I Give Up: The Secret Joy of a Surrendered Life

by Laura Story

Most of us long to be in control—of our schedule, our relationships, and our future.

Newlywed Laura Story thought she had control over the great life ahead of her. After all, she followed Jesus and had a promising new job as a worship leader. Why would God not want to fulfill her dreams?

But when Laura and her husband, Martin, faced a brain tumor, infertility, and a son’s birth defect, she realized she’d been looking for a happiness that comes from circumstances, rather than a deeper joy that comes from God. Again and again, Laura had to surrender her vision for her life so she could embrace God’s vision. And again and again she learned that even in the midst of shattered dreams, God’s plan brought greater joy than she could have imagined.

Now the Grammy Award–winning singer-songwriter known for such hits as “Blessings,” “Indescribable,” and “Mighty to Save” shares her powerful story of finding blessing in her deepest pain. In, I Give Up, Laura 

How to delight in God’s gifts no matter your circumstances.Why waiting on God is a daily decision, not a step-by-step process.The strength we find from meditating on God’s Word.Why surrendering to God leads to reconciliation with others.How the things we consider to be losses are ways for God to display his glory.As Laura writes, she no longer wants to be in control of her life. She wants to be rooted in the God who is in control. I Give Up will help you Discover a deeper life of worship, a fuller life of joy, and a freer life of true surrender as you open your hands to God. And give up.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Christian Non Fiction, Nonfiction, Faith, Inspirational, Spirituality

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 30, 2019

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Laura Story is a Bible teacher, worship leader, Grammy Award–winning singer/songwriter, and bestselling author. “Blessings” was certified gold in 2011 and inspired her first book, What If Your Blessings Come Through Raindrops. Laura’s music and writing show God’s love and grace intersecting with real life and serve as a reminder that despite questions or circumstances, he is the ultimate author of our story, as told in her second book, When God Doesn’t Fix It. She has a graduate degree from Covenant Theological Seminary and has served as a worship leader at Perimeter Church in Atlanta since 2005, but her greatest joy is being a wife to Martin and the mother to Josie, Ben, Griffin, and Timothy.

Reviews

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Give Up was a really good read. I'm familiar with some of Laura Story's music, so getting to read this in-depth story about moments in her life was interesting and made me feel for her.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bible says that our mouths speak what our hearts are full of. Since those are the words of Jesus, I believe it's true. And that means that Laura Story, in her new book, "I Give Up," speaks what's in her heart--a dedication to the Lord and surrender to Him in all things. She transparently shares her own story about the good, the bad, and the ugly. She doesn't sugarcoat anything, and she doesn't try to hide the dark thoughts or feelings she has faced. But she does show us how to cling to Christ in any and every situation and how that strengthens us and gives us hope even when times seem hopeless. She also includes a lot of biblical teaching along the way in this part memoire, part devotional, part Bible study.

Be warned. This isn't a book you'll finish in one sitting. Sometimes you'll stop because of sheer emotion and you need some recovery time. Other times you'll stop because you need to contemplate something and let the Lord use it as a balm for your soul. Still other times you'll have to put the book down to ask forgiveness for something the Lord has convicted you about. But no matter what, you won't be disappointed with this book at all. It's a wonderful story told by a great storyteller.

Laura Story openly and honestly shares from her heart what it's like to follow Jesus with all that you are in a messy world that's tainted by sin--and yet still helps you hold on to the hope of the eternal life beyond. It's all about surrender and that short phrase, "I give up."

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for this honest review. The opinons expressed are my own.

[Kim Savage · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the literary voice of Laura Story. I love how she uses biblical text so simply and applies it to life and its struggles, to marriage, children, and relationships, and to worship. There are many inspirational lessons throughout the book. One of my favorites:
“Life doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful.
You can be broken and still bless others.
You can be needy and still have something to give.”
Some things she wrote about were things I have already discovered, but she has a freshness that I enjoyed and I just felt like she was in the room with me and I was nodding my head and saying ‘Yes! I agree!’ Or ‘Yes! Thank you for reminding me!’
My spirit has been renewed through her words.

[Lana Colby hurd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Book about surrender and trusting God with our circumstances.
This is part 2 of Laura Story’s life story. The 1st book was more interesting to me. However this one is a nice follow up. I enjoyed it and was encouraged by it.

[Melmo2610 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written easy to read book chock full of wisdom. Laura breaks it down and as someone who has had a lot of hard stuff in her life, you know she knows what she is talking about. I will be revisiting this one!

[Fabi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. What a great perspective on life.

[Nora St Laurent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to a refreshing, inspirational read. Laura Story’s candor and transparency in the way she shares life events, feelings, struggles, and how God’s word encourages her and gives her peace in the middle of life’s storms. Laura shares, about her husband Martin’s brain surgery and how things haven’t quite work out the way she had hoped. She prays, “God, if today is the day you heal Martin. I’m thankful. She hears him say to her, “But what if the healing is a process Laura, what if it’s a long road that has more sleepless nights than you ever imagined, involves more faith than you thought you were capable of? Will you still give me the glory?” Laura says it’s not easy, but she is learning to say yes” Just because I don’t understand His plan it doesn’t mean He isn’t a Good, and faithful God. With a perfect plan for my life. She asks God to help her see the blessings in the middle of trials.” That’s how the song Blessings came about.

She talks about her most recent pregnancy and birth of their son Timothy. A couple weeks before delivery they were told he had a cleft lip and palate. It’s another journey they never thought they’d be on. She asked the Dr. now what? She felt helpless. The Dr. said,” you grieve.”.

She did just that. She came before God “show me how to deal with this.” She asked him to help her accept the life she’d been given. She sensed the word “Surrender”.

She says, “My job was to surrender my expectations for the pregnancy and delivery we’d planned, and for the perfectly healthy son we’d imagined bringing home. It was to give those up for something I could hardly even begin to wrap my brain around, to make matters worse, I felt guilty for my heartbreak over the news. After all, other babies were still born, or had cancer, or deformities that surgery couldn’t fix. I would be handed a son with an imperfect face, yes. But he would be otherwise healthy, and the defect could be surgically repaired. Shouldn’t I just get over it and deal? …And I’m a Christian. A pretty public one, at that. Don’t Christians trust God in every situation and give him glory no matter what? They do. But they hurt too.”

I’m encouraged by how she keeps it real. She admits they don’t have it all figured out as she shares bible stories that inspired her. “God’s word is full of the testimonies of those who have struggled mightily with their in-between spaces on the journey from surrender to faith.

She says “Surrender the moment in front of you right now. Pray the prayer that’s on your heart today, this moment, even if you’re not sure of the words….Offer God the grief that’s eating at the edges of your heart today. It will only be bigger tomorrow.”…”Yes, we will take three steps forward and two steps back some days. No matter. Take the steps anyway. ..”

I liked the white flag prayers at the end of the chapters. Laura shares the nitty gritty of life and how. It’s hard to ask for help and then accept it. Laura wrote a bible study to go along with the book. I was encouraged by her testimony and how she brought bible stories to life. I look forward to doing the bible study.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Catalogue front page www.bookfun.org

[Christa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laura Story offers sound advice through biblical study and personal experience.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read and enjoyed Laura Story’s first book, so when I saw that she had a second book out, I knew that I had to read it as well! I found the book to be inspiring and encouraging. Laura shared personal stories about raising her children and continuing to navigate through life with her husband’s disability. Most of the book focused on the message of surrendering to God’s plans for our lives. One of the messages from the book that stood out the most to me was where Laura talked about how worship does not always have to be a result of a joyful feeling or because we are having a good day. It can a choice to praise our God, who is always awesome regardless of our current circumstances.

“When we surrender, we invite God into our story as our King, and we take our rightful place in his story as beloved children and heirs…who wouldn’t release their attempts to control life’s crazy twists and turns to live like a fearless, well-loved child instead? I give up. How about you?”

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, through Net Galley. All opinions are my own.

[Brent Soderstrum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read When God Doesn't Fix It and loved it. I also love Laura's song Blessings. This book seemed to repeat a lot of what was set out in her Fix It book. She added issues she and Martin have faced since the book including the time it took to get pregnant, the four kids that came soon thereafter, and the problems the youngest child had. She tells a lot of good stories about being a mom, caretaker of four kids, and semi-caretaker of her husband. Add to that a worship leader at a big church in Atlanta and Christian recording artist touring the United States.

The best story from the whole book was the poop and pancakes story. I laughed out loud. I am sure she wanted to cry when it was taking place. The stories she tells wear me out just reading them.

Much of the Christian message is good but it is really what she has stated in her previous book. The theme is you need to surrender your life to Jesus. This is nothing new though.

I enjoy her music and her message.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laura Story pretty much picks up where she left off with her previous book, When God Doesn't Fix It. This time around she focuses on the areas she had to learn to surrender situations over to God. From unexpected pregnancies to miscarriage to living life with her growing family. She walks you through the struggles she faced, lessons she learned and areas God grew her.

I enjoyed revisiting her life. I love how open she was about areas where she struggled. She comes at them humbly and with humor. You can relate to her because much of her struggles are ones we all struggle with. Life didn't go the way she and her husband planned it to. They had to restructure their lives and rebuild dynamics. They had to let go of their ways to allow God to work in His ways.

[Jennifer Malech · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful book on learning how to surrender our lives wholeheartedly to God. If you have a hard time letting go of control, this is such a great read. Each prayer offered at the end of each chapter helps lead you and I there.

[Vonda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve enjoyed Laura Story’s music over the years. She has had lots of difficult life experiences that have given her opportunity to lean into God. And she has leaned into God.

If you’ve been a follower of Jesus for awhile, you will find this book quite basic. However, I think we all struggle with surrender. If Peter, a close friend and follower of Jesus struggled to surrender (he denied Jesus 3x), I’m certainly no better off in that regard. So this book is certainly worth reading for that reminder. I did find the content a bit dry and matter of fact, though there is definitely value to be found. In my opinion, the book will appeal to women more than men. Below I will highlight some of my favorite portions of the book.

Often, when we face problems, we erroneously look outward for a quick fix. Laura said, “The Israelites did what we sometimes do when things look bleak: They decided they needed new leadership and what they really needed was a renewed heart.” We often try every other remedy before we surrender. If we seek God first, we’d find that our problems grow dim in His presence.

Here are Laura’s thoughts on keeping a firm grip on her life: “If I were in control of my life, sitting on the “throne,” I might decree that no uncertainty, suffering, broken relationships, or conflict would exist. Maybe I’d issue a “royal order” to put an end to all pain and heartbreak, because really—who needs that stuff? I might even do away with waiting and struggle and confusion while I was at it. But if I did this—if I had my way—I wouldn’t make the world a better place or make myself a better person. How do I know? Because the things I’d eliminate are the very things God uses to draw me closer to him in trust and dependence, and to make me more like his beautiful Son. The things I’d do away with are the things he does good with!” If we rid ourselves of hardship, we rob ourselves of wisdom gained. If we truly love God, and being closer to Him, and knowing Him more deeply is our desire, the rewards of communion with God in the midst of the hardships will outweigh the pain.

The more we go out out on a limb to believe God, the more He will show His trustworthiness. It goes hand in hand with James 4:2b that says, “You have not because you ask not.” It’s risky to ask anything of God. When we are asking, we are certainly asking with some measure of belief. I agree with Laura on this, “We won’t ever experience the rewards of belief without the risk of belief.” Let’s not short change ourselves by neglecting to ask anything of our Heavenly Father who gives good gifts. Don’t be afraid of unanswered prayer. Unanswered prayer is a reason to pray all the more.

The last chapter was about worship. It was my favorite chapter. I think the American evangelical church generally has a narrow definition of worship. Many people think it’s singing songs on Sunday morning. Laura searched the Bible to gain a scriptural view of worship and she discovered, “When we surrender ourselves to God, we worship him. Surrendering doesn’t lead us into worship; our surrender is our worship.” Our emotions could be all over the place, but if we are honest in that space and we are postured toward Jesus, that’s worship. Being happy and clappy isn’t a requirement. Being strong and capable isn’t necessary. Neither is being good or right important. We don’t have to have it all together to worship. Psalm 51:17 says, “The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God”. Brokenness and sorrow brought before God is worship. Other people are drawn to God through our honesty and brokenness.

I really want to give this book 4 stars, but I feel like a 3.5 is a more realistic number.

I was given an digital ARC copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinions.

[Wade · Rating 3 out of 5]

“As unnatural as it may feel, you and I are created to consciously surrender control of our lives—heart, mind, body, and spirit—to God.”

Laura Story has an interesting story that hooks you in the first chapter! Shortly after marriage and moving to Georgia to be a worship leader, her husband finds out he has a brain tumor that post-surgery leaves him not 100%. It is from then that Laura Story’s story continues to go in a direction she didn’t plan. After contemplating whether to have children, they have a daughter, then twins, and finally a child with a cleft lip (4 kids for those who are counting). On top of this, Laura is touring the country at times as a well-respected Christian artist. While this might not be the same as my story or your story, I believe we all go through a similar life story where we as humans try to plan our entire lives while God has other, and if you let him, better plans. The theme of this book, if you haven’t guessed from the title, is about surrendering to God. It’s a great theme and it’s a decent book, though could have been better executed.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not here to nitpick about spiritual or theological issues. My reason for the 3-star review is that I wished Laura could have dug a bit deeper in this book. I often found myself reading her words and thinking yes yes I already know this, I’ve already heard this before. Again, it’s a great message that is worth hearing over and over. But I felt this may have been (inadvertently?) geared towards either new Christians or those on the fence of faith. Those well rooted in the faith will probably find nothing new or life altering in this book.

So while I was hooked hearing about her story in the beginning, I found a lot of the material to be just okay. But I would recommend it to someone newer to the faith that is struggling with letting go of their own plans and looking to surrender to God’s will. Because I have seen firsthand the wonderful directions God can take you that you never imagined.


*I received this book free from Netgalley and publisher Thomas Nelson in exchange for an honest review.

For more of my reviews, please visit my blog!
https://wadeurspider01.wixsite.com/we...

[Billy Hinshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many Christians struggle with the concept of surrendering to God, since the word "surrender" evokes history lessons of nations and people bowing to the will of others, usually for the worse. I certainly have my own struggles with learning to love the idea. However, as Laura Story shows in "I Give Up," surrendering to God's will is nothing like the slavery-like submission we may imagine it to be. Rather, using examples from her own life, she redeems the idea of surrender as a love song, and an act of worship. In fact, Story, herself a worship leader at an Atlanta church, defines worship as "the lived experience of offering [oneself], moment by moment and day by day, to a living God."

I love the way she intersperses her personal testimony with her teachings about holy surrender. She pulls back the curtain, talking about the adjustments she and her husband Martin had to make after surgeries to treat Martin's brain tumor rendered him in need of more hands-on care than beforehand. Martin went from aspiring graphic designer to disabled stay-at-home dad, and Laura went from part-time songwriter to full-time working mom (defying "traditional" complementarian ideas of gender and family roles, albeit out of necessity). She also talks about the fear and anxiety she had over giving birth to twin boys, as well as the prospect of having a son with a cleft lip and cleft palette. She dishes on how her family life has shaped her career as a musician and worship leader, and yet her testimony serves as a wellspring of music to encourage others who similarly struggle to make sense of God's purpose for their lives.

Authors with double giftings of music and theology are a rare breed; the only other example that comes to mind is Michael Card. Story's writing evokes the soft linen-like touch of a pastor, not unlike how Charles Stanley writes, and yet the emotion she vulnerably shares in her book mirrors the emotive swells of music--lyrics from some of Laura's songs, including from the companion EP "I Give Up," appear throughout the book. Though we can sense the burnout that comes with the kind of life Laura lives, we come away from this work feeling as joyful as she does for the blessings that God provides, and with which God can surprise us, when we surrender as an act of worship.

[Christina Pauze (is in a reading slump) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book right at the right time. I read "Forgiving what you Can't Forget" By Lysa TerKeurst and it was . . . interesting. Obviously there were some issues with it, far too poetic to be enjoyable to read completely through. But the contents of what she was saying WAS NOT sound, and didn't' settle well with me, and from that book to reading this book, I can see what Lysa was lacking (for the record I DO NOT recommend reading that book, it is filled with anxieties and over reactions and a doubtful trust in God that is inconsistent and naively selfish).

This book is about How to live with content, how to adapt and acknowledging that salvation doesn't mean that you will live the rest of your days without sinning again. That we will mess up, but so long as we trust God and our reaction is to go to God with our troubles, allow him to guide our lives and humble ourselves and ask him what His will is for our life, we will be okay.

Through Laura's story we learn about the pros and cons of every good and bad situation that comes to us, and each chapter ends with a prayer of surrender that we can only understand in full if you read that chapter. There is a supernatural love and connection we each have with God which is amazing and Laura explains, but she maintains consistent with the Lord's Words, because although he is the God of each of our lives, there is consistently only ONE absolute Truth and that is God and it is a narrow path.

I loved this book it wasn't very long and would highly recommend for anyone who is going through a hard time, because it shows that God thrives through obliterating Hard times with new opportunities for you to live in accordance to his Will. If there was a guide on how to be a Godly Woman, this would be a good intro to it. How to think about everything, how to properly apply Bible stories to your personal situations.

This was a great read and it was Biblically sound Amen and Blessings.

[Bethany McIlrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Combining stories from her life and God’s Word with thoughtful, wise reflections, Laura Story leads a charge to surrender that readers can get behind.

The titles of several chapters demonstrate some of what she explains about Godly giving up:

• Surrender by Choosing to Believe
• A Great, Good, Trustworthy God
• When I Surrender, I Worship

Between humorous quips, stories, and Biblical insight, Laura Story also makes some memorable, straightforward points:

-If my God is worthy, then he is trustworthy too.
-Surrendering our lives to him makes sense when we see him for who he is.
-In between is both a hard space to live and a necessary part of letting go.
-Every surrender to God involves choosing to believe him.
-Not only does God prize my surrender- Jesus models it.
-You can’t grow beyond what you haven’t grieved.
-I’m not unambitious. I’m ambitious for the Gospel.
-Surrendering doesn’t lead us into worship; our surrender is our worship.

One of the most helpful points Laura makes (and proves throughout the book) is how much surrender is a constant choice. She highlights the number of times “surrender” is sung in the beautiful hymn “I surrender all.” She shares story after story of Biblical surrender. She exemplifies her own need for surrendering to Christ- in theology, parenting, friendship, big decisions, and daily gaffes.

What I read in I Give Up is helping me quit- in the best way! I would recommend this book to anyone who isn’t dead yet- but especially to living, breathing women.

[Jessica Ashe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a blessing

You know those books that God seems to deliver to you at just the right time in your life? Well this was it for me.

I Give Up has been in my library for quite some time, and though I’ve always been thrilled to read it, I just never seemed to pick it up.

Backstory: We can all probably attest to the fact that in some form or fashion, 2020 has been a doozy... from covid, quarantine, and all the struggles that stem from the combination of the two, I needed God to pour some love and healing into my heart.

We have moved 3 times in the past 3 years. I don’t know about your experience with moving, but for me, it is stressful. Each time we have to move, I can honestly feel and see the most where God has worked in our lives, but also each time I struggle with trying to figure every minute detail out myself.

As we embark upon yet another move in just a few months, I could feel my heart becoming filled with anxiety and unease. As soon as I opened this book, I was reminded that all God needs me to do is surrender. His plan is infinitely better than my own and his plans for our life are good.

It’s so easy to try to plan out every little detail of life to a degree that will drive you mad when life throws a curveball, but if we just trust in his plan and pray for him to make it known, our hearts will rest and enjoy the fleeting moments we have instead of worrying over things we can’t control.

If you are struggling, please read this book. Even if you aren’t struggling, this book is a lighthouse in a dark sea.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book -- so many quotes and passages that resonate with my experiences right now. Surrendering is so hard for me because all you really do is that, surrender. And wait. It’s difficult, but thank you Laura for reminding me that God has the best intentions for me and his promises are always good. Thank you for reminding me that the dark places in my life are places where I will see God’s goodness and glory break through.

Oddly enough, I went to the bookstore to look for some Christian reads and this gentleman recommended this book to me. It was a blessing because I was struggling a lot with surrendering during that time, so this book came at the right time!
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In addition, there are small prayers at the end of each chapter that you can incorporate into your prayers. 🙂 Definitely enjoyed those.
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Here is a quote from her book that I think best encapsulates what Story wants to capture:
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“My point is: surrender is an ongoing process. None of us surrenders just once -- or ever quite surrenders all. On this side of eternity, we will never be done with surrender. It’s not a one-time decision for us. It’s a commitment to a lifestyle. Every day will bring us a new opportunity to offer our surrender to God, to let something go. And we’ll keep on giving over to God things we thought we released to him fully once and for all but didn’t. Not because we didn’t want to -- because we couldn’t yet.”

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Give Up
The Secret Joy of a Surrendered Life

by Laura Story

Thomas Nelson–W Publishing

Thomas Nelson

Christian

Pub Date 30 Jul 2019

I am reviewing a copy of I Give Up through Thomas Nelson Publishing and Netgalley:

Most of us long to be in control of our schedules, our relationships and our future.

Laura Story a newlywed, thought she had control over the great life she believed lay ahead of her. She followed Jesus after all and even had a promising new job as a worship leader. Why would God not want to fulfill her dreams?

When Laura and her husband, Martin, faced a brain tumor, infertility, as well as son’s birth defect, she realized she’d been looking for a happiness that comes from circumstances, rather than a deeper joy that comes from God. Laura came to realize that she had to surrender the vision for her life so she could embrace God’s vision for her life. Again and again even in the midst of shattered dreams she learned she could embrace God’s vision for her life. Laura learned God’s plan for her life would bring her greater joy than she could ever imagine.

I Give Up would be a great book for anyone wanting to know more about what it means to live A Surrendered Life!

Five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever since I started listening to her songs, Laura Story has been a great inspiration in my life. Whenever I get low in spirit or just need a song to change the atmosphere, I tend to turn on her music. Indescribable. Bless The Lord. Till I Met You. Those songs (plus more!) have kept me going more than once. I’m forever grateful for them and its author!

Now on to Laura Story’s lovely book –

I came across I Give Up by accident. Well, sort of. I was looking for something to read/review and found myself browsing through the nonfiction section. Normally I don’t pick up nonfiction for review, but this book’s title grabbed my attention. The first thing that stood out to me about this book was the style in which Story wrote it. And that was in a very emotional, personal, honest, and very heartfelt way. I loved that!

Page after page, her life story of struggle and surrender really spoke to me. It gave an inside look into what surrendering to God is all about while at the same time acknowledging how hard it can be. She also included short “White flag” prayers at the end of each chapter, and reading them grew my appreciation for I Give Up. In sum, this is a beautiful book.

THANKS TO NETGALLEY FOR PROVIDING A FREE COPY FOR MY HONEST REVIEW. ALL THOUGHTS EXPRESSED ARE MY OWN.

[Patti Whitson Stephenson She Lives to Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this book was like sitting in a small group hearing Laura tell her story. Her writing style is warm, vulnerable, and personal. Her life has not gone as she planned: Her husband is still suffering the after-effects of a brain tumor. They had the sorrow of a failed adoption of a child. They had a daughter; then twins; and a new baby that was born with a cleft lip and the challenges that go along with that. But the author also gives much hope as she tells their story. She describes to us how she has anchored her faith daily in the promises of God. Scattered throughout the book are “white flag” prayers of surrender to God that are thoughtful and encouraging.

Young mothers who are going through their child-raising years will very easily identify with much in this book. However, as a senior citizen, it was a call to me to surrender this new season of my life in a new way to God. I’m glad I read this one.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Who sits on the throne of your heart?”

Laura Story has written an insightful book exploring our need to surrender it all to God. Using her own experiences going through heartbreaking personal issues as well as numerous biblical examples, she encourages the reader to dig deep and contemplate what place we have given Christ in our lives. Is he the ruler, do we allow him to be in charge of our lives? When we do, we begin to experience the change inside as well as how we relate to others.

Although we all can use a refresher course, I would particularly recommend this book to newer Christians as the biblical references especially help drive home the author’s desire to teach us how to learn to surrender to Him.

I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers through NetGalley and was under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I have long appreciated about Laura Story's songs is what I have come to appreciate about her books. She is transparent and honest and writes from her heart and her life experiences. I Give Up is her story of surrender when life didn't end up quite the way she expected. When life takes an unexpected turn, it is easy for Christians to just put on a happy face because they think that is what they are supposed to do. Ms. Story's honesty through her struggles to lead worship in the midst of some dark days is raw and honest. The book is an encouragement to those like me who are living a life with struggles that were not in their plan.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers through Net Galley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I began listening to the audio version of I Give Up, I was under the mistaken idea that it was simply the story of Laura and Martin’s journey through his illness and life thus far, with some biblical wisdom woven in. What I discovered was just the opposite ... good biblical wisdom with their family’s story woven throughout. Her explanation of a surrendered life is not a complicated theological dissertation; it’s simply a look at how God wants us to surrender our lives to him that is based on Scripture. Many of the areas she wrote about were not new concepts for me, but I appreciated hearing them in new, fresh ways and being nudged along in my walk with the Lord. I will say that while I think any Christian would get something from I Give Up, it coupled be especially meaningful to women who are young in their faith.

[Micah Dodd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book on surrender

I wasn’t really sure how much I would like a book about surrender at first. It’s never really a comfortable topic, but one that challenges you and insists upon change. I was pleasantly surprised with “I Give Up”! Laura gently walks you through different aspects of surrender with gut level honesty that feels more like a conversation with a good friend. She takes you through what surrender really is and how to get there. I left this book inspired to make changes in my own life without ever feeling condemned in the process. If you’re looking for guidance or a gentle hand to walk you through surrender to the Lord in a real, unashamed way I definitely recommend this book.

[Donald Kirby · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started this book, it was for the Bible study to go along with it. However, as I continue to read, it was so much more than that. It was about taking my life and focusing on what truly matters. I can relate to Laura. I didn't know much about her husband Martin, and I thinned out my condolences and hope for continued strength for Martin. Being disabled myself, I need to learn to give up and trust God. I have tried to do this over and over, but my personality always gets in the way. Faith gateway is doing a Bible study with Laura Story online if you want to join it's free. Just search I give up online Bible study Laura Story. Have a blessed day!

[Steph Cherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was completely amazed by the depth of LauraStory’s music when I heard Blessings. Coming to know that it was inspired by her husband’s brain cancer made it l the more powerful. This book touches on that. The parts where she shares her personal struggles and howGod helped her through each hard season really spoke to me. This has been a hard walk for her. Her husband is still disabled and not driving and she has several children and a set of twins. I enjoyed reading her storytelling so much.

The part I had a hard time with was what felt lie regurgitated Sunday School lessons. It felt like a stretch to include these stories in the way they were told. The style changed. The storytelling stopped. It was awkward to me and I had a hard time getting through those sections. It was transference of facts.I wish she would have told it in the same way as the rest of the book. This was a huge chunk of it though.

Her story itself is worth reading. New Christians could get something from her sharing about the Bible stories.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed Laura Story's chronicles of an imperfect life being fashioned by God. The book is a good reminder of the value of surrender minute by minute. This could act as a step by step book to a newer believer at whom I think it is aimed. I enjoyed some of the later chapters more than the early ones.
Her stories, that are a continuation of those recounted in her first book, left me wondering how this woman can raise a family on the road, deal with a husband with disabilities and hold it all together with being a well known person and the demands that brings. That is the evidence of the extraordinary God to whom she is surrendered. Read and be blessed.

[Diana Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. I enjoyed how she explains the concept of surrendering and is clear that it will look different for everyone. She gives great examples of her life story and you really get to know her as a person who loves God. Each chapter ends with a surrender prayer tying up what you learned and read in that chapter. I recommend getting a hold of the study videos as well. They tie in the book and make a great group study. I hope she writes more books in the future. I would definitely pick it up!