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Open Hands, Willing Heart: Discover the Joy of Saying Yes to God
From a veteran Cru staff member, Bible teacher, and popular speaker comes an invitation for Christian women to discover how yielding ourselves wholly to God, especially in the midst of challenging circumstances, lends new purpose to our lives.
We know that the center of God's will is the best place to be, but surrender is easier said than done. A host of hurdles, from busyness and bitterness to complacency and control, can prevent us from moving where He directs. In this challenging yet warmhearted book, Vivian Mabuni provides an authentic look at what it means to willingly risk saying yes to whatever God asks--and highlights a practical path to the deeper joy of a yielded life.
We know that the center of God's will is the best place to be, but surrender is easier said than done. A host of hurdles, from busyness and bitterness to complacency and control, can prevent us from moving where He directs. In this challenging yet warmhearted book, Vivian Mabuni provides an authentic look at what it means to willingly risk saying yes to whatever God asks--and highlights a practical path to the deeper joy of a yielded life.
224 pages, Paperback
First published July 9, 2019
26 people are currently reading
387 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
April 16, 2019
Vivian has some incredible insight into the Lord, how He works, and how we can have open hands to Him. She weaves in personal stories that give practical helps for open handed/open heart living. I also enjoyed her commentary on Esther, Hagar, and Elijah. I appreciated her honesty about frustrations with God and life. Her examples were rich with authenticity and I also loved the chapter on building bridges not walls with regards to racial reconciliation and being a learner. I am excited for this book to come out in July and I will be rereading it again soon.
February 16, 2019
This officially releases July 2019! I can’t recommend this book enough. Vivian shares from her own experiences and examples from the Bible of how God calls us to live with open hands and willing hearts. Though Vivian doesn’t perfectly live this out, knowing her in person, I see how Jesus has shaped her and she is the same person in the book as in person. I needed to be constantly reminded that God is good and he has good in store, and that looks so differently than my dreams can look. He is worth it.
April 16, 2019
I have had the honor of listening to Vivian Mabuni speak several times, as I have been involved with Cru over the past few years. Every time I have heard her speak, I have been both encouraged and challenged by her wisdom and gentleness. So of course, when I heard that she had written a new book, I jumped at the opportunity to dive into her extended thoughts on surrender.
Taking the the character of God throughout Scripture, and story of Esther in particular, as her foundation, Mabuni explores what it looks like to live a life of complete surrender to God, his plans and purposes. She describes some of the emotional and spiritual obstacles that tend to keep us from living such a life of surrender (apathy, entitlement, self-reliance, busyness, and bitterness), and then some of the ways that surrender has played out in her life and the lives of her loved ones.
Every few pages, there was a new concept or clever turn of phrase that made me stop and think; I made it a point to mark such instances of learning with a small brightly colored sticky note, and as I look through the copy I have with me as I write, I can see a flurry of bright yellow and pink; Mabuni's perspective is one that is needed and that was incredibly encouraging for me, not only because I (a white man from the Midwest) need to intentionally seek out voices different than my own (including the voices of women of color), but also because Mabuni has insights born out of a deep dependency upon God, years of experience, and personal learning.
I am puzzled that the book seems to be directed toward women (and I notice this only a couple times, in sentences that seem to indicate the expectation of an audience of mostly women), because there was nothing in the book that was not incredibly helpful for me to hear as a man. The specifics of her story as a woman (and a wife, and a mother, and a cancer survivor) were challenging for me, and I was blessed to (figuratively) sit at her feet and learn from her.
Where Mabuni really shines: her exploration and exposition of relevant biblical passages (like the stories of Esther and Hagar) and the practicalities of how to live out surrender in the nitty-gritty of our lives. Mabuni has a knack for being able to enter into the emotional experiences that are the context for our surrender, and being able to hear those experiences validated at the same time biblical principles are explained helped me to imagine more effectively how surrender could play out in my life.
I also really appreciated her discussions of culture (in that our culture impacts the way we view God and surrender, and in that a life surrendered to God is a life of building bridges between us and those who are different than us when it comes to culture, background, etc.).
The discussion questions posed at the end of each chapter would be perfect to process through in a small group, or even by oneself in a journal. Several of the questions she posed struck me almost as much as the text itself!
All in all, I really enjoyed and benefited from reading this book, it met me where I am in this season of my life, it said things I needed to hear, and it will be a book I recommend to others.
Taking the the character of God throughout Scripture, and story of Esther in particular, as her foundation, Mabuni explores what it looks like to live a life of complete surrender to God, his plans and purposes. She describes some of the emotional and spiritual obstacles that tend to keep us from living such a life of surrender (apathy, entitlement, self-reliance, busyness, and bitterness), and then some of the ways that surrender has played out in her life and the lives of her loved ones.
Every few pages, there was a new concept or clever turn of phrase that made me stop and think; I made it a point to mark such instances of learning with a small brightly colored sticky note, and as I look through the copy I have with me as I write, I can see a flurry of bright yellow and pink; Mabuni's perspective is one that is needed and that was incredibly encouraging for me, not only because I (a white man from the Midwest) need to intentionally seek out voices different than my own (including the voices of women of color), but also because Mabuni has insights born out of a deep dependency upon God, years of experience, and personal learning.
I am puzzled that the book seems to be directed toward women (and I notice this only a couple times, in sentences that seem to indicate the expectation of an audience of mostly women), because there was nothing in the book that was not incredibly helpful for me to hear as a man. The specifics of her story as a woman (and a wife, and a mother, and a cancer survivor) were challenging for me, and I was blessed to (figuratively) sit at her feet and learn from her.
Where Mabuni really shines: her exploration and exposition of relevant biblical passages (like the stories of Esther and Hagar) and the practicalities of how to live out surrender in the nitty-gritty of our lives. Mabuni has a knack for being able to enter into the emotional experiences that are the context for our surrender, and being able to hear those experiences validated at the same time biblical principles are explained helped me to imagine more effectively how surrender could play out in my life.
I also really appreciated her discussions of culture (in that our culture impacts the way we view God and surrender, and in that a life surrendered to God is a life of building bridges between us and those who are different than us when it comes to culture, background, etc.).
The discussion questions posed at the end of each chapter would be perfect to process through in a small group, or even by oneself in a journal. Several of the questions she posed struck me almost as much as the text itself!
All in all, I really enjoyed and benefited from reading this book, it met me where I am in this season of my life, it said things I needed to hear, and it will be a book I recommend to others.
July 8, 2019
Wow. It has been a while since I have read a book so honest, so challenging but also refreshing at the same time. Vivian somehow pieced together all these "truth nuggets" together that felt like your best friend was calling you out but with all the love and gentleness she/he would naturally give you.
Apathy, entitlement, bitterness, busyness, embracing God's Plan B have all been themes in life lessons for me and I truly believe we all need to re-evaluate our lives using this book which is just filled with practical verses & stories that leave you connected & challenged to live your life's best!!
At the end of each chapter, the discussion questions are excellent for self-reflection but I would love to go through this book with a small group as well.
Definitely going to buy this book for friends!
Apathy, entitlement, bitterness, busyness, embracing God's Plan B have all been themes in life lessons for me and I truly believe we all need to re-evaluate our lives using this book which is just filled with practical verses & stories that leave you connected & challenged to live your life's best!!
At the end of each chapter, the discussion questions are excellent for self-reflection but I would love to go through this book with a small group as well.
Definitely going to buy this book for friends!
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March 5, 2025This book highlights the joy of saying yes to God beautifully, including many personal stories that challenged me to shift my perspective and really demonstrated how true it is that God’s ways are not like our ways, they are so much better. I was also a fan of her writing style, at times writing in such a story-like way rather than just spewing facts or advice, which kept me more engaged.
There’s also discussion questions at the end of each chapter - would be a great resource for a group of women to go through together!
There’s also discussion questions at the end of each chapter - would be a great resource for a group of women to go through together!
January 22, 2022
Offers a great perspective on having a Kingdom mindset and growing your relationship with the Lord through His grace. Teachings on having a fully surrendered heart and mind to align with Gods will. Highly recommend.
July 31, 2025
This book definitely pushed me in a good way. I would love to go through this book in a small group or a Bible study. The personal stories held my attention and interconnected well with the concepts covered in the book.
June 29, 2020
I found myself still thinking about some point Mabuni made days after I read them. Deep, soulful encouragement. Highly recommend!
April 28, 2019
Open Hands Willing Heart is one of the best books I have read in a long time. The message Vivian brings is so timely and well written. There aren’t many pages in my book that I didn’t underline or highlight something. I can’t wait to read it again in a Bible study or group setting.
It was an honor and a privilege to be on her advanced reader team.
It was an honor and a privilege to be on her advanced reader team.
May 2, 2019
What can I say other than, Vivian gets it. The secret to saying yes to God and walking in the adventure He has for you and me is about getting out of our comfort zone. She speaks to the heart of the call to Christ's bride. We are called to be His bride, every tribe and nation. There is a repentance and a reconciliation needed in order for us to experience the beauty of community. When we live our lives with open hands and willing hearts, we will taste the life He designed for us.
July 13, 2019
Open Hands, Willing Heart is like a shot of B12 to the soul: so encouraging and hopeful. It's rooted in Scripture and includes authentic stores from faith-filled women across the globe. Mabuni challenges her readers to explore how fully trusting God will change the whole of our lives. This would be a terrific book to read with a group of friends.
July 10, 2019
What a wonderful book! Vivian is an amazing teacher and this book is a perfect example of that. She speaks truth that needs to be spoken but she does it in love and with personal examples of how these truths have applied to her. I am so thankful for her following God's call and writing this book!
July 10, 2019
Open Hands, Willing Heart, Vivan Mabuni, 2019
This book was a delight to read. I first got to know about Vivian Mabuni through IF gathering. She is a Bible teacher and writer. The title is both inviting and descriptive of the content. She deals with what it might look like to surrender your life as a Christian to Jesus. While making a decision to follow Christ is a very special moment Vivian Mabuni follows that decision with all the challenges we face to say yes God each and every day. She has a wonderful heart for discipleship and that comes through in her writing. If you are looking for a book that is a good balance of Biblical content, real life examples, and great discussion this book is it! Each chapter is followed by discussion questions to deepen that study.
I especially was challenged by chapter 8—Embracing Plan B. Many of us make plans for our lives only to have God put a roadblock or change of direction into our lives. Since I have recently been divorced (after 40 years) I could really relate to this chapter and the challenges and hope that she offers. “ DoI accept God’s will only when it matches my own? Do I equate Plan B with absence of love or favor? Do I choose to trust God’s character even when my circumstances don’t make sense? “ (p. 139) Another chapter that I will return to often is her chapter on abiding in Christ! In the New Testament “…he (Paul) tells us in 164 places that we are to be in Christ.” (p. 178)
I would especially recommend this book to book clubs and women’s groups that want to promote community and discussion around Biblical content.
I was provided an advance copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
This book was a delight to read. I first got to know about Vivian Mabuni through IF gathering. She is a Bible teacher and writer. The title is both inviting and descriptive of the content. She deals with what it might look like to surrender your life as a Christian to Jesus. While making a decision to follow Christ is a very special moment Vivian Mabuni follows that decision with all the challenges we face to say yes God each and every day. She has a wonderful heart for discipleship and that comes through in her writing. If you are looking for a book that is a good balance of Biblical content, real life examples, and great discussion this book is it! Each chapter is followed by discussion questions to deepen that study.
I especially was challenged by chapter 8—Embracing Plan B. Many of us make plans for our lives only to have God put a roadblock or change of direction into our lives. Since I have recently been divorced (after 40 years) I could really relate to this chapter and the challenges and hope that she offers. “ DoI accept God’s will only when it matches my own? Do I equate Plan B with absence of love or favor? Do I choose to trust God’s character even when my circumstances don’t make sense? “ (p. 139) Another chapter that I will return to often is her chapter on abiding in Christ! In the New Testament “…he (Paul) tells us in 164 places that we are to be in Christ.” (p. 178)
I would especially recommend this book to book clubs and women’s groups that want to promote community and discussion around Biblical content.
I was provided an advance copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
June 26, 2019
"With willing hearts we choose to wait on God's timing rather than taking things in our own hands. Waiting is not passivity or a detached, "Whatever; it doesn't matter." Rather it is a tough choice to keep our hands open, even when what God asks of us feels painful and unfair. Because we cannot see past the ups and downs and the twists and turns of life, we can't see where our path will lead. We have to wait for more of the story to unfold. And we have to decide for ourselves, Is God good or not?"
Vivian Mabuni's words from Open Hands, Willing Heart spoke to me in ways I needed to be spoken to. My family has had a weird, hard year and we've been in a state of limbo in a lot of ways. I've felt stuck in a "waiting" place, just wanting God to say, "Here you go. Do this thing. This was the purpose of this hard crazy year." Reading Mabuni's words was a comfort to me. I'm still waiting, but I'm waiting with expectancy, knowing that God's timing and God's plan often look a lot different than what I would choose.
This book is filled with insight and really did leave me wanting to live my life more "open-handedly."
Vivian Mabuni's words from Open Hands, Willing Heart spoke to me in ways I needed to be spoken to. My family has had a weird, hard year and we've been in a state of limbo in a lot of ways. I've felt stuck in a "waiting" place, just wanting God to say, "Here you go. Do this thing. This was the purpose of this hard crazy year." Reading Mabuni's words was a comfort to me. I'm still waiting, but I'm waiting with expectancy, knowing that God's timing and God's plan often look a lot different than what I would choose.
This book is filled with insight and really did leave me wanting to live my life more "open-handedly."
July 2, 2019
From the moment I opened the book until I finished I was captivated. Through Vivian's own personal experiences; the stories of others she shares; and the way she makes bible stories we've heard and read before seem like new, I didn't want to put the book down! Vivian's wisdom and her own willing heart shine through each page. Surrendering one's heart and life completely to the Lord; accepting His will over our own; walking through all the seasons of life God takes us through is HARD! But in the pages of this book Vivian's words and wisdom leave you WANTING to live life no other way. This book came into my life during a very difficult season; yet as I continued to read and learn from Vivian's words I began to feel the pain, bitterness, and fear I've been carrying for years turn into faith, passion, and willingness to surrender my heart and life completely to Jesus Christ. I feel more equipped and ready to take on this tough season, trusting and knowing my Lord is making all things work for His good. Thank you, Vivian for sharing your heart, your wisdom, and showing us that we all can live with "Open Hands and Willing Hearts!"
May 3, 2019
The book weaves together stories of God's faithfulness in people's lives with scripture, with a special focus on the book of Esther. There is so much of modern western Christianity that cannot fully participate in God's work because we have become insular communities. This book gently convicts and encourages us in the places where we are most likely to be clinging to control and comfort and hiding behind callousness and complacency.
I see this book as a great conversation starter for small groups. I think there are a lot of ideas that are presented and the invitation to consider it is put forth. For example, Vivian Mabuni asks us to consider our culture in how we interpret the Bible or see God and gives one example of Western vs Eastern thought processes. Entire books could be written about that but, she merely shows us how these things influence our walk with God and invites us to then work through that more.
I got an advanced copy to write this review. I'm glad I did as I hope the women's ministry at my church will use this book for our fall study.
I see this book as a great conversation starter for small groups. I think there are a lot of ideas that are presented and the invitation to consider it is put forth. For example, Vivian Mabuni asks us to consider our culture in how we interpret the Bible or see God and gives one example of Western vs Eastern thought processes. Entire books could be written about that but, she merely shows us how these things influence our walk with God and invites us to then work through that more.
I got an advanced copy to write this review. I'm glad I did as I hope the women's ministry at my church will use this book for our fall study.
July 9, 2019
Reading Open Hands, Willing Heart: Discover the Joy of Saying Yes to God is the first exposure I've had to Vivian Mabuni, but it will not be my last! After reading this book, I plan to look into her previous offerings.
She writes in such a warm-hearted, down-to-earth manner, that it seems like having a discussion with a dear friend who wants to share her knowledge, wisdom and joy! Reading this book, I kept saying "yes, yes!! She really understands me". Her ability to connect with her readers is but one of her skills; sharing her experiences and her faith are others. I especially liked the questions posed for reflection at the end of each of the books' sections.
This book is wonderful to read on your own, but would also lend itself well to small-group studies/discussions.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Waterbrook Press for allowing me to read an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
She writes in such a warm-hearted, down-to-earth manner, that it seems like having a discussion with a dear friend who wants to share her knowledge, wisdom and joy! Reading this book, I kept saying "yes, yes!! She really understands me". Her ability to connect with her readers is but one of her skills; sharing her experiences and her faith are others. I especially liked the questions posed for reflection at the end of each of the books' sections.
This book is wonderful to read on your own, but would also lend itself well to small-group studies/discussions.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Waterbrook Press for allowing me to read an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
July 6, 2019
I think so many of us, especially in America, completely miss what the Christian life is all about. We pursue or reject it for all the wrong reasons and miss out on the fullness of what it can be. I think Vivian has created a beautiful resource to help women stop and really reflect on what it means to love and follow Christ.
The story of Esther is used as the central Biblical rock to anchor the lessons Vivian imparts in these pages, but I also appreciated how much other scriptural insight was woven through as well.
The discussion questions give you a lot to ponder on and think through, making this book great for a Bible study or just one you return to over and over again as you lean in to the call God has placed on your life. I know I will be returning to this as I seek to live with open hands and a willing heart.
Thanks, Viv for this gem.
The story of Esther is used as the central Biblical rock to anchor the lessons Vivian imparts in these pages, but I also appreciated how much other scriptural insight was woven through as well.
The discussion questions give you a lot to ponder on and think through, making this book great for a Bible study or just one you return to over and over again as you lean in to the call God has placed on your life. I know I will be returning to this as I seek to live with open hands and a willing heart.
Thanks, Viv for this gem.
July 2, 2019
In this book, Vivian brings us into the fabric of a bigger story about purpose and Kingdom. She takes us on a breathtaking journey to discovering what it looks like to fully surrender. If you are wanting a friend to encourage, challenge and speak truth with grace into your life—grab this book and let Vivian be that friend. With years of experience and wisdom—she will guide you towards the Only One Who can satisfy, the One we trust with everything and she will spur you towards a life of great adventure that begins with a simple, Yes, Lord. This is also an amazing tool for Discipleship in your community. For women and men of any age—Vivian writes in a way that anyone will experience the message and be moved to action through a surrendered heart and open hands.
July 2, 2019
I’ve just finished reading this book and it is especially timely in my life as we have just uprooted our lives and moved to a new state. Vivian’s book has challenged me to think through and make decisions about how I invest my life in my new community. As Vivian states, “Our ability to say yes to Him is the path to life” so I am excited to open my hands and present Him my willing heart to see what He has in store for me. Vivian has a gift for storytelling and bringing hard truths to life in a way that makes me realize that God is so wanting to work in every area of my life that I am holding back from Him and that He is with me every step of the way. Thanks, Vivian, for speaking into my life!
July 8, 2019
OHWH is written beautifully and is filled with so much encouragement. From the very beginning I was enthralled and wanted to read more. Vivian does a fabulous job of sharing and seamlessly intertwining her experiences, stories of other women, and stories from the bible (both new and old testaments) in such a relatable and insightful way. Vivian's wisdom and own open and willing heart shines through as she teaches not only living surrendered but with a willing heart to say yes to God in every aspect and all seasons. It brings a new challenge to living daily with open hands and a willing heart, but yet so encouraging. Vivian has a way of teaching that brings so much love and understanding. It's like your having these conversations at a table together as you read each page.
July 3, 2019
The words that fill these pages, are timely and true—and now have me praying “Open hands, Willing heart”. Vivian shares her heart and her life with us as she has learned to live with open hands and a willing heart. Even when things don’t look like you think they will, how we can lean into surrender and live abundantly. No matter the season of life you may be in, this message is for the right here, the right now. If like me, living a life surrendered can be a struggle, then this book would be a great tool to read along side God’s word to begin the surrendering. I highly recommend this book for both men and women.
July 8, 2019
Profound & Life changing!!!
As a cancer survivor I have had my own challenges of walking by faith. This book really encouraged me to trust God more fully, to live a life fully surrendered to Him. Vivian’s account of her own need to trust God with opened hands and a willing heart really fanned the flame in my heart to trust Him in ways I haven’t in a while which has excited me to see what He will do in my own future! I was especially challenged and encouraged by her unique and profound perspective of the life of Esther. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to those who are wrestling with trusting God more fully and those who have not really ever experienced a life of faith in God.
As a cancer survivor I have had my own challenges of walking by faith. This book really encouraged me to trust God more fully, to live a life fully surrendered to Him. Vivian’s account of her own need to trust God with opened hands and a willing heart really fanned the flame in my heart to trust Him in ways I haven’t in a while which has excited me to see what He will do in my own future! I was especially challenged and encouraged by her unique and profound perspective of the life of Esther. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to those who are wrestling with trusting God more fully and those who have not really ever experienced a life of faith in God.
July 10, 2019
Love this book! In a culture of instant everything, Vivian encouraged me to step back and think about my compulsions to be productive, be secure, be something extra... and to just open up my life to something way more-- a life surrendered to a God of big adventure. She does this through solid biblical teaching, story telling, and good discussion questions at the end of each chapter. It's readable and yet challenging for people new to faith and veterans in their faith. I plan on using this book with the ladies I work with in the neighborhood. Vivian is a voice for authentic, deep living. Highly recommend!
July 9, 2019
I've heard Vivian Mabuni speak on several occasions and I always felt like we were friends sitting across the table from each other, sipping coffee and talking about faith, family & life. She writes like she speaks. I felt like I was sitting across the table from a dear friend who has discovered something about her life with God and wants to share it with all her friends. Much like a good friend, she doesn't hold back on the hard parts of life either. I absolutely loved reading this book. I was challenged, pushed and stretched in ways I need. I highly recommend it!
July 14, 2019
WOW! Vivian Mabuni totally embodies the title of this book. She shares many stories both personally and from others who have continued to walk through life with their hands open and willing to do God's work regardless of what the world would say should bring joy. I have never met someone quite like Vivian who is so authentic about her own struggles with wanting to grip the steering wheel to control life like most of us yet she continues to force her hands to remain open to hearing God's word and saying Yes to Him. Very moving and relatable discussions.
May 21, 2019
Vivian Mabuni does a great job of cheering you on to quit being a control freak and start relying on God and what He has for your life. Open Hands, Willing Heart gently reminds us to surrender and rely on the power of the Holy Spirit. Questions for reflection and discussion at the end of each chapter make this a great book for a small group, Bible Study or book club. I received an Advanced Readers Copy.
June 23, 2019
Get this book! Vivian speaks into every phase and stage of our faith journey and challenges us to not only pursue an open handed life, along with an awareness of what gets in the way of that, but to also see the scriptures through a lens outside of that of western culture. Vivian connects us to humanity and divinity through the stories in each chapter. You will finish this book with an admonition to surrender and say "yes" to God that speaks into exactly where you are in life.
July 3, 2019
I am so thankful for Vivian Mabuni's consistency in modeling what it means to live with open hands and a willing heart, yielded to God. She has made a profound impact on my faith. In reading Open Hands, Willing Heart, you will be nudged, encouraged, and your faith invigorated as Vivian shares through stories and Scripture the intimacy, freedom, and power that come with this posture of surrender to a God who fully loves us and wants to be in relationship with us.
July 10, 2019
Loved this book!! It is full of God’s truth mingled with stories of amazing people living out their faith. I also love all of the practical applications it has for my daily life! Do you struggle with busy-ness? Or challenged by forgiveness? Or processing what to do through trial? Vivian has such great words of wisdom!!
She also provides great and thought provoking questions at the end of every chapter- so it is an ideal book for personal reflection and/or group study.
She also provides great and thought provoking questions at the end of every chapter- so it is an ideal book for personal reflection and/or group study.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews