It&#x27;s All Under Control: A Journey of Letting Go, Hanging On, and Finding a Peace You Almost Forgot Was Possible

I used to think I had it all under control, yet physical symptoms of stress, anxiety and fear began to take hold.. I cried out to God and He opened my eyes to Jesus.. the burden was lifted and faith took hold... Jennifer Dukes Lee takes us on her journey, leaving behind lessons learned.. join her as she walks you to peace in Him...

Amy

141 reviews8 followers

I believe that certain books enter your lives at the exact precise moment God knows you need to hear that message. It's All Under Control was that book. As I read, I couldn't help but feel like Jennifer was in my head, reading my thoughts :) Every word seemed to hit a moment I was experiencing in my life.

As women, regardless of what stage of life we are in, we pile on too much and feel a need to control it all....out of love. What we don't realize is, we don't need to do this! Someone else, mightier than us, is in control!

The realism of her experiences and advice make Jennifer a type of old friend that we all need. Her truths and messages from God are what gives us comfort and laughter. She is so raw in this book and helps us realize, as women, we don't have to carry it all or worry about it all. Our God has it under control!

Simone

1 review

It’s All Under Control came at a time in my life where I have really been dealing with letting go of control of my emotions, being over booked and overwhelmed and mostly feeling like I was drowning. Jennifer wrote these words for those of us that need encouragement but for those of us to encourage others that we are not alone. So many great reminders that I have highlighted and underlined. I plan to read over again.

Alicia Hollis

1 review1 follower

I haven't finished this book yet, but already it has been so helpful to me! It helped me realize that my feelings are normal and I'm not the only one who feels like life is out of control when I'm trying so hard to keep it all together! I have a tendency to feel responsible for things that are not my responsibility. This book is helping me figure out which things were given to me by God and which ones are burdens I put on myself. I can't wait to finish it!

Stacy Myers

196 reviews162 followers

December 14, 2022

I’m a recovering control freak. For years I lived in the space of “get more done in less time. All alone. By myself.” During that time, I probably wouldn’t have been able to hear the message of this book - God has it all under control. Not me. I am not the Christ. I DEPEND on Him for every breath I take and every decision. He is in control.
When I let go of that (and let’s be honest, that’s a daily battle), that’s when we can truly start living.

I’m now praying: Lord, help me do whatever you say. Help me not be afraid. Lead me and my family in your path. Show us how to walk with you today.

Five stars for this one isn’t enough.

Maddie Dumas

Author 1 book4 followers

September 25, 2018

How many times can I say “I needed this”? I just about depleted the ink in my highlighter. I loved the analogies and the anecdotes that hit home. I’m hopeful to reprogram my brain to go to God with my plans before I make them. It is all under control- God’s control. And I can’t find rest until I realize that and make it a practice in my life. Women- read this!

Susan Bricker

76 reviews10 followers

I love when God leads you to the perfect book in His perfect timing. Jennifer Dukes Lee brought that book in “It’s All Under Control” and I loved it! Jennifer writes in an easy to read, faith-filled, raw, authentic way and she sprinkles it with laugh out loud humor. I felt like I was sitting across from her as we shared a cup of coffee together.

Jennifer Dukes Lee shares how control had become a coping mechanism to numb herself from the pain of life. She discusses the unhealthy affects control has upon us and how it can break us down, piece by piece. There’s a cost to control. This quote by Jennifer summed it all up for me. “I can’t begin to tell you how I willingly withstand the pressure of believing I have to be “in control,” reliable, on top of all things—and how often that self-pressure completely breaks me. I’ve learned to hide the fractured debris of my overworked life.” This resonated with me on so many levels!

I couldn’t put the book down! I highlighted and journaled my way through the powerful truths and nuggets of wisdom. Jennifer Dukes Lee gently guides the reader through her Crack the Control Code plan and accepting the invitation from Jesus to live our lives in a new way. I say yes to Jesus because everything in my life is not fine, even though I tell everyone it is, including myself. It’s All Under Control is about getting our control, under control, surrender, and accepting God’s best for us.

I loved Jennifer’s description of surrender, “Surrender is willfully accepting and yielding to God’s plan for your life—no matter the cost.” It’s about being who God created us to be, living intentionally, and finding the peace we all long for.

I had so many “me too” and “aha” moments throughout the book. I experienced revelation, introspection, and hope of being able to untangle myself from unhealthy control. This quote by Jennifer Dukes Lee drove it all home for me, “I want depth but I stay stuck in the shallows—because I’m strung so thin. My desire to love well is why I say yes too often.” Yes, and Amen!

Jennifer walks alongside the reader as she shares her personal stories. I love the Bible verses, characters, and stories she shares throughout the book. “It’s All Under Control’ has useful tools to implement the Crack the Control Code plan; The Three Control Characters, The Decision Tree, and a Control Code Continuum. They are all highly effective and easy to follow.

“It’s All Under Control” is a must-read for so many reasons. I absolutely love Jennifer’s beautiful, honest, and engaging writing style. I’m confident this book will speak to the hearts and souls of other women as it did me.

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RebeccaLynn

7 reviews1 follower

Is it really all under control? When your plans hit a roadblock? When a friendship fails? When your child is hurting? When God says no, or not now, or nothing at all? When the phone rings and the lab results are in?

I have faced all of these struggles recently — even now. Trust me when I say life certainly hasn’t felt under control. I’ve also discovered that laundry, housework, soccer games, hungry kids, and a healthy marriage don’t suddenly clean, drive, feed, or maintain themselves just because the rest of your life is crazy-busy.

So when I joined the launch team for Jennifer Dukes Lee’s newest book, It’s All Under Control: A Journey of Letting Go, Hanging On, and Finding a Peace You Almost Forgot Was Possible, I came in with a fair share of skepticism and a whole lot of hope. I wanted to know if this bold statement could really be true.

What I discovered in less than 300 pages of some of the best writing and even better advice I’ve ever read, is that yes, it truly is all under control, and in ways I never expected to see or understand.

Jennifer writes with a beautiful, witty, and authentic voice. Be forewarned: Do NOT read this book while sipping on your favorite beverage at the local coffee shop. Seriously, I nearly laughed a latte straight out my nose. There, you’ve been warned.

This book isn’t about quick fixes or complicating our already-crazy lives with another dozen ways to find Pinterest-perfect-peace. Is there such a thing? It’s about understanding the WHY of our over-burdened, peace-starved, crazy-busy lives and offering practical, biblical ways to turn our crazy into Christ’s best.

Each chapter ends with a “Cracking the Control Code” summary which offers helpful scriptures and ways to break cycles that keep us spinning. I also loved discovering my Control Character (Devoter/Darling here!) and all of the free resources in the book and available for download on Jennifer’s website.

I went into this book thinking I was all alone in my crazy-busy life. What I discovered is not only are there other crazy-busy women just like me (yes, even that crazy) but also that even though our burdens may not be fully taken away, they don’t have to overcome us. There is a way to turn our crazy-busy into discovering God’s best.

**As part of the launch team for It’s All Under Control, I received an Advanced Reader’s Copy (ARC) of the book in return for my honest review.

Lynn Morrissey

1 review2 followers

Lynn D. Morrissey:
I love everything Jennifer Dukes Lee writes, and her latest book, It’s All Under Control, is no exception! It’s not about time management or even life management, but a good God who manages to offer us purpose and peace in the midst of life’s demands. Because *He* has it all under control, and because He loves us, we can trust Him without taking things into our own hands. With her trademark transparency, Jennifer combines personal story-telling with practical counsel from God’s Word. She shows us how she lived under the illusion that not only should she control her circumstances, but that she *could.* In her genuine desire to serve others, she thought she alone had to carry the weight of the world. Then one day Jesus invited her to let Him take control, and she started to take her directions from Him. And that’s the day that everything changed. God showed her what to “do, delegate, and dismiss,” and she was finally freed from relentless busyness to engaging only in what He deemed best. She continued to use her God-given gifts in serving others and doing what she loved, just more selectively. And when she released to others those things that were not God’s “assignment” for her, she enabled people to shine for Him themselves. Though I’m past the career stage in life and my daughter is grown, I still need Jennifer’s wisdom more than ever! I want to make a significant difference in my remaining years, and I do not want to hinder God’s plan for my life. So I’m following Jennifer’s example, by surrendering the reins to Him, allowing Him alone to reign over my life. The result? He’s raining down the best blessings of peace, purpose, and power to live a life that pleases Him and helps others. I highly recommend this book. Buy it, but also buy extra copies for family and friends. They’ll need it. Help them transform their “busy” to their “best,” God’s way. What a difference you and they will make in our over-bustling, overwhelmed, and over-burdened world!

Jana

18 reviews

As soon as I heard about this book, I wanted to read it, and it did not disappoint! You don't have to be a full-on control freak to benefit from it. The chapters that resonated most with me were "Awesome" (I don't have to be awesome all the time!) And "Rest."

Here are a few of my favorite quotes:

"...it took me years to see how I’d built a new identity around my ministry work. One form of work perhaps looked holier than the other, but in both cases, I found myself experiencing a case of mistaken identity— estimating my worth based on my usefulness."

"...don’t let your worth be tied to how well you come through for people. Don’t let your motivation be “I have to do this, or no one else will.” ... Our robust inner control freaks will feel the external pressure to say yes because we don’t want to disappoint anyone.... But look, [when your identity is in Jesus], your essential self will step out from behind all of that productivity to say, “Here I am, the disciple whom Jesus keeps on loving, no matter what.” Even if you disappoint someone."

"The busier you are, the more you need to rest.... You don’t need to quit everything; you need a break so you can refuel.... It’s true: A lack of adequate rest can hinder your creativity and ability to tackle your workload."

I want to re-read it again and discuss it with a couple good friends. I think this book - If we really take its message into our real lives - could be life-changing. And incredibly freeing!

Lynn Mullis-Timmons

3 reviews1 follower

First page in and I think they've written this about me! 😮💜
Those were my first thoughts and I shared them on social media. This quote rang true and I was only in the first chapter.

"She is tired, yes, but she doesn’t know how to stop. This is what she does—she keeps it all under control, and she is under control, thank you very much. Smiling, even in the trenches. And always, fine, just fine. “I got this,” she says. And a lot of people believe her. But she doesn’t “got” this. Her outward fine does not match her inner fatigue."

While I read this book I was finalizing 8+ months on a energy, life, and emotionally draining project for work. I was hanging on and in control. By a thread or maybe an eyelash. As I read this book about turning control over to the Lord and struggling with just that in a big way, God spoke to my heart. He already has it under control and my help wasn't required.

I recommend It's All Under Control to every control freak I know. Jennifer breaks it down for us in a truly relatable manner and she too struggles. I'm looking forward to continuing with the Bible study next.

Rebecca

5 reviews6 followers

September 18, 2018

Have you ever felt so "crazy busy" that you were burnt out from burning the candle at both ends, be everything to everyone, do it all, or have it all "under control"? Do you feel like you're letting everyone down when you say No or can't commit to ONE. MORE. THING? Do you struggle with being "good enough" for everyone else and neglecting being the best YOU that you can be? Well, sister, this book was written for you!

Jennifer Dukes Lee is a wonderful writer, her books are filled with wisdom, Scriptural insights, and humor. She makes me laugh, cry, and think...usually all in the same paragraph!

This book was no exception, and while reading it and doing the exercises Jennifer shares, I explored some of those "uncomfortable places" in my soul that have been neglected for far too long, and were wearing out from the constant struggle of holding on, keeping up appearances, and worry. Thanks to the practical and scripturally based applications in Jennifer's book, I am learning how to quiet the chaos and replenish myself with the One Voice that calms all anxiety, fear, and doubt. I'm learning that my relationship with God can't be one of the neatly ticked boxes on my to-do list. I'm learning that "sometimes bravery is letting go when all you want to do is hold on for dear life".

I have a voice in my head, screaming at me all the things I "should" be, do, listen to, emulate. I'm learning, with the help of this wonderful book, that it's ok to let go when appropriate, ask for help even though it may be the last thing you want to do, and that sometimes God asks us to do the excruciatingly hard work of holding on, even if we may need to wait "all the way to Heaven" to find out why.

Told in her signature style of wit and wisdom, Jennifer accompanies her readers on a journey of self-discovery and faith building exercises while sharing her experiences, struggles, and humorous stories of her own challenges in surrendering control to the only One who truly does have it "All Under Control".

I loved this book, and highly recommend it!

Sue Forry

159 reviews14 followers

August 28, 2018

Wow! It’s All Under Control by Jennifer Dukes Lee is a gift. For anyone who has ever struggled with control - or not even struggled with control, but just failed to give God control, you will want to read this book. Honestly, I thought Jennifer might have looked directly at me and written this book about me. It was a breath of fresh air as Jennifer shared that’s its ok to be a strong leader and work hard to care for those around us! It’s ok to do what God has called you to do! However, God has also called for balance. I am confident this book will resonate with many women today.

Perhaps the most enlightening part is when Jennifer shares that you do want to care for others. You do want to help them. And your motives are genuine. They flow from love. However, sometimes that love can turn into control. Jennifer shares, “there’s a fine line between unhealthy control and healthy control and that line is drawn with the pen of good intentions.” Amen sister!

Jennifer also shares that “When we begin to follow Jesus, we relinquish that control. But we constantly try to steal it back because we think we’ll be safer if we ate in control”. Oh momma, how many many times have you felt this way????

This definitely was a pen book. What do I mean by that? Well once I start a book I need to decide if I am going to write in it or not. After the first chapter, I knew I needed to have a pen handy. At all times. It was definitely a book to underline!

Jennifer takes you on a journey of looking at your motives, your choices, your heart, and your faith. She also offers resources both in the book and online. (At the time of this review they were not yet available online. However I can’t wait until they are). A Bible study is also available to accompany this study! It’s going on my to do list! Wait, Jennifer shares how to handle that to do list as well! How to give it to Jesus! Daily.

I could share many quotes from It's All Under Control. However, in order to keep this review manageable, I will spare the reader. Instead I’ll encourage you to check out Jennifer’s whit, humor, personal stories, practical advice and insight and read It's All Under Control for yourself.

I am thankful for the opportunity to read It’s All Under Control. I was given a free copy for my honest review.

Cori

2 reviews

Every chapter of this book was encouraging to me! Life was feeling like a never-ending list of obligations, and the thought of running away was rather appealing. Yet, I don't want to run away. I want to love my people, and do my best and make a difference in this crazy life. With her conversational writing style, Jennifer Dukes Lee tells us what it means to surrender to God while being true to who He created us to be, all without needing to run away! I think every woman could benefit from this book, as there are chapters for various situations we all find ourselves in as we journey through life. She helps us learn when to say "yes," when to say "no," and how we all have a "control character" with it's own strengths and weakness. The book has Biblical wisdom, practical tools to use in making decision and personal, relate-able stories from Jennifer's life.

Danielle

10 reviews

September 5, 2018

Jennifer Dukes Lee pretty much read my mail during the intro of this book, and I was hooked! I loved every moment of this book - and found essential truths and helpful tidbits scattered throughout!

I started reading this book during a time when a lot of unknowns were surfacing regarding the future of our family, and I'm not sure I've ever been filled with more peace during a time when I've been so out of control than when reading this book. I read the book in just a few days, simply because I truly needed the words inside! I laughed (mostly at how well the author was describing my personality without ever actually meeting me), but also had great times to reflect and work through the "Cracking the Control Code" portions of the book, which outline practical next steps we "control freaks" can give the control we never actually had back to the Lord.

Jennifer Dukes Lee says in the book that, "We ask for a map to deal with all of this, but instead Jesus gives us a compass and says, 'Follow me.'" I so appreciate this visual, and it has surfaced in my memory several times as I've read through the book as a sweet reminder that I want to give all the control to the Lord and follow Him, regardless of where it leads!

So thankful that this book exists, and I can share it with friends who also wrestle with idolizing control.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I wasn't required to write a positive review.

Thanks for reading about what I'm reading about!

Laura Snyder

2 reviews

I am in the middle of this book and there are so many things that resonate with me in each chapter. Jennifer has done an amazing job helping me see that i do not have it all under control, that is just an illusion. She has broken down the issues I struggle with the most and helped me to understand what to hang on to and what to let go of through her impactful writing and the wisdom of God's word. Reading this book...sometimes my heart hurts a little bit looking at how my control issues have hurt those I love the most but I know something beautiful will come from this journey
With God's grace.

Mary Geisen

Author 3 books11 followers

There are times a book comes along that after reading it, you know it was written just for you. Jennifer Dukes Lee’s new book, It’s All Under Control is that book. She explores the idea of surrendering your control to God with real-life examples and practical applications, all the while laced with encouragement. She is with you every step of the way in this journey.

Jennifer Dukes Lee shows the readers they are not alone in this world of people who value control in all situations. She reassures the reader that “for everything you’ve ever let go, Jesus is still hanging on.”

It’s All Under Control is a book for all women who hang on tight to control because they believe it is the way to success. These same women forget that real control is found at the foot of the cross and it is better than anything they can imagine. Go ahead, allow yourself to become the best version of you by joining Jennifer on this journey to surrendering control.

Jessica

7 reviews

If you've ever wondered how you'll be able to keep it all together anymore, read this book. Letting go isn't about living your life from a floaty in the middle of a lake and holding on isn't gripping so tightly that your knuckles turn white. It's so much more. My favorite quote from Chapter 1: "There's nothing passive about surrender. Surrender isn't an act of weakness but extraordinary strength that will propel each of us into the race God has set before us." Seriously, read this book.

Lorraine

31 reviews

This book is for all you out there who are doers. Jennifer helps you identify why you feel the need to control your circumstances and offers suggestions on how to know when to let go of things. If you are looking for a book that will make you examine and think introspectively about your control issues, you should read this book.

Vicki

6 reviews6 followers

September 20, 2018

From the get go Jennifer Dukes Lee draws me in with her wit and wisdom. She is the honest friend we all need in our lives who lets us know that she gets us, because she's been there too. I love this book because it helps me to come clean with my hidden agenda and surrender it to Jesus.

Michele Morin

704 reviews45 followers

November 15, 2018

Twenty years ago, my husband and I made one of the most difficult decisions of our married life: we decided to leave a church and to worship elsewhere. Leaving behind dear people we loved (and likely offending more than one person in the process), we left that fellowship convinced that God was telling us it was time to let go. Soon, our roots were planted deeply in the good soil of another church family. They welcomed us with warmth and enthusiasm and the years have flown. The church with the white steeple and the red doors is home to us and to our sons, but, quite honestly, there have been seasons when it was not a joy to be there–hard seasons of pastoral searches, dry spells when nothing seemed to click, frustrating years when I would scan the horizon for a sign–sky writing, a whisper from the Word, ANYTHING that would release us and give us a green light to let go. I was tired of holding on, but the clear assignment from God was to do that very thing, and I’m thankful now that we did.

In It’s All Under Control: A Journey of Letting Go, Hanging On, and Finding a Peace You Almost Forgot Was Possible, Jennifer Dukes Lee devotes two full chapters and a lot of wisdom to the tightrope walk of hanging on and letting go. It turns out that “Let Go and Let God” may not be the best advice all the time, but there are also times when letting go is a true mark of bravery. It was good news to hear that “gospel living is not an either/or question. It’s both/and. It’s coming back to that fork in the road every day–with every decision, every obligation, and every relationship–and asking God to help you choose.” (77) This is a recipe for living surrendered, and it comes back to persevering through the hard work, believing through the messy middle, and practicing the spiritual discipline of active trust.

Persevere through the Hard Work
“Just because something is hard work, doesn’t mean it’s wrong or should be abandoned.” (85) God may call you to write a book, start a new career, or to persevere through a hard season with a needy friend. It is also likely that at some point you will be called into the hard work of letting go, of opening your hands to release grown children, to relinquish a project that has gone off the rails or a task that is not yours to do. The privilege and the challenge of this following life is living close to Truth so when God’s voice comes, our ears are accustomed to its pitch and timbre, and our hearts are in good shape for the hard work of obedience.

Believe in the Messy Middle
Living on the horns of a dilemma is just as uncomfortable as the metaphor sounds. We reach a point where we want ANY decision that will take the place of indecision, and yet holding on in the midst of the unknown is a powerful affirmation that we are not in control of the situation and are yielding to the One who is. When guidance comes, if God calls you to hang on, He has the end of the rope alongside you. However, if you are called to release instead and to move on in faith, Jennifer reminds readers that “for everything you’ve ever let go, Jesus is still hanging on.” (107)

Practice the Discipline of Active Trust
Does it help your heart to know that God knows the end result of your holding on/letting go dilemma? It is entirely true that we may “have to wait until heaven to know he was trustworthy in all that is yet to unfold in our lives. But until then, we have a choice. We can trust him with all that we are because we believe he is all he says he is. He hasn’t done all that we wanted, but he has done all that is right.” (108)

Releasing our white-knuckle control over every aspect of our lives (and those we love) is fueled by that relationship of trust. The prophet Isaiah painted a picture of the point of release around seven hundred years before the birth of Christ. He did not know your situation, whether you are struggling to let go or straining to hold on, but his words come as fresh reassurance today:

“Your teacher will be right there, local and on the job, urging you on whenever you wander left or right: ‘This is the right road. Walk down this road.'” (Isaiah 30:21, MSG)

May we find grace to wait, to listen, and then to follow,

Michele Morin

Many thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for providing a copy of this book to facilitate my review, which, of course, is offered freely and with honesty.

Kris

9 reviews

Honestly, I know that check marks on my to-do list thrill me, and I like life to be neat, tidy, and totally under my control. But somehow I didn't expect this book to not only wear out my highlighter, but also to speak deeply into my heart.

Jennifer Dukes Lee writes with such warmth (and she's laugh-out-loud funny) that you'll feel as if you are sitting at her farmhouse table over coffee trading stories of God meeting you in the places you thought you had it all together, and laughing over how much better His plan (and story for you) is than anything you could've come up with for yourself.

The book begins by inviting us to take a closer look at ourselves - to figure out why we are the way we are - in a gentle, curious way. I love that Jennifer writes from a place of honesty and shares her struggles with control as she helps readers discover more about themselves as she outlines three "control characters" - and surely you will find yourself nodding along at the description of at least one of them.

There were so many powerful statements in the book as she shares what she's learned about control and how partnering with Him helps us re-align our priorities, create space in our souls, and put down what God never asked us to carry while we pick up what is truly ours to hold and tend. Here are a few...

When it's hard to admit that you need some help: "I had built my image as the helper, not as the helped." (p. 9)

When we start to rely on Him rather than ourselves: "When we stop trying to be Jesus, the astonishing result is that we actually become more like him." (p. 37)

On letting go and trusting Him: "We will never know if we can trust Jesus if we don't give him the chance to prove it." (p. 101)

On creating space in your life: "You can't control and connect at the same time." (p. 155)

I really found myself in the pages of this book. Jennifer's story resonates with my own in many ways, and her journey to partnering with Him is one I am now inspired to begin afresh now that I realize how much healthier, happier, and more effective I can be when I "take God off my to-do list."

If you want to know more about what that means and to learn some really simple but effective prayers that Jennifer prays daily to help her with all this, you'll have to pick up a copy of the book! Oh, and be sure to have spare highlighters handy. Trust me...you'll need 'em!

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Lynn Morrissey

3 reviews49 followers

I love everything Jennifer Dukes Lee writes, and her latest book, It’s All Under Control, is no exception! It’s not about time management or even life management, but a good God who manages to offer us purpose and peace in the midst of life’s demands. Because *He* has it all under control, and because He loves us, we can trust Him without taking things into our own hands. With her trademark transparency, Jennifer combines personal story-telling with practical counsel from God’s Word. She shows us how she lived under the illusion that not only should she control her circumstances, but that she *could.* In her genuine desire to serve others, she thought she alone had to carry the weight of the world. Then one day Jesus invited her to let Him take control, and she started to take her directions from Him. And that’s the day that everything changed. God showed her what to “do, delegate, and dismiss,” and she was finally freed from relentless busyness to engaging only in what He deemed best. She continued to use her God-given gifts in serving others and doing what she loved, just more selectively. And when she released to others those things that were not God’s “assignment” for her, she enabled people to shine for Him themselves. Though I’m past the career stage in life and my daughter is grown, I still need Jennifer’s wisdom more than ever! I want to make a significant difference in my remaining years, and I do not want to hinder God’s plan for my life. So I’m following Jennifer’s example, by surrendering the reins to Him, allowing Him alone to reign over my life. The result? He’s raining down the best blessings of peace, purpose, and power to live a life that pleases Him and helps others. I highly recommend this book. Buy it, but also buy extra copies for family and friends. They’ll need it. Help them transform their “busy” to their “best,” God’s way. What a difference you and they will make in our over-bustling, overwhelmed, and over-burdened world!

Joy McLaughlin

3 reviews

I feel like this book is such a beautiful gift. For so many of us who strive to keep it all together, yet lose our joy in the process, Jennifer Dukes Lee does a wonderful job of encouraging the reader to manage well the things God asks us to, but leave the rest of the things in His capable hands. Jennifer kindly and gently addresses the reasons many of us justify controlling everything in our lives and the lives of those we love, but she doesn't let us stay there. She gives a practical, Biblical approach to seeking the heart of God for our lives and finding peace in the process. I love her honesty as she shares her own journey and "work in progress."

A few of my favorite quotes:

"Spiritual surrender is more complex than any Christian platitude. And it's far more uncomfortable. I knew that if I said yes to his invitation, this partnership with Jesus would ask something of me. It would ask for all of me. It will ask for all of you too."

"In other words, our work can't be the source of our identity. Our work should be an extension of our truest identify: in Christ."

"As much strength as it takes to hang on, for a woman like me, it takes even more to let go. Letting go has always seemed - if I'm honest - dangerous."

"What I'm learning is this: The world doesn't need me to rescue it; sometimes, it needs me to step away, find my chill, and wait while God does the work he is fully capable of doing."

So even if you are one of the few who don't struggle with letting God have control, I still encourage you to read this book to have practical tools to help those around you who may be burdened under the weight of trying to carry it all. Thanks, Jennifer!

Sarah Frazer

Author 11 books3 followers

This has been so good for me to take a step back and reexamine why I am a certain way and why I do certain things. I’m a go-getter. I like Monday morning 8am way better than Friday 5pm. I’m a doer and can totally relate to Martha instead of Mary. Secretly I wish I was Mary (sitting at Jesus’ feet listening all the live long day), but Martha is who I am.

Jennifer has given me permission not to apologize for being busy anymore. That’s right. I can be in the kitchen serving AND still become more like Christ. I need to keep choosing to get up early and avoid productivity when it clouds God’s presence in the morning while I’m reading His word.
Surrender for me doesn’t mean to leave all of my obligations behind. It means stepping forward in faith, hanging on to what God has called me to do (take up my cross) even if its hard. It is finding the balance.

Life is all about the balance. There is no right way or wrong way, but for so long I’ve wanted to be a better Christian and not focused on my relationship with God. Developing a close, intimate relationship is something I’m still learning how to do with the Creator of the Universe. I’m not quite sure what to do or how to go about doing it, but I can tell you this: the time spent in God’s word has never been wasted.

Not one time.

So I’m hanging on to all of the balls in the air (even when it is overwhelming) and trusting God with teh things I can’t control. Maybe you need to too. If you want, get Jennifer’s book and start to live a life free from holding it all together and finding the courage to know when to let go.

Jeanne Takenaka

100 reviews34 followers

It’s All Under Control, by Jennifer Dukes Lee, has been a refreshing, delightful read. Lee writes to the hearts of her readers. Her stories and words resonated with my heart. Made me laugh. And at times, brought out a few tears.

She has a way of drawing a reader into the stories she shares and weaving in life-giving truths along the way. Her writing is authentic and challenging. I’ve laughed, I’ve cried, and I’ve nodded my head in complete agreement about the thoughts she shared.

 One aspect about this book I loved is that she doesn’t write as a person who’s got this control thing all figured out. She writes from the trenches of her own experiences and lessons learned. For me, this was one of the most endearing things about this book.

Lee highlights many truths. One of which is, as women, we are not called to do it all, but we should walk out the callings God has given us with confidence. She brings to light truths about surrender . . . what it is . . . and isn’t.

This has been one of my most favorite nonfiction books in years. This woman feels deeply and writes with beauty, drawing the reader into the journey through her stories. Her engaging voice made me laugh out loud at times. And the way she brings around the point of each chapter has challenged me to think about how I view control and surrender. Her words read as a conversation between friends, not a dissertation.

People who enjoy books that challenge them to think about what they believe, that give practical suggestions for change, and that encourage them, will love this book.

Cassie Troja

190 reviews11 followers

I had the honor of being on the launch team for this book and I have to be honest - it was the best launch team EVER. This book is incredible and timely. A message like this unites people and draws them closer to God in painstakingly beautiful ways. Let me explain.

In this book, Jennifer Dukes Lee talks about the common tendency to want to control everything. From our kids to our future, from our bodies to our minds, we want to pretend that we have some semblance of control over what happens, when it happens, and how. We've determined that we are the masters of our own fate and that we must strive to ensure that everything goes according to our plans.

That's not how God works. JDL reminds us that Jesus is not to just be relegated to being another box to check off on our to-do list — he is, in fact, the author of the list. She explains:

"I pray today that we will always remember that God's plans are bigger than ours - which means that the fruit of our choices might outlive us. As we step into all that God has for us, let's respond wholeheartedly to the command "Do whatever he tells you." Jesus is not an item on your to-do list. He is holding the list. And when you partner with him, you will be invited to take part in the amazing work he is already doing."

AMEN! How often do we forget this?! How often do we add Jesus to our to-do list as though he's on the same level as mopping the floors and shopping for groceries?! I love that JDL later repeats one key part of the previous quote: "The most important work you ever do might outlive you." Think about that for a minute. It is incredibly simple yet beautiful in its profundity. Our kids, our ministries, the lives we change and the world we build will hopefully long outlive us. That's all so much more important than finding the best deal on eggs. And it's all based on our relationship with Jesus.

Here are some other highlights that spoke to my heart:

"I found the Rock at my rock bottom. And it all started because I dared to utter three scary, beautiful words: "I need help.""

"You are not a burden. You are a person."

And my personal favorite:

When you are obedient in the wait, God will be faithful in the work. And you will be awed in the wonder.

*chills*

Who is this book for? It's for control freaks. It's for working moms struggling to balance career and family. It's for stay-at-home mothers who feel so alone and inadequate. It's for women everywhere who are stressed out, burned out, and sick of living life as though they have to make time for everyone and everything except themselves. In this book, JDL walks you through the scriptures as they relate to God's love for you, how he is waiting for you to surrender your life to him and in so doing let go of every last sin and burden that is weighing you down. In this book, JDL presents the Gospel through the lens of a weary soul crying out for relief, and the gracious, loving, generous God who steps in to say:

"Trust me, I'll catch you."

christian-living loved

Kristin Windmann

1 review

I'm a do-er. A fixer. A "yes" person. I don't want to overload anyone else, so I end up overloaded myself. In the process, I take on more than God intends for me, and I sometimes don't do well what He has called me to do. On top of that, I like to think that "I've got it under control." I'm currently watching my almost three year old on the monitor as she fights a nap. I've done everything I can do to control the situation, and I'm frustrated that it hasn't worked so far. My house is a mess and I blame the fact that I'm 5 weeks postpartum, but in reality, I'm simply a bad housekeeper. On the other hand, if you ask me for help with something, I'll almost never turn you down. I rarely ask for help from those outside my family, but I have opinions about how everything should go. Each of these traits aligns me with one of the three "control types" examined in this book. It was very helpful to see myself as a type (or 2) that has strengths & weaknesses and how I can know I'm operating the way God designed me. The chapters examining what to let go of and what to hang on to were also favorites. I personally can't think of a single person I know who wouldn't benefit in some way from this book.

Tammy Belau

19 reviews1 follower