Wilderness Skills for Women: How to Survive Heartbreak and Other Full-Blown Meltdowns

by Marian Jordan

From Moses to Jesus, so many heroes of the Bible had to endure some type of wilderness season in their life, a time of testing that was painful to endure but ultimately brought glory to God. In Wilderness Skills for Women , rising author/speaker Marian Jordan sees the same thing happening today as she and her friends still find themselves going through periods of isolation, temptation, sorrow, and waiting. Whether it’s relationship drama, the constant pull of our sinful nature, a health issue, or any variety of unmet dreams, Jordan turns readers to God’s Word as the ultimate wilderness survival guide. Conversational and self-deprecatingly confessional in her delivery, this young writer finds ways to have fun with delicate subject matters, using wilderness analogies to great effect in chapters titled "Drink Plenty of Water," "Seek Shelter," and "Don’t Eat the Red Berries."

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Spirituality, Self Help

224 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2008

About the author

Marian Jordan is the founder of Redeemed Girl Ministries (www.redeemedgirl.org), showing girls of all ages how to apply God's truth and promises to their individual circumstances. The author of Sex and the City Uncovered and Wilderness Skills for Women, she lives in and recently completed her master's degree at Southwestern Seminary, based in Houston, Texas."

Reviews

[Andi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, so I hesitated in buying this book. It reminded me, based on title alone, of that popular piece of chic-lit that came out a few years ago - The Girls’ Guide to Hunting and Fishing. I never read that book - just never interested me - so I hesitated on this one. But I’m glad I read it.

The full title is Wilderness Skills for Women: How to Survive Heartbreak and other Full-Blow Meltdowns by Marian Jordan, and well, I’ve been in one of those heart-break-ish, wilderness-y places for a few weeks now. It seemed this was the time to pick up this title.

The basic premise is that Jones gives women advice on how to survive those times when it seems the around us has come apart in every way. Using Christian Scripture as her guide, she commiserates, gives me permission to grieve my pain, and encourages me to trust in the One who promises nothing but good.

To be truthful, I think Jones would probably drive me crazy in real life - she’s over-witty, if you know what I mean, and likes to use cliches a little too much for my taste. But the truth is I really appreciated her insights. More than that, though, I appreciated knowing I was not alone in this pain. She was really good at conveying that.

So if you’re in a time of trial or know a woman who is, this is a good read.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

" 'Did you ever think about the fact that the caravan was on its way to Egypt long before Joseph was ever thrown into a pit?'

God was at work and His sovereign plan was unfolding before Joseph's brothers even began to plot his murder. God, in His wisdom and sovereignty, ordained that the caravan bound for Egypt would cross their path just in time to rescue Joseph from facing death. Perfect timing. Not too late and not too early. God has a purpose for Joseph's life, so what seemed like rejection was God's protection. If that is the case, then the same applies to me."

-Marian Jordan
Pg 46

[Rheanna Haines · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author speaks to her struggle with singleness and dating which I couldn't relate to but I the testimony and trials of other women was really encouraging. Marian has wonderful perspective and scripture based encouragement. Overall, I really enjoyed this book.

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone that has or is going through heartbreak, this book will help you on your wilderness journey!

[Paige Salas · Rating 5 out of 5]

full blown besides the Bible this is I think the greatest most impactful book I’ve ever read holy moly would recommend a million times

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up at a Christian book shop and I thought it was a great book for where I am now still at the edge of the wildernesss of life. Although Marian doesn't get particularly revealing when it comes to her own life she does reveal interesting stories about her friends lives. This taught me to deepen my relationship with God because God understands me more than anyone else. The first three quarters are fantastic but when she talks about the enemy it turns me off. People should think for themselves when it comes to their particular beliefs in religion. So for religions to work they can't be rigid or strict.
A great book for theist girls who are in the wilderness.

[Leslie Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly appreciate all that Jordan shares through her writing. From her personal story of how God changed her life forever to the lessons she continues to learn along the way continue to remind me that I am not alone in my own journey. Jordan never fails to remind her readers that God's love for His daughters is everlasting and that His goodness means our lives have great meaning and purpose beyond the brokenness of our pasts. Jordan helps young women walk through the disappointments of life with a stronger foundation in the Lord-- the maker of our days. She also does well to remind us to laugh along the way.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I normally think books like this can be rather self explanatory and state things that are obvious. However, I found the real life situations in this story very inspirational. In this book Marian Jordan gives fresh insights on how to deal with people's painful unmet desires. This book offers a lot of hope for anyone who is currently having a hard time coping with life and needs some optimism for the future.

[Andrea Pal]

Awesome book, great advice and real life situations. She is not talking about the real wilderness, but about the tough emotional times a woman goes through. She has a great flair for writing and I found myself bursting into laughter every now and then. Marian knows her stuff and she is talented.

[Landis · Rating 1 out of 5]

what the fuck??? is this meant to be an insult? Casue it sure as shit is one! What a title! You deserve to be eaten by a bear.

[Oliva Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a good reminder to be patient in our journeys and how to cope when we are in our own wilderness.

[Mishelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rereading this book for the second time.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading with my book club

[Sher❤ The Fabulous BookLover · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so healing! I was in a wilderness period and this book was a lifesaver! Jordan is an exceptional writer!

[~~lindsey~~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for any girl who is struggling and needs answers!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

In some sections she is speaking to a very specific type of woman (shopping is my religion, Carrie Bradshaw is my goddess type) but there is something every woman can get out of it.

[Els Bogema · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book with good skills. Written to learn new things how to deal with relationships from the past! Real loved this book because it gave me new ideas how God looks to it all.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beware of Snakes! Best advise ever!