Never Enough: Confronting Lies about Appearances and Achievement with Gospel Hope

by Sarah E. Ivill, Kristen Hatton (Foreword)

Let’s admit it, we want to be beautiful and successful. But could these marks of being an empowered woman actually be idols requiring our slavish devotion? If you have struggled with this, you probably know the feeling that you will never be pretty or perfect enough. In Never Enough, Sarah Ivill discusses issues related to body image and performance as she shares about her past addiction to thinness and fitness. In the process, she confronts five common lies women of all ages fall prey to and points us back to our acceptance in Christ, where we find the true solution to our pursuit of beauty and success.

Five lies we are prone to believe:

My ways are better than God’s ways, and my wisdom is better than His wisdom.
I have to look like “her” in order to be beautiful.
My worth is defined by whether or not a man loves me.
My significance is based on my success as defined by my superiors.
If I had what “she” has, I would be more satisfied than I am now.

Genres: Nonfiction, Counselling

128 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2019

About the author

Sarah Ivill (ThM, Dallas Theological Seminary) is a Reformed author, mother, homemaker, Bible study teacher, and retreat and conference speaker who lives in Matthews, North Carolina, and is a member of Christ Covenant Church (PCA).

Reviews

[Elizabeth Prata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading on behalf of a friend to review. Lots of times women's books lack a good scripture grounding, and are sadly filled with personal anecdotes the author believes will resonate with readers instead of verses. This book isn't that. Though the author does use personal stories, she quickly grounds her discussions in Gospel truths, and does so correctly without twisting the verses. I've read 3 chapters of 7 and so far so good. Helpful.

[Kali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, helpful little book filled with gospel truths that equip you to fight the lies women especially are tempted to believe.

[Deon · Rating 5 out of 5]

*This is an ARC from the author. No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own.*

“The secret of satisfaction is not in securing our own plans in our own ways, but in submitting to God’s sovereign plans that He brings about in His ways.”

This book is full of gospel hope for those who struggle with any insecurity. Sarah includes her story of battling an eating disorder and takes you through her failures as she struggles to get cured. But ultimately she comes to understand her true joy and satisfaction in Christ. There is so much gospel truth packed inside this small book.
This would be a great book for teens and women.

“Christ alone defines our worth, significance and beauty by his life, death and resurrection.”

[Susan Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah Ivill has a wonderful way of opening the Gospel message to readers in such a way that just makes so much sense. This topic is an important one, as so many women struggle through so many of the 5 lies Sarah writes about. What a great reminder to take every thought captive to Christ.

[em · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've ever read

[Emily Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

helpful read for us girls

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I listened to the audiobook and the reader’s voice sounded just like “Siri” on my iPhone so I had a really hard time getting past that and that may have colored my perception of this particular book.

Ok so I read this book because it was recommended in my Reformation Heritage Books email and the author goes to Kevin DeYoung’s church that we had just visited - it’s a great church so I knew she’d be solid theologically despite the dubiousness of DTS where the author went (we live in Dallas).

Anyway, I honestly got a little bored with the Bible stories she used of women (Ruth, Esther, Leah, Abigail, Hannah, etc…) bc I have heard them all a thousand times and still don’t totally see the connection between them and eating disorders. I just would have appreciated more theological depth. I felt like it was jumping between the Sunday School stories of these women’s lives and Sarah Ivill’s autobiography (both with predictable advice and endings) and I never got into a “flow” with the book or an eagerness to see what she’ll say next.

I liked Chapter 5, “The Comparison Cage,” and how she suggested not just avoiding comparing ourselves physically to other women, but also to their achievements. I think the ending was very strong. I would just skip to Chapter 7 - it was the meatiest theologically and less “story,” but that is just my personal preference. I loved Ed Welch’s book “Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave,” and if you are struggling with an eating disorder or any addiction, you will find a lot more applicable theology and practical wisdom there.