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Chasing Perfect: Peace and Purpose in the Exhausting Pursuit of Something Better
Are you so busy trying to make everything look good that you wind up missing the truly good moments?
Alisha Illian knows how easy it is to feel overwhelmed by the distractions of a busy life. She understands the pull of comparison and impossible standards of perfection that taunt us with every social media swipe. And she wants you to know, you don’t need perfect. You need perfect surrender.
In Chasing Perfect, Alisha shares how unveiling an imperfect soul leads to freedom and peace as you
find belonging and acceptance when you place your identity and significance in Christ
find rest for your soul as you learn to spot the differences between being busy and being hurried
find a life of complete authenticity and vulnerability so you can experience abundant living
It’s time to stop chasing perfect and come to Him, broken and flawed, ready each day to chase after His purposes.
Alisha Illian knows how easy it is to feel overwhelmed by the distractions of a busy life. She understands the pull of comparison and impossible standards of perfection that taunt us with every social media swipe. And she wants you to know, you don’t need perfect. You need perfect surrender.
In Chasing Perfect, Alisha shares how unveiling an imperfect soul leads to freedom and peace as you
find belonging and acceptance when you place your identity and significance in Christ
find rest for your soul as you learn to spot the differences between being busy and being hurried
find a life of complete authenticity and vulnerability so you can experience abundant living
It’s time to stop chasing perfect and come to Him, broken and flawed, ready each day to chase after His purposes.
208 pages, Paperback
Published October 6, 2020
51 people are currently reading
406 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
July 8, 2020
Favorite read of 2020 and a wonderful way to jump into this decade. This book is a rare volume of truth for our postmodern world. Illian knows how to study and exegete scripture for the benefit of a wide audience. She has done her homework and yet presents her findings with rich humility and practical application.
Did I mention she is also witty? From the very beginning of this read, I was led along with her hand-in-hand, the way a friend might show you all the ins and outs of her favorite seaside town. I loved every inch of this soul respite!
This is not the type of book a Christian of our day has quite read before. It's not superficial, fluffy, glossy, cringy or political. It's the stuff of life and the point of it all is Christ. Not on our terms, but His terms. This isn't a book that will reinforce your bedroom paint color decision because your enneagram made you do it. No.
If every Christian author took their literary publishing opportunities as seriously as Illian did, the church would have fewer problems today. Because it's obvious that Illian didn't write this book so she could stroke people's feathers or get them to follow her "brand." The truths she presents in her work are all for the purpose of getting people to pick up their Bibles and do the hard and necessary work of living out the Christian life in truth. Can't recommend this book enough.
Did I mention she is also witty? From the very beginning of this read, I was led along with her hand-in-hand, the way a friend might show you all the ins and outs of her favorite seaside town. I loved every inch of this soul respite!
This is not the type of book a Christian of our day has quite read before. It's not superficial, fluffy, glossy, cringy or political. It's the stuff of life and the point of it all is Christ. Not on our terms, but His terms. This isn't a book that will reinforce your bedroom paint color decision because your enneagram made you do it. No.
If every Christian author took their literary publishing opportunities as seriously as Illian did, the church would have fewer problems today. Because it's obvious that Illian didn't write this book so she could stroke people's feathers or get them to follow her "brand." The truths she presents in her work are all for the purpose of getting people to pick up their Bibles and do the hard and necessary work of living out the Christian life in truth. Can't recommend this book enough.
November 20, 2020
A perfect answer to "Girl, Wash Your Face," which seemed to be antithetical to the gospel and put even more burdens on already burdened women. I loved how this book gave solid answers to questions women have or have not even thought to ask but have become part of our mindset. You should always be hustling, but what happens when you aren't successful? You should just love yourself more, but what if you STILL feel empty? Great book.
October 9, 2020
This book! I’m so glad I read this! It’s going down as one of my favourite books of the year. I knew going into this that it was going to be good. I read a digital advanced readers copy and all I wanted to do was underline and highlight. I promptly preordered a paperback copy once I was finished.
In this book, Alisha shares how to abide in God’s truth. To look beyond the busyness of the day to day and surrender to our Saviour. She pushes back against the self help advice that is so prevalent in women’s ministries and tells women what they really should be chasing. That we must love God first. He is the perfect we must chase.
Alisha is very down to earth and relatable in this book. She shares personal experiences and I definitely resonated with the chapter where she discusses her struggle with a mysterious illness. I too went through something like that where I didn’t know what was happening to me. I felt so out of control. I can only get through each day by putting my hope and peace in Jesus.
One of the best quotes in this book is this: “You can eat all the kale, buy all the things, lift all the weights, take all the trips, trash all that doesn’t spark joy, wash your face and hustle like mad, but if you don’t rest your soul in Jesus you’ll never find peace and purpose”. This book is everything that women need to hear.
I highly recommend this book!
In this book, Alisha shares how to abide in God’s truth. To look beyond the busyness of the day to day and surrender to our Saviour. She pushes back against the self help advice that is so prevalent in women’s ministries and tells women what they really should be chasing. That we must love God first. He is the perfect we must chase.
Alisha is very down to earth and relatable in this book. She shares personal experiences and I definitely resonated with the chapter where she discusses her struggle with a mysterious illness. I too went through something like that where I didn’t know what was happening to me. I felt so out of control. I can only get through each day by putting my hope and peace in Jesus.
One of the best quotes in this book is this: “You can eat all the kale, buy all the things, lift all the weights, take all the trips, trash all that doesn’t spark joy, wash your face and hustle like mad, but if you don’t rest your soul in Jesus you’ll never find peace and purpose”. This book is everything that women need to hear.
I highly recommend this book!
May 17, 2024
Wow! I can't rave about this book enough. I went into it with low expectations considering the genre, but I actually thought it was amazing. It was incredibly insightful and relatable, and not repetitive. I've already reread a few chapters. I found that my spiritual and mental health improved greatly after reading this book. I highly recommend every Christian woman read this book.
January 8, 2023
A lot of books in this category tend to be more memoir than rooted in scripture. I did not feel that way with this one! Every story was rooted in scripture versus a quick snippet at the end of each chapter. It was definitely more about Jesus than the authors need to talk about herself. I loved the truth in this book, even the truth that was harder to hear. Will read again.
March 5, 2021
This is not a fluffy, feel good, follow your heart book. In fact, it's quite the opposite. This book will challenge your faith, your commitment to Christ, and your death to yourself.
From the book: "You've chased perfection, peace, and purpose in every other way imaginable. Will you now chase Jesus?"
This is definitely on my 'to read again' list.
From the book: "You've chased perfection, peace, and purpose in every other way imaginable. Will you now chase Jesus?"
This is definitely on my 'to read again' list.
October 7, 2020
Chasing Perfect: Peace and Purpose in the Exhausting Pursuit of Something Better is just perfect timing! We have never had more access to things and information, yet we have never been more anxious. This book is an encouragement to the perfectionist, the people pleaser and the achiever in you to stop chasing the unattainable, stop staring at yourself, and fix your gaze on perfect Jesus. What I loved about the book is how practical it is! The author, Alisha Illian, doesn’t scold you for having a busy list of to dos in your life, it's clear she has them herself. This book isn’t a call to throw out all of your stuff and cancel your social media accounts. But what the book will do is convict you on the WHY in your busyness and encourage you to re-orient your time and your heart around the one thing that will quench the thirst of your soul and bring true peace and rest.
Illian’s book is relatable with many honest stories of the struggles women face today, yet boldly calling on the reader to look at her circumstances in light of eternity with the God who calls us to His purpose…to play a part in building His Kingdom, not our own. This means stepping outside of the pull we feel to look pretty and perfect, and knowing Jesus is enough. Illian acknowledges that it takes courage to change, but the case she makes for the freedom we experience by letting go of our control is compelling. Illian did her homework, always pointing to scripture to illustrate her points.
Chasing Perfect is an easy read but packed with content, and honestly so entertaining at the same time! I laughed, I cried, I was challenged and convicted, and mostly inspired to draw from the well that I so often underestimate. Girl, read your Bible…and this book!
Illian’s book is relatable with many honest stories of the struggles women face today, yet boldly calling on the reader to look at her circumstances in light of eternity with the God who calls us to His purpose…to play a part in building His Kingdom, not our own. This means stepping outside of the pull we feel to look pretty and perfect, and knowing Jesus is enough. Illian acknowledges that it takes courage to change, but the case she makes for the freedom we experience by letting go of our control is compelling. Illian did her homework, always pointing to scripture to illustrate her points.
Chasing Perfect is an easy read but packed with content, and honestly so entertaining at the same time! I laughed, I cried, I was challenged and convicted, and mostly inspired to draw from the well that I so often underestimate. Girl, read your Bible…and this book!
October 23, 2020
Have you ever read a book or a blog post and felt like the author must have special access to your life? You felt like she just gets you? You realized she is speaking to the very things that have been troubling you? This was my experience with Alisha Illian’s Chasing Perfect: Peace and Purpose in the Exhausting Pursuit of Something Better.
In her non-preachy, relatable voice, Illian addresses the very things that are pulling us away from seeking an intimate relationship with God and shows us how even the good things in our lives can be used by the enemy and become idols in our hearts. But she doesn’t stop there. She gives very practical, actionable steps to overcome the lies of the enemy and pursue a life of godliness.
Not only do you feel like Illian knows you, but also you get to know her through the pages of Chasing Perfect. She shares the struggles she has had, is real about her progress, and opens the door to her life (apparently, her dog throws up often). And though you might not be dealing with the same struggles she has faced, you understand the correlation to your own issues and how to face them head-on.
If you are feeling spent in the monotonous routine of your life; or you wish you had a place to belong; or you struggle to understand how your Bible reading should change you; or you want to know why you’re here, what your purpose is, I recommend you pick up Chasing Perfect.
In her non-preachy, relatable voice, Illian addresses the very things that are pulling us away from seeking an intimate relationship with God and shows us how even the good things in our lives can be used by the enemy and become idols in our hearts. But she doesn’t stop there. She gives very practical, actionable steps to overcome the lies of the enemy and pursue a life of godliness.
Not only do you feel like Illian knows you, but also you get to know her through the pages of Chasing Perfect. She shares the struggles she has had, is real about her progress, and opens the door to her life (apparently, her dog throws up often). And though you might not be dealing with the same struggles she has faced, you understand the correlation to your own issues and how to face them head-on.
If you are feeling spent in the monotonous routine of your life; or you wish you had a place to belong; or you struggle to understand how your Bible reading should change you; or you want to know why you’re here, what your purpose is, I recommend you pick up Chasing Perfect.
October 5, 2020
Chasing Perfect- as mothers, sisters, friends, co-workers who hasn't compared themselves to the "Jones" next door? As a society we are constantly working to be better, smarter, richer, skinnier, you name we are chasing it! But it's all in vain. If our focus is not on the Lord and his mercies, Perfect will never be achieved. Alisha Illian's writing style made me feel like I was sitting at her kitchen table, sharing a cup of coffee and having a deep and engaging conversation with a friend. There were times I had to put the book down to really take a moment and reflect on my own life as the message impacted me so greatly, sometimes moving me to tears. We can chase all the things in life but if Christ is not our focus, our joy, our goal..... then we are seeking in vain. I haven't read a book that has challenged me so much in a long time and I highly encourage you to read this book!
October 8, 2020
Chasing Perfect is all about women seeking Jesus. It points us not to within, as the world tells us, but back to Jesus and God’s holy word in the Bible. I found this book to be an easy read and constantly referred to my Bible for all the references the author made. Over and over again, her words point to scripture. There is no better place for us to be. The author reminds us that our strength comes from Him, as we choose to seek Him each and every day and allow Him to be the Savior of our lives. As we watch the news these days and are constantly reminded of the turmoil, and as we live our imperfect lives, Chasing Perfect points our focus back to where it should be. It reminds us whose we are and where our strength comes from.
October 15, 2020
Chasing Perfect has to be the best book I’ve ever read for practical, relatable encouragement in how we will find the satisfaction our souls long for when we truly pursue real relationship with Jesus. I’ve never highlighted and underlined more! Alisha is so practical in her writing, making reading it feel like you’re having a conversation with a friend over coffee. We can put all the striving aside when we realize pursuing real relationship with Christ, not just checking the box of our daily “devotional”. He is perfect and through our pursuing Him, we’ll find the satisfaction our souls long for. You won’t be sorry you invested the time reading Chasing Perfect. It’s a breath of fresh air!
October 5, 2020
Reading this book helped me to get to the root cause of my need to be perfect, polished and accomplished. It's because I grew up in a household where it felt like accomplishments were what made us valuable. I was always in competition with my siblings and cousins for the best grades, to be the best behaved and so one and on. This book is the gateway off the destructive perfection path and onto The Way. That is being who God designed us to pay and resting in His assurances only and not those of the world. This'll make a great small group book for women who are ready to get down and root out the ugly together.
October 6, 2020
In Chasing Perfect, Alisha Illian offers a path forward for Christian women who feel caught in comparison traps and culture wars. Offering a unique perspective developed through her years of ministering to and speaking with women in churches and living rooms across the country, Alisha points out an alternative to the fruitless pursuit of "more." I recommend this to Christian women looking for solid advice on what it means to follow Jesus in our modern world.
I received a digital copy of this book in advance from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. After reading, I did choose to purchase a printed copy.
I received a digital copy of this book in advance from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. After reading, I did choose to purchase a printed copy.
October 12, 2020
I found this book to be so relatable, but also convicting in all the best ways...the ways that truly make you want to change for the better. What makes it different though is that the change is something Illian encourages us to do by seeking the ONE who is Perfect vs. trying to strive for perfection. We are reminded in this book that no matter what we seek and run after in life, it will leave us feeling empty if it's not Jesus. How often do we need to be reminded of that eternal mindset over and over? Her witty personality and willingness to be open about her own struggles made me feel less alone. She thankfully also gives practical tips on what it looks like to take that next step towards Jesus vs. finding the next "plan" to better our lives. As someone who has struggled with hustle culture, this book helped realign my heart and mind to what is truly important. This will be a book I go back to over and over again!
October 14, 2020
Chasing Perfect is an easy-read that packs a gospel-filled punch! It’s honest, raw, relatable and bursting at the seams with "Preach it, Sister" + scribble-it-on-a-Post-It-so-you-don't-forget-it goodness. Alisha gets to the heart of the matter: my heart and my worship. What am I chasing? I don't need a massage; I need His message. I don't need better organization; I need His priorities. I don't need a perfect body/family/life; I need on purpose pursuit/surrender/rest in the Perfect One. Mind blown! Be ready to highlight, circle and triple underline this bad boy!!
October 16, 2020
The timeliness of this book in my life and with everything going on in our world, is certainly God's timing. This book is so relatable and pushes me to grow in my walk with the Lord. I love how Alisha includes Biblical references throughout her book as well as sharing the challenges she has personally faced in life. I can't wait to share this book with others and to continue to reference it and re-read it myself!
October 9, 2020
This book met me right where I needed it to! Alisha encourages a much closer walk with our Jesus rather than focusing on the demands of this world. I love her writing style as I feel like I’m sitting in a coffee shop have a conversation with her as I read! She is pouring truth into women!!!
October 11, 2020
Ladies who are chasing after the Lord and plans for your life - you want to read this book!
It is so encouraging, down to earth, and gets to the heart of the matter - we were not designed to "Do It All" on our own, we need Jesus Christ!
The author is inspiring and I felt as if I could have been sitting across the table from her enjoying a cup of coffee over a wonderful conversation about our Savior as I read this book.
Absolutely recommend!
It is so encouraging, down to earth, and gets to the heart of the matter - we were not designed to "Do It All" on our own, we need Jesus Christ!
The author is inspiring and I felt as if I could have been sitting across the table from her enjoying a cup of coffee over a wonderful conversation about our Savior as I read this book.
Absolutely recommend!
October 14, 2020
Wonderful, encouraging, challenging, and convicting read!
Want to read
December 29, 2020Heard Alisha on the Kindled podcast.
October 10, 2020
I don’t know anyone who hasn’t struggled with chasing perfection and this book is the perfect read for each and every one! This book points us to Christ and scripture instead of our own strength as the world often does. Perfectionism isn’t a goal for life and this book helps remind us of that. Be ready to launch, cry, and grow closer Christ!
October 12, 2020
Really love the message Alisha brings, of finding our joy and peace in Jesus, instead of chasing the perfect in the world around us. Highly recommend to all women in today’s world!
October 18, 2020
Such a powerful and convicting read. Alisha dares to say all the things that you think but don't want to admit. All the things that your heart yearns for but pushes aside because of the pursuit of worldly values. Alisha is real and raw, and uses first-hand experience to encourage you to be the woman that God created you to be, by chasing after the Perfect one, Jesus...instead of the brightness of the world that fades instead of fulfills. A must read for anyone who is teetering on the fence of faith, or fighting against it, or doesn't even know the fence exists.
March 21, 2021
I took my time with this one and could probably read the truth in it 100 more times. Full of scripture that points us back to our only calling - to love the Lord with all your heart, mind, strength and soul. Take the time to read this book.
October 9, 2020
Alisha Iilian uses personal reflections to draw you in. In this book, Chasing Perfect, Iilian shares how to stop striving for perfection and seek Jesus and Gods word through the Bible, as HE is all the truth we need. This is a not a fluffy book, but I felt that Iilian writes like a dear friend who has your best interest in mind. I’m glad to have read it, especially living in these unprecedented times. I also liked this popular tag line from the author, Girl read your bible! And I want to add- read this book! You won’t regret it.
October 9, 2020
This book was so timely. With all the uncertainty in the world these days and the chaos this book helps us to refocus on the One. We need to love God more than any other thing on this earth. One of my favorite quotes was, " An umbrella doesn't change the weather, but it does change our experience in the weather." We need to walk under the umbrella of God's provision in our everyday life and live out our life of purpose in Him. Savor everyday in the blessings God has given and lean into His truths. I highly recommend this book!
December 2, 2020
I cannot speak highly enough of this book. Her words were filled with so much biblical truths, hard to hear at some points, but impacted my heart so much. I think many women find themselves constantly chasing the idea of perfection, that if we slowed down, and took a deep breath, and turned to our creator, we'd find the presence of peace that we so desperately need. What a gift these words have provided.
February 17, 2021
So much underlining in this book- it’s one I will definitely pick up again! She challenges you to stop doing all that society demands and look instead to the Creator of the universe- the only One who really matters.
July 12, 2020
If you are looking for a fluffy relationship with Jesus, this book isn’t for you. But if you really want to grow closer to Jesus as a woman, mom, wife, daughter, and servant of Christ, you need this book. The author faces the tough stuff head-on, no holds bar of learning to live for Jesus, in Jesus, and with Jesus. Most importantly, all the truths found in this book are rooted in scripture. I read most of the book with my Bible next to me so I could bask in God’s glorious word along with her. It’s tough, real, heavy, Spiritual stuff and I couldn’t read more than a chapter or two at a time because I needed time to fully understand and reflect on how perfect God’s plan is on earth everyday. This is a must read for anyone who is tired of trying the live the perfect life!
September 9, 2020
Chasing Perfect is a breath of fresh air in the mist of an "I am enough" Christian culture. We are not enough, and we know it. We struggle with it. Alisha Illian puts life into perspective with her practical, down-to-earth writing. She points us to a relationship with HIM, not more self-awareness. I truly enjoyed this book and the fresh perspective it brought to my life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews