled to receive my copy in the mail. Leeana writes to her audience as if we are one of her close friends. She shares openly and honestly with her readers.
Begin Again is Leeana's third book. After she finished writing Breathing Room she wrote Brazen. Although I haven't had time to read this one yet, I'm looking forward to reading it.
Leeana shares how the Rule of Saint Benedict--always we begin again--has become a lifeline for her. This life that we have been given has plenty of hardships, disappointments, mess-ups, and begin again moments. How comforting would it be if instead of feeling defeated or like a failure we remembered that we can begin again?
monk's teach how repetition--beginning again--is in essence a holy expression of life. Our culture is not big on beginning again, but what if this is the very thing that will help to bolster us into new life? What if this is in fact the way to rest--the soul drenching rest that our heart's desire? Leeana's book is divided up into four parts--Too Tight, Brave in the Becoming, Holy Awakening, and On the Other Side of Surrender.
Too Tight
We often know that the way we are doing life just isn't working, but still we hold on. Sometimes we have to let go--die--to what we know in order to begin again.
Forgive yourself for not knowing what you didn't know before you learned it. --Elisha Goldstein
Brave in the Becoming
We are going to have to let others come alongside us, if we ever hope to begin again the soul work that God has in store for us.
Holy Awakening
We know longer have to strive for the love of God, because we have always had it!
What has remained separated and unreachable will let itself be drawn into the love you have been able to receive. One day you will discover that your anguish is gone. It will leave you because your weakest self let itself be embraced by your love. --Henri Nouwen
On the Other Side of Surrender
When we offer our creating to God--whatever that looks like in our own lives--we remember who we and who he is. We remember that we are to take our place in the creation story. We remember that we were made to pour out. We were made to give ourselves back to him; this is how we find ourselves. --Leeana Tankersley.
I hope this review will wet your appetite for this book. Wonderful read--much to be gleaned from this book.
July 20, 2019
This book came into my life when I needed it, then I put it aside and slowly finished it. The main point was when things get crazy and overwhelming and you feel like a failure; take a pause and begin again. As she says, Breathe and begin again!!! I read a lot of this in the Lenten Season and it was like a straight message from God to me to hold on and move forward. God has plans He is reaching for you. A very God focused book, there were a few parts that drug on a bit.
"God's story is a narrative of emancipation. Here's the heart of it: what we thought was an ending may very well be a beginning. When the hissing in our ear tells us it's over. God whispers an opportunity. Here's a place we could start from, he says. Here's a rock bottom. Hooray. Let's see this for what it is: a possibility"(p.18).
"He says: You do not need to do more, fix yourself, or hold anything together. You just need to fall back into my grace, trade your trying for trust. Where you are broken and bruised is exactly the place, not in spite of that place, that I want to show you you're beautiful"(p. 35).
"It is just so much easier to cover, compensate, and control than to look right at the discomfort"(p. 49).
"I want someone else to validate my perception and my plan of action because, after all, I am not a reliable observer in my own life"(p. 55).
"You and I have an opportunity to offer something to ourselves that no one else can offer us. We get to decide if we will pick up the most unwieldy and needy parts of ourselves and bring them to God. Daily. Over and over again. And open ourselves up to his healing work. It is our decision. We decide if we will respond to his invitation or not"(p. 58).
"This is not about fixing ourselves. Alchemically, God will use our brokenness. He will come to us when we are hiding and scared. We don't have to be 'fixed-up' for God. He will come to us. And if he is coming to you, if he is putting a gentle pressure on your soul, what would it be like if not turn him away? That's all. Just turn toward him and be still an breathe and listen. That's all"(p.73).
"I feel embarrassed and exposed. Sometimes we don't jump right to naked and unashamed. We start with naked and ashamed and let God meet us there"(p.76).
"Grace is this: you have nothing to prove. Can you even imagine? You have nothing to prove. You have nothing to prove"(p. 119).
"Here's what it means to be human: I cannot see everything, I cannot know everything, I cannot be awake to everything. And it's OK. It doesn't mean I'm lost or worthless. It means I will forever be in need of God, of a guide (or two), of a great cloud of witnesses (in Target), of coffee in the kitchen table at 5 a.m. (also known as 'waiting for faraway things'), of surrendering to the invitation- even if it doesn't all make perfect sense (see the entire story of Gideon)"(p. 135).
"No matter how beautiful and epic and glorious life is right now, the sun goes down. And no matter how ugly and rejecting and hurtful life is right now, the sun comes up. Something about this saved me then and saves me now"(p. 165-166).
"God's story is a narrative of emancipation. Here's the heart of it: what we thought was an ending may very well be a beginning. When the hissing in our ear tells us it's over. God whispers an opportunity. Here's a place we could start from, he says. Here's a rock bottom. Hooray. Let's see this for what it is: a possibility"(p.18).
"He says: You do not need to do more, fix yourself, or hold anything together. You just need to fall back into my grace, trade your trying for trust. Where you are broken and bruised is exactly the place, not in spite of that place, that I want to show you you're beautiful"(p. 35).
"It is just so much easier to cover, compensate, and control than to look right at the discomfort"(p. 49).
"I want someone else to validate my perception and my plan of action because, after all, I am not a reliable observer in my own life"(p. 55).
"You and I have an opportunity to offer something to ourselves that no one else can offer us. We get to decide if we will pick up the most unwieldy and needy parts of ourselves and bring them to God. Daily. Over and over again. And open ourselves up to his healing work. It is our decision. We decide if we will respond to his invitation or not"(p. 58).
"This is not about fixing ourselves. Alchemically, God will use our brokenness. He will come to us when we are hiding and scared. We don't have to be 'fixed-up' for God. He will come to us. And if he is coming to you, if he is putting a gentle pressure on your soul, what would it be like if not turn him away? That's all. Just turn toward him and be still an breathe and listen. That's all"(p.73).
"I feel embarrassed and exposed. Sometimes we don't jump right to naked and unashamed. We start with naked and ashamed and let God meet us there"(p.76).
"Grace is this: you have nothing to prove. Can you even imagine? You have nothing to prove. You have nothing to prove"(p. 119).
"Here's what it means to be human: I cannot see everything, I cannot know everything, I cannot be awake to everything. And it's OK. It doesn't mean I'm lost or worthless. It means I will forever be in need of God, of a guide (or two), of a great cloud of witnesses (in Target), of coffee in the kitchen table at 5 a.m. (also known as 'waiting for faraway things'), of surrendering to the invitation- even if it doesn't all make perfect sense (see the entire story of Gideon)"(p. 135).
"No matter how beautiful and epic and glorious life is right now, the sun goes down. And no matter how ugly and rejecting and hurtful life is right now, the sun comes up. Something about this saved me then and saves me now"(p. 165-166).
April 3, 2018
I found it appropriate that I finished reading Leeanna Tankersley’s newest book, “Begin Again” a few minutes after midnight as the clock hands advanced into Easter. I found it fitting because Leeanna’s book has a consistent undercurrent of resurrection - the resurrection of the spiritual self on an “as needed” basis as part of one’s spiritual journey.
I thoroughly enjoyed her previous missive, “Brazen,” and it came across to me as a kind of personal manifesto. Leeanna has entered a completely new realm with “Begin Again.” It is about transformation!! She uses the experiences and phases of her life in an incredibly transparent and moving way to offer writing and content of great significance. I believe this is far and away her best writing, her richest content, and her most heart-gripping work.
She peels back the layers of her self and her faith journey, but never in a way to come across as though she has all the answers. She does offer unwavering encouragement and a reminder that nothing we do or don’t do will ever change the way God loves us, believes in us, and is there for us. Her writing constantly points to the One who has graced her - and is waiting to grace us as well.
Her mantra of “Begin Again” is tied directly to monastic thought, and she weaves the potential for how that might look in contemporary life with eloquence and surety. This book makes your heart breath more in rhythm with its Creator.
Leeanna’s filter is predominantly both female and stay-at-home mom, but it would be insulting to insinuate you must be either of those to benefit from what she shares. She passionately provides truths that transcend gender and place. I am a 59 year old male college professor, and found the book both riveting and enlightening.
Even before finishing “Begin Again” I was aware of the following: (1) this is a special book, (2) this book challenged me and changed me, (3) I will buy multiple copies to give to people I thought of as I read, (4) I will buy multiple copies to share with the college students I am blessed to teach, (5) I can truthfully say I consider this a must-read.
If there was any doubt prior to this book, in my mind and heart, Leeanna joins the pantheon of significant Christian writers to have greatly influenced my personal faith journey: Sarah Bessey, Rachel Held Evans, Nadia Bolz-Weber, Addie Zierman, Diana Butler Bass, Brene Brown, Glennon Doyle Melton, Jen Hatmaker, and Shauna Niequist.
If you’re looking for a book that presents real-life pain, suffering, struggles, and failures instead of pithy one-liners and “self-help” language, this is the book for you. I urge you to make a commitment to your heart, your faith, and your life - dive into this book and drink deeply from its well. Your spirit and your soul will find the time well spent, and I believe the partial template she provides to “Begin Again” is essential. The book also has some helpful suggestions from sources other than Leeanna in the Epilogue to consider as you ponder ways to put into practice the message provided.
I thoroughly enjoyed her previous missive, “Brazen,” and it came across to me as a kind of personal manifesto. Leeanna has entered a completely new realm with “Begin Again.” It is about transformation!! She uses the experiences and phases of her life in an incredibly transparent and moving way to offer writing and content of great significance. I believe this is far and away her best writing, her richest content, and her most heart-gripping work.
She peels back the layers of her self and her faith journey, but never in a way to come across as though she has all the answers. She does offer unwavering encouragement and a reminder that nothing we do or don’t do will ever change the way God loves us, believes in us, and is there for us. Her writing constantly points to the One who has graced her - and is waiting to grace us as well.
Her mantra of “Begin Again” is tied directly to monastic thought, and she weaves the potential for how that might look in contemporary life with eloquence and surety. This book makes your heart breath more in rhythm with its Creator.
Leeanna’s filter is predominantly both female and stay-at-home mom, but it would be insulting to insinuate you must be either of those to benefit from what she shares. She passionately provides truths that transcend gender and place. I am a 59 year old male college professor, and found the book both riveting and enlightening.
Even before finishing “Begin Again” I was aware of the following: (1) this is a special book, (2) this book challenged me and changed me, (3) I will buy multiple copies to give to people I thought of as I read, (4) I will buy multiple copies to share with the college students I am blessed to teach, (5) I can truthfully say I consider this a must-read.
If there was any doubt prior to this book, in my mind and heart, Leeanna joins the pantheon of significant Christian writers to have greatly influenced my personal faith journey: Sarah Bessey, Rachel Held Evans, Nadia Bolz-Weber, Addie Zierman, Diana Butler Bass, Brene Brown, Glennon Doyle Melton, Jen Hatmaker, and Shauna Niequist.
If you’re looking for a book that presents real-life pain, suffering, struggles, and failures instead of pithy one-liners and “self-help” language, this is the book for you. I urge you to make a commitment to your heart, your faith, and your life - dive into this book and drink deeply from its well. Your spirit and your soul will find the time well spent, and I believe the partial template she provides to “Begin Again” is essential. The book also has some helpful suggestions from sources other than Leeanna in the Epilogue to consider as you ponder ways to put into practice the message provided.
May 26, 2018
“Always we begin again.” This quote from St. Benedict is the inspiration for Revel author Leanna Tankersley’s newest release, “Begin Again.” Her last book, “Brazen,” became a very big inspiration in my life after it’s release in 2016. Now, only two years later, Leanna has written another book filled with inspiration and encouragement that I am positive will impact the lives of women of all ages.
There is something so very refreshing and life-giving about the words “begin again,” and, just as Leanna says, it offers us a chance to start over, whether it be daily or hourly, or every minute.
Do you struggle with forgiveness of yourself? Leanna offers words of wisdom and gentleness that can penetrate through regret and most importantly bring you into the loving arms of Christ. Do you ever feel very “young” and incapable when confronted with the challenges of daily life? Leanna offers us insight of how to move past reprimanding ourselves, and allow ourselves to be taken gently by the hand, and move our way out of feeling incompetent and toward knowing that we are cared for, and then living our lives from that knowledge of safety. Honestly, I could go on for pages of the many beautiful truths you will encounter within the pages of “Begin Again,” but I certainly will not be able to write it as she can, and so I will leave it for you to discover yourself.
Speaking of the writing style, this is perhaps what struck me most, even more than the actual concepts of “Begin Again.” The writing of this book will make you feel as if Leanna is not only right there with you, but holding your hand and ministering to you with the care, compassion, and gentleness that will inspire all of us as a reflection of God’s heart toward us.
If anything above resonated with you, I encourage to you pick up a copy of “Begin Again.” It is absolutely certain to inspire, encourage, and guide you on a path of what it means to truly move past our failed efforts and start over without all the striving, shame, and mistrust, and move into surrender, joy, and safety.
I received this book courtesy of Revell Publishing, in participation with a Revell Reads Blog Tour. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
There is something so very refreshing and life-giving about the words “begin again,” and, just as Leanna says, it offers us a chance to start over, whether it be daily or hourly, or every minute.
Do you struggle with forgiveness of yourself? Leanna offers words of wisdom and gentleness that can penetrate through regret and most importantly bring you into the loving arms of Christ. Do you ever feel very “young” and incapable when confronted with the challenges of daily life? Leanna offers us insight of how to move past reprimanding ourselves, and allow ourselves to be taken gently by the hand, and move our way out of feeling incompetent and toward knowing that we are cared for, and then living our lives from that knowledge of safety. Honestly, I could go on for pages of the many beautiful truths you will encounter within the pages of “Begin Again,” but I certainly will not be able to write it as she can, and so I will leave it for you to discover yourself.
Speaking of the writing style, this is perhaps what struck me most, even more than the actual concepts of “Begin Again.” The writing of this book will make you feel as if Leanna is not only right there with you, but holding your hand and ministering to you with the care, compassion, and gentleness that will inspire all of us as a reflection of God’s heart toward us.
If anything above resonated with you, I encourage to you pick up a copy of “Begin Again.” It is absolutely certain to inspire, encourage, and guide you on a path of what it means to truly move past our failed efforts and start over without all the striving, shame, and mistrust, and move into surrender, joy, and safety.
I received this book courtesy of Revell Publishing, in participation with a Revell Reads Blog Tour. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
April 4, 2018
It continually amazes me how a book can so align with the current circumstances in my life. God knows exactly what we need to read so that we stop, we grow, and take in His Word for change to occur.
And so it was when I opened the pages of Begin Again: The Brave Practice of Releasing Hurt & Receiving Rest by Leeana Tankersley.
The invitation fully opened and was embraced as the words were before me:
“You would be surprised how unaware you are of pain in your body until you take the time to acknowledge it.” (from page 50)
Having finally admitted I needed help with migraines, I had just returned with a prescription to relieve the pain I had been living with most days. The desire to begin again, to live without discomfort, had been recognized.
Leeana shares a quote by St. Benedict, “Always we begin again.” The moment we admit we need help, we need to let go, we need change – becomes the moment we begin again.
Every chapter is filled with experiences shared transparently, openly, extending God’s grace and truth. Leeana causes us to see that God is in every stress, every pain, every failure. He is always at work in our lives making each day a day to begin again.
“The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.” (Lamentations 3:22-23, NLT)
This book is a beautiful call to each of us to cease striving and to surrender to the call of God in our lives, which is as unique and individual as each of us.
This book breathed encouragement into my soul as I read each page. This life we have been given is a journey – a winding path – and our God journeys every step with us, alongside of us, and in us.
He calls to us to begin again each and every day.
Admitting we need help, much the way I accepted the help of a prescription for migraines, is the way we will discover St. Benedict was right when he wrote – “Always we begin again.”
** A copy of this book was provided in exchange for my honest review which was my joy to share.
And so it was when I opened the pages of Begin Again: The Brave Practice of Releasing Hurt & Receiving Rest by Leeana Tankersley.
The invitation fully opened and was embraced as the words were before me:
“You would be surprised how unaware you are of pain in your body until you take the time to acknowledge it.” (from page 50)
Having finally admitted I needed help with migraines, I had just returned with a prescription to relieve the pain I had been living with most days. The desire to begin again, to live without discomfort, had been recognized.
Leeana shares a quote by St. Benedict, “Always we begin again.” The moment we admit we need help, we need to let go, we need change – becomes the moment we begin again.
Every chapter is filled with experiences shared transparently, openly, extending God’s grace and truth. Leeana causes us to see that God is in every stress, every pain, every failure. He is always at work in our lives making each day a day to begin again.
“The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.” (Lamentations 3:22-23, NLT)
This book is a beautiful call to each of us to cease striving and to surrender to the call of God in our lives, which is as unique and individual as each of us.
This book breathed encouragement into my soul as I read each page. This life we have been given is a journey – a winding path – and our God journeys every step with us, alongside of us, and in us.
He calls to us to begin again each and every day.
Admitting we need help, much the way I accepted the help of a prescription for migraines, is the way we will discover St. Benedict was right when he wrote – “Always we begin again.”
** A copy of this book was provided in exchange for my honest review which was my joy to share.
May 21, 2018
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
About the Book:
What happens when life begins to trip us up and failure starts creeping in? Many of us just keep on doing the same thing, hoping for different results. Some of us look for escape, to find a way out of the mess we feel that we've created. But neither enduring nor escaping is ultimately what we need.
The answer is to allow ourselves to begin again, every day, in every part of our lives. Through engaging, lyrical prose, Leeana Tankersley shows women how to forgive themselves, develop new and healthier patterns of living, and do away with resentment and regret. Her life-giving words will free women who are feeling stuck and allow them to clear out the debris to make room for what God wants to do in their lives. To begin again is to open the window, even a crack, to let the breeze of grace come in. It is a call to stop running from our fears. To take one small step toward becoming the brave women we were made to be.
My Review:
As you grown older, you realize that your life has definitely not turned out like you had planned. If we are being honest with ourselves, I personally believe that a majority of us can say just that. God knows this for us way before we do and thats why we are to rely on Him during this difficult time of discovery and heartache but also a change in our direction or way of thinking.
God teaches us to forgive way beyond our wildest expectations. Forgive Him, forgive others, and finally forgive ourselves. It is a struggle sometimes to even keep looking up to Him because we are so depressed over what could of been.
The author takes us through her own journey and others' journey, as well. to a place of meeting Jesus in the middle and letting Him sort it all out. A great encouragement to women on this life's plane. Inspiring and helpful words that can teach us.
About the Book:
What happens when life begins to trip us up and failure starts creeping in? Many of us just keep on doing the same thing, hoping for different results. Some of us look for escape, to find a way out of the mess we feel that we've created. But neither enduring nor escaping is ultimately what we need.
The answer is to allow ourselves to begin again, every day, in every part of our lives. Through engaging, lyrical prose, Leeana Tankersley shows women how to forgive themselves, develop new and healthier patterns of living, and do away with resentment and regret. Her life-giving words will free women who are feeling stuck and allow them to clear out the debris to make room for what God wants to do in their lives. To begin again is to open the window, even a crack, to let the breeze of grace come in. It is a call to stop running from our fears. To take one small step toward becoming the brave women we were made to be.
My Review:
As you grown older, you realize that your life has definitely not turned out like you had planned. If we are being honest with ourselves, I personally believe that a majority of us can say just that. God knows this for us way before we do and thats why we are to rely on Him during this difficult time of discovery and heartache but also a change in our direction or way of thinking.
God teaches us to forgive way beyond our wildest expectations. Forgive Him, forgive others, and finally forgive ourselves. It is a struggle sometimes to even keep looking up to Him because we are so depressed over what could of been.
The author takes us through her own journey and others' journey, as well. to a place of meeting Jesus in the middle and letting Him sort it all out. A great encouragement to women on this life's plane. Inspiring and helpful words that can teach us.
April 1, 2019
This book was sent to me by Revell a division of Baker Publishing Group for me to read and give a review. I’ll be honest, other than the cover being beautiful, the title didn’t appeal to me at first. I didn’t think I would connect with the title and the words inside the book, but boy was I so wrong. I couldn’t put this book down. I love the way Leeana writes and several times while reading, it felt as if she had been inside my head, knew my thoughts and had written this book for me only. It is filled with highlighter marks on almost every page, which you know are signs of a good book. It’s quite possibly my favorite one of this Book Review Roundup; I even told someone that I would be reading this again, which I rarely ever read a book more than once. I don’t want to give any of this book away, but chances are if you are human and breathing, you have been hurt and this book is for you! But it’s more than just about releasing hurt and receiving rest as the title of the book suggests, it’s about practices that will help push you forward. I am simply at a lack for words to adequately describe how this book has ministered so deeply to my soul. This one gets 5 stars…make sure you grab a copy!!
“He (God) would rather I engage than escape, rather I wrestle than numb. That’s the lesson of Jacob: the limp is not a mark of failure; it is the mark of showing up…I have wanted to be rescued in my life. I have wanted someone to come in and do the hard work for me. But in those dark early hours of twilight, God comes to me and says, ‘You and I must do the wrestling if you are to believe that I am love. No one else. You are the one you have been waiting for.’ I may always walk with a limp as a result of this wrestling; but the limp is my mark of bravery, of engaging instead of escaping.”
“He (God) would rather I engage than escape, rather I wrestle than numb. That’s the lesson of Jacob: the limp is not a mark of failure; it is the mark of showing up…I have wanted to be rescued in my life. I have wanted someone to come in and do the hard work for me. But in those dark early hours of twilight, God comes to me and says, ‘You and I must do the wrestling if you are to believe that I am love. No one else. You are the one you have been waiting for.’ I may always walk with a limp as a result of this wrestling; but the limp is my mark of bravery, of engaging instead of escaping.”
October 22, 2018
Title: Begin Again
Author: Leeana Tankersley
Genre: Nonfiction, Christian, Self-Help,
Plot: When you are stuck in a place in your life where you feel you have hit rock bottom and there's nothing else around except for some rocks and a hard place, life can seem pretty down. Nothing ever works out for you and the past just keeps hanging around, dragging you down and burdening you with its unbearable weight and pocketfuls of regret and despair. But there's still hope. A very tiny thin stream of hope to light the way. All you need to do is be brave enough to reach out and touch it.
Having been through her own hard times, author Leeana Tankersley shows us how to be brave enough to grasp that thread of hope and begin again, drawing ourselves out of our personal pits of despair and leaving behind the past with its pain, regret and darkness. When we begin again, we can finally let go and rest in peace without all the anxiety and inner torment we've been dealing with for so long. And that is well worth it.
Likes/Dislikes: Admittedly, I took a shot at reading this because the cover was pretty and it sounded very intriguing. I've been in some tight places and have spent the last year and a half or so reshaping my life and changing it. So this sounded like the perfect book for me. Unfortunately or fortunately, I was already past the point where this book would've been necessary and I found it to be a bit stale and repetitive instead of helpful. But that is just me. All around, a pretty solid book.
Rating: PG-15 and up, mainly for reading level.
Date Review Written: October 21st, 2018
I received a copy of this book courtesy of the publishers for my honest opinion. I wasn't required to write a positive review and the opinions expressed in the above review are my own.
Author: Leeana Tankersley
Genre: Nonfiction, Christian, Self-Help,
Plot: When you are stuck in a place in your life where you feel you have hit rock bottom and there's nothing else around except for some rocks and a hard place, life can seem pretty down. Nothing ever works out for you and the past just keeps hanging around, dragging you down and burdening you with its unbearable weight and pocketfuls of regret and despair. But there's still hope. A very tiny thin stream of hope to light the way. All you need to do is be brave enough to reach out and touch it.
Having been through her own hard times, author Leeana Tankersley shows us how to be brave enough to grasp that thread of hope and begin again, drawing ourselves out of our personal pits of despair and leaving behind the past with its pain, regret and darkness. When we begin again, we can finally let go and rest in peace without all the anxiety and inner torment we've been dealing with for so long. And that is well worth it.
Likes/Dislikes: Admittedly, I took a shot at reading this because the cover was pretty and it sounded very intriguing. I've been in some tight places and have spent the last year and a half or so reshaping my life and changing it. So this sounded like the perfect book for me. Unfortunately or fortunately, I was already past the point where this book would've been necessary and I found it to be a bit stale and repetitive instead of helpful. But that is just me. All around, a pretty solid book.
Rating: PG-15 and up, mainly for reading level.
Date Review Written: October 21st, 2018
I received a copy of this book courtesy of the publishers for my honest opinion. I wasn't required to write a positive review and the opinions expressed in the above review are my own.
May 30, 2018
Recently we have followed Gods' lead into some great unknowns and we are feeling quite 'set up' to (have to?) embrace beginning again, again. So to sit in the silence, to pause and to pray, and then to find the gift of this book, filled with words and wisdom that are gifts as well... it doesn't take a prophetic gifting to see that God is up to something here!
Insight... Confirmation... Assurance... All of that, yes! Yes and Amen!
To be honest, I have started to read Brazen a few times on my Kindle, but I am pretty sure that is a book I need to HOLD in my HANDS... so I had heard of Leeana but I hadn't really gotten to know her voice or her story. What I loved about this new release is that I didn't feel like I was behind... I didn't feel like I needed a bunch of backstories and yet, even though she is completely honest and transparent, I also didn't feel like I was reading someone's private journals. This is beautiful and skillfully written in a way that invites the Holy Spirit in, and invites us to see how He is working in us, as we read about how He was working in the writer.
This is a #MeToo book in all the best ways! I mean, who among us hasn't felt stuck, restless, shut down, or shelved? Who among us hasn't wondered if we were banished to the dark, unable --ungifted, unfit to start over?
From her honest personal stories to great quotes and Scriptures, Leeana guides us along a firm foundation as we go from grasping in the dark to moving towards the Light. She welcomes us to embrace dawn... and the every day invitation to Begin Again.
(Full review available on my blog at www.karrilee.com)
Insight... Confirmation... Assurance... All of that, yes! Yes and Amen!
To be honest, I have started to read Brazen a few times on my Kindle, but I am pretty sure that is a book I need to HOLD in my HANDS... so I had heard of Leeana but I hadn't really gotten to know her voice or her story. What I loved about this new release is that I didn't feel like I was behind... I didn't feel like I needed a bunch of backstories and yet, even though she is completely honest and transparent, I also didn't feel like I was reading someone's private journals. This is beautiful and skillfully written in a way that invites the Holy Spirit in, and invites us to see how He is working in us, as we read about how He was working in the writer.
This is a #MeToo book in all the best ways! I mean, who among us hasn't felt stuck, restless, shut down, or shelved? Who among us hasn't wondered if we were banished to the dark, unable --ungifted, unfit to start over?
From her honest personal stories to great quotes and Scriptures, Leeana guides us along a firm foundation as we go from grasping in the dark to moving towards the Light. She welcomes us to embrace dawn... and the every day invitation to Begin Again.
(Full review available on my blog at www.karrilee.com)
April 7, 2018
When the middle is real, and the ending seems even more real, it seems impossible to begin again. Leena invites anyone who is curious, skeptical, and searching to try beginning again every day. Starting, believing, and trusting again is not a one-time decision, it is a practice. A practice of surrender and walking through the door in the wall saying yes to what is facing us now instead of what was there yesterday. Dropping the old weight and picking up a holy surrender; the practice of beginning again. Taking care of the soul and embracing the art of soulful rest. This book shook up my heart in the best way. I think this is Leena’s most vulnerable and honest book to date, and am so thankful she embraced beginning again and pursues it in her life, so that I could lean in and listen to the whisper of promise
Beginning again is something I know well. This book reminded me that to begin I must surrender and in that surrender I will find life, it may look mundane or open up into a brand new adventure. No matter the context, beginning is daily as the sunrises rises I have another chance to start from scratch again.
To anyone who is searching, scared, and worn down by your weights, this book is a beautiful invitation. I encourage you to read it and see if Begin Again is for your today and if not, maybe it is for your tomorrow.
Beginning again is something I know well. This book reminded me that to begin I must surrender and in that surrender I will find life, it may look mundane or open up into a brand new adventure. No matter the context, beginning is daily as the sunrises rises I have another chance to start from scratch again.
To anyone who is searching, scared, and worn down by your weights, this book is a beautiful invitation. I encourage you to read it and see if Begin Again is for your today and if not, maybe it is for your tomorrow.
April 26, 2018
Ah, that cover. Begin Again: The Brave Practice Of Releasing Hurt and Receiving Rest has one of the prettiest covers. So vibrant..beautiful. It's lured me in.
So...overall theme of this book. God is love. When you figure that out...when you really truly believe that then you can move mountains..then you can open your hear to the self help, the motivation, the blessings that can free you of the hurts and pains of the past. That's my summary...based on what I took from this book. It's not a large book..so you'd assume there's not much more of that message or any others. Not true..there is more. Great quotes, snippets of good solid advice, mantras you can take with you on your daily missions in life, easy enough thoughts to remember and remind yourself to strive for daily. I have not read author Leeana Tankersley's previous book Begin Again but I am certainly going to now. And then I might revisit this book and all the notes I took from it because it's necessary as a continuous guidance throughout my daily life.
Thanks as always to the great people of goodreads, to Leanna Tankersley, and to Fleming H. Revell Company for my free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review to which I gladly and voluntarily gave.
So...overall theme of this book. God is love. When you figure that out...when you really truly believe that then you can move mountains..then you can open your hear to the self help, the motivation, the blessings that can free you of the hurts and pains of the past. That's my summary...based on what I took from this book. It's not a large book..so you'd assume there's not much more of that message or any others. Not true..there is more. Great quotes, snippets of good solid advice, mantras you can take with you on your daily missions in life, easy enough thoughts to remember and remind yourself to strive for daily. I have not read author Leeana Tankersley's previous book Begin Again but I am certainly going to now. And then I might revisit this book and all the notes I took from it because it's necessary as a continuous guidance throughout my daily life.
Thanks as always to the great people of goodreads, to Leanna Tankersley, and to Fleming H. Revell Company for my free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review to which I gladly and voluntarily gave.
April 5, 2018
It was the cover that drew me in first. As soon as I held this book in my hands, though, I was beyond excited to begin reading. Before long, my highlighters and pencils flew out, and I was underlining, making notes, and checking my own heart. The words are beautiful, poetic, and candid.
What makes Begin Again different from the many books on similar subjects that have come before is, 1) the quality of organization. There is no repetition of the same ideas, disorganized flow of thought, or other such annoying distracting things. We receive concise, expertly phrased ideas that offer an opportunity to linger over the words. In this, Begin Again deserves careful, slow reading (the best kind, of course). 2) the quality of writing. Tankersley’s words are beautiful, poetic, and candid, literally making this a page-turner. 3) limited personal stories, and more practical ideas. I personally find long narratives in my non-fiction Christian Living books annoying. I was so glad the author used only what was needed to make her point.
I found this truly a refreshing, encouraging read. It pointed out many thought patterns and habits I have that I need to get rid of.
Highly, highly recommended!!
What makes Begin Again different from the many books on similar subjects that have come before is, 1) the quality of organization. There is no repetition of the same ideas, disorganized flow of thought, or other such annoying distracting things. We receive concise, expertly phrased ideas that offer an opportunity to linger over the words. In this, Begin Again deserves careful, slow reading (the best kind, of course). 2) the quality of writing. Tankersley’s words are beautiful, poetic, and candid, literally making this a page-turner. 3) limited personal stories, and more practical ideas. I personally find long narratives in my non-fiction Christian Living books annoying. I was so glad the author used only what was needed to make her point.
I found this truly a refreshing, encouraging read. It pointed out many thought patterns and habits I have that I need to get rid of.
Highly, highly recommended!!
April 3, 2018
Leeana's book is inspired by the line from St. Benedict, "Always we begin again." She explains that it can be both enormous — as in a new job, new relationship, new move to a new city — and as incremental as just accepting where you are, without regret, and doing the next tiny thing that moves you forward.
In her friendly, conversational style she shares personal snapshots of her life with three young children and the everyday challenges and emotional hurdles she encounters that threaten to steal her peace, rob her joy and intimidate her into giving up.
I love that her chapters are short but substantive, with her unique perspective to look for the rich layers beneath our experiences to search out the truths and subtleties that we tend to overlook when we're stressed or challenged. The book is both inspirational and encouraging, with practical tips at the conclusion to help readers get unstuck, move beyond past hurts and emotional pain and take the initiative to begin again with a fresh passion to engage in life's rich opportunities.
In her friendly, conversational style she shares personal snapshots of her life with three young children and the everyday challenges and emotional hurdles she encounters that threaten to steal her peace, rob her joy and intimidate her into giving up.
I love that her chapters are short but substantive, with her unique perspective to look for the rich layers beneath our experiences to search out the truths and subtleties that we tend to overlook when we're stressed or challenged. The book is both inspirational and encouraging, with practical tips at the conclusion to help readers get unstuck, move beyond past hurts and emotional pain and take the initiative to begin again with a fresh passion to engage in life's rich opportunities.
May 17, 2018
I have finished this book and it has touched so many places in my life...it is so me in many areas...my best friend invited me to go to women's retreat through her church because she said it was what I needed...I have always wanted to go to one but couldn't afford and she blessed me by helping me afford to come on this one...anyways during our free time after we returned to room before final evening service I laid across my bed and read, I took a page and a half notes from chapter 14...it is so me and so true, then we went down for service and the message given by our speaker was almost exactly what God was telling me in reading..."give the hurt, broken little girl in the 0 to 20 age range to God so he can heal her, protect her, provide her needs and you can start making decisions with the correct age range you're at instead of making them through her (the broken 0-20 year old) ......let your past collide with your present so your future can shine the way God has planned....remember the orphan Esther being raised by her uncle....who God gave the ability for her to help save her people....even she had to be reminded of whom she was at one point...and she boldly went before the king with the knowledge of she may be killed but standing for God...standing for what God wants is worth the cost.Father, Abba, Lord Thank You for putting in my vision this book to help open my eyes to the message you were preparing my ears to hear and for the power of pray and grace of on going mercy and love, forgiveness, power to change our future by letting go and letting God....for the much needed renewal of truth and my first ever experience of letting my little girl be placed in your care and the multiple times ability to recognize when she's returning and handing her back to you because you have this ....you strengthen and grow me as I release her to your care...I feel your holy presence so much deeper and I give you the honor and glorification of the changes brought forth and on going in my life....may your glory shine so bright that when people look at me they see only you/your light....amen #beginagainlaunchteam #leannatankersley #gritandglitter
November 30, 2018
I can't say what I was thinking when I accepted this book for review, only that it sounded interesting. If you are busy, anything that encourages rest sounds good right? I did listen to this book on audio. And I am no stranger of starting over, beginning again. It seems that I have been doing that in one form or another my entire life. And along with that came the weight that at some point I should have my stuff together. Even when I thought that I did.
This book was like sitting down to have coffee (or in my case hot chocolate) with a friend. I found myself nodding along, and seeing parts of myself reflected back at me. This was a book that read at just the right time. It stripped away all of the stuff and got done to the heart of the matter, the weight that we carry that keeps us from moving forward. And the truth that it's okay and necessary to begin again. To not stay stuck in whatever we are in.
>I invite you to pick up this book and find rest. I hope it gives you the strength and encouragement that you need to Begin Again.
This book was like sitting down to have coffee (or in my case hot chocolate) with a friend. I found myself nodding along, and seeing parts of myself reflected back at me. This was a book that read at just the right time. It stripped away all of the stuff and got done to the heart of the matter, the weight that we carry that keeps us from moving forward. And the truth that it's okay and necessary to begin again. To not stay stuck in whatever we are in.
>I invite you to pick up this book and find rest. I hope it gives you the strength and encouragement that you need to Begin Again.
March 29, 2018
Begin Again
The Brave Practice of Releasing Hurt and Receiving Rest
by Leeana Tankersley
Revell
Christian
Pub Date 03 Apr 2018
I am reviewing a copy of Begin Again through Revell and Netgalley:
When life begins to trip and fail us and failure starts to creep in many of us keep on doing whatever we are doing somehow hoping for different results. Or we look for an escape, a way out of the mess we created for ourselves.
In Begin Again we are reminded that there are ways we can get through these times have a talk with God every morning about what he wants us to do for the day and write what he puts on our heart down.
We are reminded that we need to allow ourselves to Begin Again, everyday in all aspects of our lives. Leanna Tankersley shows women how to forgive themselves and develop patterns of living with lyrical prose.
We are reminded too that there is a difference from believing and bullying.
I give Begin Again five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
April 3, 2018
This book met me at the exact time when I needed to begin again but wasn't excited about the prospect. Leeana meets the reader where they are and brings them along on a gentle journey to understanding how beginning again isn't a failure but a grace that is given daily. Her words are kind and soft, never condemning. I could relate to her examples and often found myself underlining nuggets of wisdom. She makes releasing what doesn't serve us, the hurts and ways we talk down to ourselves, attainable and offers rest as a daily practice to love ourselves instead.
I would recommend this book for anyone who is needing to start over or who needs a reminder that beginning doesn't mean you are failing. This isn't a how-to book with 12 steps. This is more of an invitation to a change in perspective and the journey is gentle and slow. Enter the pages with an open mind and heart, and see what you find on the other side.
I would recommend this book for anyone who is needing to start over or who needs a reminder that beginning doesn't mean you are failing. This isn't a how-to book with 12 steps. This is more of an invitation to a change in perspective and the journey is gentle and slow. Enter the pages with an open mind and heart, and see what you find on the other side.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews