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Damsels in Distress: Biblical Solutions for Problems Women Face
It's not always easy being a woman.
Amid tangled relationships, hurt feelings, and hormones, we might wonder sometimes if men have it easier. Add on to that a culture that tells us to be flirtatious, shameless, and powerful. What's a woman to do?
Covering issues from gossip and feminism to PMS and legalism, biblical counselor Martha Peace, best-selling author of The Excellent Wife, offers insight on problems women face—problems with others, ourselves, and the world. Mining the truths of Scripture, she helps us find peace in our chaos and embrace our Creator's beautiful design for us.
Whether you are single or married, you will benefit from these practical solutions, ideal for personal reading or group study.
Amid tangled relationships, hurt feelings, and hormones, we might wonder sometimes if men have it easier. Add on to that a culture that tells us to be flirtatious, shameless, and powerful. What's a woman to do?
Covering issues from gossip and feminism to PMS and legalism, biblical counselor Martha Peace, best-selling author of The Excellent Wife, offers insight on problems women face—problems with others, ourselves, and the world. Mining the truths of Scripture, she helps us find peace in our chaos and embrace our Creator's beautiful design for us.
Whether you are single or married, you will benefit from these practical solutions, ideal for personal reading or group study.
192 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2006
57 people are currently reading
287 people want to read
About the author
Martha Peace
23 books68 followersMartha Peace is a biblical counselor with the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors. She is the author of many books and speaks and teaches nationally and internationally.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 28, 2016
Some of the chapters were decent, some were okay, some were pretty bad, and the chapter on feminism was atrocious. The quality of each chapter was directly proportional to the proper use of Scripture to address the topic covered, so the chapters that contained more of the author's opinions and less of the Bible made it much harder to find anything worth hanging on to. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book. The good bits did not in the least make up for the rest.
June 30, 2022
I had the privilege of leading a group of young women through this book throughout the month of June. It opened up many conversations about issues women deal with regularly. The chapters on Gossip/slander, Hurt Feelings, Vanity, Legalism, and Feminist influence/women’s roles in the church were the best in my thoughts. Best in that I have seen these to be the most prominent in the Church as a whole.
June 29, 2022
Great little book for every single woman to read. Martha Peace gives a basic overview of many “issues” women deal with.
I especially recommend this for use in biblical counseling.
I especially recommend this for use in biblical counseling.
July 12, 2018
Martha Peace trata de forma real e maravilhosa de problemas comuns que todas nós, mulheres, enfrentamos. Os pecados que nem sabíamos que tínhamos são colocados em nossa frente, mas no lugar de nos sentirmos sobrecarregadas, podemos ver a Graça de Deus agindo em nossas vidas. Cristo redimiu nossos pecados e nos dá força necessária para vencê-los.
August 3, 2016
Damsels in Distress by Martha Peace was a challenging, yet refreshing read. I find that so many books for Christian woman focus inordinately on the challenges of wives and/or mothers. As a single woman, who desires marriage but wants to glorify God in whatever season of life I am in, I sometimes get discouraged reading books like that—even when they expound on passages such as Proverbs 31 or Titus 2. Martha’s book is one for every lady—single, married, widowed, divorced—who calls Jesus Christ her Saviour and is seeking to follow the Bible. (I think that men, too, would be challenged in their spiritual walk if they were to read it).
This book is divided into three sections: 1) Problems with others—gossip and slander, idolatrous emotional attachments, manipulation, hurt feelings; 2) Problems with ourselves—vanity, PMS, legalism; 3) Problems with the world—feminism, role of women in the church, trials.
As Martha dives into each chapter, she does it with the perspective that there are Biblical solutions for each issue we face. She shares the problems—giving many personal examples along the way, gives practical steps to consider—including looking at a general medical perspective of dealing with issues such as PMS, provides biblical principles for each area, and wraps up each chapter with a list of study questions to review and bring the material home to the reader.
I was especially challenged by the chapters on dealing with hurt feelings and with personal issues. In dealing with hurt feelings, I was reminded to give others the benefit of the doubt when we have disagreements. It cannot be my self-righteousness that guides my behaviour, but a surrender to the Holy Spirit. Regarding personal issues, I sometimes think that I have everything under control, but God used this book to remind me that I cannot do things on my own, but only by living in His grace. Pride has no place in the heart of one who says they call on Him.
While reading this book, I enjoyed Martha’s straightforward way of dealing with issues. She is not afraid to speak the truth, but she does it in a very loving and caring way. I appreciate the charts she provides throughout the book which help pinpoint areas where our thinking goes out of whack and gives thoughtful ways to realign our thinking. The appendix, containing salvation worksheets, would be helpful when counselling a lady who is not a believer in Jesus Christ or who struggles to understand the gospel.
I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading other books by Martha Peace.
This book is divided into three sections: 1) Problems with others—gossip and slander, idolatrous emotional attachments, manipulation, hurt feelings; 2) Problems with ourselves—vanity, PMS, legalism; 3) Problems with the world—feminism, role of women in the church, trials.
As Martha dives into each chapter, she does it with the perspective that there are Biblical solutions for each issue we face. She shares the problems—giving many personal examples along the way, gives practical steps to consider—including looking at a general medical perspective of dealing with issues such as PMS, provides biblical principles for each area, and wraps up each chapter with a list of study questions to review and bring the material home to the reader.
I was especially challenged by the chapters on dealing with hurt feelings and with personal issues. In dealing with hurt feelings, I was reminded to give others the benefit of the doubt when we have disagreements. It cannot be my self-righteousness that guides my behaviour, but a surrender to the Holy Spirit. Regarding personal issues, I sometimes think that I have everything under control, but God used this book to remind me that I cannot do things on my own, but only by living in His grace. Pride has no place in the heart of one who says they call on Him.
While reading this book, I enjoyed Martha’s straightforward way of dealing with issues. She is not afraid to speak the truth, but she does it in a very loving and caring way. I appreciate the charts she provides throughout the book which help pinpoint areas where our thinking goes out of whack and gives thoughtful ways to realign our thinking. The appendix, containing salvation worksheets, would be helpful when counselling a lady who is not a believer in Jesus Christ or who struggles to understand the gospel.
I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading other books by Martha Peace.
December 13, 2021
Passei quase o ano inteiro para ler este pequeno livro. Mas eu cheguei nos capítulos finais no momento certo da minha vida. Profundamente exortada! É absurdamente prático sem ser legalista ou sem ditar regras.
September 12, 2010
Great little book. There are three sections, the first dealing with problems we have with others, such as gossip and hurt feelings. The second section deals with problems with ourselves, such as vanity and legalism. The third section deals with problems with the world, which was probably my favorite, consisting of three chapters--the first on the feminist influence, the second on the role of women in the church, the third with thankfulness amid trials.
Each section has examples, charts, Bible verses, and questions for yourself.
I appreciated the advice to step back and take time to think about a response to others when you are tempted to lash out when feeling emotionally upset.
The section on legalism was good, except I don't agree that hair length is merely cultural. I appreciated this balance: "Do not too quickly label people as legalists just because they have stricter or different personal standards than you. Legalism is not what you or they do but what you or they think about what you do."
Last, but not least, there is an appendix on salvation. It lists a good number of Scripture verses about Jesus, His mission, sin, and clearly lays out that salvation is all of grace.
Each section has examples, charts, Bible verses, and questions for yourself.
I appreciated the advice to step back and take time to think about a response to others when you are tempted to lash out when feeling emotionally upset.
The section on legalism was good, except I don't agree that hair length is merely cultural. I appreciated this balance: "Do not too quickly label people as legalists just because they have stricter or different personal standards than you. Legalism is not what you or they do but what you or they think about what you do."
Last, but not least, there is an appendix on salvation. It lists a good number of Scripture verses about Jesus, His mission, sin, and clearly lays out that salvation is all of grace.
January 18, 2011
The women in my community group selected this book to read together and even though they meet on an evening I cannot, I decided to read with them (actually, I'm reading it some six months after they did, but that's besides the point).
The premise behind the book is to point women to Biblical answers to common issues they face. From PMS, to gossip, to a woman's role in the church, this concise book provides Scriptural references for being a better daughter of God (and overall more pleasant person to be around). While the teaching in the book was relevant and good, I had a difficult time with delivery. Some of the examples seemed overly simplified and the language was too saccharine. Once I got over being talked to like I've never stepped foot outside my own home, I did get value from the lessons being presented.
Despite not being fond of the author's delivery, I would definitely recommend this book to other female believers (and maybe a few unbelievers if it seemed their hearts were open to hearing about God). While the style is not my first choice, the message is good.
The premise behind the book is to point women to Biblical answers to common issues they face. From PMS, to gossip, to a woman's role in the church, this concise book provides Scriptural references for being a better daughter of God (and overall more pleasant person to be around). While the teaching in the book was relevant and good, I had a difficult time with delivery. Some of the examples seemed overly simplified and the language was too saccharine. Once I got over being talked to like I've never stepped foot outside my own home, I did get value from the lessons being presented.
Despite not being fond of the author's delivery, I would definitely recommend this book to other female believers (and maybe a few unbelievers if it seemed their hearts were open to hearing about God). While the style is not my first choice, the message is good.
April 22, 2016
For the most part, I appreciated Martha Peace's summary and Biblical approach to the topics she dealt with. However, there were several topics I felt required more extensive coverage than she provided. As far as the subjects she chose to address, I didn't agree with the way she addressed all them or even necessarily agreed with her take on them. For instance, her view on modesty was borderline legalistic and her chapter on feminism hardly provided an understanding of Biblical womanhood as much as it simply ranted against the feminist movement. Instead of listing all of the constraints on a woman's role in the church, I think it would have been far more edifying to cover the spiritual gifts listed in the New Testament and how women are not restrained from any of these gifts even if they are restricted from certain offices of authority. Sad to say, I don't think I will be recommending this book to anyone.
January 18, 2010
This is a wonderfully encouraging book for us Christian women in today's world. I read a chapter a week, so that I could pray about, meditate on, and apply the topics all week. Martha is such an inspiration and has a fantastic testimony. I'm always sorry to come to the end of her books!
November 30, 2009
For the Christian woman, this book is a true blessing. It provides sensible and biblical answers you can use to address the struggles in your life. Great book!
September 11, 2012
I thought that the majority of this book was very common sense, especially when raised as a Christian. But I did not agree with all of her premises or conclusions.
May 17, 2013
a good amd compelling book for godly womanhood
December 1, 2015
This book made me open my eyes to a lot of selfish things I have been doing, and have done in my life, God is good and this book makes me understand and love him even more
February 11, 2016
Parts were perfect for me.
September 26, 2019
Though I appreciated the author’s attempts to ground all advice in scripture, much of her “biblical solutions” were an unfortunately antiquated legalistic viewpoint on the issues modern Christian women face. Which is ironic because legalism was her longest chapter.
The author took time to comment on how shameful tight pants are, how bad birth control & other medicines can be for you, and made quite a lot of charted examples of problems women face seem trivial. She spoke on feminism with such harsh judgement I can only imagine how she feels now, 13 years after the original publication date.
Her chapter on PMS was laughable, but what really struck me as sad was her explanation of a woman’s role in church & society. She grounds her viewpoints in scripture, that women are made in God’s image to be a helper for men, but COMPLETELY missed the mark! God created women to be a strongly needed sustainer for men. We have a unique and cherished role, and I feel sad the author has not yet come into understanding of God’s promise for women yet.
This book was given 2 stars instead of one because I truly appreciated how much time the author spent to reference so much scripture throughout the piece. I would not recommend this book to others, especially not younger believers.
The author took time to comment on how shameful tight pants are, how bad birth control & other medicines can be for you, and made quite a lot of charted examples of problems women face seem trivial. She spoke on feminism with such harsh judgement I can only imagine how she feels now, 13 years after the original publication date.
Her chapter on PMS was laughable, but what really struck me as sad was her explanation of a woman’s role in church & society. She grounds her viewpoints in scripture, that women are made in God’s image to be a helper for men, but COMPLETELY missed the mark! God created women to be a strongly needed sustainer for men. We have a unique and cherished role, and I feel sad the author has not yet come into understanding of God’s promise for women yet.
This book was given 2 stars instead of one because I truly appreciated how much time the author spent to reference so much scripture throughout the piece. I would not recommend this book to others, especially not younger believers.
January 5, 2021
I respect and depend on Martha Peace teaching in a plain and direct manner. This type of teaching is true in this book. Martha Peace clearly uses Scripture to point women to pursue Christlikeness in the midst of those besetting sins we battle with in our Christian lives. The 4 star rating is due to a slight textbook-like delivery as well as a couple of theological issues I would disagree with. I highly recommend this book!
January 3, 2018
Incrível como nós mulheres somos iguais e como diferentes!
Todas precisamos de Cristo e corrigir os nossos pecados de estimação.
Me tocou muito os capítulos sobre Fofoca e Difamação e sobre o Legalismo.
De muitas maneiras podemos pecar e temos pecado e tratar isso é o que podemos fazer de melhor e mais sábio, segundo a boa e perfeita vontade e palavra do Senhor.
Todas precisamos de Cristo e corrigir os nossos pecados de estimação.
Me tocou muito os capítulos sobre Fofoca e Difamação e sobre o Legalismo.
De muitas maneiras podemos pecar e temos pecado e tratar isso é o que podemos fazer de melhor e mais sábio, segundo a boa e perfeita vontade e palavra do Senhor.
November 9, 2025
I really liked this book. Not every chapter was applicable, but I think that's because every woman's various personal sin areas are different. Martha is taking on the role of a Titus 2 woman in this book, and it was very good. I particularly liked the admonishment that thankfulness is a duty we have to the Lord, whether we feel thankful or not (like the action of love).
June 24, 2018
an absolute must-read for any Christian woman! so much help... encouraging theology and practical application. my copy is not only read, but well-highlighted! Lord, may not forget what i've read... so much to apply and also so much to remember to share!
April 25, 2019
A small book that packs a powerful punch! Definitely recommend for biblical counseling needs!
April 28, 2021
Ela me ganhou na TPM e apaguei da minha memória tudo aquilo que não gostei!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews