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Freedom!: The Gutsy Pursuit of Breakthrough and the Life Beyond It
Brokenness has become a buzzword. We wear it like a badge, proudly showing off the shattered pieces of our lives--while still fighting the same desperate battles. But brokenness was never meant to be the destination. Or your identity. It was meant to be the catalyst for breakthrough. Inspiring, vulnerable, and powerful, this new book from Jennifer Watson helps you take your eyes off the idol of brokenness and experience the God of breakthrough. She shows how breakthrough is really hope moving forward, even when life hurts. And she gives you practical, uncomplicated ways · stop feeling shame and emptiness· leave the victim mentality behind · experience lasting restoration in your story and your soul· and moreIt's okay to not be okay for a little while. But Jesus has a plan to see your scars become success stories that reflect his glory to the people around you.
194 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 19, 2019
67 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Renee Watson
7 books10 followersJennifer is a minister's wife, mother, author, and blogger who has an undying affection for refined sugar and red lipstick. Her ministry to broken girls took on a difference shape when in a place of leadership, she stopped hiding her brokenness, and decided to be brave and see what God wanted to do with it. Trading the lie of "I have it all together" for messy leadership that is vulnerable, real, and life changing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
March 17, 2019
3.75 stars
I picked up Freedom!: The Gutsy Pursuit of Breakthrough and the Life Beyond It by Jennifer Renee Watson because I'm tired of me telling myself that I'm broken and I can't move beyond it. (And, to be honest, the cover is quite gorgeous!) I enjoyed it, and, overall, feel like it had a truly great message!
God is not the voice in your head shaming you, saying you are not enough. God is telling you that He is enough. That He is the great I AM. Who He is inside of you is more than enough to take care of whatever you are facing today or what you will face in the future. Jesus is not tired of you. Jesus is waiting and unafraid of your questions. (Freedom! pg. 66)
For real, a lot of us Christians ... perhaps especially women ... willingly live in brokenness. We take on the victim mentality and try to survive each day and do the right thing and please all the people. Freedom! is here to tell you that it's time to pursue freedom! In Christ, we can move into deeper freedom than we ever thought possible. We can stop listening to that negative, nagging, dark voice in our head that tells us we'll never be good enough. This book hit on some important topics and gave me another boost in my journey of freedom & wholeness in Christ.
A couple things. For some reason or another, this book wasn't as easy of a read as some. Some chapters took me awhile to get through. Also, there was just a bit of that You Deserve It!, You're a Strong, Kick-Butt Heroine stuff mixed into the message. And that tends to rub me a little wrong. But it wasn't overpowering, because the biggest thing I got from this book was that I don't have to stay broken, and Jesus Christ is my everything - He will help me break through.
Your safe person is always Jesus. He alone can mend and do what no person or soul sister can do. (Freedom! pg. 96)
Your grateful soul was what motivated you to service. You were too busy pleasing God to concern yourself with pleasing others. (Freedom! pg. 151)
So, Freedom! wasn't a five-star read for me. But it still had some really, really good points in it. Paragraphs and prayers that brought just a little more healing to my heart. God is so good. Thank you, Jennifer Renee Watson, for writing this book. I look forward to growing in freedom and grace together, even though we may never meet. God bless you!
I received a complimentary copy of Freedom! from Bethany House Publishers. This review is honest and completely my own.
I picked up Freedom!: The Gutsy Pursuit of Breakthrough and the Life Beyond It by Jennifer Renee Watson because I'm tired of me telling myself that I'm broken and I can't move beyond it. (And, to be honest, the cover is quite gorgeous!) I enjoyed it, and, overall, feel like it had a truly great message!
God is not the voice in your head shaming you, saying you are not enough. God is telling you that He is enough. That He is the great I AM. Who He is inside of you is more than enough to take care of whatever you are facing today or what you will face in the future. Jesus is not tired of you. Jesus is waiting and unafraid of your questions. (Freedom! pg. 66)
For real, a lot of us Christians ... perhaps especially women ... willingly live in brokenness. We take on the victim mentality and try to survive each day and do the right thing and please all the people. Freedom! is here to tell you that it's time to pursue freedom! In Christ, we can move into deeper freedom than we ever thought possible. We can stop listening to that negative, nagging, dark voice in our head that tells us we'll never be good enough. This book hit on some important topics and gave me another boost in my journey of freedom & wholeness in Christ.
A couple things. For some reason or another, this book wasn't as easy of a read as some. Some chapters took me awhile to get through. Also, there was just a bit of that You Deserve It!, You're a Strong, Kick-Butt Heroine stuff mixed into the message. And that tends to rub me a little wrong. But it wasn't overpowering, because the biggest thing I got from this book was that I don't have to stay broken, and Jesus Christ is my everything - He will help me break through.
Your safe person is always Jesus. He alone can mend and do what no person or soul sister can do. (Freedom! pg. 96)
Your grateful soul was what motivated you to service. You were too busy pleasing God to concern yourself with pleasing others. (Freedom! pg. 151)
So, Freedom! wasn't a five-star read for me. But it still had some really, really good points in it. Paragraphs and prayers that brought just a little more healing to my heart. God is so good. Thank you, Jennifer Renee Watson, for writing this book. I look forward to growing in freedom and grace together, even though we may never meet. God bless you!
I received a complimentary copy of Freedom! from Bethany House Publishers. This review is honest and completely my own.
March 4, 2019
WHY I CHOOSE THIS BOOK
The description spot-on to a huge problem I see in the world around me, plus something I've had to work through in my own life.
WHAT I THOUGHT ABOUT THIS BOOK
This book had a lot of good information about how to deal with brokenness, pain, and problems from a Biblical standpoint. I really appreciated a lot of the information the author shared, and I liked how she went to the Bible as the guiding point for how to live life past brokenness.
Tackling the issue of how to deal with hurt but not have it become your identity was something I've wanted to read for a while. It's far too easy to let your pain - or even how you got over your pain - to become what you basis your identity on, but that shouldn't be our identity at all. I felt like the author presented a very good, balanced picture of how to do this.
The reason I only gave this book three stars is because the writing style really wasn't one I enjoyed. Some things I actually outright disagreed with and other things just rubbed me the wrong way. Probably about ninety percent of this is simply preference in style, and the ten percent that I disagreed with didn't overshadow the book to the point that I wouldn't recommend it.
RATING
I’m giving Freedom! 3 out of 5 stars - Bethany House Publishers gave me this book to review. Obviously, all thoughts are my own.
The description spot-on to a huge problem I see in the world around me, plus something I've had to work through in my own life.
WHAT I THOUGHT ABOUT THIS BOOK
This book had a lot of good information about how to deal with brokenness, pain, and problems from a Biblical standpoint. I really appreciated a lot of the information the author shared, and I liked how she went to the Bible as the guiding point for how to live life past brokenness.
Tackling the issue of how to deal with hurt but not have it become your identity was something I've wanted to read for a while. It's far too easy to let your pain - or even how you got over your pain - to become what you basis your identity on, but that shouldn't be our identity at all. I felt like the author presented a very good, balanced picture of how to do this.
The reason I only gave this book three stars is because the writing style really wasn't one I enjoyed. Some things I actually outright disagreed with and other things just rubbed me the wrong way. Probably about ninety percent of this is simply preference in style, and the ten percent that I disagreed with didn't overshadow the book to the point that I wouldn't recommend it.
RATING
I’m giving Freedom! 3 out of 5 stars - Bethany House Publishers gave me this book to review. Obviously, all thoughts are my own.
April 8, 2019
I loved this book so much. At first, I wasn't sure. A book titled Freedom! implied that you could just will your way into healing and freedom. But nope. This book was honest and compassionate. It acknowledged the pain and struggle that comes with the pursuit of breakthrough -- yet it still cheered you on and challenged you to bravely take the next step. To mourn. To cry. To pray. To find some people to help you along the way. And to keep pursuing breakthrough. I also loved that it didn't stop at breakthrough but discussed what happens next. Jennifer Renee Watson was a wonderful guide. You could tell that she wasn't just preaching at you, she actually knew what she was talking about from personal experience. From her own brokenness.
This book was uplifting but also wonderfully, painfully honest. I feel cheered on, even though tears welled while I read. I did not agree with all of the theology, but I must have highlighted something to remember on every other page or so.
Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
This book was uplifting but also wonderfully, painfully honest. I feel cheered on, even though tears welled while I read. I did not agree with all of the theology, but I must have highlighted something to remember on every other page or so.
Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
February 28, 2019
Watson has given readers a wonderfully encouraging book. We women are to be a light showing the way in the wilderness, a stream that refreshes those around us. (170) Often life seems just the opposite, however. We feel stuck. We fight obstacles. We are broken.
Watson encourages women to be gutsy in our pursuit of freedom. We ask God what lies we are believing. We fight against the mindset of being stuck. We intentionally let go of things in our past, refusing to bask in our brokenness. We commit to moving forward because of the finished work of Christ. We seek to have a supportive group of women with us.
We have to fight for our freedom and Watson has provided tools to do so. She includes practical ideas, such as ones for battling the negative talk within. She helps us embrace a moving-on mindset. She encourages us to realize our issues were never meant to be limitations but launching pads to growth. I love her personal take on 1 Corinthians 13, applying it to ourselves.
This is an excellent book for women who want to move beyond their place of feeling stuck. Watson provides good examples as well as effective and encouraging teaching. This would be a good book for personal journaling or a group study as there are reflective questions at the end of each chapter.
Food for thought: “He will use each heartache for His glory if you let Him.” (17)
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Watson encourages women to be gutsy in our pursuit of freedom. We ask God what lies we are believing. We fight against the mindset of being stuck. We intentionally let go of things in our past, refusing to bask in our brokenness. We commit to moving forward because of the finished work of Christ. We seek to have a supportive group of women with us.
We have to fight for our freedom and Watson has provided tools to do so. She includes practical ideas, such as ones for battling the negative talk within. She helps us embrace a moving-on mindset. She encourages us to realize our issues were never meant to be limitations but launching pads to growth. I love her personal take on 1 Corinthians 13, applying it to ourselves.
This is an excellent book for women who want to move beyond their place of feeling stuck. Watson provides good examples as well as effective and encouraging teaching. This would be a good book for personal journaling or a group study as there are reflective questions at the end of each chapter.
Food for thought: “He will use each heartache for His glory if you let Him.” (17)
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
February 19, 2019
This book is amazing! Jennifer makes you feel as though you are sitting across the table from her having a conversation over coffee. She is real, raw and doesn’t hold back. She encourages the reader to no longer live in their brokenness and move through their breakthrough. She is encouraging and straight to the point. She writes in the same way she would speak. I recommend this book for every woman who needs to bust through their brokenness into their breakthrough and live the life God has for them. “You are worth fighting for, and worth the effort it takes to push past opposition and doubt for the gutsy breakthrough ahead” (pg. 49). I received an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
February 15, 2019
Freedom!
The Gutsy Pursuit of Breakthrough and the Life Beyond It
by Jennifer Renee Watson
Bethany House
Bethany House Publishers
Christian
Pub Date 19 Feb 2019
I am reviewing a copy of Freedom through Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley:
In this book the author reminds us that that Gutsy Faith is both noticed and rewarded by God. We are reminded too that intentionally reaching out to Jesus when we feel broken is the precursor to intentionally letting go of the pains of our past!
The author goes on to point out too that our pain isn’t intended to destroy us but to position us for God’s ultimate purpose in our lives.
We are reminded too that the word of God is our most powerful weapon.
I give Freedom five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
The Gutsy Pursuit of Breakthrough and the Life Beyond It
by Jennifer Renee Watson
Bethany House
Bethany House Publishers
Christian
Pub Date 19 Feb 2019
I am reviewing a copy of Freedom through Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley:
In this book the author reminds us that that Gutsy Faith is both noticed and rewarded by God. We are reminded too that intentionally reaching out to Jesus when we feel broken is the precursor to intentionally letting go of the pains of our past!
The author goes on to point out too that our pain isn’t intended to destroy us but to position us for God’s ultimate purpose in our lives.
We are reminded too that the word of God is our most powerful weapon.
I give Freedom five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
March 15, 2019
The title of the book intrigued me. The introduction hooked me, and as I make my way through each chapter Jennifer Renee Watson''s words are resonating with me in the deepest part of my being.
I highly recommend this book.
I highly recommend this book.
January 30, 2019
This is a very raw, honest book. It was like Jennifer Renee Watson knew what I was going through and was walking with me through it. This is a book that you will read again and again. The questions at the end of each chapter makes you stop and really think about everything that has broken you and made you feel like you wasn't good enough. Grab this book and a notebook and get ready to say good-bye to brokenness. It's not easy and it it's not going to happen overnight, but it is so worth it. Thank you Bethany House via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. This is my honest opinion and I highly recommend this book.
February 22, 2019
I always love the theme of freedom and breakthrough! Those are "gutsy" subjects that are usually met because of heartache, pain, or near destruction!
In Freedom! The Gutsy Pursuit of Breakthrough and the Life Beyond it, Jennifer and friends share the nitty-gritty of how they've overcome.
She's also given us pointed questions to ask and gutsy prayers to pray at the end of each chapter.
I will say that I really sunk my teeth into Part 2 of the book because it's where I most feel that I am. Ready to take the reigns to help other women walk in Freedom!
In Freedom! The Gutsy Pursuit of Breakthrough and the Life Beyond it, Jennifer and friends share the nitty-gritty of how they've overcome.
She's also given us pointed questions to ask and gutsy prayers to pray at the end of each chapter.
I will say that I really sunk my teeth into Part 2 of the book because it's where I most feel that I am. Ready to take the reigns to help other women walk in Freedom!
March 3, 2019
The author is very passionate about helping women overcome brokenness, building healing communities for women, and helping connect women in mentoring relationships. Which is something that is also near and dear to my heart, having served and organized women ministry groups in the past. She shares her story and a few other women’s stories of how they have overcome personal hurts or suffer from not feeling they are worthy. She weaves in stories from the Bible and Scripture to point to our need of Jesus, which is something we are in need of!
She is spunky, which I like about her. I would have hoped for a bit more on the importance of redemption through God, as I know this was something that really has helped me. Theology wise I don’t agree with her on all points she makes. However, this book will be helpful and provide encouragement for those in their suffering. To remind you that you are never alone and the importance of reaching out and having someone trustworthy in your life to come along with you in your struggle.
Few quotes from the book:
The power of God inside of you is stronger than any face or place that tried to break you.
We wish away our messy moments, but our insecurities are opportunities for growth beyond our breakthrough, not merely setbacks that make us feel stuck.
Brokenness is not the ending; it’s the beginning of something beautiful inside of you being rebuilt. It looks like gratitude rather than guilt.
We can either take our thoughts captive or be held captive by them.
We would all be big, fat liars if we acted like we never sinned. The Bible is clear: We have all fallen short of the glory of God.
The world wants a nicer, watered-down Jesus who turns a blind eye to sins – a do whatever makes you happy Jesus. But, my Jesus is a chain breaker, not a pushover.
Freedom isn’t about what we produce or achieve but rather who we are becoming in Christ.
She is spunky, which I like about her. I would have hoped for a bit more on the importance of redemption through God, as I know this was something that really has helped me. Theology wise I don’t agree with her on all points she makes. However, this book will be helpful and provide encouragement for those in their suffering. To remind you that you are never alone and the importance of reaching out and having someone trustworthy in your life to come along with you in your struggle.
Few quotes from the book:
The power of God inside of you is stronger than any face or place that tried to break you.
We wish away our messy moments, but our insecurities are opportunities for growth beyond our breakthrough, not merely setbacks that make us feel stuck.
Brokenness is not the ending; it’s the beginning of something beautiful inside of you being rebuilt. It looks like gratitude rather than guilt.
We can either take our thoughts captive or be held captive by them.
We would all be big, fat liars if we acted like we never sinned. The Bible is clear: We have all fallen short of the glory of God.
The world wants a nicer, watered-down Jesus who turns a blind eye to sins – a do whatever makes you happy Jesus. But, my Jesus is a chain breaker, not a pushover.
Freedom isn’t about what we produce or achieve but rather who we are becoming in Christ.
February 17, 2019
Refreshing, renewing and restoring. This book was an answer to many prayers I have been praying and it came at just the right time. I couldn��t put it down. Jennifer Renee Watson was a new friend and sister in Christ. I felt like we were sitting at the kitchen table talking over coffee like girlfriends tend to do. I felt like she wrote this book just for me. Of course I am not that selfish but it created intersections and confirmations that helped me see how far I had come in my own journey and where I could still learn more. Where God has been silent for so long, he was now speaking directly to my heart, soul and spirit through the pages of Jennifer’s book.
Let’s face it life is hard sometimes. No one is immune to it; we must learn to walk through it and for me that includes staying connected to Jesus through the word. This book brought that to life beautifully, pointing us to our need for God and to be in prayer about everything, and to be in His Word.
With encouragement and insight by sharing her own story and the stories of others and then weaving in stories from scripture Jennifer made the truth of God’s word come alive as we apply it to our stories. She reminded us it is OK not to be OK all the time, but we must press through- keep looking ahead by keeping our eyes on Jesus. It was about not letting the past hold you back. “When the enemy reminds us of our past, let us hold unswervingly to the promise of our future.” You’ll discover that promise and many others in the pages.
This book is filled with practical tips, beautiful prayers and declarations. It is about learning to create a tribe of sisters who will support you and sustain you, encourage and mentor you and that you can do the same for them. It is about sharing our stories so that we can find even more healing and help others to find the same. It was real, authentic and transparent. That is something that is rare to find but something that many are looking for. If you want real transformation in your life, pick up your Bible, a journal and this book and dive deep. You won’t be disappointed. I can’t wait to see what else God has as I dive in again. I would give it 10 stars if I could and it will find a place on my list of favorites books. Now don’t walk but run and get a copy, in fact pick up a few it will be a great gift for friends and family. I LOVED it!!!
Let’s face it life is hard sometimes. No one is immune to it; we must learn to walk through it and for me that includes staying connected to Jesus through the word. This book brought that to life beautifully, pointing us to our need for God and to be in prayer about everything, and to be in His Word.
With encouragement and insight by sharing her own story and the stories of others and then weaving in stories from scripture Jennifer made the truth of God’s word come alive as we apply it to our stories. She reminded us it is OK not to be OK all the time, but we must press through- keep looking ahead by keeping our eyes on Jesus. It was about not letting the past hold you back. “When the enemy reminds us of our past, let us hold unswervingly to the promise of our future.” You’ll discover that promise and many others in the pages.
This book is filled with practical tips, beautiful prayers and declarations. It is about learning to create a tribe of sisters who will support you and sustain you, encourage and mentor you and that you can do the same for them. It is about sharing our stories so that we can find even more healing and help others to find the same. It was real, authentic and transparent. That is something that is rare to find but something that many are looking for. If you want real transformation in your life, pick up your Bible, a journal and this book and dive deep. You won’t be disappointed. I can’t wait to see what else God has as I dive in again. I would give it 10 stars if I could and it will find a place on my list of favorites books. Now don’t walk but run and get a copy, in fact pick up a few it will be a great gift for friends and family. I LOVED it!!!
February 19, 2019
Within the first two chapters of this powerful book, I had made a mental list of over 20 "me too" links between my story and Jennifer Renee Watson's story. She openly shares her stories about her father wound, struggle with depression, lack of confidence, and other common problems Christian women face. You will read it and find yourself nodding your head while Jennifer unfolds her stories alongside God's truths.
Jennifer has been in ministry for more than two decades, so you can trust that she knows what she's talking about. I like the sass and transparency mixture in her writing voice, and the way she helped me feel pumped up after each chapter. Facing your deepest hurts isn't easy, and Jennifer never pretends it is. She comes alongside you and helps you be honest about your struggles so you can find healing and freedom from them once and for all.
I love the pretty pearl finish of this book as well as the lines to fill in your thoughts. The reflective questions are great for personal application, and you could also use them for group study. I think this book would be an excellent resource for mentoring between women of different generations.
She is also one of the featured speakers on a new podcast, More Than Small Talk, with authors Suzanne Eller and Holley Gerth. I encourage you to check out the podcast and the book. You will find Jennifer's candor to be refreshing and motivational.
Favorite Quotes from Freedom!:
"You can't be a victim when your hands are in the air praising God."
"Seeds are planted by others who have spoken hurtful things to us, but only we can water and feed those thoughts."
"There are treasures hidden in dark places, and sometimes we have to mine for diamonds in the stark, cold night."
Thanks to Bethany House and Netgalley for providing me a review copy of Freedom!.
Jennifer has been in ministry for more than two decades, so you can trust that she knows what she's talking about. I like the sass and transparency mixture in her writing voice, and the way she helped me feel pumped up after each chapter. Facing your deepest hurts isn't easy, and Jennifer never pretends it is. She comes alongside you and helps you be honest about your struggles so you can find healing and freedom from them once and for all.
I love the pretty pearl finish of this book as well as the lines to fill in your thoughts. The reflective questions are great for personal application, and you could also use them for group study. I think this book would be an excellent resource for mentoring between women of different generations.
She is also one of the featured speakers on a new podcast, More Than Small Talk, with authors Suzanne Eller and Holley Gerth. I encourage you to check out the podcast and the book. You will find Jennifer's candor to be refreshing and motivational.
Favorite Quotes from Freedom!:
"You can't be a victim when your hands are in the air praising God."
"Seeds are planted by others who have spoken hurtful things to us, but only we can water and feed those thoughts."
"There are treasures hidden in dark places, and sometimes we have to mine for diamonds in the stark, cold night."
Thanks to Bethany House and Netgalley for providing me a review copy of Freedom!.
February 20, 2019
Why is this book so important?
Let's look at some statistics:
In the US:
4 million women last year reported misusing prescription drugs. That's 1 in 41.
1 in 5 women will be raped in their lifetime, with 1 in 4 women being sexually abused before the age of 18.
18% of moms fall into the "excessive or addictive" category when it comes to drinking.
1 in 5 women experience some sort of mental health issue (twice the rate of men)
Women are TWICE as likely to ATTEMPT suicide compared to men
Half of women believe that being depressed in normal.
Normal!? We have been decieved into believing that depression is normal. That the misuse of prescriptions and alcohol is normal. That suicidal thoughts is normal. That brokeness, because of our past situations, is normal.
That's where this book comes in.
Jennifer Watson has a way of writing that doesn't pull any punches...she is open, honest and truthfull, but she does it in a way that is layered with a sisterhood of understanding and topped with a heaping dose of hope.
From personal experience, she brings understanding and empathy to the struggles that so many of us have, but she doesn't allow us to stay there. She let's us know that we are not alone and that "it's ok to not be OK..for a season.", but then...she uses her own seasons of brokeness to explode like dynamite into the bigger, brighter and better future that God had instore for herself... and that God has in store for you.
I hope you will find this book to be a warm blanket of peace that I have found it to be and a stepping stone to finding your own personal freedom from whatever is keeping you back from you best life.
Let's look at some statistics:
In the US:
4 million women last year reported misusing prescription drugs. That's 1 in 41.
1 in 5 women will be raped in their lifetime, with 1 in 4 women being sexually abused before the age of 18.
18% of moms fall into the "excessive or addictive" category when it comes to drinking.
1 in 5 women experience some sort of mental health issue (twice the rate of men)
Women are TWICE as likely to ATTEMPT suicide compared to men
Half of women believe that being depressed in normal.
Normal!? We have been decieved into believing that depression is normal. That the misuse of prescriptions and alcohol is normal. That suicidal thoughts is normal. That brokeness, because of our past situations, is normal.
That's where this book comes in.
Jennifer Watson has a way of writing that doesn't pull any punches...she is open, honest and truthfull, but she does it in a way that is layered with a sisterhood of understanding and topped with a heaping dose of hope.
From personal experience, she brings understanding and empathy to the struggles that so many of us have, but she doesn't allow us to stay there. She let's us know that we are not alone and that "it's ok to not be OK..for a season.", but then...she uses her own seasons of brokeness to explode like dynamite into the bigger, brighter and better future that God had instore for herself... and that God has in store for you.
I hope you will find this book to be a warm blanket of peace that I have found it to be and a stepping stone to finding your own personal freedom from whatever is keeping you back from you best life.
February 28, 2019
There just aren't enough words to tell how much I needed to read this book at this point in my life! Freedom is something that we all want, yet it can be the hardest thing to live in. There are all sorts of distractions that try to take our focus off of Christ and everything that He offers. Those nasty voices in our heads, people who hurt us, our circumstances, and the list goes on and on. But I have found that believing Jesus for Who He says He is and who I am in Him makes all the difference. The world's definition of freedom doesn't even come close, because I know that even though I am a broken girl His strength, love, forgiveness, and mercy are all that I will ever need to walk in the Freedom that He bought for me with His very life. If that doesn't tell me how much I am loved I don't know what will.
March 26, 2019
I have struggled so long with knowing there is freedom in Christ but not truly living in that freedom. In Freedom! the gutsy pursuit of breakthrough and the life beyond it, Jennifer Watson shares her life experiences, with tremendous transparency, and those of several close friends intervowen with truth from the Bible that all truly shows what true freedom in Christ is. She shares stories of those set free in the Bible in a way that causes you to feel that we are all sitting around the table hearing these stories for the first time from those who lived them. The simple but powerful questions at the end of each chapter crack open the door to freedom. The prayers, at the end of each chapter, are full of the hope and the promises we recieve in Christ. By the final chapter the door was swung wide open and today I can say I am walking in freedom and pursuing the life beyond my gutsy breakthrough. Thank you Jennifer Watson for persevering in writing this book that will bring freedom to countless women.
February 18, 2019
"Freedom" is a book that is worth every moment spent reading. From the very first page, I found myself nodding and agreeing out loud! Brokenness is something that we tend to use as a badge of honor, but this book is a step towards moving forward out of that brokenness and into freedom.
This is the first book I have read from Jennifer Watson, and I have to say that I hope there are many, many more. There is so much useful information in this book that has been long missing from the Christian community. Speaking her truth as only she can, Jennifer not only shares her story, but those of several "gutsy girls" who were open enough to share their experiences with overcoming life's challenges.
At the end of each chapter, there are questions for self reflection and growth, as well as a section entitled "Truth Your Soul Needs" from the subject and Biblical portions of the preceding chapter. There are also areas you can write in and refer back to as your healing process continues.
I believe this book can help women of all ages who find themselves struggling to move forward after a tough past. For many reasons, we need to push past the barriers that hold us back and move towards the freedom we can only find through Christ. I felt very encouraged after reading this book and would recommend it to anyone who wants to take hold of a new identity-one of a warrior, not a victim.
I was honored to be a part of an early reader group. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review. Don't miss out on this amazing book! It is small, but mighty!
This is the first book I have read from Jennifer Watson, and I have to say that I hope there are many, many more. There is so much useful information in this book that has been long missing from the Christian community. Speaking her truth as only she can, Jennifer not only shares her story, but those of several "gutsy girls" who were open enough to share their experiences with overcoming life's challenges.
At the end of each chapter, there are questions for self reflection and growth, as well as a section entitled "Truth Your Soul Needs" from the subject and Biblical portions of the preceding chapter. There are also areas you can write in and refer back to as your healing process continues.
I believe this book can help women of all ages who find themselves struggling to move forward after a tough past. For many reasons, we need to push past the barriers that hold us back and move towards the freedom we can only find through Christ. I felt very encouraged after reading this book and would recommend it to anyone who wants to take hold of a new identity-one of a warrior, not a victim.
I was honored to be a part of an early reader group. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review. Don't miss out on this amazing book! It is small, but mighty!
February 22, 2019
Most of us are in a battle, and sadly many are fighting alone. Jennifer Watson is the kind of gal who knows what it means to struggle and fight for her own personal freedom in Jesus, and she's also the kind of prayer warrior sister who would fight right along side you in your battle, too. Her book is an extended hand of sisterhood reaching out to you with a message of hope declaring there is more for your life than just a label of brokenness.
February 16, 2019
This book truly offers Freedom! from the most painful moments in our lives. We are reminded that it is those painful moments that catapult us to our spiritual breakthrough.
Jennifer’s shows real life transparency as she shares stories from her brokenness paired with biblical truths. She offers you the Freedom! to face the fears of your past so you can more forward in the wholeness that God offers each of us.
This book takes you on a healing journey for your soul. To pull you out of feeling stuck with a story that’s just too painful. This book will challenge you to find your inner warrior, to embrace the woman God created you to be, and roar proudly with confidence. Each chapter has a soul reflect area. A place for you to reflect on the truths you read and search your soul a little more.
This book is beautifully written for the woman who has a aching soul and simply needs Freedom!
Jennifer’s shows real life transparency as she shares stories from her brokenness paired with biblical truths. She offers you the Freedom! to face the fears of your past so you can more forward in the wholeness that God offers each of us.
This book takes you on a healing journey for your soul. To pull you out of feeling stuck with a story that’s just too painful. This book will challenge you to find your inner warrior, to embrace the woman God created you to be, and roar proudly with confidence. Each chapter has a soul reflect area. A place for you to reflect on the truths you read and search your soul a little more.
This book is beautifully written for the woman who has a aching soul and simply needs Freedom!
February 19, 2019
This book made me cry because it unearthed all of my issues. But it also inspired me to unleash my inner warrior princess! The author (Jennifer Renee Watson) shows the broken girls of the world that you CAN be restored and experience victory in Jesus Christ. She shows the readers of this book that you CAN be HEALED, you CAN be WHOLE and the compassionate, unconditional love that God has for you can put you on a steady path to restoration.
February 22, 2019
This book is a great tool to use as you walk into freedom and away from brokenness. I highly recommend it to everyone because we all have something that is hurting inside that could use healing.
I received an advanced copy from Bethany House.
I received an advanced copy from Bethany House.
February 18, 2019
Amazing Read, Jennifer Renee Watson has her pulse o helping Women not only visit, work on, and heal from brokenness; but initiates the desire to go beyond that point of understanding to healing and the breakthrough beyond. A call to initiate change leave the past behind walk on a gutsy pursuit of all God has in His will for everyone who will be brave and take this journey with us all! Gaylene Buchhorn
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2019
We all have experienced pain and brokenness in our lives, but there is hope in our hopelessness and breakthrough in our bondage. Jennifer Watson’s words in these pages empower and equip us to live a life of Freedom! in Christ. It’s time to get gutsy and pursue the abundant life God has for us.
February 15, 2019
My favorite smell? The smell of a brand new book! (Yes I’m weird 😉🤫🤷🏻♀️🙈🙊) Its here! From the moment we are asked, “what will you be when you are no longer the broken girl?” to one of the last paragraphs titled, “ You fit. You belong. Believe that.” This book will captivate not only your heart but it will truly make you think and look inside of your ‘true’ selves. So many healing tears moments! So many wow moments! 💗💗💗
February 16, 2019
I received my copy of Freedom from Bethany House.
This book is more than another title on the topic of BROKENNESS. Jennifer Watson has given us a new way to see how we create a label for our life and live it out. How you deal with your brokenness? Are you continually a victim or will you move forward into the place God needs you to be? Read this book. Be restored. Live a life without regret.
This book is more than another title on the topic of BROKENNESS. Jennifer Watson has given us a new way to see how we create a label for our life and live it out. How you deal with your brokenness? Are you continually a victim or will you move forward into the place God needs you to be? Read this book. Be restored. Live a life without regret.
February 15, 2019
Freedom relates to your soul on such a personal level. Jennifer says, “Everyone has a story” referring to your past. She encourages her reader to think the following:
“What I am facing is temporary.”
“What I am feeling is temporary.”
“Good things will come from this pain, even though I can’t see them yet. “
If you think you have, “More issues than Vogue” this is a must read!
“What I am facing is temporary.”
“What I am feeling is temporary.”
“Good things will come from this pain, even though I can’t see them yet. “
If you think you have, “More issues than Vogue” this is a must read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2019
This book is pure soul food and exactly what I needed. The author is so honest and real about her own struggles and gives me practical ways to rise above my own. This book filled me with truth, gave me hope, and got me walking in the right direction towards freedom. It's relatable, funny, and impactful. I'll be giving many copies to my friends.
February 13, 2019
Jennifer is amazing and this book is phenomenal!!!! Love it! Highly recommended.
February 13, 2019
Fantastic encouragement that will bring you hope !as you walk through life’s seasons !!!
February 13, 2019
Reading through this book and I am feeling so blessed to have it in my hands! Jennifer's words are insightful, heartfelt, intuitive, and an absolute gift. Read this book. You won't be sorry!
February 3, 2020
Do you feel stuck? Do you know that God loves you and Jesus died to free you? Many of us know this in our minds and desire to get there, but we don't know how. Sometimes we give up because it seems like it will never happen.
My beautiful friend Jennifer has transparently shared her heart and her journey with us. I love how she brings her experiences alongside God's Word to show us that breakthrough is possible and living free can happen, even for us. I love that she encourages us to face our hurts and our pains, instead of hiding it or shoving it down deep in our hearts where shame grows.
You will leave this book knowing God loves you, Jesus died to set you free, and with a hope that living free is a reality.
Thank you Bethany House for the free copy of this book.
My beautiful friend Jennifer has transparently shared her heart and her journey with us. I love how she brings her experiences alongside God's Word to show us that breakthrough is possible and living free can happen, even for us. I love that she encourages us to face our hurts and our pains, instead of hiding it or shoving it down deep in our hearts where shame grows.
You will leave this book knowing God loves you, Jesus died to set you free, and with a hope that living free is a reality.
Thank you Bethany House for the free copy of this book.
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