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Brave Surrender: Let God’s Love Rewrite Your Story
A firsthand look into Kim Walker-Smith's journey from a place of shame and fear to stages around the world where she boldly proclaims the unconditional love of God. Kim Walker-Smith's passionate performance of "How He Loves" helped transform Jesus Culture into a global worship movement. But she wasn't always so confident of God's unrelenting, powerful love. Coming from a painful childhood, Kim struggled to believe that God could heal her heart or bring any sense from her past. Yet when she chose to hand her struggles over to God and receive His love, freedom, and healing in return, everything began to change. On the other side of surrender, Kim began a journey of looking at one painful memory at a time with God and exchanging her perspective for His truth--a journey in which God rewrote her story of pain into a story of redemption and hope. If you are longing to experience God more than the shame or hurts of your past, the pressures of your present, or the fear of your future, Brave Surrender offers a soul-healing path forward. As Kim learned in her own life, the first step--and the bravest step--is letting go. Once we let go of anything that gets between us and God, we are freed to take hold of the life that truly matters. As Kim writes, "When we encounter God's love, it changes the way we see. And when we learn to see what He sees, we will never be the same again."
192 pages, Paperback
Published April 2, 2019
60 people are currently reading
307 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
December 31, 2019
I really enjoyed this book!! I picked it up because my word for 2019 was #bravesurrender. A few months ago, I discovered that there was also a Christian book by that title, and I added it to my TBR list!
I had never heard of Kim Walker Smith before I bought the book. It turns out she is one of the lead singers for the worship band, Jesus Culture. I had heard of Jesus Culture before, although I’m not super familiar with their music.
Brave Surrender is Kim’s memoir about how she grew up in an abusive home and went on to find Jesus and develop a deep, abiding relationship with Him. She chronicles many ups and downs in her life and how she ultimately had to forgive those who had hurt her and surrender her pain to God.
The book was a quick yet inspiring read. Although I’ve not endured any of the same trials as Kim, I found myself relating to so much of the book because of different trials I’ve endured and having had to forgive and surrender myself to find true healing that only Christ can give.
I had never heard of Kim Walker Smith before I bought the book. It turns out she is one of the lead singers for the worship band, Jesus Culture. I had heard of Jesus Culture before, although I’m not super familiar with their music.
Brave Surrender is Kim’s memoir about how she grew up in an abusive home and went on to find Jesus and develop a deep, abiding relationship with Him. She chronicles many ups and downs in her life and how she ultimately had to forgive those who had hurt her and surrender her pain to God.
The book was a quick yet inspiring read. Although I’ve not endured any of the same trials as Kim, I found myself relating to so much of the book because of different trials I’ve endured and having had to forgive and surrender myself to find true healing that only Christ can give.
April 22, 2020
This book is a beautiful testimony and example of God's relentless love. Kim is open and vulnerable about her healing process, and trusting God through it.
I would highly recommend this book and I will definitely read it again!
I would highly recommend this book and I will definitely read it again!
November 16, 2024
WOW! What an AMAZING book. The author reads the audible. BRAVE surrender! God has been teaching me in this so this book was RIGHT on time. "When we surrender, we can't mess up the story" I pray the grace for everyone who is reading this to BRAVE surrender! READ THIS BOOK!
April 8, 2019
“When I tried to end my life and found myself saved by Jesus,
I had surrendered my life to Him.
When I was going through inner healing and facing
my anger and pain toward the men who had hurt me,
I had surrendered it all to Jesus.
When I was called to Africa and terrified,
I had surrendered my fear to Jesus.
When I knew it was time to step out and move,
I had trusted Jesus.
When I was slandered and accused,
I had surrendered my pain...and my need for punishment...to Jesus.
When I was terrified that Jesus would let my babies die,
I had surrendered them to Him.
I felt as if my whole life could be summed up into that one word: surrender.”
And surrender is the architecture of this autobiographical memoir. Surrender is the story of a self-described “overachieving, world-traveling, worship-leading, heart-exploding, drama-loving...mama.”
It’s the story of seasons of “difficulty of having two babies in fourteen months, the heaviness of postpartum depression, the trauma of childbirth, the trauma of close friends losing babies, the anxiety of moving multiple times, the challenge of planting a church, the stress of having multiple jobs, and the pain of losing” a stepfather.
It’s the story of “stepping into a deeper level of forgiveness required me to surrender. Not the kind of surrender that waves a white flag to say I’m too worn down to fight, but rather the brave surrender...that requires me to lay down my own strength and trust in God’s.” For followers of worship leader Kim Walker Smith or for those unfamiliar with her, Brave Surrender will usher you closer to the heart of the Father.
I had surrendered my life to Him.
When I was going through inner healing and facing
my anger and pain toward the men who had hurt me,
I had surrendered it all to Jesus.
When I was called to Africa and terrified,
I had surrendered my fear to Jesus.
When I knew it was time to step out and move,
I had trusted Jesus.
When I was slandered and accused,
I had surrendered my pain...and my need for punishment...to Jesus.
When I was terrified that Jesus would let my babies die,
I had surrendered them to Him.
I felt as if my whole life could be summed up into that one word: surrender.”
And surrender is the architecture of this autobiographical memoir. Surrender is the story of a self-described “overachieving, world-traveling, worship-leading, heart-exploding, drama-loving...mama.”
It’s the story of seasons of “difficulty of having two babies in fourteen months, the heaviness of postpartum depression, the trauma of childbirth, the trauma of close friends losing babies, the anxiety of moving multiple times, the challenge of planting a church, the stress of having multiple jobs, and the pain of losing” a stepfather.
It’s the story of “stepping into a deeper level of forgiveness required me to surrender. Not the kind of surrender that waves a white flag to say I’m too worn down to fight, but rather the brave surrender...that requires me to lay down my own strength and trust in God’s.” For followers of worship leader Kim Walker Smith or for those unfamiliar with her, Brave Surrender will usher you closer to the heart of the Father.
April 22, 2019
This book is so so so so so so good! Easily my top 5 favorites and most important. Kim Walker Smith’s story of trauma, hope, healing, humanity, and recurring brave surrender is just awe inspiring. It displays the real and practical application of the gospel. It demonstrates the truth that we are set free in an instant but liberty comes in choosing that freedom over and over and over again. I spend most of my counseling sessions teaching the importance and how-to of forgiveness and replacing lies with truth. Kim’s story spells out the profound and liberating truth of just that. I’m recommending the book to everyone. I’m giving it to my teens to listen too. And I hope to revisit it many times in my own future. It hit places in my own soul that needed tended and led me to my own new breakthroughs and truths. Read this book! It’s potentially life-saving.
January 23, 2021
This book is so lovely and wonderful. I wept so many times while reading. There are so many things I can relate to and Kim’s story touched my heart and helped my own healing. Oh how He loves us!
January 11, 2022
I love how Kim was so open in sharing the battles she has faced in her christian walk to the point of doubting the Love that she always talks about and How Jesus responded with more Love
July 7, 2023
Wow wow wow!! Absolutely incredible! Quick read and one of the most beautiful stories of the Lord's love and faithfulness. Such vulnerability that had me in tears several times. 10/10 recommend!!
April 8, 2022
Oh.my.goodness. What an incredible story. I am so glad I stumbled across this turn-pager/memoir by singer-songwriter-worship leader, Kim Walker-Smith. She has such a powerful testimony. I look forward to rereading and recommending it to those who need to read and learn from it. I will also be listening to more Jesus Culture!
June 6, 2019
I chose this book because I love Kim Walker-Smith. I first heard her singing He Loves Us with Jesus Culture. I was drawn to her energy and love shown through her worship. I loved her joy which bubbled out of her as a laugh, in the middle of the song.
This book was so raw and real. Her testimony is beautiful and powerful. I was surprised how much I could relate to her story.... with her pain with father figures, her feelings of hopelessness and her encounters with God. I laughed, cried, and felt the deepest of emotions as I read this book. It was as though Kim was sitting across from me at a café sharing her testimony with me. I love how God transforms people... beauty from ashes. His great love is never ending. His presence is never failing and dependable. His word is steadfast and solid. His arms are comforting, protective, and loving.
Some of my favorite parts are as follows:
...turned my face toward Jesus, and asked, "How much do You love me?" Immediately I saw Jesus throw His arms open wide and say "I love you this much!" His arms began to stretch as far as my eyes could see and beyond. He was laughing with so much joy...I looked to the left and the right and couldn't see an end to how far His arms were stretching. Realizing there was no end to His love for me, I began sobbing and laughing with joy. (Page 84)
I asked Jesus, "What were You thinking when You created me?" …as soon as the question left my mouth, a picture appeared in my mind. I was standing beside Jesus, and we were both facing God the Father across a table. The Father suddenly reached into His chest, grabbed His heart, and ripped off a chunk of it. He threw it down on the table, and it became clay. As He began shaping and molding it, I realized it was me. When He was finished, He reached over, grabbed a box and placed me inside it....The Father stood in front of the box with a look of excitement and anticipation on His face. Suddenly He threw open the box, and the little me began dancing, singing and worshipping Him....The Father became so excited and shouted, "Woohoo!" as He jumped and twirled around. Then He shut the box, waited with great anticipation, and threw the lid open again. Once more I sang and danced, and He ran around shouting for joy. I stood there watching Him repeat the same sequence of events over and over. I was bewildered at His excitement for me. Then the Father reached into the box and put me in the palm of His hand. In that moment, my perspective changed-I went from watching all of this along the side to being there in His hand. He was pulling me close to His heart, and as I got closer, I could see the outline of the place where He had ripped out the piece to make me. He slid me into that spot, and I fit perfectly, like a puzzle piece. As I nestled into His heart, I could feel the warmth of His love. Then I heard the Father begin to speak, "You are not a mistake. I knew exactly what I was doing when I created you .... This is the place you were made from and this is where you stay, here in my heart, so close to me. Nobody else can fill this spot. It's just for you." (Pages 85-86)
Jesus loves us exactly the way we need to be loved. (Page 138)
When Jesus forgives us, He completely removes and forgets about our sin. … His version of justice doesn't focus on punishing wrongdoing, but on the restoration of what was lost or damaged by it. (Page 144)
There is nobody who is too lost for God, nobody who is unseen by Him. There is not a single person who has made such horrible choices that God will remove His love from them. He loves us in the middle of our mess and bad choices, and He loves us even when we reject Him. (Page 185)
As you may have guessed I really enjoyed this book! I highly recommend it to any and everyone. It is so powerful and beautiful. You will be surprised how relatable Kim's story is to your own. God made you and He knows every detail of your story. His love for you in incredible.
Thank you so much for reading my review. I hope you enjoyed it!
DISCLAIMER: I received this book from BookLookBloggers free in return for my honest review.
This book was so raw and real. Her testimony is beautiful and powerful. I was surprised how much I could relate to her story.... with her pain with father figures, her feelings of hopelessness and her encounters with God. I laughed, cried, and felt the deepest of emotions as I read this book. It was as though Kim was sitting across from me at a café sharing her testimony with me. I love how God transforms people... beauty from ashes. His great love is never ending. His presence is never failing and dependable. His word is steadfast and solid. His arms are comforting, protective, and loving.
Some of my favorite parts are as follows:
...turned my face toward Jesus, and asked, "How much do You love me?" Immediately I saw Jesus throw His arms open wide and say "I love you this much!" His arms began to stretch as far as my eyes could see and beyond. He was laughing with so much joy...I looked to the left and the right and couldn't see an end to how far His arms were stretching. Realizing there was no end to His love for me, I began sobbing and laughing with joy. (Page 84)
I asked Jesus, "What were You thinking when You created me?" …as soon as the question left my mouth, a picture appeared in my mind. I was standing beside Jesus, and we were both facing God the Father across a table. The Father suddenly reached into His chest, grabbed His heart, and ripped off a chunk of it. He threw it down on the table, and it became clay. As He began shaping and molding it, I realized it was me. When He was finished, He reached over, grabbed a box and placed me inside it....The Father stood in front of the box with a look of excitement and anticipation on His face. Suddenly He threw open the box, and the little me began dancing, singing and worshipping Him....The Father became so excited and shouted, "Woohoo!" as He jumped and twirled around. Then He shut the box, waited with great anticipation, and threw the lid open again. Once more I sang and danced, and He ran around shouting for joy. I stood there watching Him repeat the same sequence of events over and over. I was bewildered at His excitement for me. Then the Father reached into the box and put me in the palm of His hand. In that moment, my perspective changed-I went from watching all of this along the side to being there in His hand. He was pulling me close to His heart, and as I got closer, I could see the outline of the place where He had ripped out the piece to make me. He slid me into that spot, and I fit perfectly, like a puzzle piece. As I nestled into His heart, I could feel the warmth of His love. Then I heard the Father begin to speak, "You are not a mistake. I knew exactly what I was doing when I created you .... This is the place you were made from and this is where you stay, here in my heart, so close to me. Nobody else can fill this spot. It's just for you." (Pages 85-86)
Jesus loves us exactly the way we need to be loved. (Page 138)
When Jesus forgives us, He completely removes and forgets about our sin. … His version of justice doesn't focus on punishing wrongdoing, but on the restoration of what was lost or damaged by it. (Page 144)
There is nobody who is too lost for God, nobody who is unseen by Him. There is not a single person who has made such horrible choices that God will remove His love from them. He loves us in the middle of our mess and bad choices, and He loves us even when we reject Him. (Page 185)
As you may have guessed I really enjoyed this book! I highly recommend it to any and everyone. It is so powerful and beautiful. You will be surprised how relatable Kim's story is to your own. God made you and He knows every detail of your story. His love for you in incredible.
Thank you so much for reading my review. I hope you enjoyed it!
DISCLAIMER: I received this book from BookLookBloggers free in return for my honest review.
January 14, 2023
With a leading female voice full of strength and fortitude, and hits like ‘Spirit Break Out’, ‘How He Loves’, and ‘Holy Spirit’ (which combined has a total of 85 million YouTube views), Kim Walker-Smith is a force to be reckoned with.
In her memoir, Brave Surrender, Kim Walker-Smith paints us an open and honest conversation about her life story from a very abusive childhood to becoming one of the world’s most recognized Christian artists of the modern age. Poignantly transparent, Walker-Smith leads us down memory lane, opening the veil behind the stage and the platform for all the world to see and brings to the table a very candid account of her sufferings, persecution, and high-marks of her childhood, career, and personal life.
Heartbreaking and emotional in some parts, funny in others, Smith overcomes every barrier thrown at her in life - from being grabbed by the neck as a young girl by an abusive stepfather and violently thrown to the ground - to being persecuted by the very church members whom she led into worship every Sunday.
Whether you hate Christian music, love it, live in it, or just listen to it every now and then, you have to admire the power and the punch Kim Walker gives in her music, as if the heartbeat of Heaven is beating right there in your living room. Her very soul lives and breathes in each syllable and rhythm granting pleasure to our senses and life to our bones.
In her memoir, Brave Surrender, Kim Walker-Smith paints us an open and honest conversation about her life story from a very abusive childhood to becoming one of the world’s most recognized Christian artists of the modern age. Poignantly transparent, Walker-Smith leads us down memory lane, opening the veil behind the stage and the platform for all the world to see and brings to the table a very candid account of her sufferings, persecution, and high-marks of her childhood, career, and personal life.
Heartbreaking and emotional in some parts, funny in others, Smith overcomes every barrier thrown at her in life - from being grabbed by the neck as a young girl by an abusive stepfather and violently thrown to the ground - to being persecuted by the very church members whom she led into worship every Sunday.
Whether you hate Christian music, love it, live in it, or just listen to it every now and then, you have to admire the power and the punch Kim Walker gives in her music, as if the heartbeat of Heaven is beating right there in your living room. Her very soul lives and breathes in each syllable and rhythm granting pleasure to our senses and life to our bones.
April 10, 2019
Kim Walker-Smith is a talented singer with a powerful story to tell. In her book, Brave Surrender: Let God's Love Rewrite Your Story, she encourages readers through her story of hope and resilience. The book focuses on themes such as surrendering to God and accepting His love. She talks about finding faith and healing from trauma.
[The following paragraphs contain spoilers.]
The book begins with major events in Kim's childhood, including her life-changing introduction to Jesus. Kim's parents divorced, and her mother remarried three times. Kim's first two step-fathers were abusive, though her third step-father was a kind Christian man. One of the most touching parts of the book was when Kim's little brother, Matt, who had felt the sting of rejection by his biological father, happily announced to the family that his stepfather George was his new daddy now.
I loved reading Kim's story, and seeing how she landed in ministry and started leading worship. One of my favorite parts in the book was when she talked about how she met her husband, Skyler. Another favorite part was when she talked about her little boys, Wyatt and Bear. The book shows readers that surrendering to God is a courageous thing.
I received this book for review.
[The following paragraphs contain spoilers.]
The book begins with major events in Kim's childhood, including her life-changing introduction to Jesus. Kim's parents divorced, and her mother remarried three times. Kim's first two step-fathers were abusive, though her third step-father was a kind Christian man. One of the most touching parts of the book was when Kim's little brother, Matt, who had felt the sting of rejection by his biological father, happily announced to the family that his stepfather George was his new daddy now.
I loved reading Kim's story, and seeing how she landed in ministry and started leading worship. One of my favorite parts in the book was when she talked about how she met her husband, Skyler. Another favorite part was when she talked about her little boys, Wyatt and Bear. The book shows readers that surrendering to God is a courageous thing.
I received this book for review.
May 14, 2019
Fantastic! Kim Walker-Smith lays bare her personal journey of anger, betrayal, disappointments, and ultimate redemption for the whole world to read in this, her first book. I couldn't put it down! Her honesty regarding her childhood abuse, young adult search for meaning, and adult disappointments is raw and almost shocking. But it is so helpful to know that when she sings of going through the worst of life and not giving up on God, you know she's really lived that belief and conviction. Walker-Smith gives the reader an incredible close-up on her inner life as well as her outer one, too. She writes with bravery on the spiritual encounters that she's had with the divine, and those beautiful images will stick with me long after this book goes back up on the shelf. Her encouragement to listen to God - REALLY listen - and then obey with confidence, is compelling! I felt so lifted up by the triumphs of her life that she relates. Truly an inspirational read for anyone going through a tough time - and aren't we all? The only thing I could have wanted more of was detail on her professional singing life, and the role God plays when she gets onstage, but that's because I sing as well. :)
July 15, 2019
Having a few current concussions myself, I really don’t know what would happen if I got another one and put my family supports through that again.
Concussions and Parkinson’s that’s different parts of the brain as ms and risk of so many diseases. The mental illness part of it should be classified as a brain disease rather mental illness. Right now in life with high fats or cabbage broth soup or time-restricted eat. Made huge leaps in what I can do.
Idk what I’d do if, so happened another big concussion again, to be putting family and the friends left through that.
I just don’t want to think about it some days,
Or very hard days.
A good book, made me think hugely this book on the emotions and feelings that spin off things like that. I guess not many put up with it.
Although my sister said she would always love me, no matter what.
I find she lives in in another part of the world, so who says distance isn’t the answer for that, by a huge part of it I’d suppose.
Concussions and Parkinson’s that’s different parts of the brain as ms and risk of so many diseases. The mental illness part of it should be classified as a brain disease rather mental illness. Right now in life with high fats or cabbage broth soup or time-restricted eat. Made huge leaps in what I can do.
Idk what I’d do if, so happened another big concussion again, to be putting family and the friends left through that.
I just don’t want to think about it some days,
Or very hard days.
A good book, made me think hugely this book on the emotions and feelings that spin off things like that. I guess not many put up with it.
Although my sister said she would always love me, no matter what.
I find she lives in in another part of the world, so who says distance isn’t the answer for that, by a huge part of it I’d suppose.
May 26, 2022
When I saw this book come up for review I knew that I wanted to read it. I've enjoyed her voice for so long and her authentic way of leading worship always intrigued me. How someone can seem to have such a real connection ... the one she shares when she worships makes me curious.
Kim Walker-Smith sings with Jesus Culture. I really enjoyed her book. It took me less than a day to read though I want to go back and read it again. Her writing style is easy to read and doesn't jump around and leave you guessing as to where she is, where she has been, or where she is going. It's a smooth journey that you want to walk with her.
This book was exactly what I desperately needed in one of the hardest times of my life. So many things written in the book were my inner thoughts on paper, assuring me I wasn’t alone, I’m not crazy to think God can move in this crazy unimaginable way. It brought healing.
I really respect what she's done, it's not easy to write such a personal book.
Kim Walker-Smith sings with Jesus Culture. I really enjoyed her book. It took me less than a day to read though I want to go back and read it again. Her writing style is easy to read and doesn't jump around and leave you guessing as to where she is, where she has been, or where she is going. It's a smooth journey that you want to walk with her.
This book was exactly what I desperately needed in one of the hardest times of my life. So many things written in the book were my inner thoughts on paper, assuring me I wasn’t alone, I’m not crazy to think God can move in this crazy unimaginable way. It brought healing.
I really respect what she's done, it's not easy to write such a personal book.
April 10, 2019
Literally read this in 5 hours.
This is the book I’ve been waiting on in this season. Whether or not our stories are the exact same as Kim’s or they’re written differently, I believe we all struggle with the two questions she dared to ask God:
“how much do You love me?”
“What were You thinking when You created me?”
Too often we believe the lies that are planted in our lives by the enemy. Circumstances shape our view of God and tether us to the lie of being worthless. But when we dare to surrender to God and let His love wash over us, we’re changed.
Incredible book. Incredible story. Incredible love woven into the tapestry of these pages. I recommend 10/10.
This is the book I’ve been waiting on in this season. Whether or not our stories are the exact same as Kim’s or they’re written differently, I believe we all struggle with the two questions she dared to ask God:
“how much do You love me?”
“What were You thinking when You created me?”
Too often we believe the lies that are planted in our lives by the enemy. Circumstances shape our view of God and tether us to the lie of being worthless. But when we dare to surrender to God and let His love wash over us, we’re changed.
Incredible book. Incredible story. Incredible love woven into the tapestry of these pages. I recommend 10/10.
August 31, 2019
Giant: Kim writes with the same voice that she sings with
Kim Walker-Smith wrote a book. It’s giant. Hurry up and read it.
Like an epistle from an apostle this book is no less than inspiring. Kim recounts particular events in her life then reviews them through the eyes of someone soaked in Holy Spirit. You will see Jesus where you thought he was absent.
Kim writes with the same voice that she sings with, the voice you hear when she worships is the same voice you will hear when you read this book.
Kim Walker-Smith wrote a book. It’s giant. Hurry up and read it.
Like an epistle from an apostle this book is no less than inspiring. Kim recounts particular events in her life then reviews them through the eyes of someone soaked in Holy Spirit. You will see Jesus where you thought he was absent.
Kim writes with the same voice that she sings with, the voice you hear when she worships is the same voice you will hear when you read this book.
May 14, 2019
A beautiful depiction of a life renewed by trusting God. Kim tells her story so passionately, you cannot help but encounter the love of God in the pages. I related to a lot of Kim's fears, feelings, and even the lies she was believing. Her testimony is an encouragement that forgiveness, healing, and surrender are journies that take time, one step at a time. Like she says in the book, layers. I am thankful for this book, and for Kim.
May 2, 2019
God is on our side
In one of her interviews, Kim talks of how a relationship with Jesus is not about one moment, but a lifetime of moments with Him. Wow, a lifetime of moments with our Creator!?! Yes, please!!
In her book, God reveals to us that the way to this love-filled relationship with Him is through constantly surrendering our will to His. He is truly on our side!
In one of her interviews, Kim talks of how a relationship with Jesus is not about one moment, but a lifetime of moments with Him. Wow, a lifetime of moments with our Creator!?! Yes, please!!
In her book, God reveals to us that the way to this love-filled relationship with Him is through constantly surrendering our will to His. He is truly on our side!
November 1, 2019
I t was like looking at parts of my life and my hopes and desires. I have such hope for my future because I know that God is no respecter of persons. He did it for you then he will do it for me! Thank you for sharing your journey. You have so blessed me for years
April 9, 2019
Loved this book
Thank you Lord for leading me to this book and thank you Kim for sharing your story with the world.
Thank you Lord for leading me to this book and thank you Kim for sharing your story with the world.
May 31, 2019
I loved reading this. I consumed it in one sitting with deep gratitude for Walker-Smith’s unerring transparency. I learned a lot about myself through her own self-examination.
July 1, 2019
Powerful, authentic story of a life transformed by God's love.
July 28, 2019
Awesome!
One of the best books I have read in a while, the pages are so full of love and emotion it pours out onto the reader
One of the best books I have read in a while, the pages are so full of love and emotion it pours out onto the reader
November 27, 2019
Really easy to read, super inspirational and down to earth. Showcases how to surrender and trust in God continually.
February 12, 2024
What a story. I needed every word. Kim, you are a gift from our God!!!
May 3, 2019
As a long time member of worship teams, I was initially attracted to this book because I had heard of Kim Walker-Smith many times through the last few years. I am very interested in what female worship leaders have to bring to the table so I knew I wanted to check out this book. When I first started reading I kind of felt like where is this going? I don't really know what the point of this is. But I kept going. The writing was good. The story moved quickly and was easy and enjoyable to read. And I was just so curious what Brave Surrender was for Kim. I started to get to some of the more charismatic theology type ideas and had to push through those. (I do not follow or endorse charismatic ideas.) I kept reading. By that point I was hooked on her story and had to finish it out. I started to see the way God was transforming her life. One step at a time. One fear conquered at a time. Over and over, surrender. Over and over, repentance. Over and over, forgiveness. God was transforming her life from the inside out. I love how she writes very visually. You can picture things happening. She uses a lot of metaphors that help understand what was going on in her head. I started to feel like I wanted God to do something big like this in my life. I didn't get a preachy feel from the book. There wasn't much scripture (which was one thing I wish she would have included more of) but the whole book pointed the reader towards Christ. Forgiveness and transformation come from Him. And I want to experience the same type of freedom from fear that Kim experienced. The book pushed me to want to seek that out. I want to sit with the Lord and hash things out too. I love how the book pushes the reader towards Christlikeness in such a roundabout way. It's not a hit you over the head with a bible type book. But it's highly affective at pushing people towards the Lord. I really liked this book. I gave it 4 stars. I would recommend it but take the charismatic theology with a grain of salt.
I received a copy of this book from Booklookbloggers. I was in no way required to write a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
I received a copy of this book from Booklookbloggers. I was in no way required to write a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
January 4, 2021
I can still remember finding Kim Walker's How He Loves Us on my old flip phone from 2009 because that song had recked me and I needed to hear it right away. I didn't know who sang it or who she was but I have never been the same since hearing her sing that song. I then bought all the Jesus Culture albums and her solo albums because they spoke volumes to my spirit. She is also the first person I heard laugh that wasn't me and I was so excited that I wasn't crazy when I was in worship since no one else at the time had laughed in the spirit. I was also at the NYC concert when she was pregnant with her second child. To hear her recount all she went through leading up to that day and the day of the concert is leaving me breathless!
Kim's worship took me on a journey to knowing the relational God I always heard about but no one ever showed me how to get to. I had no idea of her back story or her testimony but so many elements of her life resonates with my own.
Thank you for sharing your story with us! This is definitely helping me face myself and my issues in this new year!
Kim's worship took me on a journey to knowing the relational God I always heard about but no one ever showed me how to get to. I had no idea of her back story or her testimony but so many elements of her life resonates with my own.
Thank you for sharing your story with us! This is definitely helping me face myself and my issues in this new year!
September 27, 2021
I picked this book up for two reasons: I needed a book by a celebrity for a reading challenge and I'm a worship leader who was interested to read about another worship leader.
This book is challenging, in that Walker-Smith experienced a lot of supernatural healing and freedom. It can stretch your faith, but seeing the fruit in her life makes it clear that God has been and is working in her life.
I truly appreciated Walker-Smith's openness and vulnerability in admitting her anger, her struggles, and her pain. Not that it's "nice," but it's encouraging to know that other people also struggle (especially when those people are well known and it's easy to believe their lives are so easy).
I'm still thinking about this book as I process some of the things she talked about and how they intersect with aspects of my life (all in a good way). A great book for spiritual growth, but it will definitely challenge some traditional ideas and theologies.
This book is challenging, in that Walker-Smith experienced a lot of supernatural healing and freedom. It can stretch your faith, but seeing the fruit in her life makes it clear that God has been and is working in her life.
I truly appreciated Walker-Smith's openness and vulnerability in admitting her anger, her struggles, and her pain. Not that it's "nice," but it's encouraging to know that other people also struggle (especially when those people are well known and it's easy to believe their lives are so easy).
I'm still thinking about this book as I process some of the things she talked about and how they intersect with aspects of my life (all in a good way). A great book for spiritual growth, but it will definitely challenge some traditional ideas and theologies.
July 12, 2021
This is a wonderful book.
Kim Walker Smith is a Worship Leader for Jesus Culture band. In her book she speaks about her upbringing,
the hardships she faced growing up, how she encountered God's love and her inner healing.
We see the hand of God in her life from the beginning and how he gently leads her to surrender everything and trust Him.
Throughout her journey God also taught her to forgive people who hurt and betray her and release them. She learns that she could not always pleased people, but have to stay focus on God and his plan for her.
I have always loved her music and wanted to read her book since its release, I like her openness and vulnerability. This is a powerful testimony.
"We're never the same after we've encountered the love of God"
Kim Walker Smith is a Worship Leader for Jesus Culture band. In her book she speaks about her upbringing,
the hardships she faced growing up, how she encountered God's love and her inner healing.
We see the hand of God in her life from the beginning and how he gently leads her to surrender everything and trust Him.
Throughout her journey God also taught her to forgive people who hurt and betray her and release them. She learns that she could not always pleased people, but have to stay focus on God and his plan for her.
I have always loved her music and wanted to read her book since its release, I like her openness and vulnerability. This is a powerful testimony.
"We're never the same after we've encountered the love of God"
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