...And Yet Undaunted: Embraced by the Goodness of God in the Chaos of Life

by Paula Rinehart, Connally Gilliam (co-author)

Your story. It zigs just when you thought it should zag. You honestly didn't realize you had a plan for your life until it didn't turn out the way you thought it would. But there's good news. Belonging to Jesus means that your story is part of a much larger tale to be told.
If you see how the real Story began―and where it's headed―you will catch a glimpse of the good heart of God that will anchor you when life gets crazy. Authors Paula Rinehart and Connally Gilliam take a fresh look at the gospel to show you how to place your story within God's greater Story. The life you were created for takes redemptive shape in the present as you look ahead at the hope of what's to come.
Through personal story and Scripture, these two women invite you to face reality head-on. In And Yet, Undaunted, you will learn how to step into the embrace of God's goodness so you can find wholeness within the broken pieces of your life.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Living

224 pages, Paperback

First published October 8, 2019

About the author

I'm happy to share with you my latest book (written with Connally Gillam). It's called ...And Yet Undaunted: Embraced by the Goodness of God in the Chaos of Life. I think you'll find it a fresh take on God's goodness when life look anything but that, so to speak. Some of you know I wrote Strong Women, Soft Hearts and Sex and the Soul of a Woman. I'm a counselor and speaker living in Raleigh, North Carolina, but really, my first love is writing and books.
I think you'll find this latest book, especially, describes the life you are living....and the hope on the horizon you can see, however faintly at times.

Reviews

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s always refreshing to read a Christian book that doesn’t gloss over suffering with empty platitudes but moves through them before entering into hope. The authors tell personal stories of their own journeys to illustrate creation (how life ought to be), the fall (how life is), redemption (how life can be), and restoration (how life will be one day). This is a very honest, authentic look at how to find hope without dismissing the discrepancy between “what is” and “what should be.” I received an advance reader copy of this book.

[Living My Best Book Life · Rating 4 out of 5]

...And Yet Undaunted is an insightful and spiritual book in which the authors use personal stories to show the goods and bads of life and how God is present through them all. I thought the author's opinions and stories with each chapter are so refreshing and relatable. We have all been through tough times and their honesty makes it easy for readers to understand how to keep your hope and faith alive in those situations.

I give ...And Yet Undaunted 4 stars. I really enjoyed reading this story and the reflections were so helpful. The author's personal stories came across as genuine and authentic which made it that much more enjoyable to read.

*I received an advanced readers copy. Opinions are my own*

[Toni Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes the chaos of life can feel overwhelming and proof positive that God is either not good, not relevant, or both. In those times, we need people who can listen to us, validate our pain, and help us to recognize God's good presence. The authors of ...and yet, undaunted cannot hear you, but by sharing their stories, they enable you to give voice to your struggles and hopes. Set a weekly coffee date with these two wise women and allow them to shepherd you through the process of identifying your longings, wounds, lies, choices...and the truths that God wants you to embrace. Take the time to journal through the questions at the end of each chapter, and find yourself swept up into the Larger Story of God's goodness.

[Daniel Krissell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one you need to read for yourself! If you have walked through hardship that this life brings and have found the wind knocked out of you and your life turned upside down, this book is for you. It is an honest, vulnerable sharing of stories from the lives of two women who persevered by God’s grace through difficulties and disappointments they have faced. Their perspectives, wisdom and hope for others to look to the promises to come one day in eternity are encouraging and life giving. It was great to read such an honest account of our current reality with such a bold focus on our future hope because of Jesus!

[Keren R. Mccullough · Rating 4 out of 5]

un·daunt·ed
adjective
not intimidated or discouraged by difficulty, danger, or disappointment.

I purchased this book because I thought the cover was pretty and I love the word undaunted. This books definitely did not disappoint and its value goes beyond its cover.
Learning to not let life get in the way of eternity. Things happen to us on this earth, but no matter what, we will always end up in heaven with him. Heaven is the final destination, not death.
Take your time to read this, and you will learn a lot, but it can also be a quick read and you still learn.

Don’t let life meddle with forever.

[Mary Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the construction -Creation to Restoration- and what that means for us as humans along the way. Nice mix of personal and biblical stories. Written in a way that feels very accessible to those of us who do not have MA’s in theology or training as Christian counselors! Can’t believe anyone could read this and not have lots of nuggets to chew on.

Can't wait to share copies with the women in my Bible Study! Highly recommend.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a helpful reflection on “life outside of the Garden,” which the authors use in reference to the Garden of Eden and the brokenness of this world. Each author uses her life story to share how the trials and struggles of their lives are part of God’s greater Story. It’s a hopeful way of placing our stories within God’s Story and looking to God for hope instead of pushing through or "trying harder".

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was excellent. I always love Paula's books (despite not liking most "women's" books - hers are just so good) and I really appreciated Connally's perspective as a single woman as well. I think this was just an overall solid book that I'm going to save for a re-read. Highly recommend to anyone who wants to delve deeper into the needs of your own heart and the way God meets you there.

4.5 Stars

[Patriece S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

An honest yet hopeful book that makes you feel like you are sitting right across from the authors at a coffee shop. In “Yet Undaunted”, Connally and Paula bring timely truth by sharing personal stories of pain and loss while painting a biblical picture of God’s redemptive plan to bring restoration. I highly recommend this book to everyone.

[Priya Madrecki · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book! Thought-provoking and challenging and REAL - that’s my favorite part about it. It’s so relatable and will reach parts of your heart that were perhaps untouched before. Lovely, genuine stories.

[Chloé · Rating 4 out of 5]

Realistic theology and relatable stories. Full of such important and beautiful reminders of what our life is made for. The writing style was at times difficult to follow, but ultimately a must read in my opinion.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book so accurately captures thoughts and feelings we’ve all had about the brokenness of this world and puts it in perspective of the Gospel. We are not without hope!

[Eric · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just couldn't get into this book.

[Peggy Reisinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read!!

[Alex]

'... without asking, there [is] no other way to receive. '

[Mary Chandler · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book through the goodreads giveaway. I liked how two different authors wrote it. They used their own personal life stories and to me that made it easier for readers can relate to on a personal level with their points they were trying to get across. It was an enjoyable read.

[Katherine Salinas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Connally and Paula take you on a journey of rediscovering the wonderful purpose God has for each and every life. They help you ponder what could have been in the Garden, walk with you as you hold what is reality, rejoice with you as we see the truth of Jesus really offers and how that can change our lives forever. Lots of personal stories throughout can help this big concepts more manageable and their candor and honesty make their voice authentic. A wonderful study option for groups.

[Liz]

A solid 4 chapter gospel book!