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Naked and Unafraid: 5 Keys to Abandon Smallness, Overcome Criticism, and Be All You Are Meant to Be
Celebrate a vulnerable and open life by overcoming your fear of criticism and start living the life God intended.
Fear of criticism has turned into a massive epidemic harder than ever to overcome. It prevents people from speaking up; it's why most people struggle to make decisions; it's why we're uncomfortable with vulnerability and openness; and it's why so many are unable to meet their full potential. But it doesn't have to be that way.
Through the Bible story of King David dancing naked in the streets while his distant, guarded, and critical wife watches from a window, Naked and Unafraid provides a visual contrast of these two characters that sheds light on the way we all approach life and explains how the fear of criticism impacts our lives much more than we realize or are willing to admit.
God didn't create us to live guarded, isolated lives. Our greatest fulfillment isn't found in the window. It's found in the street. Everything in our lives, including our relationships, our work, our emotional and spiritual health, gets better in a place of openness and vulnerability. But that doesn't mean it's easy. . . because it's not. Vulnerability is risky. Exposure is scary.
Naked and Unafraid pushes readers to: God will help you move away from window watching, and toward street dancing. Know who He says you are, and live in that freedom!
Fear of criticism has turned into a massive epidemic harder than ever to overcome. It prevents people from speaking up; it's why most people struggle to make decisions; it's why we're uncomfortable with vulnerability and openness; and it's why so many are unable to meet their full potential. But it doesn't have to be that way.
Through the Bible story of King David dancing naked in the streets while his distant, guarded, and critical wife watches from a window, Naked and Unafraid provides a visual contrast of these two characters that sheds light on the way we all approach life and explains how the fear of criticism impacts our lives much more than we realize or are willing to admit.
God didn't create us to live guarded, isolated lives. Our greatest fulfillment isn't found in the window. It's found in the street. Everything in our lives, including our relationships, our work, our emotional and spiritual health, gets better in a place of openness and vulnerability. But that doesn't mean it's easy. . . because it's not. Vulnerability is risky. Exposure is scary.
Naked and Unafraid pushes readers to: God will help you move away from window watching, and toward street dancing. Know who He says you are, and live in that freedom!
- GenresSelf HelpNonfiction
272 pages, Hardcover
Published February 4, 2020
23 people are currently reading
1178 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 30, 2020
I have a hard time with criticism, sometimes. I’m getting better at it — someone can leave a nastygram for me on Medium or wherever I write, and, for the most part, I can take it. However, I suppose that as I’ve gotten older, I prefer to put myself out there less and less and enjoy life without my 20-year-old ego wanting to be famous. Fame, man, is not what it’s cracked up to be. I should know. I had an article published online back in my music reviewing days that called me the “most delusional music writer in the world” or some such thing. Ouch. That one hurt — and it still does. So when I came across Kevin Gerald’s new book, Naked and Unafraid, whose subtitle proclaims that it will help you overcome criticism, I was all in. Surely, there would be some good tips here that I could apply to my life.
However, I should caution readers that the whole book isn’t about overcoming criticism — rather, it’s just part of a larger canvass that encourages readers to have more self-confidence. Basically, Gerald spends a good deal of this book building up readers so that they will go out of their comfort zones and take more risks. Dealing with criticism just comes with that territory. Thus, if you’re looking for a book that will help you overcome slings and arrows throw your way — as I was — you may walk away a tad bit disappointed. Plus, there’s nothing in this book that couldn’t otherwise be filed under “common sense.” A lot of what’s here seemed rather obvious to me. Granted, some may need to get the whole package and come out of their shell a little bit, so maybe the book will serve its purpose.
Read the rest of the review here: https://medium.com/@zachary_houle/a-r...
However, I should caution readers that the whole book isn’t about overcoming criticism — rather, it’s just part of a larger canvass that encourages readers to have more self-confidence. Basically, Gerald spends a good deal of this book building up readers so that they will go out of their comfort zones and take more risks. Dealing with criticism just comes with that territory. Thus, if you’re looking for a book that will help you overcome slings and arrows throw your way — as I was — you may walk away a tad bit disappointed. Plus, there’s nothing in this book that couldn’t otherwise be filed under “common sense.” A lot of what’s here seemed rather obvious to me. Granted, some may need to get the whole package and come out of their shell a little bit, so maybe the book will serve its purpose.
Read the rest of the review here: https://medium.com/@zachary_houle/a-r...
February 21, 2020
What an encouraging book. Gerald uses several experiences in David's life to encourage us to live a vulnerable life. He emphasizes David, celebrating upon the return of the ark, nearly naked yet dancing with joy. In contrast is David's wife, inside, safe but criticizing. Do we want to stay safe and be critical or are we willing to be adventurous and vulnerable?
One of my favorite parts of the book was the formula Gerald uses to renew the spirit of his mind, detailed in a previous book. It's a good tool to battle the negative internal talk. He calls it FAITH: (Loc 1401/2718)
Focus on the positive
Affirm yourself
Imagine God doing something good
Trust God in everything
Hope for the best.
There were some surprises in the book, like the role of stress and the importance of fun. (Put your fun face on.) And there were some hard parts, like owning our whole story, even the parts over which we had no control. Another was Gerald's teaching on Ps. 119:165b, not being offended.
My favorite quote: “Pain is unavoidable, but staying hurt is optional.”
This book is a good general encouragement to be all God has called us to be. Gerald's writing style is a good one as he provides encouraging stories along with his teaching. Questions for personal reflection or group discussion are provided at the end of each chapter.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
One of my favorite parts of the book was the formula Gerald uses to renew the spirit of his mind, detailed in a previous book. It's a good tool to battle the negative internal talk. He calls it FAITH: (Loc 1401/2718)
Focus on the positive
Affirm yourself
Imagine God doing something good
Trust God in everything
Hope for the best.
There were some surprises in the book, like the role of stress and the importance of fun. (Put your fun face on.) And there were some hard parts, like owning our whole story, even the parts over which we had no control. Another was Gerald's teaching on Ps. 119:165b, not being offended.
My favorite quote: “Pain is unavoidable, but staying hurt is optional.”
This book is a good general encouragement to be all God has called us to be. Gerald's writing style is a good one as he provides encouraging stories along with his teaching. Questions for personal reflection or group discussion are provided at the end of each chapter.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
February 2, 2020
He’s my Pastor, so I might be a tad partial... but this book was exactly what I needed at this moment in my life. (All his books seem to do, oddly enough).
I’m a people pleaser, through and through. I care about what people think of me, MUCH to my detriment. I’ve heard these messages (several messages within this book!) preached in person, and I found it so helpful to have it in my hands to read the words on the page instead of sitting in the congregation on a Sunday morning. Not only about overcoming criticism, this book is about how we can FULLY walk in God’s purpose for our lives as the confident, brave, intentional, and fear-fighting believers we’re called to be.
It’s a fast read, full of stories that keep you engaged + real life testimonies that keep you inspired. I’m super proud of this book, and sharing it with all my friends.
Thanks, PK, for another bookshelf staple to hand out and reference to my friends and family.
I’m a people pleaser, through and through. I care about what people think of me, MUCH to my detriment. I’ve heard these messages (several messages within this book!) preached in person, and I found it so helpful to have it in my hands to read the words on the page instead of sitting in the congregation on a Sunday morning. Not only about overcoming criticism, this book is about how we can FULLY walk in God’s purpose for our lives as the confident, brave, intentional, and fear-fighting believers we’re called to be.
It’s a fast read, full of stories that keep you engaged + real life testimonies that keep you inspired. I’m super proud of this book, and sharing it with all my friends.
Thanks, PK, for another bookshelf staple to hand out and reference to my friends and family.
June 8, 2022
An encouraging read with lots of opportunities to self reflect - Great book!
February 4, 2020
I couldn't wait to get this book in my hands! If the title doesn't grab your attention the content sure will. No matter your age, gender or background we all fear being open and vulnerable. We are all afraid of being hurt and rightfully so but it's time we change our view on vulnerability and realize that it can be a sign of strength. We were not meant to be window watchers but street dancers! Get your copy now, you won't regret it. This book is a game changer!
February 4, 2020
Pastor Kevin Gerald is an amazing encourager, leader and builder of God's Church. Naked and Unafraid is another avenue he has walked down in an attempt to help people find God's best for their lives. So thankful for this insightful, applicable and encouraging book filled with Biblical truth's we can apply to our daily lives in our attempt to get Naked and Unafraid.
February 4, 2020
One of the things I have struggled with in my life is fear. What I love about this book is that it's challenging my thinking and showing me ways to overcome my fear. I love that it's teaching met to look to the future instead of my current circumstances. AND to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. If you want to be a better version of you... READ THIS BOOK!
February 4, 2020
This book helps stretch you and grow you, there isn't anything that he's left unturned. In a world where people are afraid to be vulnerable, this book helps push yourself into overcoming and abandoning small thoughts. In the words of Kevin Gerald "whatever consumes your mind will consume your life!" If you haven't purchased this book you need to!!!
February 4, 2020
This book is a life changing resource. It’s an encouragement and a challenge to live life open, honest and to the fullest. Get out of the window and dance in the street is much easier said than done. This book gives me the push I need to go after God’s best for my life.
February 4, 2020
This book is truly inspiring and encouraging. It is Challenging and thought provoking. Everyone needs to pick up this book and read it! If you want to move your life forward and be who God wants you to be, this is your book!
February 4, 2020
What an amazing book. I love how this book is easy to read and how this book explains everything. I would highly recommend this book if you are trying to grow as a person. Excellent job by Kevin Gerald.
February 4, 2020
This book is so inspiring. It really pushed me to get out of my comfort zone and take some risk. I am someone who plays things safe but after reading this book, I really want to be different. Thank you Kevin Gerald for writing this amazing book.
Heidi Joy
Heidi Joy
February 4, 2020
This book has helped me to step outside my comfort zone and see myself in a different way. I'm normally reserved and afraid to take risks and step out of my comfort zone but I have found a new voice to my once voiceless world.
January 2, 2021
“It’s important to not back away when opportunity knocks, when you suddenly find yourself in unfamiliar territory that you feel unprepared for. When this happens it’s likely that you are in a proving ground intended to stretch you beyond where you are and prepare you for something bigger ahead.”
Thank you, Kevin Gerald, for writing a book that equips us with tools to abandon smallness and have the courage to be who we are made to be! This is an encouraging book and a must read!
Thank you, Kevin Gerald, for writing a book that equips us with tools to abandon smallness and have the courage to be who we are made to be! This is an encouraging book and a must read!
February 23, 2020
In Naked and Unafraid, Kevin Gerald explored the five keys to overcome criticism and how vulnerability plays a powerful role in conquering the risk and fear associated with it. He begins the book by looking at the story of David and how the Ark of Covenant was going to be brought back to Jerusalem. This is the same ark that traveled in Moses time. When it arrived, David danced in the streets and took of his royal robe and this offended Michal, David’s wife and referred to him as foolish. As a King, David wasn’t expected to be dancing in the streets with his royal robe off. He was expected to be watching from the window. Kevin describes this as window logic and this logic tells us not to risk exposure, to play it safe, to smile, not to get close to people, and to not get vulnerable. He shared with readers how many of us are afraid of rejection and risking being vulnerable. He asked important questions about how many ideas, books, movies, songs, companies founded, and potential relationships never occurred because of the fear of criticism, failure, and rejection. Every single artist, songwriter, director, CEO, and author has had to take a risk in order to give their dreams a chance to come true. Kevin opened up about how he had to take a leap to become a pastor of a church that was struggling. His family decided to move to another state to help and pastor this church. He had a ton of critics and doubters. He opened up about how he had to take risks and what he learned through all of it.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is ready to overcome their critics and they are determined to abandon smallness thinking where they can tap into the person they are meant to be. I liked how Kevin explored the story of David dancing and how freely he lived and how he wasn’t held down by the opinions of others. Many of us would have been afraid to be vulnerable and dance in front of others in public. I liked how Kevin looked at how to deal with our critics and criticisms and how to change the filter for our minds. He used a FAITH acronym to remind readers how to stand in faith. I also immensely connected with how Kevin looked at the shame and guilt filter and the difference between the two. Many of us struggle with shame and feeling like we’re a failure and not good enough at our jobs, relationships, marriage, and church. But we have hope in Christ’s message about redemption and Him dying on the Cross to take away our mistakes, sins, and failures. This book will help guide readers into living the life Christ died for them to live. If you’re looking for a book to help you to conquer your fears and criticism, then read this book!
"I received this book free from the publisher, Faithwords for my honest review.”
I would recommend this book to anyone who is ready to overcome their critics and they are determined to abandon smallness thinking where they can tap into the person they are meant to be. I liked how Kevin explored the story of David dancing and how freely he lived and how he wasn’t held down by the opinions of others. Many of us would have been afraid to be vulnerable and dance in front of others in public. I liked how Kevin looked at how to deal with our critics and criticisms and how to change the filter for our minds. He used a FAITH acronym to remind readers how to stand in faith. I also immensely connected with how Kevin looked at the shame and guilt filter and the difference between the two. Many of us struggle with shame and feeling like we’re a failure and not good enough at our jobs, relationships, marriage, and church. But we have hope in Christ’s message about redemption and Him dying on the Cross to take away our mistakes, sins, and failures. This book will help guide readers into living the life Christ died for them to live. If you’re looking for a book to help you to conquer your fears and criticism, then read this book!
"I received this book free from the publisher, Faithwords for my honest review.”
February 13, 2020
Naked and Unafraid is based on the Bible story of King David dancing naked in the streets while he wife criticizes him from a window. Through this book I learned that David wasn't actually naked when he was dancing--but he was minus his kingly robes. I also learned a lot of helpful tips for doing life and relationships a better.
Naked and Unafraid is divided in to 5 sections: Risk Exposure, Abandon Smallness, Push Past Criticism, Own Your Story, and Fight For Your Future. Each sections has four chapters. Each chapter has a handful of study questions at the end--making this an excellent book to use for small group discussions, besides reading it on your own.
Naked and Unafraid is the second book that I have read and reviewed by Kevin Gerald. I liked his book, Good Things because it was encouraging, uplifting and centered on the Bible. I had hoped that this book would be too and I was glad to discover that it is all of those things too. Gerald used a lot of Bible stories and stories of people he knew personally to offer examples and then advice on handling tough things like criticism and stress. Gerald shares how it is risky to be vulnerable by opening up to others with either our words or our actions in doing things we feel God calls us to do. The reality is that could be criticized with either way but we will likely not regret doing what God has called us to do in this world. Gerald also gives a lot of good tips on handling criticism and how to deal with critics. I especially liked this part. All in all, I think Naked and Unafraid would be an encouraging book to almost anyone who would read it.
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own. #sponsoredbyfaithwords
Naked and Unafraid is divided in to 5 sections: Risk Exposure, Abandon Smallness, Push Past Criticism, Own Your Story, and Fight For Your Future. Each sections has four chapters. Each chapter has a handful of study questions at the end--making this an excellent book to use for small group discussions, besides reading it on your own.
Naked and Unafraid is the second book that I have read and reviewed by Kevin Gerald. I liked his book, Good Things because it was encouraging, uplifting and centered on the Bible. I had hoped that this book would be too and I was glad to discover that it is all of those things too. Gerald used a lot of Bible stories and stories of people he knew personally to offer examples and then advice on handling tough things like criticism and stress. Gerald shares how it is risky to be vulnerable by opening up to others with either our words or our actions in doing things we feel God calls us to do. The reality is that could be criticized with either way but we will likely not regret doing what God has called us to do in this world. Gerald also gives a lot of good tips on handling criticism and how to deal with critics. I especially liked this part. All in all, I think Naked and Unafraid would be an encouraging book to almost anyone who would read it.
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own. #sponsoredbyfaithwords
March 16, 2020
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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I have been trying to find the best way to sum up how I feel about Naked and Unafraid by Kevin Gerald but all I can think is YES. I tend to read my non-fiction reads a little slower and with what is going on in this world, I think God knew I needed to read the last 100 pages today and not 2 weeks ago when I first started it. This book is a giant and unapologetic truth bomb 💥 I have a sense of living on autopilot but this book has shown me where I need to wake up, find forgiveness, own my story, and move forward. This image of dancing in the streets vs. sitting in the window is powerful and relatable to people of every walk of life.
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I have grown to hold a lot of respect for Pastor Kevin because of his ability to preach beyond the bible verse. Now don’t misinterpret what I am saying, the bible is one important book, but I find it unreasonable to just throw verses at people and expect them to suddenly get it. There is SO much that happens in our life that is not written out word for word in the bible. Our lives are complicated, messy, and stressful rollercoaster rides. Naked and Unafraid bridges the gap to acknowledging that we live in a messy world that doesn’t come with clear cut directions while also showing us how the word of God is here for us and ready to comfort and guide us in ways we weren’t sure were there. We recommend this read to ALL and hope you enjoyed it as much as we did 🖤
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I have been trying to find the best way to sum up how I feel about Naked and Unafraid by Kevin Gerald but all I can think is YES. I tend to read my non-fiction reads a little slower and with what is going on in this world, I think God knew I needed to read the last 100 pages today and not 2 weeks ago when I first started it. This book is a giant and unapologetic truth bomb 💥 I have a sense of living on autopilot but this book has shown me where I need to wake up, find forgiveness, own my story, and move forward. This image of dancing in the streets vs. sitting in the window is powerful and relatable to people of every walk of life.
.
I have grown to hold a lot of respect for Pastor Kevin because of his ability to preach beyond the bible verse. Now don’t misinterpret what I am saying, the bible is one important book, but I find it unreasonable to just throw verses at people and expect them to suddenly get it. There is SO much that happens in our life that is not written out word for word in the bible. Our lives are complicated, messy, and stressful rollercoaster rides. Naked and Unafraid bridges the gap to acknowledging that we live in a messy world that doesn’t come with clear cut directions while also showing us how the word of God is here for us and ready to comfort and guide us in ways we weren’t sure were there. We recommend this read to ALL and hope you enjoyed it as much as we did 🖤
March 11, 2020
First of all, the title of this book is priceless! Just like David danced bringing in The Ark, and although The Word says he danced naked - alas, he just took off his outer cloak! David, no-fear David!
Kevin Gerald approaches ministry like this. The comfortable, the easy just doesn't set well with him! He wants to take off that blasted coat and tie and dance!
The book is good and a must-read for leaders. "Our lives, our mission, our future are all too important to allow criticism to change our course." And, if you're doing something significant? Gerald goes on to say, EXPECT CRITICISM!!!
I'm excited to gift this book to a friend in ministry!
Kevin Gerald approaches ministry like this. The comfortable, the easy just doesn't set well with him! He wants to take off that blasted coat and tie and dance!
The book is good and a must-read for leaders. "Our lives, our mission, our future are all too important to allow criticism to change our course." And, if you're doing something significant? Gerald goes on to say, EXPECT CRITICISM!!!
I'm excited to gift this book to a friend in ministry!
March 10, 2020
This book encourages readers to follow King David's example in the Bible in being not shamed in their Christian walk. The writer gives details on overcoming criticism and critiques (he defines the differences) among other topics, to help Christians with being a better person.
The layout is the same as most Christian books, with questions at the end of each chapter to help readers in their thoughts, like a devotion would do.
For an in depth review, go to : https://lancewrites.wordpress.com/202...
The layout is the same as most Christian books, with questions at the end of each chapter to help readers in their thoughts, like a devotion would do.
For an in depth review, go to : https://lancewrites.wordpress.com/202...
February 4, 2020
This is a powerful, and life changing book. I am only half-way through and eager to keep reading more!!
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February 4, 2020I’m so excited to read this book! pastor Kevin Gerald is such an amazing author! Every book that I have read of his has completely hit home for me!
March 4, 2020
I enjoyed it.
I had a great time listening to this book, I most definitely would recommend it to a friend and to family.
I had a great time listening to this book, I most definitely would recommend it to a friend and to family.
May 4, 2020
Such a good read! Full of motivation, hard to swallow convictions, & some much needed biblical truth. Ready to take on the future with this books steps!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews